Page 461 of 620

Black plate (13,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2010
If the vehicle has a Driver Information Center (DIC), the
TIGHTEN GAS CAP message displays if the fuel cap is
not properly installed.
{ WARNING: If a fire starts while you are refueling, do not
remove the nozzle. Shut off the flow of fuel by
shutting off the pump or by notifying the station
attendant. Leave the area immediately.
Notice: If you need a new fuel cap, be sure to get
the right type. Your dealer can get one for you.
If you get the wrong type, it may not fit properly.
This may cause the malfunction indicator lamp to
light and may damage the fuel tank and emissions
system. See Malfunction Indicator Lamp on
page 4 ‑ 36
. Filling a Portable Fuel Container
{ WARNING: Never fill a portable fuel container while it is in
the vehicle. Static electricity discharge from the
container can ignite the fuel vapor. You can be
badly burned and the vehicle damaged if this
occurs. To help avoid injury to you and others: .
Dispense fuel only into approved containers. .
Do not fill a container while it is inside a
vehicle, in a vehicle's trunk, pickup bed, or on
any surface other than the ground. .
Bring the fill nozzle in contact with the inside
of the fill opening before operating the nozzle.
Contact should be maintained until the filling is
complete. .
Do not smoke while pumping fuel. .
Do not use a cellular phone while
pumping fuel.
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Page 470 of 620

Black plate (22,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2010
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter See Engine Compartment Overview on page 7 ‑ 16 for
the location of the engine air cleaner/filter.
Inspect the air cleaner/filter every other oil change and
replace it at the first oil change after each 50,000 mile
(80 000 km) interval. See Scheduled Maintenance on
page 8 ‑ 3 for more information. If driving on dusty/dirty
conditions, inspect the filter at each engine oil change.
How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter To inspect the air cleaner/filter, remove the engine air
cleaner/filter from the vehicle by following Steps 1
through 6. When the engine air cleaner/filter is
removed, lightly shake it to release loose dust and dirt.
If the engine air cleaner/filter remains caked with dirt, a
new filter is required. Never use compressed air to
clean the filter. Replacing the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 1. Locate the air cleaner/
filter assembly . See
Engine Compartment
Overview
on
page 7 ‑ 16 .
2. Loosen the four screws on the cover of the
housing and lift up the cover.
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Page 488 of 620

Black plate (40,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2010
Brakes Brake Fluid The brake master cylinder
reservoir is filled with
DOT 3 brake fluid. See
Engine Compartment
Overview
on page 7 ‑ 16
for the location of the
reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level in
the reservoir might go down: .
The brake fluid level goes down because of normal
brake lining wear. When new linings are installed,
the fluid level goes back up. .
A fluid leak in the brake hydraulic system can also
cause a low fluid level. Have the brake hydraulic
system fixed, since a leak means that sooner or
later the brakes will not work well. Do not top off the brake fluid. Adding fluid does not
correct a leak. If fluid is added when the linings are
worn, there will be too much fluid when new brake
linings are installed. Add or remove brake fluid, as
necessary, only when work is done on the brake
hydraulic system.
{ WARNING: If too much brake fluid is added, it can spill on the
engine and burn, if the engine is hot enough. You
or others could be burned, and the vehicle could
be damaged. Add brake fluid only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic system. See
“ Checking Brake Fluid ” in this section.
When the brake fluid falls to a low level, the brake
warning light comes on. See Brake System Warning
Light on page 4 ‑ 33 .
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when
to check the brake fluid. See Scheduled Maintenance
on page 8 ‑ 3 .
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Page 490 of 620

Black plate (42,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2010
Brake Wear This 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 the vehicle is moving, except when
applying the brake pedal firmly.
{ WARNING: The brake wear warning sound means that soon
the brakes will not work well. That could lead to a
crash. When the brake wear warning sound is
heard, have the 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 first 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 specifications in
Capacities and Specifications on page 7 ‑ 117 .
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel See your dealer 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 brake stop, the disc brakes adjust for wear.
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Page 493 of 620

Black plate (45,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2010
Notice: Ignoring these steps could result in costly
damage to the vehicle that would not be covered by
the warranty.
Trying to start the vehicle by pushing or pulling it
will not work, and it could damage the vehicle.
1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12-volt
battery with a negative ground system.
Notice: If the other vehicle's system is not a 12-volt
system with a negative ground, both vehicles can
be damaged. Only use vehicles with 12-volt systems
with negative grounds to jump start your vehicle.
2. Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper
cables can reach, but be sure the vehicles are not
touching each other. If they are, it could cause a
ground connection you do not want. You would
not be able to start your vehicle, and the bad
grounding could damage the electrical systems.
To avoid the possibility of the vehicles rolling, set
the parking brake firmly on both vehicles involved
in the jump start procedure. Put the automatic
transmission in P (Park) or a manual transmission
in Neutral before setting the parking brake. If you
have a four-wheel-drive vehicle, be sure the
transfer case is in a drive gear, not in Neutral. Notice: If you leave the radio or other accessories
on during the jump starting procedure, they could
be damaged. The repairs would not be covered by
the warranty. Always turn off the radio and other
accessories when jump starting the vehicle.
3. Turn off the ignition on both vehicles. Unplug
unnecessary accessories plugged into the
cigarette lighter or the accessory power outlets.
Turn off the radio and all the lamps that are not
needed. This avoids sparks and helps save both
batteries. And it could save the radio!
4. Open the hood on the other vehicle and locate the
positive (+) and negative ( − ) terminal locations on
that vehicle.
Your vehicle has a remote positive (+) jump starting
terminal and a remote negative ( − ) jump starting
terminal. You should always use these remote
terminals instead of the terminals on the battery.
If the vehicle has a remote positive (+) terminal, it
is located under a red plastic cover at the positive
battery post. To uncover the remote positive (+)
terminal, open the red plastic cover.
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Page 494 of 620

Black plate (46,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2010
The remote negative ( − ) terminal is a stud located
on the right front of the engine, where the negative
battery cable attaches.
See Engine Compartment Overview
on page 7 ‑ 16
for more information on the location of the remote
positive (+) and remote negative ( − ) terminals.{ WARNING: An electric fan can start up even when the engine
is not running and can injure you. Keep hands,
clothing and tools away from any underhood
electric fan.
{ WARNING: Using an open flame near a battery can cause
battery gas to explode. People have been hurt
doing this, and some have been blinded. Use a
flashlight if you need more light.
Be sure the battery has enough water. You do not
need to add water to the battery installed in your
new vehicle. But if a battery has filler caps, be
sure the right amount of fluid is there. If it is low,
add water to take care of that first. If you do not,
explosive gas could be present.
Battery fluid contains acid that can burn you. Do
not get it on you. If you accidentally get it in your
eyes or on your skin, flush the place with water
and get medical help immediately.
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Page 500 of 620

Black plate (52,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2010
Headlamp Aiming The vehicle has a visual optical headlamp aiming
system. The aim of the headlamps have been preset at
the factory and should need no further adjustment.
However, if the vehicle is damaged in a crash, the aim
of the headlamps may be affected and adjustment may
be necessary.
If oncoming vehicles flash their high beams at you, this
may mean the vertical aim of your headlamps needs to
be adjusted.
It is recommended that the vehicle is taken to your
dealer for service if the headlamps need to be adjusted.
It is possible however, to re-aim the headlamps as
described.
The vehicle should: .
Be placed so the headlamps are 25 ft. (7.6 m) from
a light colored wall or other flat surface. .
Have all four tires on a level surface which is level
all the way to the wall or other flat surface. .
Be placed so it is perpendicular to the wall or other
flat surface. .
Not have any snow, ice, or mud on it. .
Be fully assembled and all other work stopped
while headlamp aiming is being performed. .
Be normally loaded with a full tank of fuel and one
person or 160 lbs (75 kg) sitting on the driver seat. .
Have the tires properly inflated. .
Have the spare tire is in its proper location in the
vehicle.
Headlamp aiming is done with the vehicle's low-beam
headlamps. The high-beam headlamps will be correctly
aimed if the low-beam headlamps are aimed properly.
To adjust the vertical aim:
1. Open the hood. See Hood Release
on page 7 ‑ 15
for more information.
2. Locate the center of
the projector lens of
the low ‐ beam
headlamp.
3. Record the distance from the ground to the center
of the projector lens of the low ‐ beam headlamp.
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Page 501 of 620

Black plate (53,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2010
4. At a wall, measure from the ground upward (A) to
the recorded distance from Step 3 and mark it.
5. Draw or tape a horizontal line (B) on the wall the
width of the vehicle at the height of the mark in
Step 4.
Notice: Do not cover a headlamp to improve beam
cut-off when aiming. Covering a headlamp may
cause excessive heat build-up which may cause
damage to the headlamp.
6. Turn on the low-beam headlamps and place a
piece of cardboard or equivalent in front of the
headlamp not being adjusted. This allows only the
beam of light from the headlamp being adjusted to
be seen on the flat surface. 7. Locate the vertical headlamp aiming screws, which
are under the hood near each headlamp assembly.
The adjustment screw can be turned with a E8
Torx ®
socket.
8. Turn the vertical aiming screw until the headlamp
beam is aimed to the horizontal tape line. Turn it
clockwise or counterclockwise to raise or lower the
angle of the beam.
7-53