2005 CADILLAC ESCALADE maintenance

Brakes
Brake Fluid
Your brake master cylinder
reservoir is lled with
DOT-3 brake uid. See
Engine Compartment
Overview on page 5-12
for the location of the
reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the brake uid level in
the reservoir might go down. The rst is that the
brake uid goes down to an acceptable level during
normal brake lining wear. When new linings are put in,
the uid level goes back up. The other reason is
that uid is leaking out of the brake system. If it is, you
should have your brake system xed, since a leak
means that sooner or later your brakes will not work
well, or will not work at all.So, it is not a good idea to top off your brake uid.
Adding brake uid will not correct a leak. If you add uid
when your linings are worn, then you will have too
much uid when you get new brake linings. You should
add or remove brake uid, as necessary, only when
work is done on the brake hydraulic system.
{CAUTION:
If you have too much brake uid, it can spill on
the engine. The uid will burn if the engine is
hot enough. You or others could be burned,
and your vehicle could be damaged. Add brake
uid only when work is done on the brake
hydraulic system. See “Checking Brake Fluid”
in this section.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when
to check your brake uid. SeeScheduled Maintenance
on page 6-5.
5-36

Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a vehicle is complex. Its many
parts have to be of top quality and work well together if
the vehicle is to have really good braking. Your
vehicle was designed and tested with top-quality GM
brake parts. When you replace parts of your braking
system — for example, when your brake linings
wear down and you need new ones put in — be sure
you get new approved GM replacement parts. If you do
not, your brakes may no longer work properly. For
example, if someone puts in brake linings that are wrong
for your vehicle, the balance between your front and
rear brakes can change — for the worse. The braking
performance you have come to expect can change
in many other ways if someone puts in the wrong
replacement brake parts.
Battery
Your vehicle has a maintenance free battery. When it is
time for a new battery, get one that has the replacement
number shown on the original battery’s label. We
recommend an ACDelco
®replacement battery. See
Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-12for battery
location.Warning:Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead compounds,
chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands after
handling.
Vehicle Storage
If you are not going to drive your vehicle for 25 days
or more, remove the black, negative (−) cable from
the battery. This will help keep your battery from
running down.
{CAUTION:
Batteries have acid that can burn you and gas
that can explode. You can be badly hurt if you
are not careful. SeeJump Starting on
page 5-40for tips on working around a battery
without getting hurt.
5-39

All-Wheel Drive
Transfer Case
It is not necessary to regularly check transfer case uid
unless you suspect there is a leak or you hear an
unusual noise. A uid loss could indicate a problem.
Have it inspected and repaired.
How to Check Lubricant
To get an accurate reading, the vehicle should be on a
level surface.If the level is below the bottom of the ller plug hole,
located on the transfer case, you’ll need to add
some lubricant. Add enough lubricant to raise the level
to the bottom of the ller plug hole. Use care not to
overtighten the plug.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of lubricant to use. SeeRecommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 6-14.
Rear Axle
When to Check Lubricant
It is not necessary to regularly check rear axle uid
unless you suspect there is a leak or you hear an
unusual noise. A uid loss could indicate a problem.
Have it inspected and repaired.
(A) Drain Plug (B) Filler Plug
5-45

How to Check Lubricant
To get an accurate reading, the vehicle should be on a
level surface.
The proper level is from 5/8 inch to 1-5/8 inch (15 mm to
40 mm) below the bottom of the ller plug hole,
located on the rear axle. Add only enough uid to reach
the proper level.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of lubricant to use. SeeRecommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 6-14.
Front Axle
When to Check and Change Lubricant
It is not necessary to regularly check front axle uid
unless you suspect there is a leak or you hear an
unusual noise. A uid loss could indicate a problem.
Have it inspected and repaired.
5-46

How to Check Lubricant
To get an accurate reading, the vehicle should be on a
level surface.If the level is below the bottom of the ller plug hole,
located on the front axle, you may need to add
some lubricant:
When the differential is cold, add enough lubricant
to raise the level from 1/2 inch (12 mm) to about
5/8 inch (18 mm) below the ller plug hole.
When the differential is at operating temperature
(warm), add enough lubricant to raise the level
to the bottom of the ller plug hole.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of lubricant to use. SeeRecommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 6-14.
5-47

