towing CADILLAC ESCALADE EXT 2009 3.G Owner's Guide

Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
If an overheated engine condition exists and the
ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED message is displayed,
an overheat protection mode which alternates ring
groups of cylinders helps prevent engine damage. In this
mode, you will notice a loss in power and engine
performance. This operating mode allows the vehicle to
be driven to a safe place in an emergency. Driving
extended miles (km) and/or towing a trailer in the
overheat protection mode should be avoided.
Notice:After driving in the overheated engine
protection operating mode, to avoid engine damage,
allow the engine to cool before attempting any
repair. The engine oil will be severely degraded.
Repair the cause of coolant loss, change the oil and
reset the oil life system. SeeEngine Oil on
page 6-15.
Engine Fan Noise
The vehicle has electric cooling fans. You might hear
the fans spinning at low speed during most everyday
driving. The fans can turn off if no cooling is required.
Under heavy vehicle loading, trailer towing, and/or
high outside temperatures, or if you are operating the
air conditioning system, the fans can change to
high speed and you might hear an increase in fan noise.
This is normal and indicates that the cooling system
is functioning properly. The fans change to low speed
when additional cooling is no longer required.
Power Steering Fluid
SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 6-14for
reservoir location.
6-33

(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 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)Inspect wiper blades for wear, cracking, or
contamination. Clean the windshield and wiper blades, if
contaminated. Replace wiper blades that are worn or
damaged. See Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement on
page 6-53 and Windshield and Wiper Blades on
page 6-99 for more information.
(e)Make sure the safety belt reminder light and safety
belt assemblies 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 see Checking
the Restraint Systems on page 1-69.(f)Lubricate all key lock cylinders, 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. More frequent lubrication may be required
when exposed to a corrosive environment. Applying
silicone grease on weatherstrips with a clean cloth will
make them last longer, seal better, and not stick or
squeak.
(g)Inspect system. Check all fuel and vapor lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, routing, and condition. Check
that the purge valve works properly, if equipped.
Replace as needed.
(h)Change automatic transmission uid and lter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these
conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police, or delivery
service.
7-8

(i)Drain, ush, and rell cooling system. This service
can be complex; you should have your dealer/retailer
perform this service. See Engine Coolant on page 6-26
for what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator,
condenser, pressure cap, and ller neck. Pressure test
the cooling system and pressure cap.
(j)A uid loss in any vehicle system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired and
the uid level checked. Add uid if needed.
(k)If driving regularly under dusty conditions, inspect
the lter at each engine oil change.
(l)Visually inspect belt for fraying, excessive cracks, or
obvious damage. Replace belt if necessary.
(m)Check vent hose at transfer case for kinks and
proper installation. Check to be sure vent hose is
unobstructed, clear, and free of debris. During any
maintenance, if a power washer is used to clean mud
and dirt from the underbody, care should be taken to not
directly spray the transfer case output seals. High
pressure water can overcome the seals and contaminate
the transfer case uid. Contaminated uid will decrease
the life of the transfer case and should be replaced.
(n)Severe Service: Change transfer case uid if
the vehicle is mainly used for trailer towing or driven in
city traffic, wet environment, or high ambient
temperatures.Owner Checks and Services
These owner checks and services should be performed
at the intervals specied to help ensure vehicle
safety, dependability, and emission control performance.
Your dealer/retailer can assist with these checks and
services.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any uids or lubricants are added to the
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 7-13.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important to perform these underhood checks at
each fuel ll.
Engine Oil Level Check
Notice:It is important to check the engine oil
regularly and keep it at the proper level. Failure to
keep the engine oil at the proper level can cause
damage to the engine not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. SeeEngine Oil on page 6-15.
7-9

Flat Tire Change:Service is provided to change a
at tire with spare tire. The spare tire, if equipped,
must be in good condition and properly inated.
It is your responsibility for the repair or replacement
of the tire if it is not covered by the warranty.
Battery Jump Start:Service is provided to jump
start a dead battery.
Trip Routing Service:Detailed maps of North
America are provided when requested either
with the most direct route or the most scenic route.
Additional travel information is also available.
Allow three weeks for delivery.
Trip Interruption Benets and Assistance:If your
trip is interrupted due to a warranty failure, incidental
expenses may be reimbursed during the
5 year/100,000 miles (160 000 km) Powertrain
warranty period. Items considered are hotel, meals,
and rental car.
Cadillac Technician Roadside Service
(U.S. only)
Cadillac’s exceptional Roadside Service is more than an
auto club or towing service. It provides every Cadillac
owner in the United States with the advantage of
contacting a Cadillac advisor and, where available, a
Cadillac trained dealer technician who can provide
on-site service.A dealer technician will travel to your location within a
30 mile radius of a participating Cadillac dealership.
If beyond this radius, we will arrange to have your car
towed to the nearest Cadillac dealership. Each
technician travels with a specially equipped service
vehicle complete with the necessary Cadillac parts and
tools required to handle most roadside repairs.
Services Not Included in Roadside
Assistance
Impound towing caused by violation of any laws.
Legal nes.
Mounting, dismounting or changing of snow tires,
chains, or other traction devices.
Towing or services for vehicles driven on a
non-public road or highway.
Services Specic to Canadian
Purchased Vehicles
Fuel delivery:Reimbursement is approximately
$5 Canadian. Diesel fuel delivery may be
restricted. Propane and other fuels are not provided
through this service.
Lock-Out Service:Vehicle registration is required.
Trip Routing Service:Limit of six requests
per year.
8-8

Insuring Your Vehicle
Protect your investment in your GM vehicle with
comprehensive and collision insurance coverage. There
are signicant differences in the quality of coverage
afforded by various insurance policy terms. Many
insurance policies provide reduced protection to your
GM vehicle by limiting compensation for damage repairs
by using aftermarket collision parts. Some insurance
companies will not specify aftermarket collision
parts. When purchasing insurance, we recommend that
you assure your vehicle will be repaired with GM
original equipment collision parts. If such insurance
coverage is not available from your current insurance
carrier, consider switching to another insurance carrier.
If your vehicle is leased, the leasing company may
require you to have insurance that assures repairs with
Genuine GM Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)
parts or Genuine Manufacturer replacement parts. Read
your lease carefully, as you may be charged at the
end of your lease for poor quality repairs.
If a Crash Occurs
Here is what to do if you are involved in a crash.
Try to relax and then check to make sure you are
all right. If you are uninjured, make sure that no
one else in your vehicle, or the other vehicle,
is injured.
If there has been an injury, call emergency services
for help. Do not leave the scene of a crash until all
matters have been taken care of. Move your
vehicle only if its position puts you in danger or you
are instructed to move it by a police officer.
Give only the necessary and requested information
to police and other parties involved in the crash.
Do not discuss your personal condition, mental
frame of mind, or anything unrelated to the crash.
This will help guard against post-crash legal action.
If you need roadside assistance, call GM Roadside
Assistance. SeeRoadside Service on page 8-7for
more information.
If your vehicle cannot be driven, know where the
towing service will be taking it. Get a card from
the tow truck operator or write down the driver’s
name, the service’s name, and the phone number.
8-12

Power Assist Steps.........................................2-22
Privacy..........................................................8-16
Event Data Recorders..................................8-16
Navigation System.......................................8-17
OnStar .......................................................8-17
Radio Frequency Identication.......................8-17
Problems with Route Guidance.........................4-55
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.................2-10
R
Radio............................................................4-57
Radio Frequency Identication (RFID), Privacy....8-17
Radios
Rear Seat Audio..........................................3-85
Reception...................................................3-89
Theft-Deterrent............................................3-87
Rainsense™ II Wipers....................................... 3-8
Reading Lamps..............................................3-19
Rear Axle......................................................6-46
Locking........................................................ 5-9
Rear Door Security Locks................................2-10
Rear Seat Armrest..........................................2-67
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)....................................3-85
Rear Seat Entertainment System.......................3-77
Rear Seat Operation.......................................1-10
Rear Vision Camera........................................2-52
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming..................2-47
Rearview Mirrors.............................................2-47Reclining Seatbacks, Power............................... 1-8
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.................7-13
Recovery Hooks.............................................5-30
Recreational Vehicle Towing.............................5-37
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System.................. 2-4
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System,
Operation..................................................... 2-4
Remote Vehicle Start........................................ 2-7
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire..................................................6-82
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...................6-78
Replacement Bulbs.........................................6-53
Replacement Parts, Maintenance......................7-15
Reporting Safety Defects
Canadian Government..................................8-14
General Motors...........................................8-15
United States Government............................8-14
Restraint System Check
Checking the Restraint Systems....................1-69
Replacing Restraint System Parts After
a Crash..................................................1-70
Retained Accessory Power...............................
2-32
Road Sensing Suspension................................. 5-9
Roadside
Service........................................................ 8-7
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out....................5-29
Routing, Engine Drive Belt...............................7-16
Running the Vehicle While Parked.....................2-46
10

Tow/Haul Mode Light.......................................3-41
Towing
Recreational Vehicle.....................................5-37
Towing a Trailer..........................................5-40
Your Vehicle...............................................5-37
Traction
Magnetic Ride Control................................... 5-9
Road Sensing Suspension.............................. 5-9
StabiliTrak
®System....................................... 5-6
Trailer
Recommendations.......................................5-52
Transmission
Fluid, Automatic...........................................6-21
Transmission Operation, Automatic....................2-36
Trip Odometer................................................3-29
Truck-Camper Loading Information....................5-37
Turn and Lane-Change Signals.......................... 3-7
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever........................... 3-6
U
Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA)...............2-50
Uniform Tire Quality Grading............................6-72
Universal Home Remote System.......................2-59
Operation...................................................2-60
V
Vehicle
Control........................................................ 5-3
Loading......................................................5-31
Running While Parked..................................2-46
Symbols......................................................... v
Vehicle Customization, DIC..............................3-56
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy..................8-16
Vehicle Identication
Number (VIN)............................................6-102
Service Parts Identication Label..................6-102
Vehicle Positioning..........................................4-54
Vehicle, Remote Start....................................... 2-7
Ventilation Adjustment......................................3-26
Visors...........................................................2-26
Voice Recognition...........................................4-78
W
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators...............3-27
Warnings
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-48
Hazard Warning Flashers............................... 3-5
Safety and Symbols......................................... iv
13