2011 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV engine oil

Black plate (8,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
10-8 Vehicle Care Checking Engine Oil It is a good idea to check the engine
oil level at each fuel fill. In order to
get an accurate reading, the vehicle
must be on level ground. The
engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow
loop. See Engine Compartment
Overview on page 10 ‑ 6 for the
location of the engine oil dipstick.
Obtaining an accurate oil level
reading is essential:
1. If the engine has been running
recently, turn off the engine and
allow several minutes for the oil
to drain back into the oil pan.
Checking the oil level too soon
after engine shutoff will not
provide an accurate oil level
reading.
2. Pull out the dipstick and clean
it with a paper towel or cloth,
then push it back in all the way.
Remove it again, keeping the tip
down, and check the level. When to Add Engine Oil
If the oil is below the cross-hatched
area at the tip of the dipstick, add
1 L (1 qt) of the recommended oil
and then recheck the level. See
“ Selecting the Right Engine Oil ”
in this section for an explanation
of what kind of oil to use. For
engine oil crankcase capacity, see
Capacities and Specifications on
page 12 ‑ 2 .
Notice: Do not add too much oil.
Oil levels above or below the
acceptable operating range
shown on the dipstick are harmful
to the engine. If you find that
you have an oil level above the
operating range, i.e., the engine
has so much oil that the oil level
gets above the cross-hatched area that shows the proper
operating range, the engine
could be damaged. You should
drain out the excess oil or limit
driving of the vehicle and seek a
service professional to remove
the excess amount of oil.
See Engine Compartment Overview
on page 10 ‑ 6 for the location of the
engine oil fill cap.
Add enough oil to put the level
somewhere in the proper operating
range. Push the dipstick all the way
back in when through.
Selecting the Right Engine Oil Selecting the right engine oil
depends on both the proper oil
specification and viscosity grade:
Specification
Use and ask for engine oils with
the dexos ™ certification mark. Oils
meeting the requirements of the
vehicle should have the dexos
certification mark on the container.

Black plate (9,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-9This certification mark indicates that
the oil has been approved to the
dexos specification.
This vehicle was filled at the factory
with dexos ‐ approved engine oil.
Notice: Use only engine oil
that is approved to the dexos
specification or an equivalent
engine oil of the appropriate
viscosity grade. Engine oils
approved to the dexos
specification will show the
dexos symbol on the container.
Failure to use the recommended
engine oil or equivalent can
result in engine damage not
covered by the vehicle warranty. If you are unsure whether the
oil is approved to the dexos
specification, ask your service
provider.
Use of Substitute Engine Oils if
dexos is unavailable: In the event
that dexos ‐ approved engine oil is
not available at an oil change or
for maintaining proper oil level,
you may use substitute engine oil
displaying the API Starburst symbol
and of SAE 5W-30 viscosity grade.
Use of oils that do not meet the
dexos specification, however, may
result in reduced performance under
certain circumstances.
Viscosity Grade
SAE 5W-30 is the best viscosity
grade for the vehicle. Do not
use other viscosity oils such as
SAE 10W ‐ 30, 10W ‐ 40, or 20W-50.
Cold Temperature Operation:
In an area of extreme cold,
where the temperature falls
below − 29°C ( − 20°F), an
SAE 0W-30 oil should be used.

Black plate (10,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
10-10 Vehicle Care An oil of this viscosity grade will
provide easier cold starting for
the engine at extremely low
temperatures. When selecting an oil
of the appropriate viscosity grade,
be sure to always select an oil that
meets the required specification,
dexos. See “ Specification ” earlier in
this section for more information.
Engine Oil Additives/Engine
Oil Flushes Do not add anything to the oil. The
recommended oils with the dexos
specification and displaying the
dexos certification mark are all that
is needed for good performance and
engine protection.
Engine oil system flushes are not
recommended and could cause
engine damage not covered by the
vehicle warranty.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain
elements that can be unhealthy for
your skin and could even cause
cancer. Do not let used oil stay on your skin for very long. Clean your
skin and nails with soap and water,
or a good hand cleaner. Wash or
properly dispose of clothing or rags
containing used engine oil. See the
manufacturer's warnings about the
use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the
environment. If you change your
own oil, be sure to drain all the oil
from the filter before disposal. Never
dispose of oil by putting it in the
trash or pouring it on the ground,
into sewers, or into streams or
bodies of water. Recycle it by taking
it to a place that collects used oil.
Engine Oil Life System When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system
that indicates when to change the
engine oil and filter. This is based
on engine revolutions and engine
temperature, and not on mileage.
Based on driving conditions, the
mileage at which an oil change is
indicated can vary considerably. For the oil life system to work
properly, the system must be reset
every time the oil is changed.
When the system has calculated
that oil life has been diminished, it
indicates that an oil change is
necessary. A CHANGE ENGINE
OIL SOON message comes on. See
Engine Oil Messages on page 5 ‑ 34 .
Change the oil as soon as possible
within the next 1 000 km (600 mi).
It is possible that, if driving under
the best conditions, the oil life
system might indicate that an oil
change is not necessary for up to a
year. The engine oil and filter must
be changed at least once a year
and, at this time, the system must
be reset. Your dealer has trained
service people who will perform this
work and reset the system. It is also
important to check the oil regularly
over the course of an oil drain
interval and keep it at the proper
level.

