
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369153) -
2016 - crc - 6/19/15
Vehicle Care 273
Caution (Continued)
.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.
. When using concentrated
washer fluid, follow the
manufacturer instructions for
adding water.
. 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.
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 when 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.
Caution
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. See
Capacities and
Specifications 0342.
Brake pads should be replaced as
complete 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 may be required.
Replacing Brake System Parts
Always replace brake system parts
with new, approved replacement
parts. If this is not done, the brakes
may not work properly. The braking
performance expected can change
in many other ways if the wrong
replacement brake parts are
installed or parts are improperly
installed.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369153) -
2016 - crc - 6/19/15
274 Vehicle Care
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder reservoir
is filled with DOT 3 brake fluid. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0261 for the location of the
reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the
brake fluid level in the reservoir may
go down:
. Normal brake lining wear. When
new linings are installed, the
fluid level goes back up.
. A fluid leak in the brake
hydraulic system. Have the
brake hydraulic system fixed.
With a leak, the brakes will not
work well.
Always clean the brake fluid
reservoir cap and the area around
the cap before removing it. Do not top off the brake fluid.
Adding fluid does not correct a leak.
If fluid is added when the linings are
worn, there will be too much fluid
when new brake linings are
installed. Add or remove fluid, as
necessary, only when work is done
on the brake hydraulic system.{Warning
If too much brake fluid is added, it
can spill on the engine and burn,
if the engine is hot enough. You
or others could be burned, and
the vehicle could be damaged.
Add brake fluid only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic
system.
When the brake fluid falls to a low
level, the brake warning light comes
on. See Brake System Warning
Light 0132.
Brake fluid absorbs water over time.
Replace brake fluid at the specified
intervals to prevent increased
stopping distance. See Maintenance
Schedule 0333.
Checking Brake Fluid
Check brake fluid by looking at the
brake fluid reservoir. See Engine
Compartment Overview 0261.
The fluid level should be above
MIN. If it is not, have the brake
hydraulic system checked to see if
there is a leak.
After work is done on the brake
hydraulic system, make sure the
level is above MIN but not over the
MAX mark.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369153) -
2016 - crc - 6/19/15
Vehicle Care 275
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 3
brake fluid from a clean, sealed
container. SeeRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0338.
{Warning
The wrong or contaminated brake
fluid could result in damage to the
brake system. This could result in
the loss of braking leading to a
possible injury. Always use the
proper brake fluid.
Caution
If brake fluid is spilled on the
vehicle's painted surfaces, the
paint finish can be damaged.
Immediately wash off any painted
surface.
Battery
The original equipment battery is
maintenance free. Do not remove
the cap and do not add fluid. Refer to the replacement number
shown on the original battery label
when a new battery is needed. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0
261 for battery location.
{Warning
Do not use a match or flame near
a vehicle's battery. If you need
more light, use a flashlight.
Do not smoke near a vehicle's
battery.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
When working around a vehicle’s
battery, shield your eyes with
protective glasses.
Keep children away from vehicle
batteries.
{Warning
Batteries have acid that can burn
you and gas that can explode.
You can be hurt badly if you are
not careful.
Follow instructions carefully when
working around a battery.
Battery posts, terminals and
related accessories contain lead
and lead compounds which can
cause cancer and reproductive
harm. Wash hands after handling.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369153) -
2016 - crc - 6/19/15
Vehicle Care 277
2. Drain Plug
.When the differential is cold, add
enough lubricant to raise the
level from 0 mm (0 in) to 3.2 mm
(1/8 in) below the fill
plug (1) hole.
. When the differential is at
operating temperature (warm),
add enough lubricant to raise the
level to the bottom of the fill
plug (1) hole.
What to Use
Refer to Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0338 to determine what
kind of lubricant to use.
Rear Axle
If the vehicle has electric cooling
fans, the fans may be heard
spinning at low speed during most
everyday driving. The fans may turn
off if no cooling is required. Under
heavy vehicle loading, trailer towing,
high outside temperatures,
or operation of the air conditioning
system, the fans may change to
high speed and an increase in fan
noise may be heard. This is normal and indicates that the cooling
system is functioning properly. The
fans will change to low speed when
additional cooling is no longer
required.
The electric engine cooling fans
may run after the engine has been
turned. off. This is normal and no
service is required.
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. Apply both the parking brake and the regular brake. 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.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369153) -
2016 - crc - 6/19/15
326 Vehicle Care
may require more frequent
application. Black marks from
rubber material on painted surfaces
can be removed by rubbing with a
clean cloth. SeeRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0338.
Tires
Use a stiff brush with tire cleaner to
clean the tires.
Caution
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.
Caution
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.
Caution
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
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
brushes. Damage could occur
and the repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Brake System
Visually inspect brake lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, binding,
leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect
disc brake pads for wear and rotors
for surface condition. Inspect drum
brake linings/shoes for wear or
cracks. Inspect other brake parts,
including drums, wheel cylinders,
calipers, parking brake, master
cylinder, brake fluid reservoir,
vacuum pipes, electric vacuum
pump including bracket and vent
hose, if equipped.
Steering, Suspension, and
Chassis Components
Visually inspect steering,
suspension, and chassis
components for damaged, loose,
or missing parts or signs of wear at
least once a year.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369153) -
2016 - crc - 6/19/15
334 Service and Maintenance
Every Engine Oil Change
.Change engine oil and filter.
Reset oil life system. See
Engine Oil 0262 and Engine Oil
Life System 0264. An Emission
Control Service.
. Engine coolant level check. See
Engine Coolant 0268.
. Engine cooling system
inspection. Visual inspection of
hoses, pipes, fittings, and
clamps and replacement,
if needed.
. Windshield washer fluid level
check. See Washer Fluid 0272.
. Windshield wiper blade
inspection for wear, cracking,
or contamination and windshield
and wiper blade cleaning,
if contaminated. See Exterior
Care 0323. Worn or damaged
wiper blade replacement. See
Wiper Blade Replacement
0 278.
. Tire inflation pressures check.
See Tire Pressure 0293. .
Tire wear inspection. See Tire
Inspection 0299.
. Rotate tires if necessary. See
Tire Rotation 0299.
. 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 0266.
. Brake system inspection (or
every 12 months, whichever
occurs first). See Exterior Care
0 323.
. Visually inspect steering,
suspension, and chassis
components for damaged, loose,
or missing parts or signs of wear
at least once a year. See
Exterior Care 0323.
Lubricate the steering and
suspension components at least
every other oil change.
(If equipped with grease fittings) .
Body hinges and latches, key
lock cylinders, rear compartment
hinges, outer tailgate handle
pivot points, and folding seat
hardware lubrication. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0338. 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 076.
. Fuel system inspection for
damage or leaks.
. Exhaust system and nearby heat
shields inspection for loose or
damaged components.
. Verify spare tire key lock
operation and lubricate as
needed. See Tire Changing
0 306.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369153) -
2016 - crc - 6/19/15
Service and Maintenance 335
Additional Required Services
Every Service
.Rotate tires. Tires should be
rotated every service. See Tire
Rotation 0299.
At Each Fuel Stop
. Engine oil level check. See
Engine Oil 0262.
. Engine coolant level check. See
Engine Coolant 0268.
. Windshield washer fluid level
check. See Washer Fluid 0272.
Once a Month
. Tire inflation check. See Tire
Pressure 0293.
. Tire wear inspection. See Tire
Inspection 0299.
. Sunroof track and seal
inspection, if equipped. See
Sunroof 051. Once a Year
.
See Starter Switch Check 0277.
. See Automatic Transmission
Shift Lock Control Function
Check 0277.
. See Park Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Check 0278.
. Accelerator pedal check for
damage, high effort, or binding.
Replace if needed.
. Flush the underbody at least
twice a year. See “Underbody
Maintenance” inExterior Care
0 323.
. Hood/Decklid/Liftgate/Liftglass
Support Gas Strut Service:
Visually inspect gas strut,
if equipped, for signs of wear,
cracks, or other damage. Check
the hold open ability of the gas
strut. Contact your dealer if
service is required. .
Engine air cleaner filter
replacement or every 20 000 km/
12,500 Miles. See Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter 0266. If driving in
dusty conditions, inspect the
filter at each oil change or more
often as needed.
Every 72 000 km/45,000 Miles
. Replace brake fluid (or every
three years, whichever occurs
first).
Every 80 000 km/50,000 Miles
. Replace spark plugs. Inspect
spark plug wires.
. Evaporative control system
inspection. Check all fuel and
vapor lines and hoses for proper
hook-up, routing, and condition.
Every 156 000 km/97,500 Miles
. Four-wheel-drive vehicles only:
Transfer case fluid change.
During any maintenance, if a
power washer is used to clean
mud and dirt from the
underbody, care should be
taken. Do not directly power
wash the transfer case and/or

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369153) -
2016 - crc - 6/19/15
338 Service and Maintenance
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 meeting the dexos1™ specification of the proper SAE
viscosity grade. Look for the dexos1 approved logo for GM approved
engine oil. See Engine Oil0262.
Engine Coolant 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and use only DEX-COOL
®Coolant.
See Engine Coolant 0268.
Hydraulic Brake System DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid (GM Part No. 19299818). Windshield Washer Automotive windshield washer fluid that meets regional freeze protection requirements.
Automatic Transmission DEXRON
®-HP Automatic Transmission Fluid (GM Part No. 19300536).
Chassis Lubrication Chassis Lubricant (GM Part No. 12377985) or lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI #2, Category LB or GC-LB.
Front Axle (4WD Only) SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Axle Lubricant (GM Part No. 88900401). Rear Axle SAE 75W-85 Synthetic Axle Lubricant (GM Part No. 19300457).
Transfer Case DEXRON
®-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid.