2009 CADILLAC ESCALADE EXT engine oil

Checking Coolant
The vehicle must be on a level surface when checking
the coolant level.
Check to see if coolant is visible in the coolant surge
tank. If the coolant inside the coolant surge tank is
boiling, do not do anything else until it cools down. If
coolant is visible but the coolant level is not at or above
the FULL COLD mark, add a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
®coolant at the coolant
surge tank, but be sure the cooling system is cool
before this is done.
The coolant surge tank is located in the engine
compartment on the passenger side of the vehicle. See
Engine Compartment Overview on page 6-14for
more information on location.
The coolant level should be at or above the FULL
COLD mark. If it is not, you may have a leak in the
cooling system.
6-27

Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
If an overheated engine condition exists and the
ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED message is displayed,
an overheat protection mode which alternates ring
groups of cylinders helps prevent engine damage. In this
mode, you will notice a loss in power and engine
performance. This operating mode allows the vehicle to
be driven to a safe place in an emergency. Driving
extended miles (km) and/or towing a trailer in the
overheat protection mode should be avoided.
Notice:After driving in the overheated engine
protection operating mode, to avoid engine damage,
allow the engine to cool before attempting any
repair. The engine oil will be severely degraded.
Repair the cause of coolant loss, change the oil and
reset the oil life system. SeeEngine Oil on
page 6-15.
Engine Fan Noise
The vehicle has electric cooling fans. You might hear
the fans spinning at low speed during most everyday
driving. The fans can turn off if no cooling is required.
Under heavy vehicle loading, trailer towing, and/or
high outside temperatures, or if you are operating the
air conditioning system, the fans can change to
high speed and you might hear an increase in fan noise.
This is normal and indicates that the cooling system
is functioning properly. The fans change to low speed
when additional cooling is no longer required.
Power Steering Fluid
SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 6-14for
reservoir location.
6-33

What to Add
Use only new DOT-3 brake uid from a sealed
container. SeeRecommended Fluids and Lubricants
on page 7-13.
Always clean the brake uid reservoir cap and the area
around the cap before removing it. This helps keep
dirt from entering the reservoir.
{CAUTION:
With the wrong kind of uid in the brake hydraulic
system, the brakes might not work well. This could
cause a crash. Always use the proper brake uid.Notice:
Using the wrong uid can badly damage brake
hydraulic system parts. For example, just a
few drops of mineral-based oil, such as engine
oil, in the brake hydraulic system can damage
brake hydraulic system parts so badly that they
will have to be replaced. Do not let someone
put in the wrong kind of uid.
If brake uid is spilled on the vehicle’s painted
surfaces, the paint nish can be damaged. Be
careful not to spill brake uid on the vehicle.
If you do, wash it off immediately. SeeWashing
Your Vehicle on page 6-97.
6-37

Fuses Usage
6 Trailer Brake Controller
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)
13Fuel Injectors, Ignition Coils
(Right Side)
14Transmission Control Module
(Battery)
15 Vehicle Back-up Lamps
16Passenger 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
24Fuel Injectors, Ignition Coils
(Left Side)
25 Trailer Park LampsFuses Usage
26 Driver Side Park Lamps
27 Passenger Side Park Lamps
28 Fog Lamps
29 Horn
30Passenger Side High-Beam
Headlamp
31 Daytime Running Lamps
32 Driver Side High-Beam Headlamp
33 Daytime Running Lights 2
34 Sunroof
35Key Ignition System, Theft Deterrent
System
36 Windshield Wiper
37 SEO B2 Uptter Usage (Battery)
38 Electric Adjustable Pedals
39 Climate Controls (Battery)
40 Airbag System (Ignition)
41 Amplier
42 Audio System
43Miscellaneous (Ignition), Cruise
Control
44 Liftgate Release
45 Airbag System (Battery)
46 Instrument Panel Cluster
6-108

