1999 CADILLAC CATERA checking oil

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2-73
When the light comes on and stays on, it means that oil
isn't flowing through the engine properly. You could
be low on oil and you might have some other
system problem.
CAUTION:
Don't keep driving if the oil pressure is low. If
you do, your engine can become so hot that it
catches fire. You or others could be burned.
Check your oil as soon as possible and have your
vehicle serviced.
NOTICE:
Damage to your engine from neglected oil
problems can be costly and is not covered by
your warranty.
Check Oil Light
This light will come on for
a few seconds when the
ignition is turned on. If the
light doesn't come on, have
it repaired.
If the light comes on while starting and stays on for
about one minute or comes on while driving, the engine
oil level should be checked. Prior to checking the oil
level, be sure your vehicle has been shut off for several
minutes and is on a level surface. Check the oil level and
bring it to the proper level. See ªEngine Oilº in
the Index.
Brake To Shift Light
This light will come on to
remind you that you must
press the brake pedal to
shift out of PARK (P).

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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6-8
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
CAUTION:
Never fill a portable fuel container while it is in
your vehicle. Static electricity discharge from the
container can ignite the gasoline vapor. You can
be badly burned and your vehicle damaged if this
occurs. To help avoid injury to you and others:

Dispense gasoline only into
approved containers.

Do not fill a container while it is inside a
vehicle, in a vehicle's trunk, pickup bed or
on any surface other than the ground.

Bring the fill nozzle in contact with the
inside of the fill opening before operating
the nozzle. Contact should be maintained
until the filling is complete.

Don't smoke while pumping gasoline.
Checking Things Under the Hood
CAUTION:
An electric fan under the hood can start up and
injure you even when the engine is not running.
Keep hands, clothing and tools away from any
underhood electric fan.
CAUTION:
Things that burn can get on hot engine parts and
start a fire. These include liquids like gasoline,
oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer and
other fluids, and plastic or rubber. You or others
could be burned. Be careful not to drop or spill
things that will burn onto a hot engine.

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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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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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8-5
Folding the Rear Seat 1-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign Countries, Fuel 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
French Language Manual ii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Turn Signal Lamp, Bulb Replacement 6
-33 . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel 6-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cap Indicator Light 2-75 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door Lock 6-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling a Portable Container 6-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling Your Tank 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gage 2-74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In Foreign Countries 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse Block, Instrument Panel 6-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse Block, Power Distribution 6-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses and Circuit Breakers 6-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gages
Engine Coolant Temperature 2-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel 2-74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Pressure 2-72 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Garment Hooks 2-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gear Positions, Automatic Transmission 2-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Glove Box 2-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GM Mobility Program for Persons with Disabilities 7-5 . . . . .
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials 6-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Guide en Fran†ais ii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Halogen Bulbs 6-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Handles, Assist 2-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hazard Warning Flashers 5-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Head Restraints 1
-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlamps 2-41, 6-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aiming 6-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulb Replacement 6-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High/Low Beam 2-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Reminder 2-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wiper-Activated 2-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wiring 6-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hearing Impaired, Customer Assistance 7-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heated Backlite Antenna 3-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heated Rearview Mirrors 2-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heated Seats 1-4, 1-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heating 3-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High-Beam Headlamps 2-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Highway Hypnosis 4-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hill and Mountain Roads 4-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hitches 4-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hood
Checking Things Under 6
-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Release 6-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Horn 2-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Surge Tank 5-13 . . . . . . .
How to Use this Manual v. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hydraulic Brake Warning Lights 2
-66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hydroplaning 4-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If You're Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow 5-28 . . . . . . . . .
Ignition Positions 2-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Illuminated Entry 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Illuminated Visor Vanity Mirror 2-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Immobilizer 2-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .