2008 CADILLAC ESCALADE check engine

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

(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.(i)Drain, flush, and refill cooling system. This service
can be complex; you should have your dealer/retailer
perform this service. See Engine Coolant on page 5-23
for what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator,
condenser, pressure cap, and filler neck. Pressure test
the cooling system and pressure cap.
(j)A fluid loss in any vehicle system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired and
the fluid level checked. Add fluid if needed.
(k)If you drive regularly under dusty conditions, inspect
the filter at each engine oil change.
(l)Visually inspect belt for fraying, excessive cracks, or
obvious damage. Replace belt if necessary.
(m)Check vent hose at transfer case for kinks and
proper installation.
6-9

Owner Checks and Services
These owner checks and services should be performed
at the intervals specied to help ensure the safety,
dependability, and emission control performance of your
vehicle. Your dealer/retailer can assist you with these
checks and services.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any uids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-13.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important to perform these underhood checks at
each fuel fill.
Engine Oil Level Check
Notice:It is important to check the engine oil
regularly and keep it at the proper level. Failure to
keep the engine oil at the proper level can cause
damage to the engine not covered by your warranty.
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-14.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add DEX-COOL®
coolant mixture if necessary. SeeEngine Coolant
on page 5-23.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer uid level in the windshield
washer uid reservoir and add the proper uid if
necessary.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Ination Check
Inspect your vehicle’s tires and make sure they are
inated to the correct pressures. Do not forget to
check the spare tire. SeeInflation - Tire Pressure on
page 5-60. Check to make sure the spare tire is stored
securely. SeeChanging a Flat Tire on page 5-77.
Tire Wear Inspection
Tire rotation may be required for high mileage highway
drivers prior to the Engine Oil Life System service
notication. Check the tires for wear and, if necessary,
rotate the tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-67.
6-10

At Least Once a Year
Starter Switch Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this inspection, the
vehicle could move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be injured.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle.
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake and the regular
brake. SeeParking Brake on page 2-35.
Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to
turn off the engine immediately if it starts.
3. Try to start the engine in each gear. The vehicle
should start only in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
If the vehicle starts in any other position, contact
your dealer/retailer for service.
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock
Control System Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this inspection, the
vehicle could move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be injured.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle. It should be parked on a level
surface.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake. SeeParking Brake
on page 2-35.
Be ready to apply the regular brake immediately if
the vehicle begins to move.
3. With the engine off, turn the ignition to ON/RUN,
but do not start the engine. Without applying the
regular brake, try to move the shift lever out
of PARK (P) with normal effort. If the shift lever
moves out of PARK (P), contact your dealer/retailer
for service.
6-11

Ignition Transmission Lock Check
While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn
the ignition to LOCK/OFF in each shift lever position.
The ignition should turn to LOCK/OFF only
when the shift lever is in PARK (P).
The ignition key should come out only in LOCK/OFF.
Contact your dealer/retailer if service is required.
Parking Brake and Automatic
Transmission Park (P) Mechanism
Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, your vehicle
could begin to move. You or others could be
injured and property could be damaged.
Make sure there is room in front of your vehicle
in case it begins to roll. Be ready to apply the
regular brake at once should the vehicle begin
to move.Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing
downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake,
set the parking brake.
To check the parking brake’s holding ability:
With the engine running and transmission in
NEUTRAL (N), slowly remove foot pressure from
the regular brake pedal. Do this until the vehicle is
held by the parking brake only.
To check the PARK (P) mechanism’s holding
ability: With the engine running, shift to PARK (P).
Then release the parking brake followed by the
regular brake.
Contact your dealer/retailer if service is required.
Hood and Liftgate Support Gas Strut
Service
Visually inspect gas strut for signs of wear, corrosion,
cracks, loss of lubricant, or other damage. Check
the hold open ability of gas strut. If necessary, replace
with genuine parts from your dealer/retailer.
Underbody Flushing Service
At least every spring, use plain water to ush any
corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to
clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris
can collect.
6-12

