Download Print this page
Cadillac 1997 Catera Owner's Manual
Cadillac 1997 Catera Owner's Manual

Cadillac 1997 Catera Owner's Manual

Hide thumbs Also See for 1997 Catera:

Advertisement

Quick Links

I
9 9 7
0
vv
N E R
' S
M A N U A L

Advertisement

loading

Summary of Contents for Cadillac 1997 Catera

  • Page 1 9 9 7 N E R M A N U A L...
  • Page 2 Here the manual tells you how to keep your Catera running properly and looking good. Customer Assistance Information This section tells you how to contact Cadillac for assistance and how to get service and owner publications. also gives you information on “Reporting Safety Defects” on page 7- 12.
  • Page 3 For vehicles first sold in Canada, substitute the name “General Motors of Canada Limited” for Cadillac Motor Car Division whenever it appears in this manual. Please keep this manual in your Catera, so it will be there if you ever need it when you’re on the road.
  • Page 4 With the Catera, you have selected the first Cadillac ever to be engineered and manufactured in Germany. It is a unique expression of Cadillac luxury with a sensibility to European ride and handling. With proper care, your Catera will deliver mile after mile of exciting, performance oriented luxury driving.
  • Page 6 How to Use this Manual Many people read their owner’s manual from beginning to end when they first receive their new vehicle. If you do this, it will help you learn about the features and controls for your vehicle. In this manual, you’ll find that pictures and words work together to explain things quickly.
  • Page 7 Vehicle Damage Warnings Also, in this book you will find these notices: NOTICE: These mean there is something that could damage your vehicle. In the notice area, we tell you about something that can damage your vehicle. Many times, this damage would not be covered by your warranty, and it could be costly.
  • Page 8 Vehicle Symbols These are some of the symbols you may find on your vehicle. For example, These symbols these symbols are important are used on an for you and original battery: your passengers whenever your vehicle is CAUTION driven: POSSIBLE INJURY DOOR LOCK PROTECT...
  • Page 9 & NOTES...
  • Page 10 - a * & G - Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems Here you’ll find information about the seats in your Catera and how to use your safety belts properly. You can also learn about some things you should not do with air bags and safety belts. Seats and Seat Controls Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone 1-11...
  • Page 11 Seats and Seat Controls This section tells you about the seats them, and also about reclining front seatbacks, lumbar adjustments, heated seats and head restraints. Manual Front Passenger’s Seat This feature is available on the passenger’s seat only. Lift the bar under the front passenger’s seat to unlock it. Slide the seat to where you want it and release the bar.
  • Page 12 To raise the seat cushion up or down, press one of the rocker switch buttons located on the outboard side of the passenger’s seat. The top button raises the seat cushion and the bottom button lowers the seat cushion. Manual Lumbar Support The lumbar controls are located on the outboard side of each front seat.
  • Page 13 Power Seats This feature is available on all driver’s seats and is optional on passenger’s seats with leather interiors only. The power seat controls are located on the outboard side of the front seat cushions. Lift or push down on the front of the control to adjust the front portion of the cushion up or down.
  • Page 14 If a failure in the power supply system occurs, the power seats can be manually adjusted by inserting the crank handle into the slot located below the seat cushion (as shown in the above illustration). Turn the crank handle clockwise until you’ve reached your desired seating position (note that manually moving the seat requires turning the crank handle many times).
  • Page 15 If your vehicle is in PARK (P), you can recall mirror and seating positions by pressing and holding one of the three memory buttons. This will adjust the seat and mirrors to where you have previously programmed them. Seat and mirror movement is immediately stopped if the memory button is released or if a seat or mirror control is moved.
  • Page 16 But don’t have a seatback reclined if your vehicle is moving. Sitting in a reclined position when your vehicle is in motion can be dangerous. Even if you buckle up, your safety belts can’t do their job when you’re reclined like this. The shoulder belt can’t do its job because it won’t be against your body.
  • Page 17 Power Recliner This feature is available on all driver’s seats and is optional on passenger’s seats with leather interiors only. These controls are located on the outboard side of each front seat. Press the control forward or rearward to adjust the seatback. Head Restraints Slide head restraint up or down so that the top of the...
  • Page 18 For more cargo space or to fold down the front passenger's seat, you may need to remove the head restraints. Press both release buttons at the top of the seatback and slide the head restraint out of the height adjust tubes. The head restraint should be stored securely on the driver's side of the trunk as shown.
  • Page 19 Rear Seats Folding the Rear Seat With the rear folding seatbacks, you can carry long cargo by folding down part or all of the rear seat. To unlock the rear seatback, press the pushbutton at the top of the seat and fold the seatback forward. To return the seat to the passenger position, lift up on the seatback and push it rearward until 1-10...
  • Page 20 Heated Rear Seat (Option) The heated rear seat controls are located at the rear of the center console under the air outlets. Press the button once to turn on the heating elements and press the button again to turn the system off. A telltale light in the button indicates the system is in use.
  • Page 21 It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people riding in these areas are more likely to be seriously injured or killed. Do not allow people to ride in any area of your vehicle that is not equipped with seats and safety belts.
  • Page 22 Why Safety Belts Work When you ride in or on anything, you go as fast as it goes. Put someone on Take the simplest vehicle. Suppose it’s just a seat on wheels. 1-13...
  • Page 23 Get it up speed. Then stop the vehicle. The rider The person keeps going until stopped by something. doesn't stop. In a real vehicle, it could be the windshield 1-14...
  • Page 24 ........or the instrument panel or the safety belts! With safety belts, you slow down as the vehicle does. You get more time to stop. You stop over more distance, and your strongest bones take the forces.
  • Page 25 Here Are Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts and the Answers @’ Won’t I be trapped in the vehicle after an accident if I’m wearing a safety belt? You could be whether you’re wearing belt or not. But you can unbuckle a safety belt,. even if you’re upside down.
  • Page 26 Driver Position This part describes the driver’s restraint system. Lap-Shoulder Belt The driver has a lap-shoulder belt. Here’s how to wear it properly. 1. Close and lock the door. 2. Adjust the seat (to see how, see “Seats” in the Index) so you can sit up straight.
  • Page 27 5. To make the lap part tight, pull down on the buckle end of the belt as you pull up on the shoulder belt. The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies force to the strong pelvic bones.
  • Page 28 Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster Before you begin to drive, move the shoulder belt adjuster to the height that is right for you. To move it down, grasp the sides, push in and move the height adjuster to the desired position. You can move the adjuster up just by pushing up on the bottom of the height adjuster.
  • Page 29 &. ’ What’s wrong with this? The shoulder belt is too loose. It won’t give nearly as much protection this way. 1-20 You can be seriously hurt if your shoulder belt too loose. In a crash, you would move forward too much, which could increase injury.
  • Page 30 What’s wrong with this? The belt is buckled in wrong place. I A C You can be seriously injured if your belt is buckled in the wrong place like this. In a crash, the belt would go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not at the pelvic bones.
  • Page 31 &= What’s wrong with this? The shoulder belt is worn under the arm. It should be worn over the shoulder at all times. 1-22 You can be seriously injured if you wear the shoulder belt under your arm. In a crash, body would move too far forward, which would increase the chance of head and neck injury.
  • Page 32 What’s wrong with this? The belt is twisted across the body. You can be seriously injured by a twisted belt. In a crash, you wouldn’t have the full width belt to spread impact forces. If a belt is twisted, make it straight so it can work properly, or ask your dealer to fix it.
  • Page 33 To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle. The belt should go back out of the way. Before you close the door, be sure the belt is out of the way. If you slam the door on you can damage both the belt and your vehicle.
  • Page 34 The best way to protect the fetus is to protect the mother. When a safety belt is worn properly, it’s more likely that the fetus won’t be hurt in a crash. For pregnant women, as for anyone, the key to making safety belts effective is wearing them properly.
  • Page 35 CAUTION: (Continued) Frontal bags the driver and right front passenger are designed to work only in moderate to severe crashes where the front of your vehicle hits something. They aren’t designed to inflate at rear, all in rollover, side low-speed frontal crashes.
  • Page 36 There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument panel, which shows the air bag symbol. The system checks the air bag electrical system for malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical problem. See “Air Bag Readiness Light” in the Index for more information.
  • Page 37 The right front passenger’s frontal air bag is in the instrument panel on the passenger’s side. 1-28 The driver’s side impact air bag is in the side of the driver’s seatback closest to the door. The right front passenger’s side impact air bag is in the side of the passenger’s seatback closest to the door.
  • Page 38 CAUTION: If something is between an occupant and an air bag, the bag might not inflate properly or it might force the object into that person. The path of an inflating air bag must be kept clear. Don’t put anything between an occupant and an air bag, and don’t attach or put anything on the steering wheel hub or on or near any other air bag covering and don’t let seat covers block the...
  • Page 39 What makes an air bag inflate? In an impact of sufficient severity, the air bag sensing system detects that the vehicle is in a crash. For both frontal and side impact air bags, the sensing system triggers a release of gas from the inflator, which inflates the air bag.
  • Page 40 When an air bag inflates, there is dust in the air. This dust could cause breathing problems for people with a history of asthma breathing trouble. To avoid this, everyone in the vehicle should get out as soon as it is safe to do so. If you have breathing problems but can’t get out of the vehicle after an air bag inflates, then get fresh air by opening...
  • Page 41 Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Cadillac Air bags affect how your Catera should be serviced. There parts of the air bag systems in several places around your vehicle. Your Catera dealer and the Catera Service Manual have information about servicing your vehicle and the air bag systems.
  • Page 42 1. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you. Don’t let get twisted. The shoulder belt may lock if you pull the belt across you very quickly. If this happens, let the belt go back slightly to unlock it. Then pull the belt across you more slowly.
  • Page 43 The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies force to the strong pelvic bones. And you'd be less likely to slide under the lap belt. If you slid under it, the belt would apply force at your abdomen.
  • Page 44 Adjust the height that the shoulder portion of the belt is centered on your shoulder. The belt should be away from your face and neck, but not falling off your shoulder. CAUTION: You can be seriously hurt if your shoulder belt too loose.
  • Page 45 Lap Belt When you sit in the center seating position, you have a lap safety belt, which has no retractor. To make the belt longer, tilt the latch plate and pull it 1-36 To make the belt shorter, pull its free end as shown until the belt is snug.
  • Page 46 Children Everyone in a vehicle needs protection! That includes infants and all children smaller than adult size. In fact, the law in every state in the United States and in every Canadian province says children up to some age must be restrained while in a vehicle.
  • Page 47 Never hold a baby in your arms while riding in a vehicle. A baby doesn’t weigh much crash. During a crash a baby will become so heavy you can’t hold it. For example, in a crash CAUTION: (Continued) 1-38 only 25 mph (40 km/h), will suddenly become a 240-lb.
  • Page 48 Child Restraints Be sure the child restraint is designed to be used in a vehicle. If it is, it will have label saying that it meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Then follow the instructions the restraint. You may find these instructions on the restraint itself or in a booklet, or both.
  • Page 49 Top Strap 1-40 If your child restraint has a top strap, it should be anchored. If you need to have an anchor installed, you can ask your Catera dealer to put it in for you. If you want to install an anchor yourself, your dealer can tell you how to do it.
  • Page 50 Securing a Child Restraint Outside Seat Position You’ll be u,sing the lap-shoulder belt. See the earlier part about the top strap if the child restraint has one. 1. Put the restraint on the seat. Follow the instructions for the child restraint. 2.
  • Page 51 5. Pull the rest of the shoulder belt all the way out of the retractor to set the lock. 1-42 6. To tighten the belt, feed the shoulder belt back into the retractor while you push down on the child restraint. Push and pull the child restraint in different directions to be sure it is secure.
  • Page 52 Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Rear Seat Position You’ll be using the lap belt. See the earlier part about the top strap if the child restraint has one. Make the belt as long as possible by tilting the latch plate and pulling along the belt.
  • Page 53 5. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to. 1-44 6. To tighten the belt, pull its free end while you push down the child restraint.
  • Page 54 Securing Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position Your vehicle has a right front passenger air bag. Never put a rear-facing child restraint in this seat. Here’s why: A child in a rearfacing child restraint can D e seriously injured if the right front passenger’s air bag inflates.
  • Page 55 5. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is 6. Pull the rest the shoulder belt all the way out of positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the the retractor to set the lock. safety belt quickly if you ever had to. 1-46...
  • Page 56 7. To tighten the belt, feed the shoulder belt back into the retractor while you push down on the child restraint. 8. Push and pull the child restraint in different directions to be sure it is secure. To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt and let it go back all the way.
  • Page 57 Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear seat. But they need to use the safety belts properly. Children who aren’t buckled up can be thrown out in a crash. Children who aren’t buckled up can strike other people who are.
  • Page 58 CAUTION: Never do this. Here a child is sitting in a seat that has a lap-shoulder belt, but the shoulder part is behind the child. If the child wears the belt in this a crash the child might slide under the belt. The belt's force would then be applied right on the child's abdomen.
  • Page 59 Safety Belt Extender If the vehicle’s safety belt will fasten around you, you should use it. But if safety belt isn’t long enough to fasten, your dealer will order you an extender. It’s free. When you go in to order it, take the heaviest coat you will wear, so the extender will be long enough for you.
  • Page 60 Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash If you’ve had a crash, do you need new belts? After a very minor collision, nothing may be But if the belts were stretched, as they would be if worn during a more severe crash, then you need new belts. A u t o l i v G m b H , Dachau, S c h l o B s t r a m m e r .
  • Page 61 NOTES 1-52...
  • Page 62 , = = Section 2 Features and Controls Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your Catera, and information on starting, shifting and braking. Also explained are the instrument panel and the warning systems that tell you if everything is working properly and what to do if you have a problem.
  • Page 63 Keys Leaving young children in a vehicle with the ignition key is dangerous for many reasons. A child or others could be badly injured or even killed. They could operate power windows or other controls or even make the vehicle move. Don’t leave the keys in a vehicle with young children.
  • Page 64 One key is used for the ignition, the doors and all other locks. (Note that there is for the passenger’s door.) If you’ve lost your key or need to have a new one made, you will have to contact your Catera dealer for the correct key code.
  • Page 65 Slide the lock lever down to lock the inside. slide the lock lever up. Central Door Unlocking System When unlocking the driver's door, you can also unlock the other doors, including the fuel door, by holding the key in a turned position for several seconds (turn the key counterclockwise).
  • Page 66 Programmable Automatic Door Locks Each RKE transmitter supplied with your vehicle can be programmed to suit each driver’s door lock preference. The two RKE transmitters are identified on the back with either a “I” or a “2”, which allows either driver to program their own door locks.
  • Page 67 3. Do the same thing to the other rear door lock. The rear doors of your vehicle cannot be opened from the inside when this feature is in use. When you want to open a rear door when the security lock is on: 1.
  • Page 68 P a r t This device complies with 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
  • Page 69 Operation When you press this symbol to unlock the driver’s door, the parking lamps on your vehicle will blink twice. Pressing it again within five seconds will unlock the other doors. Pressing this button will also disarm the optional theft-deterrent system and turn on the interior lamps (for approximately 20 seconds).
  • Page 70 1. Use a coin to pry open the transmitter. 2. Remove the battery and replace it with a CR2032 battery. Using the wrong size battery can damage the transmitter. Make sure the battery is positioned with the “plus” facing down. 3.
  • Page 71 Trunk It can be dangerous to drive with the trunk lid open because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can come into your vehicle. You can’t see or smell CO. It can cause unconsciousness and even death If you must drive with the trunk lid open or if electrical wiring or other cable connections must pass through the seal between the body and the trunk lid:...
  • Page 72 To access, fold down the driver’s side rear seat and reach through to the trunk compartment to find the release handle. For more information rear seats, see “Folding the Rear Seat” in the Index. Pulling the handle opens the trunk. Theft Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities.
  • Page 73 Theft-Deterrent System (Option) If the ignition is off and any door is open, the SECURITY light will flash reminding you to activate 1. Open the door. Lock the door using the power door lock or the RKE transmitter. The SECURITY light should come on and stay on.
  • Page 74 Testing the Alarm 1. From inside the vehicle, roll down the window, then get out of the vehicle, keeping the door open. 2. From outside the vehicle, with the door open, lock the vehicle using the power door lock or the RKE transmitter and close the door.
  • Page 75 If you lose or damage a key or you cannot start the engine, see your Catera dealer. If a key is lost, bring all remaining keys to your dealer for re-programming. In an emergency, call the Cadillac Roadside Service Program at 1-800-882-1112. 2-14 New Vehicle “Break-In’’...
  • Page 76 Ignition Positions NOTICE: If your key seems stuck in LOCK and you can’t turn it, be sure you are using the correct key; if so, is it all the way in? If it is, then turn the steering wheel left and right while you turn the key hard.
  • Page 77 OFF (I): This position lets you turn off the engine but still turn the steering wheel. It doesn’t lock the steering wheel like LOCK. Use OFF if you must have your vehicle in motion while the engine is off (for example, if your vehicle is being pushed).
  • Page 78 3. If your engine still won’t start (or starts but then stops), it could be flooded with too much gasoline. Try pushing your accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and holding it there as you hold the key in START for about three seconds.
  • Page 79 To Use the Coolant Heater 1. Turn off the engine. 2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord. 3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet. CA-‘TIC’J: Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet could cause an electrical shock. Also, the wrong kind extension cord could overheat and cause fire.
  • Page 80 Automatic Transmission Operation There are several different positions for PARK (P): This locks the transmission drive shaft. It’s the best position to when you start the engine because your vehicle can’t move easily. CAUTION: shift lever. It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake firmly set.
  • Page 81 Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) range before starting the engine. Your Catera has a Brake-Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI). You have to fully apply the regular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition key is in RUN.
  • Page 82 DRIVE (D): Use this for normal driving. If you need more power for passing, and you’re: kmh), Going less than 35 mph (55 accelerator pedal about halfway down. Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) accelerator all the way down. The transmission will shift down to the next gear. THIRD (3): Driving in THIRD (3) is not used for normal driving.
  • Page 83 Sport Mode Button For a firmer shift and increased performance, you may choose the sport mode. This button lets you change from a normal driving mode to a sport driving mode. It is located on the shift lever handle. rress the "S" button once to select the sport feature. Press it again to return to the normal driving mode.
  • Page 84 Third-Gear Start Press this button to provide more traction when you are starting on ice or other slippery surfaces. It only operates when the shift lever is in DRIVE (D). The button is located next to the shift lever on the console. The transmission will be in THIRD (3) when the vehicle begins to move.
  • Page 85 Parking Brake To set the parking brake, hold the regular brake pedal down with your foot and pull up on the parking brake lever. If the ignition is on, the brake system warning light will come on. 2-24 start to drive away with the parking brake set, the BRAKE warning light stays on.
  • Page 86 Shifting Into PARK (P) It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
  • Page 87 Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running It can be dangerous to leave your vehicle with the engine running. Your vehicle could move suddenly if the shift lever is not fully in with the parking brake firmly set. And, if you leave the vehicle with the engine running, it could overheat and even catch fire.
  • Page 88 Shifting Out of PARK (P) Your Catera has a Brake-Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI). You have to fully apply the regular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition is in RUN. See “Automatic Transmission” in the Index. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever push the shift lever all the way into...
  • Page 89 6. At the bottom of the shift lever, you will see a yellow tab. With one hand, push the tab to unlock the shift lever. 7. Shift to NEUTRAL (N) with the other hand. 8. Start the engine (if you can) and then shift to the drive gear you want.
  • Page 90 Engine Exhaust Engine exhaust can kill. It contains the gas carbon monoxide (CO), which you can’t see or smell. It can cause unconsciousness and death. You might have exhaust coming in if: Your exhaust system sounds strange or different. Your vehicle gets rusty underneath. Your vehicle was damaged in a collision.
  • Page 91 It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll. Don’t leave your vehicle when the engine is running unless you have to. If you’ve left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
  • Page 92 When you stop your vehicle and turn the ignition key LOCK, you can still use the power windows. The electrical power to operate the windows will not shut off until a door is opened there is no time limit to this feature.
  • Page 93 Tilt Wheel Tilt steering allows you to adjust the steering wheel before you drive. Raising the steering wheel to the highest level gives your legs more room when you enter and exit your vehicle. Hold the steering wheel and pull the lever toward you to tilt the wheel.
  • Page 94 Headlamp High/Low Changer With the twilight sentinel on or with the lamp control dial turned to the headlamp position, push the turn signal lever on the driver’s side of the steering wheel away from you to turn on the high-beam headlamps. This light on on the instrument panel will be on, indicating high-beam usage.
  • Page 95 Be sure to clear ice and snow from the wiper blades before using them. If they’re frozen to the windshield, carefully loosen or thaw them. If the blades do become damaged, replace them with new blades. Heavy snow or ice can overload the wiper motor. A circuit breaker will stop the motor until it cools.
  • Page 96 Cruise Control With cruise control, you can maintain 25 mph (40 km/h) or more without keeping your foot on the accelerator. This can help on long trips. Cruise control does not work at speeds below about 25 mph (40 km/h). Cruise control shuts off when you apply the brakes or when the OFF button at the end of the cruise lever is pressed.
  • Page 97 Setting Cruise Control 1. Accelerate to the speed want. 2. Press the SET/ACCEL button at the end of the lever and release it. 3. Remove your foot from the accelerator pedal. 2-36 Resuming a Set Speed Setting the cruise control at a desired speed and then applying the brake or pressing the OFF button at the end of the cruise lever will end the cruise function.
  • Page 98 Remember, if you hold the SETIACCEL button in longer than half a second, the vehicle will accelerate until you release the button or apply the brake. You could be startled and even lose control. So unless you want to go faster, don’t hold the button in. Increasing Speed While Using Cruise Control There are two ways to go to a higher speed: Use the accelerator pedal to go to a higher speed.
  • Page 99 Using Cruise Control Hills control How well the cruise will work on hills depends upon your speed, load and the steepness of the hills. When going up steep hills, you may have to step on the accelerator pedal to maintain your speed. When going downhill, you may have to brake or shift to a lower gear to keep your speed down.
  • Page 100 700< Parking lamps, front and rear sidemarker lamps, taillamps, license plate lamps, ashtray lamps, backlighting to the radio controls and instrument panel lights. Headlamps Fog lamps. Twilight sentinel. TWILIGHT OFF Turns the twilight sentinel system off. Instrument panel brightness control. Turn the lamp control dial clockwise to the first position to turn on the parking lamps, front and rear sidemarker lamps, taillamps, license plate lamps, ashtray lamps,...
  • Page 101 Wiper Activated Headlamps This feature activates the low-beam headlamps, parking lamps, sidemarker lamps and taillamps after the windshield wipers have been in use for about 20 seconds. The wiper activated headlamps light the way in poor weather and also make your vehicle more visible to other drivers.
  • Page 102 When DRL are on, only the high-beam headlamps (at reduced brightness) will be on. No other exterior lamps such as the parking lamps, taillamps, etc. will be on when the DRL are being used. The instrument panel won’t be lit up either. When the twilight sentinel is on and it’s dark enough outside, the high-beam headlamps (at reduced intensity) will change to low-beam headlamps.
  • Page 103 Fog Lamps Use the fog lamps for better vision in foggy or misty conditions. Press this button to turn the fog lamps on and press the button again to turn the lamps off. (The fog lamps only work when the parking lamps or the low-beam headlamps are on.)
  • Page 104 Twilight Sentinel This feature is below the lamp control dial on the left side of the instrument panel. It automatically switches the parking lamps and low-beam headlamps on and off by sensing how dark it is outside. To operate the twilight sentinel, the ignition must be in the RUN or START position and the twilight sentinel must be turned on by pressing the OFF button (an indicator light in the button will be off when the twilight...
  • Page 105 Light Sensor The light sensor for the twilight sentinel is located in the center of the front defogger grille. If you cover the sensor, it will read “dark” and the parking lamps and low-beam headlamps will come on. 2-44 Interior Lamps Instrument Panel Brightness Control This control dial is located to the right of the fog lamp button.
  • Page 106 Reading Lamps The reading lamps are located in the roof. These lamps and the interior courtesy lamps come on when any door is opened and it is dark outside. Placing the button in the center position enables the lamps to come on when any door is opened. Pressing the button toward the rear of your vehicle disables the lamps when any door is opened.
  • Page 107 Mirrors Electrochromic Daymight Rearview Mirror This mirror automatically changes to reduce glare from headlamps behind you. A photocell on the back of the mirror senses when it is becoming dark outside. Another photocell built into the mirror surface senses when headlamps are behind you.
  • Page 108 Power Remote Control Mirror Your Catera has an electric heated mirror control located on the driver’s door armrest. The heat is activated when the rear window defogger is turned on. A small indicator light near the mirror control pad turns on when the mirror is being heated.
  • Page 109 Storage Compartments Glove Box The glove box is located in front of the passenger’s seat. To lock the glove box door, insert the key into the lock cylinder and turn it clockwise. Turn the key counterclockwise to unlock the door. Note that the glove box is a i r conditioned.
  • Page 110 Convenience Net The convenience net is on the floor of the trunk, Put small loads, like grocery bags, under the net. It can help keep them from moving around during sharp turns or quick starts and stops. The net is not for larger, heavier loads. Store them in the trunk as far forward as you can.
  • Page 111 The cigarette lighter is located next to the ashtray. Press it all the way in and release. It will pop back by itself when it’s ready to light. You also have a lighter on the back of the center console near the rear seat air outlet. NOTICE: Don’t hold a cigarette lighter in with your hand while it is heating.
  • Page 112 Cellular Telephone (Option) Your vehicle has been prewired for dealer installation of a Catera dual-mode (analog/digital) cellular portable telephone. Voice activation and hands-free operation are standard features. For more information, contact your Catera dealer. A user’s guide is provided with the telephone.
  • Page 113 A. Fully Open B. About 80% Open C . About 50% Open D. About 25% Open E. Fully Closed E About 40% Tilted G. Fully Tilted 2-52 Rotating the control dial to position A fully opens the glass panel and sunshade. The sunshade can also be opened by hand.
  • Page 114 Manual Operation If a failure in the power supply system occurs, the sunroof can, be manually closed by inserting a screw driver into the slot shown. Turning the screwdriver counterclockwise will close the sunroof. The screwdriver is provided in the tool kit in the trunk (with the jack).
  • Page 115 Rotate the dial to position A and press until the sunroof is fully open. Return to position E and keep pressing the control dial until the sunroof has fully closed. Note that after programming, if the sunroof keeps opening after you attempt to close it, you will need to repeat Steps 2 through 5 (up to three times if needed).
  • Page 116 The transmitter will learn and transmit the frequencies of most current transmitters and is powered by your vehicle’s battery and charging system. P a r t This device complies with 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
  • Page 117 3. Hold the end of the hand-held transmitter against the front surface of the universal transmitter can still see the red light. 4. Using both hands, press the hand-held transmitter button and the desired button on the universal transmitter. Continue to hold both buttons through Step 5.
  • Page 118 Be sure to keep the original hand-held transmitter in case you need to erase and reprogram the universal transmitter. Note to Canadian Owners: During programming, the hand-held transmitter may stop transmitting after one or two seconds. If you are programming from one of these transmitters, you should press and re-press the button on the hand-held transmitter every two seconds without ever releasing the button on the universal transmitter.
  • Page 119 The Instrument Panel: Your Information System 2-58...
  • Page 120 The instrument panel is designed to let you know at a glance how your Catera you’re going, how much fuel you’re using and many of the other things you’ll need to know to drive safely and economically. The main components of the instrument panel are: A.
  • Page 121 Instrument Panel Cluster United States version shown, Canadian similar 2-60...
  • Page 122 Speedometer and Odometer The speedometer lets you see your speed in both miles per hour (mph) and kilometers per hour odometer shows how your vehicle has been driven, in either miles (used in the United States) or kilometers (used in Canada). Trip Odometer The trip odometer tells how far you have driven since you last reset it.
  • Page 123 Warning lights come when there may be or is a problem with one of your vehicle’s functions. As you will see in the details on the next few pages, some warning lights come on briefly when you start the engine just to let you know they’re working. If you are familiar with this section, you should not be alarmed when this happens.
  • Page 124 Air Bag Readiness Light There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument panel, which shows the air bag symbol. The system checks the air bag’s electrical system for malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical problem. The system check includes the air bag sensors, the air bag modules, the wiring and the diagnostic module.
  • Page 125 Brake System Warning Light Your Catera’s hydraulic brake system is divided into two parts. If one part isn’t working, the other part can still work and stop you. For good braking, though, you need both parts working well. the warning light comes on, there could be a brake problem.
  • Page 126 Voltmeter You can read battery voltage on the voltmeter. If it reads less than 12 volts or more than 16 volts while the engine is running, and it stays there, you may have a problem with the electrical VOLTS charging system. Have it checked right away.
  • Page 127 Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light With the anti-lock brake system, the light(s) will come on when you start your engine and may stay on for several seconds. That’s normal. the light stays on, turn the ignition to light comes on when you’re driving, stop as soon as off.
  • Page 128 Traction Engaged When your traction control system is limiting wheel spin, the traction control system warning light will flash. Slippery road conditions may exist if this warning light is flashing, so adjust your driving accordingly. Traction Control System Warning Light This warning light should come on briefly as you start the engine.
  • Page 129 Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light This light tells you that the engine has overheated. You should stop the car and turn the engine off as soon as possible. A warning chime should also sound if this light comes on. As a check, the light should come on for a few seconds when you start the engine.
  • Page 130 Low Coolant Warning Light This warning light should come on while you are starting the engine. If the light doesn’t come on, have it repaired. Your Catera is equipped with a low coolant level sensor (switch and float) that is designed to detect when your vehicle’s coolant level drops below the set limit.
  • Page 131 NOTICE: If you keep driving your vehicle with this light on, after a while, your emission controls may not work as well, your fuel economy may not be as good and your engine may not run as smoothly. This could lead to costly repairs that may not be covered by your warranty.
  • Page 132 If the Light Is On Steady You may be able to correct the emission system malfunction by considering the following: Did you just drive through a deep puddle of water? If so, your electrical system may be wet. The condition will usually be corrected when the electrical system dries out.
  • Page 133 Oil Pressure LighVGage This light and gage tell you if there could be a problem with the engine oil pressure. The gage shows the engine oil pressure in pounds per square inch (psi). Canadian vehicles show pressure in kilopascals (kPa). The oil light goes on when you turn the key to RUN or START.
  • Page 134 Check Oil Light This light shoula come on briefly while you are starting the engine. If the light doesn’t come on, have it repaired. If the light comes on while starting and stays on, the engine oil level should be checked. Prior to checking the oil level, be sure your vehicle has been shut off for several minutes and is on a level surface.
  • Page 135 Low Washer Fluid Warning Light This light will come on when you turn on the ignition and the windshield washer fluid container is less than one-third full. 2-74 Trunk Ajar Light This light will come on if your vehicle’s trunk is not completely closed.
  • Page 136 Fuel Gage The fuel gage shows approximately how much fuel is in the tank. It works only when the ignition is in the RUN position. Rere are a few concerns some owners have had about the fuel gage. All of these situations are normal and do not indicate that anything is wrong with the fuel gage.
  • Page 137 Leveling Indicator Light This light comes on steady when the rear load level in your vehicle changes. LEVELING Do not drive your vehicle when this light is on. The rear of your vehicle is too low and part of the body or the rear axle may be damaged when driving over bumpy roads.
  • Page 138 ~6% NOTES 2-77...
  • Page 139 NOTES 2-78...
  • Page 140 Section 3 Comfort Controls and Audio Systems In this section, you'll find out how to operate the comfort control and audio systems offered with your Catera. Be sure to read about the particular systems supplied with your vehcle. Comfort Controls Conditioning Heating Ventilation System...
  • Page 141 Comfort Controls This section tells you how to make your air system work for you. Your comfort control system uses ozone-friendly R- 134a refrigerant. You can control the heating, cooling and ventilation in your Catera. Guidelines for using these systems are found later in this section.
  • Page 142 Outside Temperature Display The outside temperature is always displayed when your vehicle's ignition is on. If the outside temperature display begins to flash, this means that icy road conditions are possible. Adjust your driving if needed. The display will flash for about 30 seconds and then remain steady.
  • Page 143 In cold weather, when the system senses the need for heat, airflow will be directed out of the floor outlets. As the interior temperature approaches blower speed will decrease. To maintain interior comfort, the airflow may move to the instrument panel air outlets and floor outlets (bi-level mode).
  • Page 144 FAN SPEEDS: Press the driver’s side TEMP/AUTO knob to set the fan speed for automatic operation. At this setting, the fan speed is automatically controlled. If it is cold outside, the blower may not run in the maximum high fan speed right away. The system checks the temperature of the engine coolant to assure it is warm enough to provide heat.
  • Page 145 Air Conditioning On hot days, open the windows long enough to let hot inside air escape. This reduces the time it takes for your vehicle to cool down. Then keep your windows closed for the air conditioner to work its best. The climate control system will cool and dehumidify the air inside the vehicle.
  • Page 146 Ventilation System The Catera’s ventilation system supplies outside air into the vehicle when it is moving. Outside air will also enter the vehicle when the heater or is running. The front outlets are located in the center and at each side of the instrument panel.
  • Page 147 Ventilation Tips Keep the hood and front air inlet free of ice, snow or any other obstruction (such as leaves). The heater and defroster will work far better, reducing the chance of fogging the inside of the windows. When you enter a vehicle in cold weather, adjust the fan to the highest speed for a few moments before driving off.
  • Page 148 Rear Window Defogger The lines you rear window warm the glass. With your vehicle’s engine running, press this button to turn on the rear defogger. With it, the rear window and both outside rearview mirrors are heated. The system will automatically shut off after about 15 minutes.
  • Page 149 AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player and Optional Compact Disc Player For information on the compact disc player, see "Trunk Mounted CD Changer'' later in this section. Playing the Radio PWRNOL: Press this knob lightly to release stored position. The system will turn again to the system off.
  • Page 150 PUSHBUTTONS: The six numbered pushbuttons let you return to your favorite stations. You can set up to 18 stations (six and six Turn the radio on. 2. Press BAND to select FM1 or 3. Tune in the desired station. 4. Press and hold one of the six numbered buttons until you hear a chime.
  • Page 151 Playing a Cassette Tape With the radio on, insert a cassette tape. The tape will begin playing as soon as it is inserted. While the tape is playing, use the VOL, FADE, BAL, BASS and TREB controls just as you do for the radio. Other controls may have different functions when a tape is inserted.
  • Page 152 SOURCE: Press this button to switch from radio to cassette tape play. If no cassette tape is in the tape player, CASS appears on the display and then the radio station appears briefly. The display then reverts back to showing the time of day. Press this button again or BAND to switch back to the radio.
  • Page 153 Playing the Radio PWRNOL: Press this knob lightly to release it from its stored position. The system will turn on. Press the knob again to turn the system off. To increase volume, turn the knob clockwise. Turn counterclockwise to decrease volume. The volume level will appear on the display.
  • Page 154 Setting the Tone BASS: Press this knob lightly so it extends. Turn the knob clockwise to increase and counterclockwise to decrease bass. TREB: Press this knob lightly so it extends. Turn the knob clockwise to increase and counterclockwise to decrease treble. If a station is weak or noisy, you may want to decrease the treble.
  • Page 155 REV: Press the left arrow to reverse the tape rapidly. Press it again to return to playing speed. The radio will play while the tape reverses and REV will appear on the may use your station pushbuttons to tune to display.
  • Page 156 Trunk Mounted CD Changer (Option) With the compact disc changer, you can play up to 12 discs continuously. Normal size discs may be played using the trays supplied in the magazine. The small discs (8 cm) can be played only with specially designed trays. You must first load the magazine with discs before you can play a compact disc.
  • Page 157 Close the door by sliding it all the way to the left. If the door is left partially open, the changer will not operate and an error will occur. When the door is closed, the changer will begin checking for discs in the magazine. This will continue for up to one and a half minutes, depending on the number of discs loaded.
  • Page 158 DSPL: Press and hold this button to see the track elapsed time (available on all radios). Press DSPL again within five seconds to how many compact discs are loaded in the changer and where they are loaded (not available on the standard AM-FM Stereo radio). REV: Press and hold this button to reverse quickly through a track selection.
  • Page 159 CHEK DOOR or CD CHANGER DOOR OPEN is displayed when the CD changer door is left open. Completely close the changer door to restore normal operation. CD CHANGER NO DISCS is displayed when an empty magazine is inserted in the CD changer. Try the magazine again with a disc loaded on one of the trays.
  • Page 160 : Press this button to move forward through preset radio stations or to the next selection on a tape or CD. Press this button to move rearward through preset radio stations or to the previous selection on a tape or CD. f (BAND): Press this button to change between AM, FM1 or FM2 for the radio.
  • Page 161 NOTICE: Before you add any sound equipment to your vehicle like a tape player, CB radio, mobile telephone or two-way radio be sure you can add what you want. If you can, it’s very important to do it properly. Added sound equipment may interfere with the operation of your vehicle’s engine, Catera radio or other systems, and even damage them.
  • Page 162 ueanlng may be done with a scrubbing action, non-abrasive cleaning cassette with pads which scrub the tape head as the hubs of the cleaner cassette turn. It is normal for the cassette to eject while cleaning. Insert the cassette at least six times to ensure thorough cleaning.
  • Page 163 Heated Backlite Antenna Your AM-FM antenna is integrated with your rear window defogger, into your rear window. Be sure that inside surface of the rear window is not scratched and that the lines on the glass are not damaged. If the inside surface is damaged, it could interfere with radio reception.
  • Page 164 NOTES 3-25...
  • Page 165 NOTES 3-26...
  • Page 166 & NOTES...
  • Page 167 NOTES & I 3-28...
  • Page 168 Section 4 Your Driving and the Road Here you’ll find information about driving on different kinds of roads and in varying weather conditions. We’ve also included many other useful tips on driving. Defensive Driving Drunken Driving Control of a Vehicle Braking 4- 10 Steering...
  • Page 169 Defensive Driving The best advice anyone can give about driving is: Drive defensively. Please start with a very important safety device in your Catera: Buckle up. (See “Safety Belts’’ in the Index.) Defensive driving really means “be ready for anything.” On city streets, rural roads or freeways, it means “always expect the unexpected.”...
  • Page 170 Drunken Driving Death and injury associated with drinking and driving is national tragedy. It’s the number one contributor to the highway death toll, claiming thousands of victims every year. Alcohol affects four things that anyone needs to drive a vehicle: Judgment Muscular Coordination Vision...
  • Page 171 It’s the amount of alcohol that counts. For example, if the same person drank three double martinis (3 ounces or 90 ml of liquor each) within an hour, the person’s BAC would be close to 0.12 percent. A person who consumes food just before or during drinking will have a somewhat lower BAC level.
  • Page 172 The body takes about an hour to rid itself of the alcohol in one drink. No amount of coffee or number of cold showers will speed that up. “I’ll be careful” isn’t the right answer. What if there’s an emergency, a need to take sudden action, as when a child darts into the street? A person with even moderate BAC might not be able...
  • Page 173 Control of a Vehicle You have three systems that make your vehicle go where you want it to go. They are the brakes, the steering and the accelerator. All three systems have to do their work at the places where the tires meet the road. Sometimes, as when you’re driving on snow or ice, it’s easy to ask more of those control systems than the tires and road can provide.
  • Page 174 Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive in spurts heavy acceleration followed by heavy rather than keeping pace with traffic. This is a braking mistake. Your brakes may not have time to cool between hard stops. Your brakes will wear out much faster if you do a lot of heavy bralung.
  • Page 175 Here's how anti-lock works. Let's say the road is wet. You're driving safely. Suddenly an animal jumps out in front of you. You slam on the brakes. Here's what happens with ABS. A computer senses that wheels are slowing down. If one the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer will separately work the brakes at each front wheel and at the rear wheels.
  • Page 176 Remember: Anti-lock doesn’t change the time you need to get your foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease stopping distance. If you get too close to the vehicle in front of you, you won’t have time to apply your brakes if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops.
  • Page 177 To turn the system off, press the TCS OFF button located next to the radio on the center console. Braking in Emergencies anti-lock, you can steer and brake at the same With time. In many emergencies, steering can help you more than even the very best braking.
  • Page 178 The traction you can get in a curve depends on the condition of your tires and the road surface, the angle which the curve is banked, and your speed. While you’re in a curve, speed is the one factor you can control. Suppose you’re steering through a sharp curve.
  • Page 179 An emergency like this requires close attention and a quick decision. If you are holding the steering wheel at the recommended 9 and 3 o’clock positions, you can turn it a full 180 degrees very quickly without removing either hand. But you have to act fast, steer quickly, and just quickly straighten the wheel once you have avoided the object.
  • Page 180 Passing The driver of a vehicle about to pass another on a two-lane highway waits for just the right moment, accelerates, moves around the vehicle ahead, then goes back into the right lane again. A simple maneuver? Not necessarily! Passing another vehicle on a two-lane highway is a potentially dangerous move, since the passing vehicle occupies the same lane as oncoming traffic for several seconds.
  • Page 181 Check your mirrors, glance over your shoulder, and start your left lane change signal before moving out of the right lane to pass. When you are far enough ahead of the passed vehicle to see its front in your inside mirror, activate your right lane change signal and move back into the right lane.
  • Page 182 off, If your traction control system is acceleration skid is also best handled by easing your foot off the accelerator pedal. If your vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off the accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you want the vehicle to go.
  • Page 183 Here are some tips on night driving, Drive defensively. Don’t drink and drive. Since you can’t see as well, you may need to slow down and keep more space between you and other vehicles. Slow down, especially on higher speed roads. Your headlamps can light up only so much road ahead.
  • Page 184 Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads Keep your windshield and all the glass on your vehicle clean inside and out. Glare at night is made much worse by dirt on the glass. Even the inside of the glass can build up a film caused by dust. Dirty glass makes lights dazzle and flash more than clean glass would, making the pupils of your eyes contract repeatedly.
  • Page 185 your tire-to-road traction isn’t good as on dry roads. And, if your tires don’t have much tread left, you’ll get even less traction. It’s always wise to go slower and be cautious if rain starts to fall while you are driving. The surface may get wet suddenly when your reflexes are tuned for driving on dry pavement.
  • Page 186 LAUTION: Wet brakes can cause accidents. They won’t work as well in a quick stop and may cause pulling to one side. You could lose control of the vehicle. After driving through a large puddle of water or a car wash, apply your brake pedal lightly until your brakes work normally.
  • Page 187 Driving Through Deep Standing Water NOTICE: If you drive too quickly through deep puddles or standing water, water can come in through your engine’s air intake and badly damage your engine. Never drive through water that is slightly lower than the underbody of your vehicle. If you can’t avoid deep puddles or standing water, drive through them very slowly.
  • Page 188 Here are ways to increase your safety in city driving: Know the best way to get to where you are going. Get a city map and plan your trip into an unknown part of the city just as you would for a cross-country trip.
  • Page 189 The most important advice on freeway driving is: Keep up with traffic and keep to the right. Drive at the same speed most of the other drivers are driving. Too-fast or too-slow driving breaks a smooth traffic flow. Treat the left lane on a freeway as a passing lane.
  • Page 190 Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it serviced and maintained, it’s ready to go. If it needs service, have it done before starting out. Of course, you’ll find experienced and able service experts in Catera dealerships all across North America. They’ll be ready and willing to help if you need it.
  • Page 191 Hill and Mountain Roads Driving on steep hills or mountains is different from driving in flat or rolling terrain. 4-24 If you drive regularly in steep country, or if you’re planning to visit there, here are some tips that can make your trips safer and more enjoyable.
  • Page 192 Coasting downhill in NEUTRAL (N) or with the ignition off is dangerous. Your brakes will have to do all the work of slowing down. They could get so hot that they wouldn't work well. You would then have poor braking or even none going down a hill.
  • Page 193 Include an ice scraper, a small brush or broom, a supply of windshield washer fluid, a rag, some winter outer clothing, a small shovel, a flashlight, a red cloth and a couple of reflective warning triangles. And, if you will be driving under severe conditions, include a small bag of sand, a piece of old carpet or a couple of burlap bags to help provide traction.
  • Page 194 What’s the worst time for this? “Wet ice.” Very cold snow or ice can be slick and hard to drive on. But wet ice can be even more trouble because it may offer the least traction of all. You can get wet ice when it’s about freezing (32°F;...
  • Page 195 If You’re Caught in a Blizzard If you are stopped by heavy snow, you could be in a serious situation. You should probably stay with your vehicle unless you know for sure that you are near help and you can hike through the snow. Here are some things to do to summon help and keep yourself and your passengers safe: Turn on your hazard flashers.
  • Page 196 CAUTION: Snow can trap exhaust gases under your vehicle. This can cause deadly CO (carbon monoxide) gas to get inside. could overcome you and kill you. You can’t see it or smell it, so you might not know it is in your vehicle. Clear away snow from around the base of your vehicle, especially any that is blocking your exhaust pipe.
  • Page 197 Loading Your Vehicle TIRE-LOADING INFORMATION OCCUPANTS VEHICLE CAP. WT. FRT. CTR. TOTAL LBS. MAX. LOADING & GVWR SAME AS VEHICLE CAPACITY WEIGHT TIRE SIZE SPEED FRT. SPA. IF TIRES ARE HOT, ADD 4PS1/28KPa SEE OWNER‘S MANUAL FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Two labels on your vehicle show how much weight it may properly carry.
  • Page 198 Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the GVWR, or either the maximum front or rear GAWR. I f you do, parts on your vehicle can break, or it can change the way your vehicle handles. These could cause you to lose control. Also, overloading can shorten the life of your vehicle.
  • Page 199 Electronic Level Control This feature keeps the rear of your vehicle level as the load changes. It’s automatic you don’t need to adjust anything. Towing a Trailer If you don’t use the correct equipment and drive properly, you can lose control when you pull a trailer.
  • Page 200 That’s the reason for this part. In it are many time-tested, important trailering tips and safety rules. Many of these are important for your safety and that of your passengers. please read this section carefully before you pull a trailer. Load-pulling components such as the engine, transmission, wheel assemblies and tires work harder against the drag of the added weight.
  • Page 201 And, it can also depend on any special equipment that you have on your vehicle. You can ask your dealer for our trailering information or advice, or you can write us at: Cadillac Customer Assistance Center Cadillac Motor Car Division 30009 Van Dyke P.O. Box 9025...
  • Page 202 If you’re using a weight-carrying hitch, the trailer tongue (A) should weigh 10 percent of the total loaded trailer weight (B). If you have a weight-distributing hitch, the trailer tongue (A) should weigh 12 percent of the total loaded trailer weight (B). After you’ve loaded your trailer, weigh the trailer and then the tongue, separately, to see if the weights are proper.
  • Page 203 Safety Chains You should always attach chains between your vehicle and your trailer. Cross the safety chains under the tongue of the trailer so that the tongue will not drop to the road if it becomes separated from the hitch. Instructions about safety chains may be provided by the hitch manufacturer or by the trailer manufacturer.
  • Page 204 Backing Up Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand. Then, to move the trailer to the left, just move that hand to the left. To move the trailer to the right, move your hand to the right. Always back up slowly and, if possible, have someone guide you.
  • Page 205 Parking on Hills You really should not park your vehicle, with a trailer on a hill. If something goes wrong, your rig attached, could start to move. People can be injured, and both your vehicle and the trailer can be damaged. But if you ever have to park your rig on a hill, here’s how to do it: 1.
  • Page 206 NOTES 4-39...
  • Page 207 NOTES 4-40...
  • Page 208 Section 5 Problems on the Road Here you’ll find what to do about some problems that can occur on the road. Hazard Warning Flashers Other Warning Devices Jump Starting Towing Your Catera 5- 14 Engine Overheating 5-22 If a Tire Goes Flat 5-23 Changing a Flat Tire 5-33...
  • Page 209 Your hazard warning flashers let you warn others. They also let police know you have a problem. Your front and rear turn signal lamps will flash on and off. Pressing this button on the center console makes the front and rear turn signal lamps flash on and off.
  • Page 210 Other Warning Devices If you carry reflective triangles, you can set one up at the side of the road about 300 feet (100 m) behind your vehicle. Jump Starting If the battery has run down, you may want to use another vehicle and some jumper cables to start your Catera.
  • Page 211 Get the vehicles close enough can reach, but be sure the vehicles aren’t touching are, each other. they it could cause connection don’t want. You wouldn’t be able to start your Catera and the bad grounding could damage the electrical systems. T u r n the ignition on both vehicles.
  • Page 212 Using a match near a battery can cause battery gas to explode. People have been hurt doing this, and some have been blinded. Use a flashlight if you need more light. Be sure the battery has enough water. You don’t need to add water to the Delco Freedom@ battery installed in every new GM vehicle.
  • Page 213 7. Don’t let the other end of the positive cable touch metal. Connect it to the positive terminal of the good battery. 6 . Connect the red positive cable to the positive terminal of the vehicle with the dead battery.
  • Page 214 8. Now connect the black negative the good battery’s negative Don’t let the other end of the negative anything until the next step. The other end of the negative cable doesn ’t go to the dead battery. It goes to a heavy unpainted metal part on the engine of the vehicle with the dead battery.
  • Page 215 12. Remove the cables in reverse order to prevent electrical shorting. Take care that they don’t touch each other or any other metal. A. Heavy Metal Engine Part B. Good Battery C. Dead Battery Towing Your Catera Try to have a Catera dealer or a professional towing service tow your Catera.
  • Page 216 Front and Rear Towing CAUTION: To help avoid injury to you or others: Never let passengers ride in a vehicle that is being towed. Never tow faster than safe or posted speeds. Never tow with damaged parts not fully secured. CAUTION: (Continued) Never get under your vehicle after it has...
  • Page 217 When your vehicle is being towed, have the ignition key turned to the position. The steering wheel should be clamped in a straight-ahead position, with a clamping device designed for towing service. vehicle’s steering column lock for this. The transmission should be in NEUTRAL (N) and the parking brake released.
  • Page 218 Attach R-hook chains on both sides, in the slotted holes in the bottom of the frame rails, behind the front wheels. These slots are to be used when loading and securing to car-carrier equipment. Attach a separate safety chain around the outboard end of each lower control arm.
  • Page 219 Rear Towing 5-12 NOTICE: Do not tow with sling type or wheel-lift equipment or rear bumper valance damage may occur. Use car-carrier equipment only. Additional ramping may be required for carcarrier equipment. Use safety chains and wheel straps. Do not attach winch cables, T-hooks or J-hooks to suspension components when using car-carrier equipment.
  • Page 220 Attach R-hook chains to the R-hook slots in the frame rails just ahead of the rear wheels on both sides. These slots are to be used when loading and securing to car-carrier equipment. Attach a separate safety chain around the bumper energy absorbing shockhnit on the left side of the vehicle and another safety chain on the right side tow hook.
  • Page 221 Engine Overheating You will find the warning light about a hot engine on the instrument panel. If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine 5-14 CAUTION: Steam from an overheated engine can badly, even if you just open the hood. Stay away from the engine if you see or hear steam coming from it.
  • Page 222 If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine If you get the overheat warning but see or hear no steam, the problem may not be too serious. Sometimes the engine can get a little too hot when you: Climb a long hill on a hot day. Stop after high-speed driving.
  • Page 223 When decide it’s safe to lift the hood, here’s what you’ll see: A. Coolant Surge Tank with Pressure Cap B. Electric Engine Fans An electric fan under the hood can when the engine is not running and can injure you. Keep hands, clothing and tools away from any underhood electric fan.
  • Page 224 The coolant level should be at or slightly above the KALTKOLD line (seam). If it isn’t, you may have a leak in the radiator hoses, heater hoses, radiator, water pump or somewhere else in the cooling system. UTION: Heater and radiator hoses, and other engine parts, can be very hot.
  • Page 225 How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Surge Tank you haven’t found a problem yet, but the coolant level isn’t at the KALT/COLD line (seam), add a 50/50 mixture of clean water (preferably distilled) and DEX-COOL@ coolant at the coolant surge tank, but be sure the cooling system, including the coolant surge tank pressure cap, is cool before you do it.
  • Page 226 Adding only plain water to your cooling system can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other liquid like alcohol, can boil before the proper coolant mix will. Your vehicle’s coolant warning system is set for the proper coolant mix. With plain water or the wrong mix, your engine could get too hot but you wouldn’t get the overheat warning.
  • Page 227 2. Then keep turning the pressure cap slowly, and 1. You can remove the coolant surge tank pressure cap when the cooling system, including the coolant remove it. surge tank pressure cap and upper radiator hose, is no longer hot. Turn the pressure cap slowly counterclockwise until it first stops.
  • Page 228 3. Then fill the coolant surge tank with the proper mix, up to the KALTKOLD line (seam). 4. With the coolant surge tank pressure cap off, start the engine and let it run until you can feel the upper radiator hose getting hot. Watch out for the engine fans.
  • Page 229 5. Then replace the pressure cap. Be sure the pressure cap is tight. 5-22 If a Tire Goes Flat It’s unusual for a tire to “blow out” while you’re driving, especially if you maintain your tires properly. If air goes out of a tire, it’s much more likely to leak out slowly.
  • Page 230 Changing a Flat Tire If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire and wheel damage by driving slowly to a level place. Turn on your hazard warning flashers. Changing a tire can cause an injury. The vehicle can slip off the jack and roll over you or other people.
  • Page 231 Removing the Spare Tire and Tools Unbuckle tire and lift to remove it it up from trunk. The equipment you'll need is in the trunk. On the driver's side of the trunk is the spare tire. Pull the fasteners on the spare tire cover to access the tire. 5-24...
  • Page 232 The jack and tool kit are located on the passenger's side of the trunk. Pull the red handle to remove the cover and access the equipment. Turn the nut holding the jack counterclockwise and remove it. 5-25...
  • Page 233 The tools you'll be using include the jack (A), the wheel wrench (B) and the screwdriver ( C ) . 5-26 Removing the Wheel Cover Seven-Spoke Wheel There is a center wheel cover on all of the available wheels (five-spoke wheel not shown). Using the flat end of the screwdriver, gently pry the wheel cover off.
  • Page 234 Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire Seven-Spoke Wheel 1 . If you have the seven-spoke wheel, using the wheel wrench, loosen all of the wheel bolts. Don’t remove them yet. If you have the five-spoke wheel (not shown), use the flat end of the screwdriver to pry off the five black plastic wheel bolt caps.
  • Page 235 (21.3 inches) (22 inches) Position the jack under the vehicle (as shown in step head until it’s firmly set into the and raise the jack lift hoisting notch on the vehicle’s fiame, nearest the flat tire. 5-28 Getting under a vehicle when it is jacked up is dangerous.
  • Page 236 4. Raise the vehicle by turning the jack handle clockwise. Raise the vehicle far enough off the ground for the spare tire to fit under the vehicle. 5. Remove all wheel bolts and take off the flat tire. 6. Remove any rust or dirt from the wheel bolts, mounting surfaces and spare wheel.
  • Page 237 CAUTION: Never use oil or grease on wheel bolts. If the bolts might come loose. Your wheel could fall off, causing a serious accident. 7. Replace the wheel bolts. Tighten each bolt by hand until the wheel is held against the hub. 5-30 you do, 8.
  • Page 238 9. Tighten the wheel bolts firmly in a criss-cross sequence as shown. CAUTION: Incorrect wheel bolts or improperly tightened wheel bolts can cause the wheel to become loose and even come off. This could lead to an accident. Be sure to use correct wheel bolts.
  • Page 239 Storing a jack, a tire or other equipment in the passenger compartment of the vehicle could cause injury. In a sudden stop or collision, loose equipment could strike someone. Store all these in the proper place. After you’ve put the spare tire on your vehicle, you’ll need to store the flat tire in the trunk.
  • Page 240 If You’re Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow What you don’t want to do when your vehicle is stuck is to spin your wheels too fast. The method known “rocking” can help you get out when you’re stuck, but you must use caution.
  • Page 241 NOTES 5-34...
  • Page 242 & NOTES 5-35...
  • Page 243 NOTES 5-36...
  • Page 244: Vehicle

    Here you will find information about the care of your Catera. This section begins with service and fuel information, and then it shows how to check important fluid and lubricant levels. There is also technical information about your vehicle, and a part devoted to its appearance care. Service Fuel Fuels in Foreign Countries...
  • Page 245 Service Your Catera dealer knows your vehicle best and wants you to be happy with it. We hope you’ll go to your dealer for all your service needs. You’ll get genuine GM parts and GM-trained and supported service people. We hope you’ll want to keep your GM vehicle all GM. Genuine GM parts have one of these marks: Doing Your Own Service Work If you want to do some of your own service work, you’ll...
  • Page 246: Control

    You can be injured and your vehicle could be damaged if you try to do service work on a vehicle without knowing enough about it. Be sure you have sufficient knowledge, experience, the proper replacement parts and tools before you attempt any vehicle maintenance task.
  • Page 247 If you’re using fuel rated at the recommended octane or higher and you still hear heavy knocking, your engine needs service. But don’t worry if you hear a little pinging noise when you’re accelerating or driving up a hill. That’s normal, and you don’t have to buy a higher octane fuel to get rid of pinging.
  • Page 248 Fuels in Foreign Countries If you plan on driving in another country outside the United States or Canada, the proper fuel may be hard to find. Never use leaded gasoline or any other fuel not recommended in the previous text on fuel. Costly repairs caused by use of improper fuel wouldn’t be covered by your warranty.
  • Page 249 CAUTION: Gasoline vapor is highly flammable. It burns violently, and that can cause very bad injuries. Don't smoke if you're near gasoline or refueling your vehicle. Keep sparks, flames and smoking materials away from gasoline. To use this feature, your vehicle must be in PARK (P).
  • Page 250 If you get gasoline on yourself and then something ignites it, you could be badly burned. Gasoline can spray out on you if you open the fuel filler cap too quickly. This spray can happen if your tank is nearly full, and is more likely in hot weather.
  • Page 251 Hood Release Pull the lever inside the vehicle to open the hood. It is located on the lower left side of the instrument panel. Then go to the front of the vehicle and find the secondary hood release which is located above the front grille.
  • Page 252 When you open the hood, you’ll see: Coolant Fill Location B. Air Cleaner Passenger’s Compartment Filter Before closing the hood, sure all filler caps are on properly. Then pull D. Engine Oil Fill Location E. Engine Dipstick Location F. Windshield Washer Fluid G.
  • Page 253 Engine Oil If the low oil level light on the instrument panel comes on, it means you need to check your engine oil level right away. For more information, see “Low Oil Level Light” in the Index. You should check your engine oil level regularly;...
  • Page 254 Checking Engine Oil Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it again, keeping the tip down, and check the level. When to Add Oil If the oil is at or below the MIN mark, then you’ll need to add at least one quart of oil.
  • Page 255 What Kind of Oil to Use Oils recommended for your vehicle can be identified by looking for the “Starburst” symbol. This symbol indicates that the oil has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute (API). Do not use any oil which does not carry this Starburst symbol.
  • Page 256 As shown in the chart, SAE low-30 is best for your use SAE vehicle. However, 16” C) before your next oil to be colder than 60°F change. When it’s very cold, you should use SAE 5W-30. These numbers on an oil container show its viscosity, or thickness.
  • Page 257 Driving under these conditions causes engine oil to break down sooner. If any one of these is vehicle, then you need to change your oil and filter every 5,000 miles (8 000 km) or 3 months occurs first. (See “Check Oil Light” in the Index.) If none of them is true, use the long triphighway maintenance schedule.
  • Page 258 Air Cleaner The air cleaner is located behind the headlamps on the passenger’s side of the engine. Be sure the engine has cooled before following these steps 1. Unhook the five clips that attach the air cleaner lid the housing. 2.
  • Page 259 4. Lift the lid, take out the air filter and remove any loose debris that may be found laying in the air cleaner base. 5. Install a new air filter element. See “Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts” in the Index. To reinstall the air cleaner assembly, replace the air cleaner lid, reattach the five clips, replace the air intake tube and tighten the clamp.
  • Page 260 Passenger Compartment Air Filter Replacement The passenger compartment air filter traps most of the pollen from the air entering your vehicle and air circulated inside the vehicle. Like your vehicle’s air cleaner filter, it may need to be changed periodically. For how often to change the passenger compartment air filter, see your Maintenance Schedule booklet.
  • Page 261 Replace the filter by sliding back in, reattaching both retainer clips and closing the grille flap. 6. Replace the engine compartment rear seal. 7. Close the engine hood. For the type of filter to use, see “Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts” in the Index. Auto-- ’ic Transmission Fluid It is not necessary to check the transmission fluid level.
  • Page 262 Rear Axle When to Check Lubricant Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how often to check the lubricant. See “Periodic Maintenance Inspections” and “Scheduled Maintenance Services” in the Maintenance Schedule booklet. How to Check Lubricant If the level is below the bottom of the filler plug hole, you’ll need add some lubricant.
  • Page 263 A 50/50 mixture of water and the proper coolant for your Catera will: Give freezing protection down to -34°F (-37°C). Give boiling protection up to 265 "F (1 29 Protect against rust and corrosion. Help keep the proper engine temperature. Let the warning lights and gages work as they should.
  • Page 264 NOTICE: If you use an improper coolant mix, your engine could overheat and be badly damaged. The repair cost wouldn't be covered by your warranty. Too much water in the mix can freeze and crack the engine, radiator, heater core and other parts.
  • Page 265 CAUTION: Turning the surge tank pressure cap when the engine and radiator are hot can allow steam and scalding liquids to blow out and burn you badly. Never turn the surge tank pressure cap when the engine and radiator are hot. little When your engine is cold, the coolant level should be at the KALT/COLD line (seam).
  • Page 266 Surge Tank Pressure Cap NOTICE: The surge tank cap is a 15 psi (105 kPa) pressure-type cap and must be tightly installed to prevent coolant loss and possible engine damage from overheating. If the surge tank pressure cap needs to be replaced, a GM cap is recommended.
  • Page 267 Mow To Check Power Steering Fluid When the engine compartment is cool, wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean, then unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag. Replace the cap and completely tighten it. Then remove the cap again and look at the fluid level on the dipstick.
  • Page 268 When using concentrated washer fluid, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for adding water. Don’t mix water with ready-to-use washer fluid. Water can cause the solution to freeze and damage your washer tank and fluid other parts of the washer system. Also, water doesn’t clean as well as washer fluid.
  • Page 269 There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level in the reservoir might go down. The first is that the brake fluid goes down to an acceptable level during normal brake lining wear. When new linings are put in, the fluid level goes back up.
  • Page 270 NOTICE: Using the wrong fluid can badly damage brake system parts. For example, just a few drops of mineral-based oil, such as engine oil, in your brake system can damage brake system parts so badly that they’ll have to be replaced.
  • Page 271 Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly applied. This does not mean something is wrong with your brakes. Properly torqued wheel bolts are necessary to help prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect brake pads for wear and evenly torque wheel bolts in the proper sequence to GM specifications.
  • Page 272 Battery Every new Catera has a Delco Freedom@ battery. You never have to add water to one of these. When it’s time for a new battery, we recommend a Delco Freedom@ battery. Get one that has the replacement number shown on the original battery’s label.
  • Page 273 Exterior Front Bulbs Turn Signal Lamp B, Headlamp 6-30 Front Turn Signal Lamp With a screwdriver, unscrew the fastener on the headlamp cover and then remove it to access the turn signal lamps.
  • Page 274 2. On the outboard side of each low-beam headlamp, 3. Twist the bulb out to replace and then reassemble. you will find the turn signal bulbs. Turn the lamp assembly clockwise to remove. 6-31...
  • Page 275 Headiamp 1. With a screwdriver, unscrew the fastener on the headlamp cover and then remove the cover to gain access (see Step 1 under “Front Turn Signal Lamp”). Note that the inner bulb is for the low-beam headlamp and the outer bulb is for the high-beam headlamp.
  • Page 276 4. Squeeze the retaining clip together and then pull 5. Swivel the bulb out and then replace. down and away from bulb assembly. 6-33...
  • Page 277 Exterior Rear Bulbs A. Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) Taillamp C. Rear Turn Signal Lamp 6-34 Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) The CHMSL is equipped with a high durability illumination. If Catera dealer for assistance. Taillamp and Rear Turn Signal Lamp 1. Open the trunk to access the lamp housing. 2.
  • Page 278 Headlamp Aiming Your vehicle has the 55 x 135 mini-quad headlamp system. These headlamps have horizontal and vertical aim indicators. The aim has been pre-set at the factory and should need no further adjustment. If your vehicle is damaged in an accident and the headlamp aim seems be affected, see your Catera dealer.
  • Page 279 It is recommended that the upper limit not exceed plus 0.4 degrees from the center of the bubble. Other drivers may flash their high beams at you if your adjustment is much above plus 0.4 degrees. If you find that the headlamp aiming needs adjustment, follow these steps: 1.
  • Page 280 Wiper Blade Replacement It’s a good idea to clean or replace the wiper blade assembly on a regular basis or when worn. For proper windshield wiper blade length and type see “Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts” later in this section. To replace the wiper blade assembly: 1.
  • Page 281 Tires Your new Catera comes with high-quality tires made by leading tire manufacturer. If you ever have questions about your tire warranty and where to obtain service, see your Catera Warranty booklet for details. CAUTION: Poorly maintained and improperly used tires are dangerous.
  • Page 282 If you’ll be driving at speeds higher than 100 mph (160 km/h) where it is legal, raise the cold inflation pressure of each tire to 37 psi (250 ma). When you end this very high-speed driving, reduce the cold inflation pressures to those listed on the Tire-Loading Information label.
  • Page 283 Tire Inspection and Rotation Tires should be rotated at 5,000 miles (8 000 km) and then every 10,000 miles 16 000 k m ) time you notice unusual wear, rotate your tires as soon as possible and check wheel alignment. Also check for damaged tires or wheels.
  • Page 284 When It’s Time for New Tires One way to tell when it’s time for new tires is to check the treadwear indicators, which will appear when your tires have only 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) or less of tread remaining. You need a new tire if any of the following statements are true: You can see the indicators at three or more places around the tire.
  • Page 285 Mixing tires could cause you to lose control while driving. If you mix tires of different sizes or types (radial and bias-belted tires), the vehicle may not handle properly, and you could have a crash. Using tires of different sizes may also cause damage to your vehicle.
  • Page 286 Temperature A, B, C The temperature grades are A (the highest), representing the tire’s resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure.
  • Page 287 If you need to replace any of your wheels or wheel bolts, replace them only with new GM original equipment parts. This way, you will be sure to have the right wheel and wheel bolts for your Catera model. Using the wrong replacement wheels and wheel bolts on your vehicle can be dangerous.
  • Page 288 Tire Chains NOTICE: Use tire chains only where legal and only when you must. Use only SAE Class “S” type chains that are the proper size for your tires. Install them on the rear tires and tighten them as tightly as possible with the ends securely fastened.
  • Page 289 Cleaning the Inside of Your Catera Use a vacuum cleaner often to get rid of dust and loose dirt. Wipe vinyl or leather with a clean, damp cloth. Your Catera dealer has two cleaners, a solvent-type spot lifter and a foam-type powdered cleaner. They will clean normal spots and stains very well.
  • Page 290 Using Solvent-Type Cleaner on Fabric First, if you have to use solvent-type cleaner at all. Some spots and stains will clean off better with just water and mild soap. If you need to use solvent: 1. Gently scrape excess soil from the trim material with a clean, dull knife or scraper.
  • Page 291 Combination Stains Stains caused by candy, ice cream, mayonnaise, chili sauce and unknown stains can be removed as follows: 1. Carefully scrape off excess stain. 2. Clean with cool water and allow to dry. 3. If a stain remains, clean it with solvent-type cleaner. Cleaning Vinyl Use warm water and a clean cloth.
  • Page 292 Cleaning Speaker Covers Vacuum around a speaker cover gently, so that the speaker won’t be damaged. Some spots and stains will clean better with just water and mild soap. If something gets on one of them and you need to use a solvent, follow these steps: Gently scrape excess soil from the trim material with a clean, dull knife or scraper.
  • Page 293 Cleaning the Outside of the Windshield and Wiper Blades If the windshield is not clear after using the windshield washer, or if the wiper blade chatters when running, wax, sap or other material may be on the blade or windshield. Clean the outside of the windshield with GM Windshield Cleaner, Bon Ami@ Powder (non-scratching glass cleaning powder), GM Part No.
  • Page 294 Cleaning Exterior LampsLenses Use lukewarm or cold water, a soft cloth and a liquid hand, dish or car washing (mild detergent) soap to clean exterior lamps and lenses. Follow instructions under “Washing Your Vehicle.” Finish Care Occasional waxing or mild polishing of your Catera by hand may be necessary to remove residue from the paint finish.
  • Page 295 Tires To clean your tires, use a stiff brush with a tire cleaner. NOTICE: When applying a tire dressing always take care to wipe off any overspray or splash from all painted surfaces on the body or wheels of the vehicle.
  • Page 296 Although no defect in the paint job causes this, Cadillac will repair, at no charge to the owner, the surfaces of new vehicles damaged by this fallout condition within 12 months or 12,000 miles (20 000 whichever occurs first.
  • Page 297 Appearance Care Materials Chart PART NUMBER SIZE 994954 1050004 2.75 16 oz. (0.473 L) 1050172 1050 173 oz. (0.473 L) 1050174 oz. (0.473 L) 1 gal. (3.785 10502OO 1050214 (0.946 L) 1050427 23 oz. (0.680 L) 1052870 (0.473 L) 1052918** 8 oz-(0.237 L) 1052925 16 oz.
  • Page 298 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) I I . 11111.11 1 . 1 1 111 111111 I I . 111111 1 . 111111111111 111111111 1-11 SAMPLE4UXVM072675 E N G I N E A 9 7 MODEL CODE YEAR This is the legal identifier for your Catera. It appears on plate in the front corner of the instrument panel, on the driver’s side.
  • Page 299 Headlamp Wiring The headlamp wiring has an individual fuse which is powered by a MaxiFuse@. An electrical overload will cause the lamps to go on and off, or in some cases to remain off. this happens, have the headlamp wiring checked right away.
  • Page 300 Fuses and Circuit Breakers The wiring circuits in your vehicle are protected from the short circuits by a combination of fuses and circuit breakers. This greatly reduces the chance of fires caused by electrical problems. Look at the silver-colored band inside the fuse. If the band is broken or melted, replace the fuse.
  • Page 301 BLOWER DEFOG 33 HEATER 34 RR WDO WIPER CLAMP CLAMP 15 CLAMP15 CRUISE MIRROR HTDSEAT CUMPIS FLASHER PESL RE4R Fuse Usage RH and LH Front Side Door Window Regulator Motor, LH Front Side Door Window Switch Stoplamp Switch Automatic Transmission Switch and Control Indicator, Power Steering Control Module, Hazard Warning Switch RH and LH Rear Seat Cushion Heater Relay...
  • Page 302 Usage Fuse Rear Suspension Leveling Air Compressor Relay, Instrument Cluster, Gage Cluster, Cruise Control Switch and Module, Headlamp Switch, Multifunction Relay Module, Passenger and Driver Heated Seat Relay, BCM, Sunroof Actuator, Automatic Level Control Sensor, RH and LH Heated Rear Seat Switch and Cushion Relay, Driver Seat Adjuster Memory Module, LH Front Side Door Window Switch, Inside Rearview Mirror...
  • Page 303 Instrument Panel Fuse Block (Passenger’s Side) I [ : HI BEAM LH RR WDO DEFOG FLASHER MIRROR I Z I BEAM HORN 6-60 Fusemelay PRK LP LO BEAM VI11 Usage High-Beam Headlamp - LH Automatic Level Control Heated Rear Window, Heated Power Mirrors Hazard Warning Flashers High-Beam Headlamp...
  • Page 304 Engine Compartment Relay Center The relay center is located next to the battery on the driver’s side of the engine. Lift the cover to access. Fuse Usage Secondary Air Induct A/C Blower-Radiator Coolant Pump Follow-Up Interval Windshield Washer and Wiper 6-61...
  • Page 305 Usage Fuse Compressor Number Blower-Radiator A/C Blower-Radiator A/C Blower-Radiator Secondary Air Induct Injection Valves Blower-Radiator A/C Blower-Radiator Plug Connection Blower-Radiator Blower-Radiator Relay Fuel Pump Oxygen Exhaust Sensor Control Unit Blower Box Diagnostic Plug Connection 6-62 Replacement Bulbs Bulb Application Front Turn Signal Lamp Headlamps Composite .
  • Page 306 Capacities Transmission Engine Crankcase Oil Change With Filter* Oil Change Without Filter* Engine Cooling System Fuel Tank i 34a Refrigerant,. Vehicle Dimensions 107.4 inches (272.8 Wheel Base 194 inches (492.8 Length 56.3 Height.. Width 70.3 Front Tread 59.3 inches Rear Tread .59.8 inches (152 cm) Wheel Bolt Torque...
  • Page 307 NOTES $ & l 6-64...
  • Page 308 NOTES 6-65...
  • Page 309 & NOTES 6-66...
  • Page 310 / - " ' Section 7 Customer Assistance Information Here you will find out how to contact Cadillac if you need assistance.. This section also tells you how to obtain service publications and how to report any safety defects. Customer Satisfaction Procedure...
  • Page 311 Customer Satisfaction Procedure Catera dealers have the facilities, trained technicians and up-to-date information to promptly address any concerns you may have. However, if a concern has not been resolved to your complete satisfaction, take the following steps: STEP ONE Discuss your concern with a member of dealership management.
  • Page 312 If after contacting a member of dealership management, it appears your concern cannot be resolved by the dealership without further help, contact the Cadillac Customer Assistance Center, 24 hours a day, by calling 1-800-458-8006. In Canada, contact GM of Canada Customer Communication Centre in Oshawa by calling 1-800-263-3777 (English) or 1-800-263-7854 (French).
  • Page 313 To assist customers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-impaired and who use Text Telephones (TTYs), Cadillac has TTY equipment available at its Customer Assistance Center. Any TTY user can communicate with Cadillac by dialing: 1-800-833-CMCC. (TTY users in...
  • Page 314 Roadside Service TOLL-FREE HOTLINE 1=800=882-1112 Cadillac’s exceptional Roadside Service is more than an auto club or towing service. It provides every Catera owner with the advantage of contacting a Cadillac advisor and, when appropriate, a Catera trained dealer technician who can provide on-site service.
  • Page 315 Emergency Road Service is performed on site for the following situations: Towing Service Battery Jump Starting Lock Out Assistance Fuel Delivery Flat Tire Change (Covers change only) Trip Interruption If your trip is interrupted due to a warranty failure, incidental expenses may be reimbursed during the 48 months/50,000 miles (80 000 k m )
  • Page 316 Text Telephone (TTY) in the Roadside Service Center. Any customer who has access to a (TTY) or a conventional teletypewriter can communicate with Cadillac by dialing from the United States or Canada 1-800-833-CMCC -- daily, 24 hours.
  • Page 317 Our Cadillac Dealer Technician network is ready and able to assist Catera customers at roadside. Gold Key Courtesy Transportation One of your Cadillac Owner Privileges is Gold Key Courtesy Transportation. It is just one more example of Cadillac's commitment to provide the services you expect and deserve as a Catera owner.
  • Page 318 Shuttle Service” Your dealership can provide you with shuttle service to get you to your destination with minimal interruption of your daily schedule when your Catera is unavailable due to a warranty repair. Courtesy Vehicle* For repairs that require your vehicle to be unavailable to you for an extended period of time, your dealer may arrange to provide you with a courtesy vehicle from the dealership, or one obtained from a local rental agency.
  • Page 319 Owner Responsibilities You are responsible for primary insurance coverage of the vehicle provided. In many cases, your own auto insurance policy may provide this coverage under provisions for rental car agreements. Please consult your insurance carrier to be certain of what’s covered. While your dealership will cover the rental expense of a vehicle provided under the provisions of Gold Key Courtesy Transportation, you are responsible for...
  • Page 320 Plan (CAMVAP). General Motors reserves the right to change eligibility limitations and/or to discontinue its participation in this program. Both Cadillac and your Catera dealer are committed to making sure you are completely satisfied with your new vehicle. Our experience has shown that, if a...
  • Page 321: Warranty Information

    Some state laws may require you to use this program before filing a claim with a state-run arbitration program or in the courts. For further information, contact the BBB at 1-800-955-5 100 or the Cadillac Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-458-8006. Warranty Information Your vehicle comes with a separate warranty booklet that contains detailed warranty information.
  • Page 322 In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada) in a situation like this, we certainly hope you’ll notify us. Please call us at 1-800-458-8006 or write: Cadillac Customer Assistance Center Cadillac Motor Car Division 30009 Van Dyke P.O. Box 9025...
  • Page 323 1997 CADILLAC SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ORDERING INFORMATION The following publications covering the operation and servicing the Service Publication Order Form in this book and mailing it in with your check, money order, credit card information to Helm, Incorporated (address below.) CURRENT PUBLICATIONS FOR 1997 CADILLAC...
  • Page 324 NOTE: Dealers and Companies please provide dealer name the person to whose attention the shipment should be sent. Mail completed order form to: P.O. HELM, INCORPORATED For purchases outside U.S.A. please write to the above address : : : (CUSTOMER'S NAME) (AlTENTION) (STREET ADDRESS-NO...
  • Page 325 NOTES 7-16...
  • Page 326 Section 8 Index ......... Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle AirBag How Does it Restrain...
  • Page 327 Brake ........Adjustment Fluid ......Master Cylinder Parking .
  • Page 328 Climate Control System Clock. Setting the Comfort Controls Compact Disc Care ..... Compact Disc Changer Errors Console Shift Lever Console Storage Control of a Vehicle Convenience Net Convex Outside Mirror...
  • Page 329 Electrmic Level Control Trunk Emergency Release Engine Compartment Relay Center CoOltUlt Caolant Heater Coolant Temperature Gage Light Coolant Temperature Warning Mats E x h ~ st Identification Overheating While Running Parked Spscificatio S m g Engine Oil Adding Additives Checking Used When to Change Engine...
  • Page 330 ....... . . Guide en FranGais ........GVWR .
  • Page 331 Fuel Light Washer Fluid Warning Light ControIs Lumbar Maintenance. Normal Replacement parts Maintenance. Underbody Towing Trailer Maintenance When Malfunction Indicator Lamp Manual Folding Outside Rearview Mirror ..... Manual Front Passenger's Seat .
  • Page 332 ........Nightvision ........Odometer .
  • Page 333 Remote Fuel Door Release Keyless Entry System Removable Head Restraints Replacement Bulbs Parts Wheel Replacing Safety Belts Reporting Safety Defects Restraints Checking Child Head ....Replacing Parts After a Crash Retained Accessory Power .
  • Page 334 Service ..... . . Bulletins. Ordering Manuals. Ordering ..... . . Parts Identification Label .
  • Page 335 Tires Alignment and Balance Buying New Chains ChangingaFlat Cleaning Inflation Inspection and Rotation Loading Information Label Pressure Temperature Traction Treadwe ar Uniform Quality Grading Wear Indicators Wheel Replacement When It's Time for New TopStrap TorqueLock Torque, Wheel Bolt Towing a Trailer Towing Your Catera Traction Control System...
  • Page 336 Vehicle ........Control Damage Warnings .
  • Page 337 - a * / s ’ Service Station Checkpoints ENGINE COOLANT FUEL SURGE TANK P6-21 DOOR P6-5 AND P6-6 TIRES P6-38 SECONDARY HOOD RELEASE P6-8 WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID P6-24 HOOD RELEASE REMOTE P6-8 BATTERY REMOTE FUEL TERMINAL DOOR AND TRUNK P5-3 RELEASE P2- 1...