1999 CADILLAC CATERA belt

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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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6-41
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.

You can see cord or fabric showing through the
tire's rubber.

The tread or sidewall is cracked, cut or snagged deep
enough to show cord or fabric.
The tire has a bump, bulge or split.

The tire has a puncture, cut or other damage that
can't be repaired well because of the size or location
of the damage.
Buying New Tires
To find out what kind and size of tires you need, look at
the Tire
-Loading Information label.
The tires installed on your vehicle when it was new had
a Tire Performance Criteria Specification (TPC Spec)
number on each tire's sidewall. When you get new tires,
get ones with that same TPC Spec number. That way
your vehicle will continue to have tires that are designed
to give proper endurance, handling, speed rating,
traction, ride and other things during normal service on
your vehicle. If your tires have an all
-season tread
design, the TPC number will be followed by an ªMSº
(for mud and snow).
If you ever replace your tires with those not having a
TPC Spec number, make sure they are the same size,
load range, speed rating and construction type (bias,
bias
-belted or radial) as your original tires.

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6-42
CAUTION:
Mixing tires could cause you to lose control while
driving. If you mix tires of different sizes or types
(radial and bias
-belted tires), the vehicle may not
handle properly, and you could have a crash.
Using tires of different sizes may also cause
damage to your vehicle. Be sure to use the same
size and type tires on all wheels.
CAUTION:
If you use bias-ply tires on your vehicle, the
wheel rim flanges could develop cracks after
many miles of driving. A tire and/or wheel could
fail suddenly, causing a crash. Use only radial
-ply
tires with the wheels on your vehicle.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
The following information relates to the system
developed by the United States National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration, which grades tires by
treadwear, traction and temperature performance. (This
applies only to vehicles sold in the United States.) The
grades are molded on the sidewalls of most passenger
car tires. The Uniform Tire Quality Grading system does
not apply to deep tread, winter
-type snow tires,
space
-saver or temporary use spare tires, tires with
nominal rim diameters of 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm),
or to some limited
-production tires.
While the tires available on General Motors passenger
cars and light trucks may vary with respect to these
grades, they must also conform to Federal safety
requirements and additional General Motors Tire
Performance Criteria (TPC) standards.

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6-48 Cleaning Interior Plastic Components
Use only a mild soap and water solution on a soft cloth
or sponge. Commercial cleaners may affect the
surface finish.
Cleaning Speaker Covers
Vacuum around a speaker cover gently, so that the
speaker won't be damaged. Clean spots with just water
and mild soap.
Care of Safety Belts
Keep belts clean and dry.
CAUTION:
Do not bleach or dye safety belts. If you do, it
may severely weaken them. In a crash, they
might not be able to provide adequate protection.
Clean safety belts only with mild soap and
lukewarm water.
Cleaning Glass Surfaces
Glass should be cleaned often. GM Glass Cleaner or a
liquid household glass cleaner will remove normal
tobacco smoke and dust films on interior glass. (See
ªAppearance Care and Materialsº in the Index.)
Don't use abrasive cleaners on glass, because they may
cause scratches. Avoid placing decals on the inside rear
window, since they may have to be scraped off later. If
abrasive cleaners are used on the inside of the rear
window, an electric defogger element may be damaged.
Any temporary license should not be attached across the
defogger grid.
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.

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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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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8-6
Inflation, Tire Pressure 6-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument Panel 2-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brightness Control 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning the Top 6-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cluster 2-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse Block 6-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior Lamps 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior Plastic Components, Cleaning 6-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jack, Tire 5-20, 5-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump Starting 5-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keyless Entry System, Remote 2-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keys 2-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Labels
Certification 4-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service Parts Identification 6-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire-Loading Information 4-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) 6-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lamps
Exterior 2
-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Map 2-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Reminder 2-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Panel 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Reading 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lap-Shoulder Belt 1-16, 1-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Leaving Your Vehicle 2-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Leaving Your Vehicle with the Engine Running 2-27 . . . . . . . Leveling Indicator Light 2
-76 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Light Sensor, Twilight Sentinel
2-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lighter 2-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lighting, Perimeter 2-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lights
Air Bag Readiness 1
-27, 2-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning 2-67, 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic Transmission Warning 2-76 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake Pad Wear Indicator 2-76 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake System Warning 2-66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake To Shift 2-73 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Charging System Indicator 2-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Engine 2-70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Oil 2-73 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise Control 2-74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning 2-68 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel Cap Indicator 2-75 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Leveling Indicator 2-76 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Coolant Warning 2-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Fuel 2-75 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Washer Fluid Warning 2-74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Pressure 2-72 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety Belt Reminder 1-11, 2-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Traction Control System Warning 2-68, 4-9 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trunk Ajar 2-74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loading Your Vehicle 4-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Locks
Anti
-Lockout Feature 2-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic Door 2-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door 2-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel Door 6-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .