service CADILLAC ESCALADE HYBRID 2011 User Guide

Black plate (12,1)Cadillac Escalade Hybrid - 2011
9-12 Driving and Operating You can choose among five driving
settings:
Indicator lights in the switches show
you which setting you are in. The
indicator lights will come on briefly
when you turn on the ignition and
the last chosen setting will stay on.
If the lights do not come on, you
should take the vehicle to your
dealer for service. An indicator light
will flash while shifting. It will stay on
when the shift is completed. If for
some reason the transfer case
cannot make a requested shift, it will
return to the last chosen setting.
2
m (Two-Wheel Drive High): This
setting is used for driving in most
street and highway situations. The
front axle is not engaged in
two-wheel drive. This setting also
provides the best fuel economy.
AUTO (Automatic Four-Wheel
Drive): This setting is ideal for use
when road surface traction
conditions are variable. When
driving your vehicle in AUTO, the
front axle is engaged, but the vehicle's power is primarily sent to
the rear wheels. When the vehicle's
software determines a need for
more traction, the system will
transfer more power to the front
wheels. Driving in this mode results
in slightly lower fuel economy than
Two-Wheel Drive High.
4
m (Four-Wheel Drive High): Use
the four-wheel high position when
you need extra traction, such as on
snowy or icy roads or in most
off-road situations. This setting also
engages the front axle to help drive
the vehicle. This is the best setting
to use when plowing snow.
4
n (Four-Wheel Drive Low) : This
setting also engages the front axle
and delivers extra torque. You may
never need this setting. It sends
maximum power to all four wheels.
You might choose Four-Wheel Drive
Low if you are driving off-road in
deep sand, deep mud, deep snow,
and while climbing or descending
steep hills. The vehicle has StabiliTrak. Shifting
into Four-Wheel-Drive Low will turn
Traction Control and StabiliTrak off.
See “ StabiliTrak System ” in the
owner manual.
{ WARNINGShifting the transfer case to
N (Neutral) can cause the vehicle
to roll even if the transmission is
in P (Park). You or someone else
could be seriously injured. Be
sure to set the parking brake
before placing the transfer case in
N (Neutral). See “ Parking Brake ”
in the owner manual for more
information.
N (Neutral): Shift the vehicle's
transfer case to N (Neutral) only
when towing the vehicle. See
“ Recreational Vehicle Towing ” or
“ Towing Your Vehicle ” in the owner
manual.

Black plate (13,1)Cadillac Escalade Hybrid - 2011
Driving and Operating 9-13If the SERVICE 4 WHEEL DRIVE
message stays on, you should take
the vehicle to your dealer for
service. See Transmission
Messages on page 5 ‑ 7 .
Shifting Into Four-Wheel Drive
High or AUTO (Automatic
Four-Wheel Drive)
Turn the knob to the Four-Wheel
High or AUTO position. This can be
done at any speed, except when
shifting from Four-Wheel Drive Low.
The indicator light will flash while
shifting. It will remain on when the
shift is completed.
Shifting Into Two-Wheel
Drive High
Turn the knob to the Two-Wheel
High position. This can be done at
any speed, except when shifting
from Four-Wheel Drive Low.
See “ Shifting Out of Four-Wheel
Drive Low ” in this section for more
information. Shifting Into Four-Wheel
Drive Low
When Four-Wheel Low is engaged,
vehicle speed should be kept below
64 km/h (40 mph). Extended
high-speed operation in 4L may
damage or shorten the life of the
drivetrain.
To shift to the Four-Wheel Drive
Low position, the ignition must be in
ON/RUN and the vehicle must be
stopped or moving less than 5 km/h
(3 mph) with the transmission in
N (Neutral). The preferred method
for shifting into Four-Wheel Drive
Low is to have the vehicle moving
1.6 to 3.2 km/h (1 to 2 mph). Turn
the knob to the Four-Wheel Drive
Low position. You must wait for the
Four-Wheel Drive Low indicator light
to stop flashing and remain on
before shifting the transmission
into gear. Notice: Shifting the transmission
into gear before the Four-Wheel
Drive Low indicator light has
stopped flashing could damage
the transfer case. To help avoid
damaging the vehicle, always wait
for the Four-Wheel Drive Low
indicator light to stop flashing
before shifting the transmission
into gear.
The vehicle may have significant
engagement noise and bump when
shifting between Four-Wheel Drive
Low and Four-Wheel Drive High
ranges or from N (Neutral) while the
engine is running.
If the knob is turned to the
Four-Wheel Drive Low position
when the vehicle is in gear and/or
moving, the Four-Wheel Drive Low
indicator light will flash for
30 seconds and not complete the
shift unless the vehicle is moving
less than 5 km/h (3 mph) and the
transmission is in N (Neutral). After
30 seconds the transfer case will
shift to Four-Wheel Drive
High mode.

Black plate (17,1)Cadillac Escalade Hybrid - 2011
Driving and Operating 9-17Use the following charts to determine how much the vehicle can weigh, based upon the vehicle model and options.
Vehicle Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR*
2WD 6.0 L V8 3.08 2 631 kg (5,800 lbs) 5 443 kg (12,000 lbs)
4WD 6.0 L V8 3.08 2 540 kg (5,600 lbs) 5 443 kg (12,000 lbs)
*The Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) is the total allowable weight of the completely loaded vehicle and
trailer including any passengers, cargo, equipment and conversions. The GCWR for the vehicle should not be
exceeded.
Towing Equipment Trailer Brakes If a trailer is being towed that has
trailer brakes and the trailer brakes
are manually applied while driving
slower than 40 km/h (25 mph), the
vehicle may go into auto stop mode
even if the brakes are not being
pressed. Using the trailer brake
system manually can make the
hybrid vehicle perform as if the
brake pedal in the vehicle is being
pressed. The trailer brake operation
check will still work. If the trailer
brakes are manually applied for an
extended period of time, the SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM
message comes on in the Driver
Information Center. The message
goes off after the trailer brakes have
been released. No other action is
necessary. For more information,
see “ Towing Equipment ” in the
owner manual.

Black plate (1,1)Cadillac Escalade Hybrid - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-1
Vehicle Care Vehicle Checks Doing Your Own
Service Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-2
Engine Compartment
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4
Automatic Transmission
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-6
Drive Motor/Generator Control
Module (DMCM) Coolant
Surge Tank
Pressure Cap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-9
Drive Motor/Generator Control
Module (DMCM) Cooling
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-9
Power Steering Fluid . . . . . . . 10-13
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-13
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . 10-14
Electrical System High Voltage Devices and
Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-15
Fuses and Circuit
Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-15
Engine Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-15 Wheels and Tires Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-17
Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-18
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-22
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . 10-23
Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . 10-24
Storing the Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . 10-31
Jump Starting Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-31
Towing Recreational Vehicle
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-36
Appearance Care Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-40

Black plate (2,1)Cadillac Escalade Hybrid - 2011
10-2 Vehicle Care
Vehicle Checks Doing Your Own
Service Work
{ WARNINGNever try to do your own service
on hybrid components. You can
be injured and the vehicle can be
damaged if you try to do your own
service work. Service and repair
of these hybrid components
should only be performed by a
trained service technician with the
proper knowledge and tools. { WARNINGYou can be injured and the
vehicle could be damaged if you
try to do service work on a vehicle
without knowing enough about it. .
Be sure you have sufficient
knowledge, experience, the
proper replacement parts,
and tools before attempting
any vehicle
maintenance task. .
Be sure to use the proper
nuts, bolts, and other
fasteners. English and metric
fasteners can be easily
confused. If the wrong
fasteners are used, parts can
later break or fall off. You
could be hurt. If doing some of your own service
work, use the proper service
manual. It tells you much more
about how to service the vehicle
than this manual can. To order the
proper service manual, see “ Service
Publications Ordering Information ”
in the owner manual.
This vehicle has an airbag system.
Before attempting to do your own
service work, see “ Airbag System
Check ” in the owner manual.
Keep a record with all parts receipts
and list the mileage and the date of
any service work performed. See
“ Maintenance Records ” in the owner
manual.

