Black plate (22,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012
10-22 Vehicle Care
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. Under
heavy vehicle loading, trailer towing,
and/or high outside temperatures,
or if operating the air conditioning
system, the fans can change to high
speed and an increase in fan noise
might be heard. This is normal and
indicates that the cooling system
is functioning properly. The fans
change to low speed when
additional cooling is no longer
required.
Power Steering Fluid
SeeEngine Compartment Overview
on page 10‑6 for reservoir location.
When to Check Power Steering
Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly
check power steering fluid unless
there is a leak suspected in the
system or an unusual noise is
heard. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the
system inspected and repaired.
How to Check Power Steering
Fluid
Notice:Extremely small amounts
of contamination can cause
steering system damage and
cause it to not work properly. Do
not allow contaminants to contact
the fluid side of the reservoir
cap/dipstick or from entering the
reservoir.
To check the power steering fluid:
1. Turn the key off and let the engine 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.
Black plate (30,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012
10-30 Vehicle Care
Starter Switch Check
{WARNING
When you are doing this
inspection, the vehicle could
move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be
injured.
1. Before starting this check, be sure there is enough room
around the vehicle.
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake and the regular brake.
See Parking Brake on
page 9‑35.
Do not use the accelerator
pedal, and be ready to turn off
the engine immediately if it
starts. 3. Try to start the engine in each
gear. The vehicle should start
only in P (Park) or N (Neutral).
If the vehicle starts in any other
position, contact your dealer for
service.
Automatic Transmission
Shift Lock Control
Function Check
{WARNING
When you are doing this
inspection, the vehicle could
move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be
injured.
1. Before starting this check, be sure there is enough room
around the vehicle. It should be
parked on a level surface.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake. See Parking Brake on
page 9‑35. Be ready to apply the regular
brake immediately if the vehicle
begins to move.
3. With the engine off, turn the ignition on, but do not start the
engine. Without applying the
regular brake, try to move the
shift lever out of P (Park) with
normal effort. If the shift lever
moves out of P (Park), contact
your dealer for service.
Ignition Transmission
Lock Check
While parked, and with the parking
brake set, try to turn the ignition to
LOCK/OFF in each shift lever
position.
.The ignition should turn to
LOCK/OFF only when the shift
lever is in P (Park).
.The ignition key should come
out only in LOCK/OFF.
Contact your dealer if service is
required.
Black plate (41,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-41
The vehicle may not be equipped
with all of the fuses, relays, and
features shown.Fuses Usage
1 Right Trailer Stop/
Turn Lamp
2 Electronic Stability
Suspension Control,
Automatic Level Control
Exhaust
3 Left Trailer Stop/
Turn Lamp
4 Engine Controls
5 Engine Control Module,
Throttle Control
6 Trailer Brake Controller
7 Front Washer
8 Oxygen Sensors
9 Antilock Brakes System 2
10 Trailer Back-up Lamps
11 Driver Side Low-Beam
Headlamp Fuses Usage
12 Engine Control Module
(Battery)
13 Fuel Injectors, Ignition
Coils (Right Side)
14 Transmission Control
Module (Battery)
15 Vehicle Back-up Lamps
16 Passenger Side
Low-Beam Headlamp
17 Air Conditioning
Compressor
18 Oxygen Sensors
19 Transmission Controls
(Ignition)
20 Fuel Pump
21 Fuel System Control
Module
22 Headlamp Washer
23 Rear Windshield Washer
24 Fuel Injectors, Ignition
Coils (Left Side) Fuses Usage
25 Trailer Parking Lamps
26 Driver Side Parking
Lamps
27 Passenger Side Parking
Lamps
28 Fog Lamps
29 Horn
30 Passenger Side
High-Beam Headlamp
31 Daytime Running Lamps
(DRL) (If Equipped)
32 Driver Side High-Beam
Headlamp
33 Daytime Running Lamps 2
(If Equipped)
34 Sunroof
35 Key Ignition System, Theft
Deterrent System
36 Windshield Wiper
37 SEO B2 Upfitter Usage
(Battery)
Black plate (45,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-45
FusesUsage
17 Interior Lamps
18 Power Door Lock 1
(Unlock Feature)
19 Rear Seat
Entertainment
20 Ultrasonic Rear
Parking Assist, Power
Liftgate
21 Power Door Lock 1
(Lock Feature)
22 Driver Information
Center (DIC)
23 Rear Wiper
24 Cooled Seats
25 Driver Seat Module,
Remote Keyless Entry
System
26 Driver Power Door
Lock (Unlock Feature) Circuit
Breaker Usage
LT DR Driver Side Power
Window Circuit
Breaker
Harness
Connector Usage
LT DR Driver Door
Harness
Connection
BODY Harness Connector
BODY Harness Connector
Center Instrument Panel Fuse
Block
The center instrument panel fuse
block is located underneath the
instrument panel, to the left of the
steering column.
