Some Cadillac Escalade owners may notice their SUV making strange sounds around the front end, including a thump, clunk, pop, or click noise. Now, a possible cause for this issue has been identified, as has a fix to be implemented by a GM technician.
According to a recent report from GM TechLink, these strange noises may be present in 2021- through 2023-model-year Cadillac Escalades, and typically occur after the SUV has been driven at speeds of at least 45 mph and then stopped, or after the vehicle brake pedal has been released after a stop.
According to the report, this condition may be tied to road debris or some under-hood component coming into contact with the active grille shutters as they open or close. For those readers who may be unaware, active grille shutters provide enhanced aerodynamics around the front end of the vehicle, smoothing airflow and raising overall MPG figures when additional cooling isn’t needed, then reopening to allow airflow into the engine bay when additional cooling is needed.
In order to determine if the grille shutters are indeed the cause of the strange noises present in the front end of the Cadillac Escalade, GM technicians are instructed to remove the fuse powering the active grille shutters actuator, then testing the vehicle to determine if the noise is still present. If the noise is no longer present, GM technicians should then remove the intake air splash shield and inspect the active grille shutters for any possible obstructions.
Possible obstructions include road debris, ice, or stones, as well as a mispositioned horn bracket or unsecured intake air duct.
As a reminder, the Cadillac Escalade is offered with two engine options, including the naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 L87 gasoline engine and the 3.0L I6 LM2 turbodiesel Duramax engine. The GM T1 platform provides the underpinnings, while production takes place at the GM Arlington plant in Texas.
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