2003 CADILLAC ESCALADE EXT transmission

1. Flip the handle up and then pull out the dipstick
and wipe it with a clean rag or paper towel.
2. Push it back in all the way, wait three seconds and
then pull it back out again.
3. Check both sides of the dipstick, and read the lower
level. The ¯uid level must be in the COLD area,
below the cross-hatched area, for a cold check or
in the HOT area or cross-hatched area for a
hot check. Be sure to keep the dipstick pointed
down to get an accurate reading.
4. If the ¯uid level is in the acceptable range, push the
dipstick back in all the way; then ¯ip the handle
down to lock the dipstick in place.How to Add Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of transmission ¯uid to use. SeePart D:
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-17.
Add ¯uid only after checking the transmission ¯uid while
it is hot. (A cold check is used only as a reference.)
If the ¯uid level is low, add only enough of the proper
¯uid to bring the level up to the HOT area for a hot
check. It doesn't take much ¯uid, generally less than
one pint (0.5 L).
Don't over®ll.
Notice:
We recommend you use only ¯uid labeled
DEXRONž-III, because ¯uid with that label is
made especially for your automatic transmission.
Damage caused by ¯uid other than DEXRON
ž-III is
not covered by your new vehicle warranty.
·After adding ¯uid, recheck the ¯uid level as
described under
How to Check.
·When the correct ¯uid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in all the way; then ¯ip the handle
down to lock the dipstick in place.
5-23

5. Then replace the pressure cap. Be sure the
pressure cap is hand-tight and fully seated.
Engine Fan Noise
Your vehicle has a clutched engine cooling fan.
When the clutch is engaged, the fan spins faster to
provide more air to cool the engine. In most everyday
driving conditions, the fan is spinning slower and
the clutch is not fully engaged. This improves fuel
economy and reduces fan noise. Under heavy vehicle
loading, trailer towing and/or high outside temperatures,
the fan speed increases as the clutch more fully
engages. So you may hear an increase in fan noise.
This is normal and should not be mistaken as the
transmission slipping or making extra shifts. It is merely
the cooling system functioning properly. The fan will
slow down when additional cooling is not required and
the clutch disengages.
You may also hear this fan noise when you start the
engine. It will go away as the fan clutch partially
disengages.
5-36

Jump Starting
If your battery has run down, you may want to use
another vehicle and some jumper cables to start your
vehicle. But please use the following steps to do it
safely.
{CAUTION:
Batteries can hurt you. They can be dangerous
because:
·They contain acid that can burn you.
·They contain gas that can explode or ignite.
·They contain enough electricity to burn you.
If you don't follow these steps exactly, some or
all of these things can hurt you.
Notice:Ignoring these steps could result in costly
damage to your vehicle that wouldn't be covered
by your warranty.
Trying to start your vehicle by pushing or pulling it
won't work, and it could damage your vehicle.1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12-volt
battery with a negative ground system.
Notice:If the other system isn't a 12-volt system
with a negative ground, both vehicles can be
damaged.
2. Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper cables
can reach, but be sure the vehicles aren't touching
each other. If they are, it could cause a ground
connection you don't want. You wouldn't be able to
start your vehicle, and the bad grounding could
damage the electrical systems.
To avoid the possibility of the vehicles rolling, set
the parking brake ®rmly on both vehicles involved
in the jump start procedure. Put an automatic
transmission in PARK (P) or a manual transmission
in NEUTRAL before setting the parking brake.
Notice:If you leave your radio on, it could be badly
damaged. The repairs wouldn't be covered by
your warranty.
3. Turn off the ignition on both vehicles. Unplug
unnecessary accessories plugged into the cigarette
lighter or accessory power outlets. Turn off the
radio and all lamps that aren't needed. This will
avoid sparks and help save both batteries.
And it could save your radio!
5-44

Fuses Usage
SUNROOF Sunroof
SEO B2 Off-Road Lamps
4WSVent Solenoid
Canister/Quadrasteer Module
Power
RR HVAC Rear Climate Control
AUX PWRAuxiliary Power
Outlet Ð Console
IGN 1 Ignition Relay
PCM 1 Powertrain Control Module
ETC/ECMElectronic Throttle Control,
Electronic Brake Controller
IGN EInstrument Panel Cluster,
Air Conditioning Relay,
Turn Signal/Hazard Switch,
Starter Relay
RTD Ride Control
TRL B/U Backup Lamps Trailer Wiring
PCM BPowertrain Control Module,
Fuel PumpFuses Usage
F/PMP Fuel Pump (Relay)
B/U LPBack-up Lamps, Automatic
Transmission Shift Lock
Control System
RR DEFOG Rear Window Defogger
HDLP-HI Headlamp High Beam Relay
PRIME Not Used
SIRSupplemental In¯atable
Restraint System
FRT PARKFront Parking Lamps,
Sidemarker Lamps
DRLDaytime Running Lamps
(Relay)
SEO IGN Rear Defog Relay
TBC IGN1 Truck Body Controller Ignition
HI HDLP-LT High Beam Headlamp-Left
LH HIDLeft Hand High Intensity
Discharge Lamps
DRL Daytime Running Lamps
5-108

