Black plate (65,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-65
Wheel Alignment and Tire
Balance The tires and wheels were aligned
and balanced at the factory to
provide the longest tire life and best
overall performance. Adjustments to
wheel alignment and tire balancing
will not be necessary on a regular
basis. However, check the
alignment if there is unusual tire
wear or if the vehicle is pulling to
one side or the other. If the vehicle
vibrates when driving on a smooth
road, the tires and wheels might
need to be rebalanced. See your
dealer for proper diagnosis.
Wheel Replacement Replace any wheel that is bent,
cracked, or badly rusted or
corroded. If wheel nuts keep
coming loose, the wheel, wheel
bolts, and wheel nuts should be
replaced. If the wheel leaks air,
replace it. Some aluminum wheels
can be repaired. See your dealer if
any of these conditions exist. Your dealer will know the kind of
wheel that is needed.
Each new wheel should have the
same load-carrying capacity,
diameter, width, offset, and be
mounted the same way as the
one it replaces.
Replace wheels, wheel bolts, wheel
nuts, or Tire Pressure Monitor
System (TPMS) sensors with new
GM original equipment parts.
{ WARNINGUsing the wrong replacement
wheels, wheel bolts, or wheel
nuts can be dangerous. It could
affect the braking and handling of
the vehicle. Tires can lose air,
and cause loss of control, causing
a crash. Always use the correct
wheel, wheel bolts, and wheel
nuts for replacement. Notice: The wrong wheel can
also cause problems with
bearing life, brake cooling,
speedometer or odometer
calibration, headlamp aim,
bumper height, vehicle ground
clearance, and tire or tire chain
clearance to the body and
chassis.
See If a Tire Goes Flat on
page 10 ‑ 66 for more information.
Used Replacement Wheels
{ WARNINGReplacing a wheel with a used
one is dangerous. How it has
been used or how far it has been
driven may be unknown. It could
fail suddenly and cause a crash.
When replacing wheels, use a
new GM original equipment
wheel.
Black plate (66,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
10-66 Vehicle Care
Tire Chains
{ WARNINGDo not use tire chains. There is
not enough clearance. Tire chains
used on a vehicle without the
proper amount of clearance can
cause damage to the brakes,
suspension, or other vehicle
parts. The area damaged by the
tire chains could cause you to
lose control of the vehicle and
you or others may be injured
in a crash. Use another type
of traction device only if its
manufacturer recommends it for
use on the vehicle and tire size
combination and road conditions.
Follow that manufacturer's
instructions. To help avoid
damage to the vehicle, drive
slowly, re ‐ adjust or remove the
device if it is contacting the
vehicle, and do not spin the
(Continued) WARNING (Continued) wheels. If you do find traction
devices that will fit, install them on
the rear tires.
If a Tire Goes Flat It is unusual for a tire to blowout
while you are driving, especially if
you maintain your vehicle's tires
properly. If air goes out of a tire,
it is much more likely to leak out
slowly. But if you should ever have
a blowout, here are a few tips about
what to expect and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the flat tire
creates a drag that pulls the vehicle
toward that side. Take your foot off
the accelerator pedal and grip the
steering wheel firmly. Steer to
maintain lane position, and then
gently brake to a stop, well off the
road, if possible. A rear blowout, particularly on a
curve, acts much like a skid and
may require the same correction
you would use in a skid. In any rear
blowout remove your foot from the
accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle
under control by steering the way
you want the vehicle to go. It may
be very bumpy and noisy, but you
can still steer. Gently brake to a
stop, well off the road, if possible.
{ WARNINGDriving on a flat tire will cause
permanent damage to the tire.
Re-inflating a tire after it has
been driven on while severely
underinflated or flat may cause
a blowout and a serious crash.
Never attempt to re-inflate a tire
that has been driven on while
severely underinflated or flat.
Have your dealer or an authorized
tire service center repair or
replace the flat tire as soon as
possible.
Black plate (92,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
10-92 Vehicle Care Windshield, Backglass, and
Wiper Blades Clean the outside of the windshield
and backglass with glass cleaner.
Clean the rubber blades using a lint
free cloth or paper towel soaked
with windshield washer fluid or a
mild detergent. Wash the windshield
thoroughly when you clean the
blades. Bugs, road grime, sap
and a buildup of vehicle wash/wax
treatments may cause wiper
streaking. Replace the wiper blades
if they are worn or damaged.
Wipers can be damaged by: .
Extreme dusty conditions .
Sand and salt .
Heat and sun .
Snow and ice, without proper
removal Aluminum or Chrome-Plated
Wheels and Trim The vehicle may have either
aluminum or chrome-plated wheels.
