1997 CADILLAC CATERA coolant level

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Low Coolant Warning Light
This warning light should
come on while you are
starting
the engine. If the
light doesn’t come on, have
4
it repaired.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Check Engine Light)
Your Catera is equipped
with a computer which
monitors operation of the
fuel, ignition and emission
CHECK
ENGINE
control systems.
Your Catera is equipped with a low coolant level sensor
(switch and float) that is designed
to detect when your
vehicle’s coolant level drops below the set limit. If the
low coolant level sensor (under the coolant surge tank)
detects that the level drops while the engine is running,
the low coolant indicator will light and remain lit until
the ignition switch is turned off. Check the coolant level and add coolant as needed. The light should turn
off as
soon as the coolant level
is at its proper operating range. This
system is called OBD
I1 (On-Board
Diagnostics-Second Generation) and is intended
to assure that emissions are at acceptable levels for
the life of the vehicle, helping
to produce a cleaner
environment. (In Canada,
OBD I1 is replaced by
Enhanced Diagnostics.) The CHECK
ENGINE light
comes on to indicate that there is a problem and service
is required. Malfunctions often will be indicated by the
system before any problem is apparent. This may
prevent more serious damage to your vehicle. This
system
is also designed to assist your service technician
in correctly diagnosing any malfunction.
2-69

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine In cold weather, when the system senses the need for
heat, airflow will be directed out of the floor outlets.
As
the interior temperature approaches a desired setting, the
blower speed will decrease.
To maintain interior
comfort, the airflow may move to the instrument panel
air outlets and floor outlets (bi-level mode). On bright
sunny days in cold weather, the airflow may come out of
the air conditioning outlets
(AC mode) to maintain
comfort and prevent stuffiness.
If your vehicle is sitting out on a hot day and you have it
set for automatic operation, the
air will first flow out of the
floor
air outlets during cool down. That is normal. This is
to expel hot
air from the air outlets. As the air is cooled,
the airflow will move through the
air conditioning outlets.
To avoid blowing cold air in cold weather, the system will
delay turning on
the fan until warm air is available. The
length of delay depends on the outside
air temperature,
engine coolant temperature
or the time since the engine
was last started.
As the coolant warms up, the blower fan
speed will gradually increase and air will flow from the
heater outlets, with some airflow to the windshield to prevent fogging under most normal conditions.
If you leave your vehicle, the system will remember the
control setting the next time you start your engine,
except for recirculation and defrost. Each ignition cycle
cancels recirculation.
Manual Operation
You may manually adjust the air delivery mode or
fan speed.
'# HEATERDEFROST: This setting directs air to
the floor outlets and toward the windshield.
3 AC: This setting directs airflow through the middle
instrument
panel outlets.
'!! BI-LEVEL: This setting directs air into your
vehicle in two ways. Cool air is directed to the upper
portion
of your body through the middle instrument
panel outlets while warmed air is directed to the floor.
w.
HEATER: This setting directs warmed air through
the floor outlets. Some warm air is diverted to the
windshield to minimize fogging.
DEFROST: Press this button to quickly remove
fog or frost from the windshield. This setting sends most
of the airflow to the windshield with only a small
amount
to the floor outlets.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine The coolant level should be at or slightly above the
KALTKOLD line (seam).
If it isn’t, you may have a leak in the radiator hoses,
heater hoses, radiator, water pump
or somewhere else in
the cooling system.
I A C A UTION:
Heater and radiator hoses, and other engine
parts, can be very hot. Don’t touch them.
If you
do, you can be burned.
Don’t run the engine
if there is a leak. If you run
the engine, it could lose all coolant. That could
cause an engine fire, and
you could be burned.
Get any leak fixed before you drive the vehicle.
NOTICE:
Engine damage from running your engine
without coolant isn’t covered by your warranty.
If there seems to be no leak, with the engine on, check to
see if the electric engine fans are running. If the engine
is overheating, both fans should be running. If they
aren’t, your vehicle needs service.
5-17

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Surge Tank
If you haven’t found a problem yet, but the coolant level
isn’t at the
KALT/COLD line (seam), add a 50/50
mixture of clean water (preferably distilled) and
DEX-COOL@ coolant at the coolant surge tank, but be
sure the cooling system, including the coolant surge tank
pressure cap, is cool before you do it.
(See “Engine
Coolant” in the Index for more information.)
Steam and scalding liquids from a hot cooling
system can blow out and burn you badly. They
are under pressure, and if you turn the coolant
surge tank pressure cap
-- even a little -- they
can come out at high speed. Never turn the
cap when the cooling system, including the
coolant surge tank pressure cap, is hot. Wait
for the cooling system and coolant surge tank
pressure cap to cool
if you ever have to turn
the pressure cap.
5-18

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 3. Then fill the coolant surge tank with the proper mix,
up to the KALTKOLD line (seam). 4. With the coolant surge tank pressure cap off, start the
engine and let it run until you can feel the upper
radiator hose getting hot. Watch out for the
engine fans.
By this time, the coolant level inside the coolant
surge tank may be lower. If the level is lower, add
more of the proper mix to the coolant surge tank
until the level reaches the
KALTKOLD line (seam).
5-21

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 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.
6- 19

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine CAUTION:
-
Turning the surge tank pressure cap when the
engine and radiator are hot can allow steam and
scalding liquids to blow out and burn you badly.
Never turn the surge tank pressure cap
-- even a
little
-- when the engine and radiator are hot.
When your engine is cold, the coolant level should be at
the
KALT/COLD line (seam).
If this light comes on, it
means you’re low
on
engine coolant.
Adding Coolant
If you need more coolant, add the proper DEX-COOL@
coolant mixture at the surge tank, but only when the
engine is
cool.
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol,
and
it will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Don’t spill coolant on
a hot engine.
When replacing the surge tank pressure cap, make sure
it
is tight.
For more information, see “Low Coolant Light” in
the Index.
6-22