2012 CADILLAC ESCALADE HYBRID Owners Manual

Black plate (7,1)Cadillac Escalade Hybrid - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-7See Engine Compartment
Overview on page 10 ‑ 4 for more
information.
2. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it
with a clean rag or paper towel.
3. Install the dipstick by pushing
it back in all the way, wait
three seconds, and then pull it
back out again.
4. Check both sides of the dipstick
and read the lower level. Repeat
the check procedure to verify the
reading.
5. If the fluid level is below the
COLD check band, add only
enough fluid as necessary to
bring the level into the COLD
band. It does not take much
fluid, generally less than 0.5 Liter
(1 Pint). Do not overfill. 6. Perform a hot check at
the first opportunity after
the transmission reaches a
normal operating temperature
between 60°C and 75°C
(140°F and 167°F).
7. If the fluid level is in the
acceptable range, push the
dipstick back in all the way.
Hot Check Procedure
Use this procedure to check the
transmission fluid level when the
transmission fluid temperature
is between 60°C and 75°C
(140°F and 167°F).
The hot check is the most accurate
method to check the fluid level. The
hot check should be performed at
the first opportunity in order to verify
the cold check. The fluid level rises
as fluid temperature increases,
so it is important to ensure the
transmission temperature is within
range. 1. Locate the transmission dipstick
at the rear of the engine
compartment, on the passenger
side of the vehicle.
See Engine Compartment
Overview on page 10 ‑ 4 for more
information.
2. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it
with a clean rag or paper towel.
3. Install the dipstick by pushing
it back in all the way, wait
three seconds, and then pull it
back out again.
4. Check both sides of the dipstick
and read the lower level. Repeat
the check procedure to verify the
reading.

Black plate (8,1)Cadillac Escalade Hybrid - 2012
10-8 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 60°C and 75°C
(140°F and 167°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 Liter (1 Pint). Do not
overfill.
6. If the fluid level is in the
acceptable range, push the
dipstick back in all the way. Consistency of Readings Always check the fluid level at least
twice using the procedure described
previously. Consistency (repeatable
readings) is important to maintaining
proper fluid level. If readings are still
inconsistent, contact your dealer.
Drive Motor/Generator
Control Module (DMCM)
Coolant Surge Tank
Pressure Cap
See Engine Compartment Overview
on page 10 ‑ 4 for more information
on location.
The Drive Motor/Generator Control
Module (DMCM) coolant surge tank
pressure cap must be fully installed
on the hybrid coolant surge tank. Notice: If the pressure cap is
not tightly installed, coolant
loss and possible damage to the
Drive Motor/Generator Control
Module (DMCM) may occur. Be
sure the cap is properly and
tightly secured.
Drive Motor/Generator
Control Module (DMCM)
Cooling System In addition to the regular cooling
system, the vehicle also has a
cooling system for the DMCM
system. This system is serviced
differently than the vehicle's main
cooling system. The DMCM cooling
system includes the DMCM coolant
surge tank, DMCM surge tank
pressure cap, DMCM cooling
pumps, hybrid cooling radiator
and the Drive Motor/Generator
Control Module (DMCM). The
DMCM cooling system uses a
50/50 pre-mixed DEX-COOL ®
coolant and deionized water
available at your dealer. See

Black plate (9,1)Cadillac Escalade Hybrid - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-9“ Engine Coolant ” and “ Cooling
System ” in the owner manual for
more information.
When it is safe to lift the hood:
A. Drive Motor/Generator Control
Module (DMCM)
B. Engine Coolant Surge Tank
Pressure Cap
C. DMCM Coolant Surge Tank/
Engine Coolant Surge Tank D. DMCM Cooling Hoses (Out
of View)
E. DMCM Coolant Surge Tank
Pressure Cap
If the coolant inside the DMCM
coolant surge tank is boiling, do not
do anything else until it cools down.
The coolant level should be at
or above the FULL COLD mark
with the vehicle parked on a level surface. If it is not, there might be
a leak at the DMCM cooler core,
DMCM pressure cap, DMCM cooler
hoses, DMCM cooling pump or
somewhere else in the DMCM
cooling system.
Notice: Running the engine when
there is a leak in the hybrid
cooling system can cause the
hybrid cooling system to lose
all coolant and can damage the
system. Get any leak fixed before
you drive the vehicle or run the
engine.

Black plate (10,1)Cadillac Escalade Hybrid - 2012
10-10 Vehicle Care How to Add Coolant to the
DMCM Coolant Surge Tank If no problem has been found yet,
check to see if coolant is visible in
the DMCM coolant surge tank.
If coolant is visible, add pre ‐ mixed
DEX-COOL coolant, available at
your dealer, at the DMCM coolant
surge tank, but be sure the DMCM
cooling system, including the DMCM
coolant surge tank pressure cap, is
cool before you do it. Use the
procedure following.
{ WARNING
Steam and scalding liquids from a
hot cooling system can blow out
and burn you badly. They are
under pressure, and if you turn
the coolant surge tank pressure
cap — even a little — they can
come out at high speed. Never
turn the cap when the cooling
system, including the coolant
surge tank pressure cap, is hot.
(Continued) WARNING (Continued) Wait for the cooling system and
coolant surge tank pressure cap
to cool if you ever have to turn
the pressure cap.
Notice: Using coolant other than
a pre ‐ mixed DEX-COOL, available
at your dealer, may damage your
vehicle. Any repairs would not be
covered by your warranty. Always
use a pre ‐ mixed DEX-COOL
(silicate-free) coolant in your
vehicle.
{ WARNING
You 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. If the DMCM coolant is empty, the
vehicle must be serviced by your
dealer and a special fill procedure
must be followed.
Notice: Attempting to fill the
DMCM cooling surge tank
yourself when the fluid level is
empty can damage your vehicle.
Your vehicle must be serviced.
1. Park the vehicle on a level
surface and turn the vehicle off.
Remove the DMCM coolant
surge tank pressure cap when
the DMCM cooling system,
including the DMCM coolant

Black plate (11,1)Cadillac Escalade Hybrid - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-11surge tank pressure cap and
DMCM cooling hoses, are no
longer hot. Turn the DMCM
coolant surge tank pressure cap
slowly counterclockwise (left)
about one full turn. Wait
30 seconds.
2. Then keep turning the DMCM
coolant surge tank pressure cap
slowly, and remove it.
3. Add the pre ‐ mixed DEX ‐ COOL,
available at your dealer, to the
DMCM coolant surge tank until
the level reaches the FULL
COLD mark. 4. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN
without starting the engine. The
hybrid cooling pumps will run
and any trapped air will purge to
the surge tank.
5. Add the pre ‐ mixed DEX ‐ COOL,
available at your dealer, until the
coolant level is maintained at the
FULL COLD mark. This should
take no longer than two minutes
of hybrid cooling pump
operation.
If the level cannot be kept at the
FULL COLD level, the vehicle
may need service. See your
dealer.
6. Then replace the DMCM coolant
surge tank pressure cap. Be
sure the pressure cap is
hand-tight and fully seated. Notice: Using tap water, cooling
system sealers or conditioners in
an attempt to stop coolant leaks
can damage the DMCM and
engine cooling systems. Never
use tap water, cooling system
sealers or conditioners in your
cooling system.
Battery This vehicle has a standard 12 ‐ volt
battery and a high voltage hybrid
battery.
Refer to the replacement number on
the original battery label when a
new standard 12 ‐ volt battery is
needed.
Only a trained service technician
with the proper knowledge and
tools should inspect, test, or replace
the hybrid battery. See your dealer
if the hybrid battery needs service.
The dealer has information on how
to recycle the hybrid battery. There
is also information available at
http://www.recyclemybattery.com.

