2010 CADILLAC ESCALADE check engine light

This light comes on during a malfunction in one oftwo ways:
Light Flashing :A misfire condition has been detected.A misfire increases vehicle emissions and coulddamage the emission control system on the vehicle.Diagnosis and service might be required.
To prevent more serious damage to the vehicle:
.Reduce vehicle speed.
.Avoid hard accelerations.
.Avoid steep uphill grades.
.If towing a trailer, reduce the amount of cargobeing hauled as soon as it is possible.
If the light continues to flash, when it is safe to do so,stop the vehicle. Find a safe place to park the vehicle.Turn the key off, wait at least 10 seconds, and restartthe engine. If the light is still flashing, follow theprevious steps and see your dealer/retailer for serviceas soon as possible.
Light On Steady :An emission control systemmalfunction has been detected on the vehicle.Diagnosis and service might be required.
An emission system malfunction might be corrected bydoing the following:
.Make sure the fuel cap is fully installed. SeeFillingthe Tankon page 7!11. The diagnostic systemcan determine if the fuel cap has been left off or
improperly installed. A loose or missing fuel capallows fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere. A fewdriving trips with the cap properly installed shouldturn the light off.
.If the vehicle has been driven through a deeppuddle of water, the vehicle's electrical systemmight be wet. The condition is usually correctedwhen the electrical system dries out. A few drivingtrips should turn the light off.
.Make sure to fuel the vehicle with quality fuel.Poor fuel quality causes the engine not to run asefficiently as designed and can cause: stalling afterstart-up, stalling when the vehicle is changed intogear, misfiring, hesitation on acceleration,or stumbling on acceleration. These conditionsmight go away once the engine is warmed up.
If one or more of these conditions occurs, changethe fuel brand used. It will require at least one fulltank of the proper fuel to turn the light off.
SeeGasoline Octane on page 7!8.
If none of the above have made the light turn off, yourdealer/retailer can check the vehicle. The dealer/retailerhas the proper test equipment and diagnostic tools to fixany mechanical or electrical problems that might havedeveloped.
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Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs
Some state/provincial and local governments have ormight begin programs to inspect the emission controlequipment on the vehicle. Failure to pass thisinspection could prevent getting a vehicle registration.
Here are some things to know to help the vehicle passan inspection:
.The vehicle will not pass this inspection if thecheck engine light is on with the engine running,or if the key is in ON/RUN and the light is not on.
.The vehicle will not pass this inspection if theOBD II (on-board diagnostic) system determinesthat critical emission control systems have notbeen completely diagnosed by the system.The vehicle would be considered not ready forinspection. This can happen if the battery hasrecently been replaced or if the battery has rundown. The diagnostic system is designed toevaluate critical emission control systems duringnormal driving. This can take several days ofroutine driving. If this has been done and thevehicle still does not pass the inspection for lack ofOBD II system readiness, your dealer/retailer canprepare the vehicle for inspection.
Oil Pressure Light
{WARNING:
Do not keep driving if the oil pressure is low.
The engine can become so hot that it catches fire.
Someone could be burned. Check the oil as soon
as possible and have the vehicle serviced.
Notice:Lack of proper engine oil maintenance candamage the engine. The repairs would not becovered by the vehicle warranty. Always follow themaintenance schedule in this manual for changingengine oil.
This light comes on briefly while starting the engine.If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by yourdealer/retailer. If the system is working normally theindicator light then goes off.
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SIDE BLIND ZONE SYSTEM
UNAVAILABLE
If your vehicle has the Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)system, this message displays when the SBZA systemis disabled because the sensor is blocked and cannotdetect vehicles in your blind zone. The sensor may beblocked by mud, dirt, snow, ice, or slush. This messagemay also display during heavy rain or due to road spray.It may also come on when driving in isolated areas withno guardrails, trees, or road signs and light traffic.Your vehicle does not need service. For cleaninginstructions, seeWashing Your Vehicleon page 7!102.SeeSide Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)on page 3!48formore information.
