ABS CADILLAC ESCALADE EXT 2009 3.G User Guide

Skidding
In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable
care suited to existing conditions, and by not overdriving
those conditions. But skids are always possible.
The three types of skids correspond to the vehicle’s
three control systems. In the braking skid, the wheels
are not rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, too
much speed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip
and lose cornering force. And in the acceleration
skid, too much throttle causes the driving wheels
to spin.
Remember: Any traction control system helps avoid only
the acceleration skid. If the traction control system is
off, then an acceleration skid is best handled by easing
your foot off the accelerator pedal.
If the vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off the
accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you want
the vehicle to go. If you start steering quickly enough,
the vehicle may straighten out. Always be ready for
a second skid if it occurs.
Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice,
gravel, or other material is on the road. For safety, slow
down and adjust your driving to these conditions. It is
important to slow down on slippery surfaces because
stopping distance will be longer and vehicle control
more limited.While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try your
best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration, or braking,
including reducing vehicle speed by shifting to a lower
gear. Any sudden changes could cause the tires to slide.
You may not realize the surface is slippery until the
vehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize warning
clues — such as enough water, ice, or packed snow on
the road to make a mirrored surface — and slow down
when you have any doubt.
Remember: Any Antilock Brake System (ABS) helps
avoid only the braking skid.
Off-Road Driving
Vehicles with 22-inch tire/wheel assemblies should not
be driven off-road except on a level, solid surface.
Many of the vehicle design features that help make the
vehicle more responsive on paved roads during poor
weather conditions also help make it better suited
for off-road use than conventional passenger vehicles.
The vehicle does not have features usually thought to be
necessary for extended or severe off-road use such
as special underbody shielding and transfer case
low gear range.
The airbag system is designed to work properly under a
wide range of conditions, including off-road usage.
Always wear your safety belt and observe safe driving
speeds, especially on rough terrain.
5-12

{CAUTION:
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral) or with the ignition
off is dangerous. The brakes will have to do all the
work of slowing down and they could get so hot
that they would not work well. You would then
have poor braking or even none going down a hill.
You could crash. Always have the engine running
and the vehicle in gear when going downhill.
Stay in your own lane. Do not swing wide or cut
across the center of the road. Drive at speeds
that let you stay in your own lane.
Top of hills: Be alert — something could be in your
lane (stalled car, accident).
Pay attention to special road signs (falling rocks
area, winding roads, long grades, passing or
no-passing zones) and take appropriate action.
SeeOff-Road Driving on page 5-12for information
about driving off-road.
Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or Ice
Drive carefully when there is snow or ice between the
tires and the road, creating less traction or grip. Wet ice
can occur at about 32°F (0°C) when freezing rain
begins to fall, resulting in even less traction. Avoid
driving on wet ice or in freezing rain until roads can be
treated with salt or sand.
Drive with caution, whatever the condition. Accelerate
gently so traction is not lost. Accelerating too quickly
causes the wheels to spin and makes the surface under
the tires slick, so there is even less traction.
Try not to break the fragile traction. If you accelerate too
fast, the drive wheels will spin and polish the surface
under the tires even more.
TheStabiliTrak
®System on page 5-6improves the
ability to accelerate on slippery roads, but slow down
and adjust your driving to the road conditions. When
driving through deep snow, turn off the traction control
part of the StabiliTrak
®System to help maintain
vehicle motion at lower speeds.
TheAntilock Brake System (ABS) on page 5-5improves
vehicle stability during hard stops on a slippery roads,
but apply the brakes sooner than when on dry
pavement.
5-27

Level Control
Automatic Level Control
The automatic level control rear suspension is available
on light-duty vehicles and comes as a part of the
Autoride
®suspension, if equipped.
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 ON/RUN
and will automatically adjust vehicle height thereafter.
The system may exhaust (lower vehicle height) for up to
ten minutes after the ignition key has been turned off.
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 hitch.
Autoride®
With this feature, improved vehicle ride and handling is
provided 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.
Autoride also interacts with the tow/haul mode that,
when activated, will provide additional control of
the shock absorbers. This additional control results in
better ride and handling characteristics when the vehicle
is loaded or towing a trailer. See “Tow/Haul Mode”
underTowing a Trailer on page 5-40for more
information.
5-39

Parking on Hills
{CAUTION:
Parking the vehicle on a hill with the trailer
attached can be dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move. People can be
injured, and both the vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. When possible, always park the rig on a
at surface.
If parking the rig on a hill:
1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park)
yet. Turn the wheels into the curb if facing downhill
or into traffic if facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer
wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the
regular brakes until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking
brake and shift into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal while you:
Start the engine
Shift into a gear
Release the parking brake
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the
chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
The vehicle needs service more often when pulling a
trailer. See this manual’s Maintenance Schedule
or Index for more information. Things that are especially
important in trailer operation are automatic transmission
uid, engine oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling system
and brake system. It is a good idea to inspect
these before and during the trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.
5-50

