check oil CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV 2012 User Guide

Black plate (13,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012 - 2nd CRC - 11/29/11
Vehicle Care 10-13See Engine Compartment
Overview on page 10 ‑ 6 for more
information.
2. Flip the handle up and then pull
out the dipstick and wipe it with
a clean rag or paper towel.
3. Install the dipstick by pushing it
back in all the way, wait
three seconds, and then pull it
back out again.
4. Check both sides of the dipstick
and read the lower level. Repeat
the check procedure to verify the
reading.
5. Safe operating level is within the
HOT cross hatch band on the
dipstick. If the fluid level is not
within the HOT band, and the
transmission temperature is
between 71°C and 93°C (160°F and 200°F), add or drain fluid as
necessary to bring the level into
the HOT band. If the fluid level is
low, add only enough fluid to
bring the level into the HOT
band. It does not take much
fluid, generally less than 0.5 L
(1 pint). Do not overfill.
6. If the fluid level is in the
acceptable range, push the
dipstick back in all the way, then
flip the handle down to lock the
dipstick in place.
Consistency of Readings Always check the fluid level at least
twice using the procedures
described. Consistency (repeatable
readings) is important to maintaining
proper fluid level. If fluid is added, it
may take 15 minutes or longer to
obtain an accurate reading because
of residual fluid draining down the
dipstick tube. If inconsistent
readings persist, check the
transmission breather to be sure it is clean and not clogged. If readings
are still inconsistent, contact your
dealer.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter See Engine Compartment Overview
on page 10 ‑ 6 for the location of the
engine air cleaner/filter.
Inspect the air cleaner/filter at the
scheduled maintenance intervals
and replace it at the first oil change
after each 80 000 km (50,000 mile)
interval. See Maintenance Schedule
on page 11 ‑ 3 for more information.
If driving on dusty/dirty conditions,
inspect the filter at each engine oil
change.
How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
To inspect the air cleaner/filter,
remove the engine air cleaner/filter
from the vehicle by following
Steps 1 through 6. When the engine
air cleaner/filter is removed, lightly
shake it to release loose dust and
dirt. If the engine air cleaner/filter

Black plate (16,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012 - 2nd CRC - 11/29/11
10-16 Vehicle Care
Engine Coolant The cooling system in the vehicle is
filled with DEX-COOL engine
coolant. This coolant is designed to
remain in the vehicle for 5 years or
240 000 km (150,000 mi), whichever
occurs first.
The following explains the cooling
system and how to check and add
coolant when it is low. If there is a
problem with engine overheating,
see Engine Overheating on
page 10 ‑ 19 . What to Use
{ WARNINGAdding only plain water or some
other liquid to the cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water
and other liquids, can boil before
the proper coolant mixture will.
The coolant warning system is set
for the proper coolant mixture.
With plain water or the wrong
mixture, the engine could get too
hot but you would not get the
overheat warning. The engine
could catch fire and you or
others could be burned. Use
a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
coolant. Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
coolant. If using this mixture,
nothing else needs to be added.
This mixture: .
Gives freezing protection down
to − 37°C ( − 34°F), outside
temperature. .
Gives boiling protection up to
129°C (265°F), engine
temperature. .
Protects against rust and
corrosion. .
Will not damage aluminum parts. .
Helps keep the proper engine
temperature.
Notice: If an improper coolant
mixture is used, the engine could
overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Too much water in the mixture
can freeze and crack the engine,
radiator, heater core, and other
parts.

Black plate (17,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012 - 2nd CRC - 11/29/11
Vehicle Care 10-17Notice: If extra inhibitors and/or
additives are used in the vehicle
cooling system, the vehicle could
be damaged. Use only the proper
mixture of the engine coolant
listed in this manual for the
cooling system. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11 ‑ 13 for
more information.
Never dispose of engine coolant by
putting it in the trash, pouring it on
the ground, or into sewers, streams,
or bodies of water. Have the coolant
changed by an authorized service
center, familiar with legal
requirements regarding used
coolant disposal. This will help
protect the environment and your
health. Checking Coolant The vehicle must be on a level
surface when checking the coolant
level.
Check to see if coolant is visible in
the coolant surge tank. If the coolant
inside the coolant surge tank is
boiling, do not do anything else until
it cools down. If coolant is visible
but the coolant level is not at or
above the FULL COLD mark, add a
50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL coolant at the
coolant surge tank, but be sure the
cooling system is cool before this
is done. The coolant surge tank is located in
the engine compartment on the
passenger side of the vehicle. See
Engine Compartment Overview on
page 10 ‑ 6 for more information on
location.
The coolant level should be at or
above the FULL COLD mark. If it is
not, the vehicle may have a leak in
the cooling system.