Top View
Harness
Connector Usage
BODY 2 Body Harness
Connector 2
BODY 1 Body Harness
Connector 1
BODY 3 Body Harness
Connector 3
HEADLINER 3 Headliner
Harness
Connector 3
Black plate (57,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-57
.Operating electronic devices or
being near facilities using radio
wave frequencies similar to the
TPMS could cause the TPMS
sensors to malfunction.
If the TPMS is not functioning
properly, it cannot detect or signal a
low tire condition. See your dealer
for service if the TPMS malfunction
light and DIC message comes on
and stays on.
TPMS Sensor Matching
Process
Each TPMS sensor has a unique
identification code. The identification
code needs to be matched to a new
tire/wheel position after rotating the
vehicle’s tires or replacing one or
more of the TPMS sensors. The
TPMS sensor matching process
should also be performed after
replacing a spare tire with a road
tire containing the TPMS sensor.
The malfunction light and the DIC
message should go off at the next
ignition cycle. The sensors are
matched to the tire/wheel positions, using a TPMS relearn tool, in the
following order: driver side front tire,
passenger side front tire, passenger
side rear tire, and driver side rear.
See your dealer for service or to
purchase a relearn tool.
There are two minutes to match
the first tire/wheel position, and
five minutes overall to match all
four tire/wheel positions. If it takes
longer, the matching process stops
and must be restarted.
The TPMS sensor matching process
is outlined below:
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN with
the engine off.
3. Press
QandKon the
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter at the same time for
approximately five seconds. The
horn sounds twice to signal the
receiver is in relearn mode and
TIRE LEARNING ACTIVE
message displays on the DIC
screen. 4. Start with the driver side
front tire.
5. Place the relearn tool against the tire sidewall, near the valve
stem. Then press the button
to activate the TPMS sensor.
A horn chirp confirms that the
sensor identification code has
been matched to this tire and
wheel position.
6. Proceed to the passenger side front tire, and repeat the
procedure in Step 5.
7. Proceed to the passenger side rear tire, and repeat the
procedure in Step 5.
8. Proceed to the driver side rear tire, and repeat the procedure
in Step 5. The horn sounds
two times to indicate the sensor
identification code has been
matched to the driver side rear
tire, and the TPMS sensor
matching process is no longer
active. The TIRE LEARNING
ACTIVE message on the DIC
display screen goes off.
Black plate (76,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012
10-76 Vehicle Care
To access the spare tire:
A. Hoist Assembly
B. Hoist Shaft
C. Hoist Shaft Access Cover/Hole
D. Jack Handle Extensions
E. Wheel Wrench
F. Hoist Cable
G. Tire/Wheel Retainer
H. Spare Tire (Valve StemPointed Down) I. Hoist Shaft Access Hole
J. Hoist End of Extension Tool
K. Spare Tire Lock
1. To reach the hoist shaft access
cover (C), remove the hitch
cover by turning the two
fasteners located at the bottom
of the cover counterclockwise
and then pull the cover down
and rotate it towards you.
2. Open the hoist shaft accesscover on the bumper to access
the spare tire lock. 3. To remove the spare tire lock
insert the ignition key, turn it
clockwise and then pull the
lock out.
4. Assemble the two jack handle
extensions (D) and wheel
wrench (E), as shown.
Black plate (98,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012
10-98 Vehicle Care
Tires
Use a stiff brush with tire cleaner to
clean the tires.
Notice:Using petroleum-based
tire dressing products on the
vehicle may damage the paint
finish and/or tires. When applying
a tire dressing, always wipe off
any overspray from all painted
surfaces on the vehicle.
Wheels and Trim —Aluminum
or Chrome
Use a soft, clean cloth with mild
soap and water to clean the wheels.
After rinsing thoroughly with clean
water, dry with a soft, clean towel.
A wax may then be applied.
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
chrome with soap and water after
exposure.
Notice: To avoid surface
damage, do not use strong soaps,
chemicals, abrasive polishes,
cleaners, brushes, or cleaners
that contain acid on aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels. Use only
approved cleaners. Also, never
drive a vehicle with aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels through an
automatic car wash that uses
silicone carbide tire cleaning
brushes. Damage could occur
and the repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Steering, Suspension, and
Chassis Components
Visually inspect front and rear
suspension and steering system for
damaged, loose, or missing parts
or signs of wear. Inspect power
steering lines and hoses for proper
hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks,
chafing, etc. Visually check constant
velocity joints, rubber boots, and
axle seals for leaks.
Body Component Lubrication
Lubricate all key lock cylinders,
hood hinges, liftgate hinges, and
steel fuel door hinge unless the
components are plastic. Applying
silicone grease on weatherstrips
with a clean cloth will make them
last longer, seal better, and not stick
or squeak.
Black plate (13,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012
Service and Maintenance 11-13
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 Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specfication, or equivalent, of
the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is
recommended. 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 10‑16.
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.
Key Lock Cylinders Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube (GM Part No. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474).
Chassis Lubrication Chassis Lubricant (GM Part No. 12377985, in Canada 88901242) or
lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI #2, Category LB or GC-LB.
Front and Rear Axle SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Axle Lubricant (GM Part No. 89021677, in
Canada 89021678).