1997 CADILLAC CATERA Owners Manual

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 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.
2. Lock the door using the power door lock or the RKE
transmitter. The SECURITY light should come on
and stay
on.
3. Close all the doors. The SECURITY light should go
off within approximately 30 seconds.
The horn will sound and the lamps will flash for several
minutes when the door or trunk is opened without the
key or RKE transmitter. The horn also sounds if the
locks are damaged. Remember, the theft-deterrent
system won’t activate if
you lock the doors with
a key or use the manual door
lock. It activates only if
you use a power door lock
switch or the
RKE transmitter.
To avoid activating the alarm by accident:
The vehicle should be locked with the key after the
doors are closed if
you don’t want to activate the
theft-deterrent system.
Always unlock a door with a key or use the RKE
transmitter. (Pressing the unlock button on the RKE
transmitter disables the theft-deterrent system.)
Unlocking a door
any other way will activate the
alarm. Cycling the ignition without disarming the
theft-deterrent system will also activate the alarm.
If
you activate the alarm by accident, unlock the driver’s
door with your key. You can also turn off the alarm by
using the RKE transmitter. The alarm won’t stop if you
try to unlock a door in any other way.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 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. Wait 30 seconds.
3. Reach in and unlock the door using the manual lock
and open the door. The horn will sound and the
headlamps will flash.
If the alarm does not sound when it should, check to see
if the horn works. The horn fuse may be blown.
To
replace the fuse, see “Fuses and Circuit Breakers” in the
Index.
If the fuse does not need to be replaced, you may
need to have your Catera serviced.
To reduce the possibility of theft, always activate the
optional theft-deterrent system when leaving your vehicle.
Immobilizer
Your vehicle is
equipped with a
passive theft-deterrent
system.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following
two conditions: (1) this
device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) thls
device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following
two conditions: (1) this
device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must
accept
any interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation of the device.
Changes or modifications to this system by other than an
authorized service facility could void authorization
to
use this equipment.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine The system works when you turn the key to the
RUN (11) position. The key uses a transponder that
matches an immobilizer control unit in your vehicle.
The correct key will start the vehicle.
When the system senses that someone
is using the
wrong key, it may start but it will not continue
to run. If
someone tries to start your vehicle again or
uses another
key during this time, the shutdown will start over again.
This discourages someone from randomly trying
different keys with different transponders in an attempt
to make a match.
If the engine cannot be started, turn the key in the
ignition
to the RUN (11) position. Wait approximately
two seconds; then start your vehicle again.
If the engine still won’t start, try another key. You may
also want
to check the fuses (see “Fuses and Circuit
Breakers” in the Index). If the engine doesn’t start with
the other key, your vehicle needs service. If your vehicle
does start, the first key may be faulty. See your
Catera dealer.
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.
New Vehicle “Break-In’’
NOTICE:
Your modern Catera doesn’t need an elaborate
“break-in.” But it will perform better in the long
run if you follow these guidelines:
Don’t drive at any one speed -- fast or
slow
-- for the first 500 miles (805 km).
Don’t make full-throttle starts.
200 miles (322 km) or so. During this time
your new brake linings aren’t yet broken
in. Hard stops with new linings can mean
premature wear and earlier replacement.
Follow this breaking-in guideline every
time you get new brake linings.
See “Towing a Trailer” in the Index for
more information.
Avoid making hard stops for the first
0 Don’t tow a trailer during break-in.
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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 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. If the Catera starts
briefly but then stops again,
do the same thing.
I NOTICE:
Your engine is designed to work with the
electronics in your vehicle.
If you add electrical
parts or accessories, you could change the way
the engine operates. Before adding electrical
equipment, check with your dealer.
If you don’t,
your engine might not perform properly.
If you ever have to have your vehicle towed, see
the part of this manual that tells how to do it
without damaging your vehicle.
See “Towing
Your Catera” in the Index.
Engine Coolant Heater (Option)
The electrical cord for the engine coolant heater is in
front of the air cleaner filter and under the headlamp
cover, on
the passenger’s side of the engine.
ENGINE COOLANT
HEATER ELEC AIR CLEANER ASSEMBLY
CORD ////
HE
AS
I
HEADLAMP
COVER
In very cold weather, 0°F (- 18 “C) or
colder, the engine
coolant heater can help. You’ll get easier starting and
better
fuel economy during engine warm-up. Usually,
the coolant heater should be plugged in a minimum of
four hours prior to starting your vehicle.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 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
of extension cord could overheat and cause
a fire. You could be seriously injured. Plug the
cord into a properly grounded three-prong
110-volt
AC outlet. If the cord won’t reach, use a
heavy-duty three-prong extension cord rated for
at least 15 amps.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug
and store the cord as it was before to keep it away
from moving engine parts. If
you don’t, it could
be damaged.
How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged
in? The answer depends on the outside temperature, the
kind of oil you have, and some other things. Instead of
trying to list everything here, we ask that you contact
your Catera dealer in the area where you’ll be parking
your vehicle. The dealer can give you the best advice for
that particular area.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Automatic Transmission Operation
There are several different
positions for
the shift lever.
2-
PARK (P): This locks the transmission drive shaft. It’s
the best position to use when you start the engine
because your vehicle can’t move easily.
A CAUTION:
I
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. Your vehicle can roll.
Don’t leave your vehicle when the engine
is
running unless you have to. If you have left the
engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be sure your
vehicle won’t move, even when you’re on fairly
level ground, always set your parking brake and
move the shift lever to
PARK (P).
See “Shifting Into PARK (P)” in the Index. If
you’re pulling a trailer, see “Towing a Trailer” in
the Index.
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