maintenance schedule CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV 2012 User Guide

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 (27,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012 - 2nd CRC - 11/29/11
Vehicle Care 10-27
Battery If the vehicle is a hybrid, see the
hybrid supplement for more
information.
Refer to the replacement number on
the original battery label when a
new battery is needed. See Engine
Compartment Overview on
page 10 ‑ 6 for battery location.
{ WARNINGBattery posts, terminals, and
related accessories contain lead
and lead compounds, chemicals
known to the State of California to
cause cancer and reproductive
harm. Wash hands after handling. Vehicle Storage
{ WARNINGBatteries have acid that can burn
you and gas that can explode.
You can be badly hurt if you are
not careful. See Jump Starting on
page 10 ‑ 88 for tips on working
around a battery without
getting hurt.
Infrequent Usage: Remove the
black, negative ( − ) cable from the
battery to keep the battery from
running down.
Extended Storage: Remove the
black, negative ( − ) cable from the
battery or use a battery trickle
charger. All-Wheel Drive Transfer Case If the vehicle is equipped with
All-Wheel Drive, be sure to perform
the lubricant checks described in
this section.
When to Check Lubricant
Refer to Maintenance Schedule on
page 11 ‑ 3 to determine how often to
check the lubricant.

Black plate (32,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012 - 2nd CRC - 11/29/11
10-32 Vehicle Care
Wiper Blade Replacement Windshield wiper blades should be
inspected for wear or cracking. See
Maintenance Schedule on
page 11 ‑ 3 .
Replacement blades come in
different types and are removed in
different ways.
Front Wiper Blade
Replacement 1. Pull the windshield wiper arm
connector away from the
windshield.
2. Squeeze the grooved areas on
each side of the blade, and turn
the blade assembly away from
the arm connector. 3. Install the new blade onto the
arm connector and make sure
the grooved areas are fully set in
the locked position.
For the proper type and size, see
Maintenance Replacement Parts on
page 11 ‑ 15 . Rear Wiper Blade Replacement 1. Lift the wiper blade assembly up
and out of the park rest position.
2. Pull the wiper blade assembly
away from the backglass. The
backglass wiper blade will not
lock in a vertical position, so
care should be used when
pulling it away from the vehicle.
3. Turn the wiper blade assembly,
and pull it off of the wiper arm.
Hold the wiper arm in position
and push the blade away from
the wiper arm.

Black plate (58,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012 - 2nd CRC - 11/29/11
10-58 Vehicle Care Replace the tire if: .
The indicators at three or
more places around the tire
can be seen. .
There is cord or fabric
showing through the tire's
rubber. .
The tread or sidewall is
cracked, cut, or snagged
deep enough to show cord or
fabric. .
The tire has a bump, bulge,
or split. .
The tire has a puncture, cut,
or other damage that cannot
be repaired well because of
the size or location of the
damage. Tire Rotation Tires should be rotated every
12 000 km (7,500 mi). See
Maintenance Schedule on
page 11 ‑ 3 .
Tires are rotated to achieve a
uniform wear for all tires. The
first rotation is the most
important.
Any time unusual wear is
noticed, rotate the tires as soon
as possible and check the wheel
alignment. Also check for
damaged tires or wheels. See
When It Is Time for New Tires
on page 10 ‑ 59 and Wheel
Replacement on page 10 ‑ 64 . Use this rotation pattern when
rotating the tires.
Do not include the spare tire in
the tire rotation.
Adjust the front and rear tires to
the recommended inflation
pressure on the Tire and
Loading Information label after
the tires have been rotated. See
Tire Pressure on page 10 ‑ 52
and Vehicle Load Limits on
page 9 ‑ 16 .

Black plate (1,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012 - 2nd CRC - 11/29/11
Service and Maintenance 11-1
Service and
Maintenance General Information General Information . . . . . . . . . . 11-1
Cadillac Premium Care
Maintenance Cadillac Premium Care
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-3
Maintenance Schedule Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . 11-3 Special Application Services Special Application
Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-9
Additional Maintenance
and Care Additional Maintenance
and Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-9
Recommended Fluids,
Lubricants, and Parts Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-13
Maintenance Replacement
Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-15
Maintenance Records Maintenance Records . . . . . . 11-16 General Information Your vehicle is an important
investment. This section describes
the required maintenance for the
vehicle. Follow this schedule to help
protect against major repair
expenses resulting from neglect or
inadequate maintenance. It may
also help to maintain the value of
the vehicle if it is sold. It is the
responsibility of the owner to have
all required maintenance performed.
Your dealer has trained technicians
who can perform required
maintenance using genuine
replacement parts. They have
up ‐ to ‐ date tools and equipment
for fast and accurate diagnostics.
Many dealers have extended
evening and Saturday hours,
courtesy transportation, and online
scheduling to assist with service
needs.
Your dealer recognizes the
importance of providing
competitively priced maintenance
and repair services. With trained

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 (7,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012 - 2nd CRC - 11/29/11
Service and Maintenance 11-7Footnotes — Maintenance
Schedule Additional Required
Services — Normal
a) Check all fuel and vapor lines
and hoses for proper hook ‐ up,
routing, and condition. Check that
the purge valve, if the vehicle has
one, works properly. Replace as
needed.
b) Or every four years, whichever
comes first. c) Do not directly power wash the
transfer case output seals. High
pressure water can overcome the
seals and contaminate the transfer
case fluid. Contaminated fluid will
decrease the life of the transfer
case and should be replaced.
d) Or every five years, whichever
comes first. See Cooling System on
page 10 ‑ 15 .
e) Or every 10 years, whichever
comes first. Inspect for fraying,
excessive cracking, or damage;
replace, if needed.

Black plate (9,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012 - 2nd CRC - 11/29/11
Service and Maintenance 11-9Footnotes — Maintenance
Schedule Additional Required
Services — Severe
a) Check all fuel and vapor lines
and hoses for proper hook ‐ up,
routing, and condition. Check that
the purge valve, if the vehicle has
one, works properly. Replace as
needed.
b) Or every four years, whichever
comes first.
c) Do not directly power wash the
transfer case output seals. High
pressure water can overcome the
seals and contaminate the transfer
case fluid. Contaminated fluid will
decrease the life of the transfer
case and should be replaced.
d) Or every five years, whichever
comes first. See Cooling System on
page 10 ‑ 15 .
e) Or every 10 years, whichever
comes first. Inspect for fraying,
excessive cracking, or damage;
replace, if needed. Special Application
Services .
Severe Commercial Use
Vehicles Only: Lubricate chassis
components every 5 000 km/
3,000 mi. .
Have underbody flushing service
performed once a year.
Additional
Maintenance and Care Your vehicle is an important
investment and caring for it properly
may help to avoid future costly
repairs. To maintain vehicle
performance, additional
maintenance services may be
required. It is recommended
that your dealer perform these
services — their trained dealer
technicians know your vehicle best.
Your dealer can also perform a
thorough assessment with a
multi ‐ point inspection to recommend
when your vehicle may need
attention. The following list is
intended to explain the services and
conditions to look for that may
indicate services are required.

Black plate (16,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012 - 2nd CRC - 11/29/11
11-16 Service and Maintenance
Maintenance Records After the scheduled services are performed, record the date, odometer reading, who performed the service, and the
type of services performed in the boxes provided. Retain all maintenance receipts.
Date Odometer
Reading Serviced By Maintenance Stamp Services Performed