2009 CADILLAC ESCALADE EXT belt

If the word ON or the on symbol is lit on the passenger
airbag status indicator, it means that the right front
passenger frontal airbag is enabled (may inate).
If the word OFF or the off symbol is lit on the airbag
status indicator, it means that the passenger sensing
system has turned off the right front passenger
frontal airbag.
If, after several seconds, both status indicator lights
remain on, or if there are no lights at all, there may be a
problem with the lights or the passenger sensing
system. See your dealer/retailer for service.
{CAUTION:
If the airbag readiness light ever comes on and
stays on, it means that something may be wrong
with the airbag system. To help avoid injury to
yourself or others, have the vehicle serviced right
away. SeeAirbag Readiness Light on page 3-30
for more information, including important safety
information.
Charging System Light
This light comes on briey
when the ignition key is
turned to START, but
the engine is not running,
as a check to show it
is working.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer.
The light should go out once the engine starts. If it stays
on, or comes on while driving, there could be a
problem with the charging system. A charging system
message in the Driver Information Center (DIC) can also
appear. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-48
for more information. This light could indicate that
there are problems with a generator drive belt, or that
there is an electrical problem. Have it checked right
away. If the vehicle must be driven a short distance with
the light on, turn off accessories, such as the radio
and air conditioner.
3-32

Navigation Audio System
Notice:Before adding any sound equipment to the
vehicle, such as an audio system, CD player, CB
radio, mobile telephone, or two-way radio, make
sure that it can be added by checking with your
dealer/retailer. Also, check federal rules covering
mobile radio and telephone units. If sound
equipment can be added, it is very important to do
it properly. Added sound equipment can interfere
with the operation of the vehicle’s engine, radio, or
other systems, and even damage them. The
vehicle’s systems can interfere with the operation of
sound equipment that has been added.
Notice:The chime signals related to safety belts,
parking brake, and other functions of the vehicle
operate through the navigation system. If that
equipment is replaced or additional equipment is
added to the vehicle, the chimes may not work.
Make sure that replacement or additional equipment
is compatible with the vehicle before installing it.
See “Accessories and Modications” in the Index of
the vehicle’s owner manual.
Playing the Radio
O
/n(Power/Volume):Press to turn the audio
system on and off. Turn to increase or to decrease
the volume.
Press and hold for more than two seconds to turn off
the navigation system, the Rear Seat Entertainment
(RSE) video screen, and Rear Seat Audio (RSA). If the
vehicle has not been turned off, press this knob to
turn RSE and RSA back on and to continue playback of
the last active source.
w(Tuning Knob):Turn to go to the next or
previous frequency or disc track or chapter. SeeCD
Player on page 4-64orDVD Player on page 4-71
for more information.
AUDIO:Press to display the audio screen. Press to
switch between AM, FM, or XM, if equipped, DISC, or
AUX (Auxiliary), or touch the screen button. SeeCD
Player on page 4-64,DVD Player on page 4-71,
andAuxiliary Devices on page 4-78for more
information.
4-57

Your Driving, the Road, and
the Vehicle
Driving for Better Fuel Economy
Driving habits can affect fuel mileage. Here are some
driving tips to get the best fuel economy possible.
Avoid fast starts and accelerate smoothly.
Brake gradually and avoid abrupt stops.
Avoid idling the engine for long periods of time.
When road and weather conditions are appropriate,
use cruise control, if equipped.
Always follow posted speed limits or drive more
slowly when conditions require.
Keep vehicle tires properly inated.
Combine several trips into a single trip.
Replace the vehicle’s tires with the same TPC Spec
number molded into the tire’s sidewall near the size.
Follow recommended scheduled maintenance.
Defensive Driving
Defensive driving means “always expect the
unexpected.” The rst step in driving defensively is to
wear your safety belt — SeeSafety Belts: They Are for
Everyone on page 1-12.
{CAUTION:
Assume that other road users (pedestrians,
bicyclists, and other drivers) are going to be
careless and make mistakes. Anticipate what they
might do and be ready. In addition:
Allow enough following distance between you
and the driver in front of you.
Focus on the task of driving.
Driver distraction can cause collisions resulting in
injury or possible death. These simple defensive
driving techniques could save your life.
5-2

Steering Tips
It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
Traction in a curve depends on the condition of the tires
and the road surface, the angle at which the curve is
banked, and vehicle speed. While in a curve, speed is
the one factor that can be controlled.
If there is a need to reduce speed, do it before entering
the curve, while the front wheels are straight.
Try to adjust the speed so you can drive through the
curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait
to accelerate until out of the curve, and then accelerate
gently into the straightaway.
Steering in Emergencies
There are times when steering can be more effective
than braking. For example, you come over a hill and nd
a truck stopped in your lane, or a car suddenly pulls
out from nowhere, or a child darts out from between
parked cars and stops right in front of you. These
problems can be avoided by braking — if you can stop
in time. But sometimes you cannot stop in time
because there is no room. That is the time for evasive
action — steering around the problem.
The vehicle can perform very well in emergencies like
these. First apply the brakes. SeeBraking on page 5-4.
It is better to remove as much speed as possiblefrom a collision. Then steer around the problem, to the
left or right depending on the space available.
An emergency like this requires close attention and a
quick decision. If holding the steering wheel at the
recommended 9 and 3 o’clock positions, it can be turned
a full 180 degrees very quickly without removing
either hand. But you have to act fast, steer quickly, and
just as quickly straighten the wheel once you have
avoided the object.
The fact that such emergency situations are always
possible is a good reason to practice defensive driving
at all times and wear safety belts properly.
5-10

Skidding
In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable
care suited to existing conditions, and by not overdriving
those conditions. But skids are always possible.
The three types of skids correspond to the vehicle’s
three control systems. In the braking skid, the wheels
are not rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, too
much speed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip
and lose cornering force. And in the acceleration
skid, too much throttle causes the driving wheels
to spin.
Remember: Any traction control system helps avoid only
the acceleration skid. If the traction control system is
off, then an acceleration skid is best handled by easing
your foot off the accelerator pedal.
If the vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off the
accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you want
the vehicle to go. If you start steering quickly enough,
the vehicle may straighten out. Always be ready for
a second skid if it occurs.
Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice,
gravel, or other material is on the road. For safety, slow
down and adjust your driving to these conditions. It is
important to slow down on slippery surfaces because
stopping distance will be longer and vehicle control
more limited.While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try your
best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration, or braking,
including reducing vehicle speed by shifting to a lower
gear. Any sudden changes could cause the tires to slide.
You may not realize the surface is slippery until the
vehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize warning
clues — such as enough water, ice, or packed snow on
the road to make a mirrored surface — and slow down
when you have any doubt.
Remember: Any Antilock Brake System (ABS) helps
avoid only the braking skid.
Off-Road Driving
Vehicles with 22-inch tire/wheel assemblies should not
be driven off-road except on a level, solid surface.
Many of the vehicle design features that help make the
vehicle more responsive on paved roads during poor
weather conditions also help make it better suited
for off-road use than conventional passenger vehicles.
The vehicle does not have features usually thought to be
necessary for extended or severe off-road use such
as special underbody shielding and transfer case
low gear range.
The airbag system is designed to work properly under a
wide range of conditions, including off-road usage.
Always wear your safety belt and observe safe driving
speeds, especially on rough terrain.
5-12

