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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 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 Ilandling and braking with the added weight of
the trailer. And always keep in mind that thc vehicle you are driving is
now a good deal longer and not nearly as responsivs as your vehicle is by
itself.
Before you start, check thc trailer hitch
and platform (and attachments),
safety chains, electrical connector, lamps, tires
and mirror adjustment. If
the trailer has electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and
then apply the trailer brake controlier by hand
to be sure the brakes are
working.
This lets you check your electrical connection at the same time.
During \Tour 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.
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.
Bucking 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, havc someone guide you.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine NOTICE:
Making very sharp turns while trailering coulcl cause the trailer
to come in contact with the vehicle. Your whicle could be
damagecl. Avoid making very sharp turns while trailering.
When towing a trailer? the green arrows on your instrument panel will
flash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailcr are burned out. Th, 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 lowcr gear bcfow VOLI start clown a long or
steep downgrade. If you don't shift down. youkight have to use your
brakes so much that they would get hot and no longer work well.
On a long uphill grade. shift down ;1nd reduce your speed to u-ound
45 mph (70 km/h) or less to reduce the possibility of engine and transaxle
overheating.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Parking on Hills
You really should not park your vehicle, with a trailer attached, on a hill.
If something goes wrong, y&r riq could start to move. People can be
injured, and
both your vel;icle and the trailer can be darnagecl.
L.
But if you ever have to park your rig on a hill, here‘s how to do it:
1. Apply your regular brakes, but do not shift into PARK (P).
2. ILiave sonleone place chocks under the trailer whecls.
Wzen You Are Ready to Leave A@r Parking on n Hill
3
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drivc slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance when Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service more often when you’re pulling a trailer.
See the Maintenance Schedule for more on this. Things that are especially
important
in trailer operation are automatic transaxle fluid (don’t
overfill), engine
oil, belt, cooling system, and brake adjustment. Each of
these is covered in this manual, and the Index will help you find them
quickly.
If you’re trailering, it’s a good idea to review these sections before
you start your trip.
Check periodically
to see that all hitch nuts and bolts are tight.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine BRAKES
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine r
To Check Brake Fjzlid
r-
P
P
r
I.
The fluid level must be to the maximum fill line at the base of the neck as
i;hown.
When your brake fluid fdls to a low level, your brake warning light will
come on. See “Brake System Warning Light” in the Index.
Wzat to Add
When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT-3 brake fluid -- such as
Delco Supreme 1 l@ (GM Part No. 1052535). LJse new brake fluid from a
sealed
container only, and always clean the hake fluid resetvoir cap
before removing it.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine NOTICE:
Don't let someone put in the wrong kind of fluid. For
example? just a few drops
of mineral-based oil, such as
engine
oil, in your brake system can damage brake system
parts
so badIy that they'll have to be replaced.
Brake fluid can damage paint, so be careful not to spill brake
fluid on your vehicle. If you do, wash it off immediately. See
"Appearance Care"
in the Index.
Brake Wear
Your Cadillac has four-tvhecl disc brakes.
Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that make a high-pitched
warning sound when the brake pads are worn and new pads are needed.
The sound may come and go or be heard all the time your vehicle is
moving (except when you are pushing on the brake pedal firmly).
NOTICE:
Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads could result in
costly brake repair.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Brake .Pedal Travel
6rake Adjrrstment
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine BATTERY I
Every new Cadillac has a DcIco Freedom'' battery. You never have to add i
water to one of these. When it's time for a new battery, we recommend a
Delco Freedom". batterv. Get one that has the replacement number
shown on the original bkery's label.
Vehicle Storage
If you're not going to drive your vehicle for 25 davs or more, take off the
black: negative (-) cable from the battery. This wiil help keep your battery
from running down.
Contact your dealer to learn how to prepare your vehicle for longer
storage periods.
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Battery Power Loss
If you lose battery power or the battery is disconnected, vour car's
computer must
be programmed. It takes just over 20 miiutes to do it.
If you want to do it yourself? here's how:
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Make sure the front wheels are straight.
3. Turn off the Electronic Climate Control.