service CADILLAC ESCALADE HYBRID 2012 User Guide

Black plate (12,1)Cadillac Escalade Hybrid - 2012
9-12 Driving and Operating 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.
If 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 .

Black plate (17,1)Cadillac Escalade Hybrid - 2012
Driving and Operating 9-17Vehicle Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR*
2WD 6.0L V8 3.08 2 631 kg (5,800 lbs) 5 443 kg (12,000 lbs)
4WD 6.0L 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 - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-1
Vehicle Care Vehicle Checks Doing Your Own
Service Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-2
Engine Compartment
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4
Automatic Transmission
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5
Drive Motor/Generator Control
Module (DMCM) Coolant
Surge Tank
Pressure Cap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-8
Drive Motor/Generator Control
Module (DMCM) Cooling
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-8
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . 10-12 Electrical System High Voltage Devices and
Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-13
Fuses and Circuit
Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-13
Engine Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-14
Wheels and Tires Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-16
Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-17
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-20
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . 10-20
Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . 10-22
Storing the Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . 10-29 Jump Starting Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-29
Towing Recreational Vehicle
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-33
Appearance Care Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-37

Black plate (2,1)Cadillac Escalade Hybrid - 2012
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. Metric and
English 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 (8,1)Cadillac Escalade Hybrid - 2012
10-8 Vehicle Care
5. Safe operating level is within the
HOT cross hatch band on the
dipstick. If the fluid level is not
within the HOT band, and the
transmission temperature is
between 60°C and 75°C
(140°F and 167°F), add or
drain fluid as necessary to bring
the level into the HOT band.
If the fluid level is low, add only
enough fluid to bring the level
into the HOT band. It does not
take much fluid, generally less
than 0.5 Liter (1 Pint). Do not
overfill.
6. If the fluid level is in the
acceptable range, push the
dipstick back in all the way. Consistency 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

Black plate (10,1)Cadillac Escalade Hybrid - 2012
10-10 Vehicle Care How 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.
{ WARNING
Steam 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.
(Continued) WARNING (Continued) 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.
{ WARNING
You 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.
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

Black plate (11,1)Cadillac Escalade Hybrid - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-11surge 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.
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.
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.

Black plate (13,1)Cadillac Escalade Hybrid - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-13When to Change Lubricant
See “ Scheduled Maintenance ” in the
owner manual to determine how
often to change the lubricant.
What to Use
Refer to the Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 11 ‑ 2 to
determine what kind of lubricant
to use.
Electrical System High Voltage Devices and
Wiring
{ WARNINGExposure to high voltage can
cause shock, burns, and even
death. The high voltage
components in the vehicle can
only be serviced by technicians
with special training.
High voltage components are
identified by labels. Do not
remove, open, take apart,
or modify these components.
High voltage cable or wiring has
orange covering. Do not probe,
tamper with, cut, or modify high
voltage cable or wiring. Fuses and Circuit
Breakers The wiring circuits in the vehicle
are protected from short circuits
by a combination of fuses, circuit
breakers and fusible thermal links.
This greatly reduces the chance of
fires caused by electrical problems.
Be sure you replace a bad fuse with
a new one of the identical size and
rating.
If you ever have a problem on the
road and do not have a spare fuse,
you can borrow one that has the
same amperage. Just pick some
feature of the vehicle that you can
get along without, like the radio or
cigarette lighter, and use its fuse,
if it is the correct amperage.
Replace it as soon as you can.

Black plate (14,1)Cadillac Escalade Hybrid - 2012
10-14 Vehicle Care The vehicle also has a special fuse
in the battery box for the 300-volt
batteries. If this fuse has failed and
needs to be replaced, the vehicle
will be disabled and you will need
to have the vehicle repaired by
your dealer. Do not attempt to
self-service this fuse.
Engine Compartment
Fuse Block Hybrid Auxiliary Engine
Compartment Fuse Block The hybrid auxiliary engine
compartment fuse block is located
in the engine compartment near the
front of the vehicle. Lift the cover for
access to the fuse/relay block. See
Engine Compartment Overview on
page 10 ‑ 4 for more information on
its location. For more information on
the main underhood fuse block, see
“ Engine Compartment Fuse Block ”
in the owner manual. Fuses Usage
1 ACPO (SUV Only)
2 BECM FAN
3 ACCM
4 CAB HTR PMP Fuses Usage
5 EMPTY
6 COOL PUMP
7 EPS

Black plate (18,1)Cadillac Escalade Hybrid - 2012
10-18 Vehicle Care The TPMS can warn about a
low tire pressure condition but
it does not replace normal tire
maintenance. See “ Tire Inspection, ”
“ Tire Rotation ” and “ Tires ” in the
owner manual for more information.
Notice: Tire sealant materials are
not all the same. A non-approved
tire sealant could damage the
TPMS sensors. TPMS sensor
damage caused by using an
incorrect tire sealant is not
covered by the vehicle
warranty. Always use only
the GM-approved tire sealant
available through your dealer or
included in the vehicle.
Factory-installed Tire Inflator Kits
use a GM approved liquid tire
sealant. Using non-approved tire
sealants could damage the TPMS
sensors. See Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit on page 10 ‑ 22 for
information regarding the inflator kit
materials and instructions. TPMS Malfunction Light and
Message The TPMS will not function properly
if one or more of the TPMS sensors
are missing or inoperable. When the
system detects a malfunction, the
low tire warning light flashes for
about one minute and then stays on
for the remainder of the ignition
cycle. A DIC warning message also
displays. The malfunction light and
DIC warning message come on at
each ignition cycle until the problem
is corrected. Some of the conditions
that can cause these to come
on are: .
The TPMS sensor matching
process was not done or
not completed successfully
after rotating the tires. The
malfunction light and the DIC
message should go off after
successfully completing the
sensor matching process. See
"TPMS Sensor Matching
Process" later in this section. .
One or more TPMS sensors
are missing or damaged. The
malfunction light and the DIC
message should go off when the
TPMS sensors are installed and
the sensor matching process is
performed successfully. See
your dealer for service. .
Replacement tires or wheels do
not match the original equipment
tires or wheels. Tires and wheels
other than those recommended
could prevent the TPMS from
functioning properly. See
“ Buying New Tires ” in the owner
manual. .
Operating electronic devices or
being near facilities using radio
wave frequencies similar to the
TPMS could cause the TPMS
sensors to malfunction.
If the TPMS is not functioning
properly, it cannot detect or signal a
low tire condition. See your dealer
for service if the TPMS malfunction
light and DIC message comes on
and stays on.