
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine The system works when you turn the key to the
RUN (11) position. The key uses a transponder that
matches an immobilizer control unit in your vehicle.
The correct key will start the vehicle.
When the system senses that someone
is using the
wrong key, it may start but it will not continue
to run. If
someone tries to start your vehicle again or
uses another
key during this time, the shutdown will start over again.
This discourages someone from randomly trying
different keys with different transponders in an attempt
to make a match.
If the engine cannot be started, turn the key in the
ignition
to the RUN (11) position. Wait approximately
two seconds; then start your vehicle again.
If the engine still won’t start, try another key. You may
also want
to check the fuses (see “Fuses and Circuit
Breakers” in the Index). If the engine doesn’t start with
the other key, your vehicle needs service. If your vehicle
does start, the first key may be faulty. See your
Catera dealer.
If you lose or damage a key or you cannot start the
engine, see your Catera dealer.
If a key is lost, bring all
remaining keys
to your dealer for re-programming. In
an emergency, call the Cadillac Roadside Service
Program at 1-800-882-1112.
New Vehicle “Break-In’’
NOTICE:
Your modern Catera doesn’t need an elaborate
“break-in.” But it will perform better in the long
run if you follow these guidelines:
Don’t drive at any one speed -- fast or
slow
-- for the first 500 miles (805 km).
Don’t make full-throttle starts.
200 miles (322 km) or so. During this time
your new brake linings aren’t yet broken
in. Hard stops with new linings can mean
premature wear and earlier replacement.
Follow this breaking-in guideline every
time you get new brake linings.
See “Towing a Trailer” in the Index for
more information.
Avoid making hard stops for the first
0 Don’t tow a trailer during break-in.
2-14

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Automatic Transmission Operation
There are several different
positions for
the shift lever.
2-
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.
2-19

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.
2-21
-

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Parking Brake If you start to drive away with the parking brake set, the
BRAKE warning light stays on. See "Brake System
Warning Light" in the Index for more information.
To release the parking brake, hold the brake pedal down
with your foot and pull the parking brake lever up until
you
can press the end release button. Hold the release
button in as
you move the brake lever all the way down.
1 .. .
0
NOTICE:
Driving with the parking brake on can cause the
rear brakes to overheat. You may have to replace
them and you could also damage other parts
of
your vehicle.
To set the parking brake, hold the regular brake pedal
down with your foot and pull
up on the parking brake
lever.
If the ignition is on, the brake system warning
light will come on. If you
are towing a trailer and
are parking on a hill, see
"Towing a Trailer" in the Index. This section shows
what to do first to keep the trailer from moving.
2-24

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Shifting Into PARK (P)
It can be 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.
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, use the steps
that follow.
If you’re pulling a trailer, see
“Towing
a Trailer” in the Index.
Console Shift Lever
1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot.
2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) like this:
..
3. Pull the button on the shift lever handle up and then
push the shift lever all the way toward the front of
your vehicle into PARK
(P). Release the button.
4. With your right foot still holding the brake pedal
down, set the parking brake.
5. Move the ignition key to LOCK.
6. Remove the ignition key and take it with you. If you
can leave your vehicle with the key in your hand,
your vehicle is
in PARK (P).
2-25

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine It can be 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’ve 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 after
you move the shift lever to PARK
(P).
Follow the proper steps to be sure your vehicle won’t
move. See “Shifting Into PARK
(P)” in the Index.
If you are parking on a hill and if you’re pulling a
trailer, also
see “Towing a Trailer’’ in the Index.
Windows
Power Windows
The controls are located next to the console shift lever.
Tap the controls forward or rearward to raise or lower
the windows
in increments. To express-open the
window, press the control rearward for about one second
and then release. If you want
to stop the window as it is
lowering, tap
the control. Pressing the control forward
for about one second and then releasing it will
express-close the window.
2-30

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine NOTICE:
If you keep driving your vehicle with this light
on, after a while, your emission controls may not work as well, your fuel economy may not be as
good and your engine may not run as smoothly.
This could lead to costly repairs that may not be
covered
by your warranty.
This light should come on, as a check to show you it is
working, when the ignition is on and the engine is not
running. If the light doesn’t come on, have it repaired.
This light will also come on during a malfunction
in one
of two ways:
0 Light Flashing -- A misfire condition has been
detected.
A misfire increases vehicle emissions and
may damage the emission control system on your
vehicle. Dealer or qualified service center diagnosis
and service is required.
Light On Steady -- An emission control system
malfunction has been detected on your vehicle.
Dealer or qualified service center diagnosis and
service may
be required.
If the Light Is Flashing
The following may prevent more serious damage to
your vehicle:
0 Reducing vehicle speed.
0 Avoiding hard accelerations.
Avoiding steep uphill grades.
0 If you are towing a trailer, reduce the amount of
cargo being hauled as soon as it is possible.
If the light stops flashing and remains
on steady, see “If
the Light Is On Steady” following.
If the light continues to flash, when it is safe to do
so,
stop the vehicle. Find a safe place to park your vehicle.
Turn the key
off, wait at least 10 seconds and restart the
engine. If the light remains on steady, see “If the Light
Is On Steady” following,
If the light is still flashing,
follow the previous steps, and drive the vehicle to your
dealer or qualified service center for service.
2-70

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine /:f =a
Section 4 Your Driving and the Road
Here you’ll find information about driving on different kinds of roads and in varying weather conditions. We’ve also
included many other useful tips on driving.
4-2
4-3 4-6
4-6
4- 10 4- 12
4-
13
4- 14
4-15
Defensive Driving
Drunken Driving
Control
of a Vehicle
Braking
Steering
Off-Road Recovery
Passing
Loss
of Control
Driving at Night Driving
in Rain and on Wet Roads
City Driving
Freeway Driving Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Highway Hypnosis Hill and Mountain Roads
Winter Driving Loading Your Vehicle
Towing a Trailer
4- 17 4-20
4-2
1
4-22
4-23 4-24
4-25
4-30 4-32
4-1