Black plate (11,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-11If the system is ever reset
accidentally, the oil must be
changed at 5 000 km (3,000 mi)
since the last oil change.
Remember to reset the oil life
system whenever the oil is changed.
How to Reset the Engine Oil
Life System Reset the system whenever the
engine oil is changed so that the
system can calculate the next
engine oil change. Always reset the
engine oil life to 100% after every oil
change. It will not reset itself. To
reset the system:
1. Display OIL LIFE REMAINING
on the DIC.
2. Press and hold the SET/RESET
button on the DIC for more than
five seconds. The oil life will
change to 100%. If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message comes back on when the
vehicle is started, the engine oil life
system has not reset. Repeat the
procedure.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid When to Check and Change
Automatic Transmission Fluid It is usually not necessary to
check the transmission fluid level.
The only reason for fluid loss is a
transmission leak or overheating
the transmission. If a small leak is
suspected, then use the following
checking procedures to check the
fluid level. However, if there is a
large leak, then it may be necessary
to have the vehicle towed to a
dealer service department and have
it repaired before driving the vehicle
further. Notice: Use of the incorrect
automatic transmission fluid
may damage the vehicle, and the
damages may not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Always use
the automatic transmission fluid
listed in Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 11 ‑ 7 .
Change the fluid and filter at the
scheduled maintenance intervals
listed in Scheduled Maintenance on
page 11 ‑ 2 . Be sure to use the
transmission fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11 ‑ 7 .

Black plate (14,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
10-14 Vehicle Care
5. Safe operating level is within the
HOT cross hatch band on the
dipstick. If the fluid level is not
within the HOT band, and the
transmission temperature is
between 71°C and 93°C (160°F
and 200°F), add or drain fluid as
necessary to bring the level into
the HOT band. If the fluid level
is low, add only enough fluid to
bring the level into the HOT
band. It does not take much
fluid, generally less than 0.5 L
(1 pint). Do not overfill.
6. If the fluid level is in the
acceptable range, push the
dipstick back in all the way, then
flip the handle down to lock the
dipstick in place. Consistency of Readings Always check the fluid level at
least twice using the procedures
described. Consistency (repeatable
readings) is important to maintaining
proper fluid level. If fluid is added,
it may take 15 minutes or longer to
obtain an accurate reading because
of residual fluid draining down
the dipstick tube. If inconsistent
readings persist, check the
transmission breather to be sure
it is clean and not clogged.
If readings are still inconsistent,
contact your dealer.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter See Engine Compartment Overview
on page 10 ‑ 6 for the location of the
engine air cleaner/filter. Inspect the air cleaner/filter at the
scheduled maintenance intervals
and replace it at the first oil
change after each 80 000 km
(50,000 mile) interval. See
Scheduled Maintenance on
page 11 ‑ 2 for more information.
If driving on dusty/dirty conditions,
inspect the filter at each engine oil
change.
How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter To inspect the air cleaner/filter,
remove the engine air cleaner/filter
from the vehicle by following
Steps 1 through 6. When the engine
air cleaner/filter is removed, lightly
shake it to release loose dust and
dirt. If the engine air cleaner/filter
remains covered with dirt, a new
filter is required. Never use
compressed air to clean the filter.

