automatic transmission fluid CADILLAC ESCALADE EXT 2003 2.G Owners Manual

Service............................................................5-3
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-3
Adding Equipment to the Outside of
Your Vehicle..............................................5-4
Fuel................................................................5-4
Gasoline Octane............................................5-4
Gasoline Speci®cations....................................5-5
California Fuel...............................................5-5
Additives.......................................................5-6
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-6
Filling Your Tank............................................5-7
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.......................5-9
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-10
Hood Release..............................................5-10
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-12
Engine Oil...................................................5-14
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-19
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................5-21
Engine Coolant.............................................5-24
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap..................5-27
Engine Overheating.......................................5-27
Cooling System............................................5-30
Engine Fan Noise.........................................5-36Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-37
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-38
Brakes........................................................5-39
Battery........................................................5-43
Jump Starting...............................................5-44
All-Wheel Drive..............................................5-50
Rear Axle.......................................................5-51
Front Axle......................................................5-52
Headlamp Aiming...........................................5-53
Headlamp Horizontal Aiming...........................5-54
Headlamp Vertical Aiming..............................5-55
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-57
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting............5-57
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-57
Headlamps..................................................5-58
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and
Daytime Running Lamps.............................5-62
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL).........5-63
Taillamps.....................................................5-63
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-64
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-65
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

A. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-19.
B. Coolant Surge Tank. See
Cooling System on
page 5-30andCoolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap
on page 5-27.
C. Air Filter Restriction Indicator (If Equipped).
See
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-19.
D. Engine Oil Fill. See
Engine Oil on page 5-14.
E. Engine Oil Dipstick. See
Engine Oil on page 5-14.
F. Automatic Transmission Dipstick. See
Automatic
Transmission Fluid on page 5-21.
G. Fan. See
Cooling System on page 5-30andEngine
Fan Noise on page 5-36.H. Remote Negative (-) Terminal (GND). See
Jump
Starting on page 5-44.
I. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. See
Jump Starting on
page 5-44.
J. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir (Out of View).
See
Power Steering Fluid on page 5-37.
K. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See
Brakes on page 5-39.
L. Underhood Fuse Block. See ªUnderhood Fuse Blockº
under
Fuses and Circuit Breakers on page 5-101.
M. Battery. See
Battery on page 5-43.
N. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See
Windshield
Washer Fluid on page 5-38.
5-13

Automatic Transmission Fluid
When to Check and Change
A good time to check your automatic transmission ¯uid
level is when the engine oil is changed.
Change both the ¯uid and ®lter every 50,000 miles
(83 000 km) if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or
more of these conditions:
·In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90ÉF (32ÉC) or higher.
·In hilly or mountainous terrain.
·When doing frequent trailer towing.
·Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery
service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, change the ¯uid and ®lter every
100,000 miles (166 000 km).
See
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services on
page 6-4.
How to Check
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may
choose to have this done at the dealership service
department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions
here, or you could get a false reading on the dipstick.
Notice:Too much or too little ¯uid can damage
your transmission. Too much can mean that some
of the ¯uid could come out and fall on hot engine
part or exhaust system parts, starting a ®re.
Too little ¯uid could cause the transmission to
overheat. Be sure to get an accurate reading if you
check your transmission ¯uid.
Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the
transmission ¯uid level if you have been driving:
·When outside temperatures are above 90ÉF (32ÉC).
·At high speed for quite a while.
·In heavy traffic ± especially in hot weather.
·While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading, the ¯uid should be at normal
operating temperature, which is 180ÉF to 200ÉF
(82ÉC to 93ÉC).
5-21

1. Flip the handle up and then pull out the dipstick
and wipe it with a clean rag or paper towel.
2. Push it back in all the way, wait three seconds and
then pull it back out again.
3. Check both sides of the dipstick, and read the lower
level. The ¯uid level must be in the COLD area,
below the cross-hatched area, for a cold check or
in the HOT area or cross-hatched area for a
hot check. Be sure to keep the dipstick pointed
down to get an accurate reading.
4. If the ¯uid level is in the acceptable range, push the
dipstick back in all the way; then ¯ip the handle
down to lock the dipstick in place.How to Add Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of transmission ¯uid to use. SeePart D:
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-17.
Add ¯uid only after checking the transmission ¯uid while
it is hot. (A cold check is used only as a reference.)
If the ¯uid level is low, add only enough of the proper
¯uid to bring the level up to the HOT area for a hot
check. It doesn't take much ¯uid, generally less than
one pint (0.5 L).
Don't over®ll.
Notice:
We recommend you use only ¯uid labeled
DEXRONž-III, because ¯uid with that label is
made especially for your automatic transmission.
Damage caused by ¯uid other than DEXRON
ž-III is
not covered by your new vehicle warranty.
·After adding ¯uid, recheck the ¯uid level as
described under
How to Check.
·When the correct ¯uid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in all the way; then ¯ip the handle
down to lock the dipstick in place.
5-23

At Least Twice a Year
Restraint System Check
Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your
belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages
are working properly. Look for any other loose or
damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything
that might keep a safety belt system from doing its
job, have it repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts
replaced.
Also look for any opened or broken air bag coverings,
and have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag
system does not need regular maintenance.)
Wiper Blade Check
Inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking. Replace
blade inserts that appear worn or damaged or that
streak or miss areas of the windshield. Also see
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle on page 5-96.
Spare Tire Check
At least twice a year, after the monthly in¯ation check of
the spare tire determines that the spare is in¯ated to the
correct tire in¯ation pressure, make sure that the spare
tire is stored securely. Push, pull, and then try to rotate or
turn the tire. If it moves, use the wheel wrench/ratchet to
tighten the cable. See
Changing a Flat Tire on page 5-76.
Weatherstrip Lubrication
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply
silicone grease with a clean cloth. During very cold,
damp weather more frequent application may be
required. See
Part D: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-17.
Automatic Transmission Check
Check the transmission ¯uid level; add if needed.
SeeAutomatic Transmission Fluid on page 5-21.
A ¯uid loss may indicate a problem. Check the system
and repair if needed.
At Least Once a Year
Key Lock Cylinders Service
Lubricate the key lock cylinders with the lubricant
speci®ed in Part D.
Body Lubrication Service
Lubricate all hood latch assembly, secondary latch,
pivots, spring anchor, release pawl, rear compartment
hinges, outer tailgate handle pivot points, latch bolt,
fuel door hinge and folding seat hardware. Part D tells
you what to use. More frequent lubrication may be
required when exposed to a corrosive environment.
6-12

Part D: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identi®ed below by name, part
number or speci®cation may be obtained from your
dealer.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine OilEngine oil with the American
Petroleum Institute Certi®ed for
Gasoline Engines starburst symbol
of the proper viscosity. To determine
the preferred viscosity for your
vehicle's engine, see
Engine Oil
on page 5-14.
Engine Coolant50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only DEX-COOL
ž
Coolant. SeeEngine Coolant on
page 5-24.
Hydraulic
Brake SystemDelco Supreme 11 Brake Fluid or
equivalent DOT-3 brake ¯uid.
Windshield
Washer SolventGM Optikleen
žWasher Solvent or
equivalent.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Power Steering
SystemGM Power Steering Fluid
(GM Part No. U.S. 1052884,
in Canada 993294, or equivalent).
Automatic
TransmissionDEXRON
ž-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Key Lock
CylindersMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241,
in Canada 10953474, or equivalent).
Chassis
LubricationChassis Lubricant
(GM Part No. U.S. 12377985, in
Canada 88901242, or equivalent) or
lubricant meeting requirements of
NLGI #2, Category LB or GC-LB.
Front and
Rear AxleSAE 75W-90 Synthetic Axle
Lubricant
(GM Part No. U.S. 12378261, in
Canada 10953455) or equivalent
meeting GM Speci®cation 9986115.
6-17

Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Transfer CaseDEXRON
ž-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Front Axle
Propshaft
SplineSpline Lubricant, Special Lubricant
(GM Part No. U.S. 12345879,
in Canada 10953511) or
lubricant meeting requirements of
GM 9985830.
Hood HingesMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241,
in Canada 10953474, or equivalent).
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Outer Tailgate
Handle Pivot
PointsMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241,
in Canada 10953474, or equivalent).
Weatherstrip
ConditioningDielectric Silicone Grease
(GM Part No. U.S. 12345579,
in Canada 10953014, or equivalent).
Weatherstrip
SqueaksSynthetic Grease with Te¯on,
Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12371287,
in Canada 10953437, or equivalent).
6-18

Audio System(s) (cont.)
Fixed Mast Antenna...................................3-101
Navigation/Radio System..............................3-93
Radio with Cassette and CD.........................3-67
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)................................3-93
Setting the Time..........................................3-66
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-98
Understanding Radio Reception.....................3-99
XMŸ Satellite Radio Antenna System...........3-101
Automatic Climate Control System.....................3-24
Automatic Headlamp System............................3-15
Automatic Level Control...................................4-51
Automatic Transmission Check..........................6-12
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control
System Check.............................................6-13
Automatic Transmission...................................5-21
Fluid..........................................................5-21
Operation...................................................2-32
B
Backing Up....................................................4-58
BATTERY NOT CHARGING.............................3-60
Battery Replacement......................................... 2-7
Battery Run-Down Protection............................3-19
Battery..........................................................5-43
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.........................4-39Before You Drive............................................3-82
Before You Go Off-Roading..............................4-18
Body Lubrication Service..................................6-12
Brake Adjustment............................................5-42
Brake Fluid....................................................5-39
Brake Pedal, Throttle.......................................2-30
Brake Pedal Travel.........................................5-42
Brake Wear...................................................5-41
Brake............................................................2-35
Parking......................................................2-35
System Inspection.......................................6-16
System Warning Light..................................3-38
Brakes..........................................................5-39
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-9
Braking........................................................... 4-6
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-28
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-57
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)........5-63
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and Daytime
Running Lamps........................................5-62
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-57
Headlamp Aiming........................................5-53
Headlamps.................................................5-58
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting...........5-57
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-64
Taillamps....................................................5-63
Buying New Tires...........................................5-70
2

Fluid.............................................................5-21
Automatic Transmission................................5-21
Power Steering...........................................5-37
Windshield Washer......................................5-38
FM Stereo.....................................................3-99
Fog Lamps....................................................3-17
Following Distance..........................................4-58
Footnotes........................................................ 6-5
Front Axle......................................................5-52
Fuel Information Button....................................3-50
FUEL LEVEL LOW.........................................3-61
Fuel............................................................... 5-4
Additives...................................................... 5-6
California Fuel.............................................. 5-5
Filling a Portable Fuel Container..................... 5-9
Filling Your Tank........................................... 5-7
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-6
Gage.........................................................3-46
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-4
Gasoline Speci®cations.................................. 5-5
Low Warning Light.......................................3-46
System Inspection.......................................6-16
Fuses..........................................................5-101
Fuses and Circuit Breakers.........................5-101
Windshield Wiper.......................................5-101G
Gage............................................................3-40
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-40
Fuel..........................................................3-46
Oil Pressure...............................................3-44
Speedometer..............................................3-33
Tachometer.................................................3-33
Transmission Temperature.............................3-40
Voltmeter Gage...........................................3-37
Garage Door Opener.......................................2-48
Gasoline......................................................... 5-4
Octane........................................................ 5-4
Speci®cations............................................... 5-5
Gate Operator and Canadian Programming........2-51
Getting Familiar with Off-Road Driving................4-20
Glove Box.....................................................2-52
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities.................................................... 7-5
H
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-6
Head Restraints............................................... 1-5
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer.................... 3-8
7

TIGHTEN FUEL CAP......................................3-61
Tilt Wheel........................................................ 3-7
Tire In¯ation Check.........................................6-11
Tires.............................................................5-66
Buying New Tires........................................5-70
Chains.......................................................5-74
Changing a Flat Tire....................................5-76
If a Tire Goes Flat.......................................5-75
In¯ation Ð Tire Pressure..............................5-67
Inspection and Rotation................................5-68
Spare Tire..................................................5-92
Uniform Tire Quality Grading.........................5-71
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance.................5-72
Wheel Replacement.....................................5-73
When It Is Time for New Tires......................5-69
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater....................2-31
Top Drain Grates ± Removal and Cleaning.........2-67
Top Strap Anchor Location...............................1-41
Top Strap......................................................1-40
Top-Box Storage.............................................2-70
Torque Lock...................................................2-38
Total Weight on Your Vehicle's Tires..................4-56
Tow/Haul Mode Light.......................................3-45
Tow/Haul Mode Selector Button........................2-34
Towing..........................................................4-48
Recreational Vehicle.....................................4-48
Towing a Trailer..........................................4-52
Your Vehicle...............................................4-48Towing (cont.)
Traction Control Operation................................4-11
TRACTION SYS LIMITED................................3-63
Traction.........................................................3-39
Off Light.....................................................3-39
Road Sensing Suspension.............................. 4-9
Stabilitrak
žSystem......................................4-10
Trailer Brakes.................................................4-57
Trailer Wiring Harness.....................................4-61
Trailer...........................................................4-51
Recommendations.......................................4-51
TRANS HOT IDLE ENGINE.............................3-62
Transfer Case................................................5-50
TRANSMISSION HOT.....................................3-62
Transmission Operation, Automatic....................2-32
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer Case Unit
Repair Manual............................................7-10
Transmission..................................................5-21
Fluid, Automatic...........................................5-21
Temperature Gage.......................................3-40
Transportation Options...................................... 7-8
Traveling to Remote Areas...............................4-20
Trip Information Button....................................3-48
Truck-Camper Loading Information....................4-51
Turn and Lane Change Signals.......................... 3-8
TURN SIGNAL ON.........................................3-61
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever........................... 3-7
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer..................4-58
16