Page 95 of 338

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Be sure to clear ice and snow from the wiper blades
before using them. If they’re frozen to the windshield,
carefully loosen
or thaw them. If the blades do become
damaged, replace them with new blades.
Heavy
snow or ice can overload the wiper motor. A
circuit breaker will stop the motor until it cools. Clear
away snow or ice to prevent an overload.
Windshield Washer
In freezing weather, don’t use your washer until
the windshield is warmed. Otherwise the washer
fluid can form ice on the windshield, blocking
your vision.
Pull and hold the washer
lever to wash the
windshield. Release the
lever when
you have
enough fluid. The wipers
will clear the windshield
and either stop or return to
your preset speed.
A telltale light on the instrument panel will be displayed
when the washer fluid reaches a low level. See “Low
Washer Fluid Warning Light” in the Index
for
more information.
Driving without washer fluid can be dangerous.
A bad
mud splash
can block your vision and you could hit
another vehicle or
go off the road. Check the washer
fluid level often.
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Page 135 of 338
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Low Washer Fluid Warning Light
This light will come on
when
you turn on the
ignition and the windshield
washer fluid container is
less than one-third full.
Trunk Ajar Light
This light will come on if
your vehicle’s trunk is not
completely closed.
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Page 185 of 338

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine your tire-to-road traction isn’t as good as on dry roads.
And,
if your tires don’t have much tread left, you’ll get
even less traction. It’s always wise to go slower and be
cautious
if rain starts to fall while you are driving. The
surface may get wet suddenly when your reflexes
are
tuned for driving on dry pavement.
The heavier the rain, the harder it
is to see. Even if your
windshield wiper blades are in good shape,
a heavy rain
can make it harder
to see road signs and traffic signals,
pavement markings, the edge
of the road and even
people walking.
It’s wise to keep your windshield wiping equipment in
good shape and keep your windshield washer tank filled with washer fluid. Replace your windshield wiper
inserts when they show signs
of streaking or missing
areas on the windshield, or when strips
of rubber start to
separate from the inserts. Driving too fast through large water puddles or even
going through
some car washes can cause problems, too.
The water may affect your brakes. Try to avoid puddles.
But if you can’t, try to slow down before
you hit them.
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Page 190 of 338

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it
serviced and maintained, it’s ready to go. If it needs
service, have it done before starting out. Of course,
you’ll find experienced and able service experts in
Catera dealerships all across North America. They’ll be
ready and willing to help if you need it.
Here are some things you can check before a trip:
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0
0
0
0
0
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Windshield Washer Fluid: Is the reservoir full?
Are all windows clean inside and outside?
Wiper Blades: Are they in good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: Have you checked
all levels?
Lumps: Are they all working? Are the lenses clean?
Tires: They are vitally important to a safe,
trouble-free trip.
Is the tread good enough for
long-distance driving? Are the tires all inflated to the
recommended pressure?
Weather Forecasts: What’s the weather outlook
along your route? Should you delay your trip a short
time to avoid a major storm system?
Maps: Do you have up-to-date maps?
Highway Hypnosis
Is there actually such a condition as “highway hypnosis”?
Or is it just plain falling asleep at the wheel? Call it
highway hypnosis, lack
of awareness, or whatever.
There is something about an easy stretch of road with
the same scenery, along with the hum
of the tires on the
road, the drone of the engine, and the rush of the wind
against the vehicle that can make you sleepy. Don’t let it
happen to you!
If it does, your vehicle can leave the
road in
less than a second, and you could crash and
be injured.
What can you do about highway hypnosis? First, be
aware that
it can happen.
Then here
are some tips:
0 Make sure your vehicle is well ventilated, with a
comfortably cool interior.
Keep your eyes moving. Scan the road ahead and to
the sides. Check your rearview mirrors and your
instruments frequently.
If you get sleepy, pull off the road into a rest, service
or parking area and take a nap, get some exercise, or
both. For safety, treat drowsiness on the highway as
an emergency.
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Page 193 of 338
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Include an ice scraper, a small brush or broom, a supply
of windshield washer fluid, a rag, some winter outer
clothing,
a small shovel, a flashlight, a red cloth and a
couple
of reflective warning triangles. And, if you will
be driving under severe conditions, include a small bag
of sand, a piece of old carpet or a couple of burlap bags
to help provide traction. Be sure you properly secure
these items in your vehicle.
Driving on Snow or Ice
Most of the time, those places where your tires meet the
road probably have good traction.
However, if there is snow or ice between your tires and
the road,
you can have a very slippery situation. You’ll
have a lot less traction or “grip” and will need to be
very careful.
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Page 244 of 338

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
Page 250 of 338

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine If you get gasoline on yourself and then
something ignites
it, you could be badly burned.
Gasoline can spray out on you
if you open the
fuel filler cap too quickly. This spray can happen
if your tank is nearly full, and is more likely in
hot weather. Open the fuel filler cap slowly and
wait for any “hiss” noise to stop. Then unscrew
the cap all the
way.
Be careful not to spill gasoline. Clean gasoline from
painted surfaces as soon as possible. See “Cleaning the
Outside of Your Catera” in the Index.
When
you put the cap back on, turn it to the right
(clockwise) until you hear a clicking sound. Make sure
you fully install the cap.
Checking Things Under the Hood
A CAC-ION:
An electric fan under the hood can start up and
injure you even when the engine
is not running.
Keep hands, clothing and tools away from any
underhood electric fan.
Things that burn can get on hot engine parts and
start a fire. These include liquids like gasoline,
oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer and
other fluids, and plastic or rubber. You or others
could be burned. Be careful not to drop or spill
things that will burn onto a hot engine.
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Page 252 of 338
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