2008 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV ABS

Dolly Towing Two-Wheel-Drive Vehicles (Rear
Wheels Off the Ground) Notice: If you tow a two-wheel-drive vehicle with
the rear wheels on the ground, the transmission
could be damaged. The repairs would not be
covered by your warranty. Never tow your vehicle
with the rear wheels on the ground.
Two-wheel-drive vehicles should not be towed with
the rear wheels on the ground. Two-wheel-drive
transmissions have no provisions for internal lubrication
while being towed.
Two-wheel-drive vehicles can be towed on a dolly with
the front wheels on the ground provided that the
wheels are straight.
Use the following procedure to dolly tow your vehicle:
1. Drive the vehicle up onto the tow dolly.
2. Shift the transmission to PARK (P).
3. Turn the engine off, but leave the ignition on.
4. Firmly set the parking brake.
5. Securely attach the vehicle being towed to the
tow dolly.
6. Release the parking brake only after the vehicle
being towed is rmly attached to the towing vehicle. Autoride ®
The Autoride ®
feature provides improved vehicle ride
and handling under a variety of passenger and loading
conditions.
The system is fully automatic and uses a computer
controller to continuously monitor vehicle speed, wheel
to body position, lift/dive and steering position of the
vehicle. The controller then sends signals to each shock
absorber to independently adjust the damping level to
provide the optimum vehicle ride.
Autoride ®
also interacts with the tow/haul mode that,
when activated, will provide additional control of
the shock absorbers. This additional control results in
better ride and handling characteristics when the vehicle
is loaded or towing a trailer. See “Tow/Haul Mode”
under Towing a Trailer on page 4-44 for more
information.
4-43

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.
Hitch Cover Your vehicle may have a hitch cover. To remove the
hitch cover:
1. Turn the fasteners on the lower tabs 90 degrees
counterclockwise.
2. Lift the lower edge of the cover about 45 degrees.
3. Pull the cover downward to disengage the upper
attachments. To reinstall the hitch cover:
1. Hold the cover at a 45 degree angle to the vehicle
and push the upper tabs in the hitch cover into the
chrome slots in the fascia.
2. Move the bottom of the cover forward until the
lower tabs line up with the lower fascia slots.
3. Snap the hitch cover into place by pushing the
upper corners forward.
4. Turn the fasteners on the lower tabs 90 degrees
clockwise to lock the cover in place.
4-51

Parking on Hills
{ CAUTION: You really should not park your vehicle, with a
trailer attached, on a hill. If something goes
wrong, your rig could start to move. People
can be injured, and both your vehicle and the
trailer can be damaged.
But if you ever have to park your rig on a hill, here’s
how to do it:
1. Apply your regular brakes, but don’t shift into
PARK (P) yet.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer
wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the
regular brakes until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the regular brakes. Then apply your
parking brake and shift into PARK (P).
5. Release the regular brakes. When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill 1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down
while you:
start your engine,
shift into a gear, and
release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the
chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing Your vehicle will need service more often when you’re
pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance Schedule for more
on this. Things that are especially important in trailer
operation are automatic transmission uid (don’t overll),
engine oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling system and
brake system. Each of these is covered in this manual,
and the Index will help you nd them quickly. If
you’re trailering, it’s a good idea to review these sections
before you start your trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.
4-55

