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VEHICLE CARE 383
If the vehicle has electric cooling fans,
the fans may be heard spinning at low
speed during most everyday driving.
The fans may turn off if no cooling is
required. Under heavy vehicle loading,
trailer towing, high outside
temperatures, or operation of the air
conditioning system, the fans may
change to high speed and an increase
in fan noise may be heard. This is
normal and indicates that the cooling
system is functioning properly. The
fans will change to low speed when
additional cooling is no longer
required.
The electric engine cooling fans may
run after the engine has been turned.
off. This is normal and no service is
required.
Washer Fluid
What to Use
When windshield washer fluid needs
to be added, be sure to read the
manufacturer's instructions before
use. Use a fluid that has sufficient
protection against freezing in an area
where the temperature may fall below
freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
The vehicle has a low washer fluid
message on the DIC that comes on
when the washer fluid is low. The
message is displayed for 15 seconds at
the start of each ignition cycle. When
the WASHER FLUID LOW ADD FLUID
message displays, washer fluid will
need to be added to the windshield
washer fluid reservoir.
Open the cap with the washer symbol
on it. Add washer fluid until the tank
is full. SeeEngine Compartment
Overview 0372 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.
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
.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.
.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 linings have built-in wear
indicators that make a high-pitched
warning sound when the brake linings
are worn and new linings are needed.
The sound can come and go or can be
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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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 linings could result in costly
brake repairs.
Some driving conditions or climates
can cause a brake squeal when the
brakes are first applied, clearing up
following several applications. 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 linings for wear and
evenly tighten wheel nuts in the proper sequence to torque
specifications. See
Capacities and
Specifications 0468.
Brake pads should be replaced as
complete axle 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 can change in many
ways if the wrong brake parts are
installed or if parts are improperly
installed.
Brake Pad Life System
When to Change Brake Pads
This vehicle has a system that
estimates the remaining life of the
front and rear brake pads. Brake pad
life is displayed in the Driver Information Center (DIC), 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. Display Brake Pad Life on the DIC. See Driver Information Center (DIC)
0 133.
2. Select the Brake Pad Life menu.
3. Select front or rear pads as appropriate.
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4. Select YES on the confirmationmessage. Repeat for pads on the
other axle if they were also
replaced.
How to Disable the Brake Pad
Life System
The brake pad life system can be
turned off. This may be necessary if
aftermarket brake pads without wear
sensors are installed. When the
system is turned off, the front and
rear brake pad life percentages will
not display. However, the built-in wear
indicators that make a high-pitched
warning sound when the brake pads
are worn can still determine when the
pads should be replaced. See Brakes
0 383.
To turn off the brake pad life system: 1. Display Brake Pad Life on the DIC. See Driver Information Center (DIC)
0 133.
2. Select the Brake Pad Life menu.
3. Select DISABLE.
To turn the brake pad life system back
on, follow the above steps but select
ENABLE in Step 2.
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder reservoir is
filled with GM approved DOT 4 brake
fluid as indicated on the reservoir cap.
See Engine Compartment Overview
0 372 for the location of the reservoir.
Checking Brake Fluid
With the vehicle in P (Park) on a level
surface, the brake fluid level should be
between the minimum and maximum
marks on the brake fluid 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.
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
0 125.
Brake fluid absorbs water over time
which degrades the effectiveness of
the brake fluid. Replace brake fluid at
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the specified intervals to prevent
increased stopping distance. See
Maintenance Schedule0455.
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 4 brake
fluid from a clean, sealed container.
See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0464.
{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 GM approved 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 - North America
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
0372
for battery location.
{Warning
WARNING: Battery posts,
terminals and related accessories
can expose you to chemicals
including lead and lead compounds,
which are known to the State of
California to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive harm.
Wash hands after handling. For
more information go to
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
See the warning on the back cover.
Vehicle Storage
{Warning
Batteries have acid that can burn
you and gas that can explode. You
can be badly hurt if you are not
careful. Always wear eye protection. (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
SeeJump Starting - North America
0 436 for tips on working around a
battery without getting hurt.
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.
Four-Wheel Drive
Transfer Case
If the vehicle is equipped with
Four-Wheel Drive, be sure to perform
the lubricant checks described in this
section.
When to Check Lubricant
Refer to Maintenance Schedule 0455
to determine how often to check the
lubricant.
How to Check Lubricant
To get an accurate reading, the vehicle
should be on a level surface.
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1. Fill Plug
2. Drain Plug
If the level is below the bottom of the
fill plug (1) hole, located on the
transfer case, some lubricant will need
to be added. Add enough lubricant to
raise the level to the bottom of the fill
plug (1) hole. Use care not to
overtighten the plug.
What to Use
Refer toRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0464 to determine what
kind of lubricant to use.
Front Axle
When to Check Lubricant
It is not necessary to regularly check
the front axle fluid unless a leak is
suspected or an unusual noise is
heard. A fluid loss could indicate a
problem. Have it inspected and
repaired. This service can be complex.
See your dealer.
Do not directly power wash the
transfer case and/or front/rear axle
output seals. High pressure water can
overcome the seals and contaminate
the fluid. Contaminated fluid will
decrease the life of the transfer case
and/or drive axles and should be
replaced.
Rear Axle
When to Check Lubricant
It is not necessary to regularly check
the rear axle fluid unless a leak is
suspected or an unusual noise is
heard. A fluid loss could indicate a
problem. Have it inspected and
repaired. This service can be complex.
See your dealer. Do not directly power wash the
transfer case and/or front/rear axle
output seals. High pressure water can
overcome the seals and contaminate
the fluid. Contaminated fluid will
decrease the life of the transfer case
and/or drive axles and should be
replaced.
Park Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Check
{Warning
When you are doing this check, the
vehicle could begin to move. You or
others could be injured and
property could be damaged. Make
sure there is room in front of the
vehicle in case it begins to roll. Be
ready to apply the regular brake at
once should the vehicle begin
to move.
Park on a fairly steep hill, with the
vehicle facing downhill. Keeping your
foot on the regular brake, set the
parking brake.
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3. Push the new blade assemblysecurely in the wiper arm hook
until the release lever clicks into
place.
4. Return the wiper arm and blade assembly to the rest position on
the glass.
Glass Replacement
If the windshield or front side glass
must be replaced, see your dealer to
determine the correct replacement
glass.
Windshield Replacement
HUD System
The windshield is part of the HUD
system. If the windshield needs to be
replaced, be sure to get one that is
designed for HUD or the HUD image
may look out of focus.
Driver Assistance Systems
If the windshield needs to be replaced
and the vehicle is equipped with a
front camera sensor for the Driver
Assistance Systems, a GM
replacement windshield is
recommended. The replacement windshield must be installed
according to GM specifications for
proper alignment. If it is not, these
systems may not work properly, they
may display messages, or they may
not work at all. See your dealer for
proper windshield replacement.
Acoustic Windshield
The vehicle is equipped with an
acoustic windshield. If the windshield
needs to be replaced be sure to get an
acoustic windshield so you will
continue to have the benefits an
acoustic windshield can provide.
Gas Strut(s)
This vehicle is equipped with gas
strut(s) to provide assistance in lifting
and holding open the hood/trunk/
liftgate system in full open position.
{Warning
If the gas struts that hold open the
hood, trunk, and/or liftgate fail, you
or others could be seriously injured.
Take the vehicle to your dealer for
service immediately. Visually
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
inspect the gas struts for signs of
wear, cracks, or other damage
periodically. Check to make sure the
hood/trunk/liftgate is held open
with enough force. If struts are
failing to hold the hood/trunk/
liftgate, do not operate. Have the
vehicle serviced.
Caution
Do not apply tape or hang any
objects from gas struts. Also do not
push down or pull on gas struts.
This may cause damage to the
vehicle.
See Maintenance Schedule 0455.
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{Warning
Installation or use of fuses that do
not meet GM’s original fuse
specifications is dangerous. The
fuses could fail, and result in a fire.
You or others could be injured or
killed, and the vehicle could be
damaged.
See Accessories and Modifications
0 369 and
General Information 0369.
To check or replace a blown fuse, see
Electrical System Overload 0390.
Engine Compartment Fuse
Block
If the vehicle has a diesel engine, see
the Duramax diesel supplement.
The engine compartment fuse block is
in the engine compartment, on the
driver side of the vehicle.
The vehicle may not be equipped with
all of the fuses, relays, and features
shown.
Lift the cover to access the fuse block.
Caution
Spilling liquid on any electrical
component on the vehicle may
damage it. Always keep the covers
on any electrical component.
A fuse puller is available in the left
instrument panel fuse block.
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FusesUsage
F43 UPA –Universal Park
Assist
F44 –
F45 AFL AHL –Adaptive
Forward Lighting/
Automatic Headlamp
Leveling
F46 Rear HVAC Blower Motor
F47 LH CINCH Latch –Left
Hand Cinch Latch
F48 Power Seat Recline Module
F49 Lift Glass
F50 Driver Power Seat
F51 Power Liftgate Module
F52 Passenger Power Seat
Relays Usage
K53 –
K54 –
K55 L/GLASSWheels and Tires
Tires
Every new GM vehicle has
high-quality tires made by a
leading tire manufacturer. See the
warranty manual for information
regarding the tire warranty and
where to get service. For
additional information refer to the
tire manufacturer.
{Warning
.Poorly maintained and
improperly used tires are
dangerous.
.Overloading the tires can
cause overheating as a result
of too much flexing. There
could be a blowout and a
serious crash. See Vehicle
Load Limits 0241.
.Underinflated tires pose the
same danger as overloaded
tires. The resulting crash
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
could cause serious injury.
Check all tires frequently to
maintain the recommended
pressure. Tire pressure should
be checked when the tires
are cold.
.Overinflated tires are more
likely to be cut, punctured,
or broken by a sudden
impact —such as when
hitting a pothole. Keep tires
at the recommended pressure.
.Worn or old tires can cause a
crash. If the tread is badly
worn, replace them.
.Replace any tires that have
been damaged by impacts
with potholes, curbs, etc.
.Improperly repaired tires can
cause a crash. Only your
dealer or an authorized tire
(Continued)