1997 CADILLAC CATERA steering

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 5. Then replace the pressure cap. Be sure the pressure
cap
is tight.
If a Tire Goes Flat
It’s unusual for a tire to “blow out” while you’re driving,
especially if you maintain your tires properly.
If air goes
out of a tire, it’s much more likely to leak out slowly.
But if you should ever have a “blowout,” here are a few
tips about what to expect and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the flat tire will create a drag that
pulls the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot
off the
accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel firmly.
Steer to maintain lane position, and then gently brake to
a stop well out of the traffic lane.
A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts much like a
skid and may require the same correction you’d use in a
skid. In any rear blowout, remove your foot from the
accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle under control by
steering the way you want the vehicle to go. It may be
very bumpy and noisy, but you can still steer. Gently
brake to a stop
-- well off the road if possible.
If a tire goes flat, the next part shows how to use your
jacking equipment to change a flat tire safely.
5-22

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine If You’re Stuck: In Sand, Mud,
Ice or Snow
What you don’t want to do when your vehicle is stuck is
to spin your wheels too
fast. The method known as
“rocking” can help you get out when you’re stuck, but
you must use caution.
I
L
If you let your tires spin at hig: ;peed, they can
explode, and you or others could be injured.
And, the transmission or other parts of the
vehicle can overheat. That could cause an engine
compartment fire or other damage. When you’re
stuck, spin the wheels as little
as possible. Don’t
spin the wheels above
35 mph (55 km/h) as shown
on the speedometer.
NOTICE: -
Spinning your wheels can destroy parts of your
vehicle
as well as the tires. If you spin the wheels
too fast while shifting your transmission back
and forth, you can destroy your transmission.
For information about using tire chains on your vehicle,
see “Tire Chains” in the Index.
Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out
First, turn your steering wheel left and right. That will
clear the area around your front wheels. You should turn
your traction control system
off. (See “Traction Control
System” in the Index.) Then shift back and forth
between
REVERSE (R) and a forward gear, spinning the
wheels as little as possible. Release the accelerator pedal
while you shift, and press lightly
on the accelerator
pedal when the transmission is in gear. If that doesn’t
get
you out after a few tries, you may need to be towed
out. If you do need to be towed out, see “Towing Your
Catera”
in the Index.
5-33

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.
6-9

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Surge Tank Pressure Cap Power Steering Fluid
NOTICE:
The surge tank cap is a 15 psi (105 kPa)
pressure-type cap and must be tightly installed to prevent coolant loss and possible engine
damage from overheating.
If the surge tank pressure cap needs to be replaced, a
GM cap is recommended.
Thermostat
Engine coolant temperature is controlled by a thermostat
in the engine coolant system. The thermostat stops the
flow
of coolant through the radiator until the coolant
reaches a preset temperature.
If the thermostat needs to be replaced, a GM thermostat
is recommended. The
power steering fluid reservoir
is located between
the battery and the brake master cylinder on the driver’
side
of the engine.
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering
fluid unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
6-23

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Mow To Check Power Steering Fluid
When the engine compartment is cool, wipe the cap and
the top of the reservoir clean, then unscrew the cap and
wipe the dipstick with a clean rag. Replace the cap and
completely tighten it. Then remove the cap again and
look at the fluid level on the dipstick.
The level should be at the full mark. There are two lines
on the dipstick. The top line is the “full” mark and the
bottom
line is the “add” line (which means that fluid
should be added). If necessary, add only enough fluid
to bring the level up to the
full mark.
What to Use
To determine what kind of fluid to use, see
“Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the
Maintenance Schedule booklet. Always use the
proper fluid. Failure to use the proper fluid can
cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.
Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When you need windshield washer fluid, be sure to read
the manufacturer’s instructions before use. If you will be
operating your vehicle
in an area where the temperature
may fall below freezing, use a fluid that has sufficient
protection against freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
The windshield washer
fluid reservoir is located
behind the front grille
on the driver’s side
of
the engine.
Open the cap with the washer symbol on it. Add washer
fluid until
the tank is full.
6-24

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Fuses and Circuit Breakers
The wiring circuits in your vehicle are protected from
the short circuits by a combination of fuses and circuit
breakers. This greatly reduces the chance of fires caused
by electrical problems.
Look at the silver-colored band inside the fuse.
If the
band is broken or melted, replace the
fuse. Be sure you
replace a bad fuse with a new one of the identical size
and rating.
If you ever have a problem on the road and don’t have
a spare fuse, you can “borrow” one that has the same
amperage. Pick some feature of your vehicle that you
can get along without
-- like the radio or cigarette
lighter
-- and use its fuse, if it is the correct amperage.
Replace it as soon as you can.
There
are two fuse blocks in your vehicle: the instrument
panel fuse blocks and the engine compartment relay center.
Instrument Panel Fuse Block (Driver’s Side)
The fuse block is located below the steering wheel on
the driver’s side. Using a screwdriver, loosen the two
trim fasteners under the trim panel and pull the trim
panel away from the instrument panel to access.
6-57

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 33 HEATER BLOWER I 34 RR WDO DEFOG I 35PWRSEAT I
WIPER 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 HIDSEAT ABS FUEL
HORN CLAMP15 CLAMP 15 CIG HZD HTD CLAMP 15a MIRROR CRUISE FRONT PUMP AfT
PWF RADIO PWR AUDIO CLAMP30 HTDSEAT FLASHER CUMPIS 1 8 234567
PESL BAH GUARD All RE4R
Fuse
1
2
3
4
5
6
Usage
RH
and LH Front Side Door Window
Regulator Motor,
LH Front Side Door Window
Switch
Stoplamp Switch
Automatic Transmission Switch and Control
Indicator, Power Steering Control Module,
Hazard Warning Switch
RH and LH Rear Seat Cushion Heater Relay
Transmission Control Module
Sound Processor Amplifier
Fuse
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
Usage
RH and LH Rear Side Door Window
Regulator Motor
Headlamp Switch, Turn Signal Switch, Horn
Relay, CD Changer, Multifunction Relay
Module
Windshield Wiper Motor and Relay, Windshield
Wiper and Windshield Washer Switch
Body Control Module (BCM), Auxiliary
Water Pump, Heater and A/C Control, Fan
Control Relays
Heater and A/C Control, RH and
LH Outside
Rearview Mirrors, Outside Remote Control
Rearview Mirror Switch
Hazard Warning Switch, Instrument Cluster,
Data Link Connector (DLC), Stoplamp
Switch, Gage Cluster, Heater and A/C Control
Remote Control Outside Rearview Mirror
Switch, A/C Compressor Relay, Test
Connector, A/C Control Switch
Cellular Telephone, Cigarette Lighter, RH and
LH Windshield Washer Nozzle, Driver and Passenger Heated Seat Switch, Heater and A/C
Control, Heated Outside Rearview Mirror and
Rear Window Defogger Relay
6-58

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 1997 CADILLAC SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ORDERING INFORMATION
The following publications covering the operation and servicing of your vehicle can be purchased by filling out
the Service Publication Order Form in this book and mailing it in with your check, money order,
or credit card information to Helm, Incorporated (address below.) \
CURRENT PUBLICATIONS FOR 1997 CADILLAC
SERVICE MANUALS
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair information
on engines, transmission, axle, suspension, brakes,
electrical, steering, body, etc. RETAIL SELL PRICE:
$90.00
TRANSMISSION, TRANSAXLE, TRANSFER CASE
UNIT REPAIR MANUAL
This manual provides information on unit repair service
procedures, adjustments and specifications for the
1997 GM transmissions, transaxles and transfer cases.
RETAIL SELL PRICE:
$40.00
OWNER’S INFORMATION
Owner publications are written directly for Owners and
intended to provide basic operational information about the
vehicle. The owner’s manual
will include the Maintenance
Schedule for all models.
In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio, Owner’s Manual and
Warranty Booklet. RETAIL SELL PRICE:
$15.00
Without Portfolio: Owner’s Manual only.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $1 0.00
CURRENT & PAST MODEL ORDER FORMS
Service Publications are available for current and past
model
GM vehicles. To request an order form, please
specify year and model name
of the vehicle.
OR ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-782-4356
Monday-Friday 8:OO AM - 6:OO PM Eastern Time
For Credit
Card Orders Only (VISA-MasterCard-Disr)