2008 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV air suspension

Using heavier suspension components to get
added durability might not change your weight
ratings. Ask your dealer to help you load
your vehicle the right way.
If you put things inside your vehicle — like
suitcases, tools, packages, or anything else — they
will go as fast as the vehicle goes. If you have to
stop or turn quickly, or if there is a crash, they will
keep going.
{ CAUTION:Things you put inside your vehicle can
strike and injure people in a sudden stop
or turn, or in a crash.
Put things in the cargo area of your
vehicle. Try to spread the weight
evenly.
Never stack heavier things, like
suitcases, inside the vehicle so that
some of them are above the tops of
the seats.
CAUTION: (Continued) CAUTION: (Continued)
Do not leave an unsecured child
restraint in your vehicle.
When you carry something inside the
vehicle, secure it whenever you can.
Do not leave a seat folded down
unless you need to.
There is also important loading information for
off-road driving in this manual. See “Loading Your
Vehicle for Off-Road Driving” under Off-Road
Driving on page 4-12 .
Add-On Equipment When you carry removable items, you may need to put
a limit on how many people you can carry inside
your vehicle. Be sure to weigh your vehicle before you
buy and install the new equipment.
Notice: Overloading your vehicle may cause
damage. Repairs would not be covered by your
warranty. Do not overload your vehicle.
Remember not to exceed the Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR) of the front or rear axle.
4-40

Automatic Level Control
The automatic level control rear suspension
comes as a part of the Road Sensing Suspension.
See Road Sensing Suspension on page 4-6 .
This type of level control is fully automatic and will
provide a better leveled riding position as well
as better handling under a variety of passenger
and loading conditions. An air compressor
connected to the rear shocks will raise or lower
the rear of the vehicle to maintain proper vehicle
height. The system is activated when the
ignition key is turned to RUN and will automatically
adjust vehicle height thereafter. The system
may exhaust (lower vehicle height) for up to
10 minutes after the ignition key has been turned
to LOCK. You may hear the air compressor
operating when the height is being adjusted. If a weight-distributing hitch is being used, it is
recommended to allow the shocks to inate,
thereby leveling the vehicle prior to adjusting the
height. See “Weight distributing Hitches and
Weight Carrying Hitches” under Towing a Trailer
on page 4-44 .
Towing Towing Your Vehicle Consult your dealer/retailer or a professional towing
service if you need to have your disabled vehicle towed.
See Roadside Service on page 7-6 .
If you want to tow your vehicle behind another vehicle
for recreational purposes (such as behind a motorhome),
see Recreational Vehicle Towing following.
4-41

Fuses Usage
1 Right Trailer Stop/Turn Lamp
2 Electronic Stability Suspension Control,
Automatic Level Control Exhaust
3 Left Trailer Stop/Turn Lamp
4 Engine Controls
5 Engine Control Module, Throttle Control
6 Trailer Brake Controller Fuses Usage
7 Front Washer
8 Oxygen Sensors
9 Antilock Brakes System 2
10 Trailer Back-up Lamps
11 Driver Side Low-Beam Headlamp
12 Engine Control Module (Battery)
13 Fuel Injectors, Ignition Coils
(Right Side)
14 Transmission Control Module (Battery)
15 Vehicle Back-up Lamps
16 Passenger Side Low-Beam Headlamp
17 Air Conditioning Compressor
18 Oxygen Sensors
19 Transmission Controls (Ignition)
20 Fuel Pump
21 Fuel System Control Module
22 Headlamp Washers
23 Rear Windshield Washer
24 Fuel Injectors, Ignition Coils (Left Side)
5-112

When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message
appears, the following services, checks, and inspections
are required:
❑ Change engine oil and lter. See Engine Oil on
page 5-14 . Reset oil life system. See Engine Oil Life
System on page 5-16 . An Emission Control Service.
❑ Lubricate chassis components. See footnote #.
❑ Visually check for any leaks or damage. See
footnote (j).
❑ Inspect engine air cleaner lter or change indicator (if
equipped). If necessary, replace lter. See Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-17 . See footnote (k).
❑ Rotate tires and check ination pressures and wear.
See Tire Inspection and Rotation on page 5-69 and
“Tire Wear Inspection” in At Least Once a Month
on page 6-10 . ❑ Inspect brake system. See footnote (a).
❑ Check engine coolant and windshield washer uid
levels and add uid as needed.
❑ Perform any needed additional services. See
“Additional Required Services” in this section.
❑ Inspect suspension and steering components. See
footnote (b).
❑ Inspect engine cooling system. See footnote (c).
❑ Inspect wiper blades. See footnote (d).
❑ Inspect restraint system components. See
footnote (e).
❑ Lubricate body components. See footnote (f).
❑ Check transmission uid level and add uid
as needed.
6-5

Additional Required Services (cont’d)Service and Miles (Kilometers) 25,000
(40 000) 50,000
(80 000) 75,000
(120 000) 100,000
(160 000) 125,000
(200 000) 150,000
(240 000)
Replace spark plugs and inspect spark
plug wires. An Emission Control
Service. •
Engine cooling system service (or every
ve years, whichever occurs rst). An
Emission Control Service. See
footnote (i). •
Inspect engine accessory drive belt. An
Emission Control Service. See
footnote (l). •
Maintenance Footnotes † The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the
California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify
the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to
the completion of the vehicle’s useful life. We, however,
urge that all recommended maintenance services be
performed at the indicated intervals and the
maintenance be recorded. # Lubricate the front suspension, steering linkage, and
parking brake cable guides. Control arm ball joints
are maintenance-free.
(a) Visually inspect brake lines and hoses for proper
hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect
disc brake pads for wear and rotors for surface
condition. Inspect other brake parts, including calipers,
parking brake, etc.
6-7

(b) Visually inspect front and rear suspension and
steering system for damaged, loose, or missing parts,
signs of wear or lack of lubrication. Inspect power
steering lines and hoses for proper hook-up, binding,
leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Visually check constant
velocity joints, rubber boots, and axle seals for leaks.
(c) Visually inspect hoses and have them replaced if they
are cracked, swollen, or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
fittings, and clamps; replace with genuine parts as
needed. To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test
of the cooling system and pressure cap and cleaning the
outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser is
recommended at least once a year.
(d) Inspect wiper blades for wear, cracking, or
contamination. Clean the windshield and wiper blades,
if contaminated. Replace wiper blades that are worn
or damaged. See Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
on page 5-54 and Windshield, Backglass, and Wiper
Blades on page 5-103 for more information.
(e) Make sure the safety belt reminder light and safety
belt assemblies are working properly. Look for any
other loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you
see anything that might keep a safety belt system
from doing its job, have it repaired. Have any torn or
frayed safety belts replaced. Also see Checking
the Restraint Systems on page 1-92 . (f) Lubricate all key lock cylinders, hood latch assembly,
secondary latch, pivots, spring anchor, release pawl, rear
compartment hinges, outer tailgate handle pivot points,
latch bolt, fuel door hinge, and folding seat hardware.
More frequent lubrication may be required when exposed
to a corrosive environment. Applying silicone grease on
weatherstrips with a clean cloth will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak.
(g) Inspect system. Check all fuel and vapor lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, routing, and condition. Check
that the purge valve works properly, if equipped.
Replace as needed.
(h) Change automatic transmission fluid and filter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these
conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police, or delivery
service.
6-8

Reporting Safety Defects to General
Motors In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada) in
a situation like this, please notify General Motors.
Call 1-800-458-8006, or write:
Cadillac Customer Assistance Center
Cadillac Motor Car Division
P.O. Box 33169
Detroit, MI 48232-5169
In Canada, call 1-888-446-2000, or write:
Canadian Cadillac Customer Communication Centre,
CA1-163-005
General Motors of Canada Limited
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7 Service Publications Ordering
Information Service Manuals Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair
information on engines, transmission, axle suspension,
brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc.
Service Bulletins Service Bulletins’ give additional technical service
information needed to knowledgeably service General
Motors cars and trucks. Each bulletin contains
instructions to assist in the diagnosis and service of
your vehicle.
Owner Information Owner publications are written specically for owners
and intended to provide basic operational information
about the vehicle. The owner manual includes the
Maintenance Schedule for all models.
In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio, Owner Manual, and
Warranty Booklet.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $35.00 (U.S.) plus processing fee
Without Portfolio: Owner Manual only.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $25.00 (U.S.) plus processing fee
7-14

RRadio Frequency Identication (RFID), Privacy .... 7-17
Radios .......................................................... 3-70
Radio(s) ........................................................ 3-72
Radios
Navigation/Radio System, see Navigation
Manual ................................................... 3-95
Rear Seat Audio ........................................ 3-104
Reception ................................................. 3-108
Setting the Clock ......................................... 3-71
Theft-Deterrent .......................................... 3-106
Rainsense™ II Wipers ..................................... 3-10
Reading Lamps .............................................. 3-22
Rear Air Conditioning and Heating System and
Electronic Climate Controls ........................... 3-31
Rear Axle ...................................................... 5-46
Rear Door Security Locks ................................ 2-11
Rear Heated Seats ......................................... 1-10
Rear Seat Armrest .......................................... 2-62
Rear Seat Audio (RSA) .................................. 3-104
Rear Seat Entertainment System ....................... 3-95
Rear Side Window Antenna ............................ 3-109
Rear Storage Area .......................................... 2-62
Rear Windshield Washer/Wiper ......................... 3-12
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming with
OnStar ®
, Compass and Temperature
Display ...................................................... 2-43
Reclining Seatbacks, Power ............................... 1-7 Recommended Fluids and Lubricants ................. 6-13
Recovery Hooks ............................................. 4-34
Recreational Vehicle Towing ............................. 4-42
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System .................. 2-4
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System,
Operation ..................................................... 2-4
Remote Vehicle Start ........................................ 2-7
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire .................................................. 5-85
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools ................... 5-80
Replacement Bulbs ......................................... 5-53
Replacement Parts, Maintenance ...................... 6-15
Reporting Safety Defects
Canadian Government .................................. 7-13
General Motors ........................................... 7-14
United States Government ............................ 7-13
Restraint System Check
Checking the Restraint Systems .................... 1-92
Replacing Restraint System Parts
After a Crash .......................................... 1-93
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) ...................... 2-26
Road Sensing Suspension ................................. 4-6
Roadside
Service ........................................................ 7-6
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out .................... 4-34
Routing, Engine Drive Belt ............................... 6-16
Running Boards, Power ................................... 2-17
Running the Engine While Parked ..................... 2-40
10