Keep the wheels clean using a
soft clean cloth with mild soap and
water. Rinse with clean water. After
rinsing thoroughly, dry with a soft
clean towel. A wax may then be
applied.
Notice: Chrome wheels and
other chrome trim may be
damaged if the vehicle is not
washed after driving on roads
that have been sprayed with
magnesium, calcium or sodium
chloride. These chlorides are
used on roads for conditions
such as ice and dust. Always
wash the vehicle's chrome with
soap and water after exposure.
Notice: Using strong soaps,
chemicals, abrasive polishes,
cleaners, brushes, or cleaners
that contain acid on aluminum
or chrome-plated wheels, could damage the surface of the
wheel(s). The repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Use only approved
cleaners on aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels.
The surface of these wheels is
similar to the painted surface of the
vehicle. Do not use strong soaps,
chemicals, abrasive polishes,
abrasive cleaners, cleaners with
acid, or abrasive cleaning brushes
on them because they could
damage the surface. Do not use
chrome polish on aluminum wheels.
Notice: Using chrome polish on
aluminum wheels could damage
the wheels. The repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Use chrome polish on
chrome wheels only.
Use chrome polish only on
chrome-plated wheels, but avoid
any painted surface of the wheel,
and buff off immediately after
application.
Black plate (94,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
10-94 Vehicle Care At least every spring, flush these
materials from the underbody
with plain water. Clean any areas
where mud and debris can collect.
Dirt packed in close areas of the
frame should be loosened before
being flushed. Your dealer or an
underbody car washing system can
do this.
Chemical Paint Spotting Some weather and atmospheric
conditions can create a chemical
fallout. Airborne pollutants can fall
upon and attack painted surfaces on
the vehicle. This damage can take
two forms: blotchy, ring-shaped
discolorations, and small, irregular
dark spots etched into the paint
surface.
Although no defect in the paint job
causes this, we will repair, at no
charge to the owner, the surfaces
of new vehicles damaged by this
fallout condition within 12 months or
20 000 km (12,000 mi) of purchase,
whichever occurs first. Interior Care The interior will continue to look its
best if it is cleaned often. Although
not always visible, dust and dirt can
accumulate on the upholstery. Dirt
can damage carpet, fabric, leather,
and plastic surfaces. Regular
vacuuming is recommended
to remove particles from the
upholstery. It is important to keep
the upholstery from becoming and
remaining heavily soiled. Soils
should be removed as quickly
as possible. The interior may
experience extremes of heat that
could cause stains to set rapidly.
Lighter colored interiors may
require more frequent cleaning.
Use care because newspapers and
garments that transfer color to home
furnishings may also transfer color
to the interior.
When cleaning the interior, only
use cleaners specifically designed
for the surfaces being cleaned.
Permanent damage may result from using cleaners on surfaces for
which they were not intended.
Use glass cleaner only on glass.
Remove any accidental over-spray
from other surfaces immediately. To
prevent over-spray, apply cleaner
directly to the cleaning cloth.
Notice: Using abrasive cleaners
when cleaning glass surfaces on
the vehicle, could scratch the
glass and/or cause damage to
the rear window defogger. When
cleaning the glass on the vehicle,
use only a soft cloth and glass
cleaner.
Many cleaners contain solvents
that may become concentrated in
the breathing space. Before using
cleaners, read and adhere to all
safety instructions on the label.
While cleaning the interior, maintain
adequate ventilation by opening the
doors and windows.
Dust may be removed from small
buttons and knobs using a small
brush with soft bristles.
Black plate (97,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-97Instrument Panel, Vinyl and
other Plastic Surfaces A soft cloth dampened with water
may be used to remove dust.
If a more thorough cleaning is
necessary, a clean soft cloth
dampened with a mild soap
solution can be used to gently
remove dust and dirt. Never use
spot lifters or removers on plastic
surfaces. Many commercial
cleaners and coatings that are sold
to preserve and protect soft plastic
surfaces may permanently change
the appearance and feel of the
interior and are not recommended.
Do not use silicone or wax-based
products, or those containing
organic solvents to clean the
interior because they can alter the
appearance by increasing the gloss
in a non-uniform manner. Some commercial products may
increase gloss on the instrument
panel. The increase in gloss may
cause annoying reflections in the
windshield and even make it difficult
to see through the windshield under
certain conditions.
Notice: Air fresheners contain
solvents that may cause damage
to plastics and painted surfaces.
Follow the manufacturer ’ s
instructions when using air
fresheners in the vehicle. If air
freshener comes in contact with
paint or a plastic surface, blot
immediately with a soft cloth.
