
Black plate (1,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2010
Section 7 Service and Appearance CareService . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4
California Proposition 65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5
California Perchlorate Materials
Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5
Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6
Adding Equipment to the Outside of the
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-7
Gasoline Octane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-8
Gasoline Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-8
California Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-8
Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-9
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-9
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-10
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-11
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-13
Checking Things Under the Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-14
Hood Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-15
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-16
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-17
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-20
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-22 Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-24
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-27
Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-29
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-34
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-37
Engine Fan Noise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-37
Power Steering Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-38
Windshield Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-39
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-40
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-43
Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-44
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-49
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-50
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-51
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-52
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-54
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . 7-54
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-55
Back-Up Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-55
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-56
Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-56
7-1

Black plate (17,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2010
A. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 7 ‑ 22 .
B. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See
Cooling System on page 7 ‑ 27 .
C. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. See Jump Starting
on page 7 ‑ 44 .
D. Battery on page 7 ‑ 43 .
E. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “ When to Add Engine Oil ”
under Engine Oil on page 7 ‑ 17 .
F. Automatic Transmission Dipstick (Out of View).
See “ Checking the Fluid Level ” under Automatic
Transmission Fluid on page 7 ‑ 24 .
G. Remote Negative ( − ) Terminal (GND) (Out of
View). See Jump Starting on page 7 ‑ 44 .
H. Engine Oil Dipstick (Out of View). See “ Checking
Engine Oil ” under Engine Oil on page 7 ‑ 17 .
I. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). See Cooling
System on page 7 ‑ 27 .
J. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir (Out of View). See
Power Steering Fluid on page 7 ‑ 38 .
K. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “ Brake
Fluid ” under Brakes on page 7 ‑ 40 . L. Underhood Fuse Block on page 7 ‑ 113 .
M. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “ Adding
Washer Fluid ” under Windshield Washer Fluid
on
page 7 ‑ 39 .
Engine Oil Checking Engine Oil It is a good idea to check the engine oil level at each
fuel fill. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil must
be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview on page 7 ‑ 16 for the
location of the engine oil dipstick.
1. Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes
to drain back into the oil pan. If this is not done, the
oil dipstick might not show the actual level.
2. Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel
or cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it
again, keeping the tip down, and check the level.
7-17

Black plate (38,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2010
Power Steering Fluid See Engine Compartment
Overview on page 7 ‑ 16
for reservoir location.
When to Check Power Steering Fluid It is not necessary to regularly check power steering
fluid unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired. How to Check Power Steering Fluid To check the power steering fluid:
1. Turn the key off and let the engine compartment
cool down.
2. Wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean.
3. Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a
clean rag.
4. Replace the cap and completely tighten it.
5. Remove the cap again and look at the fluid level
on the dipstick.
The level should be at the FULL COLD mark.
If necessary, add only enough fluid to bring the level up
to the mark.
What to Use To determine what kind of fluid to use, see
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
on page 8 ‑ 10 .
Always use the proper fluid.
Notice: Use of the incorrect fluid may damage the
vehicle and the damages may not be covered by the
vehicle's warranty. Always use the correct fluid
listed in Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
on
page 8 ‑ 10 .
7-38

Black plate (62,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2010
Tire Terminology and Definitions Air Pressure :
The amount of air inside the tire
pressing outward on each square inch of the tire.
Air pressure is expressed in pounds per square
inch (psi) or kilopascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight :
This means the combined
weight of optional accessories. Some examples of
optional accessories are, automatic transmission,
power steering, power brakes, power windows,
power seats, and air conditioning.
Aspect Ratio :
The relationship of a tire's height to
its width.
Belt :
A rubber coated layer of cords that is
located between the plies and the tread. Cords
may be made from steel or other reinforcing
materials.
Bead :
The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped
by steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire :
A pneumatic tire in which the plies
are laid at alternate angles less than 90 degrees
to the centerline of the tread. Cold Tire Pressure :
The amount of air pressure
in a tire, measured in pounds per square inch (psi)
or kilopascals (kPa) before a tire has built up heat
from driving. See Inflation - Tire Pressure
on
page 7 ‑ 65
.
Curb Weight :
The weight of a motor vehicle with
standard and optional equipment including the
maximum capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant, but
without passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings :
A code molded into the sidewall
of a tire signifying that the tire is in compliance
with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
motor vehicle safety standards. The DOT code
includes the Tire Identification Number (TIN), an
alphanumeric designator which can also identify
the tire manufacturer, production plant, brand, and
date of production.
GVWR :
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.
See Loading the Vehicle
on page 6 ‑ 32 .
GAWR FRT :
Gross Axle Weight Rating for the
front axle. See Loading the Vehicle on page 6 ‑ 32 .
GAWR RR :
Gross Axle Weight Rating for the rear
axle. See Loading the Vehicle
on page 6 ‑ 32 .
7-62

