[CadillacKen09]

Hi all! I'm new to the forum and just purchased an '09 Escalade Platinum with only 75k miles! Had a chance at an identical '11 with slightly more miles (81k) and price but timing didn't work out. First, talk me out of my depression for not buying the newer one...

Second, what should I look to upgrade/modify to keep this thing running strong for another 150k miles? This is my wife's car and we plan on having many miles and years on it before we upgrade again.

I did quite a bit of research prior to purchase and would love if this forum's collective genius could help expand my knowledge.

Thanks!
Ken

 

[elephantrider]

fluid and filter changes are top of mind. the brake switches in this platform seems to
die around 100k or so miles. that tiny little switch will make all kinds of alerts happen,
so keep that in mind. hubs, ball joints, brakes, etc... will need r&r somewhere north
of 100k miles.

otherwise, these platforms, and the ls engine in general, are very solid. your going to
read a ton of negatives on various forums, because most of the happy folks stay off
of these

i'm sure you've read about the lifter collapse scenario. you can get a handheld tuner
and turn the dod / afm options off. that will help.

good luck !

 

[TecEighty]

+2 on fluid and filter changes. Front differential in particular, partly because it holds a relatively small volume of fluid and partly because it sees more water contamination out there under the front of the truck. Whenever I change the front diff lube it looks cloudy, making me glad I changed it. I change the oil in both diffs, transfer case and transmission with synthetic every 50k, and at 158k it is still on all of the original 2007 components with no failure.

 

[CadillacKen09]

A few pics from the salesman. Out of state purchase so its being shipped to me this week.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[Nice Ride]

A few pics from the salesman. Out of state purchase so its being shipped to me this week.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

Congratulation's! I had a 09 ESV Plat. I miss that truck! After 2009, they started removing features. The truck originally came with Heated Washer fluid, but after a few melt downs, Cadi had them cut the wires when ever you bring the truck in for service. You can still add that feature, but its not integrated with the button they took out at the bottom of the center console. Keep that leather clean and coat it often with a good quality conditioner. It will keep the crease lines hidden for a few months until next treatment. Get yourself some WeatherTech floor mats, guaranteed for life and they cover up the rug well from mud/dirt, easy to clean.

Test every single feature as soon as you receive it.

Change ALL fluids. Oil (Walmart 5Qt. cheapest you will find Mobile 1 Syn, (WIX XP Filters Amazon) best you can get, Radiator, Transmission and filter, All Diffs, Xfer Case ( Extremely simple ), Flush Brake Fluid, Suction out Power Steering and replace with fresh.


Congratulations again, its a great truck. You should also consider the Dual Battery. Truck is all ready for it, Police package parts can be purchased off of amazon. Just make sure you have 2 new fresh batteries. I recommend Delco AGM, not wet batteries. Can be found on amazon and delivered to your front door.

 

[ELDORADO2K]

1st thing I would do is spray some ScotchGard or whatever fabric protectant of your choice on every inch of that carpet while it’s still clean. It will prevent stains and make any cleanup worlds easier than without it. Nothing better than light carpet, as long as it’s clean.

 

[CadillacKen09]

fluid and filter changes are top of mind. the brake switches in this platform seems to
die around 100k or so miles. that tiny little switch will make all kinds of alerts happen,
so keep that in mind. hubs, ball joints, brakes, etc... will need r&r somewhere north
of 100k miles.

otherwise, these platforms, and the ls engine in general, are very solid. your going to
read a ton of negatives on various forums, because most of the happy folks stay off
of these

i'm sure you've read about the lifter collapse scenario. you can get a handheld tuner
and turn the dod / afm options off. that will help.

good luck !

Good tips, elephantrider! Especially the brake switch. Seems like one of those small obscure things people don't think about.

I'll definitely keep an eye on the undercarriage, as I'm in Ohio. Car has been in southwest Utah and Nevada its whole life so it's relatively clean on the underside. Pics sent from dealer look to show undercoating, too.

Correct me if I'm wrong but DOD/AFM was only available on the '09 Hybrid, right? I was thinking that might be a benefit to not getting the 2011.

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[CadillacKen09]

at 158k it is still on all of the original 2007 components with no failure.

Nice! Really hope we can get 200-250k and still have a clean vehicle to sell at that time.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[CadillacKen09]

Congratulation's! I had a 09 ESV Plat. I miss that truck! After 2009, they started removing features. The truck originally came with Heated Washer fluid, but after a few melt downs, Cadi had them cut the wires when ever you bring the truck in for service. You can still add that feature, but its not integrated with the button they took out at the bottom of the center console. Keep that leather clean and coat it often with a good quality conditioner. It will keep the crease lines hidden for a few months until next treatment. Get yourself some WeatherTech floor mats, guaranteed for life and they cover up the rug well from mud/dirt, easy to clean.

