2012 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESP

Black plate (54,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012
10-54 Vehicle Care
Return the tires to the
recommended cold tire inflation
pressure when high-speed driving
has ended. SeeVehicle Load Limits
on page 9‑15 andTire Pressure on
page 10‑52.
Tire Pressure Monitor
System
The Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS) uses radio and sensor
technology to check tire pressure
levels. The TPMS sensors monitor
the air pressure in your tires and
transmit tire pressure readings to a
receiver located in the vehicle.
Each tire, including the spare
(if provided), should be checked
monthly when cold and inflated to
the inflation pressure recommended
by the vehicle manufacturer on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation
pressure label. (If your vehicle has
tires of a different size than the size
indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you
should determine the proper tire
inflation pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your
vehicle has been equipped with a
tire pressure monitoring system
(TPMS) that illuminates a low tire
pressure telltale when one or
more of your tires is significantly
under‐inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire
pressure telltale illuminates, you
should stop and check your tires as
soon as possible, and inflate them
to the proper pressure. Driving on
a significantly under‐inflated tire
causes the tire to overheat and can
lead to tire failure. Under‐inflation
also reduces fuel efficiency and
tire tread life, and may affect the
vehicle's handling and stopping
ability.
Please note that the TPMS is
not a substitute for proper tire
maintenance, and it is the driver's
responsibility to maintain correct tire
pressure, even if under‐inflation hasnot reached the level to trigger
illumination of the TPMS low tire
pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been
equipped with a TPMS malfunction
indicator to indicate when the
system is not operating properly.
The TPMS malfunction indicator is
combined with the low tire pressure
telltale. When the system detects a
malfunction, the telltale will flash for
approximately one minute and then
remain continuously illuminated.
This sequence will continue upon
subsequent vehicle start‐ups as
long as the malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator is
illuminated, the system may not be
able to detect or signal low tire
pressure as intended. TPMS
malfunctions may occur for a variety
of reasons, including the installation
of replacement or alternate tires or
wheels on the vehicle that prevent
the TPMS from functioning properly.
Always check the TPMS malfunction
telltale after replacing one or more
tires or wheels on your vehicle to

Black plate (62,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012
10-62 Vehicle Care
Different Size Tires and
Wheels
If wheels or tires are installed that
are a different size than the original
equipment wheels and tires, vehicle
performance, including its braking,
ride and handling characteristics,
stability, and resistance to rollover
may be affected. If the vehicle has
electronic systems such as antilock
brakes, rollover airbags, traction
control, and electronic stability
control, the performance of these
systems can also be affected.
{WARNING
If different sized wheels are used,
there may not be an acceptable
level of performance and safety if
tires not recommended for those
wheels are selected. This
increases the chance of a crash
and serious injury. Only use GM
specific wheel and tire systems(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
developed for the vehicle, and
have them properly installed by a
GM certified technician.
See Buying New Tires on
page 10‑60 andAccessories and
Modifications on page 10‑3 for
additional information.
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading
Quality grades can be found
where applicable on the tire
sidewall between tread shoulder
and maximum section width. For
example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA
Temperature A
The following information relates
to the system developed by the
United States National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which grades tires
by treadwear, traction, and
temperature performance. This
applies only to vehicles sold in
the United States. The grades
are molded on the sidewalls of
most passenger car tires. The
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
(UTQG) system does not apply
to deep tread, winter-type snow
tires, space-saver, or temporary
use spare tires, tires with
nominal rim diameters of
10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm),
or to some limited-production
tires.
While the tires available on
General Motors passenger cars
and light trucks may vary with
respect to these grades, they
must also conform to federal
safety requirements and
additional General Motors Tire
Performance Criteria (TPC)
standards.

Black plate (63,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-63
All Passenger Car Tires Must
Conform to Federal Safety
Requirements In Addition To
These Grades.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a
comparative rating based on the
wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on
a specified government test
course. For example, a tire
graded 150 would wear one
and a half (1½) times as well
on the government course as a
tire graded 100. The relative
performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of
their use, however, and may
depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in
driving habits, service practices
and differences in road
characteristics and climate.Traction
–AA, A, B, C
The traction grades, from
highest to lowest, are AA, A, B,
and C. Those grades represent
the tire's ability to stop on wet
pavement as measured under
controlled conditions on
specified government test
surfaces of asphalt and
concrete. A tire marked C may
have poor traction performance.
Warning: The traction grade
assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include
acceleration, cornering,
hydroplaning, or peak traction
characteristics.
Temperature –A, B, C
The temperature grades
are A (the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire's resistance
to the generation of heat and
its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled conditions on a specified
indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can
cause the material of the tire to
degenerate and reduce tire life,
and excessive temperature can
lead to sudden tire failure. The
grade C corresponds to a level
of performance which all
passenger car tires must meet
under the Federal Motor Safety
Standard No. 109. Grades B and
A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory
test wheel than the minimum
required by law. Warning: The
temperature grade for this tire
is established for a tire that is
properly inflated and not
overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive
loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.

