1999 CADILLAC ESCALADE automatic transmission fluid

yellowblue
4-51
CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if
the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) 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, even
when you're on fairly level ground, use the steps
that follow.
Always put the shift lever fully in PARK (P) with
the parking brake firmly set.
If the transfer case on four-wheel drive vehicles is
in NEUTRAL, your vehicle will be free to roll,
even if your shift lever is in PARK (P). So, be
sure the transfer case is in a drive gear
-- not
in NEUTRAL.
When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down
while you:

Start your engine;

Shift into a gear; and

Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive 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 booklet
for more on this. Things that are especially important in
trailer operation are automatic transmission fluid (don't
overfill), engine oil, axle lubricant, belt, cooling system
and brake system. 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.

6-
yellowblue
6-1
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

yellowblue
6-10
ªVORTECº 5700 V8 Engine
When you lift up the hood you'll see:
A. Battery
B. Coolant Recovery Tank
C. Radiator Pressure Cap
D. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
E. Air Filter Restriction IndicatorF. Engine Oil Dipstick
G. Automatic Transmission Dipstick
H. Engine Cooling Fan
I. Engine Oil FillJ. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
K. Brake Fluid Reservoir
L. Windshield Washer
Fluid Reservoir
M. Underhood Fuse/Relay Center

yellowblue
6-17
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to
replace the engine air cleaner/filter. See ªOwner Checks
and Servicesº in the Maintenance Schedule booklet.
CAUTION:
Operating the engine with the air cleaner/filter
off can cause you or others to be burned. The air
cleaner not only cleans the air, it stops flame if
the engine backfires. If it isn't there, and the
engine backfires, you could be burned. Don't
drive with it off, and be careful working on the
engine with the air cleaner/filter off.
NOTICE:
If the air cleaner/filter is off, a backfire can cause
a damaging engine fire. And, dirt can easily get
into your engine, which will damage it. Always
have the air cleaner/filter in place when
you're driving.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
When to Check and Change
A good time to check your automatic transmission fluid
level is when the engine oil is changed.
Change both the fluid and filter every 50,000 miles
(83 000 km) if the vehicle is mainly driven under one
or more of these conditions:

In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90F (32C) or higher.

In hilly or mountainous terrain.

When doing frequent trailer towing.

Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, change the fluid and filter every
100,000 miles (166 000 km).
See ªScheduled Maintenance Servicesº in the
Maintenance Schedule booklet.

yellowblue
6-20 How to Add Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule booklet to determine
what kind of transmission fluid to use. See
ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Index.
Add fluid only after checking the transmission fluid
while it is hot. (A cold check is used only as a
reference.) If the fluid level is low, add only enough of
the proper fluid to bring the level up to the HOT area for
a hot check. It doesn't take much fluid, generally less
than one pint (0.5 L). Don't overfill.
NOTICE:
We recommend you use only fluid labeled
DEXRON-III, because fluid with that label is
made especially for your automatic transmission.
Damage caused by fluid other than DEXRON
-III
is not covered by your new vehicle warranty.

After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as
described under ªHow to Check.º

When the correct fluid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in all the way; then flip the handle
down to lock the dipstick in place.
Rear Axle
When to Check and Change Lubricant
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how
often to check the lubricant and when to change it. See
ªScheduled Maintenance Servicesº in the Maintenance
Schedule booklet.
How to Check Lubricant

8-yellowblue
8-1
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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

yellowblue
8-5
Flat Tire, Changing 5-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid Capacities 6-64, 6-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid Leak Check 6-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fog Lamps 2-49, 6-36, 6-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Folding the Rear Seat 1-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign Countries, Fuel 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Four-Wheel Drive 2-29, 6-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Four-Wheel Drive, Automatic Transfer Case 2-29, 6-21 . . . .
Freeway Driving 4-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
French Language Manual ii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front
Axle 6
-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Axle Locking Feature 2-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Park/Turn Signal Bulb Replacement 6-35, 6-62 . . . . . . . . .
Sidemarker Lamp Bulb Replacement 6-35, 6-62 . . . . . . . .
Towing 5-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel 6-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Canada 6-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling a Portable Container 6-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling Your Tank 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gage 2-82 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In Foreign Countries 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Capacity 6-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses and Circuit Breakers 6-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gages
Engine Coolant Temperature 2-76 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil Pressure 2-79 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel 2-82 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Speedometer 2
-71 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tachometer 2-71 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Voltmeter 2-74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GAWR 4-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gear Positions, Automatic Transmission 2-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Glove Box 2-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GM Mobility Program for Persons with Disabilities 7-5 . . . . .
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials 6-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross Axle Weight Rating 4-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 4-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Guide en Fran†ais ii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GVWR 4
-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Halogen Bulbs 6-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hazard Warning Flashers 5-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Head Restraints 1-5, 1-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlamp Delay 2-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlamps 2-47, 6-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulb Replacement 6-34, 6-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High/Low Beam Changer 2-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Reminder 2-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wiring 6-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hearing Impaired, Customer Assistance 7-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heated Front Seats 1-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heated Rear Seats 1-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heating 3-2, 3-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High-Beam Headlamps 2-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Highway Hypnosis 4-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hill and Mountain Roads 4-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hitches, Trailer 4-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

yellowblue
8-8
Power (Continued)
Remote Control Mirror 2-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat 1-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering 4-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering Fluid 6-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windows 2-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Lumbar Adjustment 1-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pregnancy, Use of Safety Belts 1-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Problems on the Road 5-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Protecting Exterior Bright Metal Parts 6-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Publications, Service and Owner 7-11, 7-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator 5-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator Pressure Cap 6-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radio 3-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radio Reception 3-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rain, Driving In 4-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reading Lamps 2-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear
Axle 6
-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door Security Locks 2-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lamp Bulb Replacement 6-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outside Seat Position 1-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety Belt Comfort Guides 1-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat Audio (RSA) 3-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat Passengers 1-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Window Defogger 3-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield Wiper and Washer 2-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Air Conditioning and Heating Systems 3-3 . . . . . . . . . . . Rear Doors 2
-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Towing 5-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rearview Mirror 2-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrochromic with Compass/Temperature
Display/Headlamp Delay 2
-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inside 2-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reclining Front Seatbacks 1-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recovery Hooks 5-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recovery Tank, Coolant 5-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recreational Vehicle Towing 4-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Refrigerants, Air Conditioning 6-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote Compact Disc Player 3-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement
Bulbs 6
-62, 6-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parts 6-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel 6-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel, Used 6-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing Safety Belts 1-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reporting Safety Defects 7-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Restraints
Checking 1
-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child 1-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Head 1-5, 1-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing Parts After a Crash 1-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Retained Accessory Power 2-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reverse, Automatic Transmission 2-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Right Front Passenger Position 1-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Roadside Assistance 7-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rocking Your Vehicle 5-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rotation, Tires 6-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .