1993 CADILLAC ELDORADO trailer

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 RUNNING YOUR ENGINE ?KHILE YOU’RE
PARKED
It’s better not to park with the engine running. But if you ever have to,
here are some things to know.
ling the engine with the air system control off could allow
dangerous exhaust into your vehicle (see the earlier Caution
under “Engine Exhaust”).
~
Also, idling in a dosed-in place can let deadly carbon monoxide
(CO) intkpur vehicle even if the fan switch is at the highest
setting. One place this
can happen is a garage. Exhaust -- with
CO -- can come in easily. NEVER park in a garage with the
engine running.
Another closed-in place can be a blizzard. (See C6Blizzard” in the
Index.)
It
can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if-the shin lever i
not fully in ccP” (Park) with the parking brake firmly set. Your
vehicle
can roll. Don’t leave your vehicle when the engine is
running unless
you have to. If you’ve left the engine running,
the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be iqjun ,,
To be sure your vehicle won’t move, even when you’re on fairly
level ground, always set your parking brake after
you move the
shift lever to “P’, (Park). ’
Follow the proper steps to be sure your vehicle won’t move. See
“Shifting Into ‘P’ (Park)” in the Index.
If you are parking on a hill, or if you’re pulling a trailer, also see
“Parking on Hills”
or 4T~~ a lhiler” in the Index.
I
92

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 The trailer tongue (A) should weigh 10% of the total loaded trailer
weight
(B). After you’ve loaded your trailer, weigh the trailer and
then the tongue, separately, to see
if the weights are proper. If they
aren’t, you may be able to get them right simply
by moving some
items around in the trailer.
3. Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires
Be sure your vehicle’s tires are inflated to the limit for cold tires.
You’ll find these numbers on the Certification label at the rear edge\

of the driver’s door (or see Index under “Tire Loading”). Then be
sure you don’t go over the
GVW limit for your vehicle.
Hitches
It’s important to have the correct hitch equipment. Crosswinds, large
trucks going by, and rough roads are a
few reasons why you’ll need the
right hitch. Here are some rules to follow:
0 Will you have to make any holes in the body of your vehicle when you
install a trailer hitch? If you do, then be sure to seal the holes later
when
you remove the hitch. If you don’t seal them, deadly carbon
monoxide
(CO) from your exhaust can get into your vehicle (see
Index under “Carbon Monoxide”). Dirt and water can, too.
The bumpers on your vehicle are not intended for hitches. Do not
attach rental hitches or other bumper-type hitches to them.
213

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.
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