2010 CADILLAC ESCALADE warning

If you put things inside your vehicle—like
suitcases, tools, packages, or anything
else—they will go as fast as the vehicle goes.
If you have to stop or turn quickly, or if there is a
crash, they will keep going.
{WARNING:
Things you put inside your vehicle can strike
and injure people in a sudden stop or turn,
or in a crash.
.Put things in the cargo area of your
vehicle. Try to spread the weight evenly.
.Never stack heavier things, like
suitcases, inside the vehicle so that some
of them are above the tops of the seats.
.Do not leave an unsecured child restraint
in your vehicle.
.When you carry something inside the
vehicle, secure it whenever you can.
.Do not leave a seat folded down unless
you need to.
There is also important loading information for
off-road driving in this manual. See“Loading Your
Vehicle for Off-Road Driving”underOff-Road
Drivingon page 6!13.
Add-On Equipment
When you carry removable items, you may need
to put a limit on how many people you can carry
inside your vehicle. Be sure to weigh your vehicle
before you buy and install the new equipment.
Notice :Overloading the vehicle may cause
damage. Repairs would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Do not overload the vehicle.
Remember not to exceed the Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR) of the front or rear axle.
Automatic Level Control
The automatic level control rear suspension
comes as a part of the Road Sensing Suspension.
SeeRoad Sensing Suspensionon page 6!9.
This type of level control is fully automatic and will
provide a better leveled riding position as well as
better handling under a variety of passenger and
loading conditions. An air compressor connected
to the rear shocks will raise or lower the rear of
the vehicle to maintain proper vehicle height.
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If a weight!distributing hitch is being used, it isrecommended to allow the shocks to inflate, therebyleveling the vehicle prior to adjusting the hitch.
Autoride®
With this feature, improved vehicle ride and handling isprovided under a variety of passenger and loadingconditions.
The system is fully automatic and uses a computercontroller to continuously monitor vehicle speed, wheelto body position, lift/dive and steering position of thevehicle. The controller then sends signals to each shockabsorber to independently adjust the damping level toprovide the optimum vehicle ride.
Autoride also interacts with the tow/haul mode that,when activated, will provide additional control of theshock absorbers. This additional control results in betterride and handling characteristics when the vehicle isloaded or towing a trailer. See“Tow/Haul Mode”underTowing a Traileron page 6!42for more information.
Towing a Trailer
If the vehicle has a two–mode hybrid engine, see theTwo–mode Hybrid manual for more information.
Do not tow a trailer during break!in. SeeNew VehicleBreak-Inon page 3!26for more information.
{WARNING:
The driver can lose control when pulling a trailer if
the correct equipment is not used or the vehicle is
not driven properly. For example, if the trailer is
too heavy, the brakes may not work well—or
even at all. The driver and passengers could be
seriously injured. The vehicle may also be
damaged; the resulting repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Pull a trailer only
if all the steps in this section have been followed.
Ask your dealer/retailer for advice and information
about towing a trailer with the vehicle.
Notice:Pulling a trailer improperly can damage thevehicle and result in costly repairs not covered bythe vehicle warranty. To pull a trailer correctly,follow the advice in this section and see yourdealer/retailer for important information abouttowing a trailer with the vehicle.
To identify the trailering capacity of the vehicle, read theinformation in“Weight of the Trailer”that appears laterin this section.
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Trailer Brakes
A loaded trailer that weighs more than 2,000 lbs(900 kg) needs to have its own brake system that isadequate for the weight of the trailer. Be sure to readand follow the instructions for the trailer brakes so theyare installed, adjusted and maintained properly.
Since the vehicle is equipped with StabiliTrak®, thetrailer brakes cannot tap into the vehicle's hydraulicsystem.
Driving with a Trailer
{WARNING:
When towing a trailer, exhaust gases may collect
at the rear of the vehicle and enter if the liftgate,
trunk/hatch, or rear-most window is open.
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO)
which cannot be seen or smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
To maximize safety when towing a trailer:
.Have the exhaust system inspected for
leaks and make necessary repairs before
starting a trip.
(Continued)
WARNING: (Continued)
.Never drive with the liftgate, trunk/hatch,
or rear-most window open.
.Fully open the air outlets on or under the
instrument panel.
.Adjust the Climate Control system to a setting
that brings in only outside air and set the fan
speed to the highest setting. See Climate
Control System in the Index.
For more information about carbon monoxide, see
Engine Exhaust on page 3!41.
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount ofexperience. The combination you are driving is longerand not as responsive as the vehicle itself. Getacquainted with the handling and braking of the rigbefore setting out for the open road.
Before starting, check all trailer hitch parts andattachments, safety chains, electrical connectors,lamps, tires and mirrors. If the trailer has electricbrakes, start the combination moving and then applythe trailer brake controller by hand to be sure thebrakes work.
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Driving On Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gearbeforestartingdown a long or steep downgrade. If the transmission isnot shifted down, the brakes might get hot and nolonger work well.
Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). Shift the transmission toa lower gear if the transmission shifts too often underheavy loads and/or hilly conditions.
The tow/haul mode may be used if the transmissionshifts too often. SeeTow/Haul Mode on page 3!36.
When towing at high altitude on steep uphill grades,consider the following: Engine coolant will boil at alower temperature than at normal altitudes. If the engineis turned off immediately after towing at high altitude onsteep uphill grades, the vehicle may show signs similarto engine overheating. To avoid this, let the engine runwhile parked, preferably on level ground, with theautomatic transmission in P (Park) for a few minutesbefore turning the engine off. If the overheat warningcomes on, seeEngine Overheating on page 7!34.
Parking on Hills
{WARNING:
Parking the vehicle on a hill with the trailer
attached can be dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move. People can be
injured, and both the vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. When possible, always park the rig on
a flat surface.
If parking the rig on a hill:
1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift intoP (Park) yet. Turn the wheels into the curb if facingdownhill or into traffic if facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailerwheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release theregular brakes until the chocks absorb the load.
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4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parkingbrake and shift into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
{WARNING:
It can be dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the
shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking
brake firmly set. The vehicle can roll.
If the engine has been left running, the vehicle
can move suddenly. You or others could be
injured. To be sure the vehicle will not move, even
when on fairly level ground, always put the shift
lever fully in P (Park) with the parking brake
firmly set.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Start the engine
3. Shift into a gear
4. Release the parking brake
5. Let up on the brake pedal.
6. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
7. Stop and have someone pick up and storethe chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
The vehicle needs service more often when pulling atrailer. See this manual's Maintenance Schedule orIndex for more information. Things that are especiallyimportant in trailer operation are automatic transmissionfluid, engine oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling systemand brake system. It is a good idea to inspect thesebefore and during the trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and boltsare tight.
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Section 7 Service and Appearance Care
Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4California Proposition 65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5California Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6Adding Equipment to the Outside of theVehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6
Fuel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-7Gasoline Octane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-8Gasoline Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-8California Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-8Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-9Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-9Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-10Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-11Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-13
Checking Things Under the Hood. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-14Hood Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-15Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-16Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-17Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-20Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-22
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-24Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-28Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-29Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-34Overheated Engine ProtectionOperating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-37Engine Fan Noise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-37Power Steering Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-38Windshield Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-39Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-40Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-43Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-44
All-Wheel Drive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-49
Rear Axle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-50
Front Axle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-51
Headlamp Aiming. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-52
Bulb Replacement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-54High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . 7-54LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-55Back-Up Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-55License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-56Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-56
7-1

GM Accessories are designed to complementand function with other systems on the vehicle.Your GM dealer/retailer can accessorize the vehicleusing genuine GM Accessories. When you go toyour GM dealer/retailer and ask for GM Accessories,you will know that GM-trained and supported servicetechnicians will perform the work using genuineGM Accessories.
Also, seeAdding Equipment to Your Airbag-EquippedVehicle on page 2!89.
California Proposition 65 Warning
Most motor vehicles, including this one, contain and/oremit chemicals known to the State of California tocause cancer and birth defects or other reproductiveharm. Engine exhaust, many parts and systems, manyfluids, and some component wear by-products containand/or emit these chemicals.
California Perchlorate Materials
Requirements
Certain types of automotive applications, such as airbaginitiators, seat belt pretensioners, and lithium batteriescontained in remote keyless transmitters, may containperchlorate materials. Special handling may benecessary. For additional information, seewww.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate.
7-5

Doing Your Own Service Work
If this vehicle is a Two!mode Hybrid, see the Two!modeHybrid manual for more information.
{WARNING:
You can be injured and the vehicle could be
damaged if you try to do service work on a
vehicle without knowing enough about it.
.Be sure you have sufficient knowledge,
experience, the proper replacement parts,
and tools before attempting any vehicle
maintenance task.
.Be sure to use the proper nuts, bolts, and
other fasteners. English and metric fasteners
can be easily confused. If the wrong fasteners
are used, parts can later break or fall off.
You could be hurt.
If doing some of your own service work, use the properservice manual. It tells you much more about how toservice the vehicle than this manual can. To order theproper service manual, seeService PublicationsOrdering Information on page 9!17.
This vehicle has an airbag system. Before attemptingto do your own service work, seeServicing YourAirbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 2!89.
Keep a record with all parts receipts and list the mileageand the date of any service work performed. SeeMaintenance Record on page 8!14.
Adding Equipment to the Outside
of the Vehicle
Things added to the outside of the vehicle can affectthe airflow around it. This can cause wind noise andcan affect fuel economy and windshield washerperformance. Check with your dealer/retailer beforeadding equipment to the outside of the vehicle.
7-6