1997 CADILLAC CATERA Owners Manual

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine I
I A CAUTION:
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Gasoline vapor is highly flammable. It burns
violently, and that can cause very bad injuries.
Don't smoke if you're near gasoline or refueling your vehicle. Keep sparks, flames and smoking materials away from gasoline.
To use this feature,
your vehicle must be in
PARK (P). Press the fuel
door unlock button located
on the.instrument panel
center console to unlock and
open the fuel door. You can
also press the fuel button on
the
RKE transmitter to
access the fuel cap. While
refueling, hang the tethered fuel cap inside the
fuel door as shown
by the arrow.
To take off the cap, turn it slowly to the left
(counterclockwise).

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine If you get gasoline on yourself and then
something ignites
it, you could be badly burned.
Gasoline can spray out on you
if you open the
fuel filler cap too quickly. This spray can happen
if your tank is nearly full, and is more likely in
hot weather. Open the fuel filler cap slowly and
wait for any “hiss” noise to stop. Then unscrew
the cap all the
way.
Be careful not to spill gasoline. Clean gasoline from
painted surfaces as soon as possible. See “Cleaning the
Outside of Your Catera” in the Index.
When
you put the cap back on, turn it to the right
(clockwise) until you hear a clicking sound. Make sure
you fully install the cap.
Checking Things Under the Hood
A CAC-ION:
An electric fan under the hood can start up and
injure you even when the engine
is not running.
Keep hands, clothing and tools away from any
underhood electric fan.
Things that burn can get on hot engine parts and
start a fire. These include liquids like gasoline,
oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer and
other fluids, and plastic or rubber. You or others
could be burned. Be careful not to drop or spill
things that will burn onto a hot engine.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Hood Release
Pull the lever inside the
vehicle to open the hood.
It
is located on the lower left
side of the instrument panel.
,I .,
Then go to the front of the vehicle and find the
secondary
hood release which is located above the front
grille. Lift up on the release lever as
you raise the hood.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine When you open the hood, you’ll see:
1
H
A. Coolant Fill Location D. Engine Oil Fill Location G. Brake Master Cylinder
B. Air Cleaner E. Engine Oil Dipstick Location H. Power Steering Fluid
C. Passenger’s Compartment
F. Windshield Washer Fluid I. Battery
Air Filter
Before closing the hood,
be sure all filler caps are on properly. Then pull the hood down and close it firmly.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Engine Oil
If the low oil level light on
the instrument panel comes
on, it means you need
to
check your engine oil level
right away. For more
information, see “Low Oil
Level Light” in the Index.
You should check your
engine oil level regularly;
this
is an added reminder.
It’s a good idea to check your engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil must
be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground. The engine oil
dipstick is
located behind the radiator
hose on the driver’s side
of the engine.
The yellow
looped handle helps to
identify it.
Turn off the engine and give the oil a few minutes
to
drain back into the oil pan. If you don’t, the oil dipstick
might
not show the actual level.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Checking Engine Oil
Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or
cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it again,
keeping the tip down, and check the level. NOTICE:
Don’t add too much oil. If your engine has so
much oil that the oil level gets above the upper
mark that shows the proper operating range, your engine could be damaged.
The oil fill cap is located
behind the engine oil dipstick and next to the
engine block on the driver’s
side of the engine. Turn the
cap counterclockwise to
remove it.
When to Add Oil
If the oil is at or below the MIN mark, then you’ll
need to add at least one quart of oil. But you must use
the right kind. This part explains what kind of oil to use.
For crankcase capacity, see “Capacities and
Specifications” in the Index. Be sure
to fill
it enough to put the level somewhere in
the proper operating range. Push the dipstick all the way
back in when you’re through.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine What Kind of Oil to Use
Oils recommended for your vehicle can be identified by
looking for the “Starburst” symbol. This symbol
indicates that the oil has been certified by the American
Petroleum Institute (API).
Do not use any oil which
does not carry this Starburst symbol.
If
you change your own oil,
be sure you use oil that has
the Starburst symbol on the
front
of the oil container. If
you have your oil changed
for you, be sure the oil put
into your engine is
American Petroleum
Institute certified for
gasoline engines.
You should also use the proper viscosity oil for your
vehicle, as shown in the following chart:
~ RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY GRADE ENGINE OILS
FOR BEST FUEL ECONOMY AND COLD STARTING, SELECT THE LOWEST
SAE VISCOSITY GRADE OIL FOR THE EXPECTED TEMPERATURE RANGE.
HOT
WEATHER
~
“F
I100 -
+ 80 -
+60 -
+40-
+ 20 -
0-
7
“C
+ 38
+ 27
+ 16
+4
-7
- 18
---’I
-r
SAE 5w-30
1-91 sa PI abow 0°F (-18°C)
COLD
WEATHER
DO NOT USE SAE 2OW-50 OR AMY OTHER GRADE OIL NOT RECOMMENDED

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine As shown in the chart, SAE low-30 is best for your
vehicle. However,
you can use SAE 5W-30 if it’s going
to be colder than
60°F ( 16” C) before your next oil
change. When it’s very cold, you should use
SAE
5W-30. These numbers on an oil container show its
viscosity, or thickness.
Do not use other viscosity oils,
such as
SAE 2OW-50.
Engine Oil Additives
Don’t add anything to your oil. Your Catera dealer is
ready to advise if you think something should be added.
When to Change Engine Oil
If any one of these is true for you, use the short tripkity
maintenance schedule:
NOTICE:
Use only engine oil with the American Petroleum
Institute Certified For Gasoline Engines
“Starburst” symbol. Failure to use the
recommended oil can result in engine damage
not covered by your warranty.
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0
0
0
GM Goodwrench@ oil meets all the requirements for
your vehicle.
If you are in an area where the temperature falls below
-20°F (-29”C), consider using either an SAE 5W-30
synthetic oil or an
SAE OW-30 oil. Both will provide
easier cold starting and better protection for your engine
at extremely low temperatures.
0
Most trips are less than 5 to 10 miles (8 to 16 km).
This is particularly important when outside
temperatures are below freezing.
Most trips include extensive idling (such as frequent
driving in stop-and-go traffic).
Most trips are through dusty areas.
You frequently tow a trailer or use a carrier on top
of your Catera.
The vehicle is used for delivery service, police, taxi
or other commercial application.
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