1999 CADILLAC CATERA check engine light

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2-75
Here are a few concerns some owners have had about
the fuel gage. All of these situations are normal and do
not indicate that anything is wrong with the fuel gage.

At the gas station the gas pump shuts off before
the gage reads F.

The gage may change when you turn, stop or
speed up.
Low Fuel Light
If the fuel level is low,
approximately two gallons
(7.57 L) of fuel remaining
in the fuel tank, a light will
come on and stay on.
When the fuel level reaches one gallon (8.8 L), the light
will flash until fuel is added.
It will also come on for a few seconds when you first
turn on the ignition as a check to show it's working. If it
doesn't come on then, have it fixed.
Fuel Cap Indicator Light (If Equipped)
This light will come on
if the fuel cap has not
been fully tightened, is
missing or has been
improperly installed.
You should recheck your fuel cap to make sure it is
on tight.
If you continue to drive with a loose fuel cap, the
diagnostic system in your vehicle can determine if the
fuel cap has been left off or improperly installed. A
loose or missing fuel cap will allow fuel to evaporate
into the atmosphere. If this happens, the CHECK
ENGINE light may come on. For more information,
see ªMalfunction Indicator Lampº earlier in this section.

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3-29
To help avoid hearing loss or damage:

Adjust the volume control to the lowest setting.

Increase volume slowly until you hear comfortably
and clearly.
NOTICE:
Before you add any sound equipment to your
vehicle
-- like a tape player, CB radio, mobile
telephone or two
-way radio -- be sure you can
add what you want. If you can, it's very
important to do it properly. Added sound
equipment may interfere with the operation of
your vehicle's engine, radio or other systems, and
even damage them. Your vehicle's systems may
also interfere with the operation of sound
equipment that has been added improperly.
So, before adding sound equipment, check with
your dealer and be sure to check Federal rules
covering mobile radio and telephone units.
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player
A tape player that is not cleaned regularly can cause
reduced sound quality, ruined cassettes or a damaged
mechanism. Cassette tapes should be stored in their
cases away from contaminants, direct sunlight and
extreme heat. If they aren't, they may not operate
properly or may cause failure of the tape player.
Your tape player should be cleaned regularly after every
50 hours of use. Your radio may display CLN or
CLEAN TAPE to indicate that you have used your tape
player for 50 hours without resetting the tape clean
timer. If this message appears on the display, your
cassette tape player needs to be cleaned. It will still play
tapes, but you should clean it as soon as possible to
prevent damage to your tapes and player. If you notice a
reduction in sound quality, try a known good cassette to
see if it is the tape or the tape player at fault. If this other
cassette has no improvement in sound quality, clean the
tape player.
The recommended cleaning method for your cassette
tape player is the use of a scrubbing action,
non
-abrasive cleaning cassette with pads which scrub
the tape head as the hubs of the cleaner cassette turn.
The recommended cleaning cassette is available through
your dealership (GM Part No. 12344789).

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4-7
Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive in
spurts
-- heavy acceleration followed by heavy
braking
-- rather than keeping pace with traffic. This is a
mistake. Your brakes may not have time to cool between
hard stops. Your brakes will wear out much faster if you
do a lot of heavy braking. If you keep pace with the
traffic and allow realistic following distances, you will
eliminate a lot of unnecessary braking. That means
better braking and longer brake life.
If your engine ever stops while you're driving, brake
normally but don't pump your brakes. If you do, the
pedal may get harder to push down. If your engine
stops, you will still have some power brake assist. But
you will use it when you brake. Once the power assist is
used up, it may take longer to stop and the brake pedal
will be harder to push.
Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)
Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes (ABS). ABS is an
advanced electronic braking system that will help
prevent a braking skid.
When you start your engine and begin to drive away,
your anti
-lock brake system will check itself. You may
hear a momentary motor or clicking noise while this test
is going on, and you may even notice that your brake
pedal moves a little. This is normal.
If there's a problem with the
anti
-lock brake system, this
warning light will stay on.
See ªAnti
-Lock Brake
System Warning Lightº in
the Index.

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4-28
CAUTION:
Snow can trap exhaust gases under your vehicle.
This can cause deadly CO (carbon monoxide) gas
to get inside. CO could overcome you and kill
you. You can't see it or smell it, so you might not
know it is in your vehicle. Clear away snow from
around the base of your vehicle, especially any
that is blocking your exhaust pipe. And check
around again from time to time to be sure snow
doesn't collect there.
Open a window just a little on the side of the
vehicle that's away from the wind. This will help
keep CO out.
Run your engine only as long as you must. This saves
fuel. When you run the engine, make it go a little faster
than just idle. That is, push the accelerator slightly. This
uses less fuel for the heat that you get and it keeps the
battery charged. You will need a well
-charged battery to
restart the vehicle, and possibly for signaling later on
with your headlamps. Let the heater run for a while.Then, shut the engine off and close the window almost
all the way to preserve the heat. Start the engine again
and repeat this only when you feel really uncomfortable
from the cold. But do it as little as possible. Preserve the
fuel as long as you can. To help keep warm, you can get
out of the vehicle and do some fairly vigorous exercises
every half hour or so until help comes.
Recreational Vehicle Towing
Your vehicle was not designed to be towed with all four
wheels on the ground. If your vehicle must be towed,
see ªTowing Your Vehicleº in the Index.
NOTICE:
Towing your vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground will damage drivetrain components.

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6-11
Engine Oil
If the low oil level light on
the instrument panel comes
on, it means you need to
check your engine oil level
right away.
For more information, see ªCHECK OIL lightº in the
Index. You should check your engine oil level regularly;
this is an added reminder.
It's a good idea to check your engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil must
be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick is
located behind the radiator
hose on the driver's side of
the engine. The yellow
looped handle helps to
identify it.Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes to
drain back into the oil pan. If you don't, the oil dipstick
might not show the actual level.
Checking Engine Oil
Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or
cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it again,
keeping the tip down, and check the level.

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6-22
NOTICE:
If you use an improper coolant mixture, your
engine could overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost wouldn't be covered by your
warranty. Too much water in the mixture can
freeze and crack the engine, radiator, heater core
and other parts.
If you have to add coolant more than four times a year,
have your dealer check your cooling system.
NOTICE:
If you use the proper coolant, you don't have to
add extra inhibitors or additives which claim to
improve the system. These can be harmful.
Checking Coolant
The surge tank is located behind the air cleaner on the
passenger's side of the engine.
The cooling system when hot is under a lot of pressure.
If the low coolant warning light on the instrument panel
appears, you will need to add coolant.

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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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8-3
Leather 6-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outside of the Windshield and Wiper Blades 6-48 . . . . . . .
Outside of Your Vehicle 6-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Speaker Covers 6-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tires 6-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Top of the Instrument Panel 6-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vinyl 6-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels 6-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Climate Control System 3-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clock, Setting the 3-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cluster, Instrument Panel 2-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Comfort Controls 3-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Comfort Controls and Audio Systems 3-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compact Disc Changer Errors 3-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compartments, Storage 2-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Console Shift Lever 2-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Console Storage 2-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Control of a Vehicle 4-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Convenience Net 2-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Convex Outside Mirror 2-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant 6-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adding 6-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking 6-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heater, Engine 2-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to Add to the Coolant Surge Tank 5-13 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Surge Tank 5-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What to Use 6-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling System 5-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cornering Lamps 2-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Courtesy Transportation 7-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise Control 2-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise Control Light 2-74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Customer Assistance
Information 7
-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Offices 7-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Text Telephone (TTY) Users 7-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Customer Satisfaction Procedure 7-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Damage, Finish 6-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Damage, Sheet Metal 6-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) 2-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dead Battery 5-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defects, Reporting Safety 7-10, 7-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defensive Driving 4-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defogger, Rear Window 3-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defrosting 3-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimensions, Vehicle 6-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dolby Noise Reduction 3-13, 3-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door
Central Unlocking System 2
-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Locks 2-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DRIVE (D), Automatic Transmission 2-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driver Position 1-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driver's Side Instrument Panel Fuse Block 6-57 . . . . . . . . . . .
Driver's Side Temperature Knob 3-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving
City 4
-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defensive 4-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drunken 4-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Freeway 4-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In a Blizzard 4-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In Foreign Countries 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In Rain and on Wet Roads 4-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .