2012 CADILLAC ESCALADE suspension

Black plate (65,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-65
Tire Chains
{WARNING
Do 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 loss of
control and a crash. Use another
type of traction device only if its
manufacturer recommends it for
the vehicle's tire size combination
and road conditions. Follow that
manufacturer's instructions. To
avoid vehicle damage, drive
slowly and readjust or remove the
traction device if it contacts the
vehicle. Do not spin the wheels.
If traction devices are used, install
them on the rear tires.
If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blow out,
especially if the tires are maintained
properly. SeeTires on page 10‑46.
If air goes out of a tire, it is much
more likely to leak out slowly. But if
there is ever 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 as
used in a skid. Stop pressing the
accelerator pedal and steer to
straighten the vehicle. It may be
very bumpy and noisy. Gently
brake to a stop, well off the road,
if possible.{WARNING
Driving 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 (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 (5,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012
Service and Maintenance 11-5
.Visually inspect windshield
wiper blades for wear, cracking,
or contamination. SeeExterior
Care on page 10‑96. Replace
worn or damaged wiper blades.
See Wiper Blade Replacement
on page 10‑31.
.Check tire inflation pressures.
See Tire Pressure on
page 10‑52.
.Inspect tire wear. See Tire
Inspection on page 10‑58.
.Visually check for fluid leaks.
.Inspect engine air cleaner filter.
See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on
page 10‑14.
.Inspect brake system.
.Visually inspect steering,
suspension, and chassis
components for damaged, loose,
or missing parts or signs of
wear. See Exterior Care on
page 10‑96.
.Check restraint system
components. See Safety System
Check on page 3‑26.
.Visually inspect fuel system for
damage or leaks.
.Visually inspect exhaust system
and nearby heat shields for
loose or damaged parts.
.Lubricate body components. See
Exterior Care on page 10‑96.
.Check starter switch. See Starter
Switch Check on page 10‑30.
.Check automatic transmission
shift lock control function. See
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function Check on
page 10‑30.
.Check ignition transmission lock.
See Ignition Transmission Lock
Check on page 10‑30.
.Check parking brake and
automatic transmission park
mechanism. See Park Brake and
P (Park) Mechanism Check on
page 10‑31.
.Check accelerator pedal for
damage, high effort, or binding.
Replace if needed.
.Visually inspect gas strut for
signs of wear, cracks, or other
damage. Check the hold open
ability of the strut. See your
dealer if service is required.
.Check tire sealant expiration
date, if equipped. See Tire
Sealant and Compressor Kit on
page 10‑67.
.Inspect sunroof track and seal,
if equipped. See Sunroof on
page 2‑22.
.Check hybrid low pressure
coolant level, if equipped.

Black plate (18,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012
13-18 Customer Information
Service Publications
Ordering Information
Service Manuals
Service Manuals have the diagnosis
and repair information on the
engines, transmission, axle,
suspension, brakes, electrical,
steering, body, etc.
Service Bulletins
Service Bulletins give additional
technical service information
needed to knowledgeably service
General Motors cars and trucks.
Each bulletin contains instructions
to assist in the diagnosis and
service of the vehicle.
Owner Information
Owner publications are written
specifically for owners and
intended to provide basic
operational information about
the vehicle. The Owner Manual
includes the Maintenance Schedule
for all models.
In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio,
Owner Manual, and Warranty
Booklet.
RETAIL SELL PRICE:
$35.00 (U.S.) plus handling and
shipping fees.
Without Portfolio: Owner
Manual only.
RETAIL SELL PRICE:
$25.00 (U.S.) plus handling and
shipping fees.
Current and Past Models
Technical Service Bulletins and
Manuals are available for current
and past model GM vehicles.
ORDER TOLL FREE:
1-800-551-4123 Monday - Friday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Eastern Time
For Credit Card Orders Only
(VISA-MasterCard-Discover), visit
Helm, Inc. at: www.helminc.com.
Or write to:
Helm, Incorporated
P.O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207
Prices are subject to change
without notice and without incurring
obligation. Allow ample time for
delivery.
All listed prices are quoted in U.S.
funds. Make checks payable in U.S.
funds.

Black plate (10,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012
i-10 INDEX
Recommended Fluids andLubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-13
Records Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-16
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-93
Reimbursement Program,
GM Mobility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-8
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2, 2-3
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
Replacement
Glass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-32
Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . 10-37
Replacement Parts Airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-42
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-15
Replacing Airbag System . . . . . . 3-42
Replacing LATCH System Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . 3-58
Replacing Safety Belt
System Parts after a Crash . . . 3-27 Reporting Safety Defects
Canadian Government . . . . . . 13-19
General Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-20
U.S. Government . . . . . . . . . . . 13-19
Restraints Where to Put . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-49
Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-25
Ride Control Systems Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-34
Road Sensing Suspension . . . 9-39
Road Sensing Suspension . . . . 9-39
Roads Driving, Wet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-10
Roadside Service . . . . . . . 13-8, 13-10
Roof Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22
Roof Rack System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
Rotation, Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-58
Routing, Engine Drive Belt . . . . . 12-3
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-29S
Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-17Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-26
Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-26
How to Wear Safety BeltsProperly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-18
Lap Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-25
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-19
Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-13
Replacing after a Crash . . . . . . 3-27
Use During Pregnancy . . . . . . . . 3-25
Safety Defects Reporting Canadian Government . . . . . . 13-19
General Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-20
U.S. Government . . . . . . . . . . . 13-19
Safety Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Safety System Check . . . . . . . . . . 3-26
Satellite Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-15
Scheduling Appointments . . . . . 13-14
Sealant Kit, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-67

Black plate (13,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012
INDEX i-13
Towing (cont'd)Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-61
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) . . . 9-68
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-93
Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak
®Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-21
Road Sensing Suspension . . . 9-39
Trailer
Sway Control (TSC) . . . . . . . . . . 9-68
Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-61
Transmission Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-29
Fluid, Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-11
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-37
Transportation Program, Courtesy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-14
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-12
Turn and Lane-Change
Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
U
Ultrasonic Parking Assist . . . . . . 9-43
Uniform Tire QualityGrading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-62
Universal Remote System . . . . . 5-46 Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-51
Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-46
Updates Map Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-96
Using This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv
V
Vehicle Canadian Owners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii
Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
IdentificationNumber (VIN) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-1
Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-15
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-29
Personalization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-38
Positioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-95
Reminder Messages . . . . . . . . . . 5-37 Vehicle (cont'd)
Remote Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-93
Vehicle Care Storing the Tire Sealantand Compressor Kit . . . . . . . 10-74
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-52
Vehicle Identification
Service Parts IdentificationLabel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-1
Ventilation, Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-7
Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22
Voice Recognition . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-97
W
Warning Brake System Light . . . . . . . . . . . 5-18
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10
Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv Cautions and Danger . . . . . . . . . . . .iv
Hazard Flashers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7