2010 CADILLAC ESCALADE towing

During the trip, check occasionally to be sure that theload is secure and the lamps and any trailer brakesstill work.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead asyou would when driving the vehicle without a trailer.This can help to avoid heavy braking and sudden turns.
Passing
More passing distance is needed when towing a trailer.The combination will not accelerate as quickly and islonger so it is necessary to go much farther beyond thepassed vehicle before returning to the lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand.Then, to move the trailer to the left, move that hand tothe left. To move the trailer to the right, move your handto the right. Always back up slowly and, if possible,have someone guide you.
Making Turns
Notice:Making very sharp turns while traileringcould cause the trailer to come in contact with thevehicle. The vehicle could be damaged. Avoidmaking very sharp turns while trailering.
When turning with a trailer, make wider turns thannormal. Do this so the trailer will not strike softshoulders, curbs, road signs, trees or other objects.Avoid jerky or sudden maneuvers. Signal wellin advance.
If the trailer turn signal bulbs burn out, the arrowson the instrument panel will still flash for turns. It isimportant to check occasionally to be sure the trailerbulbs are still working.
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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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Electric Brake Control Wiring
Provisions
These wiring provisions are included with the vehicle aspart of the trailer wiring package. These provisions arefor an electric brake controller. The instrument panelcontains blunt cut wires near the data link connector forthe trailer brake controller. The harness contains thefollowing wires:
.Dark Blue: Brake Signal to Trailer Connector
.Red/Black: Battery
.Light Blue/White: Brake Switch
.White: Ground
It should be installed by your dealer/retailer or aqualified service center.
Trailer Recommendations
Subtract the hitch loads from the Cargo Weight Rating(CWR). CWR is the maximum weight of the load thevehicle can carry. It does not include the weight of thepeople inside, but you can figure about 150 lbs. (68 kg)for each passenger. The total cargo load must not bemore than the vehicles CWR.
Weigh the vehicle with the trailer attached, so theGVWR or GAWR are not exceeded. If using aweight-distributing hitch, weigh the vehicle without thespring bars in place.
The best performance is obtained by correctlyspreading out the weight of the load and choosing thecorrect hitch and trailer brakes.
For more information seeTowing a Traileronpage 6!42.
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If No Steam Is Coming From The
Engine Compartment
The ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP ENGINE or theENGINE OVERHEATED IDLE ENGINE message, alongwith a low coolant condition, can indicate a seriousproblem.
If you get an engine overheat warning, but see or hearno steam, the problem may not be too serious.Sometimes the engine can get a little too hot when you:
.Climb a long hill on a hot day.
.Stop after high-speed driving.
.Idle for long periods in traffic.
.Tow a trailer. SeeTowing a Trailer on page 6!42.
If you get the ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP ENGINEor the ENGINE OVERHEATED IDLE ENGINE messagewith no sign of steam, try this for a minute or so:
If the overheat warning is displayed with no sign ofsteam:
1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest temperature andto the highest fan speed. Open the windows asnecessary.
3. In heavy traffic, let the engine idle in N (Neutral)while stopped. If it is safe to do so, pull off theroad, shift to P (Park) or N (Neutral) and let theengine idle.
If the temperature overheat gage is no longer in theoverheat zone or an overheat warning no longerdisplays, the vehicle can be driven. Continue to drivethe vehicle slow for about 10 minutes. Keep a safevehicle distance from the car in front of you. If thewarning does not come back on, continue to drivenormally.
If the warning continues, pull over, stop, and park thevehicle right away.
If there is no sign of steam, idle the engine forfive minutes while parked. If the warning is stilldisplayed, turn off the engine until it cools down. Also,see“Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode”later in this section.
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Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
If an overheated engine condition exists and theENGINE POWER IS REDUCED message is displayed,an overheat protection mode which alternates firinggroups of cylinders helps prevent engine damage. Inthis mode, you will notice a loss in power and engineperformance. This operating mode allows the vehicle tobe driven to a safe place in an emergency. Drivingextended miles (km) and/or towing a trailer in theoverheat protection mode should be avoided.
