1999 CADILLAC CATERA check transmission fluid

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4-23
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or mountains is different from
driving in flat or rolling terrain.If you drive regularly in steep country, or if you're
planning to visit there, here are some tips that can make
your trips safer and more enjoyable.

Keep your vehicle in good shape. Check all fluid
levels and also the brakes, tires, cooling system and
transmission. These parts can work hard on
mountain roads.

Know how to go down hills. The most important
thing to know is this: let your engine do some of the
slowing down. Shift to a lower gear when you go
down a steep or long hill.
CAUTION:
If you don't shift down, your brakes could get so
hot that they wouldn't work well. You would then
have poor braking or even none going down a
hill. You could crash. Shift down to let your
engine assist your brakes on a steep
downhill slope.

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4-37 When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down
while you:

Start your engine;

Shift into a gear; and

Be sure the parking brake has released.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service more often when you're
pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance Schedule booklet
for more on this. Things that are especially important in
trailer operation are automatic transmission fluid (don't
overfill), engine oil, axle lubricant, drive belt, cooling
system and brake system. If you're trailering, it's a good
idea to review this information before you start
your trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
Your cooling system may temporarily overheat during
severe operating conditions. See ªEngine Overheatingº
in the Index.

6-
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6-1
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 information about your
vehicle, and a part devoted to its appearance care.
6
-2 Service
6
-3 Fuel
6
-5 Fuels in Foreign Countries
6
-5 Filling Your Tank
6
-8 Checking Things Under the Hood
6
-11 Engine Oil
6
-15 Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
6
-18 Automatic Transmission Fluid
6
-19 Rear Axle
6
-20 Surge Tank Pressure Cap
6
-20 Engine Coolant
6
-24 Power Steering Fluid
6
-25 Windshield Washer Fluid
6
-26 Brakes
6
-29 Battery
6
-30 Bulb Replacement
6
-36 Wiper Blade Replacement6
-37 Tires
6
-46 Appearance Care
6
-46 Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
6
-48 Care of Safety Belts
6
-49 Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
6
-51 Cleaning Aluminum or Chrome-Plated
Wheels (If Equipped)
6
-52 Underbody Maintenance
6
-53 GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
6
-54 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
6
-54 Service Parts Identification Label
6
-55 Electrical System
6
-62 Replacement Bulbs
6
-62 Capacities and Specifications
6
-63 Air Conditioning Refrigerants
6
-63 Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts

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6-18
5. Replace the filter by sliding it back in, reattaching
both retaining clips and closing the grille flap.
6. Replace the engine compartment rear seal.
7. Close the engine hood.
For the type of filter to use, see ªNormal Maintenance
Replacement Partsº in the Index.
Automatic Transmission 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 vehicle to the 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.
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
regularly reaches 90F (32C) or higher.

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.

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6-19
NOTICE:
We recommend you use only fluid labeled
DEXRON
-III, 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 ªPeriodic Maintenance
Inspectionsº and ªScheduled Maintenance Servicesº 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.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of lubricant to use. See ªRecommended Fluids and
Lubricantsº in the Maintenance Schedule booklet.

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6-62
Fuse/Relay Usage
6 Fan Control Relay (K87)
7 Fan Control Relay (K26)
8 Fuse 50
9 Fan Control Relay (K28)
10 Engine Controls Power Relay (K43)
12 Fuse 40
15 Fuse 52
16 Connector C110
17 Coolant Fan Test Connector
Fan Control
18 Fuse 42 (A), Fuse 49 (B)
19 Fan Control Relay (K52)
20 Fuel Pump Relay (K44)
29 Fuse 43Replacement Bulbs
Application Bulb Number
Composite Headlamps
Inner High Beam 90512338. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outer Low Beam 90512338. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Turn Signal Lamp 90487485. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Turn Signal Lamp and Taillamp 90002521. . . .
Capacities and Specifications
The following approximate capacities are given in
English and metric conversions. Please refer to
ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in the
Maintenance Schedule booklet for more information.
Transmission 7.0 quarts (6.6 L). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Crankcase
Oil Change With Filter 6.0 quarts (5.75 L). . . . . . .
Engine Cooling System 10.57 quarts (10.0 L). . . . . .
Fuel Tank 16.0 gallons (60.56 L). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
R
-134a Refrigerant 2.09 lbs. (0.95 kg). . . . . . . . . . . .
NOTE: All capacities are approximate. When adding, be
sure to fill to the approximate level, as recommended in
this manual. Recheck fluid level after filling.

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8-2
Brake
Adjustment 6-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid 6-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Master Cylinder 6-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pad Wear Indicator Light 2-76 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking 2-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pedal Travel 6-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing System Parts 6-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Warning Light 2-66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
To Shift Light 2-73 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) 2-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wear 6-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes 6-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-Lock 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer 4-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Braking 4-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Braking in Emergencies 4-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Break-In, New Vehicle 2-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brightness Control 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulb Replacement 6-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capacities and Specifications 6-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Carbon Monoxide 2-11, 2-30, 2-31, 4-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player 3-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of Your Compact Disc Player 3-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of Your Compact Discs 3-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Carpet Cleaning 6-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cassette Tape Player Errors 3-11, 3-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CD Adapter Kits 3-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CD Changer 3-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cellular Telephone 2
-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Center Console Storage Area 2-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL),
Bulb Replacement 6-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Central Door Unlocking System 2-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Certification Label 4-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chains, Safety 4-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chains, Tire 6-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing a Flat Tire 5-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Charging System Indicator Light 2-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Engine Light 2-70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Oil Light 2-73 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking Things Under the Hood 6-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking Your Restraint Systems 1-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chemical Paint Spotting 6-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child Restraints 1-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in a Rear Seat Position 1-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in the Right Front Seat Position 1-46 . . . . . . . . . .
Top Strap 1-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Where to Put 1-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Children (Safety Belts) 1-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chrome-Plated Wheels, Cleaning 6-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cigarette Lighter 2-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaner, Air 6-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning
Aluminum or Chrome
-Plated Wheels 6-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exterior Lamps/Lenses 6-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fabric/Carpet 6-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Glass Surfaces 6-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inside of Your Vehicle 6-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior Plastic Components 6-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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8-4
Driving (Continued)
Night 4-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Curves 4-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Grades While Towing a Trailer 4-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Hill and Mountain Roads 4-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Snow or Ice 4-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Through Deep Standing Water 4-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter 4-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
With a Trailer 4-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrical Equipment, Adding 2-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrical System 6-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrochromic Day/Night Rearview Mirror 2-47 . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic Climate Control (ECC) 3-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic Level Control 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emergency Trunk Release 2-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine 6-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Cleaner/Filter 6-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compartment Relay Center 6-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant 6-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Heater 2-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Temperature Gage 2-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Temperature Warning Light 2-68 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling When Trailer Towing 4-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust 2-11, 2-30, 2-31, 4-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identification 6-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating 5-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Running While You're Parked 2-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Specifications 6-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Speed Limiter 2-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting Your 2-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Engine Oil 6
-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additives 6-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking 6-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What Kind to Use 6-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What to do with Used 6-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When to Add 6-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When to Change 6-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
English/Metric Display 3-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ethanol 6-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust, Engine 2-11, 2-30, 2-31, 4-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Extender, Safety Belts 1-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exterior Lamps 2-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fan Button, Climate Control System 3-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Features and Controls 2-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling a Portable Fuel Container 6-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling Your Tank 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filter, Air 6-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filter Replacement, Passenger Compartment Air 6-17 . . . . . .
Finish Care 6-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Finish Damage 6-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
FIRST (1) Gear, Automatic Transmission 2-23 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flashers, Hazard Warning 5-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flash-To-Pass 2-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flat Tire, Changing 5-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Floor Mats 2-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid
Brake 6
-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Steering 6-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield Washer 6-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fog Lamps 2-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .