2005 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV check engine light

ENGINE OVERHEATED
If the engine cooling system reaches unsafe
temperatures for operation, this message will appear in
the DIC and you will hear a chime. Stop and turn off
the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so to avoid severe
damage. This message will clear when the engine
has cooled to a safe operating temperature.
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the engine is
overheating, severe engine damage may occur. If
an overheat warning appears on the instrument
panel cluster and/or DIC, stop the vehicle as soon
as possible. Do not increase the engine speed above
normal idling speed. SeeEngine Overheating on
page 5-26for more information.
FUEL LEVEL LOW
If the fuel level is low, this message will appear on the
DIC and you will hear a chime. Refuel as soon as
possible. Pressing any of the four DIC buttons, if
equipped, will clear the message from the DIC display.
If your vehicle is not equipped with the four DIC
buttons, pressing the trip odometer reset stem will clear
the message from the DIC display. It will also clear
itself after 10 seconds until the next ignition cycle. The
low fuel light near the fuel gage will still remain on
in either case. SeeLow Fuel Warning Light on
page 3-49,Fuel Gage on page 3-48andFuel on
page 5-5.
KEYFOB X BATTERY LOW
If a remote keyless entry transmitter battery is low, this
message will appear on the DIC. The battery needs
to be replaced in the transmitter. See “Battery
Replacement” underRemote Keyless Entry System
Operation on page 2-5. Pressing any of the four
DIC buttons, if equipped, will clear the message from
the DIC display. If your vehicle is not equipped with the
four DIC buttons, pressing the trip odometer reset
stem will clear the message from the DIC display.
LEFT REAR DOOR AJAR
If the driver’s side rear door is not fully closed and the
vehicle is in a drive gear, this message will appear
on the display and you will hear a chime. Stop and turn
off the vehicle, check the door for obstacles, and
close the door again. Check to see if the message still
appears on the DIC. Pressing any of the four DIC
buttons, if equipped, will clear the message from the
DIC display. If your vehicle is not equipped with
the four DIC buttons, pressing the trip odometer reset
stem will clear the message from the DIC display.
3-57

REDUCED ENGINE POWER
This message is displayed and you will hear a chime
when the cooling system temperature gets too hot and
the engine further enters the engine coolant protection
mode. SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-26for further
information.
You may also see this message when the vehicle
determines a problem with the electronic throttle control.
See your GM dealer for service.
REPLACE LIFTGATE FUSE
This message will be displayed if the liftgate lock
malfunctions and/or the liftgate fuse blows. For more
information on fuses, seeFuses and Circuit Breakers on
page 5-107. If the message returns after replacing the
fuse, see your GM dealer for service.
RIGHT REAR DOOR AJAR
If the passenger’s side rear door is not fully closed and
the vehicle is in a drive gear, this message will
appear on the display and you will hear a chime. Stop
and turn off the vehicle, check the door for obstacles,
and close the door again. Check to see if the message
still appears on the DIC. Pressing any of the four DIC
buttons, if equipped, will clear the message from the DIC
display. If your vehicle is not equipped with the
four DIC buttons, pressing the trip odometer reset stem
will clear the message from the DIC display.
SERVICE 4WD (4–Wheel Drive)
If you have all-wheel-drive and a problem occurs with
the all-wheel-drive system, this message will appear on
the DIC. If this message appears, stop as soon as
possible and turn off the vehicle. Restart the vehicle and
check for the message on the DIC display. If the
message is still displayed or appears again when you
begin driving, the four-wheel-drive system needs
service. See your GM dealer. Pressing any of the
four DIC buttons, if equipped, will clear the message
from the DIC display. If your vehicle is not equipped with
the four DIC buttons, pressing the trip odometer reset
stem will clear the message from the DIC display.
SERVICE AIR BAG
If there is a problem with the airbag system, this
message will be displayed on the DIC. Have your
GM dealer inspect the system for problems. SeeAirbag
Readiness Light on page 3-34andAirbag System on
page 1-70. Pressing any of the four DIC buttons, if
equipped, will clear the message from the DIC display.
If your vehicle is not equipped with the four DIC
buttons, pressing the trip odometer reset stem will clear
the message from the DIC display.
3-59

SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM
If a problem occurs with the brake system, this message
will appear on the DIC. If this message appears, stop
as soon as possible and turn off the vehicle. Restart the
vehicle and check for the message on the DIC display.
If the message is still displayed or appears again
when you begin driving, the brake system needs service.
See your GM dealer. Pressing any of the four DIC
buttons, if equipped, will clear the message from the
DIC display. If your vehicle is not equipped with
the four DIC buttons, pressing the trip odometer reset
stem will clear the message from the DIC display.
SERVICE CHARGING SYSTEM
On some vehicles, if there is a problem with the battery
charging system, this message will appear on the
DIC. Under certain conditions, the charging system light
may also turn on in the instrument panel cluster. See
Charging System Light on page 3-37. The battery
will not be charging at an optimal rate and the vehicle
will lose the ability to enter the fuel economy mode. The
vehicle is safe to drive, however you should have the
electrical system checked by your GM dealer. Pressing
any of the four DIC buttons, if equipped, will clear
the message from the DIC display. If your vehicle is not
equipped with the four DIC buttons, pressing the trip
odometer reset stem will clear the message from
the DIC display.
SERVICE RIDE CONTROL
If a problem occurs with the suspension system, this
message will appear on the DIC. If this message
appears, stop and turn off the vehicle. Restart the
vehicle and check for the message on the DIC display.
If the message is still displayed or appears again
when you begin driving, the suspension system needs
service. See your GM dealer. Pressing any of the
four DIC buttons, if equipped, will clear the message
from the DIC display. If your vehicle is not equipped with
the four DIC buttons, pressing the trip odometer reset
stem will clear the message from the DIC display.
SERVICE STABILITY
If you ever see the SERVICE STABILITY message, it
means there may be a problem with your StabiliTrak®
system. If you see this message try to reset the system.
Stop; turn off the engine; then start the engine again.
If the SERVICE STABILITY message still comes
on, it means there is a problem. You should see your
GM dealer for service. The vehicle is safe to drive,
however, you do not have the benet of StabiliTrak
®,so
reduce your speed and drive accordingly.
For more information on the StabiliTrak
®system, see
StabiliTrak®System on page 4-8.
3-60

SERVICE TIRE MONITOR
This message will be displayed if any of the tire monitor
sensors have malfunctioned, if the tire monitor sensors
have not been programmed or if the recommended
tire pressures are not programmed. See your GM dealer
for service. Pressing any of the four DIC buttons, if
equipped, will clear the message from the DIC display.
If your vehicle is not equipped with the four DIC
buttons, pressing the trip odometer reset stem will clear
the message from the DIC display.
STABILITY SYS (System) ACTIVE
You may see the STABILITY SYS ACTIVE message on
the DIC. It means that an advanced computer-controlled
system has come on to help your vehicle continue to
go in the direction in which you are steering.
For more information on the StabiliTrak
®system, see
StabiliTrak®System on page 4-8.
STABILITY SYS (System) DISABLED
The STABILITY SYS DISABLED message will turn on
when you press the StabiliTrak®button, or when
the stability control has been automatically disabled.
There are four conditions that can cause this message
to appear.
One condition is overheating, which could occur if
StabiliTrak®activates continuously for an extended
period of time.
The message will also be displayed if the brake
system warning light is on. SeeBrake System
Warning Light on page 3-38.
The message could be displayed if the stability
system takes longer than usual to complete its
diagnostic checks due to driving conditions.
Also, if an engine or vehicle related problem has
been detected, and the vehicle needs service,
the message will appear. See your GM dealer.
The message will turn off as soon as the conditions that
caused the message to be displayed are no longer
present.
For more information on the StabiliTrak
®system, see
StabiliTrak®System on page 4-8.
3-61

TIGHTEN FUEL CAP
If the vehicle’s fuel cap is not tightened properly this
message may appear along with the check engine light
on the instrument panel. SeeMalfunction Indicator
Lamp on page 3-43. Reinstall the fuel cap, making sure
to fully install the cap. SeeFilling the Tank on
page 5-8. The diagnostic system can determine if the
fuel cap has been left off or improperly installed. A loose
or missing fuel cap will allow fuel to evaporate into
the atmosphere. A few driving trips with the cap properly
installed should turn the light and message off.
TRACTION ACTIVE
When the traction control system has detected that any
of the vehicle’s wheels are slipping, the traction
control system will activate and this message will appear
on the DIC. For more information on traction control
and the StabiliTrak
®system, seeStabiliTrak®System on
page 4-8.
TRACTION SYS (System) LIMITED
If the brake traction control system activates constantly
or if the brakes have heated up due to high-speed
braking, brake traction control will be disabled and the
TRACTION SYS LIMITED message will be displayed.
For more information on the StabiliTrak
®system
and traction control, seeStabiliTrak®System on
page 4-8.
TRANS (Transmission) HOT IDLE
ENGINE
If the transmission uid gets hot, this message will
appear on the DIC along with a continuous chime.
Driving with the transmission uid temperature high can
cause damage to the vehicle. Stop the vehicle and
let it idle to allow the transmission to cool. This message
will clear and the chime will stop when the uid
temperature reaches a safe level.
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the
transmission uid is overheating and the
transmission temperature warning is displayed on
the instrument panel cluster and/or DIC, you
can damage the transmission. This could lead to
costly repairs that would not be covered by
your warranty. Do not drive your vehicle with
overheated transmission uid or while transmission
temperature warning is displayed.
TRANSMISSION HOT
If the transmission uid temperature becomes high, this
message will appear on the DIC display.
When the transmission enters the protection mode, you
may notice a change in the transmission shifting
patterns. When the transmission uid temperature
returns to normal, the display will turn off and the
transmission shifting patterns will return to normal.
3-62

Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive
in spurts — heavy acceleration followed by heavy
braking — rather than keeping pace with traffic. This is
a mistake. Your brakes may not have time to cool
between hard stops. Your brakes will wear out much
faster if you do a lot of heavy braking. If you keep pace
with the traffic and allow realistic following distances,
you will eliminate a lot of unnecessary braking.
That means better braking and longer brake life.
If your engine ever stops while you are driving, brake
normally but do not pump your brakes. If you do,
the pedal may get harder to push down. If your engine
stops, you will still have some power brake assist.
But you will use it when you brake. Once the power
assist is used up, it may take longer to stop and
the brake pedal will be harder to push.Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes. ABS is an advanced
electronic braking system that will help prevent a
braking skid.
When you start your engine and begin to drive away,
your anti-lock brake system will check itself. You
may hear a momentary motor or clicking noise while
this test is going on. This is normal.
If there is a problem with
the anti-lock brake system,
this warning light will
stay on. SeeAnti-Lock
Brake System Warning
Light on page 3-39.
Along with ABS, your vehicle has a Dynamic Rear
Proportioning (DRP) system. If there is a DRP problem,
both the brake and ABS warning lights will come on
accompanied by a 10-second chime. The lights
and chime will come on each time the ignition is turned
on until the problem is repaired. See your dealer for
service.
4-6

{CAUTION:
Snow can trap exhaust gases under your
vehicle. This can cause deadly CO (carbon
monoxide) gas to get inside. CO could
overcome you and kill you. You cannot see it
or smell it, so you might not know it is in your
vehicle. Clear away snow from around the
base of your vehicle, especially any that is
blocking your exhaust pipe. And check around
again from time to time to be sure snow does
not collect there.
Open a window just a little on the side of the
vehicle that is away from the wind. This will
help keep CO out.Run your engine only as long as you must. This saves
fuel. When you run the engine, make it go a little
faster than just idle. That is, push the accelerator
slightly. This uses less fuel for the heat that you get and
it keeps the battery charged. You will need a
well-charged battery to restart the vehicle, and possibly
for signaling later on with your headlamps. Let the
heater run for a while.
Then, shut the engine off and close the window almost
all the way to preserve the heat. Start the engine
again and repeat this only when you feel really
uncomfortable from the cold. But do it as little as
possible. Preserve the fuel as long as you can. To help
keep warm, you can get out of the vehicle and do
some fairly vigorous exercises every half hour or so until
help comes.
4-41

Service............................................................5-3
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside of
Your Vehicle..............................................5-5
Fuel................................................................5-5
Gasoline Octane............................................5-5
Gasoline Specications....................................5-6
California Fuel...............................................5-6
Additives.......................................................5-7
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-8
Filling the Tank..............................................5-8
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................5-10
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-10
Hood Release..............................................5-11
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-12
Engine Oil...................................................5-13
Engine Oil Life System..................................5-16
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-18
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................5-21
Engine Coolant.............................................5-23
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap..................5-26
Engine Overheating.......................................5-26
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode........................................5-28
Cooling System............................................5-28
Engine Fan Noise.........................................5-33Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-33
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-34
Brakes........................................................5-36
Battery........................................................5-39
Jump Starting...............................................5-40
All-Wheel Drive..............................................5-45
Rear Axle.......................................................5-45
Front Axle......................................................5-46
Headlamp Aiming...........................................5-48
Headlamp Horizontal Aiming...........................5-49
Headlamp Vertical Aiming..............................5-50
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-51
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting............5-51
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-52
Headlamps..................................................5-52
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and Daytime
Running Lamps.........................................5-56
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker, Stoplamps
and Back-up Lamps...................................5-57
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-58
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-58
Tires..............................................................5-59
Tire Sidewall Labelling...................................5-60
Tire Terminology and Denitions.....................5-63
Ination - Tire Pressure.................................5-65
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1