2010 CADILLAC ESCALADE engine

Automatic Transmission Fluid
When to Check and Change Automatic
Transmission Fluid
It is usually not necessary to check the transmissionfluid level. The only reason for fluid loss is atransmission leak or overheating the transmission.If you suspect a small leak, then use the followingchecking procedures to check the fluid level. However,if there is a large leak, then it may be necessary to havethe vehicle towed to a dealer/retailer service departmentand have it repaired before driving the vehicle further.
Notice:Use of the incorrect automatic transmissionfluid may damage the vehicle, and the damages maynot be covered by the vehicle's warranty. Alwaysuse the automatic transmission fluid listed inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 8!10.
Change the fluid and filter at the intervals listed in theMaintenance Schedule. SeeScheduled Maintenanceo n p a g e 8!3. Be sure to use the transmission fluidlisted inRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsonpage 8!10.
How to Check Automatic Transmission
Fluid
Notice:Too much or too little fluid can damage yourtransmission. Too much can mean that some of thefluid could come out and fall on hot engine parts orexhaust system parts, starting a fire. Too little fluidcould cause the transmission to overheat. Be sureto get an accurate reading if you check yourtransmission fluid.
Before checking the fluid level, prepare the vehicle asfollows:
1. Start the engine and park the vehicle on a levelsurface. Keep the engine running.
2. Apply the parking brake and place the shiftlever in P (Park).
3. With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shiftlever through each gear range, pausing for aboutthree seconds in each range. Then, move the shiftlever back to P (Park).
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4. Allow the engine to idle (500–800 rpm) for at leastone minute. Slowly release the brake pedal.
5. Keep the engine running and press the Trip/Fuelbutton or trip odometer reset stem until TRANSTEMP (Transmission Temperature) displays on theDriver Information Center (DIC).
6. Using the TRANS TEMP reading, determine andperform the appropriate check procedure. If theTRANS TEMP reading is not within the requiredtemperature ranges, allow the vehicle to cool,or operate the vehicle until the appropriatetransmission fluid temperature is reached.
Cold Check Procedure
Use this procedure only as a reference to determine ifthe transmission has enough fluid to be operated safelyuntil a hot check procedure can be made. The hotcheck procedure is the most accurate method to checkthe fluid level. Perform the hot check procedure at the
first opportunity. Use this cold check procedure to checkfluid level when the transmission temperature isbetween 80°F and 90°F (27°C and 32°C).
1. Locate thetransmission dipstick atthe rear of the enginecompartment, on thepassenger side of thevehicle.
SeeEngine Compartment Overviewon page 7!16for more information.
2. Flip the handle up and then pull out the dipstickand 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 lowerlevel. Repeat the check procedure to verify thereading.
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5. If the fluid level is below the COLD check band,add only enough fluid as necessary to bring thelevel into the COLD band. It does not take muchfluid, generally less than one pint (0.5L). Do notoverfill.
6. Perform a hot check at the first opportunity afterthe transmission reaches a normal operatingtemperature between 160°F to 200°F (71°Cto 93°C).
7. If the fluid level is in the acceptable range, pushthe dipstick back in all the way, then flip the handledown to lock the dipstick in place.
Hot Check Procedure
Use this procedure to check the transmission fluid levelwhen the transmission fluid temperature is between160°F and 200°F (71°C and 93°C).
The hot check is the most accurate method to check thefluid level. The hot check should be performed at thefirst opportunity in order to verify the cold check. Thefluid level rises as fluid temperature increases, so it isimportant to ensure the transmission temperature iswithin range.
1. Locate thetransmission dipstick atthe rear of the enginecompartment, on thepassenger side of thevehicle.
SeeEngine Compartment Overviewon page 7!16for more information.
2. Flip the handle up and then pull out the dipstickand 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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Cooling System
The cooling system allows the engine to maintain thecorrect working temperature.