Black plate (17,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-17What to Use
{ WARNINGAdding only plain water or some
other liquid to the cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water
and other liquids, can boil before
the proper coolant mixture will.
The coolant warning system is
set for the proper coolant mixture.
With plain water or the wrong
mixture, the engine could get too
hot but you would not get the
overheat warning. The engine
could catch fire and you or
others could be burned. Use a
50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL coolant. Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
coolant. If using this mixture,
nothing else needs to be added.
This mixture: .
Gives freezing protection down
to − 37°C ( − 34°F), outside
temperature. .
Gives boiling protection up
to 129°C (265°F), engine
temperature. .
Protects against rust and
corrosion. .
Will not damage aluminum parts. .
Helps keep the proper engine
temperature.
Notice: If an improper coolant
mixture is used, the engine could
overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Too much water in the mixture
can freeze and crack the engine,
radiator, heater core, and other
parts. Notice: If extra inhibitors
and/or additives are used in
the vehicle cooling system, the
vehicle could be damaged. Use
only the proper mixture of the
engine coolant listed in this
manual for the cooling system.
See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11 ‑ 7 for more
information.
Never dispose of engine coolant
by putting it in the trash, pouring
it on the ground, or into sewers,
streams, or bodies of water.
Have the coolant changed by an
authorized service center, familiar
with legal requirements regarding
used coolant disposal. This will help
protect the environment and your
health.

Black plate (18,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
10-18 Vehicle Care Checking Coolant The vehicle must be on a level
surface when checking the coolant
level.
Check to see if coolant is visible in
the coolant surge tank. If the coolant
inside the coolant surge tank is
boiling, do not do anything else until
it cools down. If coolant is visible
but the coolant level is not at or
above the FULL COLD mark, add a
50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL coolant at the
coolant surge tank, but be sure the
cooling system is cool before this
is done. The coolant surge tank is located
in the engine compartment on the
passenger side of the vehicle. See
Engine Compartment Overview on
page 10 ‑ 6 for more information on
location.
The coolant level should be at or
above the FULL COLD mark. If it is
not, the vehicle may have a leak in
the cooling system. How to Add Coolant to the
Surge Tank
{ WARNINGYou can be burned if you spill
coolant on hot engine parts.
Coolant contains ethylene glycol
and it will burn if the engine parts
are hot enough. Do not spill
coolant on a hot engine.
Notice: This vehicle has a
specific coolant fill procedure.
Failure to follow this procedure
could cause the engine to
overheat and be severely
damaged.
{ WARNING
An electric engine cooling fan
under the hood can start up even
when the engine is not running
and can cause injury. Keep
hands, clothing, and tools away
from any underhood electric fan.

Black plate (22,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
10-22 Vehicle Care .
Idles for long periods in traffic. .
Tows a trailer. See Trailer
Towing on page 9 ‑ 74 .
If the ENGINE OVERHEATED
STOP ENGINE or the ENGINE
OVERHEATED IDLE ENGINE
message appears with no sign of
steam, try this for a minute or so:
If the overheat warning is displayed
with no sign of steam:
1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest
temperature and to the highest
fan speed. Open the windows as
necessary.
3. In heavy traffic, let the engine
idle in N (Neutral) while stopped.
If it is safe to do so, pull off
the road, shift to P (Park)
or N (Neutral) and let the
engine idle.
If the temperature overheat gauge
is no longer in the overheat zone
or an overheat warning no longer
displays, the vehicle can be driven. Continue to drive the vehicle slowly
for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe
vehicle distance from the vehicle in
front. If the warning does not come
back on, continue to drive normally.
If the warning continues, pull
over, stop, and park the vehicle
right away.
If there is no sign of steam, idle
the engine for five minutes while
parked. If the warning is still
displayed, turn off the engine
until it cools down. Also, see
“ Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode ” later in this
section.
Overheated
Engine Protection
Operating Mode If an overheated engine condition
exists and the ENGINE POWER IS
REDUCED message is displayed,
an overheat protection mode which
alternates firing groups of cylinders
helps prevent engine damage. In this mode, a loss in power and
engine performance will be noticed.
This operating mode allows the
vehicle to be driven to a safe place
in an emergency. Driving extended
distances and/or towing a trailer in
the overheat protection mode
should be avoided.
Notice: After driving in the
overheated engine protection
operating mode, to avoid engine
damage, allow the engine to cool
before attempting any repair.
The engine oil will be severely
degraded. Repair the cause of
coolant loss, change the oil and
reset the oil life system. See
Engine Oil on page 10 ‑ 7 .
Engine Fan The vehicle has electric cooling
fans. The fans spinning at low
speed during most everyday
driving might be heard. The fans
can turn off if no cooling is required.