suspension CADILLAC ESCALADE EXT 2007 3.G Owners Manual

SERVICE BRAKES SOON
If there is a problem with the brake system, this
message will display. If this message appears,
stop as soon as possible and turn off the vehicle.
Restart the vehicle and check for the message
on the DIC display. If the message is still displayed
or appears again when you begin driving, the
brake system needs service. See your dealer.
SERVICE PARKING ASSIST
This message will display if there is a problem
with the Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA)
system. Do not use this system to help you park.
SeeUltrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA)
on page 213for more information. See your
dealer for service.
SERVICE STABILITRAK
If your vehicle has StabiliTrak®and this message
displays, it means there may be a problem
with the StabiliTrak
®system. If you see this
message, try to reset the system. Stop; turn off
the engine for at least 15 seconds; then start
the engine again. If this message still comes on, it
means there is a problem. You should see your
dealer for service. The vehicle is safe to drive,
however, you do not have the benet of
StabiliTrak
®, so reduce your speed and drive
accordingly.
SERVICE SUSPENSION SYSTEM
This message will display when the Road Sensing
Suspension (RSS) system is not operating
properly. Have your vehicle serviced by your
dealer.
SERVICE THEFT DETERRENT SYSTEM
This message will display when there is a
problem with the theft-deterrent system. The
vehicle may or may not restart so you may want
to take the vehicle to your dealer before turning off
the engine. SeePASS-Key
®III+ Operation on
page 121for more information.
254

Your Driving, the Road, and
Your Vehicle............................................ 322
Defensive Driving...................................... 322
Drunken Driving........................................ 323
Control of a Vehicle.................................. 326
Braking...................................................... 326
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).................. 327
Braking in Emergencies............................. 329
Locking Differential.................................... 329
Road Sensing Suspension......................... 329
StabiliTrak
®System................................... 330
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System.................. 333
Steering.................................................... 333
Off-Road Recovery.................................... 335
Passing..................................................... 336
Loss of Control.......................................... 338
Off-Road Driving........................................ 339
Driving at Night......................................... 355
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads............ 356City Driving............................................... 360
Freeway Driving........................................ 361
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.................. 362
Highway Hypnosis..................................... 363
Hill and Mountain Roads........................... 364
Winter Driving........................................... 366
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud,
Ice, or Snow.......................................... 370
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out........... 370
Recovery Hooks........................................ 371
Loading Your Vehicle................................ 372
Truck-Camper Loading Information............ 378
Towing........................................................ 378
Towing Your Vehicle ................................. 378
Recreational Vehicle Towing...................... 379
Autoride
®................................................... 379
Towing a Trailer........................................ 380
Trailer Recommendations.......................... 392
Section 4 Driving Your Vehicle
321

Remember: ABS does not change the time you
need to get your foot up to the brake pedal
or always decrease stopping distance. If you get
too close to the vehicle in front of you, you will not
have time to apply your brakes if that vehicle
suddenly slows or stops. Always leave enough
room up ahead to stop, even though you
have ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake
pedal down rmly and let anti-lock work for you.
You may feel the brakes vibrate, or you may notice
some noise, but this is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
With ABS, you can steer and brake at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can help you
more than even the very best braking.
Locking Differential
If your vehicle has this feature, your locking
differential can give you additional traction on
snow, mud, ice, sand or gravel. It works like
a standard axle most of the time, but when one of
the wheels has no traction and the other does,
this feature will allow the wheel with traction
to move the vehicle.
Road Sensing Suspension
The Road Sensing Suspension (RSS) feature
provides superior vehicle ride and handling under
a variety of passenger and loading conditions.
The system is fully automatic and uses a computer
controller to continuously monitor vehicle speed,
wheel to body position, lift/dive and steering
position of the vehicle. The controller then sends
signals to each shock absorber to independently
adjust the damping level to provide the optimum
vehicle ride.
329

