2018 CADILLAC ESCALADE check oil

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349344) - 2018 - crc - 11/7/17
VEHICLE CARE 269
.If unable to wait two hours, the
engine must be off for at least
15 minutes if the engine is warm,
or at least 30 minutes if the
engine is not warm. Pull out the
dipstick, wipe it with a clean paper
towel or cloth, then push it back
in all the way. Remove it again,
keeping the tip down, and check
the level.
When to Add Engine Oil
If the oil is below the cross-hatched
area at the tip of the dipstick and the
engine has been off for at least
15 minutes, add 1 L (1 qt) of the
recommended oil and then recheck
the level. See “Selecting the Right
Engine Oil” later in this section for an explanation of what kind of oil to use.
For engine oil crankcase capacity, see
Capacities and Specifications
0359.
Caution
Do not add too much oil. Oil levels
above or below the acceptable
operating range shown on the
dipstick are harmful to the engine.
If you find that you have an oil
level above the operating range, i.e.,
the engine has so much oil that the
oil level gets above the
cross-hatched area that shows the
proper operating range, the engine
could be damaged. You should
drain out the excess oil or limit
driving of the vehicle and seek a
service professional to remove the
excess amount of oil.
See Engine Compartment Overview
0 267 for the location of the engine oil
fill cap. Add enough oil to put the level
somewhere in the proper operating
range. Push the dipstick all the way
back in when through.
Selecting the Right Engine Oil
Selecting the right engine oil depends
on both the proper oil specification
and viscosity grade. See
Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0355.
Specification
Ask for and use engine oils that meet
the dexos1™ specification. Engine oils
that have been approved by GM as
meeting the dexos1 specification are
marked with the dexos1 approved
logo. See www.gmdexos.com.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Caution
Failure to use the recommended
engine oil or equivalent can result
in engine damage not covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Viscosity Grade
Use SAE 0W-20 viscosity grade
engine oil.
When selecting an oil of the
appropriate viscosity grade, it is
recommended to select an oil of the
correct specification. See
“Specification ”earlier in this section.
Engine Oil Additives/Engine Oil
Flushes
Do not add anything to the oil. The
recommended oils meeting the dexos1
specification are all that is needed for
good performance and engine
protection.
Engine oil system flushes are not
recommended and could cause engine
damage not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain
elements that can be unhealthy for
your skin and could even cause
cancer. Do not let used oil stay on
your skin for very long. Clean your
skin and nails with soap and water,
or a good hand cleaner. Wash or
properly dispose of clothing or rags
containing used engine oil. See the
manufacturer's warnings about the
use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the
environment. If you change your own
oil, be sure to drain all the oil from
the filter before disposal. Never
dispose of oil by putting it in the trash
or pouring it on the ground, into
sewers, or into streams or bodies of
water. Recycle it by taking it to a place
that collects used oil.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system
that indicates when to change the
engine oil and filter. This is based on a
combination of factors which include engine revolutions, engine
temperature, and miles driven. Based
on driving conditions, the mileage at
which an oil change is indicated can
vary considerably. For the oil life
system to work properly, the system
must be reset every time the oil is
changed.
When the system has calculated that
oil life has been diminished, it
indicates that an oil change is
necessary. A CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message comes on. Change the
oil as soon as possible within the next
1 000 km (600 mi). It is possible that,
if driving under the best conditions,
the oil life system might indicate that
an oil change is not necessary for up
to a year. The engine oil and filter
must be changed at least once a year
and at this time the system must be
reset. Your dealer has trained service
people who will perform this work and
reset the system. It is also important
to check the oil regularly over the
course of an oil drain interval and
keep it at the proper level.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349344) - 2018 - crc - 11/7/17
VEHICLE CARE 271
If the system is ever reset accidentally,
the oil must be changed at 5 000 km
(3,000 mi) since the last oil change.
Remember to reset the oil life system
whenever the oil is changed.
How to Reset the Engine Oil Life
System
Reset the system whenever the engine
oil is changed so that the system can
calculate the next engine oil change.
To reset the system:1. Using the DIC controls on the right side of the steering wheel,
display OIL LIFE on the DIC. See
Driver Information Center (DIC)
0145. When remaining oil life is
low, the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message will appear on
the display.
2. Press and hold SEL on the DIC controls for a few seconds to
clear the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message and reset the oil
life at 100%. Be careful not to reset the oil life
display accidentally at any time
other than after the oil is
changed. It cannot be reset
accurately until the next oil
change.
The oil life system can also be reset as
follows: 1. Display OIL LIFE on the DIC. See Driver Information Center (DIC)
0145.
2. Fully press and release the accelerator pedal three times
within five seconds.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message is not on, the
system is reset.
The system is reset when the
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message
is off.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message comes back on when the
vehicle is started, the engine oil life
system has not been reset. Repeat the
procedure.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid
When to Check and Change
Automatic Transmission Fluid
It is usually not necessary to check
the transmission fluid level. The only
reason for fluid loss is a transmission
leak or overheated transmission. This
vehicle is not equipped with a
transmission fluid level dipstick.
There is a special procedure for
checking and changing the
transmission fluid in these vehicles.
Because this procedure is difficult,
this should be done at the dealer.
Contact the dealer for additional
information or the procedure can be
found in the service manual. See
Service Publications Ordering
Information 0371.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the vehicle is
filled with DEX-COOL engine coolant.
This coolant is designed to remain in
the vehicle for 5 years or 240 000 km
(150,000 mi), whichever occurs first.
