2008 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV maintenance schedule

Automatic Transmission Fluid When to Check and Change Automatic
Transmission Fluid It is usually not necessary to check the transmission
uid level. The only reason for uid loss is a
transmission leak or overheating the transmission. 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 dealer/retailer 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 in
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-13 .
Change the uid and lter at the intervals listed in
the Maintenance Schedule. See Scheduled Maintenance
on page 6-4 . Be sure to use the transmission uid
listed in Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on
page 6-13 . 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).
5-20

Brakes Brake Fluid The brake master cylinder
reservoir is lled with
DOT-3 brake uid. See
Engine Compartment
Overview on page 5-12
for 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 hydraulic system. If it is, you
should have the brake hydraulic system xed, since
a leak means that sooner or later the brakes will
not work well. It is not a good idea to top off the brake uid. Adding
brake uid will not correct a leak. If uid is added when
the linings are worn, there will be too much uid
when new brake linings are installed. 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. See Brake System Warning
Light on page 3-40 .
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when
to check the brake uid. See Scheduled Maintenance
on page 6-4 .
5-36

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. See Scheduled
Maintenance on page 6-4 .
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. See Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 6-13 .
(A) Drain Plug (B) Filler Plug
5-45

What to Use Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of lubricant to use. See Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 6-13 .
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
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. See Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 6-13 .1500 Series
5-47

Windshield Wiper Blade
Replacement Windshield wiper blades should be inspected for wear
or cracking. See Scheduled Maintenance on page 6-4 .
Replacement blades come in different types and
are removed in different ways. To replace the wiper
blade assembly:
1. Pull the windshield wiper arm connector away from
the windshield.
2. Squeeze the grooved areas on each side of the
blade, and turn 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, see Maintenance
Replacement Parts on page 6-15 .
5-54

6. Proceed to the passenger side front tire, and repeat
the procedure in Step 5.
7. Proceed to the passenger side rear tire, and repeat
the procedure in Step 5.
8. Proceed to the driver side rear tire, and repeat the
procedure in Step 5. The horn sounds two times to
indicate the sensor identication code has been
matched to the driver side rear tire, and the TPMS
sensor matching process is no longer active.
The TIRE LEARNING ACTIVE message on the
DIC display screen goes off.
9. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK/OFF.
10. Set all four tires to the recommended air pressure
level as indicated on the Tire and Loading
Information label.
11. Put the valve caps back on the valve stems. Tire Inspection and Rotation We recommend that you regularly inspect your
vehicle’s tires, including the spare tire, for signs of
wear or damage. See When It Is Time for New
Tires on page 5-71 for more information.
Tires should be rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles
(8 000 to 13 000 km). See Scheduled Maintenance
on page 6-4 .
The purpose of a regular tire rotation is to
achieve a uniform wear for all tires on the vehicle.
This will ensure that your vehicle continues to
perform most like it did when the tires were new.
Any time you notice unusual wear, rotate your
tires as soon as possible and check wheel
alignment. Also check for damaged tires or wheels.
See When It Is Time for New Tires on page 5-71
and Wheel Replacement on page 5-76 .
5-69

Maintenance Schedule ..................................... .6-2
Introduction .................................................. .6-2
Maintenance Requirements ............................. .6-2
Your Vehicle and the Environment ................... .6-2
Using the Maintenance Schedule ..................... .6-2
Scheduled Maintenance .................................. .6-4
Additional Required Services ........................... .6-6
Maintenance Footnotes .................................. .6-7 Owner Checks and Services ........................... .6-9
At Each Fuel Fill ........................................... .6-9
At Least Once a Month ................................ .6-10
At Least Once a Year .................................. .6-10
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants .............. .6-13
Maintenance Replacement Parts .................... .6-15
Engine Drive Belt Routing ............................. .6-16
Maintenance Record .................................... .6-17
Section 6 Maintenance Schedule
6-1

Maintenance Schedule Introduction Important: Keep engine oil at the proper level and
change as recommended.
Have you purchased the GM Protection Plan? The Plan
supplements your new vehicle warranties. See your
Warranty and Owner Assistance booklet or your
dealer/retailer for details.
Maintenance Requirements Notice: Maintenance intervals, checks, inspections,
replacement parts, and recommended uids and
lubricants as prescribed in this manual are necessary
to keep your vehicle in good working condition. Any
damage caused by failure to follow scheduled
maintenance might not be covered by warranty. Your Vehicle and the Environment Proper vehicle maintenance not only helps to keep your
vehicle in good working condition, but also helps the
environment. All recommended maintenance is
important. Improper vehicle maintenance can even
affect the quality of the air we breathe. Improper uid
levels or the wrong tire ination can increase the level of
emissions from your vehicle. To help protect our
environment, and to keep your vehicle in good condition,
be sure to maintain your vehicle properly.
Using the Maintenance Schedule We want to help you keep your vehicle in good working
condition. But we do not know exactly how you will
drive it. You might drive very short distances only a few
times a week. Or you might drive long distances all
the time in very hot, dusty weather. You might use your
vehicle in making deliveries. Or you might drive it to
work, to do errands, or in many other ways.
Because of all the different ways people use their
vehicles, maintenance needs vary. You might need more
frequent checks and replacements. So please read
the following and note how you drive. If you have any
questions on how to keep your vehicle in good condition,
see your dealer/retailer.
6-2