2007 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV maintenance

Consistency of Readings
Always check the uid level at least twice using
the procedures described. Consistency (repeatable
readings) is important to maintaining proper uid
level. If uid is added, it may take 15 minutes
or longer to obtain an accurate reading because of
residual uid draining down the dipstick tube.
If inconsistent readings persist, check the
transmission breather to be sure it is clean and
not clogged. If readings are still inconsistent,
contact your dealer.
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 422.A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®coolant will:
Give freezing protection down to
−34°F (−37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages work as they
should.
Notice:Using coolant other than DEX-COOL
®
may cause premature engine, heater core,
or radiator corrosion. In addition, the engine
coolant may require changing sooner, at
the rst maintenance service after each
30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months,
whichever occurs rst. Any repairs would not
be covered by your warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL
®(silicate-free) coolant in your
vehicle.
419

Brakes
Brake Fluid
Your brake master
cylinder reservoir is
lled with DOT-3 brake
uid. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview
on page 406for 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.
When the brake uid falls to a low level, the brake
warning light will come on. SeeBrake System
Warning Light on page 235.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine
when to check your brake uid. SeeScheduled
Maintenance on page 521.
433

Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return
to normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in
pedal travel. This could be a sign of brake trouble.
Brake Adjustment
Every time you make a brake stop, your disc
brakes adjust for wear.
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. SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 406for 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.
436

All-Wheel Drive
Transfer Case
If your vehicle is equipped with All-Wheel Drive,
be sure to perform the lubricant checks described
in this section. There are two additional systems
that need lubrication.
When to Check Lubricant
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine
how often to check the lubricant. SeeScheduled
Maintenance on page 521.
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.
(A) Drain Plug (B) Filler Plug
443

What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine
what kind of lubricant to use. SeeRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 531.
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.
All axle assemblies are lled by volume of uid
during production. They are not lled to reach a
certain level. When checking the uid level on any
axle, variations in the readings can be caused by
factory ll differences between the minimum and
the maximum uid volume. Also, if a vehicle has
just been driven before checking the uid level, it
may appear lower than normal because uid has
traveled out along the axle tubes and has not
drained back to the sump area. Therefore, a
reading taken ve minutes after the vehicle has
been driven will appear to have a lower uid level
than a vehicle that has been stationary for an hour
or two. Remember that the rear axle assembly must
be supported to get a true reading.
How to Check Lubricant
To get an accurate reading, the vehicle should be
on a level surface.
For Two-Wheel-Drive vehicles, the proper
level is from 0.6 inch to 1.6 inches (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.
444

For All-Wheel-Drive vehicles, the proper level
is from 0.04 inch to 0.75 inch (1.0 mm to
19.0 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 531.
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.
How to Check Lubricant
To get an accurate reading, the vehicle should be
on a level surface.A:Fill Plug
B:Drain Plug
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 0 (0 mm)
to 1/8 inch (3.2 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.
445

What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine
what kind of lubricant to use. SeeRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 531.
Headlamp Aiming
The vehicle has a visual optical headlamp aiming
system. The aim of the headlamps have been
preset at the factory and should need no further
adjustment.
However, if the vehicle is damaged in an accident,
the aim of the headlamps may be affected and
adjustment may be necessary.
If oncoming vehicles ash their high beams at
you, this may mean the vertical aim of your
headlamps needs to be adjusted.
It is recommended that the vehicle is taken to your
dealer for service if the headlamps need to be
adjusted. It is possible however, to re-aim
the headlamps as described in the following
procedure.The vehicle should be properly prepared as
follows:
The vehicle should be placed so the
headlamps are 25 ft. (7.6 m) from a light
colored wall or other at surface.
The vehicle must have all four tires on a level
surface which is level all the way to the wall
or other at surface.
The vehicle should be placed so it is
perpendicular to the wall or other at surface.
The vehicle should not have any snow, ice, or
mud on it.
The vehicle should be fully assembled and all
other work stopped while headlamp aiming is
being performed.
The vehicle should be normally loaded with a
full tank of fuel and one person or 160 lbs
(75 kg) sitting on the driver’s seat.
Tires should be properly inated.
The spare tire is in its proper location in the
vehicle.
446

Windshield Wiper Blade
Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected for
wear or cracking. SeeScheduled Maintenance
on page 521.
Replacement blades come in different types and
are removed in different ways. To replace the
wiper blade assembly, do the following:
1. Pull the windshield wiper arm connector away
from the windshield.
2. Squeeze the grooved areas on each side of
the blade, and rotate the blade assembly
away from the arm connector.3. Install the new blade onto the arm connector
and make sure the grooved areas are fully set
in the locked position.
For the proper type and size, seeNormal
Maintenance Replacement Parts on page 533.
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