Capacities and Specications
The following approximate capacities are given in English and metric conversions. SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 7-13for more information.
ApplicationCapacities
English Metric
Air Conditioning Refrigerant R134aFor the Air Conditioning system refrigerant charge
amount, see the refrigerant caution label located
under the hood. Please see your dealer/retailer for
more information.
Cooling System 16.9 qt 16.0 L
Engine Oil with Filter 6.0 qt† 5.7 L†
Fuel Tank 31.5 gal 119.2 L
Transmission Fluid (Pan Removal and Filter Replacement) 6.0 qt 5.7 L
Transfer Case Fluid 1.5 qt 1.4 L
Wheel Nut Torque 140 lb ft 190Y
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to ll to the approximate level, as recommended in this
manual. Recheck uid after lling.
†Oil lter should be changed at every oil change.
Engine Specications
Engine VIN Code Transmission Spark Plug Gap
6.2L V8 2 Automatic 0.040 in (1.01 mm)
6-110

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 the vehicle warranties. See the 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 this vehicle in good working
condition. Any damage caused by failure to follow
scheduled maintenance might not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Your Vehicle and the Environment
Proper vehicle maintenance not only helps to keep
the 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 the vehicle. To help protect the
environment, and to keep the vehicle in good condition,
be sure to maintain the vehicle properly.
7-2

Owner Checks and Services on page 7-9tells what
should be checked, when to check it, and what
can easily be done to help keep the vehicle in good
condition.
The proper replacement parts, uids, and lubricants to
use are listed inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants
on page 7-13andMaintenance Replacement Parts
on page 7-15. When the vehicle is serviced, make sure
these are used. All parts should be replaced and all
necessary repairs done before you or anyone else
drives the vehicle. We recommend the use of genuine
parts from your dealer/retailer.
Scheduled Maintenance
To maintain the ride, handling, and performance of this
vehicle, it is important that the rst tire rotation
service be performed when the vehicle has 5,000 to
8,000 miles (8 000 to 13 000 km). Check tires for
ination pressures and wear. SeeTires on page 6-54.
Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 6-67and “Tire Wear Inspection” inAt Least Once
a Month on page 7-10.
When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message
displays, service is required for the vehicle. Have the
vehicle serviced as soon as possible within the
next 600 miles (1 000 km). It is possible that, if driving
under the best conditions, the engine oil life system may
not indicate that vehicle service is necessary for overa year. However, the engine oil and lter must be
changed at least once a year and at this time the system
must be reset. Your dealer/retailer has trained service
technicians who will perform this work using genuine
parts and reset the system.
If the engine oil life system is ever reset accidentally,
service your vehicle within 3,000 miles (5 000 km) since
the last service. Remember to reset the oil life system
whenever the oil is changed. SeeEngine Oil Life System
on page 6-18for 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 6-15. Reset oil life system. SeeEngine Oil
Life System on page 6-18.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 6-19.See footnote (k).
❑Rotate tires and check ination pressures and wear.
SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on page 6-67and
“Tire Wear Inspection” inAt Least Once a Month
on page 7-10.
7-4

(i)Drain, ush, and rell cooling system. This service
can be complex; you should have your dealer/retailer
perform this service. See Engine Coolant on page 6-26
for what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator,
condenser, pressure cap, and ller neck. Pressure test
the cooling system and pressure cap.
(j)A uid loss in any vehicle system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired and
the uid level checked. Add uid if needed.
(k)If driving regularly under dusty conditions, inspect
the lter 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. Check to be sure vent hose is
unobstructed, clear, and free of debris. During any
maintenance, if a power washer is used to clean mud
and dirt from the underbody, care should be taken to not
directly spray the transfer case output seals. High
pressure water can overcome the seals and contaminate
the transfer case uid. Contaminated uid will decrease
the life of the transfer case and should be replaced.
(n)Severe Service: Change transfer case uid if
the vehicle is mainly used for trailer towing or driven in
city traffic, wet environment, or high ambient
temperatures.Owner Checks and Services
These owner checks and services should be performed
at the intervals specied to help ensure vehicle
safety, dependability, and emission control performance.
Your dealer/retailer can assist with these checks and
services.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any uids or lubricants are added to the
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 7-13.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important to perform these underhood checks at
each fuel ll.
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 the vehicle
warranty.
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. SeeEngine Oil on page 6-15.
7-9