2018 CADILLAC ESCALADE coolant level

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349344) - 2018 - crc - 11/7/17
INTRODUCTION 3
Danger, Warning, and
Caution
Warning messages found on vehicle
labels and in this manual describe
hazards and what to do to avoid or
reduce them.
{Danger
Danger indicates a hazard with a
high level of risk which will result
in serious injury or death.
{Warning
Warning indicates a hazard that
could result in injury or death.
Caution
Caution indicates a hazard that
could result in property or vehicle
damage.
A circle with a slash through it is a
safety symbol which means“Do Not,”
“Do not do this,” or“Do not let this
happen.”
Symbols
The vehicle has components and
labels that use symbols instead of
text. Symbols are shown along with
the text describing the operation or
information relating to a specific
component, control, message, gauge,
or indicator.
M: Shown when the owner’s manual
has additional instructions or
information.
*: Shown when the service manual
has additional instructions or
information.
0: Shown when there is more
information on another page —
“see page.” Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols that
may be found on the vehicle and what
they mean. See the features in this
manual for information.
9:
Airbag Readiness Light
#:Air Conditioning
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
$:Brake System Warning Light
":Charging System
I: Cruise Control
`:Do Not Puncture
^:Do Not Service
B:Engine Coolant Temperature
O:Exterior Lamps
_:Flame/Fire Prohibited
.:Fuel Gauge
+: Fuses
3:Headlamp High/Low-Beam
Changer

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349344) - 2018 - crc - 11/7/17
254 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear
beforestarting down a long or steep
downgrade. If the transmission is not
shifted down, the brakes might get hot
and no longer work well.
Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). Shift
the transmission to a lower gear if the
transmission shifts too often under
heavy loads and/or hilly conditions.
When towing, use the Tow/Haul Mode
to prevent damage to the engine or
transmission. See Tow/Haul Mode
0 210.
When towing at high altitude on steep
uphill grades, consider the following:
Engine coolant will boil at a lower
temperature than at normal altitudes.
If the engine is turned off immediately
after towing at high altitude on steep
uphill grades, the vehicle may show
signs similar to engine overheating. To
avoid this, let the engine run while
parked, preferably on level ground,
with the transmission in P (Park) for a
few minutes before turning the engine
off. If the overheat warning comes on,
see Engine Overheating 0276.
Parking on Hills
{Warning
Parking the vehicle on a hill with
the trailer attached can be
dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move.
People can be injured, and both the
vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. When possible, always
park the rig on a flat surface.
If parking the rig on a hill: 1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn the
wheels into the curb if facing
downhill or into traffic if facing
uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the regular brakes
until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and shift
into P (Park). 5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Start the engine.
3. Shift into a gear.
4. Release the parking brake.
5. Let up on the brake pedal.
6. Drive slowly until the trailer is
clear of the chocks.
7. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance when Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service more often
when pulling a trailer. See
Maintenance Schedule 0347. Things
that are especially important in trailer
operation are automatic transmission
fluid, engine oil, axle lubricant, belts,
cooling system, and brake system. It is
a good idea to inspect these before
and during the trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch
nuts and bolts are tight.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349344) - 2018 - crc - 11/7/17
268 VEHICLE CARE
1. Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump
Starting - North America 0329.
2. Battery - North America 0280.
3. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Cooling System 0273.
4. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0272.
5. Remote Negative (–) Location (Out of View). See Jump Starting -
North America 0329.
6. Engine Cooling Fans (Out of View). See Cooling System 0273.
7. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to
Add Engine Oil” underEngine Oil
0 268.
8. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil 0268.
9. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding Washer
Fluid ”under Washer Fluid 0278.
10. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake
Fluid 0279.
11. Engine Compartment Fuse Block
0289.Engine Oil
To ensure proper engine performance
and long life, careful attention must
be paid to engine oil. Following these
simple, but important steps will help
protect your investment:
.
Use engine oil approved to the
proper specification and of the
proper viscosity grade. See
“Selecting the Right Engine Oil” in
this section.
. Check the engine oil level regularly
and maintain the proper oil level.
See “Checking Engine Oil” and
“When to Add Engine Oil” in this
section.
. Change the engine oil at the
appropriate time. See Engine Oil
Life System 0270.
. Always dispose of engine oil
properly. See “What to Do with
Used Oil” in this section.
Checking Engine Oil
Check the engine oil level regularly,
every 650 km (400 mi), especially prior
to a long trip. The engine oil dipstick handle is a loop. See
Engine
Compartment Overview 0267 for the
location.
{Warning
The engine oil dipstick handle may
be hot; it could burn you. Use a
towel or glove to touch the dipstick
handle.
If a low oil Driver Information Center
(DIC) message displays, check the oil
level.
Follow these guidelines:
. To get an accurate reading, park
the vehicle on level ground. Check
the engine oil level after the
engine has been off for at least
two hours. Checking the engine oil
level on steep grades or too soon
after engine shutoff can result in
incorrect readings. Accuracy
improves when checking a cold
engine prior to starting. Remove
the dipstick and check the level.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349344) - 2018 - crc - 11/7/17
274 VEHICLE CARE
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-
11349344) - 2018 - crc - 11/7/17
VEHICLE CARE 275
coolant level should be at or above the
full cold mark. If it is not, there may
be a leak in the cooling system.
If coolant is visible but the coolant
level is not at or above the full cold
mark, see“How to Add Coolant to the
Coolant Surge Tank,” following.
How to Add Coolant to the
Coolant Surge Tank for Gasoline
Engines
{Warning
Spilling coolant on hot engine parts
can burn you. Coolant contains
ethylene glycol and it will burn if
the engine parts are hot enough.
{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
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
would not be an overheat warning.
The engine could catch fire and you
or others could be burned.
{Warning
Steam and scalding liquids from a
hot cooling system are under
pressure. Turning the pressure cap,
even a little, can cause them to
come out at high speed and you
could be burned. Never turn the cap
when the cooling system, including
the pressure cap, is hot. Wait for
the cooling system and pressure
cap to cool.
Caution
Failure to follow the specific
coolant fill procedure could cause
the engine to overheat and could(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
cause system damage. If coolant is
not visible in the surge tank,
contact your dealer.
If no coolant is visible in the surge
tank, add coolant:
1. Remove the coolant surge tank pressure cap when the cooling
system, including the coolant
surge tank pressure cap and
upper radiator hose, is no
longer hot.
Turn the pressure cap slowly
counterclockwise about one full
turn. If a hiss is heard, wait for
that to stop. A hiss means there
is still some pressure left.
2. Keep turning the pressure cap slowly, and remove it.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349344) - 2018 - crc - 11/7/17
276 VEHICLE CARE
3. Fill the coolant surge tank withthe proper mixture to the full
cold mark.
4. With the coolant surge tank pressure cap off, start the engine
and let it run until the engine
coolant temperature gauge
indicates approximately 90 °C
(195 °F).
By this time, the coolant level
inside the coolant surge tank
may be lower. If the level is
lower, add more of the proper
mixture to the coolant surge
tank until the level reaches the
full cold mark.
5. Replace the pressure cap tightly.
6. Verify coolant level after the engine is shut off and the
coolant is cold. If necessary,
repeat coolant fill procedure
Steps 1-6.Caution
If the pressure cap is not tightly
installed, coolant loss and engine
damage may occur. Be sure the cap
is properly and tightly secured.
Engine Overheating
Caution
Do not run the engine if there is a
leak in the engine cooling system.
This can cause a loss of all coolant
and can damage the system and
vehicle. Have any leaks fixed
right away.
The vehicle has several indicators to
warn of engine overheating.
There is a coolant temperature gauge
in the vehicle's instrument cluster. See
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
0 134.
In addition, there are ENGINE
OVERHEATED STOP ENGINE,
ENGINE OVERHEATED IDLE ENGINE, and ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED
messages in the Driver Information
Center (DIC).
If the decision is made not to lift the
hood when this warning appears, get
service help right away. See
Roadside
Service 0366.
If the decision is made to lift the
hood, make sure the vehicle is parked
on a level surface.
Check to see if the engine cooling
fan(s) are running. If the engine is
overheating, the fans should be
running. If they are not, do not
continue to run the engine, and have
the vehicle serviced.
If Steam is Coming from the
Engine Compartment
{Warning
Steam and scalding liquids from a
hot cooling system are under
pressure. Turning the pressure cap,
even a little, can cause them to
come out at high speed and you (Continued)

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
392 INDEX
L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
LampsCornering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Daytime Running (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . 166
Dome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Exterior Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder . . . . 166
Exterior Lighting BatterySaver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
License Plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Lane Change Alert (LCA) . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Lane Keep Assist Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
LATCH System
Replacing Parts after a Crash . . . . 110
LATCH, Lower Anchors and
Tethers for Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Level Control Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222 Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Lighter, Cigarette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Lighting
Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Illumination Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
LED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Lights Airbag Readiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Antilock Brake System (ABS)Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Brake System Warning . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Charging System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Door Ajar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
High-Beam On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . . . . . 166
Lane Keep Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Low Fuel Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Seat Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143 Lights (cont'd)
Service Electric Parking Brake . . . 139
Sport Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
StabiliTrak OFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Tow/Haul Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Traction Control System
(TCS)/StabiliTrak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Traction Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Winter Driving Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Locking Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Locks Automatic Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Power Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System) . . . . . . . . 103
Lumbar Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
M
Magnetic Ride Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221