The 2009 Cadillac Escalade ESV is a flagship luxury full-size SUV, positioned as a premium vehicle offering substantial passenger and cargo capacity, advanced technology, and a powerful driving experience. It competes with other high-end SUVs like the Lincoln Navigator L, Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon XL Denali, and Range Rover.
Competitive Analysis
Analysis:
The Escalade ESV's key differentiators in 2009 included its strong V8 engine, luxurious interior appointments, prominent styling, and the extensive cargo space offered by the ESV (Extended Sport Utility Vehicle) variant. This manual assists owners in fully leveraging these premium features and maintaining the vehicle's performance.
Key Features
Features:
• Extended wheelbase for maximum cargo and passenger capacity
• Powerful V8 engine
• Luxury interior materials and amenities
• Advanced infotainment and navigation system
• Magnetic Ride Control suspension (optional/standard on higher trims)
• DVD entertainment system
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Areas:
• General Information
• Instrumentation and Controls
• Driver Controls
• Vehicle Features
• Seating and Restraints
• Storage
• Driver Information System
• Climate Control
• Audio System
• Navigation System
• Safety and Security
• Driving and Operating
• Starting and Operating
• Driving
• Performance
• Fuel
• Towing
• Wheels and Tires
• In Case of Emergency
• Roadside Assistance
• Changing a Flat Tire
• Jump Starting
• Vehicle Care
• Cleaning
• Fuel Information
• Engine Coolant
• Windshield Washer Fluid
• Lubricants
• Maintenance Schedule
• Recalls and Emissions
• Customer Assistance
• Warranty Information
• Technical Specifications
Page Count
Count:
Approximately 400-500 pages (estimated for a comprehensive owner's manual of this type)
Comprehensive owner-level information covering operation, features, and basic maintenance. Does not include detailed diagnostic or repair procedures typically found in a service manual.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Format:
PDF
Print Quality
Quality:
High-resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual.
Binding Type
Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine:
6.2L V8
Performance
Horsepower:
380 hp @ 5500 rpm (estimated)
Torque:
404 lb-ft @ 4300 rpm (estimated)
Fuel System
System:
Fuel Injection (likely Sequential Port Fuel Injection - SFI)
Fuel Type
Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (recommended)
Displacement
Displacement:
6162 cc
Engine Code
Code:
L92
Ignition System
System:
Distributorless Electronic Ignition System (EIS)
Cooling System
System:
Pressurized liquid cooling system
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
6-speed automatic overdrive
Optional
Type:
N/A (All-wheel drive was typically standard or widely available)
Features
Features:
• Driver Shift Control with tap up/tap down manual mode
• Tow/Haul mode
Transmission Fluid
Fluid Type:
Dexron VI (Recommended)
Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 10-12 quarts (refer to manual for exact capacity and fill procedure)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Overall Length:
222.4 inches
Overall Width:
79.1 inches
Overall Height:
75.1 inches
Wheelbase:
130.0 inches
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 9.0 inches
Interior
Passenger Volume:
Approx. 144.4 cubic feet
Cargo
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
Approx. 45.8 cubic feet
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approx. 97.1 cubic feet
Cargo Volume Max:
Approx. 137.4 cubic feet
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 5,600 - 5,900 lbs
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 7,000 - 7,400 lbs
Towing Capacity:
Up to 8,000 lbs (when properly equipped)
Tires Wheels
Standard Tire Size:
P275/55R20
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
6 x 139.7 mm (6 x 5.5 inches)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Crash Rating:
5-Star (typical for this model year and class)
NHTSA Side Crash Rating:
5-Star (typical for this model year and class)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Likely received good ratings, though not always designated as 'Top Safety Pick' in early years for SUVs.
Active Features
Features:
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
• Traction Control System (TCS)
• StabiliTrak (Electronic Stability Control)
• Brake Assist
• Trailer Sway Control (available)
Passive Features
Features:
• Front airbags
• Front side-impact airbags
• Side-curtain airbags (covering all three rows)
• OnStar (available for emergency communication)
• Front and rear crumple zones
• Safety cage construction
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Features:
• Touchscreen display (e.g., 8-inch diagonal)
• AM/FM stereo with CD/DVD player
• MP3 playback
• Auxiliary audio input
• USB connectivity (available)
• Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming
• Bose premium audio system
• Rear-seat DVD entertainment system (optional)
Driver Assistance
Features:
• Rear parking assist (Ultrasonic)
• Rearview camera (available)
• Power-adjustable pedals
• Remote keyless entry and start
• Universal Home Remote
• Cruise control
Connectivity
Features:
• OnStar system with turn-by-turn navigation and emergency services (subscription-based)
• Bluetooth connectivity
Navigation
System:
Integrated DVD-based navigation system with voice recognition.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 12 months, or when the engine oil life monitoring system indicates. (Refer to manual for specific monitoring system logic).
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles
Air Filter Replacement:
Check every 15,000 miles, replace as needed. Replace every 30,000 miles if driving in dusty conditions.
Coolant Flush:
First flush at 105,000 miles or 5 years, then every 45,000 miles or 3 years thereafter. (Using specified Dex-Cool coolant).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Check fluid level regularly. Replacement interval typically 50,000-100,000 miles depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for severe duty). Often serviced during transmission repair or rebuild.
Washer fluid concentrate or ready-to-use mixture, suitable for all seasons (with freeze protection)
Known Issues
Issues:
• Active Fuel Management (AFM) lifter issues (potential for noise/failure)
• Catalytic converter issues
• Transmission shifting problems (less common but possible)
• Steering wheel lock issues (on some GM vehicles of this era)
• Humidity sensor failures in climate control
• Paint chipping (common on GM vehicles of this period)
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Heritage:
Cadillac, a division of General Motors, has a long-standing reputation for luxury vehicles in North America since its founding in 1902. It is known for its emphasis on comfort, advanced technology, and prestigious styling.
Model Evolution
Evolution:
The Escalade line was introduced in 1999 as Cadillac's first full-size SUV. The 2009 model represents the second generation (GMT900 platform) introduced in 2007, which brought significant updates in styling, interior luxury, and powertrain. The ESV variant, launched in 2000, is the extended-length version of the standard Escalade.
Production
Location:
Arlington, Texas, USA
Years:
The GMT900 Escalade, including the ESV variant, was produced from the 2007 model year through the 2014 model year.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Recognitions:
The 2009 Cadillac Escalade generally received positive reviews for its luxury, power, and refinement. While specific awards may vary, it was consistently ranked among the top luxury SUVs in its class by automotive publications and consumer surveys for its segment.
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