Fuses Usage
IPC/DICInstrument Panel
Cluster/Driver Information
Center
HVAC/ECAS Climate Control Controller
CIG LTR Cigarette Lighter
HI HDLP-RT High Beam Headlamp-Right
HDLP-LOW Headlamp Low Beam Relay
A/C COMP Air Conditioning Compressor
A/C COMPAir Conditioning Compressor
Relay
RR WPR Rear Wiper/Washer
RADIO Audio System
SEO B1Mid Bussed Electrical Center,
HomeLink, Rear Heated
Seats
LO HDLP-LT Headlamp Low Beam-Left
BTSIBrake Transmission Shift
Interlock System
CRANK Starting SystemFuses Usage
LO HDLP-RT Headlamp Low Beam-Right
FOG LP Fog Lamp Relay
FOG LP Fog Lamps
HORN Horn Relay
W/S WASHWindshield and Rear Window
Washer Pump Relay
W/S WASHWindshield and Rear Window
Washer Pump
INFOOnStar/Rear Seat
Entertainment
RADIO AMP Radio Ampli®er
RH HIDRight Hand High Intensity
Discharge Lamp
HORN Horn Fuse
EAP Electric Adjustable Pedals
TREC All-Wheel Drive Module
SBA Supplemental Brake Assist
5-109

If the system is ever reset accidentally, you must
change your oil at 3,000 miles (5 000 km) since your
last oil change. Remember to reset the oil life system
whenever the oil is changed. See
Engine Oil on
page 5-14for information on resetting the system.
An Emission Control Service.
Lubricate chassis components with each engine oil
and ®lter change.
Lubricate the front suspension, ball joints, steering
linkage, transmission shift linkage and parking brake
cable guides. Ball joints should not be lubricated unless
their temperature is 10ÉF (-12ÉC) or higher, or they
could be damaged.
See the mileage intervals following for additional
services that may be performed with an engine oil
change and chassis lubrication. After the services are
performed, record the date, odometer reading and
who performed the service on the maintenance record
pages in Part E of this schedule.
7,500 Miles (12 500 km)
qCheck rear/front axle ¯uid level and add ¯uid as
needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals
for leaking.
qRotate tires. See
Tire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-68for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
15,000 Miles (25 000 km)
qInspect engine air cleaner ®lter change indicator.
If necessary, replace the ®lter. If vehicle is driven
in dusty/dirty conditions, inspect ®lter change
indicator at every engine oil change. See
Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-19for more information.An Emission Control Service. (See footnote ².)
qCheck rear/front axle ¯uid level and add ¯uid as
needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals
for leaking.
qRotate tires. See
Tire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-68for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
6-6

50,000 Miles (83 000 km)
qChange automatic transmission ¯uid and ®lter if the
vehicle's GVWR is over 8600 lbs or if the vehicle is
mainly driven under one or more of these conditions:
þ In heavy city traffic where the outside
temperature regularly reaches 90ÉF (32ÉC) or
higher.
þ In hilly or mountainous terrain.
þ When doing frequent trailer towing.
þ Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery
service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, change the ¯uid and ®lter at 100,000 miles
(166 000 km).
52,500 Miles (87 500 km)
qCheck rear/front axle ¯uid level and add ¯uid as
needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals
for leaking.
qRotate tires. See
Tire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-68for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
60,000 Miles (100 000 km)
qInspect engine air cleaner ®lter change indicator.
If necessary, replace the ®lter. If vehicle is driven
in dusty/dirty conditions, inspect ®lter change
indicator at every engine oil change. See
Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-19for more information.An Emission Control Service. (See footnote ².)
qCheck rear/front axle ¯uid level and add ¯uid as
needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals
for leaking.
qRotate tires. See
Tire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-68for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
qReplace fuel ®lter.An Emission Control Service.
(See footnote ².)
qInspect Evaporative Control System. Check all fuel
and vapor lines and hoses for proper hook-up,
routing and condition. Check that the purge valve
works properly, if equipped. Replace as needed.
An Emission Control Service. (See footnote ².)
6-8

97,500 Miles (162 500 km)
qCheck rear/front axle ¯uid level and add ¯uid as
needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals
for leaking.
qRotate tires. See
Tire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-68for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
100,000 Miles (166 000 km)
qInspect spark plug wires.An Emission Control
Service.
qReplace spark plugs.An Emission Control Service.
qChange automatic transmission ¯uid and ®lter if
the vehicle's GVWR is over 8600 lbs or if the vehicle
is mainly driven under one or more of these
conditions:
þ In heavy city traffic where the outside
temperature regularly reaches 90ÉF (32ÉC) or
higher.
þ In hilly or mountainous terrain.
þ When doing frequent trailer towing.
þ Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery
service.qIf you haven't used your vehicle under severe service
conditions listed previously and, therefore, haven't
changed your automatic transmission ¯uid, change
both the ¯uid and ®lter.
qInspect Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve.
An Emission Control Service.
150,000 Miles (240 000 km)
qDrain, ¯ush and re®ll cooling system (or every
60 months since last service, whichever occurs ®rst).
See
Engine Coolant on page 5-24for what to use.
Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser, pressure
cap and neck. Pressure test the cooling system
and pressure cap.
An Emission Control Service.
qInspect engine accessory drive belt.An Emission
Control Service.
6-10