2003 CADILLAC ESCALADE air suspension

After Off-Road Driving
Remove any brush or debris that has collected on the
underbody, chassis or under the hood. These
accumulations can be a ®re hazard.
After operation in mud or sand, have the brake linings
cleaned and checked. Theses substances can cause
glazing and uneven braking. Check the body structure,
steering, suspension, wheels, tires and exhaust
system for damage. Also, check the fuel lines and
cooling system for any leakage.
Your vehicle will require more frequent service due to
off-road use. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule
for additional information.
Driving at Night
Night driving is more dangerous than day driving. One
reason is that some drivers are likely to be impaired Ð by
alcohol or drugs, with night vision problems, or by fatigue.
4-32

Automatic Level Control
The automatic level control rear suspension comes as a
part of the Road Sensing Suspension. SeeRoad
Sensing Suspension on page 4-9.
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.
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 vehicle's CWR.
Weigh your vehicle with the 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 4-54.
4-53

It is also important to check your oil regularly and keep
it at the proper level.
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 or change indicator (if
equipped). If necessary, replace the ®lter. If vehicle is
driven in dusty/dirty conditions, inspect ®lter or
change indicator (if equipped) 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

Part C: Periodic
MaintenanceInspections
Listed in this part are inspections and services which
should be performed at least twice a year (for instance,
each spring and fall).
You should let your dealer's
service department do these jobs. Make sure any
necessary repairs are completed at once.
Proper procedures to perform these services may be
found in a service manual. SeeService Publications
Ordering Information on page 7-11.
Steering and Suspension Inspection
Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering
system for damaged, loose or missing parts, signs of
wear or lack of lubrication. Inspect the power steering
lines and hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks,
cracks, cha®ng, etc.
Exhaust System Inspection
Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body
near the exhaust system. Look for broken, damaged,
missing or out-of-position parts as well as open seams,
holes, loose connections or other conditions which
could cause a heat build-up in the ¯oor pan or could let
exhaust fumes into the vehicle. See
Engine Exhaust
on page 2-31.
Fuel System Inspection
Inspect the complete fuel system for damage or leaks.
6-16

Service Publications Ordering
Information
Service Manuals
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair
information on engines, transmission, axle, suspension,
brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $120.00
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer
Case Unit Repair Manual
This manual provides information on unit repair service
procedures, adjustments and speci®cations for 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.
In Canada, information pertaining to Product Service
Bulletins can be obtained by contacting your General
Motors dealer or by calling 1-800-GM-DRIVE
(1-800-463-7483).
7-11

Rear Seat Armrest..........................................2-47
Rear Seat Audio Controls.................................3-97
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)....................................3-97
Rear Seat Entertainment System.......................3-85
Rear Seat Operation......................................... 1-8
Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions.............1-44
Rear Seat Passengers, Safety Belts..................1-44
Rear Storage Area..........................................2-46
Rear Window Defogger....................................3-30
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming with OnStar
ž,
Compass and Temperature Display..................2-33
Reclining Seatbacks.......................................... 1-6
Reclining the Seatbacks...................................1-25
Recreational Vehicle Towing.............................4-50
REDUCED ENGINE POWER...........................3-63
Remote Control..............................................3-88
Remote Keyless Entry System, Operation............ 2-5
Remote Keyless Entry System............................ 2-4
Removing the 50/50 Split Bench Seats..............1-16
Removing the Bench Seat................................1-22
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire..................................................5-80
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...................5-77
REPLACE LIFTGATE FUSE.............................3-67
Replacement Bulbs.........................................5-64
Replacing Brake System Parts..........................5-42
Replacing Restraint System Parts After
a Crash.....................................................1-91
Replacing the 50/50 Split Bench Seat................1-18Replacing the Bench Seat................................1-24
Reporting Safety Defects.................................7-10
Canadian Government..................................7-10
General Motors...........................................7-10
United States Government............................7-10
Reprogramming a Single HomeLink
žButton.......2-44
Resetting Defaults...........................................2-44
Restraint System Check...................................6-12
Checking Your Restraint Systems...................1-90
Replacing Restraint System Parts After
a Crash..................................................1-91
Restraint Systems...........................................1-90
Checking....................................................1-90
Replacing Parts...........................................1-91
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)......................2-21
Returning the Seat to an Upright Position...........1-22
Returning the Seatbacks to an Upright Position......1-27
Returning the Seats to an Upright Position.........1-12
Returning the Seat(s) to an Upright Position.......1-15
Right Front Passenger Position, Safety Belts......1-42
RIGHT REAR DOOR AJAR..............................3-67
Road Sensing Suspension................................. 4-9
Roadside Service Availability.............................. 7-7
Roadside Service for the Hearing or Speech
Impaired...................................................... 7-7
Roadside......................................................... 7-6
Service........................................................ 7-6
Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out...................4-48
Running Your Engine While You Are Parked.......2-32
13

Service (cont.)
Engine Soon Light.......................................3-44
Publications Ordering Information...................7-11
Setting Preset PTYs (RDS Only).......................3-76
Setting Preset Stations....................................3-73
Setting the Time.............................................3-70
Setting the Tone (Bass/Treble)..........................3-74
Sheet Metal Damage.......................................5-99
Shifting Into Park (P).......................................2-28
Shifting Out of Park (P)...................................2-30
Skidding........................................................4-17
Some Other Rainy Weather Tips.......................4-37
Spare Tire Check............................................6-12
Spare Tire.....................................................5-93
Speci®cations, Capacities...............................5-112
Speedometer..................................................3-36
Split Bench Seat (50/50)..................................1-13
Split Bench Seat (60/40)..................................1-10
Stabilitrak
žSystem.........................................4-10
STABILITY SYS ACTIVE..................................3-68
STABILITY SYS DISABLED..............................3-69
STABILITY SYS LIMITED.................................3-68
STABILITY SYS READY..................................3-68
Stalling on an Incline.......................................4-29
Starter Switch Check.......................................6-13
Starting Your Engine.......................................2-21
Steering and Suspension Inspection..................6-16
Steering in Emergencies..................................4-14
Steering Tips..................................................4-13Steering Wheel Controls, Audio.......................3-102
Steering........................................................4-13
Stereo RCA Jacks..........................................3-92
Storage Areas................................................2-45
Center Console Storage Area........................2-45
Convenience Net.........................................2-47
Cupholder(s)...............................................2-44
Glove Box..................................................2-44
Luggage Carrier..........................................2-45
Rear Seat Armrest.......................................2-47
Rear Storage Area.......................................2-46
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire, Jack
and Tools...................................................5-86
Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow......................4-48
Sun Visors.....................................................2-17
Sunroof.........................................................2-49
Supplemental Brake Assist System...................... 4-9
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)...............1-76
Adding Equipment to Your Air Bag-Equipped
Vehicle...................................................1-90
How Does an Air Bag Restrain?....................1-82
Passenger Sensing System...........................1-85
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle.........1-89
What Makes an Air Bag In¯ate?....................1-82
What Will You See After an Air Bag
In¯ates?..................................................1-83
When Should an Air Bag In¯ate?...................1-81
Where Are the Air Bags?..............................1-78
15

T
Tachometer....................................................3-36
Taillamps.......................................................5-63
Temperature and Compass Display....................2-33
Testing the Alarm............................................2-19
Theft-Deterrent, Radio....................................3-101
Theft-Deterrent Systems...................................2-18
Content Theft-Deterrent................................2-18
Passlock
ž...................................................2-19
Third Row ± Lap Belt......................................1-43
Third Row......................................................1-70
Throttle, Adjustable..........................................2-22
TIGHTEN FUEL CAP......................................3-65
Tilt Wheel........................................................ 3-7
Tilting the 50/50 Split Bench Seat.....................1-15
Tilting the Full Bench Seat...............................1-21
Tire In¯ation Check.........................................6-11
Tires.............................................................5-66
Buying New Tires........................................5-70
Chains.......................................................5-74
Changing a Flat Tire....................................5-76
If a Tire Goes Flat.......................................5-75
In¯ation -- Tire Pressure...............................5-67
Inspection and Rotation................................5-68
Spare Tire..................................................5-93
Uniform Tire Quality Grading.........................5-71
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance.................5-72
Wheel Replacement.....................................5-73
When It Is Time for New Tires......................5-69Tires (cont.)
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater....................2-23
Top Strap Anchor Location...............................1-63
Top Strap......................................................1-61
Torque Lock...................................................2-30
Total Weight on Your Vehicle's Tires..................4-59
Tow/Haul Mode Light.......................................3-49
Tow/Haul Mode Selector Button........................2-26
Towing..........................................................4-50
Recreational Vehicle.....................................4-50
Towing a Trailer..........................................4-54
Your Vehicle...............................................4-50
TRACTION ACTIVE........................................3-68
Traction Control Operation................................4-12
TRACTION SYS LIMITED................................3-68
Traction.........................................................3-42
Off Light.....................................................3-42
Road Sensing Suspension.............................. 4-9
Stabilitrak
žSystem......................................4-10
Trailer Brakes.................................................4-59
Trailer Wiring Harness.....................................4-64
Trailer...........................................................4-53
Recommendations.......................................4-53
TRANS HOT IDLE ENGINE.............................3-66
Transfer Case................................................5-50
TRANSMISSION HOT.....................................3-66
Transmission Operation, Automatic....................2-24
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer Case Unit
Repair Manual............................................7-11
16