2008 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV engine

Tow/Haul Mode
Your vehicle has a tow/haul mode. The tow/haul mode
adjusts the transmission shift pattern to reduce shift
cycling, providing increased performance, vehicle
control, and transmission cooling when towing or hauling
heavy loads.
Press the button located on the end of the shift lever to
turn the tow/haul on or off. When the tow/haul is on,
a light on the instrument panel cluster will come on.
See Tow/Haul Mode Light on page 3-47 for more
information. Also see “Tow Haul Mode” under Towing a Trailer on
page 4-44 for more information.
The tow/haul mode works with the Autoride ®
feature, if
the vehicle has this, to enhance the ride when
trailering or with a loaded vehicle. See Autoride ®
on
page 4-43 .
Grade Braking Grade Braking assists when driving on a downhill grade.
It maintains the vehicle’s speed by automatically
implementing a shift schedule that uses the engine and
the transmission to slow the vehicle. This reduces
wear on the brakes system and increases control of the
vehicle. The system constantly monitors the vehicle’s
speed, acceleration, throttle position, and whether
the brake pedal is being pressed, and determines when
to keep the current vehicle speed or to slow down.
The system will then automatically command downshifts
that reduces the vehicles speed, until the brake pedal
is no longer being pressed. This indicates the desired
vehicle speed has been reached.
The tow/haul mode and grade braking shift modes can
be activated by pressing the button on the end of
the shift control stalk. While in the DSC mode, grade
braking is deactivated, allowing the driver to select
a gear.
See Automatic Transmission Operation on page 2-30 for
more information.
2-34

Shifting Into PARK (P)
{ CAUTION: It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle
if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with
the parking brake rmly set. Your vehicle can
roll. If you have left the engine running, the
vehicle can move suddenly. You or others
could be injured. To be sure your vehicle will
not move, even when you are on fairly level
ground, use the steps that follow. If you are
pulling a trailer, see Towing a Trailer on
page 4-44 .
1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot and
set the parking brake.
2. Move the shift lever into the PARK (P) position by
pulling the shift lever toward you and moving it up
as far as it will go.
3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK/OFF.
4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can
leave your vehicle with the ignition key in your
hand, your vehicle is in PARK (P). Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine
Running
{ CAUTION: It can be dangerous to leave your vehicle with
the engine running. Your vehicle could move
suddenly if the shift lever is not fully in
PARK (P) with the parking brake rmly set.
And, if you leave the vehicle with the engine
running, it could overheat and even catch re.
You or others could be injured. Do not leave
your vehicle with the engine running.
If you have to leave your vehicle with the engine
running, be sure your vehicle is in PARK (P) and the
parking brake is rmly set. After the shift lever is moved
into PARK (P), hold the regular brake pedal down.
Then, see if you can move the shift lever away from
PARK (P) without rst pulling it toward you. If you can, it
means that the shift lever was not fully locked into
PARK (P).
2-36

Engine Exhaust
{ CAUTION: Engine exhaust can kill. It contains the gas
carbon monoxide (CO), which you cannot see or
smell. It can cause unconsciousness and death.
You might have exhaust coming in if:
The exhaust system sounds strange or
different.
Your vehicle gets rusty underneath.
Your vehicle was damaged in a collision.
Your vehicle was damaged when driving
over high points on the road or over road
debris.
CAUTION: (Continued) CAUTION: (Continued)
Repairs were not done correctly.
Your vehicle or the exhaust system has
been modied improperly.
If you ever suspect exhaust is coming into
your vehicle:
Drive it only with all the windows down to
blow out any CO; and
Have your vehicle xed immediately.
2-39

Running the Engine While Parked It is better not to park with the engine running. But if you
ever have to, here are some things to know.
{ CAUTION: Idling the engine with the climate control
system off could allow dangerous exhaust into
your vehicle. See the earlier caution under
Engine Exhaust on page 2-39 .
Also, idling in a closed-in place can let deadly
carbon monoxide (CO) into your vehicle even if
the climate control fan is at the highest setting.
One place this can happen is a garage.
Exhaust — with CO — can come in easily.
NEVER park in a garage with the engine
running.
Another closed-in place can be a blizzard. See
Winter Driving on page 4-30 . { CAUTION: It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle
if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with
the parking brake rmly set. Your vehicle can
roll. Do not leave your vehicle when the engine
is running unless you have to. If you have left
the engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured. To
be sure your vehicle will not move, even when
you are on fairly level ground, always set the
parking brake and move the shift lever to
PARK (P).
Follow the proper steps to be sure your vehicle will not
move. See Shifting Into PARK (P) on page 2-36 .
If you are pulling a trailer, see Towing a Trailer on
page 4-44 .
2-40

Instrument Panel Overview .............................. .3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers ............................... .3-6
Other Warning Devices .................................. .3-6
Horn ............................................................ .3-6
Tilt Wheel .................................................... .3-6
Heated Steering Wheel .................................. .3-7
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever ........................ .3-7
Turn and Lane-Change Signals ....................... .3-8
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer ................. .3-9
Windshield Wipers ......................................... .3-9
Rainsense™ II Wipers .................................. .3-10
Windshield Washer ...................................... .3-11
Rear Window Wiper/Washer .......................... .3-12
Cruise Control ............................................. .3-13
Exterior Lamps ............................................ .3-16
Headlamps on Reminder ............................... .3-19
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) ...................... .3-20
Automatic Headlamp System ......................... .3-20
Fog Lamps ................................................. .3-21
Instrument Panel Brightness .......................... .3-21
Dome Lamps .............................................. .3-22
Dome Lamp Override ................................... .3-22
Entry Lighting .............................................. .3-22
Exit Lighting ................................................ .3-22
Reading Lamps ........................................... .3-22
Electric Power Management .......................... .3-23 Battery Run-Down Protection ......................... .3-23
Accessory Power Outlet(s) ............................ .3-24
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter ..................... .3-25
Analog Clock .............................................. .3-25
Climate Controls ........................................... .3-26
Dual Automatic Climate Control System .......... .3-26
Outlet Adjustment ........................................ .3-31
Rear Air Conditioning and Heating System and
Electronic Climate Controls ........................ .3-31
Warning
Lights, Gages, and Indicators ........... .3-33
Instrument Panel Cluster ............................... .3-34
Speedometer and Odometer .......................... .3-35
Trip Odometer ............................................. .3-35
Tachometer ................................................ .3-35
Safety Belt Reminders .................................. .3-35
Airbag Readiness Light ................................. .3-36
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator .................. .3-37
Charging System Light ................................. .3-39
Brake System Warning Light ......................... .3-40
Antilock Brake System Warning Light .............. .3-41
StabiliTrak ®
Indicator Light ............................. .3-41
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage ................. .3-42
Tire Pressure Light ...................................... .3-42
Malfunction Indicator Lamp ............................ .3-43
Oil Pressure Light ........................................ .3-46Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

Electric Power Management The vehicle has Electric Power Management (EPM) that
estimates the battery’s temperature and state of
charge. It then adjusts the voltage for best performance
and extended life of the battery.
When the battery’s state of charge is low, the voltage is
raised slightly to quickly put the charge back in. When
the state of charge is high, the voltage is lowered slightly
to prevent overcharging. If the vehicle has a voltmeter
gage or a voltage display on the Driver Information
Center (DIC), you may see the voltage move up
or down. This is normal. If there is a problem, an alert
will be displayed.
The battery can be discharged at idle if the electrical
loads are very high. This is true for all vehicles. This is
because the generator (alternator) may not be
spinning fast enough at idle to produce all the power
that is needed for very high electrical loads.
A high electrical load occurs when several of the
following loads are on: headlamps, high beams, fog
lamps, rear window defogger, climate control fan at high
speed, heated seats, engine cooling fans, trailer
loads, and loads plugged into accessory power outlets. EPM works to prevent excessive discharge of the
battery. It does this by balancing the generator’s output
and the vehicle’s electrical needs. It can increase
engine idle speed to generate more power, whenever
needed. It can temporarily reduce the power demands of
some accessories.
Normally, these actions occur in steps or levels, without
being noticeable. In rare cases at the highest levels
of corrective action, this action may be noticeable to the
driver. If so, a Driver Information Center (DIC)
message might be displayed, such as Battery Saver
Active or Service Battery Charging System. If this
message is displayed, it is recommended that the driver
reduce the electrical loads as much as possible. See
DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-53 .
Battery Run-Down Protection This feature shuts off the dome lamps if they are left on
for more than 10 minutes when the ignition is in LOCK.
This will help prevent the battery from running down.
3-23