Black plate (22,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012 - 2nd CRC - 11/29/11
10-22 Vehicle Care
Overheated Engine
Protection
Operating Mode If an overheated engine condition
exists and the ENGINE POWER IS
REDUCED message is displayed,
an overheat protection mode which
alternates firing groups of cylinders
helps prevent engine damage. In
this mode, a loss in power and
engine performance will be noticed.
This operating mode allows the
vehicle to be driven to a safe place
in an emergency. Driving extended
distances and/or towing a trailer in
the overheat protection mode
should be avoided.
Notice: After driving in the
overheated engine protection
operating mode, to avoid engine
damage, allow the engine to cool
before attempting any repair. The
engine oil will be severely
degraded. Repair the cause of
coolant loss, change the oil and
reset the oil life system. See
Engine Oil on page 10 ‑ 7 . Engine Fan The vehicle has electric cooling
fans. The fans spinning at low
speed during most everyday driving
might be heard. The fans can turn
off if no cooling is required. Under
heavy vehicle loading, trailer towing,
and/or high outside temperatures,
or if operating the air conditioning
system, the fans can change to high
speed and an increase in fan noise
might be heard. This is normal and
indicates that the cooling system is
functioning properly. The fans
change to low speed when
additional cooling is no longer
required. Power Steering Fluid
See Engine Compartment Overview
on page 10 ‑ 6 for reservoir location.
When to Check Power Steering
Fluid It is not necessary to regularly
check power steering fluid unless
there is a leak suspected in the
system or an unusual noise is
heard. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the
system inspected and repaired.

Black plate (26,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012 - 2nd CRC - 11/29/11
10-26 Vehicle Care Refer to the Maintenance Schedule
to determine when to check the
brake fluid. See Maintenance
Schedule on page 11 ‑ 3 .
Checking Brake Fluid Check brake fluid by looking at the
brake fluid reservoir. See Engine
Compartment Overview on
page 10 ‑ 6 .
The fluid level should be above
MIN. If it is not, have the brake
hydraulic system checked to see if
there is a leak. After work is done on the brake
hydraulic system, make sure the
level is above the MIN but not over
the MAX mark.
What to Add
Use only new DOT 3 brake fluid
from a sealed container. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11 ‑ 13 .
Always clean the brake fluid
reservoir cap and the area around
the cap before removing it. This
helps keep dirt from entering the
reservoir.
{ WARNING
With the wrong kind of fluid in the
brake hydraulic system, the
brakes might not work well. This
could cause a crash. Always use
the proper brake fluid. Notice .
Using the wrong fluid can
badly damage brake
hydraulic system parts. For
example, just a few drops of
mineral-based oil, such as
engine oil, in the brake
hydraulic system can
damage brake hydraulic
system parts so badly that
they will have to be replaced.
Do not let someone put in
the wrong kind of fluid. .
If brake fluid is spilled on the
vehicle's painted surfaces,
the paint finish can be
damaged. Be careful not to
spill brake fluid on the
vehicle. If you do, wash it off
immediately.

Black plate (2,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012 - 2nd CRC - 11/29/11
11-2 Service and Maintenance technicians, the dealer is the place
for routine maintenance such as oil
changes and tire rotations and
additional maintenance items like
tires, brakes, batteries, and wiper
blades.
Notice: Damage caused by
improper maintenance can lead to
costly repairs and may not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Maintenance intervals, checks,
inspections, recommended fluids,
and lubricants are important to
keep the vehicle in good working
condition.
The Tire Rotation and Required
Services are the responsibility of the
vehicle owner. It is recommended to
have your dealer perform these
services every 12 000 km/7,500 mi.
Proper vehicle maintenance helps to
keep the vehicle in good working
condition, improves fuel economy,
and reduces vehicle emissions.
Because of the way people use
vehicles, maintenance needs vary. There may need to be more
frequent checks and services. The
Additional Required Services ‐
Normal are for vehicles that: .
Carry passengers and cargo
within recommended limits on
the Tire and Loading Information
label. See Vehicle Load Limits
on page 9 ‑ 16 . .
Are driven on reasonable road
surfaces within legal driving
limits. .
Use the recommended fuel. See
Recommended Fuel on
page 9 ‑ 52 .
Refer to the information in the
Maintenance Schedule Additional
Required Services ‐ Normal chart.
The Additional Required
Services ‐ Severe are for vehicles
that are: .
Mainly driven in heavy city traffic
in hot weather. .
Mainly driven in hilly or
mountainous terrain. .
Frequently towing a trailer. .
Used for high speed or
competitive driving. .
Used for taxi, police, or delivery
service.
Refer to the information in the
Maintenance Schedule Additional
Required Services ‐ Severe chart.
{ WARNINGPerforming maintenance work can
be dangerous and can cause
serious injury. Perform
maintenance work only if the
required information, proper tools,
and equipment are available.
If they are not, see your dealer to
have a trained technician do the
work. See Doing Your Own
Service Work on page 10 ‑ 4 .

Black plate (3,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012 - 2nd CRC - 11/29/11
Service and Maintenance 11-3
Cadillac Premium
Care Maintenance Your vehicle comes with the
Cadillac Premium Care
Maintenance. It is a maintenance
program that covers select
maintenance services during the
first 4 years or 80 000 km
(50,000 mi), whichever comes first. Cadillac Premium Care
Maintenance covers routine
maintenance services, when
scheduled in accordance with the
owner manual, including: .
Oil changes based on the
vehicle's oil life monitor system. .
Tire rotation every 12 000 km
(7,500 mi). .
Engine air cleaner filter
replacement. .
Passenger compartment air filter
replacement. .
Multi ‐ point vehicle inspection
(MPVI) performed by a qualified
technician.
Cadillac requires that all Cadillac
Premium Care Maintenance
services be performed by a Cadillac
authorized service dealer. Maintenance
Schedule Owner Checks and Services At Each Fuel Stop .
Check the engine oil level. See
Engine Oil on page 10 ‑ 7 .
Once a Month .
Check the tire inflation
pressures. See Tire Pressure on
page 10 ‑ 52 . .
Inspect the tires for wear. See
Tire Inspection on page 10 ‑ 57 . .
Check the windshield washer
fluid level. See Washer Fluid on
page 10 ‑ 23 .

Black plate (4,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012 - 2nd CRC - 11/29/11
11-4 Service and Maintenance Engine Oil Change When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message displays, have the
engine oil and filter changed within
the next 1 000 km/600 mi. If driven
under the best conditions, the
engine oil life system might not
indicate the need for vehicle service
for more than a year. The engine oil
and filter must be changed at least
once a year and the oil life system
must be reset. Your trained dealer
technician can perform this work.
If the engine oil life system is reset
accidentally, service the vehicle
within 5 000 km/3,000 mi since the
last service. Reset the oil life
system when the oil is changed.
See Engine Oil Life System on
page 10 ‑ 9 . Tire Rotation and Required
Services Every 12 000 km/
7,500 mi Rotate the tires, if recommended for
the vehicle, and perform the
following services. See Tire
Rotation on page 10 ‑ 58 . .
Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed,
change engine oil and filter, and
reset oil life system. See Engine
Oil on page 10 ‑ 7 and Engine Oil
Life System on page 10 ‑ 9 ..
Check engine coolant level. See
Engine Coolant on page 10 ‑ 16 ..
Check windshield washer fluid
level. See Washer Fluid on
page 10 ‑ 23 . .
Visually inspect windshield wiper
blades for wear, cracking,
or contamination. See Exterior
Care on page 10 ‑ 96 . Replace
worn or damaged wiper blades.
See Wiper Blade Replacement
on page 10 ‑ 32 . .
Check tire inflation pressures.
See Tire Pressure on
page 10 ‑ 52 . .
Inspect tire wear. See Tire
Inspection on page 10 ‑ 57 . .
Visually check for fluid leaks. .
Inspect engine air cleaner filter.
See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on
page 10 ‑ 13 . .
Inspect brake system.

Black plate (10,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012 - 2nd CRC - 11/29/11
11-10 Service and Maintenance Battery
The battery supplies power to start
the engine and operate any
additional electrical accessories. .
To avoid break ‐ down or failure to
start the vehicle, maintain a
battery with full cranking power. .
Trained dealer technicians have
the diagnostic equipment to test
the battery and ensure that the
connections and cables are
corrosion ‐ free.
Belts .
Belts may need replacing if they
squeak or show signs of
cracking or splitting. .
Trained dealer technicians can
inspect the belts and
recommend replacement when
necessary. Brakes
Brakes stop the vehicle and are
crucial to safe driving. .
Signs of brake wear may include
chirping, grinding, or squealing
noises, or difficulty stopping. .
Trained dealer technicians have
access to tools and equipment
to inspect the brakes and
recommend quality parts
engineered for the vehicle.
Fluids
Proper fluid levels and approved
fluids protect the vehicle ’ s systems
and components. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11 ‑ 13 for GM
approved fluids. .
Engine oil and windshield
washer fluid levels should be
checked at every fuel fill. .
Instrument cluster lights may
come on to indicate that fluids
may be low and need to be
filled. Hoses
Hoses transport fluids and should
be regularly inspected to ensure
that there are no cracks or leaks.
With a multi ‐ point inspection, your
dealer can inspect the hoses and
advise if replacement is needed.
Lamps
Properly working headlamps,
taillamps, and brake lamps are
important to see and be seen on
the road. .
Signs that the headlamps need
attention include dimming, failure
to light, cracking, or damage.
The brake lamps need to be
checked periodically to ensure
that they light when braking. .
With a multi ‐ point inspection,
your dealer can check the lamps
and note any concerns.

Black plate (2,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012 - 2nd CRC - 11/29/11
12-2 Technical Data
Vehicle Data Capacities and Specifications The following approximate capacities are given in metric and English conversions. See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11 ‑ 13 for more information.
Application Capacities
Metric English
Air Conditioning Refrigerant For the air conditioning system refrigerant charge
amount, see the refrigerant label located under the
hood. See your dealer for more information.
Cooling System 16.7 L 17.6 qt
Engine Oil with Filter 5.7 L † 6.0 qt †
Fuel Tank
Regular 98.4 L 26.0 gal
Extended 119.2 L 31.5 gal
Transmission Fluid (Pan Removal and Replacement) 5.7 L 6.0 qt
Transfer Case Fluid 1.4 L 1.5 qt
Wheel Nut Torque 190 Y 140 lb ft
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill to the approximate level, as recommended in this
manual. Recheck fluid after filling.
† Oil filter should be changed at every oil change.