Black plate (6,1)Cadillac Escalade Hybrid - 2011
10-6 Vehicle Care
Automatic Transmission
Fluid When to Check and Change
Automatic Transmission Fluid It is usually not necessary to check
the transmission fluid level. The
only reason for fluid loss is a
transmission leak or overheating the
transmission. If a small leak is
suspected, then use the following
checking procedures to check the
fluid level. However, if there is a
large leak, then it may be necessary
to have the vehicle towed to a
dealer service department and have
it repaired before driving the vehicle
further.
Notice: Use of the incorrect
automatic transmission fluid may
damage the vehicle, and the
damages may not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Always use
the automatic transmission fluid
listed in Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 11 ‑ 2 . Change the fluid and filter at the
scheduled maintenance intervals
listed in Scheduled Maintenance.
Be sure to use the transmission fluid
listed in Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11 ‑ 2 .
How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid Notice: Too much or too
little fluid can damage the
transmission. Too much can
mean that some of the fluid could
come out and fall on hot engine
parts or exhaust system parts,
starting a fire. Too little fluid
could cause the transmission to
overheat. Be sure to get an
accurate reading if checking the
transmission fluid.
Before checking the fluid level,
prepare the vehicle as follows:
1. Start the engine and park the
vehicle on a level surface. Keep
the engine running.
2. Apply the parking brake and
place the shift lever in P (Park). 3. With your foot on the brake
pedal, move the shift lever
through each gear range,
pausing for about three seconds
in each range. Then, move the
shift lever back to P (Park).
4. Allow the engine to idle
(500 – 800 RPM) for at least
one minute. Slowly release the
brake pedal.
5. Keep the engine running and
press the Trip/Fuel button or trip
odometer reset stem until
TRANS TEMP (Transmission
Temperature) displays on the
Driver Information Center (DIC).
6. Using the TRANS TEMP
reading, determine and perform
the appropriate check
procedure. If the TRANS TEMP
reading is not within the required
temperature ranges, allow the
vehicle to cool, or operate the
vehicle until the appropriate
transmission fluid temperature is
reached.

Black plate (9,1)Cadillac Escalade Hybrid - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-9Consistency of Readings Always check the fluid level at least
twice using the procedure described
previously. Consistency (repeatable
readings) is important to maintaining
proper fluid level. If readings are still
inconsistent, contact your dealer.
Drive Motor/Generator
Control Module (DMCM)
Coolant Surge Tank
Pressure Cap
See Engine Compartment Overview
on page 10 ‑ 4 for more information
on location. The Drive Motor/Generator Control
Module (DMCM) coolant surge tank
pressure cap must be fully installed
on the hybrid coolant surge tank.
Notice: If the pressure cap is not
tightly installed, coolant loss and
possible damage to the Drive
Motor/Generator Control
Module (DMCM) may occur. Be
sure the cap is properly and
tightly secured. Drive Motor/Generator
Control Module (DMCM)
Cooling System In addition to the regular cooling
system, the vehicle also has a
cooling system for the DMCM
system. This system is serviced
differently than the vehicle's main
cooling system. The DMCM cooling
system includes the DMCM coolant
surge tank, DMCM surge tank
pressure cap, DMCM cooling
pumps, hybrid cooling radiator and
the Drive Motor/Generator Control
Module (DMCM). The DMCM
cooling system uses a 50/50
pre-mixed DEX-COOL ®
coolant and
deionized water available at your
dealer. See “ Engine Coolant ” and
“ Cooling System ” in the owner
manual for more information.

Black plate (11,1)Cadillac Escalade Hybrid - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-11How to Add Coolant to the
DMCM Coolant Surge Tank
If no problem has been found yet,
check to see if coolant is visible in
the DMCM coolant surge tank.
If coolant is visible, add pre ‐ mixed
DEX-COOL coolant, available at
your dealer, at the DMCM coolant
surge tank, but be sure the DMCM
cooling system, including the DMCM
coolant surge tank pressure cap, is
cool before you do it. Use the
procedure following. { WARNINGSteam and scalding liquids from a
hot cooling system can blow out
and burn you badly. They are
under pressure, and if you turn
the coolant surge tank pressure
cap — even a little — they can
come out at high speed. Never
turn the cap when the cooling
system, including the coolant
surge tank pressure cap, is hot.
Wait for the cooling system and
coolant surge tank pressure cap
to cool if you ever have to turn
the pressure cap.
Notice: Using coolant other than
a pre ‐ mixed DEX-COOL, available
at your dealer, may damage your
vehicle. Any repairs would not be
covered by your warranty. Always
use a pre ‐ mixed DEX-COOL
(silicate-free) coolant in your
vehicle. { WARNINGYou can be burned if you spill
coolant on hot engine parts.
Coolant contains ethylene glycol
and it will burn if the engine parts
are hot enough. Do not spill
coolant on a hot engine.
If the DMCM coolant is empty , the
vehicle must be serviced by your
dealer and a special fill procedure
must be followed.
Notice: Attempting to fill the
DMCM cooling surge tank
yourself when the fluid level is
empty can damage your vehicle.
Your vehicle must be serviced.

Black plate (12,1)Cadillac Escalade Hybrid - 2011
10-12 Vehicle Care
1. Park the vehicle on a level
surface and turn the vehicle off.
Remove the DMCM coolant
surge tank pressure cap when
the DMCM cooling system,
including the DMCM coolant
surge tank pressure cap and
DMCM cooling hoses, are no
longer hot. Turn the DMCM
coolant surge tank pressure cap
slowly counterclockwise (left)
about one full turn. Wait
30 seconds. 2. Then keep turning the DMCM
coolant surge tank pressure cap
slowly, and remove it.
3. Add the pre ‐ mixed DEX ‐ COOL,
available at your dealer, to the
DMCM coolant surge tank until
the level reaches the FULL
COLD mark. 4. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN
without starting the engine. The
hybrid cooling pumps will run
and any trapped air will purge to
the surge tank.
5. Add the pre ‐ mixed DEX ‐ COOL,
available at your dealer, until the
coolant level is maintained at the
FULL COLD mark. This should
take no longer than two minutes
of hybrid cooling pump
operation.
If the level cannot be kept at the
FULL COLD level, the vehicle
may need service. See your
dealer.

Black plate (13,1)Cadillac Escalade Hybrid - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-13
6. Then replace the DMCM coolant
surge tank pressure cap. Be
sure the pressure cap is
hand-tight and fully seated.
Notice: Using tap water, cooling
system sealers or conditioners in
an attempt to stop coolant leaks
can damage the DMCM and
engine cooling systems. Never
use tap water, cooling system
sealers or conditioners in your
cooling system.
Power Steering Fluid The vehicle has electric power
steering and does not use power
steering fluid. Battery This vehicle has a standard 12 ‐ volt
battery and a high voltage hybrid
battery.
Refer to the replacement number on
the original battery label when a
new standard 12 ‐ volt battery is
needed.
Only a trained service technician
with the proper knowledge and tools
should inspect, test, or replace the
hybrid battery. See your dealer if the
hybrid battery needs service. The
dealer has information on how to
recycle the hybrid battery . There is
also information available at
http://www.recyclemybattery.com. If an airbag inflates or the vehicle
has been in a crash, the vehicle's
sensing system might command the
automatic hybrid battery disconnect
to open. See Replacing Airbag
System Parts After a Crash on
page 3 ‑ 1 for more information.
{ DANGERBattery posts, terminals, and
related accessories contain lead
and lead compounds, chemicals
known to the State of California to
cause cancer and reproductive
harm. Wash hands after handling.