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 (102,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012
10-102 Vehicle Care
Instrument Panel, Leather,
Vinyl, and Other Plastic
Surfaces
Use a soft microfiber cloth
dampened with water to remove
dust and loose dirt. For a more
thorough cleaning, use a soft
microfiber cloth dampened with a
mild soap solution.
Notice:Soaking or saturating
leather, especially perforated
leather, as well as other interior
surfaces, may cause permanent
damage. Wipe excess moisture
from these surfaces after
cleaning and allow them to dry
naturally. Never use heat, steam,
spot lifters or spot removers. Do
not use cleaners that contain
silicone or wax-based products.
Cleaners containing these
solvents can permanently change
the appearance and feel of leather
or soft trim and are not
recommended. Do not use cleaners that increase
gloss, especially on the instrument
panel. Reflected glare can decrease
visibility through the windshield
under certain conditions.
Notice:
Use of air fresheners
may cause permanent damage
to plastics and painted surfaces.
If an air freshener comes in
contact with any plastic or
painted surface in the vehicle,
blot immediately and clean with a
soft cloth dampened with a mild
soap solution. Damage caused
by 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.
{WARNING
Do 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 - 2012
Service and Maintenance 11-1
Service and
Maintenance
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 11-1
Cadillac Premium Care
Maintenance
Cadillac Premium CareMaintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-3
Maintenance Schedule
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . 11-4
Special Application Services
Special ApplicationServices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-9
Additional Maintenance
and Care
Additional Maintenanceand Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-9
Recommended Fluids,
Lubricants, and Parts
Recommended Fluids andLubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-13
Maintenance Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-15
Maintenance Records
Maintenance Records . . . . . . 11-16
General Information
Your vehicle is an important
investment. This section describes
the required maintenance for the
vehicle. Follow this schedule to
help protect against major repair
expenses resulting from neglect or
inadequate maintenance. It may
also help to maintain the value of
the vehicle if it is sold. It is the
responsibility of the owner to have
all required maintenance performed.
Your dealer has trained
technicians who can perform
required maintenance using
genuine replacement parts.
They have up‐to‐date tools and
equipment for fast and accurate
diagnostics. Many dealers have
extended evening and Saturday
hours, courtesy transportation, and
online scheduling to assist with
service needs.

Black plate (2,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012
11-2 Service and Maintenance
Your dealer recognizes the
importance of providing
competitively priced maintenance
and repair services. With trained
technicians, the dealer is the place
for routine maintenance such as oil
changes and tire rotations and
additional maintenance items like
tires, brakes, batteries, and wiper
blades.
Notice:Damage caused by
improper maintenance can lead
to costly repairs and may not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Maintenance intervals, checks,
inspections, recommended fluids,
and lubricants are important to
keep the vehicle in good working
condition.
The Tire Rotation and Required
Services are the responsibility of the
vehicle owner. It is recommended to
have your dealer perform these
services every 12 000 km/7,500 mi. Proper vehicle maintenance helps to
keep the vehicle in good working
condition, improves fuel economy,
and reduces vehicle emissions.
Because of the way people use
vehicles, maintenance needs
vary. There may need to be
more frequent checks and
services. The Additional Required
Services
‐Normal are for
vehicles that:
.Carry passengers and cargo
within recommended limits on
the Tire and Loading Information
label. See Vehicle Load Limits
on page 9‑15.
.Are driven on reasonable road
surfaces within legal driving
limits.
.Use the recommended fuel.
See Recommended Fuel on
page 9‑51. Refer to the information in the
Maintenance Schedule Additional
Required Services
‐Normal chart.
The Additional Required
Services ‐Severe are for
vehicles that are:
.Mainly driven in hilly or
mountainous terrain.
.Frequently towing a trailer.
.Used for high speed or
competitive driving.
.Used for taxi, police, or delivery
service.
Refer to the information in the
Maintenance Schedule Additional
Required Services ‐Severe chart.

Black plate (1,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012
Customer Information 13-1
Customer
Information
Customer Information
Customer SatisfactionProcedure (U.S. and
Canada) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-1
Customer Satisfaction Procedure (Mexico) . . . . . . . . 13-3
Customer Assistance Offices (U.S. and Canada) . . . . . . . . . 13-5
Customer Assistance Offices (Mexico) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-6
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users (U.S.
and Canada) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-6
Online Owner Center . . . . . . . . 13-7
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program (U.S. and
Canada) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-8
Roadside Service (U.S. and Canada) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-8
Roadside Service (Mexico) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-10
Scheduling Service Appointments (U.S. and
Canada) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-14 Courtesy Transportation
Program (U.S. and
Canada) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-14
Collision Damage Repair (U.S. and Canada) . . . . . . . . 13-15
Service Publications Ordering Information . . . . . . 13-18
Reporting Safety Defects
Reporting Safety Defects tothe United States
Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-19
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian
Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-19
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors . . . . . . . . . . . 13-20
Vehicle Data Recording and
Privacy
Vehicle Data Recording and
Privacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-20
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . 13-20
OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-21
Navigation System . . . . . . . . . 13-22
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) . . . . . . . 13-22
Radio Frequency Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-22
Customer Information
Customer Satisfaction
Procedure (U.S. and
Canada)
Your satisfaction and goodwill are
important to your dealer and to
Cadillac. Normally, any concerns
with the sales transaction or the
operation of the vehicle will be
resolved by your dealer's sales or
service departments. Sometimes,
however, despite the best intentions
of all concerned, misunderstandings
can occur. If your concern has not
been resolved to your satisfaction,
the following steps should be taken:
STEP ONE: Discuss your concern
with a member of dealership
management. Normally, concerns
can be quickly resolved at that level.
If the matter has already been
reviewed with the sales, service or
parts manager, contact the owner
of your dealership or the general
manager.