1999 CADILLAC CATERA heater

2-
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Section 2 Features and Controls
Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your vehicle, and information on starting,
shifting and braking. Also explained are the instrument panel and the warning systems that tell you if everything is
working properly
-- and what to do if you have a problem.
2
-2 Keys
2
-4 Door Locks
2
-7 Remote Keyless Entry System (RKE)
2
-11 Trunk
2
-12 Theft
2
-13 Theft-Deterrent System
2
-15 Immobilizer
2
-16 New VehicleªBreak-Inº
2
-16 Ignition Positions
2
-18 Starting Your Engine
2
-19 Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)
2
-21 Automatic Transmission Operation
2
-25 Parking Brake
2
-26 Shifting Into PARK (P)
2
-28 Shifting Out of PARK (P)2
-30 Parking Over Things that Burn
2
-30 Engine Exhaust
2
-31 Running Your Engine While You're Parked
2
-32 Windows
2
-33 Horn
2
-34 Tilt Wheel
2
-34 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
2
-40 Exterior Lamps
2
-46 Interior Lamps
2
-47 Mirrors
2
-49 Storage Compartments
2
-52 Sunroof (Option)
2
-56 Universal Transmitter (If Equipped)
2
-60 Instrument Panel
2
-63 Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators

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3. If your engine still won't start (or starts but then
stops), it could be flooded with too much gasoline.
Try pushing your accelerator pedal all the way to the
floor and holding it there as you hold the key in
START for about three seconds. If the Catera starts
briefly but then stops again, do the same thing.
NOTICE:
Your engine is designed to work with the
electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical
parts or accessories, you could change the way
the engine operates. Before adding electrical
equipment, check with your dealer. If you don't,
your engine might not perform properly.
If you ever have to have your vehicle towed, see
the part of this manual that tells how to do it
without damaging your vehicle. See ªTowing
Your Vehicleº in the Index.
Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)
In very cold weather, 0
F (-18
C) or colder, the engine
coolant heater can help. You'll get easier starting and
better fuel economy during engine warm
-up. Usually,
the coolant heater should be plugged in a minimum of
four hours prior to starting your vehicle.

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2-20 To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.
The electrical cord for the engine coolant heater is in
front of the air cleaner filter and under the headlamp
cover, on the passenger's side of the engine.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110
-volt AC outlet.
CAUTION:
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet
could cause an electrical shock. Also, the wrong
kind of extension cord could overheat and cause
a fire. You could be seriously injured. Plug the
cord into a properly grounded three
-prong
11 0
-volt AC outlet. If the cord won't reach, use a
heavy
-duty three-prong extension cord rated for
at least 15 amps.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and
store the cord as it was before to keep it away from
moving engine parts. If you don't, it could
be damaged.
How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged
in? The answer depends on the outside temperature, the
kind of oil you have, and some other things. Instead of
trying to list everything here, we ask that you contact
your dealer in the area where you'll be parking your
vehicle. The dealer can give you the best advice for that
particular area.

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In cold weather, when the system senses the need for
heat, airflow will be directed out of the floor outlets. As
the interior temperature approaches a desired setting, the
blower speed will decrease. To maintain interior
comfort, the airflow may move to the instrument panel
air outlets and floor outlets (bi
-level mode). On bright
sunny days in cold weather, the airflow may come out of
the air conditioning outlets (AC mode) to maintain
comfort and prevent stuffiness.
If your vehicle is sitting out on a hot day and you have
the climate control system set for automatic operation,
the air will first flow out of the floor air outlets during
cool down. That is normal. This is to remove hot air
from the air outlets. As the air is cooled, the airflow will
move through the air conditioning outlets.
To avoid blowing cold air in cold weather, the system
will delay turning on the fan until warm air is available.
The length of delay depends on the outside air
temperature, engine coolant temperature or the time
since the engine was last started. As the coolant warms
up, the blower fan speed will gradually increase and air
will flow from the heater outlets, with some airflow to
the windshield to prevent fogging under most
normal conditions.If you leave your vehicle, the system will remember the
control setting the next time you start your engine,
except for recirculation and rear defrost (heated
backlite). Each ignition cycle cancels recirculation.
Manual Operation
You may manually adjust the air delivery mode or
fan speed.
HEATER/DEFROST: This setting directs air to
the floor outlets and toward the windshield.
AC: This setting directs airflow through the middle
instrument panel outlets.
BI-LEVEL: This setting directs air into your
vehicle in two ways. Cool air is directed to the upper
portion of your body through the middle instrument
panel outlets while warm air is directed to the floor.
HEATER: This setting directs warm air through
the floor outlets. Some warm air is sent to the
windshield to minimize fogging.

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3-6 Air Conditioning
On hot days, open the windows long enough to let hot
inside air escape. This reduces the time it takes for your
vehicle to cool down. Then keep your windows closed
for the air conditioner to work its best.
The climate control system will cool and dehumidify the
air inside the vehicle. While in the automatic operation
mode, the system will use recirculation as necessary to
cool the air. You may also need to adjust the interior
temperature. Turn either the TEMP/AUTO or
TEMP/OFF knob clockwise to increase the temperature
or counterclockwise to decrease temperature. Adjust the
fan speed as needed.
In order to obtain the maximum cool setting, both the
driver's TEMP/AUTO knob and the passenger's
TEMP/OFF knob must be turned to 60
F (16
C).
Heating
Adjust the interior temperature to your comfort level by
turning the TEMP/AUTO knob or the TEMP/OFF knob
clockwise to increase the temperature or
counterclockwise to decrease the temperature. If the fan
speed needs adjusting, press the up or down arrow.Outside air will be brought in and sent through the floor
outlets. The heater works best if you keep the windows
closed while using it.
In order to obtain the maximum heat setting, both the
driver's TEMP/AUTO knob and the passenger's
TEMP/OFF knob must be turned to 90
F (32
C).
Defrosting
Use defrost to remove fog or ice from the windshield
quickly in extremely humid or cold conditions.
Pressing the defrost button on the control panel (located
above the rear window defogger button) automatically
turns the fan blower to high speed. Make sure that the
side air vents are opened. Turn both the TEMP/AUTO
knob and the TEMP/OFF knob clockwise as needed to
adjust the temperature. To warm the foot area while in
defrost, press the MODE button until the heater/defrost
symbol appears (see ªManual Operationº earlier in
this section).
Note: Recirculation is not available in the defrost mode.

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3-7 Rear Window Defogger
The lines you see on the
rear window warm the
glass. With your vehicle's
engine running, press this
button to turn on the
rear defogger.
The rear window defogger heats the rear window and
both outside rearview mirrors. The system will
automatically shut off after about 15 minutes. If further
defogging is desired, press the button again.
Do not attach a temporary vehicle license, tape or decals
across the defogger grid on the rear window.NOTICE:
Do not try to clear frost or other material from
the inside of the rear window with a razor blade
or anything else that is sharp. This may damage
the rear defogger grid. The repairs wouldn't be
covered by your warranty.
Ventilation System
The ventilation system supplies outside air into the
vehicle when it is moving. Outside air will also enter the
vehicle when the heater or the air conditioning fan
is running.

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The front outlets are located in the center and at each
side of the instrument panel. You can adjust the
direction of airflow by moving the center control levers
or you can stop the airflow by moving the dial located
on each side of the outlets to the ªOº position.
The direction of airflow for the rear seats can also be
adjusted. Move the center control dial between each
vent up or down to adjust the airflow from low to high.
Turn the dial to the ªOº position to stop airflow. Move
the lever in the center of each vent to direct airflow
toward the upper or floor outlets.
The airflow temperature from the rear outlets is the
same as the driver's temperature setting.Ventilation Tips

Keep the hood and front air inlet free of ice, snow or
any other obstruction (such as leaves). The heater
and defroster will work far better, reducing the
chance of fogging the inside of the windows.

When you enter a vehicle in cold weather, adjust the
fan to the highest speed for a few moments before
driving off. This helps clear the intake outlets of
snow and moisture, and reduces the chance of
fogging the inside of the windows.

Keep the air path under the front seats clear of
objects. This helps circulate air throughout
your vehicle.
Passenger Compartment Air Filter
This ventilation system includes an air filter that helps to
remove dust, pollen, etc. from air flowing into your
vehicle. A restriction in the airflow coming into the
passenger compartment could be the result of dirt in the
filter. For more information, see ªPassenger
Compartment Air Filter Replacementº in the Index.
Also see the Maintenance Schedule booklet for when to
change the filter.

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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.