1997 CADILLAC CATERA check engine

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Driving under these conditions causes engine oil to
break down sooner. If any one of these is
true for your
vehicle, then you need to change your oil and filter
every
5,000 miles (8 000 km) or 3 months -- whichever
occurs first. (See “Check Oil Light” in the Index.)
If none of them is true, use the long triphighway
maintenance schedule. Change the oil and filter at the
first
5,000 miles (8 000 km) or 3 months -- whichever
occurs first. Then, change the oil and filter every
10,000 miles
( 16 000 km) or 12 months -- whichever
occurs first. Driving a vehicle with
a fully warmed
engine under highway conditions causes engine oil
to break down slower. (See “Check Oil Light”
in
the Index.)
What to Do with Used Oil
Did you know that used engine oil contains certain
elements that may be unhealthy for your skin and could
even cause cancer? Don’t let used oil stay
on your skin
for very long. Clean your skin and nails with soap and
water, or a good hand cleaner. Wash or properly throw
away clothing or rags containing used engine oil. (See
the manufacturer’s warnings about
the use and disposal
of oil products.)
Used oil can be a real threat to the environment. If you
change your own oil, be sure to drain all free-flowing oil
from the filter before disposal. Don’t ever dispose of oil
by putting
it in the trash, pouring it on the ground, into
sewers, or into streams or bodies of water. Instead,
recycle
it by taking it to a place that collects used oil. If
you have a problem properly disposing of your used oil,
ask your dealer, a service station or a local recycling
center for help.
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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.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Rear Axle
When to Check Lubricant
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how
often to check the lubricant. See “Periodic Maintenance
Inspections” and “Scheduled Maintenance Services” in
the Maintenance Schedule booklet.
How to Check Lubricant
I
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind
of lubricant to use. See “Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants” in
the Maintenance Schedule booklet.
Engine Coolant
The cooling s stem in your vehicle is filled with new
DEX-COOL
J engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for
5 years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km) whichever occurs first, if you add only
DEX-COOL6 extended life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and how
to add coolant when it is low. If
you have a problem
with engine overheating, see “Engine Overheating” in
the Index.
If the level is below the bottom of the filler plug hole,
you’ll need
to add some lubricant. Add enough lubricant
to raise the level to the bottom of the filler plug hole.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine NOTICE:
If you use an improper coolant mix, your engine
could overheat and be badly damaged. The
repair cost wouldn't be covered by your
warranty.
Too much water in the mix can freeze
and crack the engine, radiator, heater core and
other parts.
If you have to add coolant more than four times a year,
have your dealer check your cooling system.
NOTICE:
If you use the proper coolant, you don't have to
add extra inhibitors or additives which claim to
improve the system. These can be harmful.
Checking Coolant
The surge tank is located behind the air cleaner on the
passenger's side of the engine.
The cooling system when hot is under a lot of pressure.
If the low coolant warning light on the instrument panel
appears,
you will need to add coolant.
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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.
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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.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Headlamp Aiming
Your vehicle has the 55 x 135 mini-quad headlamp
system. These headlamps have horizontal and vertical
aim indicators. The aim has been pre-set at the factory
and should need
no further adjustment.
If your vehicle is damaged in an accident and the
headlamp aim seems
to be affected, see your Catera
dealer. Headlamps on damaged vehicles may require
recalibration of the horizontal aim by your Catera dealer.
To check the aim, the vehicle should be properly
prepared as follows:
0 The vehicle must have all four tires on a perfectly
level surfxe.
The vehicle should not have any snow, ice or mud
attached to
it.
0 There should not be any cargo or loading of the
vehicle, except it should have a full tank
of gas and
one person or 160 lbs.
(75 kg) on the driver’s seat.
Tires should be properly inflated.
0 The horizontal indicator should read “0.”
NOTICE:
To make sure your headlamps are aimed
properly, read all the instructions before
beginning. Failure
to follow these instructions
could cause damage
to headlamp parts.
State inspection stations will allow a vertical reading of
plus
0.76 degrees or minus 0.76 degrees from the center
of the bubble.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine It is recommended that the upper limit not exceed plus
0.4 degrees from the center of the bubble. Other drivers
may flash their high beams at you if your adjustment is
much above plus
0.4 degrees.
If you find that the headlamp aiming needs adjustment,
follow these steps: Adjustment screws can be turned with an
E8 Torx@
socket or a
TI 5 Torx screwdriver.
2. Check the vertical aim for each headlamp and adjust
it as necessary. You can see the level through the
headlamp assembly. Turn the vertical aiming screw,
on the outboard side of the headlamp assembly, until
the bubble in the level is centered at
0 (zero). 1. With a screwdriver, unscrew the fastener on the
headlamp cover and then remove the cover to be able
to
see the back of the headlamp assembly.
3. If the horizontal aim needs adjusting, see your
Catera dealer.
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