2010 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV service

Black plate (7,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2010
If the system fails to turn on or activate, the StabiliTrak
light along with one of the following messages will be
displayed on the Driver Information Center (DIC):
TRACTION CONTROL OFF, SERVICE TRACTION
CONTROL, STABILITRAK OFF, SERVICE
STABILITRAK. If these DIC messages appear, make
sure the StabiliTrak system has not been turned off
using the StabiliTrak on/off button. Then turn the vehicle
off, wait 15 seconds, and then turn it back on again to
reset the system. If any of these messages still appear
on the Driver Information Center (DIC), the vehicle
should be taken in for service. For more information on
the DIC messages, see Driver Information Center (DIC)
on page 4 ‑ 41 .
The StabiliTrak light will
flash on the instrument
panel cluster when the
system is both on and
activated.
The system may be heard or felt while it is working; this
is normal. The traction control
disable button is located
on the instrument panel
below the climate
controls.
The traction control part of StabiliTrak can be turned
off by pressing and releasing the StabiliTrak button if
both systems (traction control and StabiliTrak) were
previously on. To disable both traction control and
StabiliTrak, press and hold the button for five seconds.
Traction control and StabiliTrak can be turned on by
pressing and releasing the StabiliTrak button if not
automatically shut off for any other reason.
When the TCS or StabiliTrak system is turned off,
the StabiliTrak light and the appropriate TCS off or
StabiliTrak off message will be displayed on the DIC to
warn the driver. The vehicle will still have brake-traction
control when traction control is off, but will not be able
to use the engine speed management system. See
“ Traction Control Operation ” next for more information.
When the traction control system has been turned off,
system noises may still be heard as a result of the
brake-traction control coming on.
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Black plate (8,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2010
It is recommended to leave the system on for normal
driving conditions, but it may be necessary to turn the
system off if the vehicle is stuck in sand, mud, ice or
snow, and you want to “ rock ” the vehicle to attempt to
free it. It may also be necessary to turn off the system
when driving in extreme off-road conditions where high
wheel spin is required. See If Your Vehicle is Stuck in
Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow on page 6 ‑ 30 .
Traction Control Operation The traction control system is part of the StabiliTrak
system. Traction control limits wheel spin by
reducing engine power to the wheels (engine speed
management) and by applying brakes to each individual
wheel (brake-traction control) as necessary.
The traction control system is enabled automatically
when the vehicle is started. It will activate and the
StabiliTrak light will flash if it senses that any of the
wheels are spinning or beginning to lose traction while
driving. If traction control is turned off, only the
brake-traction control portion of traction control will
work. The engine speed management will be disabled.
In this mode, engine power is not reduced automatically
and the driven wheels can spin more freely. This can
cause the brake-traction control to activate constantly. Notice: If the wheel(s) of one axle is allowed to spin
excessively while the StabiliTrak ®
, ABS, brake
warning lights, and any relevant DIC messages are
displayed, the transfer case could be damaged.
The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Reduce engine power and do not spin the
wheel(s) excessively while these lights and
messages are displayed.
The traction control system may activate on dry or
rough roads or under conditions such as heavy
acceleration while turning or abrupt upshifts/downshifts
of the transmission. When this happens, a reduction in
acceleration may be noticed, or a noise or vibration may
be heard. This is normal.
If cruise control is being used when the system
activates, the StabiliTrak light will flash and cruise
control will automatically disengage. Cruise control may
be reengaged when road conditions allow. See Cruise
Control on page 4 ‑ 8 .
StabiliTrak may also turn off automatically if it
determines that a problem exists with the system. If the
problem does not clear itself after restarting the vehicle,
see your dealer for service.
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Black plate (14,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2010
Before You Go Off-Roading .
Have all necessary maintenance and service
work done. .
Make sure there is enough fuel, that fluid levels are
where they should be, and that the spare tire, if the
vehicle has one, is fully inflated. .
Be sure to read all the information about
all-wheel-drive vehicles in this manual. .
Make sure all underbody shields, if the vehicle has
them, are properly attached. .
Know the local laws that apply to off-roading where
you will be driving or check with law enforcement
people in the area. .
Be sure to get the necessary permission if you will
be on private land. If you think you will need some more ground clearance
at the front of your vehicle, you can remove the front
fascia lower air dam. The air dam is held in place by
two bolts and 10 snaps accessible from underneath the
front fascia.
To remove the air dam:
1. Remove the two outboard air dam bolts.
2. With a flat ‐ blade tool, disengage the snaps.
3. After the bolts are removed and the snaps are
disengaged, push forward on the air dam until it
is free.
Notice: Operating your vehicle for extended periods
without the front fascia lower air dam installed can
cause improper air flow to the engine. Always be
sure to replace the front fascia air dam when you
are finished off-road driving.
After off-roading, be sure to reinstall the air dam:
1. Line up the snaps and push the air dam rearward
to engage the snaps.
2. Install the two outboard bolts.
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Black plate (24,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2010
Driving in Water
{ WARNING: 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 flash flooding, and flood 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 through water, remember that when the brakes
get wet, it might take longer to stop. See Driving in Rain
and on Wet Roads on page 6 ‑ 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 fire 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.
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Black plate (26,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2010
Other Rainy Weather Tips Besides slowing down, other wet weather driving tips
include: .
Allow extra following distance. .
Pass with caution. .
Keep windshield wiping equipment in good shape. .
Keep the windshield washer fluid reservoir filled. .
Have good tires with proper tread depth. See Tires
on page 7 ‑ 58 ..
Turn off cruise control.
Before Leaving on a Long Trip To prepare your vehicle for a long trip, consider having
it serviced by your dealer before departing.
Things to check on your own include: .
Windshield Washer Fluid: Reservoir full? Windows
clean — inside and outside?.
Wiper Blades: In good shape?.
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: All levels checked?.
Lamps: Do they all work and are lenses clean? .
Tires: Are treads good? Are tires inflated to
recommended pressure? .
Weather and Maps: Safe to travel? Have
up-to-date maps?
Highway Hypnosis Always be alert and pay attention to your surroundings
while driving. If you become tired or sleepy, find a safe
place to park your vehicle and rest.
Other driving tips include: .
Keep the vehicle well ventilated. .
Keep interior temperature cool. .
Keep your eyes moving — scan the road ahead
and to the sides. .
Check the rearview mirror and vehicle instruments
often.
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Black plate (27,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2010
Hill and Mountain Roads Driving on steep hills or through mountains is different
than driving on flat or rolling terrain. Tips for driving in
these conditions include: .
Keep the vehicle serviced and in good shape. .
Check all fluid levels and brakes, tires, cooling
system, and transmission. .
Going down steep or long hills, shift to a
lower gear.
{ WARNING: If you do not shift down, the brakes could get so
hot that they would not work well. You would then
have poor braking or even none going down a hill.
You could crash. Shift down to let the engine
assist the brakes on a steep downhill slope. { WARNING: Coasting downhill in N (Neutral) or with the
ignition off is dangerous. The brakes will have to
do all the work of slowing down and they could
get so hot that they would not work well. You
would then have poor braking or even none going
down a hill. You could crash. Always have the
engine running and the vehicle in gear when
going downhill. .
Stay in your own lane. Do not swing wide or cut
across the center of the road. Drive at speeds that
let you stay in your own lane. .
Top of hills: Be alert — something could be in your
lane (stalled car, accident). .
Pay attention to special road signs (falling rocks
area, winding roads, long grades, passing or
no-passing zones) and take appropriate action.
See Off-Road Driving
on page 6 ‑ 13 for information
about driving off-road.
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Black plate (28,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2010
Winter Driving Driving on Snow or Ice Drive carefully when there is snow or ice between the
tires and the road, creating less traction or grip. Wet ice
can occur at about 0°C (32°F) when freezing rain
begins to fall, resulting in even less traction. Avoid
driving on wet ice or in freezing rain until roads can be
treated with salt or sand.
Drive with caution, whatever the condition. Accelerate
gently so traction is not lost. Accelerating too quickly
causes the wheels to spin and makes the surface under
the tires slick, so there is even less traction.
Try not to break the fragile traction. If you accelerate too
fast, the drive wheels will spin and polish the surface
under the tires even more.
The StabiliTrak ®
System on page 6 ‑ 6 improves the
ability to accelerate on slippery roads, but slow down
and adjust your driving to the road conditions. When
driving through deep snow, turn off the traction control
part of the StabiliTrak ®
System to help maintain vehicle
motion at lower speeds. The Antilock Brake System (ABS) on page 6 ‑ 5
improves vehicle stability during hard stops on a
slippery roads, but apply the brakes sooner than when
on dry pavement.
Allow greater following distance on any slippery road
and watch for slippery spots. Icy patches can occur on
otherwise clear roads in shaded areas. The surface of a
curve or an overpass can remain icy when the
surrounding roads are clear. Avoid sudden steering
maneuvers and braking while on ice.
Turn off cruise control, if equipped, on slippery surfaces.
Blizzard Conditions Being stuck in snow can be in a serious situation. Stay
with the vehicle unless there is help nearby. If possible,
use the Roadside Service
on page 9 ‑ 8 . To get help
and keep everyone in the vehicle safe: .
Turn on the Hazard Warning Flashers on
page 4 ‑ 3
. .
Tie a red cloth to an outside mirror.
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Black plate (38,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2010
The system is activated when the ignition key is
turned to RUN and will automatically adjust
vehicle height thereafter. The system may exhaust
(lower vehicle height) for up to 10 minutes after
the ignition key has been turned to LOCK. 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 inflate,
thereby leveling the vehicle prior to adjusting the
height. See “ Weight distributing Hitches and
Weight Carrying Hitches ” under Towing a Trailer
on page 6 ‑ 42 .
Towing Towing Your Vehicle To avoid damage, the disabled vehicle should be towed
with all four wheels off the ground. Consult your dealer
or a professional towing service if the disabled vehicle
must be towed. See Roadside Service on page 9 ‑ 8 .
To tow the vehicle behind another vehicle for
recreational purposes (such as behind a motorhome),
see “ Recreational Vehicle Towing ” following. Recreational Vehicle Towing If the vehicle has a two – mode hybrid engine, see the
Two – mode Hybrid manual for more information.
Recreational vehicle towing means towing the vehicle
behind another vehicle – such as behind a motorhome.
The two most common types of recreational vehicle
towing are known as “ dinghy towing ” (towing the vehicle
with all four wheels on the ground) and “ dolly towing ”
(towing the vehicle with two wheels on the ground and
two wheels up on a device known as a “ dolly ” ).
Here are some important things to consider before
recreational vehicle towing: .
What is the towing capacity of the towing vehicle?
Be sure to read the tow vehicle manufacturer's
recommendations. .
What is the distance that will be travelled? Some
vehicles have restrictions on how far and how long
they can tow. .
Is the proper towing equipment going to be used?
See your dealer or trailering professional for
additional advice and equipment
recommendations. .
Is the vehicle ready to be towed? Just as preparing
the vehicle for a long trip, make sure the vehicle is
prepared to be towed. See Before Leaving on a
Long Trip on page 6 ‑ 26 .
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