Heavy pressure or aggressive rubbing with a
cleaning cloth. Use of heavy pressure can damage
the interior and does not improve the effectiveness
of soil removal.
Laundry detergents or dishwashing soaps with
degreasers can leave residue that streaks and
attracts dirt. For liquid cleaners, about 20 drops
per gallon (3.78 L) of water is a good guide.
Use only mild, neutral-pH soaps.
Too much cleaner that saturates the upholstery.
Organic solvents such as naptha, alcohol, etc. that
can damage the vehicle’s interior.
Fabric/Carpet
Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment
frequently to remove dust and loose dirt. A canister
vacuum with a beater bar in the nozzle may only be used
on oor carpet and carpeted oor mats. For any soil,
always try to remove it rst with plain water or club soda.
Before cleaning, gently remove as much of the soil as
possible using one of the following techniques:
For liquids: gently blot the remaining soil with a paper
towel. Allow the soil to absorb into the paper towel
until no more can be removed.
For solid dry soils: remove as much as possible and
then vacuum.To clean:
1. Saturate a lint-free, clean white cloth with water or
club soda.
2. Wring the cloth to remove excess moisture.
3. Start on the outside edge of the soil and gently rub
toward the center. Continue cleaning, using a clean
area of the cloth each time it becomes soiled.
4. Continue to gently rub the soiled area until the
cleaning cloth remains clean.
5. If the soil is not completely removed, use a mild
soap solution and repeat the cleaning process
that was used with plain water.
If any of the soil remains, a commercial fabric cleaner or
spot lifter may be necessary. When a commercial
upholstery cleaner or spot lifter is to be used, test a
small hidden area for colorfastness rst. If the locally
cleaned area gives any impression that a ring formation
may result, clean the entire surface.
After the cleaning process has been completed, a paper
towel can be used to blot excess moisture from the
fabric or carpet.
6-95

Underhood Fuse Block
The underhood fuse block is located in the engine
compartment, on the driver side of the vehicle.
To access the fuse/relay block, push in on the tabs on
the end of the fuse/relay block cover and lift.
Notice:Spilling liquid on any electrical components
on the vehicle may damage it. Always keep the
covers on any electrical component.
To remove fuses, hold the end of the fuse between your
thumb and index nger and pull straight out.
Fuses Usage
1 Right Trailer Stop/Turn Lamp
2Electronic Stability Suspension
Control, Automatic Level Control
Exhaust
3 Left Trailer Stop/Turn Lamp
4 Engine Controls
5Engine Control Module, Throttle
Control
6-107

A
Accessories and Modications............................ 6-3
Accessory Power Outlets.................................3-20
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle.......................................................1-67
Additives, Fuel................................................. 6-7
Add-On Electrical Equipment...........................6-103
Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal..................2-34
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................6-19
Air Conditioning..............................................3-22
Airbag
Passenger Status Indicator...........................3-31
Readiness Light..........................................3-30
Airbag System................................................1-53
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle...................................................1-67
How Does an Airbag Restrain?......................1-59
Passenger Sensing System...........................1-61
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle..........1-67
What Makes an Airbag Inate?......................1-59
What Will You See After an Airbag Inates?....1-60
When Should an Airbag Inate?....................1-58
Where Are the Airbags?...............................1-56
All-Wheel Drive...............................................6-45
All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) System........................... 5-9
Analog Clock..................................................3-22
Antenna, Fixed Mast.......................................3-90
Antenna, XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna
System......................................................3-90Antilock Brake System (ABS)............................. 5-5
Antilock Brake, System Warning Light................3-34
Appearance Care
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels.............6-100
Care of Safety Belts....................................6-97
Chemical Paint Spotting..............................6-101
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses....................6-98
Fabric/Carpet..............................................6-95
Finish Care.................................................6-98
Finish Damage..........................................6-101
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic
Surfaces.................................................6-96
Interior Cleaning..........................................6-94
Leather......................................................6-96
Sheet Metal Damage..................................6-101
Speaker Covers..........................................6-96
Tires........................................................6-100
Underbody Maintenance.............................6-101
Washing Your Vehicle...................................6-97
Weatherstrips..............................................6-97
Windshield and Wiper Blades........................6-99
Wood Panels..............................................6-96
Appointments, Scheduling Service....................... 8-9
Ashtray.........................................................3-21
Audio System.........................................3-66, 4-57
Audio Steering Wheel Controls......................3-88
Fixed Mast Antenna.....................................3-90
Radio Reception..........................................3-89
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)................................3-85
1

I
Ignition Positions.............................................2-31
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-34
Ination - Tire Pressure...................................6-60
Instrument Panel
Brightness..................................................3-18
Cluster.......................................................3-28
Overview..................................................... 3-4
Storage Area..............................................2-66
J
Jump Starting.................................................6-40
K
Keyless Entry System....................................... 2-4
Keys............................................................... 2-3
L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall.....................................6-55
Lamp
Malfunction Indicator....................................3-36
Lamps
Dome ........................................................3-19
Dome Lamp Override...................................3-19
Exterior Cargo.............................................3-18
Reading.....................................................3-19
Lap-Shoulder Belt...........................................1-26LATCH System for Child Restraints...................1-41
Level Control..................................................5-39
License Plate Lamps.......................................6-52
Light
Airbag Readiness........................................3-30
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning............3-34
Brake System Warning.................................3-33
Charging System.........................................3-32
Cruise Control.............................................3-40
Fog Lamp ..................................................3-40
Highbeam On.............................................3-40
Lights On Reminder.....................................3-40
Oil Pressure...............................................3-39
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator..................3-31
Safety Belt Reminders..................................3-29
Security.....................................................3-39
StabiliTrak
®Indicator....................................3-34
Tire Pressure..............................................3-35
Tow/Haul Mode...........................................3-41
Lighting
Entry/Exit...................................................3-19
Lights
Exterior Lamps............................................3-13
Flash-to-Pass............................................... 3-8
High/Low Beam Changer................................ 3-7
On Reminder..............................................3-16
Loading Your Vehicle.......................................5-31
Locking Rear Axle............................................ 5-9
Lockout Protection..........................................2-11
7