1999 CADILLAC ESCALADE brakes

6-
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Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
Here you will find information about the care of your vehicle. This section begins with service and fuel information,
and then it shows how to check important fluid and lubricant levels. There is also technical information about your
vehicle, and a part devoted to its appearance care.
6
-2 Service
6
-3 Fuel
6
-5 Fuels in Foreign Countries
6
-5 Filling Your Tank
6
-8 Filling a Portable Fuel Container
6
-8 Checking Things Under the Hood
6
-11 Engine Oil
6
-15 Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
6
-17 Automatic Transmission Fluid
6
-20 Rear Axle
6
-21 Four-Wheel Drive
6
-23 Radiator Pressure Cap
6
-23 Thermostat
6
-24 Engine Coolant
6
-27 Power Steering Fluid
6
-28 Windshield Washer Fluid
6
-29 Brakes6
-33 Battery
6
-33 Bulb Replacement
6
-38 Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
6
-38 Tires
6
-47 Appearance Care
6
-47 Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
6
-49 Care of the Safety Belts
6
-50 Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
6
-54 GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
6
-55 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
6
-55 Service Parts Identification Number Label
6
-56 Electrical System
6
-62 Replacement Bulbs
6
-63 Capacities and Specifications
6
-65 Air Conditioning Refrigerants
6
-65 Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts

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Brakes
Brake Fluid
Your brake master cylinder
reservoir is here. It is filled
with DOT
-3 brake fluid.
There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level in the
reservoir might go down. The first is that the brake fluid
goes down to an acceptable level during normal brake
lining wear. When new linings are put in, the fluid level
goes back up. The other reason is that fluid is leaking out
of the brake system. If it is, you should have your brake
system fixed, since a leak means that sooner or later your
brakes won't work well, or won't work at all.So, it isn't a good idea to ªtop offº your brake fluid.
Adding brake fluid won't correct a leak. If you add fluid
when your linings are worn, then you'll have too much
fluid when you get new brake linings. You should add
(or remove) brake fluid, as necessary, only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic system.
CAUTION:
If you have too much brake fluid, it can spill on
the engine. The fluid will burn if the engine is hot
enough. You or others could be burned, and your
vehicle could be damaged. Add brake fluid only
when work is done on the brake hydraulic system.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to
check your brake fluid. See ªPeriodic Maintenance
Inspectionsº in the Maintenance Schedule booklet.

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Checking Brake Fluid
You can check the brake fluid without taking off the cap.
Just look at the brake fluid reservoir. The fluid level
should be above MIN. If it isn't, have your brake system
checked to see if there is a leak.
After work is done on the brake hydraulic system, make
sure the level is above the MIN but not over the
MAX mark.What to Add
When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT
-3 brake
fluid. Refer to ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº
in the Maintenance Schedule booklet. Use new brake
fluid from a sealed container only.
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and the area
around the cap before removing it. This will help keep
dirt from entering the reservoir.
CAUTION:
With the wrong kind of fluid in your brake
system, your brakes may not work well, or they
may not even work at all. This could cause a
crash. Always use the proper brake fluid.

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NOTICE:

Using the wrong fluid can badly damage
brake system parts. For example, just a few
drops of mineral
-based oil, such as engine
oil, in your brake system can damage brake
system parts so badly that they'll have to be
replaced. Don't let someone put in the
wrong kind of fluid.

If you spill brake fluid on your vehicle's
painted surfaces, the paint finish can be
damaged. Be careful not to spill brake fluid
on your vehicle. If you do, wash it off
immediately. See ªAppearance Careº in
the Index.
Brake Wear
Your vehicle has front disc brakes and rear drum 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).
CAUTION:
The brake wear warning sound means that soon
your brakes won't work well. That could lead to
an accident. When you hear the brake wear
warning sound, have your vehicle serviced.
NOTICE:
Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads
could result in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean something is wrong with
your brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help
prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect
brake pads for wear and evenly torque wheel nuts in the
proper sequence to GM specifications.

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Your rear drum brakes don't have wear indicators, but if
you ever hear a rear brake rubbing noise, have the rear
brake linings inspected immediately. Also, the rear
brake drums should be removed and inspected each time
the tires are removed for rotation or changing. When
you have the front brake pads replaced, have the rear
brakes inspected, too.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
See ªBrake System Inspectionº in the Maintenance
Schedule booklet under Part C ªPeriodic Maintenance
Inspections.º
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return to
normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in pedal
travel. This could be a sign of brake trouble.
Brake Adjustment
Every time you make a brake stop, your disc brakes
adjust for wear.
If your brake pedal goes down farther than normal, your
rear drum brakes may need adjustment. Adjust them by
backing up and firmly applying the brakes a few times.
Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a vehicle is complex. Its many
parts have to be of top quality and work well together if
the vehicle is to have really good braking. Your vehicle
was designed and tested with top
-quality GM brake
parts. When you replace parts of your braking
system
-- for example, when your brake linings wear
down and you have to have new ones put in
-- be sure
you get new approved GM replacement parts. If you
don't, your brakes may no longer work properly. For
example, if someone puts in brake linings that are wrong
for your vehicle, the balance between your front and
rear brakes can change
-- for the worse. The braking
performance you've come to expect can change in many
other ways if someone puts in the wrong replacement
brake parts.
Fluid Leak Check
After the vehicle has been parked for awhile, inspect the
surface under the vehicle for water, oil, fuel or other fluids.
Water dripping from the air conditioning system after it
has been used is normal. If you notice fuel leaks or fumes,
the causes should be found and corrected at once.