Damage caused by using air
fresheners would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Speaker Covers Vacuum around a speaker cover
gently, so that the speaker will not
be damaged. Clean spots with just
water and mild soap.
Wood Panels Use a clean cloth moistened in
warm, soapy water (use mild dish
washing soap). Dry the wood
immediately with a clean cloth.
Keep belts clean and dry.
{ WARNINGDo not bleach or dye safety belts.
It may severely weaken them. In
a crash, they might not be able
to provide adequate protection.
Clean safety belts only with mild
soap and lukewarm water.
Black plate (1,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
Service and Maintenance 11-1
Service and
Maintenance General Information General Information . . . . . . . . . . 11-1
Scheduled Maintenance Scheduled Maintenance . . . . . 11-2
Recommended Fluids,
Lubricants, and Parts Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-7
Maintenance Replacement
Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-9
Maintenance Records Maintenance Records . . . . . . 11-10 General Information Notice: Maintenance
intervals, checks, inspections,
recommended fluids, and
lubricants are necessary to
keep this vehicle in good working
condition. Damage caused by
failure to follow scheduled
maintenance might not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
As the vehicle owner, you are
responsible for the scheduled
maintenance in this section. We
recommend having your dealer
perform these services. Proper
vehicle maintenance helps to
keep the vehicle in good working
condition, improves fuel economy,
and reduces vehicle emissions for
better air quality. Because of all the different ways
people use vehicles, maintenance
needs vary. The vehicle might need
more frequent checks and services.
Please read the information under
Scheduled Maintenance. To keep
the vehicle in good condition, see
your dealer.
The maintenance schedule is for
vehicles that: .
Carry passengers and cargo
within recommended limits on
the Tire and Loading Information
label. See Vehicle Load Limits
on page 9 ‑ 24 . .
Are driven on reasonable road
surfaces within legal driving
limits. .
Are driven off-road in the
recommended manner. See
Off-Road Driving on page 9 ‑ 7 . .
Use the recommended fuel. See
Recommended Fuel on
page 9 ‑ 64 .
Black plate (6,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
11-6 Service and Maintenance .
Evaporative control system
inspection. Check all fuel and
vapor lines and hoses for proper
hook ‐ up, routing, and condition.
Check that the purge valve,
if the vehicle has one, works
properly. Replace as needed.
An Emission Control Service.
The U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency or the
California Air Resources Board
has determined that the failure
to perform this maintenance item
will not nullify the emission
warranty or limit recall liability
prior to the completion of the
vehicle's useful life. We,
however, urge that all
recommended maintenance
services be performed at the
indicated intervals and the
maintenance be recorded. First Engine Oil Change After
Every 160 000 km/100,000 Miles .
Automatic transmission fluid and
filter change (normal service).
See Automatic Transmission
Fluid on page 10 ‑ 11 . .
All ‐ wheel drive only: Transfer
case fluid change (normal
service). Check vent hose at
transfer case for kinks and
proper installation. Check to be
sure vent hose is unobstructed,
clear, and free of debris. During
any maintenance, if a power
washer is used to clean mud
and dirt from the underbody,
care should be taken to not
directly spray the transfer case
output seals. High pressure
water can overcome the seals
and contaminate the transfer
case fluid. Contaminated fluid
will decrease the life of the
transfer case and should be
replaced. .
Spark plug replacement and
spark plug wires inspection. An
Emission Control Service.
First Engine Oil Change After
Every 240 000 km/150,000 Miles .
Engine cooling system drain,
flush, and refill (or every five
years, whichever occurs first).
See Engine Coolant on
page 10 ‑ 16 . An Emission
Control Service. .
Engine drive belts inspection for
fraying, excessive cracks,
or obvious damage (or every
10 years, whichever occurs
first). Replace, if needed.
Black plate (2,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
12-2 Technical Data
Vehicle Data Capacities and Specifications The following approximate capacities are given in metric and English conversions. See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11 ‑ 7 for more information.
Application Capacities
Metric English
Air Conditioning Refrigerant For the air conditioning system refrigerant charge
amount, see the refrigerant label located under the
hood. See your dealer for more information.
Cooling System 16.7 L 17.6 qt
Engine Oil with Filter 5.7 L † 6.0 qt †
Fuel Tank
Regular 98.4 L 26.0 gal
Extended 119.2 L 31.5 gal
Transmission Fluid (Pan Removal and Replacement) 5.7 L 6.0 qt
Transfer Case Fluid 1.4 L 1.5 qt
Wheel Nut Torque 190 Y 140 lb ft
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill to the approximate level, as recommended in this
manual. Recheck fluid after filling.
† Oil filter should be changed at every oil change.