2006 CADILLAC ESCALADE heating

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

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 3-39.
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 4-9.
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 3-44. Reinstall the fuel cap, making
sure to fully install the cap. SeeFilling the Tank
on page 5-6. 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. SeeStabiliTrak
®System on page 4-9for
more information.
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.
The system will return to normal operation after the
brakes have cooled. SeeStabiliTrak
®System on
page 4-9for more information.
3-61

TRANS (Transmission) HOT IDLE
ENGINE
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 the
transmission temperature warning is displayed.
If the transmission uid in the vehicle 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.
SeeTransmission Temperature Gage on page 3-42.
TRANSMISSION HOT
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 the
transmission temperature warning is displayed.
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

If you’ll be pulling a trailer that, when loaded, will
weigh more than 5,000 lbs (2 270 kg) be sure to use a
properly mounted weight-distributing hitch and sway
control of the proper size. This equipment is very
important for proper vehicle loading and good handling
when driving. You should always use a sway control
if your trailer will weigh more than these limits. You can
ask a hitch dealer about sway controls.
Safety Chains
You should always attach chains between your vehicle
and your trailer. Cross the safety chains under the
tongue of the trailer to help prevent the tongue from
contacting the road if it becomes separated from
the hitch. Always leave just enough slack so you can
turn with your rig. Never allow safety chains to drag
on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
If your trailer weighs more than 2,000 lbs (900 kg)
loaded, then it needs its own brakes — and they must
be adequate. Be sure to read and follow the instructions
for the trailer brakes so you’ll be able to install, adjust
and maintain them properly.
Since your vehicle is equipped with StabiliTrak
®, your
trailer brake system cannot tap into the vehicle’s
hydraulic brake system.
Driving with a Trailer
{CAUTION:
If you have a rear-most window open and you
pull a trailer with your vehicle, carbon
monoxide (CO) could come into your vehicle.
You can not see or smell CO. It can cause
unconsciousness or death. SeeEngine
Exhaust on page 2-26. To maximize your safety
when towing a trailer:
Have your exhaust system inspected for
leaks, and make necessary repairs before
starting on your trip.
Keep the rear-most windows closed.
If exhaust does come into your vehicle
through a window in the rear or another
opening, drive with your front, main
heating or cooling system on and with the
fan on any speed. This will bring fresh,
outside air into your vehicle. Do not use
the climate control setting for maximum air
because it only recirculates the air inside
your vehicle. SeeDual Automatic Climate
Control System on page 3-24.
4-62

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

Service............................................................5-3
Accessories and Modications..........................5-3
California Proposition 65 Warning.....................5-3
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside of
Your Vehicle..............................................5-4
Fuel................................................................5-4
Gasoline Octane............................................5-4
Gasoline Specications....................................5-5
California Fuel...............................................5-5
Additives.......................................................5-5
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-6
Filling the Tank..............................................5-6
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.......................5-8
Checking Things Under the Hood.....................5-8
Hood Release................................................5-9
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-10
Engine Oil...................................................5-11
Engine Oil Life System..................................5-14
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-16
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................5-19
Engine Coolant.............................................5-21
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap..................5-24
Engine Overheating.......................................5-24
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode . . .5-26
Cooling System............................................5-27
Engine Fan Noise.........................................5-31Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-32
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-33
Brakes........................................................5-34
Battery........................................................5-37
Jump Starting...............................................5-38
All-Wheel Drive..............................................5-43
Rear Axle.......................................................5-44
Front Axle......................................................5-45
Headlamp Aiming...........................................5-46
Headlamp Horizontal Aiming...........................5-47
Headlamp Vertical Aiming..............................5-48
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-49
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting............5-49
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-50
Headlamps..................................................5-50
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and Daytime
Running Lamps.........................................5-54
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker,
Stoplamps and Back-up Lamps...................5-55
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-56
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-56
Tires..............................................................5-57
Tire Sidewall Labeling...................................5-58
Tire Terminology and Denitions.....................5-62
Ination - Tire Pressure.................................5-64
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

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

Adding Coolant
If you need more coolant, add the proper DEX-COOL®
coolant mixture at the surge tank, but only when the
engine is cool.
{CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol,
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Do not spill coolant on a hot engine.
When replacing the pressure cap, make sure it is
hand-tight and fully seated.
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap
Notice:If the pressure cap is not tightly installed,
coolant loss and possible engine damage may
occur. Be sure the cap is properly and tightly
secured.
The coolant surge tank pressure cap must be fully
installed on the coolant surge tank. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on page 5-10for more
information on location.
Engine Overheating
You will nd a coolant temperature gage on your
vehicle’s instrument panel cluster. SeeEngine Coolant
Temperature Gage on page 3-42.
In addition, you will nd an ENGINE COOLANT HOT,
ENGINE OVERHEATED and a REDUCED ENGINE
POWER message in the Driver Information Center (DIC)
on the instrument panel. SeeDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 3-54.
5-24