2008 CADILLAC ESCALADE service indicator

Fuel
Use of the recommended fuel is an important part of
the proper maintenance of your vehicle. To help
keep the engine clean and maintain optimum vehicle
performance, we recommend the use of gasoline
advertised as TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline.
Gasoline Octane
Use premium unleaded gasoline with a posted octane
rating of 91 or higher. You can also use regular
unleaded gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher, but
your vehicle’s acceleration could be slightly reduced,
and you might notice a slight audible knocking
noise, commonly referred to as spark knock. If the
octane is less than 87, you might notice a heavy
knocking noise when you drive. If this occurs, use a
gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher as soon as
possible. Otherwise, you could damage the engine.
If you are using gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher
and you hear heavy knocking, the engine needs service.
Gasoline Specications
At a minimum, gasoline should meet ASTM
specication D 4814 in the United States or
CAN/CGSB-3.5 or 3.511 in Canada. Some gasolines
contain an octane-enhancing additive called
methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT).
We recommend against the use of gasolines
containing MMT. SeeAdditives on page 5-6for
additional information.
California Fuel
If your vehicle is certied to meet California Emissions
Standards, it is designed to operate on fuels that
meet California specications. See the underhood
emission control label. If this fuel is not available
in states adopting California emissions standards, your
vehicle will operate satisfactorily on fuels meeting
federal specications, but emission control system
performance might be affected. The malfunction
indicator lamp could turn on and your vehicle might fail
a smog-check test. SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp
on page 3-43. If this occurs, return to your authorized
dealer/retailer for diagnosis. If it is determined that
the condition is caused by the type of fuel used, repairs
might not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
5-5

Additives
To provide cleaner air, all gasolines in the United States
are now required to contain additives that help prevent
engine and fuel system deposits from forming,
allowing the emission control system to work properly.
In most cases, you should not have to add anything
to the fuel. However, some gasolines contain only
the minimum amount of additive required to meet
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations. To
help keep fuel injectors and intake valves clean,
or if your vehicle experiences problems due to dirty
injectors or valves, look for gasoline that is advertised
as TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline. Also, your
dealer/retailer has additives that will help correct and
prevent most deposit-related problems.
Gasolines containing oxygenates, such as ethers and
ethanol, and reformulated gasolines might be available in
your area. We recommend that you use these gasolines,
if they comply with the specications described earlier.
However, E85 (85% ethanol) and other fuels containing
more than 10% ethanol must not be used in vehicles that
were not designed for those fuels.
Notice:Your vehicle was not designed for fuel that
contains methanol. Do not use fuel containing
methanol. It can corrode metal parts in the fuel
system and also damage plastic and rubber parts.
That damage would not be covered under your
warranty.Some gasolines that are not reformulated for low
emissions can contain an octane-enhancing additive
called methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl
(MMT); ask the attendant where you buy gasoline
whether the fuel contains MMT. We recommend
against the use of such gasolines. Fuels containing
MMT can reduce the life of spark plugs and the
performance of the emission control system could be
affected. The malfunction indicator lamp might turn on.
If this occurs, return to your dealer/retailer for service.
Fuels in Foreign Countries
If you plan on driving in another country outside the
United States or Canada, the proper fuel might be hard
to nd. Never use leaded gasoline or any other fuel
not recommended in the previous text on fuel. Costly
repairs caused by use of improper fuel would not
be covered by your warranty.
To check the fuel availability, ask an auto club, or
contact a major oil company that does business in the
country where you will be driving.
5-6

Always reset the engine oil life to 100% after every oil
change. It will not reset itself. To reset the Engine
Oil Life System:
1. Display the OIL LIFE REMAINING on the DIC.
2. Press and hold the SET/RESET button on the DIC
for more than ve seconds. The oil life will change
to 100%.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message comes
back on when you start your vehicle, the Engine Oil Life
System has not reset. Repeat the procedure.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain elements that can be
unhealthy for your skin and could even cause cancer.
Do not let used oil stay on your skin for very long.
Clean your skin and nails with soap and water, or a good
hand cleaner. Wash or properly dispose of clothing or
rags containing used engine oil. See the manufacturer’s
warnings about the use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the environment. If you
change your own oil, be sure to drain all the oil from the
lter before disposal. Never dispose of oil by putting it in
the trash, pouring it on the ground, into sewers, or into
streams or bodies of water. Instead, recycle it by taking it
to a place that collects used oil. If you have a problem
properly disposing of used oil, ask your dealer/retailer,
a service station, or a local recycling center for help.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 5-12
for the location of the
engine air cleaner/lter
and the air lter restriction
indicator, if the vehicle
has one.
When to Inspect the Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter
If your vehicle has an air lter restriction indicator, it lets
you know when the engine air cleaner/lter needs to
be replaced. On vehicles with a restriction indicator,
you should inspect the air lter restriction indicator
at every oil change and replace the engine air
cleaner/lter when the indicator tells you to.
On vehicles without an air lter restriction indicator,
inspect the air cleaner/lter at the MaintenanceII
intervals and replace it at the rst oil change after each
50,000 mile (80 000 km) interval. SeeScheduled
Maintenance on page 6-4for more information. If you
are driving in dusty/dirty conditions, inspect the lter
at each engine oil change.
5-17