After Off-Road Driving
Remove any brush or debris that has collected on
the underbody, chassis, or under the hood.
These accumulations can be a re hazard.
After operation in mud or sand, have the brake
linings cleaned and checked. These substances
can cause glazing and uneven braking. Check the
body structure, steering, suspension, wheels,
tires, and exhaust system for damage. Also, check
the fuel lines and cooling system for any leakage.
Your vehicle will require more frequent service
due to off-road use. Refer to the Maintenance
Schedule for additional information.
Driving at Night
Night driving is more dangerous than day driving.
One reason is that some drivers are likely to
be impaired — by alcohol or drugs, with night
vision problems, or by fatigue.
Here are some tips on night driving.
Drive defensively.
Do not drink and drive.
Adjust the inside rearview mirror to reduce the
glare from headlamps behind you.
Since you cannot see as well, you may need
to slow down and keep more space between
you and other vehicles.
Slow down, especially on higher speed roads.
Your vehicle’s headlamps can light up only so
much road ahead.
In remote areas, watch for animals.
If you are tired, pull off the road in a safe
place and rest.
No one can see as well at night as in the daytime.
But as we get older these differences increase.
A 50-year-old driver may require at least twice as
much light to see the same thing at night as a
20-year-old.
What you do in the daytime can also affect your
night vision. For example, if you spend the
day in bright sunshine you are wise to wear
sunglasses. Your eyes will have less trouble
adjusting to night. But if you are driving, do not
wear sunglasses at night. They may cut down on
glare from headlamps, but they also make a
lot of things invisible.
355

To nd out the actual loads on your front and rear
axles, you need to go to a weigh station and
weigh your vehicle. Your dealer can help you with
this. Be sure to spread out your load equally on
both sides of the center line.
Never exceed the GVWR for your vehicle, or the
GAWR for either the front or rear axle.
And, if you do have a heavy load, you should
spread it out.
{CAUTION:
In the case of a sudden stop or collision,
things carried in the bed of your truck
could shift forward and come into the
passenger area, injuring you and others. If
you put things in the bed of your truck,
you should make sure they are properly
secured.
{CAUTION:
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than
the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR),
or either the maximum front or rear Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). If you do,
parts on your vehicle can break, and it
can change the way your vehicle handles.
These could cause you to lose control
and crash. Also, overloading can shorten
the life of your vehicle.
Your warranty does not cover parts or components
that fail because of overloading.
The label will help you decide how much cargo
and installed equipment your truck can carry.
Using heavier suspension components to
get added durability might not change your weight
ratings. Ask your dealer to help you load your
vehicle the right way.
376

Automatic Level Control
The automatic level control rear suspension
comes as a part of the Road Sensing Suspension.
SeeRoad Sensing Suspension on page 329.
This type of level control is fully automatic and will
provide a better leveled riding position as well
as better handling under a variety of passenger
and loading conditions. An air compressor
connected to the rear shocks will raise or lower
the rear of the vehicle to maintain proper vehicle
height. The system is activated when the
ignition key is turned to RUN and will automatically
adjust vehicle height thereafter. The system
may exhaust (lower vehicle height) for up to
10 minutes after the ignition key has been turned
to LOCK. You may hear the air compressor
operating when the height is being adjusted.
If a weight-distributing hitch is being used, it is
recommended to allow the shocks to inate,
thereby leveling the vehicle prior to adjusting the
height. See “Weight Distributing Hitches and
Weight Carrying Hitches” underTowing a Trailer
on page 380.
Truck-Camper Loading Information
Your vehicle was neither designed nor intended
to carry a slide-in type camper.
Notice:Adding a slide-in camper or similar
equipment to your vehicle can damage it, and
the repairs would not be covered by your
warranty. Do not install a slide-in camper or
similar equipment on your vehicle.
Towing
Towing Your Vehicle
Consult your dealer or a professional towing
service if you need to have your disabled vehicle
towed. SeeRoadside Service on page 548.
If you want to tow your vehicle behind another
vehicle for recreational purposes (such as behind
a motorhome), see Recreational Vehicle Towing
following.
378

