1997 CADILLAC CATERA air condition

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Air Conditioning Heating
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. While
in the automatic operation
mode, the system will use recirculation as necessary to
cool the
air. You may also need to adjust the interior
temperature. Turn either TEMP/AUTO knob clockwise
to increase the temperature and counterclockwise to
decrease temperature. Adjust the fan speed as needed.
In order to obtain the maximum cool setting, both the
driver’s and passenger’s TEMP/AUTO knobs must be
turned to 60°F (16°C).
Adjust the interior temperature to your comfort level
by turning either TEMP/AUTO knob clockwise to
increase temperature
and counterclockwise to decrease
temperature. If the fan speed needs adjusting, press the
up or down arrow.
Outside air will be brought in and sent through the floor
outlets. The heater works best if you keep the windows
closed while using it.
In order to obtain the maximum heat setting, both the
driver’s and passenger’s TEMFVAUTO knobs must be
turned to
90°F (32°C).
3-6

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 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 the air conditioning fan
is running.
I
The front outlets are located in the center and at each
side
of the instrument panel. You can adjust the
direction of airflow by moving the center control levers
or you can
stop the airflow by moving the dial located
on each side
of the outlets to the “0” position. The
direction
of airflow for the rear seats can also be
adjusted. Move the center control dial between each
vent
up or down to adjust the airflow from low to high.
Rotate the dial to the
“0” position to stop airflow. Move
the lever
in the center of each vent to direct airflow
toward the upper or floor outlets.
The airflow temperature from the rear outlets
is the
same as the driver’s temperature setting.
3-7

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Ventilation Tips
0
0
0
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. This helps clear the intake outlets of
snow and moisture, and reduces the chance of
fogging the inside of the windows.
Keep the air path under the front seats clear of
objects. This helps circulate air throughout
your vehicle.
Passenger Compartment Air Filter
This ventilation system includes an air filter that helps to
remove dust, pollen, etc. from the air flowing into your
vehicle. A restriction in the airflow coming into the
passenger compartment could be the result of dirt
in the filter. For information about changing the filter,
see “Passenger Compartment Air Filter Replacement”
in
the Index. See the Maintenance Schedule booklet for
when to change the filter.
Defrosting
Use defrost to remove fog or ice from the windshield
quickly in extremely humid or cold conditions.
Press the defrost button on the control panel and adjust
the fan speed
to the highest position. Make sure that the
side air vents are opened. Rotate both TEMP/AUTO
knobs clockwise as needed to adjust the temperature.
To warm the foot area while in defrost, press the
MODE button until the heateddefrost symbol appears
(see “Manual Operation” earlier in this section).
Note that recirculation is not available in the
defrost mode.
3-8

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine If your traction control system is off, then an
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.
If you start steering quickly enough, your
vehicle may straighten out. Always be ready for a
second skid if it occurs.
Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice,
gravel or other material is on the road. For safety, you’ll
want to slow down and adjust your driving to these
conditions. It is important to slow down on slippery
surfaces because stopping distance will be longer and
vehicle control more limited.
While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try
your best
to avoid sudden steering, acceleration or
braking (including engine braking by shifting to a lower
gear). Any sudden changes could cause the tires to
slide.
You may not realize the surface is slippery until
your vehicle is skidding. Learn
to recognize warning
clues
-- such as enough water, ice or packed snow on
the road to make a “mirrored surface”
-- and slow
down when you have any doubt.
Remember: Any anti-lock brake system (ABS) helps
avoid only the braking skid.
Driving at Night
Night driving is more dangerous than day driving.
One reason is that some drivers are likely
to be
impaired
-- by alcohol or drugs, with night vision
problems,
or by fatigue.
4-15

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 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:
0 Climb a long hill on a hot day.
Stop after high-speed driving.
Idle for long periods in traffic.
0 Tow a trailer.
If you get the overheat warning with no sign of steam,
try this for a minute or
so:
1. Turn off your air conditioner. If
you no longer have the overheat warning, you can
drive. Just to be safe, drive slower for about
10 minutes.
If the warning doesn’t come back on, you can
drive normally.
If the warning continues, pull over, stop and park your
vehicle right away.
If there’s still no sign
of steam, you can idle the engine
for two or three minutes while you’re parked,
to see
if the warning stops. But then, if you still have the
warning,
turn ofSthe engine and get everyone out
of the vehicle until it cools down.
You may decide not to lift the hood but to get service
help right away.
2. Dial temperature control to the highest heat setting
3. If you’re in a traffic jam, shift to NEUTRAL (N);
and open
the window, as necessary.
otherwise, shift to the highest gear while
driving
-- DRIVE (D) or THIRD (3).
5-15

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 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.
6-2
6-3
6-5
6-5 6-7
6- 10
6- 15 6-18
6- 19
6-24
6-25
6-29
6-29
6-37
Service
Fuel
Fuels in Foreign Countries
Filling Your Tank
Checking Things Under the Hood
Engine Oil
Air Cleaner
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Engine Coolant
Windshield Washer Fluid
Brakes
Battery Bulb Replacement
Wiper Blade Replacement Tires
Cleaning the Inside of Your Catera
Care
of Safety Belts
Cleaning the Outside
of Your Catera
Cleaning Aluminum or Chrome Wheels
Underbody Maintenance
Appearance Care Materials Chart
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Electrical System Replacement Bulbs Capacities and Specifications
Air Conditioning Refrigerants
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
6-38
6-46
6-49
6-50
6-5 1
6-53
6-54
6-55
6-55
6-62 6-62
6-63
6-63
6-1

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 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. It’s the heavy, constant
knock that means you have a problem.
IT your vehicle is certified to meet California Emission
Standards (indicated on the underhood tune-up label),
it
is designed to operate on fuels that meet California
specifications.
If such fuels are not available in states
adopting California emissions standards, your vehicle
will operate satisfactorily on fuels meeting federal
specifications, but emission control system performance
may be affected. The malfunction indicator lamp on
your instrument panel may turn on and/or your vehicle
may fail a smog-check test. If this occurs, return to your
authorized Catera dealer for diagnosis to determine
the
cause of failure. In the event it is determined that the
cause of the condition is the type of fuels used, repairs
may not be covered by your warranty.
Some gasolines that are not reformulated for low
emissions contain an octane-enhancing additive called
methylcyclopentadlenyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT);
ask your service station operator whether or not this fuel
contains MMT. General Motors does not recommend the
use of such gasolines. If fuels containing MMT are used, spark plug
life may be reduced and your emission
control system performance may be affected. The
malfunction indicator lamp on your instrument panel
may turn on. If this occurs, return
to your authorized
Catera dealer for service.
To provide cleaner air, all gasolines in the United States
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.
.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 5. Replace the filter by sliding it back in, reattaching
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. both
retainer clips and closing the grille flap.
Auto-- ’ic Transmission Fluid
It is not necessary to check the transmission fluid level.
A transmission fluid leak is the only reason for fluid
loss. If a leak occurs, take your Catera to a Catera dealership
service department and have it repaired as
soon as possible. You may also have your fluid level
checked by your dealer or service center when
you have
your
oil 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
0 In hilly or mountainous terrain.
0 When doing frequent trailer towing.
0 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.
regularly reaches
90°F (32°C) or
higher.
NOTICE:
We recommend you use only fluid labeled
DEXRON@-111, because fluid with that label is
made especially for your automatic transmission.
Damage caused by fluid other than
DEXRON-I11
is not covered by your new vehicle warranty.
6-18