Black plate (12,1)Cadillac Escalade Hybrid - 2012
10-12 Vehicle Care If an airbag inflates or the vehicle
has been in a crash, the vehicle's
sensing system might command the
automatic hybrid battery disconnect
to open. See Replacing Airbag
System Parts after a Crash on
page 3 ‑ 1 for more information.
{ WARNINGBattery posts, terminals, and
related accessories contain lead
and lead compounds, chemicals
known to the State of California to
cause cancer and reproductive
harm. Wash hands after handling.
Vehicle Storage
{ WARNING
Batteries have acid that can burn
you and gas that can explode.
You can be badly hurt if you are
not careful. See Jump Starting on
(Continued) WARNING (Continued) page 10 ‑ 29 for tips on working
around a battery without
getting hurt.
Infrequent Usage: Remove the
12 ‐ volt battery black, negative ( − )
cable from the battery to keep the
battery from running down.
Extended Storage: Remove the
12 ‐ volt battery black, negative ( − )
cable from the battery or use a
battery trickle charger.
Remember to reconnect the battery
when ready to drive the vehicle.
Four-Wheel Drive Transfer Case
When to Check Lubricant
See “ Scheduled Maintenance ” in the
owner manual to determine how
often to check the lubricant. How to Check Lubricant
Active Transfer Case
A. Fill Plug
B. Drain Plug
To get an accurate reading, the
vehicle should be on a level
surface.
If the level is below the bottom of
the fill plug hole, some lubricant will
need to be added. Add enough
lubricant to raise the level to the
bottom of the fill plug hole. Use care
not to overtighten the plug.

Black plate (13,1)Cadillac Escalade Hybrid - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-13When to Change Lubricant
See “ Scheduled Maintenance ” in the
owner manual to determine how
often to change the lubricant.
What to Use
Refer to the Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 11 ‑ 2 to
determine what kind of lubricant
to use.
Electrical System High Voltage Devices and
Wiring
{ WARNINGExposure to high voltage can
cause shock, burns, and even
death. The high voltage
components in the vehicle can
only be serviced by technicians
with special training.
High voltage components are
identified by labels. Do not
remove, open, take apart,
or modify these components.
High voltage cable or wiring has
orange covering. Do not probe,
tamper with, cut, or modify high
voltage cable or wiring. Fuses and Circuit
Breakers The wiring circuits in the vehicle
are protected from short circuits
by a combination of fuses, circuit
breakers and fusible thermal links.
This greatly reduces the chance of
fires caused by electrical problems.
Be sure you replace a bad fuse with
a new one of the identical size and
rating.
If you ever have a problem on the
road and do not have a spare fuse,
you can borrow one that has the
same amperage. Just pick some
feature of the vehicle that you can
get along without, like the radio or
cigarette lighter, and use its fuse,
if it is the correct amperage.
Replace it as soon as you can.

Black plate (14,1)Cadillac Escalade Hybrid - 2012
10-14 Vehicle Care The vehicle also has a special fuse
in the battery box for the 300-volt
batteries. If this fuse has failed and
needs to be replaced, the vehicle
will be disabled and you will need
to have the vehicle repaired by
your dealer. Do not attempt to
self-service this fuse.
Engine Compartment
Fuse Block Hybrid Auxiliary Engine
Compartment Fuse Block The hybrid auxiliary engine
compartment fuse block is located
in the engine compartment near the
front of the vehicle. Lift the cover for
access to the fuse/relay block. See
Engine Compartment Overview on
page 10 ‑ 4 for more information on
its location. For more information on
the main underhood fuse block, see
“ Engine Compartment Fuse Block ”
in the owner manual. Fuses Usage
1 ACPO (SUV Only)
2 BECM FAN
3 ACCM
4 CAB HTR PMP Fuses Usage
5 EMPTY
6 COOL PUMP
7 EPS