Fabric/Carpet Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment
frequently to remove dust and loose dirt. A canister
vacuum with a beater bar in the nozzle may only
be used on oor carpet and carpeted oor mats. For
soils, always try to remove them rst with plain water or
club soda. Before cleaning, gently remove as much
of the soil as possible using one of the following
techniques:
For liquids: gently blot the remaining soil with a
paper towel. Allow the soil to absorb into the
paper towel until no more can be removed.
For solid dry soils: remove as much as possible
and then vacuum.
To clean, use the following instructions:
1. Saturate a lint-free, clean white cloth with water or
club soda.
2. Wring the cloth to remove excess moisture.
3. Start on the outside edge of the soil and gently rub
toward the center. Continue cleaning, using a clean
area of the cloth each time it becomes soiled.
4. Continue to gently rub the soiled area until the
cleaning cloth remains clean.
5. If the soil is not completely removed, use a mild
soap solution and repeat the cleaning process
that was used with plain water. If any of the soil remains, a commercial fabric cleaner or
spot lifter may be necessary. When a commercial
upholstery cleaner or spot lifter is to be used, test a
small hidden area for colorfastness rst. If the locally
cleaned area gives any impression that a ring formation
may result, clean the entire surface.
After the cleaning process has been completed, a paper
towel can be used to blot excess moisture from the
fabric or carpet.
Leather A soft cloth dampened with water can be used to
remove dust. If a more thorough cleaning is necessary,
a soft cloth dampened with a mild soap solution can
be used. Allow the leather to dry naturally. Do not use
heat to dry. Never use steam to clean leather. Never
use spot lifters or spot removers on leather. Many
commercial leather cleaners and coatings that are sold
to preserve and protect leather may permanently
change the appearance and feel of your leather and are
not recommended. Do not use silicone or wax-based
products, or those containing organic solvents to clean
your vehicle’s interior because they can alter the
appearance by increasing the gloss in a non-uniform
manner. Never use shoe polish on leather.
5-100

Harness
Connector Usage
HEADLINER 3 Headliner Harness Connector 3
HEADLINER 2 Headliner Harness Connector 2
HEADLINER 1 Headliner Harness Connector 1
SEO/UPFITTER Special Equipment Option Uptter
Harness Connector
Circuit Breaker Usage
CB1 Passenger Side Power Window
Circuit Breaker
CB2 Passenger Seat Circuit Breaker
CB3 Driver Seat Circuit Breaker
CB4 Rear Sliding Window Underhood Fuse Block
The underhood fuse block is located in the engine
compartment, on the driver side of the vehicle.
To access the fuse/relay block, push in on the tabs on
the end of the fuse/relay block cover and lift.
Notice: Spilling liquid on any electrical components
on your vehicle may damage it. Always keep the
covers on any electrical component.
To remove fuses, hold the end of the fuse between your
thumb and index nger and pull straight out.
5-111

AAccessories and Modications ............................ 5-3
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle ....................................................... 1-90
Additives, Fuel ................................................. 5-6
Add-On Electrical Equipment ........................... 5-108
Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal .................. 2-28
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine ................................. 5-17
Air Conditioning .............................................. 3-26
Airbag
Passenger Status Indicator ........................... 3-37
Readiness Light .......................................... 3-36
Airbag System ................................................ 1-76
What Will You See After an Airbag Inates? .... 1-84
When Should an Airbag Inate? .................... 1-81
Where Are the Airbags? ............................... 1-78
Airbag Systems
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle ................................................... 1-90
How Does an Airbag Restrain? ...................... 1-83
Passenger Sensing System ........................... 1-85
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle .......... 1-90
What Makes an Airbag Inate? ...................... 1-83
All-Wheel Drive ............................................... 5-45
All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) System ........................... 4-8
Analog Clock .................................................. 3-25
Antenna, Rear Side Window ........................... 3-109 Antenna, XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna
System ..................................................... 3-109
Antilock Brake System (ABS) ............................. 4-4
Antilock Brake, System Warning Light ................ 3-41
Appearance Care
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels ............. 5-104
Care of Safety Belts ................................... 5-101
Chemical Paint Spotting .............................. 5-105
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses .................. 5-102
Fabric/Carpet ............................................ 5-100
Finish Care ............................................... 5-102
Finish Damage .......................................... 5-105
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic
Surfaces ............................................... 5-101
Interior
Cleaning .......................................... 5-98
Leather .................................................... 5-100
Sheet Metal Damage .................................. 5-105
Speaker Covers ......................................... 5-101
Tires ........................................................ 5-105
Underbody Maintenance ............................. 5-105
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials ............... 5-106
Washing Your Vehicle ................................. 5-102
Weatherstrips ............................................ 5-101
Windshield, Backglass, and Wiper Blades ...... 5-103
Wood Panels ............................................ 5-101
Appointments, Scheduling Service ....................... 7-8
Ashtray ......................................................... 3-25
Assist Handles ............................................... 2-61
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