Black plate (24,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2010
Automatic Transmission Fluid When to Check and Change Automatic
Transmission Fluid It is usually not necessary to check the transmission
fluid level. The only reason for fluid loss is a
transmission leak or overheating the transmission.
If you suspect a small leak, then use the following
checking procedures to check the fluid level. However,
if there is a large leak, then it may be necessary to have
the vehicle towed to a dealer service department and
have it repaired before driving the vehicle further.
Notice: Use of the incorrect automatic transmission
fluid may damage the vehicle, and the damages may
not be covered by the vehicle's warranty. Always
use the automatic transmission fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 8 ‑ 10 .
Change the fluid and filter at the intervals listed in the
Maintenance Schedule. See Scheduled Maintenance
on page 8 ‑ 3 . Be sure to use the transmission fluid
listed in Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on
page 8 ‑ 10
. How to Check Automatic Transmission
Fluid Notice: Too much or too little fluid can damage the
transmission. Too much can mean that some of the
fluid could come out and fall on hot engine parts or
exhaust system parts, starting a fire. Too little fluid
could cause the transmission to overheat. Be sure
to get an accurate reading if checking the
transmission fluid.
Before checking the fluid level, prepare the vehicle as
follows:
1. Start the engine and park the vehicle on a level
surface. Keep the engine running.
2. Apply the parking brake and place the shift lever in
P (Park).
3. With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift
lever through each gear range, pausing for about
three seconds in each range. Then, move the shift
lever back to P (Park).
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Black plate (25,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2010
4. Allow the engine to idle (500 – 800 rpm) for at least
one minute. Slowly release the brake pedal.
5. Keep the engine running and press the Trip/Fuel
button or trip odometer reset stem until TRANS
TEMP (Transmission Temperature) displays on the
Driver Information Center (DIC).
6. Using the TRANS TEMP reading, determine and
perform the appropriate check procedure. If the
TRANS TEMP reading is not within the required
temperature ranges, allow the vehicle to cool,
or operate the vehicle until the appropriate
transmission fluid temperature is reached.
Cold Check Procedure Use this procedure only as a reference to determine if
the transmission has enough fluid to be operated safely
until a hot check procedure can be made. The hot
check procedure is the most accurate method to check
the fluid level. Perform the hot check procedure at the
first opportunity. Use this cold check procedure to check
fluid level when the transmission temperature is
between 80°F and 90°F (27°C and 32°C). 1. Locate the
transmission dipstick at
the rear of the engine
compartment, on the
passenger side of the
vehicle.
See Engine Compartment Overview
on page 7 ‑ 16
for more information.
2. Flip the handle up and then pull out the dipstick
and wipe it with a clean rag or paper towel.
3. Install the dipstick by pushing it back in all the way,
wait three seconds, and then pull it back out again.
4. Check both sides of the dipstick and read the lower
level. Repeat the check procedure to verify the
reading.
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Black plate (26,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2010
5. If the fluid level is below the COLD check band,
add only enough fluid as necessary to bring the
level into the COLD band. It does not take much
fluid, generally less than one pint (0.5L). Do not
overfill.
6. Perform a hot check at the first opportunity after
the transmission reaches a normal operating
temperature between 160°F to 200°F (71°C
to 93°C).
7. If the fluid level is in the acceptable range, push
the dipstick back in all the way, then flip the handle
down to lock the dipstick in place. Hot Check Procedure Use this procedure to check the transmission fluid level
when the transmission fluid temperature is between
160°F and 200°F (71°C and 93°C).
The hot check is the most accurate method to check the
fluid level. The hot check should be performed at the
first opportunity in order to verify the cold check. The
fluid level rises as fluid temperature increases, so it is
important to ensure the transmission temperature is
within range.
1. Locate the
transmission dipstick at
the rear of the engine
compartment, on the
passenger side of the
vehicle.
See Engine Compartment Overview
on page 7 ‑ 16
for more information.
2. Flip the handle up and then pull out the dipstick
and wipe it with a clean rag or paper towel.
3. Install the dipstick by pushing it back in all the way,
wait three seconds, and then pull it back out again.
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Black plate (27,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2010
4. Check both sides of the dipstick and read the lower
level. Repeat the check procedure to verify the
reading.
5. Safe operating level is within the HOT cross hatch
band on the dipstick. If the fluid level is not within
the HOT band, and the transmission temperature
is between 160°F and 200°F (71°C and 93°C), add
or drain fluid as necessary to bring the level into
the HOT band. If the fluid level is low, add only
enough fluid to bring the level into the HOT band.
It does not take much fluid, generally less than one
pint (0.5L). Do not overfill.
6. If the fluid level is in the acceptable range, push
the dipstick back in all the way, then flip the handle
down to lock the dipstick in place. Consistency of Readings Always check the fluid level at least twice using the
procedures described. Consistency (repeatable
readings) is important to maintaining proper fluid level.
If fluid is added, it may take 15 minutes or longer to
obtain an accurate reading because of residual fluid
draining down the dipstick tube. If inconsistent readings
persist, check the transmission breather to be sure it is
clean and not clogged. If readings are still inconsistent,
contact your dealer.
Cooling System The cooling system allows the engine to maintain the
correct working temperature.
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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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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 .
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Black plate (114,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2010
Fuses Usage
1 Right Trailer Stop/Turn Lamp
2 Electronic Stability Suspension
Control, Automatic Level Control
Exhaust
3 Left Trailer Stop/Turn Lamp
4 Engine Controls Fuses Usage
5 Engine Control Module, Throttle
Control
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)
13 Fuel Injectors, Ignition Coils
(Right Side)
14 Transmission Control Module
(Battery)
15 Vehicle Back-up Lamps
16 Passenger 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 Washer
23 Rear Windshield Washer
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Black plate (118,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2010
Application Capacities
English Metric
Transmission Fluid (Pan Removal and Replacement) 6.0 qt 5.7 L
Transfer Case Fluid 1.5 qt 1.4 L
Wheel Nut Torque 140 lb ft 190 Y
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill to the approximate level, as recommended in this manual.
Recheck fluid after filling.
† Oil filter should be changed at every oil change.
Engine SpecificationsEngine VIN Code Transmission Spark Plug Gap
6.2L V8 F Automatic 0.040 in (1.02 mm)
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