
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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334 VEHICLE CARE
To dinghy tow:1. Position the vehicle being towed behind the tow vehicle, facing
forward and on a level surface.
2. Securely attach the vehicle being towed to the tow vehicle.
3. Apply the parking brake and start the engine.
For vehicles with Electric Parking
Brakes (EPB), the EPB cannot be
applied and the tires must be
chocked.
4. Shift the transfer case to N (Neutral). See “Shifting into
N (Neutral)” underFour-Wheel
Drive 0211. Check that the
vehicle is in N (Neutral) by
shifting the transmission to
R (Reverse) and then to D
(Drive). There should be no
movement of the vehicle while
shifting.
5. Shift the transmission into D (Drive). Turn the engine off.Caution
Failure to disconnect the negative
battery cable or to have it contact
the terminals can cause damage to
the vehicle.
6. Disconnect the negative battery cable at the battery and secure
the nut and bolt. Cover the
negative battery post with a
non-conductive material to
prevent any contact with the
negative battery terminal.
7. Shift the transmission to P (Park).
Caution
If the steering column is locked,
vehicle damage may occur.
8. Move the steering wheel to make sure the steering column is
unlocked. 9. With a foot on the brake pedal,
release the parking brake.
10. If equipped with Keyless Access, keep the RKE transmitter outside
of the vehicle, and manually lock
the doors. Access the vehicle as
if it has a dead RKE transmitter
battery, by using the key in the
door lock.
Disconnecting the Towed Vehicle
Before disconnecting the towed
vehicle: 1. Park on a level surface.
2. Set the parking brake, then shift the transmission to P (Park).
3. Connect the battery.
4. Apply the brake pedal.
5. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN with the engine off. Shift the
transfer case out of N (Neutral)
to 2
m. See “Shifting out of
N (Neutral)” underFour-Wheel
Drive 0211. See your dealer if
the transfer case cannot be
shifted out of N (Neutral).

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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336 VEHICLE CARE
Dolly Towing–Rear Towing
(Rear Wheels Off the Ground) –
Four-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
Caution
Towing a four-wheel-drive vehicle
with all four wheels on the ground,
or even with only two of its wheels
on the ground, will damage
drivetrain components. Do not tow
a four-wheel-drive vehicle with any
of its wheels on the ground.
This vehicle should not be towed with
any wheels on the ground.
Dolly Towing –Rear Towing
(Rear Wheels Off the Ground) –
Two-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
To dolly tow the vehicle from the rear:
1. Attach the dolly to the tow vehicle following the dolly
manufacturer's instructions.
2. Drive the rear wheels onto the dolly.
3. Firmly set the parking brake. See Parking Brake 0215.
4. Put the transmission in P (Park). 5. Secure the vehicle to the dolly
following the manufacturer's
instructions.
6. Use an adequate clamping device designed for towing to ensure
that the front wheels are locked
into the straight position.
7. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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VEHICLE CARE 337
Appearance Care
Exterior Care
Locks
Locks are lubricated at the factory.
Use a de-icing agent only when
absolutely necessary, and have the
locks greased after using. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
0355.
Washing the Vehicle
To preserve the vehicle's finish, wash
it often and out of direct sunlight.
Caution
Do not use petroleum-based, acidic,
or abrasive cleaning agents as they
can damage the vehicle's paint,
metal, or plastic parts. If damage
occurs, it would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Approved
cleaning products can be obtained
from your dealer. Follow all
manufacturer directions regarding
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
correct product usage, necessary
safety precautions, and appropriate
disposal of any vehicle care
product.
Caution
Avoid using high-pressure washes
closer than 30 cm (12 in) to the
surface of the vehicle. Use of power
washers exceeding 8,274 kPa
(1,200 psi) can result in damage or
removal of paint and decals.
Caution
Do not power wash any component
under the hood that has this
e
symbol.
This could cause damage that
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. If using an automatic car wash, follow
the car wash instructions. The
windshield wiper and rear window
wiper, if equipped, must be off.
Remove any accessories that may be
damaged or interfere with the car
wash equipment.
Rinse the vehicle well, before washing
and after, to remove all cleaning
agents completely. If they are allowed
to dry on the surface, they could stain.
Dry the finish with a soft, clean
chamois or an all-cotton towel to
avoid surface scratches and water
spotting.
Finish Care
Application of aftermarket clearcoat
sealant/wax materials is not
recommended. If painted surfaces are
damaged, see your dealer to have the
damage assessed and repaired. Foreign
materials such as calcium chloride
and other salts, ice melting agents,
road oil and tar, tree sap, bird
droppings, chemicals from industrial
chimneys, etc., can damage the
vehicle's finish if they remain on
painted surfaces. Wash the vehicle as

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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340 VEHICLE CARE
Caution (Continued)
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
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 all
other brake parts.
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.
Inspect power steering for proper
attachment, connections, binding,
leaks, cracks, chafing, etc.
Visually check constant velocity joint
boots and axle seals for leaks.
For 1500 Series vehicles, at least every
other oil change lubricate the outer tie
rod ends.
Control arm ball joints on 1500 Series
vehicles are maintenance-free.
Caution
Lubrication of applicable steering/
suspension points should not be
done unless the temperature is
−12 °C (10 °F) or higher, or damage
could result.
Body Component Lubrication
Lubricate all key lock cylinders, hood
hinges, liftgate hinges, steel fuel door
hinge and power assist step hinges,
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.
Underbody Maintenance
At least twice a year, spring and fall,
use plain water to flush any corrosive
materials from the underbody. Take
care to thoroughly clean any areas
where mud and other debris can
collect. If equipped with power assist
steps, extend them and then use a
high pressure wash to clean all joints
and gaps.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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344 VEHICLE CARE
Care of Seat Belts
Keep belts clean and dry.
{Warning
Do not bleach or dye seat belt
webbing. It may severely weaken
the webbing. In a crash, they might
not be able to provide adequate
protection. Clean and rinse seat belt
webbing only with mild soap and
lukewarm water. Allow the webbing
to dry.
Floor Mats
{Warning
If a floor mat is the wrong size or is
not properly installed, it can
interfere with the pedals.
Interference with the pedals can
cause unintended acceleration and/
or increased stopping distance
which can cause a crash and injury.
Make sure the floor mat does not
interfere with the pedals.Use the following guidelines for
proper floor mat usage:
.
The original equipment floor mats
were designed for your vehicle.
If the floor mats need replacing, it
is recommended that GM certified
floor mats be purchased. Non-GM
floor mats may not fit properly
and may interfere with the pedals.
Always check that the floor mats
do not interfere with the pedals.
. Do not use a floor mat if the
vehicle is not equipped with a
floor mat retainer on the driver
side floor.
. Use the floor mat with the correct
side up. Do not turn it over.
. Do not place anything on top of
the driver side floor mat.
. Use only a single floor mat on the
driver side.
. Do not place one floor mat on top
of another.
Removing and Replacing the
Floor Mats
Pull up on the rear of the floor mat to
unlock each retainer and remove.
Reinstall by lining up the floor mat
retainer openings over the carpet
retainers and snapping into position.
Make sure the floor mat is properly
secured in place.
Verify the floor mat does not interfere
with the pedals.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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348 SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
.Check windshield washer fluid
level. See Washer Fluid 0278.
. Visually inspect windshield wiper
blades for wear, cracking,
or contamination. See Exterior
Care 0337. Replace worn or
damaged wiper blades. See Wiper
Blade Replacement 0284.
. Check tire inflation pressures. See
Tire Pressure 0305.
. Inspect tire wear. See Tire
Inspection 0312.
. Visually check for fluid leaks.
. Inspect engine air cleaner filter.
See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0272.
. Inspect brake system. See Exterior
Care 0337.
. Visually inspect steering,
suspension, and chassis
components for damaged, loose,
or missing parts or signs of wear.
See Exterior Care 0337.
. Lubricate the suspension and
steering components at least every
other oil change (if equipped with
grease fittings). .
Check restraint system
components. See Safety System
Check 083.
. 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 0337.
. Check starter switch. See Starter
Switch Check 0283.
. Check automatic transmission
shift lock control function. See
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock
Control Function Check 0283.
. Check parking brake and
automatic transmission park
mechanism. See Park Brake and
P (Park) Mechanism Check 0284.
. 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. If the hold open is low,
service the gas strut. See Gas
Strut(s) 0285.
. Inspect sunroof track and seal,
if equipped. See Sunroof056.
. Verify spare tire key lock operation
and lubricate as needed. See Tire
Changing 0320.

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SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE 355
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
Automatic Transmission DEXRON ULV Automatic Transmission Fluid (GM Part No. 19352619, in Canada 19352620).
Chassis Lubrication Chassis Lubricant (GM Part No. 12377985, in Canada 88901242) or lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI #2, Category LB or GC-LB.
Engine Coolant 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and use only DEX-COOL Coolant. See Cooling System0273.
Engine Oil Engine oil meeting the dexos1 specification of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 is recommended. See Engine Oil0268.
Front Axle (4WD Only) SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Axle Lubricant (GM Part No. 88900401, in Canada 89021678).
Hydraulic Brake System DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid (GM Part No. 19353126, in Canada 19299819).
Key Lock Cylinders, Hood Hinges, Body Door Hinge Pins, Power Assist Steps,Liftgate Hinge, Linkage, and Outer
Liftgate Handle Pivot Points, and Fuel Door Hinge Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube (GM Part No. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474).
Rear Axle SAE 75W-85 Synthetic Axle Lubricant (GM Part No. 19300457, in Canada 19300458).

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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366 CUSTOMER INFORMATION
This program is available to qualified
applicants for cost reimbursement, up
to certain limits, of eligible
aftermarket adaptive equipment
required for the vehicle, such as hand
controls or a wheelchair/scooter lift
for the vehicle.
To learn about the GM Mobility
program, see www.gmmobility.com or
call the GM Mobility Assistance
Center at 1-800-323-9935. Text
Telephone (TTY) users, call
1-800-833-9935.
General Motors of Canada also has a
Mobility program. See www.gm.ca or
call 1-800-GM-DRIVE (800-463-7483)
for details. TTY users call
1-800-263-3830.
Roadside Service
U.S.: 1-800-224-1400.
Canada: 1-800-882-1112.
Text Telephone (TTY) Users (U.S.
Only): 1-888-889-2438.
Service is available 24 hours a day,
365 days a year.
Calling for Service
When calling Roadside Service, have
the following information ready:
.Your name, home address, and
home telephone number
. Telephone number of your
location
. Location of the vehicle
. Model, year, color, and license
plate number of the vehicle
. Odometer reading, Vehicle
Identification Number (VIN), and
delivery date of the vehicle
. Description of the problem
Coverage
Services are provided for the duration
of the vehicle’s powertrain warranty.
In the U.S., anyone driving the vehicle
is covered. In Canada, a person driving
the vehicle without permission from
the owner is not covered.
Roadside Service is not a part of the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
General Motors North America and
Cadillac reserve the right to make any changes or discontinue the Roadside
Service program at any time without
notification.
General Motors North America and
Cadillac reserve the right to limit
services or payment to an owner or
driver if they decide the claims are
made too often, or the same type of
claim is made many times.
Cadillac Owner Privileges
™
.
Emergency Fuel Delivery:
Delivery of enough fuel for the
vehicle to get to the nearest
service station.
. Lock-Out Service: Service to
unlock the vehicle if you are
locked out. A remote unlock may
be available if you have OnStar.
For security reasons, the driver
must present identification before
this service is given.
. Emergency Tow from a Public
Road or Highway: Tow to the
nearest Cadillac dealer for
warranty service, or if the vehicle
was in a crash and cannot be