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

TRANSMISSION HOT
If the transmission ¯uid temperature becomes high,
the message center will display this message.
When the transmission enters the protection mode,
you may notice a change in the transmission shifting
patterns. When the transmission ¯uid temperature
returns to normal, the display will turn off and the
transmission shifting patterns will return to normal.
Notice:If you keep driving your vehicle with the
transmission TRANS FLUID HOT message displayed,
you can damage the transmission. This could lead to
costly repairs that may not be covered under your
warranty.
The following situations can cause the transmission to
operate at higher temperatures:
·Towing a trailer
·Hot outside air temperatures
·Hauling a large or heavy load
·Low transmission ¯uid level
·High transmission ¯uid level
·Restricted air ¯ow to the radiator.A temporary solution to hotter transmission operating
temperatures may be to let the transmission cool down.
If the transmission is operated at higher temperatures
on a frequent basis, see
Scheduled Maintenance
on page 6-5for the proper transmission maintenance
intervals.
TRANS HOT IDLE ENGINE
If the transmission ¯uid gets hot, this message will
appear on the DIC along with a continous chime.
Driving with the transmission ¯uid temperature high can
cause damage to the vehicle. Stop the vehicle and
let it idle to allow the transmission to cool. This message
will clear and the chime will stop when the ¯uid
temperature reaches a safe level.
DRIVER DOOR AJAR
If the driver's door is not fully closed and the vehicle
is in a drive gear, this message will appear on the
display and you will hear a chime. Stop and turn off the
vehicle, check the door for obstacles, and close the
door again. Check to see if the message still appears on
the DIC. Pressing the select button will clear it from
the DIC display.
3-62

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

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

Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about 15 miles
(24 km) when outside temperatures are above 50ÉF
(10ÉC). If it's colder than 50ÉF (10ÉC), drive the vehicle
in THIRD (3) until the engine temperature gage
moves and then remains steady for 10 minutes.
A cold ¯uid check can be made after the vehicle has
been sitting for eight hours or more with the engine off,
but this is used only as a reference. Let the engine
run at idle for ®ve minutes if outside temperatures are
50ÉF (10ÉC) or more. If it's colder than 50ÉF (10ÉC), you
may have to idle the engine longer. Should the ¯uid
level be low during this cold check, you
mustcheck the
¯uid hot before adding ¯uid. Checking the ¯uid hot
will give you a more accurate reading of the ¯uid level.
Checking the Fluid Level
Prepare your vehicle as follows:
·Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the engine
running.
·With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever
in PARK (P).
·With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift
lever through each gear range, pausing for about
three seconds in each range. Then, position the shift
lever in PARK (P).
·Let the engine run at idle for three minutes or more.
Then, without shutting off the engine, follow these steps:
The transmission dipstick
handle with the graphic is
located at the rear of
the engine compartment,
on the passenger's side.
See
Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-12for
more information on location.
5-22

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

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

Headlamp......................................................5-53
Aiming.......................................................5-53
Horizontal Aiming.........................................5-54
Vertical Aiming............................................5-55
Headlamps....................................................5-58
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-57
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and
Daytime Running Lamps...........................5-62
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-57
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting...........5-57
Headphones...................................................3-88
Heated Seats................................................... 1-3
Heating.........................................................3-28
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-40
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-40
Hitches..........................................................4-57
HomeLink Transmitter, Programming..................2-49
HomeLink
žTransmitter....................................2-48
Hood............................................................5-10
Checking Things Under................................5-10
Release.....................................................5-10
Horn............................................................... 3-7
How the System Works...................................3-21
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Surge Tank.................................................5-32
How to Add Fluid............................................5-23
How to Check Lubricant...................................5-51
How to Check Power Steering Fluid..................5-37
How to Check........................................5-21, 5-67How to Inspect...............................................5-19
How to Use This Manual...................................... ii
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-13
Hydroplaning..................................................4-36
I
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine..........5-29
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine...............5-28
If the Light is Flashing.....................................3-43
If the Light Is On Steady.................................3-43
If You Are Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow.......4-46
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer.....................4-53
If You're Caught in a Blizzard...........................4-44
Ignition Positions.............................................2-28
Ignition Transmission Lock Check......................6-14
Illuminated Visor Vanity Mirrors.........................2-25
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-31
In¯ation Ð Tire Pressure.................................5-67
Inspection......................................................6-16
Brake System.............................................6-16
Engine Cooling System................................6-16
Exhaust System..........................................6-15
Fuel System...............................................6-16
Part C - Periodic Maintenance.......................6-15
Steering and Suspension..............................6-15
Transfer Case and Front Axle
(All-Wheel Drive)......................................6-16
8

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