Black plate (26,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
10-26 Vehicle Care
How to Check Power Steering
Fluid
To check the power steering fluid:
1. Turn the key off and let theengine compartment cool down.
2. Wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean.
3. Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag.
4. Replace the cap and completely tighten it.
5. Remove the cap again and look at the fluid level on the dipstick.
The level should be at the
FULL COLD mark. If necessary,
add only enough fluid to bring the
level up to the mark.
What to Use
To determine what kind of fluid to
use, see Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11‑7. Always
use the proper fluid.
Notice: Use of the incorrect fluid
may damage the vehicle and the
damages may not be covered by
the vehicle's warranty. Always
use the correct fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11‑7.
Washer Fluid
What to Use
When windshield washer fluid needs
to be added, be sure to read the
manufacturer's instructions before
use. Use a fluid that has sufficient
protection against freezing in an
area where the temperature may
fall below freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
The vehicle has a low washer fluid
message on the DIC that comes
on when the washer fluid is low.
The message is displayed for
15 seconds at the start of each
ignition cycle. When the WASHER
FLUID LOW ADD FLUID message
displays, washer fluid will need to
be added to the windshield washer
fluid reservoir.
Open the cap with the washer
symbol on it. Add washer fluid
until the tank is full. See Engine
Compartment Overview on
page 10‑6 for reservoir location.
Black plate (27,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-27
Notice:
.When using concentrated
washer fluid, follow the
manufacturer's instructions
for adding water.
.Do not mix water with
ready-to-use washer fluid.
Water can cause the solution
to freeze and damage the
washer fluid tank and other
parts of the washer system.
Also, water does not clean as
well as washer fluid.
.Fill the washer fluid tank
only three-quarters full
when it is very cold. This
allows for fluid expansion
if freezing occurs, which
could damage the tank if
it is completely full.
.Do not use engine coolant
(antifreeze) in the windshield
washer. It can damage the
windshield washer system
and paint.
Brakes
This vehicle has disc brakes.
Disc brake pads have built-in wear
indicators that make a high-pitched
warning sound when the brake pads
are worn and new pads are needed.
The sound can come and go or be
heard all the time the vehicle is
moving, except when applying
the brake pedal firmly.
{WARNING
The brake wear warning sound
means that soon the brakes will
not work well. That could lead to
a crash. When the brake wear
warning sound is heard, have the
vehicle serviced.
Notice: Continuing to drive with
worn-out brake pads could result
in costly brake repair. Some driving conditions or climates
can cause a brake squeal when
the brakes are first applied or
lightly applied. This does not mean
something is wrong with the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are
necessary to help prevent brake
pulsation. When tires are rotated,
inspect brake pads for wear and
evenly tighten wheel nuts in
the proper sequence to torque
specifications in
Capacities and
Specifications on page 12‑2.
Brake linings should always be
replaced as complete axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal
does not return to normal height,
or if there is a rapid increase in
pedal travel. This could be a
sign that brake service might
be required.
Black plate (99,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-99
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
Black plate (3,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
Service and Maintenance 11-3
If the engine oil life system is reset
accidentally, service the vehicle
within 5 000 km/3,000 miles since
the last service. Reset the oil life
system whenever the oil is changed.
SeeEngine Oil Life System on
page 10‑11.
When the Change Engine Oil Soon
message displays, certain services,
checks, and inspections are
required.
Every Engine Oil Change
.Change engine oil and filter.
See Engine Oil on page 10‑7.
An Emission Control Service.
.Engine coolant level check.
See Engine Coolant on
page 10‑18.
.Engine cooling system
inspection. Visual inspection
of hoses, pipes, fittings, and
clamps and replacement,
if needed.
.Windshield washer fluid level
check. See Washer Fluid on
page 10‑26.
.Windshield wiper blade
inspection for wear, cracking,
or contamination and windshield
and wiper blade cleaning,
if contaminated. See Exterior
Care on page 10‑97. Worn
or damaged wiper blade
replacement. See Wiper Blade
Replacement on page 10‑35.
.Tire inflation pressures
check. See Tire Pressure on
page 10‑57.
.Tire wear inspection. See Tire
Inspection on page 10‑64.
.Rotate tires if necessary.
See Tire Rotation on
page 10‑64.
.Fluids visual leak check
(or every 12 months, whichever
occurs first). A leak in any
system must be repaired
and the fluid level checked.
.Engine air cleaner filter
inspection. See Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 10‑16.
.Brake system inspection
(or every 12 months, whichever
occurs first).
.Lubricate the front suspension,
steering linkage, and parking
brake cable guides. Control arm
ball joints are maintenance‐free.
Black plate (4,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
11-4 Service and Maintenance
.Steering and suspension
inspection. Visual inspection
for damaged, loose, or missing
parts or signs of wear.
.Body hinges and latches,
key lock cylinders, rear
compartment hinges, outer
tailgate handle pivot points,
and folding seat hardware
lubrication. SeeRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on
page 11‑7. More frequent
lubrication may be required
when the vehicle is exposed
to a corrosive environment.
Applying silicone grease on
weatherstrips with a clean cloth
makes them last longer, seal
better, and not stick or squeak.
.Restraint system component
check. See Safety System
Check on page 3‑38.
.Fuel system inspection for
damage or leaks.
.Exhaust system and nearby heat
shields inspection for loose or
damaged components.
Additional Required Services
Every 12 000 km/7,500 Miles
.Rotate tires. Tires should
be rotated every 12 000 km/
7,500 miles. See Tire Rotation
on page 10‑64. At Each Fuel Stop
.Engine oil level check.
See
Engine Oil on page 10‑7.
.Engine coolant level check.
SeeEngine Coolant on
page 10‑18.
.Windshield washer fluid level
check. See Washer Fluid on
page 10‑26.
Once a Month
.Tire inflation pressures check.
See Tire Pressure on
page 10‑57.
.Tire wear inspection. See Tire
Inspection on page 10‑64.
.Sunroof track and seal
inspection, if equipped.
See Sunroof on page 2‑22.
Black plate (5,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
Service and Maintenance 11-5
Once a Year
.SeeStarter Switch Check on
page 10‑33.
.See Automatic Transmission
Shift Lock Control Function
Check on page 10‑34.
.See Ignition Transmission Lock
Check on page 10‑34.
.See Park Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Check on
page 10‑35.
.Accelerator pedal check for
damage, high effort, or binding.
Replace if needed.
.Hood and liftgate support gas
strut inspection for signs of
wear, corrosion, cracks, loss
of lubricant, or other damage.
Check the hold open ability
of the gas strut. If necessary,
replace with genuine parts from
your dealer.
.Underbody flushing service. First Engine Oil Change After
Every 80 000 km/50,000 Miles
.Engine air cleaner filter
replacement. See
Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 10‑16.
.Automatic transmission fluid and
filter change (severe service)
for vehicles mainly driven in
heavy city traffic in hot weather,
in hilly or mountainous terrain,
when frequently towing a
trailer, or used for taxi,
police, or delivery service.
See Automatic Transmission
Fluid on page 10‑12.
.All‐wheel drive only: Transfer
case fluid change (severe
service) for vehicles mainly
driven when frequently towing
a trailer, or used for taxi, police,
or delivery 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.
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 10‑12.
.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 10‑18. 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 (7,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
Service and Maintenance 11-7
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Parts
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identified below by name, part number, or specification can be obtained from your dealer.Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine Oil The engine requires engine oil approved to the dexos™
specification. Oils
meeting this specification can be identified with the dexos™ certification
mark. Look for and use only an engine oil that displays the dexos™
certification mark of the proper viscosity grade. See Engine Oil on
page 10‑7.
Engine Coolant 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and use only DEX-COOL Coolant.
See
Engine Coolant on page 10‑18.
Hydraulic Brake System DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid (GM Part No. 12377967, in
Canada 89021320).
Windshield Washer Optikleen
®Washer Solvent.
Power Steering System GM Power Steering Fluid (GM Part No. 89021184, in Canada 89021186).
Automatic Transmission DEXRON
®-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid.