1997 CADILLAC CATERA ECU

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 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. When not using the net,
hook it to the metal loops, securing it to the floor.
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter
The front ashtray is located below the radio. Press on the
cover to access it.
To clean the ashtray, press the black
tab to the right of the tray to release it.
Now pull up on
the tray to remove and clean it.
To replace the ashtray, hold the black flap (cover) down
and slide
the ashtray toward the front of the vehicle.
Using both hands, press the ashtray down to
snap it
into place.
To use the rear ashtray, lift the lid.
I NOTICE:
Don’t put papers or other flammable items
into the ashtrays. Hot cigarettes or other
smoking materials could ignite them, causing a
damaging fire.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 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. Be sure you properly secure
these items in your vehicle.
Driving on Snow or Ice
Most of the time, those places where your tires meet the
road probably have good traction.
However, if there is snow or ice between your tires and
the road,
you can have a very slippery situation. You’ll
have a lot less traction or “grip” and will need to be
very careful.
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4-26

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the
GVWR, or either the maximum front or rear
GAWR.
If 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.
NOTICE:
Your warranty does not cover parts or
components that fail because of overloading.
If you put things inside your vehicle -- like suitcases,
tools, packages
or anything else -- they will go as fast as
the vehicle goes.
If you have to stop or turn quickly, or
if there is a crash, they’ll keep going.
Things you put inside your vehicle can strike
and injure people in
a sudden stop or turn,
or in
a crash.
Put things in the trunk of your vehicle. In a
trunk, put them
as far forward as you can.
Try to spread the weight evenly.
Never stack heavier things, like suitcases,
inside the vehicle
so that some of them are
above the tops of the seats.
Don’t leave an unsecured child restraint in
your vehicle.
When you carry something inside the
vehicle, secure it whenever you can.
Don’t leave a seat folded down unless you
need to.
4-31

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 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. Follow the
manufacturer’s recommendation for attaching safety
chains and do not attach them to the bumper. Always
leave just enough slack
so you can turn with your rig.
And, never allow safety chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
Because your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, don’t try to
tap into the hydraulic brake system. If you do, both
brake systems won’t work well, or at all.
Be sure to read and follow the instructions for the trailer
brakes
so you’ll be able to install, adjust and maintain
them properly.
Driving with a Trailer
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Before setting out for the open road, you’ll want to get
to know your
rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel of
handling and braking with the added weight
of the trailer. And
always keep in mind that the vehicle you
are
driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly as
responsive as your vehicle is by itself.
Before you start, check
the trailer hitch and platform
(and attachments), safety chains, electrical connector,
lamps, tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and
then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure
the brakes
are working. This lets you check your
electrical connection at the same time.
During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load
is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer brakes
are still working.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as you
would when driving your vehicle without a trailer. This
can help you avoid situations that require heavy braking
and sudden turns.
Passing
You’ll need more passing distance up ahead when
you’re towing a trailer. And, because you’re a good deal
longer, you’ll need to
go much farther beyond the
passed vehicle before you can return to your lane.
4-36

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Front and Rear Towing
-
I k!, CAUTION:
To help avoid injury to you or others:
Never let passengers ride in a vehicle that is
Never tow faster than safe or posted speeds.
Never tow with damaged parts not
being towed.
fully secured. CAUTION: (Continued)
Never get under your vehicle after it has
Always secure the vehicle on each side with
Use only R-hooks. been lifted by
the tow truck.
separate safety chains when towing it.
A CAUTION:
A vehicle can fall from a car-carrier if it isn’t
adequately secured. This can cause a collision,
serious personal injury and vehicle damage.
The vehicle should be tightly secured with chains
or steel cables before it is transported.
Don’t use substitutes (ropes, leather straps,
canvas webbing, etc.) that can be cut
by sharp
edges underneath the towed vehicle. Always use
R-hooks inserted in the front and rear R-hook
slots. Never use J-hooks. They will damage
drivetrain and suspension components.
5-9

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 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.
I
Attach a separate safety chain around the outboard end
of each lower control arm.
5-11

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 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.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 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.
Use the following
procedure to secure the flat tire in the trunk.
I LEFT SIDE OF TRUNK:
I
Put the flat tire in the trunk
where the spare is stored
(driver’s side wheel well).
Secure the flat tire with the
straps that are used to hold
the spare in place.
RIGHT SIDE OF TRUNK:
A JACK
/
The jacking tools are stored on the passenger’s side of
the trunk behind the panel with the red pull handle. Make sure these tools are properly secured when
not in use.
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