1993 CADILLAC ELDORADO towing

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine vel le tan roll, $2-2.~
Don’t I enicle when the engine is runnmg unles
have
to. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle ca
move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be sure
vehicle won’t move, when you’re on
fairly level ground, alw
set your parking brake and move the shift lever to
“P” (Par
See “ snifting Into “P” (Park)” in the Index. 11 you are par
L a hill, or if you’re pulling a trailer, also see“Parking o
or “Towing a Trailer” in the Index.
-*- aq .: : - - . .. .h i-” .. .i T
..
Ensure the shift lever is fully in “P” (Park) range before starting the
engine. Your Cadillac has a brake-transaxle shift interlock. You have to
fully apply your regular brakes before
you can shift from “P” (Park)
when the ignition key is in the “Run” position.
If you cannot shift out of
“P” (Park), ease pressure on the shift lever - push the shift lever all the
way into “P” (Park) and also release the shift lever button on floor shift
console models as you maintain brake application. Then move the shift
lever into the gear you wish. (Press the shift lever button before moving
the shift lever
on floor shift console models.) See “Shifting Out of ‘P’
(Park)” in this part.
R (Reverse)
Use this gear to back up.
81

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine L NOTIW:
3 (Third Gear)
This is like
@ , but you never go into Overdrive.
Here are some times you might choose
“ 3 ” instead of @:
- When driving on hilly, winding roads
- When towing a trailer, so there is less shifting between gears
- When going down a steep hill
2 (Second Gear)
This position gives you more power but lower fuel economy. You can
use
“2” on hills. It can help control your speed as you go down steep
mountain roads, but then you would also want to use your brakes
off
and on.
nlh
83

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine If you are on a hill: See “Parking on Hills” in thc Index. That section
shows how to turn your front wheels.
If vou are towing a trailer and are parking; on anv hill: See “Towing a
Trailer” in the Index. That section shows what to do first to keep the
trailer from moving.
SHIFTING INTO ‘CPn (PARK)
I
A CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the shift lever is
not fully.in “P” (Park) with the parking brake firmly set. Your
vehicle can roll.
If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be sure your vehicle
won’t move, when you’re on fairly level ground, use the
steps
that follow. If you are parking on a hill, or if you’re pulling a
trailer, also see “Parking On Hills” or “Towing a Wailer” in the
Index.
-.
Steering Column Shifl Lever
1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot.
86

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine some warning lights come on briefly when you turn the ignition key just to
let you know they’re working.
If you are familiar with this section, you
should not be alarmed when this happens.
When one
of the warning lights comes on and stays on when you are
driving, check the section that tells you what to do about it. Please follow
the manual’s advice. Waiting to do repairs can be costly
-- and even
dangerous.
So please get to know your warning lights. They’re a big help.
Your vehicle may
also have a driver information system that works along
with the warning lights. See “Driver Information System” in the Index.
Brake System Warning Light
Your Cadillac hydraulic brake system is divided into two parts. If one part
isn’t working, the other part can still work and stop you. For good
braking, though, you need both parts working
well.
If the warning light goes on, there could be a brake problem. Have your
brake system inspected right away.
BRAKE
(0) BRAKE
This light should come
on as you start the
vehicle. If it doesn’t
come
on then, have it
fixed
so it will be ready
to warn you if there’s a
problem.
This light will also come
on when you set your parking brake, and will
stay
on if your parking brake doesn’t release fully. If it stays on after your
parking brake
is fully released, it means you have a brake problem. If the
light comes
on while driving, pull off the road and stop carefully. You may
notice that the pedal is harder
to push. Or, the pedal may go closer to the
floor. It may take longer to stop.
If the light is still on, have the vehicle
towed for service. (See “Towing Your Vehicle” in
the Index.)
124

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine TOWING A TMLER
’ A CAUTION:
If you don’t use the correct equipment and drive properly, you
can lose control when you pull
a trailer. For example, if the
trailer is too heavy, the brakes may not work well
-- or even at
all. You and your passengers could be seriously injured. Pull a
trailer onp7 ;€you have followed all the step? in this section.
NOTJCE
Fulling
I
in costly repairs not covered by your wan lty. To pull a trailer
correctly, follow the advice
in this secti I.
Load-pulling components such as the engine, transaxle, wheel assemblies,
and tires are forced to
work harder against the drag of the added weight.
The engine is required
to operate at relatively higher speeds and under
greater loads, generating extra heat. What’s more, the traile\
r adds
considerably to wind resistance, increasing the pulling requirements.
All of that means changes in:
0 Handling
0 Durability
Fuel economy
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer
If you do, here are some important points.
There are many different laws having to do with trailering. Make sure
your rig will be legal,
not only where you live but also where you’ll be
driving.
A good source for this information can be state or provincial
police.
21 1

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Consider using a sway control.
You can ask a hitch dealer about sway controls.
0 Don’t tow a trailer at all during the first 500 miles (800 km) your new
vehicle is driven. Your engine, axle or other parts could be damaged.
Then, during the first 500 miles (800 km) that you tow a trailer, don’t
drive over 50 mph (80 kmih) and don’t make starts at full throttle.
This helps your engine and other parts
of your vehicle wear in at the
heavier loads.
When towing a trailer, close all windows and set the Electronic
Climate Control System
to “ECON”, “AUTO”, “DEFOG” or
Defroster to assure that the fan is running.
Three important considerations have to do with weight:
1. Weight of the nailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
It should never weigh more than 1,000 pounds (450 kg). But even
that can be too heavy.
It depends on how you plan to use your rig. For example, speed,
altitude, road grades, outside temperature and how much your
vehicle
is used to pull a trailer are all important. And, it can also
depend on any special equipment that you have on your vehicle.
You can ask your dealer for our trailering information or advice, or
you can write
us at Cadillac.
In Canada, write to General Motors of Canada Limited, Customer
Assistance Center,
1908 Colonel Sam Drive, Oshawa, Ontario L1H
8P7.
2. Weight of the Trailer Tongue
When a trailer is connected to your vehicle, the trailer tongue adds
to the weight your vehicle is carrying.
So, remember to subtract the
weight of the trailer tongue from your vehicle’s capacity weight.
212

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Safety Chains
You should always attach chains between your vehicle and your trailer.
Cross the safety chains under the tongue of the trailer
so that the tongue
will not drop to the road
if it becomes separated from the hitch. Follow
the manufacturer’s recommendation for attaching safety chains. \
Always
leave just enough slack
so you can turn with your rig. And, never allow
safety chains
to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
Does your trailer have its own brakes? Be sure to read and follow the
instructions for the trailer brakes
so you’ll be able to install, adjust and
maintain them properly.
Because you have anti-lock brakes, do not try to tap into your vehicle’s
brake system. If you do, both brake systems won’t work well, or at all.
Driving with a Trailer
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience. Before setting
out for the open road, you’ll want
to get to know your rig. Acquaint
yourself with the feel of handling and braking with the added weight
of
the trailer. And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are driving is
now a good deal longer and not nearly so responsive as your vehicle is by
itself.
Before you start, check the trailer hitch and platform, safety chains,
electrical connector, lights, tires and mirror adjustment.
If the trailer has
electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and then apply the
trailer brake controller
by hand to be sure the brakes are working. This
lets you check your electrical connection at the same time.
During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the load is secure,
and that the lights and any trailer brakes are
still working.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as you would when
driving your vehicle without a trailer. This can help
you avoid situations
that require heavy braking and sudden turns.
214

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Passing
You’ll need more passing distance up ahead when you’re towing a trailer.
And, because you’re a good deal longer, you’ll need
to go much farther
beyond the passed vehicle before you can return to your lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand. Then, to move the
trailer to the left, just move that hand to the left.
To move the trailer to
the right, move your hand to
the right. Always back up slowly and, if
possible, have someone guide you.
Making Turns
When you’re turning with a trailer, make wider turns than normal. Do
this so your trailer won’t strike soft shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees, or
other objects. Avoid jerky or sudden maneuvers. Signal well
in advance.
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
When you tow a trailer, your vehicle has to have a different turn signal
flasher and extra wiring. The green arrows on your instrument panel will
flash whenever
you signal a turn or lane change. Properly hooked up, the
trailer lights will also flash, telling other drivers you’re about to turn,
change lanes or stop.
When towing a trailer, the green arrows on your instrument panel will
flash for turns
even if the bulbs on the trailer are burned out. Thus, you
may think drivers behind you are seeing your signal when they are not.
It’s important to check occasionally to be sure the trailer bulbs are still
working.
Driving On Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear before you start down a long or
steep downgrade.
If you don’t shift down, you might have to use your
brakes
so much that they would get hot and no longer work well.
On a long uphill grade, shift down and reduce your speed to around
45
mph (70 km/h) or less to reduce the possibility of engine and transaxle
overheating.
215