Brake Wear
Your vehicle has disc brakes. Disc brake pads have
built-in wear indicators that make a high-pitched warning
sound when the brake pads are worn and new pads
are needed. The sound can come and go or be heard all
the time your vehicle is moving, except when you are
pushing on the brake pedal rmly.
{CAUTION:
The brake wear warning sound means that soon
the brakes will not work well. That could lead to
an accident. When you hear the brake wear
warning sound, have your vehicle serviced.
Notice:Continuing to drive with worn-out brake
pads could result in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates can cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are rst applied or lightly applied.
This does not mean something is wrong with the brakes.Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help
prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect
brake pads for wear and evenly tighten wheel nuts in
the proper sequence to torque specications in
Capacities and Specifications on page 5-113.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer/retailer if the brake pedal does not
return to normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in
pedal travel. This could be a sign that brake service
might be required.
Brake Adjustment
Every time you make a brake stop, the disc brakes
adjust for wear.
5-37

If the engine oil life system is ever reset accidentally,
you must service your vehicle within 3,000 miles
(5 000 km) since your last service. Remember to
reset the oil life system whenever the oil is changed.
SeeEngine Oil Life System on page 5-16for
information on the Engine Oil Life System and
resetting the system.
When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message
appears, the following services, checks, and inspections
are required:
❑Change engine oil and lter. SeeEngine Oil on
page 5-14. Reset oil life system. SeeEngine 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.
SeeEngine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-17.
See footnote (k).❑Rotate tires and check ination pressures and wear.
SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on page 5-67and
“Tire Wear Inspection” inAt 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
The following services should be performed at the rst maintenance service after the indicated miles (kilometers)
shown for each item.
Additional Required Services
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)
Inspect fuel system for damage or
leaks.• •••••
Inspect exhaust system for loose or
damaged components.• •••••
Vehicles without a lter restriction
indicator: Replace engine air cleaner
lter. SeeEngine Air Cleaner/Filter
on page 5-17.•••
Change automatic transmission uid and
lter (severe service).See footnote (h).•••
Change automatic transmission uid and
lter (normal service).•
Change transfer case uid.
See footnote (m).•••
6-6

A
Accessories and Modications............................ 5-3
Accessory Power Outlets.................................3-24
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle.......................................................1-88
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-6
Add-On Electrical Equipment...........................5-106
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................................................1-74
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle...................................................1-88
How Does an Airbag Restrain?......................1-81
Passenger Sensing System...........................1-83
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle..........1-88
What Makes an Airbag Inate?......................1-81
What Will You See After an Airbag Inates?........1-82
When Should an Airbag Inate?....................1-79
Where Are the Airbags?...............................1-77
All-Wheel Drive...............................................5-44
All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) System........................... 4-8
Analog Clock..................................................3-25
Antenna, Rear Side Window...........................3-106
Antenna, XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna
System.....................................................3-106Antilock Brake System (ABS)............................. 4-4
Anti-lock Brake, System Warning Light...............3-41
Appearance Care
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels.............5-102
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-99
Chemical Paint Spotting..............................5-103
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses..................5-100
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-97
Finish Care...............................................5-100
Finish Damage..........................................5-103
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces.......................................5-98
Interior Cleaning..........................................5-96
Leather......................................................5-98
Sheet Metal Damage..................................5-103
Speaker Covers..........................................5-99
Tires........................................................5-103
Underbody Maintenance.............................5-103
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials...............5-104
Washing Your Vehicle.................................5-100
Weatherstrips..............................................5-99
Windshield, Backglass, and Wiper Blades......5-101
Wood Panels..............................................5-99
Appointments, Scheduling Service....................... 7-9
Ashtray.........................................................3-25
Assist Handles...............................................2-62
Audio System.................................................3-68
Audio Steering Wheel Controls....................3-104
Navigation/Radio System,
see Navigation Manual..............................3-92
1

Locking Differential........................................... 4-5
Lockout Protection..........................................2-12
Locks
Delayed Locking..........................................2-11
Door ..........................................................2-10
Lockout Protection.......................................2-12
Power Door ................................................2-10
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.............2-11
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-11
Loss of Control...............................................4-11
Luggage Carrier..............................................2-62
Lumbar
Power Controls............................................. 1-3
M
Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services........................... 6-6
At Each Fuel Fill.........................................6-10
At Least Once a Month................................6-10
At Least Once a Year..................................6-11
Introduction.................................................. 6-2
Maintenance Footnotes.................................. 6-8
Maintenance Record....................................6-17
Maintenance Replacement Parts....................6-15
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Owner Checks and Services.........................6-10Maintenance Schedule (cont.)
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.............6-13
Scheduled Maintenance................................. 6-4
Using.......................................................... 6-2
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2
Malfunction Indicator Light................................3-43
Manual, Using.................................................... iii
Memory Seat, Mirrors, and Pedals...................... 1-6
Message
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-52
Mirrors
Automatic Dimming Mirror with Intellibeam™,
OnStar
®, Compass, and Temperature
Display...................................................2-40
Automatic Dimming Rearview with OnStar
®,
Compass and Temperature Display.............2-42
Outside Power Foldaway Mirrors....................2-45
MP3 .............................................................3-87
MyGMLink.com................................................ 7-4
N
Navigation System, Privacy..............................7-18
Navigation/Radio System,
see Navigation Manual.................................3-92
New Vehicle Break-In......................................2-24
8