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CURRENT PUBLICATIONS FOR 1999 CADILLAC
SERVICE MANUALS
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair information
on engines, transmission, axle, suspension, brakes,
electrical, steering, body, etc.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $90.00
TRANSMISSION, TRANSAXLE, TRANSFER CASE
UNIT REPAIR MANUAL
This manual provides information on unit repair service
procedures, adjustments and specifications for the
1999 GM transmissions, transaxles and transfer cases.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $50.00
SERVICE BULLETINS
Service Bulletins give technical service information needed
to knowledgeably service General Motors cars and trucks.
Each bulletin contains instructions to assist in the
diagnosis and service of your vehicle.OWNER'S INFORMATION
Owner publications are written directly for Owners and
intended to provide basic operational information about
the vehicle.
In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio, Owner's Manual and
Warranty Booklet.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $20.00
Without Portfolio: Owner's Manual only.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $15.00
CURRENT & PAST MODEL ORDER FORMS
Service Publications are available for current and past
model GM vehicles. To request an order form, please
specify year and model name of the vehicle.
PLEASE COMPLETE THE ORDER FORM SHOWN ON
THE FOLLOWING PAGE AND MAIL TO:
Helm, Incorporated
P.O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207OR ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-551-4123
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM ± 6:00 PM Eastern Time
For Credit Card Orders Only (VISA±MasterCard±Discover)
1999 CADILLAC SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ORDERING INFORMATION
The following publications covering the operation and servicing of your vehicle can be purchased by filling out
the Service Publication Order Form in this book and mailing it in with your check, money order,
or credit card information to Helm, Incorporated (address below.)

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Section 8 Index
A
ir Bag 1-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adding Equipment 1-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How Does it Restrain 1-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How it Works 1-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Location 1-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Readiness Light 1-25, 2-73 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Servicing 1-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What Makes it Inflate 1-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What Will You See After it Inflates 1-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When Should it Inflate 1-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Cleaner/Filter 6-15, 6-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Conditioning 3-2, 3-3, 3-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Conditioning Refrigerants 6-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alignment and Balance, Tire 6-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aluminum Wheels, Cleaning 6-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antenna, Fixed 3-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antifreeze 6-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-Lock
Brake System Warning Light 2-75, 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-Theft, Radio 3-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appearance Care 6-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appearance Care and Materials 6-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Arbitration Program 7-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ashtrays 2
-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio Equipment, Adding 3-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio Systems 3-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic Headlamp System 2-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic Transmission
Fluid 6
-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation 2-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overdrive 2-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting 2-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Auxiliary Power Outlets 2-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Axle
Front 6
-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Locking Rear 2-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear 6-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery 6-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump Starting 5-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement, Keyless Entry 2-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rundown Protection 2-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warnings 5-3, 5-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BBB Auto Line 7-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Better Business Bureau Mediation 7-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Blizzard 4-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Brake
Adjustment 6-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid 6-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Master Cylinder 6-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking 2-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pedal Travel 6-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing System Parts 6-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Warning Light 2-74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer 4-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wear 6-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes, Anti-Lock 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Braking 4-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Braking in Emergencies 4-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Break-In, New Vehicle 2-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brightness Control 2-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulb Replacement 6-33, 6-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capacities and Specifications 6-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Carbon Monoxide 2-11, 2-38, 4-39, 4-46, 4-48 . . . . . . . . . .
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player 3-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cargo Security Shade 2-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cargo Tie Downs 2-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cassette Tape Player 3-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cassette Tape Player Care 3-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cassette Tape Player Errors 3-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CD Changer 3-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp Bulb Replacement 6-37 . . . .
Center Passenger Position 1-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Certification/Tire Label 4-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chains, Safety 4
-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chains, Tire 6-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing a Flat Tire 5-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Charging System Warning Light 2-73 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Gages Light 2-81 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking Your Restraint Systems 1-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chemical Paint Spotting 6-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child Restraints 1-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in a Rear Outside Seat Position 1-47 . . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in the Center Seat Position 1-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in the Right Front Seat Position 1-51 . . . . . . . . . .
Top Strap 1-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Where to Put 1-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cigarette Lighter 2-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Circuit Breakers and Fuses 6-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaner/Filter, Air 6-15, 6-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning
Aluminum Wheels 6
-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exterior Lamps/Lenses 6-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fabric 6-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Glass 6-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inside of Your Vehicle 6-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument Panel 6-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior Plastic Components 6-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Leather 6-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outside of Your Vehicle 6-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Speaker Covers 6-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Special Problems 6-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stains 6-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .