Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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VEHICLE CARE 369
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.
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.
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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370 VEHICLE CARE
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 vehicle information screen controls on the right side of
the instrument cluster, display OIL
LIFE on the screen. See Vehicle
Information 0134. When remaining
oil life is low, the CHANGE
ENGINE OIL SOON message will
appear on the display.
2. Touch RESET on the screen 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 vehicle information screen. See Vehicle
Information 0134. 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
If the vehicle has a diesel engine, see
the Duramax diesel supplement.
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
Publication Ordering Information
0467.
Caution
Use of the incorrect automatic
transmission fluid may damage the
vehicle, and the damage may not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Always use the correct automatic
transmission fluid. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
0451.
Change the fluid and filter at the
scheduled maintenance intervals
listed in Maintenance Schedule 0442.
Be sure to use the transmission fluid
listed in Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0451.
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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378 VEHICLE CARE
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 0455.
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 if parts are improperly installed.
Brake Pad Life System
When to Change Brake Pads
If equipped, this system estimates the
remaining life of the front and rear
brake pads. Brake pad life is displayed
in the vehicle information screen, along with a percentage for each axle.
The system must be reset every time
the brake pads are changed.
When the system has determined that
the brake pads need to be replaced, a
message will display, which may
include mileage remaining.
Brake pads should always be replaced
as complete axle sets.
How to Reset the Brake Pad Life
System
The system will automatically detect
when significantly worn brake pads
are replaced. When the ignition is
turned on after new pads and wear
sensors are installed, a message will
display. Follow the prompts to reset
the system.
The brake pad life system can also be
manually reset:
1. Using the vehicle information screen controls on the right side of
the instrument cluster, display
Brake Pad Life on the screen. See
Vehicle Information 0134.
2. Touch RESET on the screen. Select front or rear pads as appropriate.
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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VEHICLE CARE 407
Reset the Tire Pressure Monitor
System. SeeTire Pressure Monitor
Operation 0403.
Check that all wheel nuts are
properly tightened. See “Wheel
Nut Torque ”under Capacities and
Specifications 0455.
{Warning
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on
the parts to which it is fastened,
can cause wheel nuts to become
loose over time. The wheel
could come off and cause a
crash. When changing a wheel,
remove any rust or dirt from
places where the wheel attaches
to the vehicle. In an emergency,
a cloth or paper towel can be
used; however, use a scraper or
wire brush later to remove all
rust or dirt. Lightly coat the inner diameter of
the wheel hub opening with wheel
bearing grease after a wheel
change or tire rotation to prevent
corrosion or rust build-up.
{Warning
Do not apply grease to the
wheel mounting surface, wheel
conical seats, or the wheel nuts
or bolts. Grease applied to these
areas could cause a wheel to
become loose or come off,
resulting in a crash.
When It Is Time for New
Tires
Factors, such as maintenance,
temperatures, driving speeds, vehicle
loading, and road conditions affect the
wear rate of the tires.
Treadwear indicators are one way to
tell when it is time for new tires.
Treadwear indicators appear when the
tires have only 1.6 mm (1/16 in) or
less of tread remaining. See Tire
Inspection 0406 and
Tire Rotation 0406 for additional
information.
The rubber in tires ages over time.
This also applies to the spare tire,
if the vehicle has one, even if it is
never used. Multiple factors including
temperatures, loading conditions, and
inflation pressure maintenance affect
how fast aging takes place. GM
recommends that tires, including the
spare if equipped, be replaced after six
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE 443
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 System0369.
Extended Idle Use
When the vehicle is 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) 0132 for
hourmeter.
Air Conditioning Desiccant
(Replace Every Seven Years)
The air conditioning system requires
maintenance every seven years. This
service requires replacement of the
desiccant to help the longevity and
efficient operation of the air
conditioning system. This service can
be complex. See your dealer.
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 Rotation0406.
.Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed, change
engine oil and filter, and reset oil
life system. See Engine Oil0367 and
Engine Oil Life System 0369.
.Check engine coolant level. See
Cooling System 0372.
.Check windshield washer fluid level.
See Washer Fluid 0377.
.Check tire inflation pressures,
including the spare. See Tire
Pressure 0400.
.Inspect tire wear. See Tire Inspection
0 406.
.Visually check for fluid leaks.
.Inspect engine air cleaner filter. See
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0371.
.Inspect brake system. See Exterior
Care 0432.
.Visually inspect steering,
suspension, and chassis
components for damage, including
cracks or tears in the rubber boots,
loose or missing parts, or signs of
wear at least once a year. See
Exterior Care 0432. Lubricate the
suspension and steering
components at least every other oil
change (if equipped with grease
fittings).
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462 CUSTOMER INFORMATION
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 driven.
Assistance is not given when the
vehicle is stuck in the sand, mud,
or snow.
.Flat Tire Change: Service to change
a flat tire with a spare tire. The
spare tire, if equipped, must be in
good condition and properly
inflated. It is your responsibility for
the repair or replacement of the tire
if it is not covered by the warranty.
.Battery Jump Start: Service to
jump start a dead battery.
.Trip Interruption Benefits and
Service: If your trip is interrupted
due to a warranty failure, incidental
expenses may be reimbursed during
the Powertrain warranty period.
Items considered are hotel, meals,
and rental car or a vehicle being
delivered back to the customer, up
to 500 miles.
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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CUSTOMER INFORMATION 465
Additional Program Information
All program options, such as shuttle
service, may not be available at every
dealer. Contact your dealer for specific
availability.
General Motors reserves the right to
unilaterally modify, change,
or discontinue Courtesy
Transportation at any time and to
resolve all questions of claim
eligibility pursuant to the terms and
conditions described herein at its sole
discretion.
Collision Damage Repair
If the vehicle is involved in a collision
and it is damaged, have the damage
repaired by a qualified technician
using the proper equipment and
quality replacement parts. Poorly
performed collision repairs diminish
the vehicle resale value, and safety
performance can be compromised in
subsequent collisions.
Collision Parts
Genuine GM Collision parts are new
parts made with the same materials
and construction methods as the partswith which the vehicle was originally
built. Genuine GM Collision parts are
the best choice to ensure that the
vehicle's designed appearance,
durability, and safety are preserved.
The use of Genuine GM parts can help
maintain the GM New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
Recycled original equipment parts
may also be used for repair. These
parts are typically removed from
vehicles that were total losses in prior
crashes. In most cases, the parts being
recycled are from undamaged sections
of the vehicle. A recycled original
equipment GM part may be an
acceptable choice to maintain the
vehicle's originally designed
appearance and safety performance;
however, the history of these parts is
not known. Such parts are not covered
by the GM New Vehicle Limited
Warranty, and any related failures are
not covered by that warranty.
Aftermarket collision parts are also
available. These are made by
companies other than GM and may
not have been tested for the vehicle.
As a result, these parts may fit poorly,
exhibit premature durability/corrosion
problems, and may not perform
properly in subsequent collisions.
Aftermarket parts are not covered by
the GM New Vehicle Limited
Warranty, and any vehicle failure
related to such parts is not covered by
that warranty.
Repair Facility
GM also recommends that you choose
a collision repair facility that meets
your needs before you ever need
collision repairs. Your dealer may have
a collision repair center with
GM-trained technicians and
state-of-the-art equipment, or be able
to recommend a collision repair center
that has GM-trained technicians and
comparable equipment.
Insuring the Vehicle
Protect your investment in the GM
vehicle with comprehensive and
collision insurance coverage. There are
significant differences in the quality of
coverage afforded by various
insurance policy terms. Many
insurance policies provide reduced
protection to the GM vehicle by
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CUSTOMER INFORMATION 467
If another party's insurance company
is paying for the repairs, you are not
obligated to accept a repair valuation
based on that insurance company's
collision policy repair limits, as you
have no contractual limits with that
company. In such cases, you can have
control of the repair and parts choices
as long as the cost stays within
reasonable limits.
Publication Ordering
Information
Service Manuals
Service manuals have the diagnosis
and repair information on the engine,
transmission, axle, suspension, brakes,
electrical system, steering system,
body, etc.
Customer Literature
Owner’s manuals are written
specifically for owners and are
intended to provide basic operational
information about the vehicle. The
owner’s manual includes the
Maintenance Schedule for all models.Customer literature publications
available for purchase include owner’s
manuals, warranty manuals, and
portfolios. Portfolios include an
owner’s manual, warranty manual,
if applicable, and zip lock bag or
pouch.
Current and Past Models
Service manuals and customer
literature are available for many
current and past model year GM
vehicles.
To order, call 1-800-551-4123
Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
eastern time
For credit card orders only (VISA,
MasterCard, or Discover), see Helm,
Inc. at: www.helminc.com.
To order by mail, write to:
Helm, Incorporated
Attention: Customer Service
47911 Halyard Drive
Plymouth, MI 48170
Make checks payable in U.S. funds.
Radio Frequency
Statement
This vehicle uses license-exempt
transmitters / receivers / systems that
operate on a radio frequency that
complies with Part 15/Part 18 of the
Federal Communications Commission
(FCC) rules and with Innovation,
Science and Economic Development
(ISED) Canada's license-exempt RSS(s)
/ RSP-100 / ICES-GEN.
Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:
1. The device may not cause harmful interference.
2. The device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause
undesired operation of the device.
Changes or modifications to any of
these systems by other than an
authorized service facility could void
authorization to use this equipment.