A. Coolant Surge Tank
B. Coolant SurgeTank Pressure Cap
C. Engine Cooling Fan(s)
{WARNING:
An electric engine cooling fan under the hood can
start up even when the engine is not running and
can cause injury. Keep hands, clothing, and tools
away from any underhood electric fan.
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{WARNING:
Heater and radiator hoses, and other engine
parts, can be very hot. Do not touch them.
If you do, you can be burned.
Do not run the engine if there is a leak. If you run
the engine, it could lose all coolant. That could
cause an engine fire, and you could be burned.
Get any leak fixed before you drive the vehicle.
Notice:Using coolant other than DEX-COOL®cancause premature engine, heater core, or radiatorcorrosion. In addition, the engine coolant couldrequire changing sooner, at 50 000 km (30,000 miles)or 24 months, whichever occurs first. Any repairswould not be covered by the vehicle warranty.Always use DEX-COOL®(silicate-free) coolantin the vehicle.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the vehicle is filled withDEX-COOL®engine coolant. This coolant is designedto remain in the vehicle for five years or 150,000 miles(240 000 km), whichever occurs first.
The following explains the cooling system and how tocheck and add coolant when it is low. If there is aproblem with engine overheating, seeEngineOverheating on page 7!34.
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What to Use
{WARNING:
Adding only plain water to the cooling system can
be dangerous. Plain water, or some other liquid
such as alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant mixture will. The vehicle's coolant warning
system is set for the proper coolant mixture. With
plain water or the wrong mixture, the engine could
get too hot but you would not get the overheat
warning. The engine could catch fire and you or
others could be burned. Use a 50/50 mixture of
clean, drinkable water and DEX-COOL®coolant.
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water andDEX-COOL®coolant. If using this mixture, nothingelse needs to be added. This mixture:
.Gives freezing protection down to!34°F (!37°C),outside temperature.
.Gives boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C),engine temperature.
.Protects against rust and corrosion.
.Will not damage aluminum parts.
.Helps keep the proper engine temperature.
Notice:If an improper coolant mixture is used, theengine could overheat and be badly damaged. Therepair cost would not be covered by the vehiclewarranty. Too much water in the mixture can freezeand crack the engine, radiator, heater core, andother parts.
Notice:If extra inhibitors and/or additives are usedin the vehicle's cooling system, the vehicle could bedamaged. Use only the proper mixture of the enginecoolant listed in this manual for the cooling system.SeeRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsonpage 8!10for more information.
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Checking Coolant
The vehicle must be on a level surface when checkingthe coolant level.
Check to see if coolant is visible in the coolant surgetank. If the coolant inside the coolant surge tank isboiling, do not do anything else until it cools down.If coolant is visible but the coolant level is not at orabove the FULL COLD mark, add a 50/50 mixture ofclean, drinkable water and DEX-COOL®coolant at thecoolant surge tank, but be sure the cooling system iscool before this is done.
The coolant surge tank is located in the enginecompartment on the passenger side of the vehicle.SeeEngine Compartment Overviewon page 7!16formore information on location.
The coolant level should be at or above the FULLCOLD mark. If it is not, you may have a leak in thecooling system.
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How to Add Coolant to the Surge Tank
{WARNING:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot enough.
Do not spill coolant on a hot engine.
Notice:This vehicle has a specific coolant fillprocedure. Failure to follow this procedure couldcause the engine to overheat and be severelydamaged.
{WARNING:
An electric engine cooling fan under the hood can
start up even when the engine is not running and
can cause injury. Keep hands, clothing, and tools
away from any underhood electric fan.
{WARNING:
Steam and scalding liquids from a hot cooling
system can blow out and burn you badly. They are
under pressure, and if you turn the surge tank
pressure cap—even a little—they can come out
at high speed. Never turn the cap when the
cooling system, including the surge tank pressure
cap, is hot. Wait for the cooling system and surge
tank pressure cap to cool if you ever have to turn
the pressure cap.
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