The following explains the cooling
system and how to check and add
coolant when it is low. If there is a
problem with engine overheating, see
Engine Overheating0276.
What to Use
{Warning
Plain water, or other liquids such as
alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant mixture will. With plain
water or the wrong mixture, the
engine could get too hot but there
would not be an overheat warning.
The engine could catch fire and you
or others could be burned.
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
coolant. This mixture: .
Gives freezing protection down to
−37 °C (−34 °F), outside
temperature
. Gives boiling protection up to
129 °C (265 °F), engine
temperature
. Protects against rust and corrosion
. Will not damage aluminum parts
. Helps keep the proper engine
temperature
Caution
Do not use anything other than a
mix of DEX-COOL coolant that
meets GM Standard GMW3420 and
clean, drinkable water. Anything
else can cause damage to the
engine cooling system and the
vehicle, which would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty.
Never dispose of engine coolant by
putting it in the trash, or by pouring it
on the ground or into sewers, streams,
or bodies of water. Have the coolant
changed by an authorized service center, familiar with legal
requirements regarding used coolant
disposal. This will help protect the
environment and your health.
Checking Coolant
The coolant surge tank is in the
engine compartment on the passenger
side of the vehicle. See
Engine
Compartment Overview 0267.
The vehicle must be on a level surface
when checking the coolant level.
Check to see if coolant is visible in the
coolant surge tank. If the coolant
inside the coolant surge tank is
boiling, wait until it cools down. The

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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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-
11349344) - 2018 - crc - 11/7/17
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE 347
Cadillac Premium Care
Maintenance
This vehicle comes with Cadillac
Premium Care Maintenance. It is a
maintenance program that covers
select services, when scheduled in
accordance with the owner’s manual,
including:
.Oil changes based on the vehicle's
oil life monitor system.
. Tire rotation every 12 000 km
(7,500 mi).
. Passenger compartment air filter
replacement.
. Multi-point vehicle inspection
(MPVI) performed by a qualified
technician.
Cadillac requires that all Cadillac
Premium Care Maintenance services
be performed by a Cadillac authorized
service dealer.
Maintenance Schedule
Owner Checks and Services
At Each Fuel Stop
. Check the engine oil level. See
Engine Oil 0268.
Once a Month
. Check the tire inflation pressures.
See Tire Pressure 0305.
. Inspect the tires for wear. See Tire
Inspection 0312.
. Check the windshield washer fluid
level. See Washer Fluid 0278.
Engine Oil Change
When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message displays, have the
engine oil and filter changed within
the next 1 000 km/600 mi. If driven
under the best conditions, the engine
oil life system may not indicate the
need for vehicle service for up to a
year. The engine oil and filter must be
changed at least once a year and the
oil life system must be reset. Your
trained dealer technician can perform
this work. If the engine oil life system is reset accidentally, service the
vehicle within 5 000 km/3,000 mi since
the last service. Reset the oil life
system when the oil is changed. See
Engine Oil Life System
0270.
Power Take Off (PTO) and
Extended Idle Use
When the vehicle is used with the
PTO equipment or used in a way that
requires extended idle time, one hour
of use shall be deemed the same as
53 km (33 mi). See Driver Information
Center (DIC) 0145 for hourmeter.
Tire Rotation and Required
Services Every 12 000 km/
7,500 mi
Rotate the tires, if recommended for
the vehicle, and perform the following
services. See Tire Rotation0312.
. Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed, change
engine oil and filter, and reset oil
life system.
See Engine Oil 0268 and Engine Oil
Life System 0270.
. Check engine coolant level. See
Cooling System 0273.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349344) - 2018 - crc - 11/7/17
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.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE 349
Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services -
Normal12 000 km/7,500 mi
24 000 km/15,000 mi
36 000 km/22,500 mi
48 000 km/30,000 mi
60 000 km/37,500 mi
72 000 km/45,000 mi
84 000 km/52,500 mi
96 000 km/60,000 mi
108 000 km/67,500 mi
120 000 km/75,000 mi
132 000 km/82,500 mi
144 000 km/90,000 mi
156 000 km/97,500 mi
168 000 km/105,000 mi
180 000 km/112,500 mi
192 000 km/120,000 mi
204 000 km/127,500 mi
216 000 km/135,000 mi
228 000 km/142,500 mi
240 000 km/150,000 mi
Rotate tires and perform Required Services. Check
engine oil level and oil life percentage. Change
engine oil and filter, if needed.@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Replace passenger compartment air filter. (1)@ @@@@@
Inspect evaporative control system. (2)@ @@
Replace engine air cleaner filter. (3)@@@
Change transfer case fluid, if equipped with 4WD. (4)@
Replace spark plugs. Inspect spark plug wires.@
Drain and fill engine cooling system. (5)@
Visually inspect accessory drive belts. (6)@
Replace brake fluid. (7)
Footnotes—Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services -
Normal
(1) Or every two years, whichever
comes first. More frequent passenger
compartment air filter replacement
may be needed if driving in areas with
heavy traffic, poor air quality, high
dust levels, or environmental allergens. Passenger compartment air
filter replacement may also be needed
if there is reduced airf low, window
fogging, or odors. Your GM dealer can
help determine when to replace the
filter.
(2)
Visually check all fuel and vapor
lines and hoses for proper attachment,
connection, routing, and condition.
(3) Or every four years, whichever
comes first. If driving in dusty
conditions, inspect the filter at each
oil change or more often as needed.