1997 CADILLAC CATERA steering wheel

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 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. How the Air Bag Systems Work
Where are the air bags?
The driver’s frontal air bag is in the middle of the
steering wheel.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine I a 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
inflation path of a side impact air bag.
When should an air bag inflate?
The driver’s and right front passenger’s frontal air bags
are designed to inflate in moderate to severe frontal or
near-frontal crashes. The frontal air bags are designed to
inflate only if the impact speed is above the system’s
designed “threshold
level.” If your vehicle goes straight
into a wall that doesn’t move or deform, the threshold
level is about
9 to 15 mph (14 to 24 km/h). The
threshold level can vary, however, with specific vehicle
design,
so that it can be somewhat above or below this range.
If your vehicle strikes something that will move
or deform, such as a parked car, the threshold level will
be higher.
The driver’s and right front passenger’s
frontal air bags are not designed to inflate
in rollovers,
side impacts,
or rear impacts, because inflation would
not help the occupant.
The driver’s and right front passenger’s side impact air
bags
are designed to inflate in moderate to severe side
crashes involving
a front door. A side impact air bag
will inflate if the crash severity
is above the system’s
designed “threshold level.’’ The threshold level can vary
with specific vehicle design. Side impact air bags are not
designed to inflate in frontal or near-frontal impacts,
rollovers
or rear impacts, because inflation would not
help the occupant.
A side impact air bag will only
deploy on the side of the vehicle that is struck.
In any particular crash, no one can say whether an air
bag should have inflated simply because
of the damage
to a vehicle or because of what the repair costs were.
Inflation is determined by the angle
of the impact and
how quickly the vehicle slows down in frontal and
near-frontal impacts. For side impact air bags, inflation
is determined by the location of the impact and how
quickly the side of the vehicle deforms.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 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. The inflator, air bag and related hardware
are all part
of the air bag modules inside the steering
wheel, instrument panel and the side of the front
seatbacks closest to the door.
How does an air bag restrain?
In moderate to severe frontal or near frontal collisions,
even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel or
the instrument panel. In moderate to severe side
collisions, even belted occupants can contact the inside
of the vehicle. The air bag supplements the protection
provided by safety belts. Air bags distribute the force of
the impact more evenly over the occupant’s upper body,
stopping the occupant more gradually. But the frontal air
bags would not help you in many types of collisions,
including rollovers, rear impacts, and side impacts,
primarily because an occupant’s motion is not toward
the air bag. Side impact air bags would not help you in many
types of collisions, including frontal or near
frontal collisions, rollovers, and
rear impacts, primarily
because an occupant’s motion is not toward those air
bags. Air bags should never be regarded as anything
more than a supplement to safety belts, and then only in
moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal collisions for
the driver’s and right front passenger’s frontal air bags,
and only in moderate to severe side collisions for the
driver’s and right front passenger’s side impact air bags.
What will you see after an air bag inflates?
After an air bag inflates, it quickly deflates, so quickly
that some people may not even realize the air bag
inflated. Some components of the air bag module
-- the
steering wheel hub for the driver’s air bag, the
instrument panel for the right front passenger’s bag, the
side of the seatback closest to the door for the driver and
right front passenger’s side impact air bags
-- will be
hot for a short time. The parts
of the bag that come into
contact with you may be warm, but not too hot to touch.
There will be some smoke and dust coming from the
vents in the deflated air bags. Air bag inflation doesn’t
prevent the driver from seeing or being able to steer the
vehicle, nor does it stop people from leaving the vehicle.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine I U I
When an air bag inflates, there is dust in the air.
This dust could cause breathing problems
for
people with a history of asthma or other
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 a window or a door.
In many crashes severe enough to inflate an air bag,
windshields are broken by vehicle deformation.
Additional windshield breakage may also occur from the
right front passenger air bag.
Air bags are designed to inflate only once. After an
air bag inflates, you’ll need some new parts for your
air bag system.
If you don’t get them, the air bag
system won’t be there to help protect you in another
crash.
A new system will include air bag modules
and possibly other parts. The service manual for your
vehicle covers the need to replace other parts.
0
e
Your vehicle is equipped with a crash sensing and
diagnostic module, which records information about
the frontal air bag system. The module records
information about the readiness
of the system, when
the sensors are activated and driver’s safety belt
usage at deployment.
Let only qualified technicians work on your air
bag systems. Improper service can mean that an
air bag system won’t work properly. See your dealer
for service.
NOTICE:
If you damage the covering for the driver’s or the
right front passenger’s air bag, or the air bag
covering on the driver’s and right front
passenger’s seatback, the bag may not work
properly. You may have to replace the air bag
module in the steering wheel, both the air bag
module and the instrument panel for the right
front passenger’s
air bag, or both the air bag
module and seatback for the driver’s and right
front passenger’s side impact air bag.
Do not
open or break the air bag coverings.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 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
on how to fold the
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.
Although your Catera has a number of theft-deterrent
features, we know that nothing we put on it can make it
impossible to steal. However, there are ways you can help.
Key in the Ignition
If you leave your vehicle with the keys inside, it’s an
easy target for joy riders or professional thieves
-- so
don’t do it.
When you park your Catera and open the driver’s door,
you’ll hear a chime reminding you to remove your key
from the ignition and
take it with you. Always do this.
Your steering wheel will be locked, and
so will your
ignition and transmission. And remember to lock
the doors.
Parking at Night
Park in a lighted spot, close all windows and lock your
vehicle. Remember to keep your valuables out of sight.
Put them in a storage area, or take them with you.
Parking Lots
If you park in a lot where someone will be watching
your vehicle, it’s best to lock it
up and take your keys.
But what if you have to leave your key? What if you
have to leave something valuable in your vehicle?
Put your valuables in a storage area, like your trunk
0 Lock the glove box.
or glove
box.
2-11

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 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. But turn the key only with your hand.
Using a tool to force it could break the key or the
ignition switch.
If none of this works, then your
vehicle needs service.
With the key in the
ignition switch, you can
turn the switch to four
different positions.
LOCK (0): Before you put the key in, the ignition will
be in the
LOCK position. This is the only position in
which you can remove the key. This position locks the
ignition, steering wheel and transmission. It’s a
theft-deterrent feature.
Keep in mind that you may have to turn the steering
wheel
a little in order for the key to be removed or
turned freely from the
LOCK position -- this is normal.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 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).
RUN (11): The ignition is on in this position. RUN is
used for driving your vehicle.
START (III): This position starts the engine.
To lock the steering column, remove the key while in
LOCK. Rotate the steering wheel until you hear a click.
Retained Accessory Power
The radio is the only accessory on your Catera that may
be used
for up to 10 minutes after the ignition is turned
to OFF.
Power to the fuel door, trunk release and door locks is
available at all times. The power window controls and the
sunroof controls are active until a door is opened
-- there
is no time limit as long as the doors remain closed.
Starting Your Engine
Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
Your engine won’t start in any other position -- that’s a
safety feature. To restart when you’re already moving,
use NEUTRAL
(N) only.
NOTICE:
Don’t try to shift to PARK (P) if your Catera
is moving. If you do, you could damage the
transmission. Shift to PARK
(P) only when your
vehicle is stopped.
1. Without pushing the accelerator pedal, turn your
ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let
go of the key. The idle speed will
go down as your
engine gets warm.
NOTICE:
Holding your key in START for longer than
15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to be
drained much sooner. And the excessive heat can
damage your starter motor.
2. If it doesn’t start right away, hold your key in
START for about three seconds at a time until your
engine starts. Wait about
15 seconds between each
try to help avoid draining your battery.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine When you stop your vehicle and turn the ignition key to
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.
As soon as a door is opened, power window
movement will stop immediately.
Programming the Power Windows
If the battery on your vehicle has been disconnected or
is not working, you will need to reprogram each power
window in order for the express-open and close features
to work.
To program each window, press and hold the power
window control until the window has fully opened.
Continue holding the control down for approximately
five more seconds after the window is completely down.
The window is now programmed. Repeat this process
for each window.
Anti-Pinch Feature
If a hand, a head or another object is in the way of the
power window express-closing, the window will
immediately stop at the obstruction and express-open to
a preset factory position.
Note that pressing and holding the power window
control button will override the anti-pinch feature.
Rear Window Lockout
Pressing this button
rearward will disable the
rear passenger window
controls. This is a useful
feature if you have children
as passengers.
Press the
button forward to allow
your passengers to reuse
their window controls.
Horn
The horn can be sounded by pressing either horn symbol
on the steering wheel. The symbols are located at about
the
9 and 3 o’clock positions.