STABILITRAK OFF
If your vehicle has StabiliTrak, this message displayswhen you turn off StabiliTrak, or when the stabilitycontrol has been automatically disabled. To limit wheelspin and realize the full benefits of the stabilityenhancement system, you should normally leaveStabiliTrak on. However, you should turn StabiliTrak offif your vehicle gets stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow andyou want to rock your vehicle to attempt to free it, or if
you are driving in extreme off-road conditions andrequire more wheel spin. SeeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck inSand, Mud, Ice, or Snowon page 6!30. To turn theStabiliTrak system on or off, seeStabiliTrak®Systemo n p a g e 6!6.
There are several conditions that can cause thismessage to appear.
.One condition is overheating, which could occur ifStabiliTrak activates continuously for an extendedperiod of time.
.The message also displays if the brake systemwarning light is on. SeeBrake System WarningLight on page 4!33.
.The message could display if the stability systemtakes longer than usual to complete its diagnosticchecks due to driving conditions.
.The message displays if an engine or vehiclerelated problem has been detected and the vehicleneeds service. See your dealer/retailer.
The message turns off as soon as the conditions thatcaused the message to be displayed are no longerpresent.
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TIGHTEN GAS CAP
This message may display along with the check enginelight on the instrument panel cluster if the vehicle's fuelcap is not tightened properly. SeeMalfunction IndicatorLampon page 4!36. Reinstall the fuel cap fully. SeeFilling the Tankon page 7!11. The diagnostic systemcan determine if the fuel cap has been left off orimproperly installed. A loose or missing fuel cap allowsfuel to evaporate into the atmosphere. A few drivingtrips with the cap properly installed should turn this lightand message off.
TIRE LEARNING ACTIVE
On vehicles with the Tire Pressure Monitor System(TPMS), this message displays when the TPMS isre-learning the tire positions on your vehicle. The tirepositions must be re-learned after rotating the tires orafter replacing a tire or sensor. SeeTire Inspection andRotationon page 7!71,Tire Pressure Monitor Systemon page 7!67, andInflation - Tire Pressureonpage 7!65for more information.
TIRE LOW ADD AIR TO TIRE
On vehicles with the Tire Pressure Monitor System(TPMS), this message displays when the pressure inone or more of the vehicle's tires is low. This messagealso displays LEFT FRONT, RIGHT FRONT, LEFTREAR, or RIGHT REAR to indicate which tire needs tobe checked. The low tire pressure warning light will alsocome on. SeeTire Pressure Lighton page 4!35. Youcan receive more than one tire pressure message at atime. To read the other messages that may have beensent at the same time, press the set/reset button. If atire pressure message appears on the DIC, stop assoon as you can. Have the tire pressures checked andset to those shown on the Tire Loading Informationlabel. SeeTireson page 7!58,Loading the Vehicleonpage 6!32, andInflation - Tire Pressureon page 7!65.The DIC also shows the tire pressure values. SeeDICOperation and Displays on page 4!41.
TRACTION CONTROL OFF
If your vehicle has StabiliTrak, this message displayswhen the Traction Control System (TCS) is turned off.Adjust your driving accordingly. SeeStabiliTrak®
Systemo n p a g e 6!6for more information.
4-56

Antilock Brake System (ABS)
This vehicle has the Antilock Brake System (ABS), anadvanced electronic braking system that helps preventa braking skid.
When the engine is started and the vehicle begins todrive away, ABS checks itself. A momentary motor orclicking noise might be heard while this test is going on.This is normal.
If there is a problem withABS, this warning lightstays on. SeeAntilockBrake System (ABS)Warning Lightonpage 4!34.
Along with ABS, the vehicle has a Dynamic RearProportioning (DRP) system. If there is a DRP problem,both the brake and ABS warning lights come onaccompanied by a 10!second chime. The lights andchime will come on each time the ignition is turned onuntil the problem is repaired. See your dealer/retailerfor service.
Let us say the road is wet and you are driving safely.Suddenly, an animal jumps out in front of you. You slamon the brakes and continue braking. Here is whathappens with ABS:
A computer senses that the wheels are slowing down.If one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, thecomputer will separately work the brakes at each frontwheel and at both rear wheels.