Notice:After driving in the overheated engineprotection operating mode, to avoid engine damage,allow the engine to cool before attempting anyrepair. The engine oil will be severely degraded.Repair the cause of coolant loss, change the oil andreset the oil life system. SeeEngine Oilonpage 7!17.
Engine Fan Noise
The vehicle has electric cooling fans. You might hearthe fans spinning at low speed during most everydaydriving. The fans can turn off if no cooling is required.Under heavy vehicle loading, trailer towing, and/or highoutside temperatures, or if you are operating the airconditioning system, the fans can change to high speedand you might hear an increase in fan noise. This isnormal and indicates that the cooling system isfunctioning properly. The fans change to low speedwhen additional cooling is no longer required.
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First Engine Oil Change After Every
40 000 km/25,000 Miles
.Fuel system inspection for damage or leaks.
First Engine Oil Change After Every
80 000 km/50,000 Miles
.Engine air cleaner filter replacement. SeeEngineAir Cleaner/Filter on page 7!22.
.Automatic transmission fluid and filter change(severe service) for vehicles mainly driven in heavycity traffic in hot weather, in hilly or mountainousterrain, when frequently towing a trailer, or used fortaxi, police, or delivery service. SeeAutomaticTransmission Fluid on page 7!24.
.Four!wheel drive only: Transfer case fluid change(severe service) for vehicles mainly driven whenfrequently towing a trailer, or used for taxi, police,or delivery service. Check vent hose at transfercase for kinks and proper installation. Check to besure vent hose is unobstructed, clear, and free of
debris. During any maintenance, if a power washeris used to clean mud and dirt from the underbody,care should be taken to not directly spray thetransfer case output seals. High pressure watercan overcome the seals and contaminate thetransfer case fluid. Contaminated fluid willdecrease the life of the transfer case and shouldbe replaced.
.Evaporative control system inspection. Check allfuel and vapor lines and hoses for proper hook!up,routing, and condition. Check that the purge valve,if the vehicle has one, works properly. Replace asneeded.An Emission Control Service. The U.S.Environmental Protection Agency or the CaliforniaAir Resources Board has determined that thefailure to perform this maintenance item will notnullify the emission warranty or limit recall liabilityprior to the completion of the vehicle's useful life.We, however, urge that all recommendedmaintenance services be performed at theindicated intervals and the maintenance berecorded.
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Cadillac Technician Roadside Service
(U.S. only)
Cadillac's exceptional Roadside Service is morethan an auto club or towing service. It provides everyCadillac owner in the United States with the advantageof contacting a Cadillac advisor and, where available, aCadillac trained dealer technician who can provideon-site service.
A dealer technician will travel to your location withina 30 mile radius of a participating Cadillac dealership.If beyond this radius, we will arrange to have yourcar towed to the nearest Cadillac dealership. Eachtechnician travels with a specially equipped servicevehicle complete with the necessary Cadillac parts andtools required to handle most roadside repairs.
Services Not Included in Roadside
Assistance
.Impound towing caused by violation of any laws.
.Legal fines.
.Mounting, dismounting or changing of snow tires,chains, or other traction devices.
.Towing or services for vehicles driven on anon-public road or highway.
Services Specific to Canadian
Purchased Vehicles
.Fuel delivery:Reimbursement is approximately$5 Canadian. Diesel fuel delivery may berestricted. Propane and other fuels are notprovided through this service.
.Lock-Out Service:Vehicle registrationis required.
.Trip Routing Service:Limit of six requestsper year.
.Trip Interruption Benefits and Assistance:Pre-authorization, original detailed receipts, and acopy of the repair orders are required. Onceauthorization has been received, the RoadsideAssistance advisor will help you makearrangements and explain how to receive payment.
.Alternative Service:If assistance cannot beprovided right away, the Roadside Assistanceadvisor may give you permission to get localemergency road service. You will receive payment,up to $100, after sending the original receipt toRoadside Assistance. Mechanical failures may becovered, however any cost for parts and laborfor repairs not covered by the warranty are theowner responsibility.
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