1998 CADILLAC CATERA tow

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine As shown in the chart, SAE 1OW-30 is best for your
vehicle. However, you
can use SAE 5W-30 if it’s going
to be colder than
60 OF (1 6 O C) before your next oil
change. When it’s very cold, you should use
SAE
5W-30. These numbers on an oil container show its
viscosity, or thickness.
Do not use other viscosity oils,
such as
SAE 20W-50.
NOTICE:
Use only engine oil with the American Petroleum
Institute Certified For Gasoline Engines
“Starburst” symbol. Failure to use the
recommended oil can result in engine damage not
covered by your warranty.
GM Goodwrench@ oil meets all the requirements for
your vehicle.
If you are in an area where the temperature falls below
-20°F (-29”C), consider using either an
SAE 5W-30
synthetic oil or an
SAE OW-30 oil. Both will provide
easier cold starting and better protection for your engine
at extremely low temperatures.
Engine Oil Additives
Don’t add anything to your oil. Your dealer is ready to
advise
if you think something should be added.
When to Change Engine Oil
If any one of these is true for you, use the short tripkity
maintenance schedule:
0
0
0
0
0
Most trips are less than 5 to 10 miles (8 to 16 km).
This is particularly important when outside
temperatures
are below freezing.
Most trips include extensive idling (such as frequent driving in stop-and-go traffic).
Most trips are through dusty areas.
You frequently tow a trailer
or use a carrier on top of
your Catera.
The vehicle is used for delivery service, police, taxi
or other commercial application.
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.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 1. Open the hood of your vehicle.
2. Lift the engine compartment rear seal (see the arrow
in the illustration) and pull it back far enough to be
able to lift open the grille flap.
in place.
pull the filter straight out.
3. Unhook both retaining clips that secure the filter
4. Slide the filter toward the front of the car and then
5. Replace the filter by sliding it back in, reattaching
6. Replace the engine compartment rear seal.
7. Close the engine hood.
both retainer clips and closing the grille flap.
For the type of filter to use, see “Normal Maintenance
Replacement Parts” in the Index.
Automatic Transmissio~ 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.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 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:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
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@-m, because fluid with that label
is
made especially for your automatic transmission.
Damage
caused by fluid other than DEXRON@-III
is not covered by your new vehicle warranty.
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
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.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front and
rear inflation pressures as shown on the Tire-Loading
Information label. Make certain that all wheel bolts are
properly tightened. See “Wheel Bolt Torque” in
the Index.
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to which
it
is fastened, can make wheel studs become loose
after a time. The wheel could come off
and cause
an accident. When
you change a wheel, remove
any
rust or dirt from places where the wheel
attaches to the vehicle. In an emergency, you can
use a cloth or a paper towel to do this; but be
sure to use a scraper or wire brush later, if you
need to, to get all the rust or dirt
off. (See
“Changing a Flat Tire” in the Index.) When
It’s Time
for New Tires
One way to tell when it’s
time for new tires is to
check the treadwear
indicators, which will
appear when your tires have
only
1/16 inch (1.6 mm) or
less
of tread remaining.
You need a new tire
if any of the following statements
are true:
You can see the indicators at three or more places
around the tire.
0 YOU can see cord or fabric showing though the
tire’s rubber.
0 The tread or sidewall is cracked, cut or snagged deep
enough to show cord or fabric.
0 The tire has a bump, bulge or split.
6-40

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
Use a vacuum cleaner often to get rid of dust and loose
dirt. Wipe vinyl or leather with a clean, damp cloth.
Your dealer has two cleaners, Multi-Purpose Interior
Cleaner and Capture Non-Solvent Dry Spot and Soil
Remover. They will clean normal spots and stains very
well. You can get GM-approved cleaning products from
your dealer. (See “Appearance Care and Materials” in
the Index.)
Here are some cleaning tips:
Always read the instructions on the cleaner label.
Clean up stains as soon as you can -- before they set.
0 Carefully scrape off any excess stain.
0 Use a clean cloth or sponge, and change to a clean
area often. A soft brush may be used if stains
are stubborn.
If a ring forms after spot cleaning, clean the entire
area immediately or it will set.
Using Multi-Purpose Interior Cle;- ~- - ->
on Fabric
1. Vacuum and brush the area to remove any loose dirt.
2. Always clean a whole trim panel or section. Mask
surrounding trim along stitch or welt lines.
the container label to form thick suds.
3. Mix powdered cleaner following the directions on
4. Use suds only and apply with a clean sponge. Don’t
5. As soon as you’ve cleaned the section, use a sponge saturate the material and don’t rub
it roughly.
to remove the suds.
6. Wipe cleaned area with a clean, damp towel or cloth.
7. Wipe with a clean cloth and let dry.
6-46
-~

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Cleaning the Outside of the
Windshield and Wiper Blades
If the windshield is not clear after using the windshield
washer, or
if the wiper blade chatters when running, wax,
sap or other material may be on the blade or windshield.
Clean the outside of the windshield with GM
Windshield Cleaner, Bon Ami@ Powder (non-scratching
glass cleaning powder), GM Part
No. 1050011. The
windshield is clean
if beads do not form when you rinse
it with water.
Grime fkom
the windshield will stick to the wiper blades
and affect their performance. Clean the blade by wiping
vigorously with a cloth
soaked in full-strength windshield
washer solvent. Then rinse the blade with water.
Check the wiper blades and clean them as necessary;
replace blades that look worn.
Weatherstrips
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply silicone
grease with a clean cloth at least every
six months. During
very cold, damp weather more fiquent application may be
required.
(See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in
the Maintenance Schedule booklet.)
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
The paint finish on your vehicle provides beauty, depth
of color, gloss retention and durability.
Washing Your Vehicle
The ‘best way to preserve your vehicle’s finish is to keep it
clean by washing
it often with lukewarm or cold water.
Don’t wash your vehicle in the direct rays of the sun.
Don’t use strong soaps or chemical detergents. Use
liquid hand, dish or car washing (mild detergent) soaps.
You can get GM-approved cleaning products from your
dealer. (See “Appearance Care and Materials” in the
Index.) Don’t use cleaning agents that are petroleum
based, or that contain acid or abrasives. All cleaning
agents should be flushed promptly and not allowed to
dry on the surface, or they could stain. Dry the finish
with a soft, clean chamois or an all-cotton towel to
avoid surface scratches and water spotting.
High pressure car washes may cause water to enter
your vehicle.
Cleaning Exterior LampsLenses
Use lukewarm or cold water, a soft cloth and a liquid
hand, dish or car washing
(mild detergent) soap to clean
exterior lamps and lenses. Follow instructions under
“Washing Your Vehicle.”

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Finish Care
Occasional waxing or mild polishing of your vehicle by
hand may be necessary to remove residue from the paint
finish. You can get GM-approved cleaning products
from your dealer. (See “Appearance Care and Materials”
in the Index.)
Your vehicle has a “basecoat/clearcoat” paint finish. The
clearcoat gives more depth and gloss to the colored
basecoat. Always use waxes and polishes that are non-abrasive and made for a basecoatlclearcoat
paint finish.
NOTICE:
Machine compounding or aggressive polishing on
a basecoaticlearcoat paint finish
may dull the
finish or leave swirl marks.
Foreign materials such as calcium chloride and other
salts, ice melting agents, road oil and tar, tree sap, bird
droppings, chemicals from industrial chimneys, etc., can
damage your vehicle’s finish if they remain on painted surfaces. Wash the vehicle as soon as possible.
If
necessary, use non-abrasive cleaners that are marked
safe for painted surfaces to remove foreign matter.
Exterior painted surfaces are subject to aging, weather and chemical fallout that can take their toll over
a period
of years. You can help to keep the paint finish looking
new by keeping your vehicle garaged or covered
whenever possible.
Cleaning Aluminum or Chrome
Wheels
(If Equipped)
Keep your wheels clean using a soft clean cloth with
mild soap and water. Rinse with clean water. After
rinsing thoroughly, dry with a soft clean towel.
A wax
may then be applied.
The surface of these wheels is similar to the painted
surface of your Catera. Don’t use strong soaps,
chemicals, abrasive polishes, abrasive cleaners
or
abrasive cleaning brushes on them because you could
damage the surface. You may use chrome polish on
chrome wheels, but avoid any painted surface of the
wheel, and buff off immediately after application.
Don’t take your vehicle through an automatic car wash
that has silicon carbide tire cleaning brushes. These
brushes can also damage the surface of these wheels.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Roadside Service
[email protected] HOTLINE
1=800-882=1112
Cadillac’s exceptional Roadside Service is more than an
auto club
or towing service. It provides every Catera
owner with the advantage
of contacting a Cadillac
advisor and, when appropriate, a Catera trained dealer
technician who can provide on-site service. Each technician travels with
a specially equipped
service vehicle complete with the necessary Catera parts
and tools required to handle most roadside repairs.
Cadillac Roadside Service can be reached by dialing
1-800-882- 11 12,24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
This service is provided at no charge for any
warranty-covered situation and for a nominal
charge if the Catera is no longer under warranty.
Roadside Service is available only in the United
States and Canada.
Cadillac Owner Privileges TM
Roadside Service provides several Cadillac Owner
Privileges at “no charge,” throughout your
1998
Cadillac Warranty Period
-- 48 months/50.000 miles
(80 000 krn).