2004 CADILLAC ESCALADE towing

{CAUTION:
Operating the engine with the air cleaner/lter
off can cause you or others to be burned. The
air cleaner not only cleans the air, it helps to
stop ame if the engine backres. If it is not
there and the engine backres, you could
be burned. Do not drive with it off, and be
careful working on the engine with the air
cleaner/lter off.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
When to Check and Change
A good time to check your automatic transmission uid
level is when the engine oil is changed.
Change both the uid and lter 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 90°F (32°C) 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 uid and lter every
100,000 miles (166 000 km).
SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 6-5.
5-21

Engine Overheating
You will nd a coolant temperature gage on your
vehicle’s instrument panel cluster. SeeEngine Coolant
Temperature Gage on page 3-43. In addition, you
will nd an ENGINE COOLANT HOT, ENGINE
OVERHEATED and a REDUCED ENGINE POWER
message in the DIC on the instrument panel. SeeDriver
Information Center (DIC) on page 3-50.
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
If an overheated engine condition exists and the
REDUCED ENGINE POWER message is displayed, an
overheat protection mode which alternates ring
groups of cylinders helps prevent engine damage. In
this mode, you will notice a loss in power and engine
performance. This operating mode allows your vehicle to
be driven to a safe place in an emergency. Driving
extended miles (km) and/or towing a trailer in the
overheat protection mode should be avoided.
Notice:After driving in the overheated engine
protection operating mode, to avoid engine damage,
allow the engine to cool before attempting any
repair. The engine oil will be severely degraded.
Repair the cause of coolant loss and change the oil.
SeeEngine Oil on page 5-14.
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
5-28

{CAUTION:
Steam from an overheated engine can burn
you badly, even if you just open the hood. Stay
away from the engine if you see or hear steam
coming from it. Just turn it off and get
everyone away from the vehicle until it cools
down. Wait until there is no sign of steam or
coolant before you open the hood.
If you keep driving when your engine is
overheated, the liquids in it can catch re. You
or others could be badly burned. Stop your
engine if it overheats, and get out of the
vehicle until the engine is cool.
See “Overheated Engine Protection Operating
Mode” underEngine Overheating on page 5-28
for information on driving to a safe place in an
emergency.Notice:If your engine catches re because you
keep driving with no coolant, your vehicle can
be badly damaged. The costly repairs would not be
covered by your warranty. See “Overheated
Engine Protection Operating Mode” underEngine
Overheating on page 5-28for information on driving
to a safe place in an emergency.
If No Steam Is Coming From Your
Engine
An overheat warning, along with a low coolant condition,
can indicate a serious problem.
If you get an engine overheat, but see or hear no
steam, the problem may not be too serious. Sometimes
the engine can get a little too hot when you:
Climb a long hill on a hot day.
Stop after high-speed driving.
Idle for long periods in traffic.
Tow a trailer. See “Driving on Grades” under
Towing a Trailer on page 4-57.
5-29

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

(c)Visually inspect hoses and have them replaced if they
are cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
ttings and clamps; replace with genuine GM parts as
needed. To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test
of the cooling system and pressure cap and cleaning the
outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser is
recommended at least once a year.
(d)Visually inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking.
Replace blade inserts that appear worn or damaged
or that streak or miss areas of the windshield.
(e)Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your
belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages
are working properly. Look for any other loose or
damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything
that might keep a safety belt system from doing its
job, have it repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts
replaced. Also look for any opened or broken air bag
coverings, and have them repaired or replaced. (The air
bag system does not need regular maintenance.)
(f)Lubricate all key lock cylinders, hood latch assembly,
secondary latch, pivots, spring anchor, release pawl, rear
compartment hinges, outer tailgate handle pivot points,
latch bolt, fuel door hinge and folding seat hardware.
More frequent lubrication may be required when exposed
to a corrosive environment. Applying silicone grease on
weatherstrips with a clean cloth will make them last
longer, seal better and not stick or squeak.(g)Inspect 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.
(h)Change automatic transmission uid and lter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these
conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery
service.
(i)Drain, ush and rell cooling system. See Engine
Coolant on page 5-24for what to use. Inspect hoses.
Clean radiator, condenser, pressure cap and ller neck.
Pressure test the cooling system and pressure cap.
(j)A uid loss in any vehicle system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired and
the uid level checked. Add uid if needed.
6-9

GM Mobility Program for Persons
with Disabilities
This program, available to
qualied applicants, can
reimburse you up to $1,000
toward eligible aftermarket
driver or passenger
adaptive equipment that
may be required for your
vehicle, such as hand
controls, wheelchair/
scooter lifts, etc.).
This program can also provide you with free resource
information, such as area driver assessment centers and
mobility equipment installers. The offer is available for
a limited period of time from the date of vehicle
purchase/lease. For more details, or to determine your
vehicle’s eligibility, see your GM dealer or call the
GM Mobility Assistance Center at 1-800-323-9935. Text
telephone (TTY) users, call 1-800-833-9935.
GM of Canada also has a Mobility Program. Call
1-800-GM-DRIVE (463-7483) for details. All TTY users
call 1-800-263-3830.
Roadside Service
Cadillac’s exceptional Roadside Service is more than an
auto club or towing service. It provides every Cadillac
owner with the advantage of contacting a Cadillac
advisor and, where available, a Cadillac trained dealer
technician who can provide on-site service.
Each technician travels with a specially equipped
service vehicle complete with the necessary Cadillac
parts and tools required to handle most roadside repairs.
Cadillac Roadside Service
®can be reached by dialing
1-800-882-1112, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This
service is provided at no charge for any warranty-covered
situation and for a nominal charge if the Cadillac is no
longer under warranty. Roadside Service is available only
in the United States and Canada.
7-6

Cadillac Owner Privileges™
Roadside Service provides several Cadillac Owner
Privileges™ at “no charge,” throughout yourCadillac
Warranty Period – 48 months/50,000 miles (80 000 km).
Emergency Road Service is performed on site for the
following situations:
Towing Service
Battery Jump Starting
Lock Out Assistance
Fuel Delivery
Flat Tire Change (Covers change only)
Trip Interruption – If your trip is interrupted due to
a warranty failure, incidental expenses may be
reimbursed during the 48 months/50,000 miles
(80 000 km) warranty period. Items covered
are hotel, meals and rental car.
Roadside Service Availability
Wherever you drive in the United States or Canada, an
advisor is available to assist you over the phone. A dealer
technician, if available, can travel to your location within
a 30 mile (50 km) radius of a participating Cadillac
dealership. If beyond this radius, we will arrange to have
your car towed to the nearest Cadillac dealership.
Reaching Roadside Service
Dial the toll-free Roadside Service number:
1-800-882-1112. An experienced Roadside Service
Advisor will assist you and request the following
information:
A description of the problem
Name, home address, home telephone number
Location of your Cadillac and number you are
calling from
The model year, Vehicle Identication Number (VIN),
mileage and date of delivery
7-7

D
Daytime Running Lamps..................................3-16
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-2
Defogging and Defrosting.................................3-29
Delayed Locking............................................... 2-9
Dinghy Towing and Dolly Towing.......................4-49
Diversity Antenna System...............................3-106
Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-4
Dome Lamps.................................................3-17
Door
Delayed Locking........................................... 2-9
Locks.......................................................... 2-8
Power Door Locks......................................... 2-9
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.............2-10
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-12
Driver
Position, Safety Belt.....................................1-36
DRIVER DOOR AJAR.....................................3-66
Driver Information Center (DIC).........................3-50
DIC Operation and Displays..........................3-51
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-62
Driving
At Night.....................................................4-32
City...........................................................4-36
Defensive..................................................... 4-2
Drunken....................................................... 4-2
Freeway.....................................................4-37
Hill and Mountain Roads..............................4-40Driving (cont.)
In Rain and on Wet Roads...........................4-33
Winter........................................................4-42
Driving Across an Incline..................................4-28
Driving Downhill..............................................4-26
Driving in Mud, Sand, Snow or Ice....................4-29
Driving in Water..............................................4-30
Driving On Grades..........................................4-65
Driving on Off-Road Hills.................................4-22
Driving on Snow or Ice....................................4-42
Driving Through Deep Standing Water...............4-35
Driving Through Flowing Water.........................4-35
Driving Uphill..................................................4-23
Driving with a Trailer.......................................4-64
DVD
Rear Seat Entertainment System...................3-86
DVD Distortion...............................................3-97
DVD Messages..............................................3-96
DVD Player....................................................3-89
E
Easy Exit Seat...............................................2-50
Rear Window Defogger....................................3-29
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment.....................................5-114
Fuses and Circuit Breakers.........................5-115
Power Windows and Other Power Options.......5-114
5