2009 CADILLAC ESCALADE air suspension

Driving in Water
{CAUTION:
Driving through rushing water can be dangerous.
Deep water can sweep your vehicle downstream
and you and your passengers could drown. If it is
only shallow water, it can still wash away the
ground from under your tires, and you could lose
traction and roll the vehicle over. Do not drive
through rushing water.
Heavy rain can mean ash ooding, and ood waters
demand extreme caution.
Find out how deep the water is before driving through it.
Do not try it if it is deep enough to cover the wheel
hubs, axles, or exhaust pipe — you probably will not get
through. Deep water can damage the axle and other
vehicle parts.
If the water is not too deep, drive slowly through it. At
faster speeds, water splashes on the ignition system and
the vehicle can stall. Stalling can also occur if you get the
tailpipe under water. If the tailpipe is under water, you will
never be able to start the engine. When going throughwater, remember that when the brakes get wet, it might
take longer to stop. SeeDriving in Rain and on Wet
Roads on page 5-25.
After Off-Road Driving
Remove any brush or debris that has collected on the
underbody, chassis, or under the hood. These
accumulations can be a re hazard.
After operation in mud or sand, have the brake linings
cleaned and checked. These substances can cause
glazing and uneven braking. Check the body structure,
steering, suspension, wheels, tires, and exhaust
system for damage and check the fuel lines and cooling
system for any leakage.
The vehicle requires more frequent service due to
off-road use. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule for
additional information.
Driving at Night
Night driving is more dangerous than day driving because
some drivers are likely to be impaired — by alcohol or
drugs, with night vision problems, or by fatigue.
Night driving tips include:
Drive defensively.
Do not drink and drive.
Reduce headlamp glare by adjusting the inside
rearview mirror.
5-24

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.
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” underOff-Road
Driving on page 5-13.
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.
Automatic Level Control
The automatic level control rear suspension
comes as a part of the Road Sensing Suspension.
SeeRoad Sensing Suspension on page 5-9.
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.
5-37

Dolly Towing (Rear Wheels Off the Ground)
Use the following procedure to dinghy tow a
two-wheel-drive vehicle from the rear:
1. Attach the dolly to the tow vehicle following the
dolly manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Drive the rear wheels onto the dolly.
3. Firmly set the parking brake. SeeParking Brake on
page 2-34.
4. Put the transmission in P (Park).
5. Secure the vehicle to the dolly following the
manufacturer’s instructions.6. Use an adequate clamping device designed for
towing to ensure that the front wheels are locked
into the straight position.
7. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.
Level Control
Automatic Level Control
The automatic level control rear suspension is available
on light-duty vehicles and comes as a part of the
Autoride
®suspension, if equipped.
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 ON/RUN
and will automatically adjust vehicle height thereafter.
The system may exhaust (lower vehicle height) for up to
ten minutes after the ignition key has been turned off.
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 hitch.
5-41

Fuses Usage
1 Right Trailer Stop/Turn Lamp
2Electronic Stability Suspension
Control, Automatic Level Control
Exhaust
3 Left Trailer Stop/Turn Lamp
4 Engine Controls
5Engine Control Module,
Throttle Control
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)
6-107

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 6-16. 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. See
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 6-19.See
footnote (k).
❑Rotate tires and check ination pressures and wear.
SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on page 6-68and
“Tire Wear Inspection” inAt Least Once a Month
on page 7-10.❑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.
7-5

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)
Inspect evaporative control system.
An Emission Control Service.
See footnotes † and (g).•••
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.
7-7

(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 6-54 and Windshield, Backglass, and Wiper
Blades on page 6-99 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 1-93.(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 6-26
for what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator,
condenser, pressure cap, and filler neck. Pressure
test the cooling system and pressure cap.
7-8

Reporting Safety Defects to the
Canadian Government
If you live in Canada, and you believe that your vehicle
has a safety defect, notify Transport Canada
immediately, in addition to notifying General Motors of
Canada Limited. Call them at 1-800-333-0510 or
write to:
Transport Canada
Road Safety Branch
2780 Sheffield Road
Ottawa, Ontario K1B 3V9
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 48232-5169In 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.
8-15