automatic transmission CADILLAC ESCALADE EXT 2008 3.G Owners Manual

Keys...............................................................2-3
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System................2-4
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation.......................................2-5
Remote Vehicle Start......................................2-8
Doors and Locks............................................2-10
Door Locks..................................................2-10
Power Door Locks........................................2-11
Delayed Locking...........................................2-11
Programmable Automatic Door Locks..............2-11
Rear Door Security Locks..............................2-12
Lockout Protection........................................2-12
Midgate
®.....................................................2-13
Tailgate.......................................................2-23
Power Running Boards..................................2-23
Windows........................................................2-24
Power Windows............................................2-25
Sun Visors...................................................2-26Theft-Deterrent Systems..................................2-26
Content Theft-Deterrent.................................2-26
PASS-Key
®III+............................................2-28
PASS-Key®III+ Operation..............................2-29
Starting and Operating
Your Vehicle...............................................2-30
New Vehicle Break-In....................................2-30
Ignition Positions..........................................2-31
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)...................2-32
Starting the Engine.......................................2-32
Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal................2-34
Engine Coolant Heater..................................2-35
Automatic Transmission Operation...................2-36
Tow/Haul Mode............................................2-40
Parking Brake..............................................2-41
Shifting Into PARK (P)...................................2-42
Shifting Out of PARK (P)...............................2-43
Parking Over Things That Burn.......................2-44
Engine Exhaust............................................2-44
Running the Engine While Parked...................2-45
Section 2 Features and Controls
2-1

Automatic Transmission Operation
Your vehicle has a Hydra-Matic®6L80 automatic
transmission, and has an electronic shift position
indicator within the instrument panel cluster. The
electronic shift position indicator displays when the
shift lever is moved out of PARK (P).
There are several different positions for the shift lever.
PARK (P):This position locks your rear wheels.
It is the best position to use when you start your
engine because your vehicle cannot move easily.When parked on a hill, especially when the vehicle
has a heavy load, you may notice an increase in
the effort to shift out of PARK (P). See Torque Lock
(Automatic Transmission) underShifting Into PARK (P)
on page 2-42for more information.
{CAUTION:
It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if
the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake rmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
Do not leave your vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. If you have left
the engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured.
To be sure your vehicle will not move, even
when you are on fairly level ground, always
set your parking brake and move the shift
lever to PARK (P). SeeShifting Into PARK (P)
on page 2-42. If you are pulling a trailer,
seeTowing a Trailer on page 4-43.
2-36

MANUAL MODE (M):This position lets drivers select
the range of gears appropriate for current driving
conditions. See Driver Shift Control (DSC) later in
this section.
Notice:Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle
in one place on a hill using only the accelerator
pedal may damage the transmission. The repair will
not be covered by your warranty. If you are stuck,
do not spin the tires. When stopping on a hill,
use the brakes to hold the vehicle in place.
Your vehicle has a shift stabilization feature that
adjusts the transmission shifting to the current driving
conditions in order to reduce rapid upshifts and
downshifts. This shift stabilization feature is designed
to determine, before making an upshift, if the engine will
be able to maintain vehicle speed by analyzing things
such as vehicle speed, throttle position and vehicle load.If the shift stabilization feature determines that a current
vehicle speed cannot be maintained, the transmission
does not upshift and instead holds the current gear.
In some cases, this may appear to be a delayed shift,
however the transmission is operating normally.
Your vehicle’s transmission uses adaptive shift controls
that compares key shift parameters to pre-programmed
ideal shifts stored in the transmissions computer.
The transmission constantly makes adjustments to
improve vehicle performance according to how the
vehicle is being used, such as with a heavy load or when
temperature changes. During this adaptive shift controls
process, shifting may feel different as the transmission
determines the best settings.
When temperatures are very cold, the Hydra-Matic
®6L80
automatic transmission’s gear shifting may be delayed
providing more stable shifts until the engine warms up.
Shifts may be more noticeable with a cold transmission.
This difference in shifting is normal.
2-38

Driver Shift Control (DSC)
Your vehicle has a Driver Shift Control (DSC).
The DSC controls the vehicle’s transmission and
vehicle speed while driving down hill or towing a trailer
by allowing you to select a desired range of gears.
To use this feature, do the following:
1. Move the shift lever to the MANUAL MODE (M).
2. Press the plus/minus button, to upshift or downshift
selecting the desired range of gears for your current
driving conditions.The DIC display will show the message MANUAL
SHIFT on the rst line and the current gear will be
displayed on the second line. SeeDriver Information
Center (DIC) on page 3-45andDIC Operation and
Displays on page 3-45for more information. The
number displayed in the DIC is the highest gear that
can be used. However, your vehicle can automatically
shift to lower gears as it adjusts to driving conditions.
This means that all gears below that number are
available. When FIFTH (5) is selected, FIRST (1)
through FIFTH (5) gears are automatically shifted by
the vehicle, but SIXTH (6) cannot be used until the
plus/minus button located on the steering column lever
is used to change to the gear.
Grade Braking is not available when the Driver Shift
Control is active. SeeTow/Haul Mode on page 2-40
for more information.
While using the DSC, cruise control and the tow/haul
mode can be used.
2-39

Tow/Haul Mode
Your vehicle has a tow/haul mode. The tow/haul mode
adjusts the transmission shift pattern to reduce shift
cycling, providing increased performance, vehicle
control, and transmission cooling when towing or
hauling heavy loads.
Press the button located on the end of the shift lever
to turn the tow/haul on or off. When the tow/haul is on,
a light on the instrument panel cluster will come on.SeeTow/Haul Mode Light on page 3-44for more
information.
Also see “Tow Haul Mode” underTowing a Trailer
on page 4-43for more information.
The tow/haul mode works with the Autoride
®feature,
if the vehicle has this, to enhance the ride when trailering
or with a loaded vehicle. SeeAutoride
®on page 4-42.
Grade Braking
Grade Braking assists when driving on a downhill
grade. It maintains the vehicle’s speed by automatically
implementing a shift schedule that uses the engine
and the transmission to slow the vehicle. This reduces
wear on the brakes system and increases control of
the vehicle. The system constantly monitors the vehicle’s
speed, acceleration, throttle position, and whether the
brake pedal is being pressed, and determines when
to keep the current vehicle speed or to slow down.
The system will then automatically command downshifts
that reduces the vehicles speed, until the brake pedal
is no longer being pressed. This indicates the desired
vehicle speed has been reached.
2-40

The tow/haul mode and grade braking shift modes
can be activated by pressing the button on the end
of the shift control stalk. While in the DSC mode,
grade braking is deactivated, allowing the driver to
select a gear.
SeeAutomatic Transmission Operation on page 2-36
for more information.
Parking Brake
To set the parking brake, hold the regular brake pedal
down with your right foot. Push down the parking
brake pedal with your left foot.
A chime sounds and the warning light ashes when
the parking brake is applied and the vehicle is moving
at least 5 mph (8 km/h).To release the parking brake, hold the regular brake
pedal down. Then pull the bottom edge of the lever,
with the parking brake symbol and located above
the parking brake pedal.
If the ignition is on when the parking brake is released,
the brake system warning light goes off.
Notice:Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause premature
wear or damage to brake system parts. Make sure
that the parking brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
If you are towing a trailer and are parking on any hill,
seeTowing a Trailer on page 4-43.
2-41

The main components of your instrument panel are the following:
A. Air Outlets. SeeOutlet Adjustment on page 3-28.
B. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever. SeeTurn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-7.
C. Hazard Warning Flasher Button. SeeHazard
Warning Flashers on page 3-6.
D. Instrument Panel Cluster. SeeInstrument Panel
Cluster on page 3-30.
E. Shift Lever/Tow/Haul Selector Button. SeeAutomatic
Transmission Operation on page 2-36andTow/Haul
Mode on page 2-40.
F. Analog Clock. SeeAnalog Clock on page 3-23.
G. Audio System. SeeAudio System(s) on page 3-66.
Navigation/Radio System (if equipped). See
Navigation/Radio System on page 3-91.
H. Exterior Lamps Control. SeeExterior Lamps on
page 3-14.
I. Dome Override Button. SeeDome Lamp Override
on page 3-20.
J. Cruise Control Buttons. SeeCruise Control
on page 3-11.
K. Tilt Lever. SeeTilt Wheel on page 3-6.L. Horn. SeeHorn on page 3-6.
M. Audio Steering Wheel Buttons. SeeAudio Steering
Wheel Controls on page 3-103.
N. Driver Information Center (DIC) Buttons. SeeDriver
Information Center (DIC) on page 3-45.
O. Pedal Adjust Button. SeeAdjustable Throttle and
Brake Pedal on page 2-34. Heated Windshield
Washer Fluid Button (If Equipped). SeeWindshield
Washer on page 3-10. Power Running Boards
Disable Button (If Equipped). SeePower Running
Boards on page 2-23.
P. Dual Automatic Climate Controls. SeeDual
Automatic Climate Control System on page 3-24.
Heated Seats (If Equipped). SeeHeated Seats
on page 1-4. Heated and Cooled Seats (If Equipped).
SeeHeated and Cooled Seats on page 1-5.
Q. StabiliTrak
®Disable Button. See.StabiliTrak®
System on page 4-6.Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist
Disable Button. See.Ultrasonic Rear Parking
Assist (URPA) on page 2-54.
R. Glove Box. SeeGlove Box on page 2-67.
3-5

Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier
for others to see the front of your vehicle during the day.
DRL can be helpful in many different driving conditions,
but they can be especially helpful in the short periods
after dawn and before sunset. Fully functional daytime
running lamps are required on all vehicles rst sold
in Canada.
The DRL system will come on when the following
conditions are met:
The ignition is on.
The exterior lamps control is in AUTO.
The transmission is not in PARK (P).
The light sensor determines it is daytime.
When the DRL are on, only the DRL lamps will be on.
The taillamps, sidemarker, and other lamps will not
be on. The instrument panel will not be lit up either.
When it begins to get dark, the automatic headlamp
system will switch from DRL to the headlamps.
To turn off the DRL lamps, turn the exterior lamps
control to the OFF position and then release. For
vehicles rst sold in Canada, the transmission must
be in the PARK (P) position, before the DRL lamps
can be turned off.
Automatic Headlamp System
When it is dark enough outside and the headlamp switch
is in AUTO, the automatic headlamp system will turn on
the headlamps at the normal brightness along with other
lamps such as the taillamps, sidemarker, parking lamps,
roof marker lamps, and the instrument panel lights.
The radio lights will also be dim.
To turn off the automatic headlamp system, turn
the exterior lamps switch to the off position and
then release. For vehicles rst sold in Canada, the
transmission must be in the PARK (P) position, before
the automatic headlamp system can be turned off.
The vehicle has a light sensor located on the top
of the instrument panel. Be sure it is not covered,
or the system will be on whenever the ignition is on.
The system may also turn on the headlamps when
driving through a parking garage, heavy overcast
weather, or a tunnel. This is normal.
There is a delay in the transition between the daytime
and nighttime operation of the Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL) and the automatic headlamp systems
so that driving under bridges or bright overhead
street lights does not affect the system. The DRL
and automatic headlamp system will only be affected
when the light sensor sees a change in lighting
lasting longer than the delay.
3-18

Transmission Temperature
Press the trip/fuel button until TRANS TEMP displays.
This display shows the temperature of the automatic
transmission uid in either degrees Fahrenheit (°F)
or degrees Celsius (°C).
Blank Display
This display shows no information.
Vehicle Information Menu Items
T
(Vehicle Information):Press this button to
scroll through the following menu items:
Oil Life
Press the vehicle information button until OIL LIFE
REMAINING displays. This display shows an estimate
of the oil’s remaining useful life. If you see 99% OIL LIFE
REMAINING on the display, that means 99% of the
current oil life remains. The engine oil life system
will alert you to change the oil on a schedule consistent
with your driving conditions.When the remaining oil life is low, the CHANGE
ENGINE OIL SOON message will appear on the display.
See “CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON” underDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-50. You should
change the oil as soon as you can. SeeEngine Oil
on page 5-13. In addition to the engine oil life system
monitoring the oil life, additional maintenance is
recommended in the Maintenance Schedule in this
manual. SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4for
more information.
Remember, you must reset the OIL LIFE display
yourself after each oil change. It will not reset itself.
Also, be careful not to reset the OIL LIFE display
accidentally at any time other than when the oil has
just been changed. It cannot be reset accurately until
the next oil change. To reset the engine oil life system,
seeEngine Oil Life System on page 5-16.
Units
Press the vehicle information button until UNITS
displays. This display allows you to select between
English or Metric units of measurement. Once in
this display, press the set/reset button to select
between ENGLISH or METRIC units. All of the
vehicle information will then be displayed in the
unit of measurement selected.
3-48

This message also displays when the vehicle’s engine
power is reduced. Reduced engine power can affect the
vehicle’s ability to accelerate. If this message is on,
but there is no reduction in performance, proceed
to your destination. The performance may be reduced
the next time the vehicle is driven. The vehicle may
be driven at a reduced speed while this message is on,
but acceleration and speed may be reduced. Anytime
this message stays on, the vehicle should be taken
to your dealer/retailer for service as soon as possible.
FUEL LEVEL LOW
This message displays and a chime sounds if the
fuel level is low. Refuel as soon as possible. SeeFuel
Gage on page 3-44andFuel on page 5-5for more
information.
HOOD OPEN
This message displays and a chime sounds if the hood is
not fully closed. Stop and turn off the vehicle, check the
hood for obstructions, and close the hood again. Check
to see if the message still appears on the DIC.
LEFT REAR DOOR OPEN
This message displays and a chime sounds if the driver
side rear door is not fully closed and the vehicle is in
a drive gear. Stop and turn off the vehicle, check
the door for obstructions, and close the door again.
Check to see if the message still appears on the DIC.
MANUAL SHIFT X
If your vehicle has Driver Shift Control (DSC) and
the shift lever is in the MANUAL MODE (M) position,
this message displays along with the current gear.
SeeAutomatic Transmission Operation on page 2-36
for more information.
OIL PRESSURE LOW STOP ENGINE
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the engine
oil pressure is low, severe engine damage may
occur. If a low oil pressure warning appears on the
Driver Information Center (DIC), stop the vehicle
as soon as possible. Do not drive the vehicle until
the cause of the low oil pressure is corrected.
SeeEngine Oil on page 5-13for more information.
This message displays if low oil pressure levels
occur. Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible and
do not operate it until the cause of the low oil pressure
has been corrected. Check the oil as soon as possible
and have your vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer.
SeeEngine Oil on page 5-13.
3-52