2010 CADILLAC ESCALADE octane

Note:The Tire Pressure Monitor can alert you aboutlow tire pressure, but it does not replace normal monthlytire maintenance. It is the driver’s responsibility tomaintain correct tire pressures.
SeeTire Pressure Monitor Systemon page 7!67andTire Pressure Monitor Operation on page 7!68.
Engine Oil Life System
The engine oil life system calculates engine oil lifebased on vehicle use and displays a DIC messagewhen it is necessary to change the engine oil and filter.The oil life system should be reset to 100% onlyfollowing an oil change.
Resetting the Oil Life System
1. Display the OIL LIFE REMAINING on the DIC.
2. Press and hold the SET/RESET button on the DICfor more than five seconds. The oil life will changeto 100%.
SeeEngine Oil Life System on page 7!20.
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)
This vehicle has a yellow fuel cap and can use eitherunleaded gasoline or ethanol fuel containing up to85% ethanol (E85). SeeGasoline Octaneo n p a g e 7!8andFuel E85 (85% Ethanol) on page 7!9.
Driving for Better Fuel Economy
Driving habits can affect fuel mileage. Here are somedriving tips to get the best fuel economy possible.
.Avoid fast starts and accelerate smoothly.
.Brake gradually and avoid abrupt stops.
.Avoid idling the engine for long periods of time.
.When road and weather conditions areappropriate, use cruise control, if equipped.
.Always follow posted speed limits or drive moreslowly when conditions require.
.Keep vehicle tires properly inflated.
.Combine several trips into a single trip.
.Replace the vehicle's tires with the same TPCSpec number molded into the tire's sidewall nearthe size.
.Follow recommended scheduled maintenance.
1-23

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.
4-37

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

Fuel
Use of the recommended fuel is an important part of theproper maintenance of this vehicle. To help keep theengine clean and maintain optimum vehicleperformance, we recommend the use of gasolineadvertised as TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline.
Look for the TOP TIER label on the fuel pump to ensuregasoline meets enhanced detergency standardsdeveloped by auto companies. A list of marketersproviding TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline can be foundat www.toptiergas.com.
This vehicle can use either unleaded gasoline orethanol fuel containing up to 85% ethanol (E85).SeeGasoline Octaneo n p a g e 7!8andFuel E85(85% Ethanol) on page 7!9.
7-7

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.
7-8

Additives
To provide cleaner air, all gasolines in the United Statesare now required to contain additives that help preventengine and fuel system deposits from forming, allowingthe emission control system to work properly. In mostcases, nothing should have to be added to the fuel.However, some gasolines contain only the minimumamount of additive required to meet U.S. EnvironmentalProtection Agency regulations. To help keep fuelinjectors and intake valves clean, or if the vehicleexperiences problems due to dirty injectors or valves,look for gasoline that is advertised as TOP TIERDetergent Gasoline.
For customers who do not use TOP TIER DetergentGasoline regularly, one bottle of GM Fuel SystemTreatment PLUS, added to the fuel tank at every engineoil change, can help clean deposits from fuel injectorsand intake valves. GM Fuel System Treatment PLUS isthe only gasoline additive recommended by GeneralMotors.
Also, your dealer/retailer has additives that will helpcorrect and prevent most deposit!related problems.
Gasolines containing oxygenates, such as ethers andethanol, and reformulated gasolines might be availablein your area. We recommend that you use thesegasolines, if they comply with the specifications
described earlier. However, E85 (85% ethanol) andother fuels containing more than 10% ethanol mustnot be used in vehicles that were not designed forthose fuels.
Notice:This vehicle was not designed for fuel thatcontains methanol. Do not use fuel containingmethanol. It can corrode metal parts in the fuelsystem and also damage plastic and rubber parts.That damage would not be covered under thevehicle warranty.
Some gasolines that are not reformulated for lowemissions can contain an octane-enhancing additivecalled methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl(MMT); ask the attendant where you buy gasolinewhether the fuel contains MMT. We recommend againstthe use of such gasolines. Fuels containing MMT canreduce the life of spark plugs and the performance ofthe emission control system could be affected. Themalfunction indicator lamp might turn on. If this occurs,return to your dealer/retailer for service.
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)
This vehicle can use either unleaded gasoline or85% ethanol fuel (E85). We encourage the use ofE85 in vehicles that are designed to use it. The ethanolin E85 is a“renewable”fuel, meaning it is made fromrenewable sources such as corn and other crops.
7-9

Maintenance Schedule
Introduction
Notice:Maintenance intervals, checks, inspections,recommended fluids, and lubricants are necessaryto keep this vehicle in good working condition.Damage caused by failure to follow scheduledmaintenance might not be covered by the vehiclewarranty.
Proper vehicle maintenance helps to keep the vehicle ingood working condition, improves fuel economy, andreduces vehicle emissions for better air quality.
Because of all the different ways people use vehicles,maintenance needs vary. The vehicle might need morefrequent checks and services. Please read theinformation under Scheduled Maintenance. To keep thevehicle in good condition, see your dealer/retailer.
The maintenance schedule is for vehicles that:
.carry passengers and cargo within recommendedlimits on the Tire and Loading Information label.SeeLoading the Vehicle on page 6!32.
.are driven on reasonable road surfaces within legaldriving limits.
.are driven off!road in the recommended manner.SeeOff-Road Driving on page 6!13.
.use the recommended fuel. SeeGasoline Octaneo n p a g e 7!8.
{WARNING:
Performing maintenance work on a vehicle can be
dangerous. In trying to do some jobs, you can be
seriously injured. Do your own maintenance work
only if you have the required know-how and the
proper tools and equipment for the job. If you
have any doubt, see your dealer/retailer to have a
qualified technician do the work. SeeDoing Your
Own Service Work on page 7!6.
8-2

Engine (cont.)
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-28
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-13
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-41
Fan Noise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-37
Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-17
Overheated Protection Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . 7-37
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-34
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-29
Engine Oil
Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-20
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-17
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-19
Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-17
Extender, Safety Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-48
Exterior Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11
F
Features
Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-22
Finish Damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-106
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-6
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-79
Flat Tire, Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-80
Flat Tire, Storing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-94
Fluid
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-24
Power Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-38
Windshield Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-39
Fog Lamps
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-16
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-39
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-51
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-7
Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-9
California Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-8
E85 (85% Ethanol) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-9
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-13
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-11
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-10
Gage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-40
Gasoline Octane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-8
Gasoline Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-8
Management, Active . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-32
Fuel Economy
Driving for Better . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23
i - 6