2004 CADILLAC ESCALADE EXT Midgate

Lowering the Midgate with the Rear Glass
in the Storage Pocket
This procedure works the same as the procedure
described previously (with the rear glass installed), but
when 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 as you lower it. Rear Glass Stored in Glass Storage Pocket
Midgate Lowered with Crossbar Attached
2-22

Raising the Midgate
To return the midgate to its normal position, raise the
midgate up with a ®rm swinging motion (this will help to
ensure that the midgate closes with enough force to
engage the latches) until it latches into place securely.
If the rear glass is removed and you would like to
put it back, do so using the instructions given previously.
Tailgate
Use the ignition/door key to unlock/lock the tailgate.
Open the tailgate by lifting up on its handle while pulling
the tailgate toward you.
To shut the tailgate, ®rmly push it upward until it
latches. Push and pull on the tailgate to be sure it is
latched securely.
2-23

Push the panel forward until it is snug against the
midgate and then let the back of the panel down
being sure that the pegs align with the receivers.3. Push both left latches away from you to lock the
latches (remember that there are two latches on
each side for panel 1). You should hear a click when
each latch locks correctly. Lock the remaining
two right latches on panel 1.
For any cargo cover panel you must lock the left
latch in place before you can lock the right latch.
If you do not follow this exactly, the cargo cover
panels may not lock in place correctly. Left Side Shown, Right Side Similar
2-63

Cargo Tie Downs
There are cargo tie downs in the rear cargo area that
you can use to strap cargo in. The tie downs are
also used to secure the cargo cover panel storage bag.
For more information see ªCargo Cover Panelsº
earlier in this section.
All-Weather Cargo Area
Your vehicle has the ability to operate in many different
con®gurations (cargo panels on or off, midgate up or
down, rear glass in or out), allowing the cargo and
passenger area to be open to the environment. To allow
the vehicle to operate in these con®gurations, it is
equipped with features to help it resist the elements and
protect cargo inside the cargo area. Parts of the
water management system, which is designed to quickly
direct water out of the cargo box, are the top drain
grates, side rail channels, catch cups, midgate drain,
cargo area ¯oor drains and the rubber cargo mat.
Even when the water management system is working
properly and the cover system is on, there may be some
instances (heavy rains, automated car washes, etc.)
when water may be present in the following areas:
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A. Top drain grates
B. Removable front drain grate (Midgate drain grate)
C. Side rail channels and catch cups
D. Front drains
E. Water drainage area (around both sides of the
cargo box and tailgate side)
F. Rear drains
G. Cargo ¯oor
H. Cargo mat (central area of mat is intended to be dry)
Maintenance and Cleaning
To ensure that the water management system performs
properly, be sure that the midgate, tailgate and cover
system are fully closed and that each element of
the water management system is clean and not blocked
with debris. Follow the instructions given next in this
section for the proper procedures on cleaning each item
of the water management system.
2-67

Midgate Drain Grate Removal and
Cleaning
The midgate drain grate is located near the base of the
midgate in the cargo area. You will ®nd a removable
drain grate covering the drain.
After hauling dirt, wood chips, pebbles etc. you will need
to ¯ush the midgate drain with water. But ®rst you will
have to remove the drain grate by using the following
steps:1. Lower the midgate. See
Midgate on page 2-13for
more information.
2. Pull up on the rear side of the drain grate.
3. Tilt the drain grate away from you and pull it
straight out.
Reverse the procedure to reinstall the drain grate.
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M
Maintenance and Cleaning...............................2-67
Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services........................... 6-6
At Each Fuel Fill........................................... 6-9
At Least Once a Month................................6-10
At Least Once a Year..................................6-10
Introduction.................................................. 6-2
Maintenance Footnotes.................................. 6-8
Maintenance Record....................................6-16
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts.........6-15
Owner Checks and Services........................... 6-9
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.............6-13
Scheduled Maintenance................................. 6-4
Using Your................................................... 6-3
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2
Maintenance When Trailer Towing.....................4-64
Making Turns.................................................4-62
Malfunction Indicator Light................................3-44
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle............... 2-6
Memory Seat.................................................2-73Message
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-60
Mexico, Central America and Caribbean Islands/
Countries (Except Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin
Islands) ± Customer Assistance....................... 7-4
Midgate.........................................................2-13
Midgate Drain Grate Removal and Cleaning.......2-70
Midgate Operation...........................................2-14
Mirrors
Automatic Dimming Rearview with OnStar
ž,
Compass and Temperature Display.............2-43
Outside Automatic Dimming Mirror with Curb
View Assist.............................................2-47
Outside Convex Mirror.................................2-46
Outside Heated Mirrors................................2-47
Outside Power Mirrors..................................2-45
MyGMLink.com................................................ 7-3
N
Navigation/Radio System..................................3-82
New Vehicle Break-In......................................2-29
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts............6-15
10