2003 CADILLAC ESCALADE EXT tow bar

Standing outside of the vehicle, place one hand against
the crossbar so the Midgate does not fall forward
unexpectedly. Turn the Midgate handle clockwise and
pull the Midgate toward you.If you lower the Midgate with the rear glass in the
stored position, you will notice that the entire crossbar
(the bar with the release handle) will lower with the
Midgate. This is completely normal; however, since the
crossbar lowers with the Midgate, it will be heavier.
As you lower the Midgate in this con®guration be ready
for the extra weight and be careful not to let the
Midgate fall out of your hands as you lower it. Rear Glass Stored in Glass Storage Pocket
2-21

Automatic Level Control
The automatic level control rear suspension comes as a
part of the Road Sensing Suspension. SeeRoad
Sensing Suspension on page 4-9for more information.
This type of level control is fully automatic and will
provide a better leveled riding position as well as better
handling under a variety of passenger and loading
conditions. An air compressor connected to the rear
shocks will raise or lower the rear of the vehicle
to maintain proper vehicle height. The system is
activated when the ignition key is turned to RUN and
will automatically adjust vehicle height thereafter.
The system may exhaust (lower vehicle height) for
up to 10 minutes after the ignition key has been turned
to OFF. You may hear the air compressor operating
when the height is being adjusted.
If a weight-distributing hitch is being used, it is
recommended to allow the shocks to in¯ate, thereby
leveling the vehicle prior to adjusting the height.
Truck-Camper Loading Information
Your vehicle was neither designed nor intended to carry
a slide-in type camper.
Notice:Adding a slide-in camper or similar
equipment to your vehicle can damage it, and the
repairs wouldn't be covered by warranty. Don't
install a slide-in camper or similar equipment
on your vehicle.
Trailer Recommendations
You must subtract your hitch loads from the Cargo
Weight Rating (CWR). CWR is the maximum weight of
the load your vehicle can carry. It doesn't include
the weight of the people inside, but you can ®gure about
150 lbs. (68 kg) for each seat. The total cargo load
must not be more than your vehicles CWR.
Weigh your vehicle with your trailer attached, so that
you won't go over the GVWR or GAWR. If you are using
a weight-distributing hitch, weigh the vehicle without
the spring bars in place.
You'll get the best performance if you spread out the
weight of your load the right way, and if you choose the
correct hitch and trailer brakes.
For more information see
Towing a Trailer on page 4-52.
4-51

Weight of the Trailer Tongue
The tongue load (A) of any trailer is an important weight
to measure because it affects the total or gross weight
of your vehicle. The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
includes the curb weight of the vehicle, any cargo you
may carry in it, and the people who will be riding in
the vehicle. And if you will tow a trailer, you must add
the tongue load to the GVW because your vehicle will be
carrying that weight, too. See
Loading Your Vehicle
on page 4-48for more information about your vehicle's
maximum load capacity.If you're using a weight-carrying or a weight-distributing
hitch, the trailer tongue weight (A) should be 10 percent
to 15 percent of the total loaded trailer weight (B).
Do not exceed the maximum allowable tongue weight
for your vehicle.
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.Total Weight on Your Vehicle's Tires
Be sure your vehicle's tires are in¯ated to the upper
limit for cold tires. You'll ®nd these numbers on
the Certi®cation label at the rear edge of the driver's
door or see
Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-48.
Then be sure you don't go over the GVW and rear axle
limits for your vehicle, including the weight of the
trailer tongue.
If you use a weight distributing hitch, make sure you
don't go over the rear axle limit before you apply
the weight distributing sping bars.
4-56

Locks (cont.)
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.............2-10
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-12
Loss of Control...............................................4-17
LOW COOLANT LEVEL..................................3-59
Low Fuel Warning Light...................................3-46
Luggage Carrier..............................................2-53
Lumbar........................................................... 1-3
Power Controls............................................. 1-3
M
Maintenance and Cleaning...............................2-66
Maintenance, Normal Replacement Parts..........5-111
Maintenance Schedule.....................................6-11
At Each Fuel Fill.........................................6-11
At Least Once a Month................................6-11
At Least Once a Year..................................6-12
At Least Twice a Year..................................6-12
Brake System Inspection..............................6-16
Engine Cooling System Inspection.................6-16
Exhaust System Inspection...........................6-15
Fuel System Inspection................................6-16
How This Section is Organized....................... 6-3
Introduction.................................................. 6-2
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2Maintenance Schedule (cont.)
Part A - Scheduled Maintenance Services......... 6-4
Part B - Owner Checks and Services.............6-11
Part C - Periodic Maintenance Inspections......6-15
Part D - Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants...............................................6-17
Part E - Maintenance Record........................6-19
Scheduled Maintenance................................. 6-5
Steering and Suspension Inspection...............6-15
Transfer Case and Front Axle
(All-Wheel Drive) Inspection.......................6-16
Using Your................................................... 6-4
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2
Maintenance When Trailer Towing.....................4-60
Making Turns.................................................4-58
Malfunction Indicator Light................................3-42
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle............... 2-6
Memory Seat.................................................2-72
Message.......................................................3-58
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-58
Mexico, Central America and Caribbean Islands/
Countries (Except Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin
Islands) ± Customer Assistance........................ 7-5
Midgate Drain Grate Removal and Cleaning.......2-69
Midgate Operation...........................................2-13
Midgate.........................................................2-12
10