Workshop Manuals Factory service & repair Cadillac

Cadillac common faults and how to fix them

Faults that are well known on Cadillac models we hold manuals for: what the owner notices, what causes it, and the pages in our manuals that cover the repair.

Cadillac 3.6 timing chain: P0008 and P0016 on the CTS, SRX and STS (2007–2009)

Symptoms

The check engine light comes on with camshaft and crankshaft correlation codes P0008, P0009, P0016, P0017, P0018 or P0019. The engine may otherwise seem to run normally at first.

Cause

The 3.6 (and 2.8) HFV6 uses a primary chain and two secondary chains. GM bulletin 07-06-01-013B covers 2007 CTS, SRX and STS models with the LY7 3.6 or LP1 2.8, where worn chains set these codes. GM special coverage 10287A, for 2007–2009 CTS, SRX and STS with the HFV6, found that with extended oil change intervals and certain driving conditions the chains could wear early, and changed the oil life monitor so the oil is changed sooner.

Fix

Check whether the engine computer has had the 10287A reprogramming, which updates the oil life monitor; change the oil at shorter intervals from now on. If the codes are set on a 2007 engine, the Cadillac 3.6 timing chain bulletin replaces the primary chain and both secondary chains with the later roller-type design. It does not apply to 2008 engines, which need normal diagnosis. The Cadillac P0008 coverage notice gives the models and dates.

Repair instructions on this site

Sources: GM service bulletin 07-06-01-013B; GM special coverage 10287A.

Cadillac Escalade coolant loss and overheating: radiator vent hose rubbing (2007)

Symptoms

A smell of coolant or hot rubber, a coolant level that keeps dropping, and in some cases the engine overheating.

Cause

GM bulletin 06-06-02-007 covers the 2007 Escalade, Escalade ESV and EXT, and the Chevrolet and GMC full-size SUVs, with the 4.8, 5.3, 6.0 and 6.2 Gen IV V8s with Active Fuel Management or E85 capability. The radiator vent inlet hose can sit too close to the drive belt idler pulley, so it rubs and wears through.

Fix

Check the coolant level and look along the radiator vent inlet hose for wear where it passes the idler pulley. Replace the hose if it is damaged. The Cadillac Escalade coolant leak bulletin then adds a second clip, part number 15045503, to hold the vent hose to the upper radiator hose, away from the pulley. Refill and bleed the cooling system, and pressure-test it for other leaks.

Repair instructions on this site

Sources: GM service bulletin 06-06-02-007.

Escalade P0455 and P0446: EVAP vent valve and hard fuel filling (2007–2010)

Symptoms

The check engine light comes on with EVAP codes P0442, P0446, P0449 or P0455, and the fuel tank may be hard to fill, with the pump clicking off early.

Cause

GM bulletin 09-06-04-028C covers the 2007–2010 Escalade, Escalade ESV and Escalade EXT, and their Chevrolet and GMC twins, excluding the hybrids. The EVAP canister vent solenoid draws fresh air through a vent attached to the fuel filler pipe. Water gets into the valve, so it sticks or fails.

Fix

Read the codes and check the vent valve for signs of water. The Escalade P0455 bulletin fits a revised canister vent solenoid valve, supplied with two tie-straps to fix its vent pipe to the fuel filler pipe as shown. A loose fuel cap gives similar codes, so check it as well. Clear the codes and confirm the EVAP tests pass on a later drive.

Repair instructions on this site

Sources: GM service bulletin 09-06-04-028C.

Escalade knock sensor: P0332 and spark knock on the 2002 Escalade

Symptoms

A mild to severe pinging (spark knock), usually worse under acceleration, and the check engine light on with P0332 (knock sensor 2 circuit).

Cause

GM bulletin 02-06-04-023A, revised to add the 2002 Escalade and Escalade EXT, says water gets into the cavity under the intake manifold where the rear knock sensor sits, and corrodes the sensor. It is more common where the engine bay is often washed. The same bulletin covers the Chevrolet and GMC trucks with the 4.8, 5.3 and 6.0 V8s.

Fix

The knock sensors sit under the intake manifold, so the manifold has to come off. The Escalade knock sensor bulletin replaces the rear sensor and builds a dam of RTV sealant around it to keep water away. Check the wiring to both sensors while the manifold is off, and fit new intake gaskets when it goes back.

Repair instructions on this site

Sources: GM service bulletin 02-06-04-023A.

Repair instructions for every Cadillac model: Cadillac workshop manuals