Test every single feature as soon as you receive it.

Change ALL fluids. Oil (Walmart 5Qt. cheapest you will find Mobile 1 Syn, (WIX XP Filters Amazon) best you can get, Radiator, Transmission and filter, All Diffs, Xfer Case ( Extremely simple ), Flush Brake Fluid, Suction out Power Steering and replace with fresh.


Congratulations again, its a great truck. You should also consider the Dual Battery. Truck is all ready for it, Police package parts can be purchased off of amazon. Just make sure you have 2 new fresh batteries. I recommend Delco AGM, not wet batteries. Can be found on amazon and delivered to your front door.

I'm sure it'll need a full detail in and out. Salesman said there was light scratching on the paint which I'd guess if from auto car washes. I'm a hand wash kinda guy, so I'll do a full paint restoration and had wash from there.

I'm on board with the Mobil 1 and Wix filter. Just did the exact combo on my Z06 based on lots of research in the vette forum. My wife was leary about the Caddy cause she had an STS a few years ago with the Northstar and it went through oil like crazy-still a good car for us, though. The LS is a whole different beast.

I'm gonna look into the battery idea. Can you explain the additional benefits?

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[elephantrider]

Correct me if I'm wrong but DOD/AFM was only available on the '09 Hybrid, right? I was thinking that might be a benefit to not getting the 2011.

dod started in 05, updated to afm in 07 with the new platform release, i do believe. i'm sure someone
smarter than me will correct

your's looks just like mine, with exception of wheelbase.

 

[Nice Ride]

I'm sure it'll need a full detail in and out. Salesman said there was light scratching on the paint which I'd guess if from auto car washes. I'm a hand wash kinda guy, so I'll do a full paint restoration and had wash from there.

I'm on board with the Mobil 1 and Wix filter. Just did the exact combo on my Z06 based on lots of research in the vette forum. My wife was leary about the Caddy cause she had an STS a few years ago with the Northstar and it went through oil like crazy-still a good car for us, though. The LS is a whole different beast.

I'm gonna look into the battery idea. Can you explain the additional benefits?

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If you like to sit with music on, that is one primary benefit, CCA X2, cool factor x1 You will see the tray :right driver front of engine bay. Again, both batteries must be the same make and age. Enjoy the Ride!

 

[Nice Ride]

P.S., this truck is extremely easy to steal. A simple pop in the Key/door handle will make the tumbler float, and you can unlock the door with any key or screw driver, it defeats the Alarm when you turn the key. Then, there is NO lock on the steering column. They just push the trucks away while having the ability to steer since no lock exists... .

 

[Nice Ride]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6OQZVVl37A

 

[SpyShops NY]

The 2011 doesn't have heated windsheild wiper fluid, auto wipers, tilt nav, 6 dvd and most important AFM (active fuel management). The 2007-2009 had a better 0-60 time as well!

 

[SpyShops NY]

2010 was when AFM was in the Escalade

 

[CadillacKen09]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6OQZVVl37A

Yikes! I saw this headline but hadn't played the video. Any aftermarket mods that can help? I'm thinking locking lugs for the wheels, but how to immobilize the vehicle?

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[CadillacKen09]

The 2011 doesn't have heated windsheild wiper fluid, auto wipers, tilt nav, 6 dvd and most important AFM (active fuel management). The 2007-2009 had a better 0-60 time as well!

I think the lack of AFM for this year is probably the best "pro" 2009 vs. 2011 argument. I'm considering swapping the nav system for the newer unit with the usb. I saw a pretty good write-up on here. Short of upgrading to the later model factory Nav., any recommendations for good looking aftermarket units that offer full factory-like functionality?

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[CadillacKen09]

If you like to sit with music on, that is one primary benefit, CCA X2, cool factor x1 You will see the tray :right driver front of engine bay. Again, both batteries must be the same make and age. Enjoy the Ride!

I like it! This would be good for the kids wanting to watch the screens, too. I was wanting to switch to dry cell on the Vette, too, since the battery sits right on top of one of the computers.

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[kses123]

The 2011 doesn't have heated windsheild wiper fluid, auto wipers, tilt nav, 6 dvd and most important AFM (active fuel management). The 2007-2009 had a better 0-60 time as well!

What was changed after 2009 to make the 0-60 time slower?

 

[mcstix1]

I see your disc player is highlighted in blue and if it's like mine the disc player doesn't work when its highlighted like that. Any suggestions on how to fix that without having to replace the entire unit?