2010 CADILLAC ESCALADE engine overheat

Starting the Engine
If the vehicle is a Two-mode Hybrid, see the Two-modeHybrid manual for more information.
Move the shift lever to P (Park) or N (Neutral). Theengine will not start in any other position. To restart theengine when the vehicle is are already moving, useN (Neutral) only.
Notice:Do not try to shift to P (Park) if thevehicle is moving. If you do, you could damagethe transmission. Shift to P (Park) only when thevehicle is stopped.
Starting Procedure
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn theignition key to START. When the engine starts,let go of the key. The idle speed will go down asthe engine gets warm. Do not race the engineimmediately after starting it. Operate the engineand transmission gently to allow the oil to warm upand lubricate all moving parts.
The vehicle has a Computer-Controlled CrankingSystem. This feature assists in starting the engineand protects components. If the ignition key isturned to the START position, and then releasedwhen the engine begins cranking, the engine willcontinue cranking for a few seconds or until thevehicle starts. If the engine does not start and thekey is held in START for many seconds, crankingwill be stopped after 15 seconds to preventcranking motor damage. To prevent gear damage,this system also prevents cranking if the engineis already running. Engine cranking can bestopped by turning the ignition switch to theACC/ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF position.
Notice:Cranking the engine for long periods oftime, by returning the key to the START positionimmediately after cranking has ended, can overheatand damage the cranking motor, and drain thebattery. Wait at least 15 seconds between each try,to let the cranking motor cool down.
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Engine Coolant Heater
The engine coolant heater can provide easier startingand better fuel economy during engine warm-up in coldweather conditions at or below!18°C (0°F). Vehicleswith an engine heater should be plugged in at leastfour hours before starting. An internal thermostat inthe plug-end of the cord may exist which will preventengine coolant heater operation at temperaturesabove!18°C (0°F).
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.The cord is secured to the Engine CompartmentFuse Block with a clip. Carefully remove the wiretie which secures the electrical cord. Do not cut theelectrical cord.
3. Plug the cord into a normal, grounded 110-voltAC outlet.
{WARNING:
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet could
cause an electrical shock. Also, the wrong kind of
extension cord could overheat and cause a fire.
You could be seriously injured. Plug the cord into
a properly grounded three-prong 110-volt AC
outlet. If the cord will not reach, use a heavy-duty
three-prong extension cord rated for at least
15 amps.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug andstore the cord as it was before to keep it away frommoving engine parts. If you do not, it could bedamaged.
The length of time the heater should remain plugged independs on several factors. Ask a dealer/retailer in thearea where you will be parking the vehicle for the bestadvice on this.
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Shifting Into Park
{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 you have
left the engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be
sure the vehicle will not move, even when you are
on fairly level ground, use the steps that follow.
If you are pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Traileron
page 6!42.
1. Hold the brake pedal down, then set theparking brake.
2. Move the shift lever into the P (Park) position bypulling the shift lever toward you and moving it upas far as it will go.
3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK/OFF.
4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you canleave the vehicle with the ignition key in your hand,the vehicle is in P (Park).
Leaving the Vehicle With the Engine
Running
{WARNING:
It can be dangerous to leave the vehicle with the
engine running. The vehicle could move suddenly
if the shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the
parking brake firmly set. And, if you leave the
vehicle with the engine running, it could overheat
and even catch fire. You or others could be
injured. Do not leave the vehicle with the
engine running.
If you have to leave the vehicle with the engine running,be sure the vehicle is in P (Park) and the parking brakeis firmly set. After the shift lever is moved into P (Park),hold the regular brake pedal down. Then, see if you canmove the shift lever away from P (Park) without firstpulling it toward you. If you can, it means that the shiftlever was not fully locked into P (Park).
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Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
This gage shows theengine coolanttemperature.
If the indicator on the gage moves towards the shadedarea on the thermostat, it means that the engine coolanthas overheated. If the vehicle has been operating undernormal driving conditions, pull off the road, stop thevehicle and turn off the engine as soon as possible.
SeeEngine Overheating on page 7!34.
Tire Pressure Light
For vehicles with a tirepressure monitoringsystem, this light comeson briefly when the engineis started. It providesinformation about tirepressures and the TirePressure MonitoringSystem.
When the Light is On Steady
This indicates that one or more of the tires issignificantly underinflated.
A tire pressure message in the Driver InformationCenter (DIC), can accompany the light. SeeDriverInformation Center (DIC)on page 4!41for moreinformation. Stop and check the tires as soon as it issafe to do so. If underinflated, inflate to the properpressure. SeeInflation - Tire Pressureon page 7!65for more information.
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ENGINE OVERHEATED IDLE ENGINE
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the engine isoverheating, severe engine damage may occur. If anoverheat warning appears on the instrument panelcluster and/or DIC, stop the vehicle as soon aspossible. SeeEngine Overheatingon page 7!34formore information.
This message displays when the engine coolanttemperature is too hot. Stop and allow the vehicle toidle until it cools down. SeeEngine CoolantTemperature Gage on page 4!35.
SeeOverheated Engine Protection Operating Modeonpage 7!37for information on driving to a safe place inan emergency.
ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP ENGINE
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the engine isoverheating, severe engine damage may occur. If anoverheat warning appears on the instrument panelcluster and/or DIC, stop the vehicle as soon aspossible. SeeEngine Overheatingon page 7!34formore information.
This message displays and a chime sounds if theengine cooling system reaches unsafe temperatures foroperation. Stop and turn off the vehicle as soon as it issafe to do so to avoid severe damage. This messageclears when the engine has cooled to a safe operatingtemperature.
ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED
This message displays and a chime sounds when thecooling system temperature gets too hot and the enginefurther enters the engine coolant protection mode.SeeEngine Overheatingon page 7!34for furtherinformation.
This message also displays when the vehicle's enginepower is reduced. Reduced engine power can affect thevehicle's ability to accelerate. If this message is on, butthere is no reduction in performance, proceed to yourdestination. The performance may be reduced the nexttime the vehicle is driven. The vehicle may be driven ata reduced speed while this message is on, butacceleration and speed may be reduced. Anytime thismessage stays on, the vehicle should be taken to yourdealer/retailer for service as soon as possible.
FUEL LEVEL LOW
This message displays and a chime sounds if the fuellevel is low. Refuel as soon as possible. SeeFuel Gageon page 4!40andFuelo n p a g e 7!7for moreinformation.
HOOD OPEN
This message displays and a chime sounds if the hoodis not fully closed. Stop and turn off the vehicle, checkthe hood for obstructions, and close the hood again.Check to see if the message still appears on the DIC.
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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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TRANSMISSION HOT IDLE ENGINE
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while thetransmission fluid is overheating and thetransmission temperature warning is displayed onthe instrument panel cluster and/or DIC, you candamage the transmission. This could lead to costlyrepairs that would not be covered by your warranty.Do not drive your vehicle with overheatedtransmission fluid or while the transmissiontemperature warning is displayed.
This message displays along with four chimes if thetransmission fluid in the vehicle gets hot. Driving withthe transmission fluid temperature high can causedamage to the vehicle. Stop the vehicle and let it idle toallow the transmission to cool. This message clears andthe chime stops when the fluid temperature reaches asafe level.
TURN SIGNAL ON
This message displays and a chime sounds if a turnsignal is left on for 3/4 of a mile (1.2 km). Move the turnsignal/multifunction lever to the off position.
WASHER FLUID LOW ADD FLUID
This message displays when the windshield washerfluid is low. Fill the windshield washer fluid reservoir assoon as possible. SeeEngine Compartment Overviewon page 7!16for the location of the windshield washerfluid reservoir. Also, seeWindshield Washer Fluidonpage 7!39for more information.
DIC Vehicle Customization
Your vehicle may have customization capabilities thatallow you to program certain features to one preferredsetting. Customization features can only beprogrammed to one setting on the vehicle and cannotbe programmed to a preferred setting for two differentdrivers.
All of the customization options may not be available onyour vehicle. Only the options available will bedisplayed on the DIC.
The default settings for the customization features wereset when your vehicle left the factory, but may havebeen changed from their default state since then.
The customization preferences are automaticallyrecalled.
To change customization preferences, use the followingprocedure.
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{WARNING:
Heavy braking when going down a hill can cause
your brakes to overheat and fade. This could
cause loss of control and a serious accident.
Apply the brakes lightly when descending a
hill and use a low gear to keep vehicle speed
under control.
Things not to do when driving down a hill:
.When driving downhill, avoid turns that take youacross the incline of the hill. A hill that is not toosteep to drive down might be too steep to driveacross. The vehicle could roll over.
.Never go downhill with the transmission inN (Neutral), called free-wheeling. The brakes willhave to do all the work and could overheatand fade.
Vehicles are much more likely to stall when going uphill,but if it happens when going downhill:
1. Stop the vehicle by applying the regular brakesand apply the parking brake.
2. Shift to P (Park) and, while still braking, restartthe engine.
3. Shift back to a low gear, release the parking brake,and drive straight down.
4. If the engine will not start, get out and get help.
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