1996 CADILLAC ELDORADO service

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine In Canada, some gasolines contain an octane-enhancing
additive called MMT. If you use such fuels, your
emission control system performance may deteriorate
and the malfunction indicator lamp on your instrument
panel may turn on. If this happens, return to your
authorized Cadillac dealer for service.
To provide cleaner air, all gasolines are now required to
contain additives that will help prevent deposits from
forming in your engine and fuel system, allowing your
emission control system to function properly. Therefore,
you should not have to add anything to the fuel. In
addition, gasolines containing oxygenates, such as ethers
and ethanol, and reformulated gasolines may be
available in your area to help clean the air. General
Motors recommends that you use these gasolines if they
comply with the specifications described earlier.
NOTICE:
Your vehicle was not designed for fuel that
contains methanol. Don’t use it. It can corrode
metal parts
in your fuel system and also damage
plastic and rubber parts. That damage wouldn’t
be covered under your warranty.
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.
To check on fuel availability, ask an auto club, or
contact a major oil company that does business in the
country where you’ll be driving.
You can also write us at the following address for
advice. Just tell us where you’re going and give your
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
General Motors Overseas Distribution Corporation
North American Export Sales (NAES)
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario
L1H 8P7
6-3
- r

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine When to Change Engine Oil
Your Cadillac has an Oil Life Indicator. This feature
will let you know when to change your
oil and
filter
-- usually between 3,000 miles (5 000 km) and
7,500 miles (12 500 km) since your last oil change.
Under severe conditions,
the indicator may come on
before
3,000 miles (5 000 km). Never drive your vehicle
more than
7,500 miles (12 500 km) or 12 months,
(whichever occurs first) without an
oil change.
The system won’t detect dust in the oil.
So, if you
drive in a dusty area, be sure to change your oil every
3,000 miles (5 000 km) or sooner if the CHANGE
ENGINE OIL message comes on. Remember to reset
the Oil Life Indicator when the oil has been changed.
For more information, see “Oil Life Indicator”
in
the Index.
How to Reset the Oil Life Indicator
After the oil has been changed, display the OIL LIFE
LEFT message by pressing the 1NFORMATION button.
Then press and hold the RESET button until the display
shows
“100.” This resets the oil life index. The message
will remain off until the next oil change is needed. The
percentage of oil life remaining may be checked
at any time
by pressing the INFORMATION button several
times
until the OIL LIFE LEFT message appears. For
more information on
the Oil Life feature, see “Oil Life
Indicator” in the Index.
What to Do with Used Oil
Did you know that used engine oil contains certain
elements that may be unhealthy for your skin and could
even cause cancer? Don’t let used oil stay on your skin
for very long. Clean your skin and nails with soap
and
water, or a good hand cleaner. Wash or properly throw
away clothing or rags containing used engine oil. (See
the manufacturer’s warnings about the use and disposal
of oil products.)
Used
oil can be a real threat to the environment. If you
change your own oil, be sure to drain all free-flowing oil
from the filter before disposal. Don’t ever dispose
of oil
by putting it in the trash, pouring
it on the ground, into
sewers, or into streams or bodies of water. Instead,
recycle
it by taking it to a place that collects used oil. If
you have a problem properly disposing of your used oil,
ask your dealer, a service station or a local recycling
center for
help.
6-12

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Follow these steps to reinstall the air cleaner assembly:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Slide the air cleaner lid into the slots in the front
edge
of the air cleaner base.
Pivot the air cleaner Cover and the air duct assembly
downward. Make sure that both latches are secure
and fully engaged.
Reinstall the clean air duct over the mass airflow
sensor. Make sure that the duct is secure around the
entire outer edge of the sensor.
Tighten the air duct clamp.
Reconnect the
IAT sensor.
Refer
to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to
replace the air filter.
See “Scheduled Maintenance Services” in the
Maintenance Schedule booklet.
Operating the engine with the air cleaner off can
cause you or others to be burned. The air cleaner
not only cleans the air, it stops flames if the
engine backfires.
If it isn’t there, and the engine
backfires, you could be burned. Don’t drive with
it off, and be careful working on the engine with
the air cleaner off.
I NOTICE:
If the air cleaner is off, a backfire can cause a
damaging engine fire. And, dirt can easily get
into your engine, which
will damage it. Always
have the air cleaner in place when you’re driving.
6- 15

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Automatic Transaxle Fluid
When to Check and Change
A good time to check your automatic transaxle fluid
level is when the engine oil is changed.
Change both the fluid and filter every
50,000 miles
(83 000 km) if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or
more
of these conditions:
0 In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches
90°F (32°C) or higher.
0 In hilly or mountainous terrain.
0 When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, the fluid and filter do not require changing.
See “Scheduled Maintenance Services” in the
Maintenance Schedule booklet.
How to Check
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may
choose
to have this done at your Cadillac dealership
service department.
If
you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions
here, or you could get a false reading on the dipstick.
NOTICE:
Too much or too little fluid can damage your
transaxle.
Too much can mean that some of the
fluid could come out and fall on hot engine parts
or exhaust system parts, starting a fire. Be sure to
get an accurate reading if you check your
transaxle fluid.
Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the transaxle
fluid level
if you have been driving:
0 When outside temperatures are above 90°F (32°C).
0 At high speed for quite a while.
0 In heavy traffic -- especially in hot weather.
0 While pulling a trailer.
6-16

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with new
DEX-COOL TM (orange-colored, silicate-free) engine
coolant. This coolant is designed to remain in your
vehicle for
5 years or 100,000 miles (166 000 km),
whichever occurs first.
The following explains your cooling system and how
to add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem
with engine overheating, see “Engine Overheating”
in the Index.
A 50/50 mixture of water and the proper coolant for
your Cadillac will:
Give freezing protection down to -34°F (-37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages work as they
should.
NOTICE:
When adding coolant it is important that you use
DEX-COOL (orange-colored, silicate-free)
coolant meeting
GM Specification 6277M.
If silicated coolant is added to the system,
premature engine, heater core or radiator
corrosion may result. In addition, the engine
coolant will require change sooner
-- at
30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months,
whichever occurs first.
What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clean water (preferably
distilled) and one-half
DEX-COOL (orange-colored,
silicate-free) antifreeze that meets GM Specification
6277M, which won’t damage aluminum parts. Use
GM Engine Coolant Supplement (sealer) (GM Part
No. 3634621) with any complete coolant change. If you
use this mixture, you don’t need to add anything else.
A special procedure is required for adding sealer; see the
Cadillac service manual.
(To order a service manual, see
“Service and Owner Publications” in the Index.)
6-19

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Brake Wear
Your Cadillac has four-wheel disc brakes.
Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that make
a high-pitched warning sound when the brake pads are
worn and new pads are needed. The sound may come and
go or be heard all the time your vehicle is moving (except
when you are pushing on the brake pedal firmly).
The brake wear warning sound means that
sooner or later your brakes won’t work well.
That could lead to an accident. When you hear
the brake wear warning sound, have your vehicle serviced.
NOTICE:
~~~~~
Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads
could result
in costly brake repair.
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.
Free movement of brake calipers and properly torqued
wheel nuts are necessary to help prevent brake
pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect brake calipers
for movement, brake pads for wear, and evenly torque
wheel nuts in the proper sequence to
GM specifications.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return to
normal height, or if there
is a rapid increase in pedal
travel. This could be a sign of brake trouble.
Brake Adjustment
Every time you apply the brakes, with or without the
vehicle moving, your brakes adjust for wear.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Bulb Replacement
For any bulb changing procedure not listed in this
section, contact your Cadillac dealer service department.
Halogen Bulbs
Headlamps
A CAUTION:
Halogen bulbs have pressurized gas inside and
can burst if you drop
or scratch the bulb. You or
others could be injured. Be sure to read and
follow the instructions on the bulb package.
1. Remove the cover by turning the lock tabs in the
direction
of the arrows as shown on the cover.
6-29

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine We don’t make tires. Your new Cadillac comes with
high-quality tires made by a leading tire manufacturer.
If you ever have questions about your tire warranty and
where to obtain service,
see your Cadillac Warranty
booklet
for details.
A CAUTION:
Poorly maintained and improperly used tires are
dangerous.
0 Overloading your tires can cause
overheating
as a result of too much friction.
You could have an air-out and a serious
accident. See “Loading Your Vehicle”
in
the Index.
CAUTION: (Continued)
0
0
Underinflated tires pose the same danger as
overloaded tires. The resulting accident
could cause serious injury. Check
all tires
frequently to maintain the recommended pressure. Tire pressure should be checked
when your tires are cold.
Overinflated tires
are more likely to be
cut, punctured or broken by
a sudden
impact
-- such as when you hit a pothole.
Keep tires at the recommended pressure.
Worn, old tires can cause accidents.
If your
tread is badly worn, or if your tires have
been damaged, replace them.
See “Inflation
-- Tire Pressure” in this section
for inflation pressure adjustment for higher
speed driving.