Current and Past Model Order Forms
Technical Service Bulletins and Manuals are available
for current and past model GM vehicles. To request
an order form, specify year and model name of
the vehicle.
ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-551-4123
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Eastern Time
For Credit Card Orders Only
(VISA-MasterCard-Discover), visit Helm, Inc. on the
World Wide Web at: www.helminc.com
Or you can write to:
Helm, Incorporated
P.O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207
Prices are subject to change without notice and without
incurring obligation. Allow ample time for delivery.
Note to Canadian Customers: All listed prices are
quoted in U.S. funds. Canadian residents are to make
checks payable in U.S. funds.
Vehicle Data Recording and
Privacy
Your GM vehicle has a number of sophisticated
computers that record information about the vehicle’s
performance and how it is driven. For example,
your vehicle uses computer modules to monitor and
control engine and transmission performance, to monitor
the conditions for airbag deployment and deploy
airbags in a crash and, if so equipped, to provide
antilock braking to help the driver control the vehicle.
These modules may store data to help your
dealer/retailer technician service your vehicle.
Some modules may also store data about how you
operate the vehicle, such as rate of fuel consumption or
average speed. These modules may also retain the
owner’s personal preferences, such as radio pre-sets,
seat positions, and temperature settings.
7-16

Audio System (cont.)
Radio Reception........................................3-105
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)...............................3-102
Setting the Clock.........................................3-69
Theft-Deterrent Feature...............................3-104
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System...........3-106
Audio System(s).............................................3-70
Rear Side Window Antenna.........................3-106
Automatic Headlamp System............................3-20
Automatic Transmission
Fluid..........................................................5-20
Operation...................................................2-30
Autoride
®.......................................................4-43
B
Battery..........................................................5-38
Electric Power Management..........................3-23
Run-Down Protection...................................3-24
Bench Seat, Split (60/40).................................1-10
Brake
Emergencies................................................ 4-5
Brakes..........................................................5-35
System Warning Light..................................3-40
Braking........................................................... 4-3
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-5
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-24
Bucket Seats, Rear.........................................1-16Bulb Replacement...........................................5-49
Back-Up Lamps...........................................5-50
Headlamp Aiming........................................5-46
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting...........5-49
License Plate Lamps....................................5-51
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-51
Buying New Tires...........................................5-70
C
Calibration.............................................2-40, 2-42
California Fuel.................................................. 5-5
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements....... 5-4
California Proposition 65 Warning....................... 5-3
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Capacities and Specications..........................5-113
Carbon Monoxide...................2-12, 2-14, 2-38, 4-30
Care of
Safety Belts................................................5-99
Cargo Cover..................................................2-64
CD, MP3 .......................................................3-87
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-62
Center Seat...................................................1-10
Chains, Tire...................................................5-75
Charging System Light....................................3-39
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-43
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Chemical Paint Spotting.................................5-103
2

Electrical System (cont.)
Power Windows and Other Power Options.......5-106
Underhood Fuse Block...............................5-109
Windshield Wiper Fuses.............................5-106
Electronic Immobilizer
PASS-Key
®III+...........................................2-22
Electronic Immobilizer Operation
PASS-Key
®III+...........................................2-23
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-17
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-43
Coolant......................................................5-23
Coolant Heater............................................2-28
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-42
Drive Belt Routing.......................................6-16
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-38
Fan Noise..................................................5-32
Oil .............................................................5-14
Oil Life System...........................................5-16
Overheated Protection Operating Mode...........5-28
Overheating................................................5-26
Starting......................................................2-26
Entry Lighting.................................................3-22
Event Data Recorders.....................................7-17
Exit Lighting...................................................3-22
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-48
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-16
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-17
Finish Damage.............................................5-103
Flashers, Hazard Warning.................................. 3-6
Flat Tire........................................................5-76
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-77
Flat Tire, Storing.............................................5-91
Fluid
Automatic Transmission................................5-20
Power Steering...........................................5-33
Windshield Washer......................................5-34
Fog Lamp
Fog ...........................................................3-21
Fog Lamp Light..............................................3-46
Front Axle......................................................5-46
Fuel............................................................... 5-5
Additives...................................................... 5-6
California Fuel.............................................. 5-5
Filling a Portable Fuel Container..................... 5-9
Filling the Tank............................................. 5-7
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-6
Gage .........................................................3-47
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-5
Gasoline Specications.................................. 5-5
Running Out of...........................................2-39
5