Controlling the vehicle is the key to successful off-road
driving. One of the best ways to control the vehicle
is to control the speed. At higher speeds:
You approach things faster and have less time to
react.
There is less time to scan the terrain for obstacles.
The vehicle has more bounce when driving over
obstacles.
More braking distance is needed, especially on an
unpaved surface.
{CAUTION:
When you are driving off-road, bouncing and quick
changes in direction can easily throw you out of
position. This could cause you to lose control and
crash. So, whether you are driving on or off the
road, you and your passengers should wear
safety belts.
Scanning the Terrain
Off-road driving can take you over many different kinds
of terrain. Be familiar with the terrain and its many
different features.Surface Conditions:Off-roading surfaces can be
hard-packed dirt, gravel, rocks, grass, sand, mud, snow,
or ice. Each of these surfaces affects the vehicle’s
steering, acceleration, and braking in different ways.
Depending on the surface, slipping, sliding, wheel
spinning, delayed acceleration, poor traction, and longer
braking distances can occur.
Surface Obstacles:Unseen or hidden obstacles can
be hazardous. A rock, log, hole, rut, or bump can startle
you if you are not prepared for them. Often these
obstacles are hidden by grass, bushes, snow, or even
the rise and fall of the terrain itself.
Some things to consider:
Is the path ahead clear?
Will the surface texture change abruptly up ahead?
Does the travel take you uphill or downhill?
Will you have to stop suddenly or change direction
quickly?
When driving over obstacles or rough terrain, keep a rm
grip on the steering wheel. Ruts, troughs, or other surface
features can jerk the wheel out of your hands.
When driving over bumps, rocks, or other obstacles, the
wheels can leave the ground. If this happens, even
with one or two wheels, you cannot control the vehicle
as well or at all.
5-16

Parking on Hills
{CAUTION:
Parking the vehicle on a hill with the trailer
attached can be dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move. People can be
injured, and both the vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. When possible, always park the rig on a
at surface.
If parking the rig on a hill:
1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park)
yet. Turn the wheels into the curb if facing downhill
or into traffic if facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer
wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the
regular brakes until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking
brake and shift into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal while you:
Start the engine
Shift into a gear
Release the parking brake
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the
chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
The vehicle needs service more often when pulling a
trailer. See this manual’s Maintenance Schedule
or Index for more information. Things that are especially
important in trailer operation are automatic transmission
uid, engine oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling system
and brake system. It is a good idea to inspect
these before and during the trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.
5-50

Tire Pressure Monitor System.........................6-62
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation.....................6-63
Tire Inspection and Rotation...........................6-67
When It Is Time for New Tires.......................6-68
Buying New Tires.........................................6-69
Different Size Tires and Wheels......................6-71
Uniform Tire Quality Grading..........................6-72
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance..................6-74
Wheel Replacement......................................6-74
Tire Chains..................................................6-75
If a Tire Goes Flat........................................6-76
Changing a Flat Tire.....................................6-77
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools................6-78
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire................................................6-82
Secondary Latch System...............................6-87
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools............6-90
Spare Tire...................................................6-93
Appearance Care............................................6-94
Interior Cleaning...........................................6-94
Fabric/Carpet...............................................6-95
Leather.......................................................6-96
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic
Surfaces..................................................6-96
Wood Panels...............................................6-96
Speaker Covers............................................6-96Care of Safety Belts......................................6-97
Weatherstrips...............................................6-97
Washing Your Vehicle...................................6-97
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.....................6-98
Finish Care..................................................6-98
Windshield and Wiper Blades.........................6-99
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels
and Trim................................................6-100
Tires.........................................................6-100
Sheet Metal Damage..................................
.6-101
Finish Damage...........................................6-101
Underbody Maintenance...............................6-101
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................6-101
Vehicle Identication.....................................6-102
Vehicle Identication Number (VIN)................6-102
Service Parts Identication Label...................6-102
Electrical System..........................................6-103
Add-On Electrical Equipment.........................6-103
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................6-103
Power Windows and Other Power Options......6-103
Fuses and Circuit Breakers..........................6-103
Instrument Panel Fuse Block........................6-104
Center Instrument Panel Fuse Block..............6-106
Underhood Fuse Block................................6-107
Capacities and Specications........................6-110
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
6-2