Tire Chains
{CAUTION:
Do not use tire chains. There is not
enough clearance. Tire chains used on a
vehicle without the proper amount of
clearance can cause damage to the
brakes, suspension, or other vehicle
parts. The area damaged by the tire
chains could cause you to lose control of
your vehicle and you or others may be
injured in a crash. Use another type of
traction device only if its manufacturer
recommends it for use on your vehicle
and tire size combination and road
conditions. Follow that manufacturer’s
instructions. To help avoid damage to
your vehicle, drive slowly, re-adjust or
remove the device if it is contacting your
vehicle, and do not spin your wheels. If
you do nd traction devices that will t,
install them on the rear tires.
If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blowout while you are
driving, especially if you maintain your vehicle’s
tires properly. If air goes out of a tire, it is
much more likely to leak out slowly. But if you
should ever have a blowout, here are a few tips
about what to expect and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the at tire will create a drag
that pulls the vehicle toward that side. Take your
foot off the accelerator pedal and grip the
steering wheel rmly. Steer to maintain lane
position, and then gently brake to a stop well out
of the traffic lane.
A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts much
like a skid and may require the same correction
you would use in a skid. In any rear blowout
remove your foot from the accelerator pedal. Get
the vehicle under control by steering the way
you want the vehicle to go. It may be very bumpy
and noisy, but you can still steer. Gently brake
to a stop, well off the road if possible.
476

Fuses Usage
1 Not Used
2Electronic Stability Suspension
Control, Automatic Level Control
ExhaustFuses Usage
3 Left Trailer Stop/Turn Lamp
4 Engine Controls
514

Scheduled Maintenance
Service MaintenanceIMaintenanceII
Change engine oil and lter. SeeEngine Oil on page 407. Reset oil life system.
SeeEngine Oil Life System on page 410.An Emission Control Service.••
Lubricate chassis components.See footnote #.••
Visually check for any leaks or damage.See footnote (j).••
Inspect engine air cleaner lter or change indicator (if equipped). If necessary,
replace lter. SeeEngine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 412.See footnote (k).•
Rotate tires and check ination pressures and wear. SeeTire Inspection and
Rotation on page 467and “Tire Wear Inspection” inAt Least Once a Month on
page 530.••
Inspect brake system.See footnote (a).••
Check engine coolant and windshield washer uid levels and add uid as
needed.••
Perform any needed additional services. SeeAdditional Required Services
on page 525.••
Inspect suspension and steering components.See footnote (b).•
Inspect engine cooling system.See footnote (c).•
Inspect wiper blades.See footnote (d).•
Inspect restraint system components.See footnote (e).•
Lubricate body components.See footnote (f).•
Check transmission uid level and add uid as needed.•
Check transfer case uid level and add uid as needed.•
524

Maintenance Footnotes
†The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or
the California Air Resources Board has determined
that the failure to perform this maintenance item
will not nullify the emission warranty or limit
recall liability prior to the completion of the
vehicle’s useful life. We, however, urge that all
recommended maintenance services be performed
at the indicated intervals and the maintenance
be recorded.
#Lubricate the front suspension, steering linkage,
transmission shift linkage, and parking brake
cable guides. Control arm ball joints are
maintenance-free.
(a)Visually inspect brake lines and hoses for
proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chang,
etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors for
surface condition. Inspect other brake parts,
including calipers, parking brake, etc.(b)Visually inspect front and rear suspension and
steering system for damaged, loose, or missing
parts, signs of wear or lack of lubrication. Inspect
power steering lines and hoses for proper
hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chang, etc.
Visually check constant velocity joints, rubber
boots, and axle seals for leaks.
(c)Visually inspect hoses and have them replaced
if they are cracked, swollen, or deteriorated.
Inspect all pipes, ttings, and clamps; replace with
genuine GM parts as needed. To help ensure
proper operation, a pressure test of the cooling
system and pressure cap and cleaning the outside
of the radiator and air conditioning condenser is
recommended at least once a year.
(d)Visually inspect wiper blades for wear or
cracking. Replace wiper blades that appear worn
or damaged or that streak or miss areas of
the windshield.
527