2010 CADILLAC ESCALADE check transmission fluid

Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through mountains is differentthan driving on flat or rolling terrain. Tips for driving inthese conditions include:
.Keep the vehicle serviced and in good shape.
.Check all fluid levels and brakes, tires, coolingsystem, and transmission.
.Going down steep or long hills, shift to alower 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 cutacross the center of the road. Drive at speeds thatlet you stay in your own lane.
.Top of hills: Be alert—something could be in yourlane (stalled car, accident).
.Pay attention to special road signs (falling rocksarea, winding roads, long grades, passing orno-passing zones) and take appropriate action.
SeeOff-Road Drivingon page 6!13for informationabout driving off-road.
6-27

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.
6-53

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

A.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 7!22.
B. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap.SeeCooling System on page 7!28.
C. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Startingon page 7!44.
D.Battery on page 7!43.
E. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See“When to Add Engine Oil”underEngine Oil on page 7!17.
F. Automatic Transmission Dipstick (Out of View).See“Checking the Fluid Level”underAutomaticTransmission Fluid on page 7!24.
G. Remote Negative (!) Terminal (GND) (Out ofView). SeeJump Starting on page 7!44.
H. Engine Oil Dipstick (Out of View). See“CheckingEngine Oil”underEngine Oil on page 7!17.
I. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). SeeCoolingSystem on page 7!28.
J. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir (Out of View).SeePower Steering Fluid on page 7!38.
K. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See“BrakeFluid”underBrakes on page 7!40.
L.Underhood Fuse Block on page 7!111.
M. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See“AddingWasher Fluid”underWindshield Washer Fluidonpage 7!39.
Engine Oil
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the engine oil level at eachfuel fill. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil mustbe warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop. SeeEngine Compartment Overviewon page 7!16for thelocation of the engine oil dipstick.
1. Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutesto drain back into the oil pan. If this is not done, theoil dipstick might not show the actual level.
2. Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towelor cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove itagain, keeping the tip down, and check the level.
7-17

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).
7-24

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.
7-25

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.
7-26

4. Check both sides of the dipstick and readthe lower level. Repeat the check procedureto verify the reading.
5. Safe operating level is within the HOT cross hatchband on the dipstick. If the fluid level is not withinthe HOT band, and the transmission temperatureis between 160°F and 200°F (71°C and 93°C), addor drain fluid as necessary to bring the level intothe HOT band. If the fluid level is low, add onlyenough fluid to bring the level into the HOT band.It does not take much fluid, generally less thanone pint (0.5L). Do not overfill.
6. 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.
Consistency of Readings
Always check the fluid level at least twice using theprocedures described. Consistency (repeatablereadings) is important to maintaining proper fluid level.If fluid is added, it may take 15 minutes or longer toobtain an accurate reading because of residual fluiddraining down the dipstick tube. If inconsistent readingspersist, check the transmission breather to be sure it isclean and not clogged. If readings are still inconsistent,contact your dealer/retailer.
7-27