2010 CADILLAC ESCALADE overheating

Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter
The front ashtray and cigarette lighter are located in thecenter console near the cupholders, if the vehicle hasthem. Press on the access door to open it and use theashtray and lighter.
Notice:If papers, pins, or other flammable items areput in the ashtray, hot cigarettes or other smokingmaterials could ignite them and possibly damagethe vehicle. Never put flammable items in theashtray.
To remove the ashtray, pull it from the center console.Slide it back in and push down to be sure it is secure.
To use the cigarette lighter, push it in all the way, and letgo. When it is ready, it will pop back out by itself.
Notice:Holding a cigarette lighter in while it isheating does not let the lighter back away from theheating element when it is hot. Damage fromoverheating can occur to the lighter or heatingelement, or a fuse could be blown. Do not hold acigarette lighter in while it is heating.
Analog Clock
The analog clock is not connected with any othervehicle system and runs by itself.
To adjust the clock, do the following:
1. Locate the adjustment button, near the lower leftcorner of the clock.
2. Push and hold the adjustment button to advancethe clock hands. Holding the button down willcause the clock to advance faster. Release thebutton before you get to the desired time.
3. Push and release the button to increase the timeby one minute increments until the desired time isreached.
Climate Controls
Dual Automatic Climate Control
System
The heating, cooling, and ventilation in the vehicle canbe controlled with this system. The vehicle also has aflow-through ventilation system described later in thissection.
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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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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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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
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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).
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