Black plate (111,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2010
The vehicle may not use all of the fuses shown.
Fuses Usage
1 Rear Seats
2 Rear Accessory Power Outlet
3 Steering Wheel Controls Backlight
4 Driver Door Module
5 Dome Lamps, Driver Side Turn Signal
6 Driver Side Turn Signal, Stoplamp Fuses Usage
7 Instrument Panel Back Lighting
8 Passenger Side Turn Signal,
Stoplamp
9 Passenger Door Module, Driver
Unlock
10 Power Door Lock 2 (Unlock Feature)
11 Power Door Lock 2 (Lock Feature)
12 Stoplamps, Center-High Mounted
Stoplamp
13 Rear Climate Controls
14 Power Mirror
15 Body Control Module (BCM)
16 Accessory Power Outlets
17 Interior Lamps
18 Power Door Lock 1 (Unlock Feature)
19 Rear Seat Entertainment
20 Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist, Power
Liftgate
21 Power Door Lock 1 (Lock Feature)
7-111

Black plate (112,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2010
Fuses Usage
22 Driver Information Center (DIC)
23 Rear Wiper
24 Cooled Seats
25 Driver Seat Module, Remote Keyless
Entry System
26 Driver Power Door Lock (Unlock
Feature)
Circuit Breaker Usage
LT DR Driver Side Power Window Circuit
Breaker
Harness
Connector Usage
LT DR Driver Door Harness Connection
BODY Harness Connector
BODY Harness Connector Center Instrument Panel Fuse Block The center instrument panel fuse block is located
underneath the instrument panel, to the left of the
steering column.
Top View
Harness
Connector Usage
BODY 2 Body Harness Connector 2
BODY 1 Body Harness Connector 1
BODY 3 Body Harness Connector 3
7-112

Black plate (10,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2010
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants Fluids and lubricants identified below by name, part
number, or specification can be obtained from your
dealer.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine Oil The engine requires a special engine
oil meeting GM Standard GM4718M.
Oils meeting this standard can be
identified as synthetic, and should
also be identified with the American
Petroleum Institute (API) Certified for
Gasoline Engines starburst symbol.
However, not all synthetic API oils
with the starburst symbol will meet
this GM standard. Look for and use
only oil that meets GM Standard
GM4718M. For the proper viscosity,
see Engine Oil on page 7 ‑ 17 . Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine Coolant 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only DEX-COOL ®
Coolant. See Engine Coolant on
page 7 ‑ 29
.
Hydraulic Brake
System DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid
(GM Part No. U.S. 12377967, in
Canada 89021320).
Windshield
Washer Optikleen ®
Washer Solvent.
Power Steering
System GM Power Steering Fluid
(GM Part No. U.S. 89021184, in
Canada 89021186).
Automatic
Transmission DEXRON ®
-VI Automatic Transmission
Fluid.
Key Lock
Cylinders Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474).
8-10

Black plate (2,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2010
Appearance Care (cont.)
Underbody Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-107
Washing Your Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-103
Weatherstrips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-103
Windshield, Backglass, and Wiper Blades . . . . . . .7-105
Wood Panels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-102
Ashtray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-20
Assist Handles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-64
Audio System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-68
Audio Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-106
Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-60
Radio Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-108
Rear Seat (RSA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-104
Theft-Deterrent Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-106
XM ™ Satellite Radio Antenna System . . . . . . . . . . .4-109
Automatic Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-15
Automatic Transmission
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-24
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-32
Autoride ®
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-42
Axle, Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-50 B Back-Up Lamps - Ambulance Body
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-55
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-43
Electric Power Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-18
Run-Down Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-18
Belt Routing, Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-13
Bench Seat, Split (60/40) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
Bluetooth ®
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-68
Brake
Emergencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Pedal and Adjustable Throttle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-30
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-40
Antilock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-38
System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-33
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-4
Braking in Emergencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-6
Break-In, New Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-26
Bucket Seats, Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-56
Back-Up Lamps - Ambulance Body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-55
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-16
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-52
i - 2