1999 CADILLAC CATERA steering

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NOTICE:
Spinning your wheels can destroy parts of your
vehicle as well as the tires. If you spin the wheels
too fast while shifting your transmission back
and forth, you can destroy your transmission.
For information about using tire chains on your vehicle,
see ªTire Chainsº in the Index.
Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out
First, turn your steering wheel left and right. That will
clear the area around your front wheels. You should turn
your traction control system off. (See ªTraction Control
Systemº in the Index.) Then shift back and forth
between REVERSE (R) and a forward gear, spinning the
wheels as little as possible. Release the accelerator pedal
while you shift, and press lightly on the accelerator
pedal when the transmission is in gear. By slowly
spinning your wheels in the forward and reverse
directions, you will cause a rocking motion that may
free your vehicle. If that doesn't get you out after a few
tries, you may need to be towed out. If you do need to
be towed out, see ªTowing Your Vehicleº in the Index.

6-
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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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When you open the hood, you'll see:
A. Coolant Fill Location
B. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
C. Passenger Compartment
Air FilterD. Engine Oil Fill Location
E. Engine Oil Dipstick Location
F. Windshield Washer FluidG. 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.

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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.
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.
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 ªfullº mark and the
bottom line is the ªaddº line (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
ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in the
Maintenance Schedule booklet. Always use the proper
fluid. Failure to use the proper fluid can cause leaks and
damage hoses and seals.

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Instrument Panel Fuse Block (Driver's Side)
The fuse block is located below the steering wheel on
the driver's side. Using a screwdriver, loosen the two
trim fasteners under the trim panel and pull the trim
panel away from the instrument panel to access.
Fuse Usage
1 RH and LH Front Side Door Window
Regulator Motor, LH Front Side Door
Window Switch
2 Stoplamp Switch, Cruise Control
Release Switch
3 Automatic Transmission Range Switch,
Automatic Transmission Control Indicator,
Power Steering Control Module, Hazard
Warning Switch, Automatic Transmission
Winter Mode Switch, Transmission Control
Module (TCM)

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Relay Box
The relay box is located on the lower part of the
instrument panel, to the right of the steering column.Relay Usage
I Daytime Running Lamps
II Automatic Level Control
III Rear Window Defogger, Heated Mirrors
IV Hazard Warning Flashers
V High
-Beam Headlamps II (RH)
VI Horn
VII Parking Lamps and Turn Signal Lamps
VIII Low
-Beam Headlamps
IX Not Used
X Not Used
XI High
-Beam Headlamps I (LH)

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CURRENT PUBLICATIONS FOR 1999 CADILLAC
SERVICE MANUALS
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair information
on engines, transmission, axle, suspension, brakes,
electrical, steering, body, etc.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $90.00
TRANSMISSION, TRANSAXLE, TRANSFER CASE
UNIT REPAIR MANUAL
This manual provides information on unit repair service
procedures, adjustments and specifications for the
1999 GM transmissions, transaxles and transfer cases.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $50.00
SERVICE BULLETINS
Service Bulletins give technical service information needed
to knowledgeably service General Motors cars and trucks.
Each bulletin contains instructions to assist in the
diagnosis and service of your vehicle.OWNER'S INFORMATION
Owner publications are written directly for Owners and
intended to provide basic operational information about
the vehicle.
Owner's Manual.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $15.00
CURRENT & PAST MODEL ORDER FORMS
Service Publications are available for current and past
model GM vehicles. To request an order form, please
specify year and model name of the vehicle.
PLEASE COMPLETE THE ORDER FORM SHOWN ON
THE FOLLOWING PAGE AND MAIL TO:
Helm, Incorporated
P.O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207OR ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-551-4123
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM ± 6:00 PM Eastern Time
For Credit Card Orders Only (VISA±MasterCard±Discover)
1999 CADILLAC SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ORDERING INFORMATION
The following publications covering the operation and servicing of your vehicle can be purchased by filling out
the Service Publication Order Form in this book and mailing it in with your check, money order,
or credit card information to Helm, Incorporated (address below.)

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Section 8 Index
A
dding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle 6-3 . . . . .
Add-On Electrical Equipment 6-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aiming, Headlamps 6-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Bag 1-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How Does it Restrain 1-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How the Systems Work 1-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Location 1-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Readiness Light 1-27, 2-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Servicing 1-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What Makes it Inflate 1-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What Will You See After it Inflates 1-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When Should it Inflate 1-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine 6-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Conditioning 3-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Conditioning Refrigerants 6-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alarm, Theft-Deterrent 2-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alignment and Balance, Tire 6-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aluminum Wheels, Cleaning 6-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antenna, Heated Backlite 3-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antifreeze 6-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-Lock
Brake System Warning Light 2-67, 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes (ABS) 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-Lockout Feature 2-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-Pinch Feature 2-33, 2-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Appearance Care 6
-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appearance Care Chart 6-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Arbitration Program (Step Three) 7-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter 2-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Assist Handles 2-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio Sound Equipment, Adding 3-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio Steering Wheel Controls 3-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio Systems 3-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic Door Locks 2-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic Operation (Climate Controls) 3-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic Transmission
Fluid 6
-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation 2-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting 2-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting Your Engine 2-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warning Light 2-76 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Axle, Rear 6-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery 6-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump Starting 5-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement, Remote Keyless Entry 2-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warnings 5-3, 5-4, 5-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Better Business Bureau (BBB) Mediation (Step Three) 7-3 . . . .
Blade Replacement, Windshield Wipers 6-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Blizzard 4-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .