1997 CADILLAC CATERA manual transmission

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Section 2 Features and Controls
Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your Catera, and information on starting,
shifting and braking. Also explained are the instrument panel and the warning systems that tell you
if everything is
working properly
-- and what to do if you have a problem.
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Keys
Door Locks
Remote Keyless Entry System (RKE)
Trunk
Theft
Theft-Deterrent (System)
Immobilizer
New Vehicle “Break-In”
Ignition Positions Starting Your Engine
.Engine Coolant Heater
Automatic Transmission Operation
Parking Brake
Shifting Into PARK
(P)
Shifting Out of PARK (P) 2-28
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Parking Over Things That Burn
Engine Exhaust
Running Your Engine While You’re Parked
Windows Tilt Wheel
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
Lamps Mirrors
Storage Compartments
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter
Cellular Telephone
Sunroof
Universal Transmitter
Instrument Panel
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Programmable Automatic Door Locks
Each RKE transmitter supplied with your vehicle can be
programmed to suit each driver’s door lock preference.
The two RKE transmitters are identified on the back
with either a
“I” or a “2”, which allows either driver to
program their own door locks.
With
RKE, the automatic door locks can be programmed
to lock when the shift lever
is moved out of PARK (P)
and unlock when the shift lever
is moved back into
PARK (P). The door locks can also be programmed to
remain locked whether or not the shift lever
is returned
to the PARK (P) position.
With the ignition on, the transmission in PARK
(P)
and the brake pedal pressed in, you are now ready to
begin programming.
To enable the doors to lock when shifting out of PARK (P)
and to unlock when shifting back into
PARK (P), press
the lock button on
the RKE transmitter four times within
five seconds.
To disable the door unlock feature when shifting back
into PARK (P), press the unlock button on the
RKE
transmitter four times within five seconds. The doors
will lock when the shift lever is moved out of
PARK (P)
and will remain locked when the shift lever is moved
back into
PARK (P).
Keep
in mind that pressing the lock or unlock buttons on
the
RKE transmitter several times in a row (about 12
times) may cause the vehicle’s system to lock you out. If
this happens, wait about
30 seconds before trying to
enter your vehicle again.
Rear Door Security Lock
:.‘%is.:.
‘D
Your Catera is equipped
with rear door security
locks that help prevent
passengers from opening
the rear door of your
vehicle from the inside.
To use this lock:
1. Move the lever on the door all the way down into the
2. Close the door.
ENGAGED
position.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine To access, fold down the driver’s side rear seat and
reach through to the trunk compartment to find the
release handle. For more information
on how to fold the
rear seats, see “Folding the Rear Seat” in the Index.
Pulling the handle opens the trunk.
Theft
Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities.
Although your Catera has a number of theft-deterrent
features, we know that nothing we put on it can make it
impossible to steal. However, there are ways you can help.
Key in the Ignition
If you leave your vehicle with the keys inside, it’s an
easy target for joy riders or professional thieves
-- so
don’t do it.
When you park your Catera and open the driver’s door,
you’ll hear a chime reminding you to remove your key
from the ignition and
take it with you. Always do this.
Your steering wheel will be locked, and
so will your
ignition and transmission. And remember to lock
the doors.
Parking at Night
Park in a lighted spot, close all windows and lock your
vehicle. Remember to keep your valuables out of sight.
Put them in a storage area, or take them with you.
Parking Lots
If you park in a lot where someone will be watching
your vehicle, it’s best to lock it
up and take your keys.
But what if you have to leave your key? What if you
have to leave something valuable in your vehicle?
Put your valuables in a storage area, like your trunk
0 Lock the glove box.
or glove
box.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Ignition Positions
NOTICE:
If your key seems stuck in LOCK and you can’t
turn
it, be sure you are using the correct key; if
so, is it all the way in?
If it is, then turn the
steering wheel left and right while you turn the
key hard. But turn the key only with your hand.
Using a tool to force it could break the key or the
ignition switch.
If none of this works, then your
vehicle needs service.
With the key in the
ignition switch, you can
turn the switch to four
different positions.
LOCK (0): Before you put the key in, the ignition will
be in the
LOCK position. This is the only position in
which you can remove the key. This position locks the
ignition, steering wheel and transmission. It’s a
theft-deterrent feature.
Keep in mind that you may have to turn the steering
wheel
a little in order for the key to be removed or
turned freely from the
LOCK position -- this is normal.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine OFF (I): This position lets you turn off the engine but
still turn the steering wheel. It doesn’t lock the steering
wheel like
LOCK. Use OFF if you must have your
vehicle in motion while the engine
is off (for example, if
your vehicle is being pushed).
RUN (11): The ignition is on in this position. RUN is
used for driving your vehicle.
START (III): This position starts the engine.
To lock the steering column, remove the key while in
LOCK. Rotate the steering wheel until you hear a click.
Retained Accessory Power
The radio is the only accessory on your Catera that may
be used
for up to 10 minutes after the ignition is turned
to OFF.
Power to the fuel door, trunk release and door locks is
available at all times. The power window controls and the
sunroof controls are active until a door is opened
-- there
is no time limit as long as the doors remain closed.
Starting Your Engine
Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
Your engine won’t start in any other position -- that’s a
safety feature. To restart when you’re already moving,
use NEUTRAL
(N) only.
NOTICE:
Don’t try to shift to PARK (P) if your Catera
is moving. If you do, you could damage the
transmission. Shift to PARK
(P) only when your
vehicle is stopped.
1. Without pushing the accelerator pedal, turn your
ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let
go of the key. The idle speed will
go down as your
engine gets warm.
NOTICE:
Holding your key in START for longer than
15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to be
drained much sooner. And the excessive heat can
damage your starter motor.
2. If it doesn’t start right away, hold your key in
START for about three seconds at a time until your
engine starts. Wait about
15 seconds between each
try to help avoid draining your battery.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Automatic Transmission Operation
There are several different
positions for
the shift lever.
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PARK (P): This locks the transmission drive shaft. It’s
the best position to use when you start the engine
because your vehicle can’t move easily.
A CAUTION:
I
It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the
shift lever
is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
Don’t leave your vehicle when the engine
is
running unless you have to. If you have left the
engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be sure your
vehicle won’t move, even when you’re on fairly
level ground, always set your parking brake and
move the shift lever to
PARK (P).
See “Shifting Into PARK (P)” in the Index. If
you’re pulling a trailer, see “Towing a Trailer” in
the Index.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) range
before starting the engine. Your Catera has a
Brake-Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI).
You have to fully apply the regular brakes
before you
can shift from PARK
(P) when the ignition key is in
RUN. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure
on the shift lever -- push the shift lever all the way into
PARK
(P) as you maintain brake application. Then
move the shift lever into the gear you wish. See
“Shifting Out of PARK
(P)” in this section.
REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up.
To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow,
ice or sand without damaging the transmission, see
“Stuck: In Sand,
Mud, Ice or Snow” in the Index.
NEUTRAL (N): The engine doesn’t connect with
the wheels when driving in NEUTRAL
(N). Use
NEUTRAL
(N) to restart your vehicle when you’re
already moving or when your vehicle is being towed.
I 1
Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) while
your engine
is “racing” (running at high speed) is
dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on the
brake pedal, your vehicle could move very
rapidly. You could lose control and hit people or
objects. Don’t shift out of
PARK (P) or
NEUTRAL (N) while your engine is racing.
NOTICE:
Damage to the transmission caused by shifting
out of PARK
(P) or NEUTRAL (N) with the
engine racing isn’t covered by your warranty.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine DRIVE (D): Use this for normal driving. If you need
more power for passing, and you’re:
Going less than 35 mph (55 kmh), push the
Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the
The transmission will shift down to the next gear.
THIRD (3): Driving in THIRD (3) is not used for
normal driving.
It offers more power and lower fuel
economy than DRIVE (D).
accelerator pedal about halfway down.
accelerator all the
way down.
Here
are some times you might choose THIRD (3)
instead of DRIVE (D):
0 When driving on hilly, winding roads.
When towing a trailer, so there is less shifting
between gears.
When going down a steep hill.
SECOND (2): Driving in SECOND (2) gives you more
power. Use
it on hills. It can help control your speed as
you go down steep mountain roads, but then you would
also want to use the brakes
off and on.
FIRST (1): This gives you even more power (but lower
fuel economy) than SECOND
(2). You can use it on
very steep hills, or
in deep snow or mud. If the shift
lever is put
in FIRST (l), the transmission won’t shift
into first gear until the vehicle is going slowly enough.
NOTICE:
If the rear wheels can’t rotate, don’t try to drive.
This might happen
if you were stuck in very deep
sand or mud or you were up against a solid
object. You could damage the transmission.
Also, if you stop when going uphill, don’t hold
your vehicle there
with only the accelerator
pedal. This could overheat and damage the
transmission. Use the brakes to hold your vehicle
in position on a hill.
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