
Cadillac SRX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369636) - 2016 -
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Vehicle Care 237
To determine what kind of fluid to
use, seeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0301. Always use the
proper fluid.
Washer Fluid
What to Use
When windshield washer fluid is
needed, be sure to read the
manufacturer's instructions before
use. If operating the vehicle in an
area where the temperature may fall
below freezing, use a fluid that has
sufficient protection against
freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
The WASHER FLUID LOW ADD
FLUID message appears on the
Driver Information Center (DIC)
when the fluid level is low. See
Washer Fluid Messages 0136.
Open the cap with the washer
symbol on it. Add washer fluid up to
the fill mark. See Engine
Compartment Overview 0224 for
reservoir location.
Caution
. Do not use washer fluid that
contains any type of water
repellent coating. This can
cause the wiper blades to
chatter or skip.
. Do not use engine coolant
(antifreeze) in the
windshield washer. It can
damage the windshield
washer system and paint.
. 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.
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
.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.

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238 Vehicle Care
{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 0305.
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.
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder reservoir
is filled with DOT 3 brake fluid as
indicated on the reservoir cap. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0 224 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.

Cadillac SRX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369636) - 2016 -
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Vehicle Care 239
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 0116.
Brake fluid absorbs water over time.
Replace brake fluid at the specified
intervals to prevent increased
stopping distance. See Maintenance
Schedule 0297. What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 3
brake fluid from a clean, sealed
container. See
Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0301.
{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
224 for battery location.
{Warning
Do not use a match or flame near
a vehicle's battery. If you need
more light, use a flashlight.
When working around a vehicle’s
battery, shield your eyes with
protective glasses.
Keep children away from vehicle
batteries.

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240 Vehicle Care
{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.
Vehicle Storage
Infrequent Usage: Remove the
black, negative (−) cable from the
battery to keep the battery from
running down.
Extended Storage: Remove the
black, negative (−) cable from the
battery or use a battery trickle
charger.
All-Wheel Drive
Transfer Case
Under normal driving conditions,
transfer case fluid does not require
maintenance unless there is a fluid
leak or unusual noise. If required,
have the transfer case serviced by
your dealer.
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.

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286 Vehicle Care
Caution
If 105 km/h (65 mph) is exceeded
while towing the vehicle, it could
be damaged. Never exceed
105 km/h (65 mph) while towing
the vehicle.
Once the destination has been
reached: 1. Set the parking brake.
2. Reinstall the fuses. See Instrument Panel Fuse Block
0253.
3. Shift the transmission to P (Park).
4. Place the ignition position to LOCK/OFF.
5. Disconnect the vehicle from the tow vehicle.
6. Start the engine and let it idle for more than three minutes
before driving the vehicle.
Caution
Too much or too little fluid can
damage the transmission. Be
sure that the transmission fluid is
at the proper level before towing
with all four wheels on the
ground.
Caution
Do not tow a vehicle with the front
drive wheels on the ground if one
of the front tires is a compact
spare tire. Towing with two
different tire sizes on the front of
the vehicle can cause severe
damage to the transmission.
Dolly Towing
The vehicle should not be towed
with two wheels on the ground. To
properly tow the vehicle, it should
be placed on a platform trailer with
all four wheels off of the ground or
dinghy towed from the front.
Towing the Vehicle from
the Rear

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290 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 0301.
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.

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298 Service and Maintenance
.Tire wear inspection. See Tire
Inspection 0265.
. Rotate tires if necessary. See
Tire Rotation 0266.
. 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 0229.
. Brake system inspection (or
every 12 months, whichever
occurs first). See Exterior Care
0 287.
. Steering and suspension
inspection. Visual inspection for
damaged, loose, or missing
parts or signs of wear.
. Body hinges and latches, key
lock cylinders, folding seat
hardware, and sunroof (if
equipped) lubrication. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0301. 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 063.
. Fuel system inspection for
damage or leaks.
. Exhaust system and nearby heat
shields inspection for loose or
damaged components.
Additional Required Services
Every Service
.Rotate tires. Tires should be
rotated every service. See Tire
Rotation 0266.
At Each Fuel Stop
. Engine oil level check. See
Engine Oil 0225.
. Engine coolant level check. See
Engine Coolant 0231.
. Windshield washer fluid level
check. See Washer Fluid 0237. Once a Month
.
Tire inflation check. See Tire
Pressure 0260.
. Tire wear inspection. See Tire
Inspection 0265.
. Sunroof track and seal
inspection, if equipped. See
Sunroof 045.
Once a Year
. See Starter Switch Check 0240.
. See Automatic Transmission
Shift Lock Control Function
Check 0240.
. See Park Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Check 0241.
. Accelerator pedal check for
damage, high effort, or binding.
Replace if needed.
. Underbody flushing service.
. Hood/Decklid/Liftgate/Liftglass
Support Gas Strut Service:
Visually inspect gas strut,
if equipped, for signs of wear,
cracks, or other damage. Check

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Service and Maintenance 299
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. If driving in dusty
conditions, inspect the filter at
each oil change or more often as
needed. See Engine Air Cleaner/
Filter 0229.
Every 40 000 km/25,000 Miles
. Passenger compartment air filter
replacement (or every
24 months, whichever occurs
first). More frequent replacement
may be needed if you drive in
areas with heavy traffic, areas
with poor air quality, or areas
with high dust levels.
Replacement may also be
needed if you notice reduced air
flow, windows fogging up,
or odors. Your dealer can help
you determine when it is the
right time to replace the filter. Every 72 000 km/45,000 Miles
.
Evaporative control system
inspection. Check all fuel and
vapor lines and hoses for proper
hook-up, routing, and condition.
Every 80 000 km/50,000 Miles
. Evaporative control system
inspection. Check all fuel and
vapor lines and hoses for proper
hook-up, routing, and condition.
Every 160 000 km/100,000 Miles
. Spark plug replacement and
spark plug wire inspection. An
Emission Control Service.
Every 240 000 km/150,000 Miles
. Engine cooling system drain and
refill (or every five years,
whichever occurs first). See
Cooling System 0231. An
Emission Control Service.
. Engine drive belts inspection for
fraying, excessive cracks,
or obvious damage (or every
10 years, whichever occurs
first). Replace, if needed.
. Flush brake fluid.Severe Conditions Requiring
More Frequent Maintenance*
.Public service, military,
or commercial use vehicles to
include the following:
‐Ambulances, police cars and
emergency rescue vehicles.
‐ Civilian vehicles such as light
duty pick-up trucks, SUVs and
passenger cars that are used
in military applications.
‐ Recovery vehicles such as
tow trucks and flatbed single
vehicle carriers or any vehicle
that is consistently used in
towing trailers or other loads.
‐ High use commercial vehicles
such as courier delivery
vehicles, private security patrol
vehicles or any vehicles that
operate on a 24 hour basis.
‐ Any vehicle consistently
operated in a high sand or
dust environment such as
those used on oil pipelines
and similar applications.