2006 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV coolant level

To avoid blowing cold air in cold weather, the
system will delay turning on the fan until warm air
is available. The length of delay depends on
the engine coolant temperature. Pressing the fan
switch will override this delay and change the fan to
a selected speed.
9(Off):Press this button to turn off the entire climate
control system. Outside air will still enter the vehicle,
and will be directed to the oor. This direction can
be changed by pressing the mode button. The
temperature can also be adjusted using either
temperature knob. Press the up or down arrows on
the fan switch, the defrost button, the AUTO button,
or the air conditioning button to turn the system on when
it is off.
Manual Operation
You may manually adjust the air delivery mode or fan
speed.
w9x(Fan):The switch with the fan symbol allows
you to manually adjust the fan speed. Press the up
arrow to increase fan speed and the down arrow
to decrease fan speed.
Pressing this button when the system is off will turn the
system on.
C(Mode):Press this button to manually change the
direction of the airow in your vehicle. Repeatedly press
the button until the desired mode appears on the
display.
If you press the mode button to select an air delivery
mode, the display will change to show you the selected
air mode delivery. The display will then show the
current status of the system. When the system is turned
off, the display will go blank after displaying the
current status of the system.
H(Panel):This setting will deliver air to the instrument
panel outlets.
)(Bi-Level):This setting will deliver warmer air to the
oor and cooler air to the instrument panel outlets.
6(Floor):This setting will deliver air to the oor
outlets.
-(Defog):See “Defogging and Defrosting” later in
this section.
3-26

CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
If a low tire pressure is detected in any of the vehicle’s
tires, this message will appear on the DIC, along
with a chime and a low tire pressure warning light.
SeeLow Tire Pressure Warning Light on page 3-41.
Pressing any of the four DIC buttons or the trip odometer
reset stem will acknowledge the message and clear it
from the DIC display. It will appear at each ignition cycle
until the tires are inated to the correct ination
pressure.
SeeTire Pressure Monitor System on page 5-66for
more information on tires and the correct ination
pressures.
CHECK WASHER FLUID
If the washer uid level is low, this message will appear
on the DIC. Adding washer uid to the windshield
washer reservoir will clear the message. SeeWindshield
Washer Fluid on page 5-33. Pressing any of the four
DIC buttons or the trip odometer reset stem will
acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC
display. This message will clear itself after 10 seconds
until the next ignition cycle.
DRIVER DOOR AJAR
If the driver’s 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 or the
trip odometer reset stem will acknowledge the message
and clear it from the DIC display.
ENGINE COOLANT HOT
If the cooling system temperature gets hot, this message
will appear in the DIC. Turn off the air conditioning.
If the message is still on, or if the engine coolant
temperature gage continues to rise, pull the vehicle
over when it is safe to do so. SeeEngine Coolant
Temperature Gage on page 3-42for more information.
Stop the vehicle and let the engine idle in PARK (P)
for a few minutes to allow the coolant to reach a
safe temperature. This message will clear when the
coolant temperature drops to a safe operating
temperature. Pressing any of the four DIC buttons or
the trip odometer reset stem will acknowledge the
message and clear it from the DIC display.
3-56

OIL PRESSURE LOW
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the engine
oil pressure is low, severe engine damage may
occur. If a low oil pressure warning appears on the
Driver Information Center (DIC), stop the vehicle
as soon as possible. Do not drive the vehicle until
the cause of the low oil pressure is corrected.
SeeEngine Oil on page 5-11for more information.
If low oil pressure levels occur, this message will
be displayed on the DIC and a chime will sound. Stop
the vehicle as soon as safely possible and do not
operate it until the cause of the low oil pressure has
been corrected. Check your oil as soon as possible and
have your vehicle serviced by your GM dealer.
PASSENGER DOOR AJAR
If the passenger’s 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 or the trip odometer reset stem will acknowledge
the message and clear it from the DIC display.
REAR ACCESS OPEN
If the liftgate is open while the ignition is in RUN, this
message will appear on the DIC and you will hear
a chime. Turn off the vehicle and check the liftgate.
Restart the vehicle and check for the message on the
DIC display. Pressing any of the four DIC buttons or the
trip odometer reset stem will acknowledge the message
and clear it from the DIC display.
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 5-24for 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.
This message will also display when the vehicle’s
engine power is reduced. Reduced engine power can
affect the vehicle’s ability to accelerate. If this message
is on, but there is no reduction in performance,
proceed to your destination. The performance may be
reduced the next time the vehicle is driven. The
vehicle may be driven at a reduced speed while this
message is on, but acceleration and speed may
be reduced. Anytime this message stays on, the vehicle
should be taken to your GM dealer for service as
soon as possible.
3-58

Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
The arrows on your instrument panel will ash whenever
you signal a turn or lane change. Properly hooked up,
the trailer lamps will also ash, telling other drivers
you’re about to turn, change lanes or stop.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on your instrument
panel will ash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer
are burned out. Thus, you may think drivers behind
you are seeing your signal when they are not. It’s
important to check occasionally to be sure the trailer
bulbs are still working.
Driving On Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gearbeforeyou
start down a long or steep downgrade. If you don’t shift
down, you might have to use your brakes so much
that they would get hot and no longer work well.
You can tow in DRIVE (D). You may want to shift the
transmission to THIRD (3) or, if necessary, a lower
gear selection if the transmission shifts too often
(e.g., under heavy loads and/or hilly conditions).
You may also want to activate the tow/haul mode if
the transmission shifts too often. See “Tow/Haul Mode”
earlier.
When towing at high altitude on steep uphill grades,
consider the following: Engine coolant at or near
sea level will boil at a lower temperature than at higher
altitudes. If you turn your engine off immediately
after towing at high altitude on steep uphill grades, your
vehicle may show signs similar to engine overheating.
To avoid this, let the engine run while parked (preferably
on level ground) with the automatic transmission in
PARK (P) for at least ve minutes before turning
the engine off. If you do get the overheat warning,
seeEngine Overheating on page 5-24.
4-64

A. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-16.
B. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. SeeCooling
System on page 5-27andCoolant Surge Tank
Pressure Cap on page 5-24.
C. Air Filter Restriction Indicator (If Equipped). See
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-16.
D. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-11.
E. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-11.
F. Automatic Transmission Fluid Dipstick. See
“Checking the Fluid Level” underAutomatic
Transmission Fluid on page 5-19.
G. Engine Cooling Fan. SeeCooling System on
page 5-27.
H. Remote Negative (−) Terminal (GND). SeeJump
Starting on page 5-38.
I. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting on
page 5-38.J. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir (Out of View).
SeePower Steering Fluid on page 5-32.
K. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid” under
Brakes on page 5-34.
L. Underhood Fuse Block. SeeUnderhood Fuse Block
on page 5-111.
M. Battery. SeeBattery on page 5-37.
N. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-33.
Engine Oil
If the CHECK OIL LEVEL message appears on the
Driver Information Center (DIC), it means you need to
check your engine oil level right away. For more
information, see CHECK OIL LEVEL underDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-54.
You should check your engine oil level regularly; this is
an added reminder.
5-11

Consistency of Readings
Always check the uid level at least twice using the
procedure described previously. Consistency (repeatable
readings) is important to maintaining proper uid
level. If inconsistent readings persist, check the
transmission breather hose to be sure it is clean and
unclogged. If readings are still inconsistent, contact
your dealer.
How to Add Automatic Transmission
Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of transmission uid to use. SeeRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-13.
Add uid only after checking the transmission uid
while it is hot. A cold check is used only as a reference.
If the uid level is low, add only enough of the proper
uid to bring the level up to the HOT area for a hot
check. It does not take much uid, generally less than
one pint (0.5 L). Do not overll.Notice:Use of the incorrect automatic transmission
uid may damage your vehicle, and the damages
may not be covered by your warranty. Always
use the automatic transmission uid listed in
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-13.
After adding uid, recheck the uid level as
described under “How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid,” earlier in this section.
When the correct uid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in all the way; then ip the handle
down to lock the dipstick in place.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is lled with
DEX-COOL®engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for ve years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs rst, if you add only
DEX-COOL
®extended life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and how
to add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem
with engine overheating, seeEngine Overheating
on page 5-24.
5-21

Notice:If you use an improper coolant mixture,
your engine could overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost would not be covered by your
warranty. Too much water in the mixture can freeze
and crack the engine, radiator, heater core, and
other parts.
If you have to add coolant more than four times a year,
have your dealer check your cooling system.
Notice:If you use extra inhibitors and/or additives
in your vehicle’s cooling system, you could
damage your vehicle. Use only the proper mixture
of the engine coolant listed in this manual for
the cooling system. SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-13for more information.Checking Coolant
The coolant surge tank is located in the engine
compartment on the passenger’s side of the vehicle.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-10
for more information on location.
{CAUTION:
Turning the surge tank pressure cap when the
engine and radiator are hot can allow steam
and scalding liquids to blow out and burn
you badly. Never turn the surge tank pressure
cap — even a little — when the engine and
radiator are hot.
The vehicle must be on a level surface. When your
engine is cold, the coolant level should be at the
FULL COLD mark.
5-23

Cooling System
When you decide it is safe to lift the hood, here is what
you will see:
A. Coolant Surge Tank
B. Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap
C. Engine Cooling Fan{CAUTION:
An electric engine cooling fan under the hood
can start up even when the engine is not
running and can injure you. Keep hands,
clothing and tools away from any underhood
electric fan.
If the coolant inside the coolant surge tank is boiling,
do not do anything else until it cools down. The vehicle
should be parked on a level surface. Check the
coolant level after the system cools down. Some amount
of coolant may be lost due to overheating.
5-27