🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Cadillac

Model:

Escalade

Year:

1999

Vin Prefix:

1GC

First Generation Identifier:

GMT400 Platform

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size Luxury SUV

Brand Perception:

Positioned as a premium, American-made luxury SUV, offering comfort, space, and a commanding presence.

Key Competitors:

Lincoln Navigator, Ford Expedition (higher trims), Jeep Grand Cherokee (higher trims), Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban (higher trims), GMC Yukon (higher trims).

Exterior:

Body-on-frame construction, large imposing grille, chrome accents, prominent Cadillac crest.

Interior:

Spacious cabin, available leather seating, wood grain trim, premium sound system, dual-zone climate control.

Powertrain:

Powerful V8 engine, available four-wheel drive for enhanced capability.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Features, controls, maintenance, service schedules, do-it-yourself activities, towing, and safety considerations for the 1999 Cadillac Escalade.

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 250-350 pages (typical for an owner's manual of this era, exact count not provided in product info).

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Electronic (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain Management:

Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, ignition system.

Drivetrain:

Four-wheel drive system operation, transfer case, axle lubrication.

Chassis And Suspension:

Braking system, steering system, suspension components, wheel and tire information.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system, lighting, instrument panel, fuses and relays, power accessories.

Comfort And Convenience:

Climate control system, audio system, seating adjustments, interior lighting, door locks, power windows, mirrors.

Safety Features:

Airbag system, seat belt operation and adjustments, child restraint system (LATCH/ISOFIX compatibility is unlikely for this year), anti-lock braking system (ABS).

Basic Operation:

Starting and driving the vehicle, using transmission controls, operating climate control, adjusting mirrors and seats.

Dashboard And Controls:

Understanding warning lights, operating wipers, headlights, turn signals, and other driver controls.

Maintenance Schedules:

Recommended service intervals for oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tire rotations, and inspections.

Do It Yourself Activities:

Instructions for checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid), changing wiper blades, checking tire pressure, and potentially simple bulb replacements.

Towing Considerations:

Guidelines for towing trailers, including trailer weight limits, hitch recommendations, brake controller considerations, and transmission usage during towing.

Emergency Procedures:

Jump starting the vehicle, changing a flat tire, locating spare tire and jack, basic troubleshooting for common issues.

Depth:

Owner-level information focused on safe operation, basic maintenance, and understanding vehicle features. Not a comprehensive service or repair manual, but provides essential information for the owner.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Quality:

High-resolution scans of original manual pages, ensuring readability and clarity for printing and on-screen viewing.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Operating Systems:

Windows, macOS, Linux

Text Search:

Likely OCR-enhanced PDF for text search functionality (common for modern digital manuals).

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Vortec 5700 (L31) OHV V8

Displacement:

5.7 Liters (350 cubic inches)

Bore X Stroke:

4.00 in x 3.48 in (101.6 mm x 88.4 mm)

Compression Ratio:

9.1:1

Valve Train:

Overhead Valve (OHV), 2 valves per cylinder, Pushrod actuated.

Horsepower:

255 hp @ 4600 rpm (SAE Net)

Torque:

330 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm (SAE Net)

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Central Port Fuel Injection (SCPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane (R+M)/2 recommended.

Coolant Type:

Dex-Cool Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water recommended).

Engine Oil Type:

API Certified SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Blend or Full Synthetic Oil.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed automatic overdrive (4L60-E)

Optional Transmission:

N/A (Standard on all 1999 Escalades)

Drivetrain Configuration:

Full-time All-Wheel Drive (AWD)

Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron-III Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

207.1 inches

Width:

78.5 inches

Height:

75.0 inches

Wheelbase:

125.5 inches

Front Track:

65.0 inches

Rear Track:

65.0 inches

Curb Weight:

Approx. 5,000 - 5,200 lbs

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Approx. 6,400 lbs

Towing Capacity:

Up to 7,300 lbs (when properly equipped with towing package)

Cargo Volume Behind Third Row:

Not applicable (typically 2 rows of seating in the first generation)

Cargo Volume Behind Second Row:

Approx. 53.7 cubic feet

Cargo Volume Max:

Approx. 115.0 cubic feet

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact:

Likely 4-star for driver and passenger (based on GM trucks of that era, specific rating not guaranteed)

IIHS Ratings:

Not available or relevant for this model year's typical testing.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Not standard on all models; some may have had available traction control systems.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags

Seat Belts:

Three-point seat belts in all seating positions, with pretensioners for front seats.

Child Restraint:

Seat belt system designed for child seat installation (LATCH/ISOFIX not standard in 1999).

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Premium Bose AM/FM stereo with cassette and CD player, optional satellite radio.

Navigation:

Not available for the 1999 model year.

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control.

Remote Keyless Entry:

Available with key fobs for door locking/unlocking and alarm arming/disarming.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Owner's manual will specify precise intervals.

Tire Rotation:

Every 6,000-7,500 miles

Engine Coolant Flush:

Initial flush at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles thereafter (for Dex-Cool).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000-50,000 miles, or under severe service conditions.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid Type:

GM Power Steering Fluid (or Dexron-III ATF as a substitute if specified by manufacturer).

Transfer Case Fluid Type:

GM Auto-Trak II Fluid (or equivalent transfer case fluid spec)

Rear Axle Fluid Type:

GM Differential Fluid (check specific viscosity, e.g., SAE 75W-90)

Common Wear Items:

Ignition coils and spark plugs (especially on Vortec engines), catalytic converter, fuel pump, front suspension components (ball joints, control arm bushings), power steering pump leaks.

Electrical Gremlins:

Intermittent electrical issues, HVAC blower motor failures, and gauge cluster problems were not uncommon in GM vehicles of this era.

Dashboard Lights:

Information on how to interpret dashboard warning lights and maintenance reminders.

📚 Vehicle History

Cadillac Legacy:

Cadillac, America's preeminent luxury automotive brand, has a long history of producing upscale vehicles known for comfort, performance, and innovation.

First Generation Launch:

The first-generation Cadillac Escalade debuted in 1999, marking Cadillac's entry into the burgeoning luxury SUV market. It was a rebadged and re-styled Chevrolet Tahoe/GMC Yukon.

Platform Basis:

Built on the GMT400 platform, shared with the Chevrolet Tahoe/GMC Yukon and Silverado/Sierra pickup trucks.

Design Intent:

To provide a more luxurious and distinctive alternative to GM's existing full-size SUVs, targeting affluent buyers who desired capability and prestige.

Manufacturing Location:

Arlington Assembly Plant, Arlington, Texas, USA

Production Years:

1999-2000 (First Generation)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Segment Recognition:

While specific awards for the '99 Escalade are not widely publicized, it was recognized as a significant player in establishing the luxury SUV segment and was generally well-received for its bold styling and powerful drivetrain.