2007 CADILLAC ESCALADE EXT maintenance

Automatic Transmission Fluid
When to Check and Change Automatic
Transmission Fluid
It is usually not necessary to check the
transmission uid level. A transmission uid leak is
the only reason for uid loss. If you suspect a
small leak, then use the following checking
procedures to check the uid level. However, if
there is a large leak, then it may be necessary to
have the vehicle towed to a dealership service
department and have it repaired before driving the
vehicle further.
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 inRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 533.
Change the uid and lter at the intervals listed in
the Maintenance Schedule. SeeScheduled
Maintenance on page 523. Be sure to use the
transmission uid listed inRecommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 533.
How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid
Notice:Too much or too little uid can
damage your transmission. Too much can
mean that some of the uid could come out
and fall on hot engine parts or exhaust system
parts, starting a re. Too little uid could
cause the transmission to overheat. Be sure to
get an accurate reading if you check your
transmission uid.
Before checking the uid level, prepare your
vehicle as follows:
1. Start the engine and park your vehicle on a
level surface. Keep the engine running.
2. Apply the parking brake and place the shift
lever in PARK (P).
3. With your foot on the brake pedal, move the
shift lever through each gear range, pausing
for about three seconds in each range.
Then, move the shift lever back to PARK (P).
4. Allow the engine to idle (500 – 800 rpm) for at
least one minute. Slowly release the brake
pedal.
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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.
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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 232.Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine
when to check your brake uid. SeeScheduled
Maintenance on page 523.
Checking Brake Fluid
You can check the brake uid without taking off
the cap.
Look at the brake uid
reservoir. The uid level
should be above
MIN. If it is not, have
your brake system
checked to see if there
is a leak.
After work is done on the brake hydraulic system,
make sure the level is above the MIN but not
over the MAX mark.
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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.
{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 438for tips on working
around a battery without getting hurt.
437

To disconnect the jumper cables from both
vehicles do the following:
1. Disconnect the black negative (−) cable from
the vehicle that had the bad battery.
2. Disconnect the black negative (−) cable from
the vehicle with the good battery.
3. Disconnect the red positive (+) cable from the
vehicle with the good battery.
4. Disconnect the red positive (+) cable from the
other vehicle.
5. Return the remote positive (+) terminal cover,
if equipped, to its original position.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 523.
443

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 533.
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
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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.
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 533.
445

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 PlugB:Drain PlugIf 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.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine
what kind of lubricant to use. SeeRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 533.
446