Automatic Operation AUTO (Automatic): When automatic operation is
active the system will control the inside temperature, the
air delivery, and the fan speed.
Use the steps below to place the entire system in
automatic mode:
1. Press the AUTO button.
When AUTO is selected, the display will change to
show the current temperature(s) and AUTO
come on the display. The current delivery mode and
fan speed will also be displayed for approximately
ve seconds.
When AUTO is selected, the air conditioning
operation and air inlet will be automatically
controlled. The air conditioning compressor will run
when the outside temperature is over about
40°F (4°C). The air inlet will normally be set to
outside air. If it is hot outside, the air inlet may
automatically switch to recirculate inside air to help
quickly cool down your vehicle. The light on the
button will come on in recirculation.
2. Set the driver’s and passenger’s temperature.
To nd your comfort setting, start with a 74°F (23°C)
temperature setting and allow about 20 minutes
for the system to regulate. Use the driver’s or
passenger’s temperature buttons to adjust the temperature setting as necessary. If you choose the
temperature setting of 60°F (15°C), the system
will remain at the maximum cooling setting. If you
choose the temperature setting of 90°F (32°C),
the system will remain at the maximum heat setting.
Choosing either maximum setting will not cause
the vehicle to heat or cool any faster.
Be careful not to cover the sensor located on the top of
the instrument panel near the windshield. This sensor
regulates air temperature based on sun load and
also turns on your headlamps.
To avoid blowing cold air in cold weather, the system
will delay turning on the fan until warm air is available.
The length of delay depends on the engine coolant
temperature. Pressing the fan switch will override this
delay and change the fan to a selected speed.
O (Off): Press the driver’s side temperature knob to
turn off the climate control system. Outside air will
still enter the vehicle, and will be directed to the oor.
This direction can be changed by pressing the mode
button. The temperature can also be adjusted using
either temperature knob. Press the up or down arrows
on the fan switch, the defrost button, the AUTO
button, driver’s side temperature knob, or the air
conditioning button to turn the system on when it is off.
3-27

@ (Recirculation): Press this button to turn the
recirculation mode on. When the button is pressed, an
indicator light will come on.
This mode keeps outside air from entering the vehicle. It
can be used to reduce outside air and odors from
entering your vehicle. Recirculation may also help cool
the air inside your vehicle more quickly once the
temperature inside the vehicle is less than the outside
temperature. The recirculation mode cannot be used
with oor, defrost, or defogging modes.
If you try to select recirculation in one of those modes,
the indicator will ash three times and turn off. The
air conditioning compressor will also come on when this
mode is activated. While in recirculation mode the
windows may fog when the weather is cold and damp.
To clear the fog, select either the blend or defrost
mode and increase the fan speed. Recirculation mode
can be turned off by pressing the button again, or turning
off the engine. Air Conditioning
# (Air Conditioning): Press this button to turn the
air conditioning (A/C) compressor on and off. When
air conditioning is selected, an indicator light will come
on to let you know that the air conditioning has been
activated.
Pressing this button when the outside temperature is
too cool for air conditioning will make the air conditioning
indicator ash three times and then turn off indicating
the air conditioning mode is not available. If the air
conditioning is on and the outside temperature drops
below a temperature which is too cool for air
conditioning to be effective, the air conditioning light will
turn off to let you know the air conditioning mode has
been canceled.
On hot days, open the windows long enough to let hot
inside air escape. This helps to reduce the time it
takes for your vehicle to cool down. It also helps the
system to operate more efficiently.
The air conditioning system removes moisture from the
air, so you may sometimes notice a small amount of
water dripping underneath your vehicle while idling
or after turning off the engine. This is normal.
If your vehicle has heated seats or heated and cooled
seats, see Heated Seats on page 1-4 or Heated
and Cooled Seats on page 1-5 .
3-29