Replacement Bulbs
Exterior Lamp Bulb Number
Back-up Lamp 3157K
Daytime Running Lamp (DRL) 4114K
Front Parking and Turn Signal
Lamps3157AK
High-Beam Headlamp 9005 or 9005 LL
Rear Turn Signal, Stoplamp and
Taillamp3157K
Sidemarker Lamp 194
For replacement bulbs not listed here, contact your
dealer.
Windshield Wiper Blade
Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected at least
twice a year for wear and cracking. SeeScheduled
Maintenance on page 6-5for more information.
Replacement blades come in different types and are
removed in different ways. For proper type and length,
seeNormal Maintenance Replacement Parts on
page 6-16.To replace the windshield wiper blade assembly do the
following:
1. Lift the wiper arm and turn the blade until it is
facing away from the windshield.
2. Push the release lever and slide the wiper assembly
toward the driver’s side of the vehicle.
3. Install a new blade by reversing Steps 1 and 2.
5-58

Tire Pressure Monitor System
The Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) system uses radio
and sensor technology to check tire pressure levels. If
your vehicle has this feature, sensors are mounted
on each tire and wheel assembly, except the spare tire.
The TPM sensors transmit tire pressure readings to
a receiver located in the vehicle.
When a low tire pressure condition is detected, the TPM
system will display the CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
warning message on the Driver Information
Center (DIC); and at the same time illuminate the low
tire pressure warning symbol. For additional information
and details about the DIC operation and displays,
seeDIC Operation and Displays on page 3-50andDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-53.
When the tire pressure
monitoring system warning
light is lit, one or more
of your tires is signicantly
under-inated.You should stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and inate them to the proper pressure as
indicated on the vehicle’s tire information placard.
Driving on a signicantly under-inated tire causes the
tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Under-ination also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread
life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping
ability. Each tire, including the spare, should be
checked monthly when cold and set to the
recommended ination pressure as specied in the
vehicle placard and owner’s manual.
The Tire and Loading Information label (tire information
placard) shows the size of your vehicle’s original
tires and the correct ination pressure for your vehicle’s
tires when they are cold. SeeInation - Tire Pressure
on page 5-65. For the location of the tire and loading
information label, seeLoading Your Vehicle on
page 4-44.
Your vehicle’s TPM system can alert you about a low
tire pressure condition but it does not replace normal tire
maintenance. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-69andTires on page 5-59.
Notice:Do not use a tire sealant if your vehicle is
equipped with Tire Pressure Monitors. The liquid
sealant can damage the tire pressure monitor
sensors.
5-67

Make sure the spare tire is stored securely. Push, pull,
and then try to rotate or turn the tire. If it moves,
use the ratchet/wheel wrench to tighten the cable. See
Changing a Flat Tire on page 5-77.
The purpose of regular rotation is to achieve more
uniform wear for all tires on the vehicle. The rst rotation
is the most important. SeeScheduled Maintenance
on page 6-5.
When rotating your tires, always use the correct rotation
pattern shown here.
Do not include the spare tire in your tire rotation.After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front and
rear ination pressures as shown on the tire and loading
information label. SeeLoading Your Vehicle on
page 4-44andInation - Tire Pressure on page 5-65,
for more information. Make certain that all wheel
nuts are properly tightened. See “Wheel Nut Torque”
underCapacities and Specications on page 5-117.
{CAUTION:
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to
which it is fastened, can make wheel nuts
become loose after a time. The wheel could
come off and cause an accident. When you
change a wheel, remove any rust or dirt from
places where the wheel attaches to the vehicle.
In an emergency, you can use a cloth or a
paper towel to do this; but be sure to use a
scraper or wire brush later, if needed, to get all
the rust or dirt off. SeeChanging a Flat Tire on
page 5-77.
5-70