ABS can change the brake pressure to each wheel, asrequired, faster than any driver could. This can help thedriver steer around the obstacle while braking hard.
As the brakes are applied, the computer keepsreceiving updates on wheel speed and controls brakingpressure accordingly.
Remember: ABS does not change the time needed toget a foot up to the brake pedal or always decreasestopping distance. If you get too close to the vehicle infront of you, there will not be enough time to apply thebrakes if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Alwaysleave enough room up ahead to stop, even with ABS.
6-5

{WARNING:
Snow can trap engine exhaust under the vehicle.
This may cause exhaust gases to get inside.
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO)
which cannot be seen or smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
If the vehicle is stuck in the snow:
.Clear away snow from around the base of
your vehicle, especially any that is blocking
the exhaust pipe.
.Check again from time to time to be sure
snow does not collect there.
.Open a window about 5 cm (two inches) on
the side of the vehicle that is away from the
wind to bring in fresh air.
.Fully open the air outlets on or under the
instrument panel.
.Adjust the Climate Control system to a setting
that circulates the air inside the vehicle and
set the fan speed to the highest setting.
See Climate Control System in the Index.
(Continued)
WARNING: (Continued)
For more information about carbon monoxide, see
Engine Exhaust on page 3!41.
Snow can trap exhaust gases under your vehicle.
This can cause deadly CO (carbon monoxide) gas
to get inside. CO could overcome you and kill you.
You cannot see it or smell it, so you might not
know it is in your vehicle. Clear away snow from
around the base of your vehicle, especially any
that is blocking the exhaust.
Run the engine for short periods only as needed tokeep warm, but be careful.
To save fuel, run the engine for only short periods asneeded to warm the vehicle and then shut the engineoff and close the window most of the way to save heat.Repeat this until help arrives but only when you feelreally uncomfortable from the cold. Moving about tokeep warm also helps.
If it takes some time for help to arrive, now and thenwhen you run the engine, push the accelerator pedalslightly so the engine runs faster than the idle speed.This keeps the battery charged to restart the vehicleand to signal for help with the headlamps. Do this aslittle as possible to save fuel.
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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

Gasoline Octane
If the vehicle has the 6.0L V8 engine (VIN Code J), useregular unleaded gasoline with a posted octane ratingof 87 or higher. If the octane rating is less than 87, anaudible knocking noise, commonly referred to as sparkknock, might be heard when driving. If this occurs, usea gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher as soon aspossible. If heavy knocking is heard when usinggasoline rated at 87 octane or higher, the engineneeds service.
If the vehicle has the 6.2L V8 engine (VIN Code F), usepremium unleaded gasoline with a posted octane ratingof 91 or higher. You can also use regular unleadedgasoline rated at 87 octane or higher, but the vehicle'sacceleration could be slightly reduced, and a slightaudible knocking noise, commonly referred to as sparkknock, might be heard. If the octane is less than 87, youmight notice a heavy knocking noise when you drive.If this occurs, use a gasoline rated at 87 octane orhigher as soon as possible. Otherwise, you coulddamage the engine. If heavy knocking is heard whenusing gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher, the engineneeds service.
Gasoline Specifications
At a minimum, gasoline should meet ASTMspecification D 4814 in the United States orCAN/CGSB!3.5 or 3.511 in Canada. Some gasolinescontain an octane-enhancing additive calledmethylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT).We recommend against the use of gasolines containingMMT. SeeAdditiveso n p a g e 7!9for additionalinformation.
California Fuel
If the vehicle is certified to meet California EmissionsStandards, it is designed to operate on fuels that meetCalifornia specifications. See the underhood emissioncontrol label. If this fuel is not available in statesadopting California emissions standards, the vehiclewill operate satisfactorily on fuels meeting federalspecifications, but emission control system performancemight be affected. The malfunction indicator lamp couldturn on and the vehicle might fail a smog!check test.SeeMalfunction Indicator Lampon page 4!36. If thisoccurs, return to your authorized dealer/retailer fordiagnosis. If it is determined that the condition is causedby the type of fuel used, repairs might not be coveredby the vehicle warranty.
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