1998 CADILLAC CATERA power steering

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine If your vehicle loses power
temporarily, you can
manually open the
trunk
using the trunk release
handle. The handle is
located on the underside
of
the trunk lid on the driver’s
side and can be accessed
through the fold-down
rear seats.
Fold down the driver’s side rear seat and reach through
to the trunk compartment to find the release handle. Pulling
this handle opens the trunk. For more
information on how to
fold the rear seats, see “Folding
the Rear Seat’’ in the Index.
Theft
Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities.
Although your vehicle 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 vehicle 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.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine With the key in the
ignition switch, you can
turn the switch to four
different positions.
LOCK (e): Before you put the key in, the ignition will
be in LOCK. 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.
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).
ON (11): The ignition is on in this position. ON is used
for driving your vehicle.
START (111): This position starts the engine. To
lock the steering column, remove the key while
in
LOCK. Turn the steering wheel until you hear a click.
Retained Accessory Power
The radio is the only accessory on your vehicle 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 vehicle is
moving. If you do, you could damage the
transmission. Shift to PARK
(P) only when your
vehicle is stopped.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Anti-Pinch Feature
If a hand, an am or another object is in the
way of the
power window express-closing, the window will
immediately stop at the obstruction and express-open to
a preset factory position.
LA C. LJTION:
Pressing and holding the power window control
button will turn
off the anti-pinch feature. If this
happens,
a power window won’t stop if
something gets in the
way. You or others could be
injured, and your window could be damaged. Be
careful not to press and hold the power window
control button.
I
Rear Window Lockout
I
Pressing this button
rearward will disable the
rear passenger window controls. This is a useful
feature
if you have children
as passengers. Press the
button forward to allow
your passengers to use their
window controls.
Horn
The horn can be sounded by pressing either horn symbol
on the steering wheel. The symbols are located at about
the 9 and
3 o’clock positions.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Using Anti-Lock
Don’t pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal down
firmly and let anti-lock work for you. You may hear the
anti-lock pump or motor operate, and feel the brake
pedal pulsate, but this
is normal.
Traction Control System
Your vehicle has a traction control system that limits
wheel spin. This is especially useful in slippery road
conditions. The system operates only
if it senses that
one or both
of the rear wheels are spinning or beginning
to lose traction. When this happens, the system brakes
the spinning wheel and/or reduces engine power to
limit wheel spin.
You may feel or hear the system working, but this is normal.
This warning light will
come on to let you know if
there’s a problem with your traction control system.
See “Traction Control System Warning Light” in the
Index. When this warning light is on, the system will
not
limit wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly. The
traction control system automatically comes
on
whenever you start your vehicle. To limit wheel spin,
especially in slippery road conditions, you should
always leave the system on. But you can turn the
traction control system off if you ever need to.
(You
should turn the system off if your vehicle ever gets
stuck in sand, mud, ice or snow. See “Rocking Your
Vehicle” in the Index.)
To turn the system off, press the TCS
OFF button located
next to the radio on the
center console.
Braking in Emergencies
With anti-lock, you can steer and brake at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can help you more
than even the very best braking.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Steering
Power Steering
If you lose power steering assist because the engine
stops or the system is not functioning, you can steer but
it will take much more effort.
Speed Sensitive Steering (SSS)
This system varies the amount of steering effort in
relation to your vehicle speed. Steering is easier at a
lower speed for maneuvering and parking ease. As your
vehicle speed increases, the steering effort
also increases.
At highway speeds, the amount of steering effort
is
increased to provide manual-like steering for maximum
control and stability.
If your vehicle seems harder to steer
than normal when parking or driving slow, something
may be wrong with the speed sensitive steering system.
You will still have power steering, however, steering will
be stiffer than normal at low speeds.
Steering Tips
Driving on Curves
It’s important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents mentioned on
the news happen on curves. Here’s why: Experienced driver
or beginner, each of
us is subject to
the same laws of physics when driving on curves. The
traction of the tires against the road surface makes it
possible for the vehicle to change its path when
you turn
the front wheels. If there’s no traction, inertia will keep
the vehicle going in the same direction.
If you’ve ever
tried to steer a vehicle
on wet ice, you’ll understand this.
The traction you can get in a curve depends on the condition of your tires and the road surface, the angle at
which the curve is banked, and your speed. While you’re
in a curve, speed is the one factor you can control.
Suppose you’re steering through a sharp curve. Then you suddenly accelerate.
Both control systems -- steering and
acceleration
-- have to do their work where the tires meet
the road. Adding the sudden acceleration can demand too much of those places.
You can lose control. Refer to
“Traction Control System” in the Index.
What should you do if
this ever happens? Ease up on the
accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle the way you want it
to go, and slow down.
Speed
limit signs near curves warn that you should
adjust your speed.
Of course, the posted speeds are
based on good weather and road conditions. Under less
favorable conditions you’ll want to go slower.
4-10

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
Here you will find information about the care of your vehicle. This section begins with service and fuel information,
and then it shows how to check important fluid and lubricant levels. There
is also technical infomation about your
vehicle, and a part devoted to its appearance care.
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Fuel
Fuels in Foreign Countries
Filling Your Tank
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
Checking Things Under the Hood
Engine Oil
Air Cleaner
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Rear Axle
Engine Coolant
Surge Tank Pressure Cap
Power Steering Fluid
Windshield Washer Fluid
Brakes
Battery
Bulb Replacement 6-36
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6-64 Wiper
Blade Replacement
Tires
Appearance Care
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
Care of Safety Belts
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
Cleaning Aluminum
or Chrome Wheels
(If Equipped)
Underbody Maintenance
Appearance Care Materials Chart
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Service Parts Identification Label
Electrical System
Replacement Bulbs
Capacities and Specifications
Air Conditioning Refrigerants
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine When you open the hood, you’ll see:
A. Coolant Fill Location
B. Air Cleaner
C. Passenger’s Compartment
Air Filter D. Engine Oil Fill Location
E. Engine Oil Dipstick Location
E Windshield Washer Fluid
G. Brake Master Cylinder
H. Power Steering Fluid
I. Battery
Before closing the hood, be sure all filler caps are on properly. Then pull the
hood down and close it firmly.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Power Steering Fluid
The power steering fluid reservoir is located between
the battery and the brake master cylinder on the driver’s
side of the engine.
How To Check Power Steering Fluid
When the engine compartment is cool, wipe the cap and
the top
of the reservoir clean, then unscrew the cap and
wipe the dipstick with
a clean rag. Replace the cap and
completely tighten it. Then remove the cap again and
look at the fluid level on the dipstick.
The level should be at the full mark. There are two lines
on the dipstick. The top line is the “full” mark and th\
e
bottom line is the “add” mark (which means that fluid
should be added). If necessary, add only enough fluid to
bring the level up to the full mark.
What to Use
To determine what kind of fluid to use, see
“Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the
Maintenance Schedule booklet. Always use the proper
fluid. Failure to use the proper fluid can cause leaks and
damage hoses and seals.
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering
fluid unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
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