1999 CADILLAC CATERA service indicator

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2-65
This light will come on
when you start your engine,
and it will flash for a few
seconds. Then the light
should go out. This means
the system is ready.
If the air bag readiness light stays on after you start the
engine or comes on when you are driving, your air bag
system may not work properly. Have your vehicle
serviced right away.
The air bag readiness light should flash for a few
seconds when you turn the ignition key to ON. If the
light doesn't come on then, have it fixed so it will be
ready to warn you if there is a problem.Charging System Indicator Light
When you turn the key to
START, this light will come
on briefly to show that the
generator and battery
charging systems
are working.
If this light stays on, you need service and you should
take your vehicle to the dealer at once. To save the
battery until you get there, turn off all accessories.
Voltmeter
You can read battery
voltage on the voltmeter. If
it reads less than 12 volts or
more than 16 volts while the
engine is running, and it
stays there, you may have a
problem with the electrical
charging system.

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2-70 Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Check Engine Light)
Your vehicle is equipped
with a computer which
monitors operation of the
fuel, ignition and emission
control systems.
This system is called OBD II (On
-Board
Diagnostics
-Second Generation) and is intended to
assure that emissions are at acceptable levels for the life
of the vehicle, helping to produce a cleaner
environment. The CHECK ENGINE light comes on to
indicate that there is a problem and service is required.
Malfunctions often will be indicated by the system
before any problem is apparent. This may prevent more
serious damage to your vehicle. This system is also
designed to assist your service technician in correctly
diagnosing any malfunction.
NOTICE:
If you keep driving your vehicle with this light
on, after a while, your emission controls may not
work as well, your fuel economy may not be as
good and your engine may not run as smoothly.
This could lead to costly repairs that may not be
covered by your warranty.
NOTICE:
Modifications made to the engine, transmission,
exhaust or fuel system of your vehicle or the
replacement of the original tires with other than
those of the same Tire Performance Criteria
(TPC) can affect your vehicle's emission controls
and may cause the CHECK ENGINE light to
come on. Modifications to these systems could
lead to costly repairs not covered by your
warranty. This may also result in a failure to pass
a required Emission Inspection/Maintenance test.

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2-76 Automatic Transmission Warning Light
(If Equipped)
This light comes on briefly
when the ignition is turned
on. If the light remains on
or lights up while driving,
there may be a fault in the
automatic transmission.
Have your vehicle serviced.
Leveling Indicator Light
This light comes on steady
when the rear load level in
your vehicle changes.Do not drive your vehicle when this light is on. The rear
of your vehicle is too low and part of the body or the
rear axle may be damaged when driving over bumpy
roads. When the light goes out, leveling is complete.
This procedure is automatic
-- you don't have to
do anything.
If the light comes on flashing, there may be a problem
with the leveling system. You should reduce your
vehicle speed and have your vehicle serviced soon.
Brake Pad Wear Indicator Light
This light comes on when
the brake pads on your
vehicle have significantly
worn. The pads will have to
be replaced, so have your
vehicle serviced soon.

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3-30
When using a scrubbing action, non-abrasive cleaning
cassette, it is normal for the cassette to eject because
your unit is equipped with a cut tape detection feature
and a cleaning cassette may appear as a broken tape. To
prevent the cleaning cassette from being ejected, use the
following steps.
1. Turn the ignition to ON (II).
2. Turn the radio off.
3. Press and hold the SOURCE button for two seconds.
The tape symbol on the display will flash three times.
4. Turn the radio on and insert the scrubbing action
cleaning cassette.
5. Eject the cleaning cassette after the manufacturer's
recommended cleaning time.
When the cleaning cassette has been ejected, the cut tape
detection feature is active again.
You may also choose a non
-scrubbing action, wet-type
cleaner which uses a cassette with a fabric belt to clean
the tape head. This type of cleaning cassette will not
eject on its own. A non
-scrubbing action cleaner may
not clean as thoroughly as the scrubbing type cleaner.
The use of a non
-scrubbing action, dry-type cleaning
cassette is not recommended.If your vehicle is equipped with the AM
-FM Stereo with
Cassette Tape Player, press and hold the eject button for
five seconds to reset the CLN indicator after you clean
the player. The radio will display
--- to show the
indicator was reset.
If your vehicle is equipped with the AM
-FM Stereo with
Cassette Tape and Compact Disc Player with Radio Data
Systems (RDS), press and hold the eject button for three
seconds to reset the CLEAN TAPE indicator after you
clean the player. The radio will display CLEAN TAPE
MSG CLEARED to show the indicator was reset.
Cassettes are subject to wear and the sound quality
may degrade over time. Always make sure the cassette
tape is in good condition before you have your tape
player serviced.
Care of Your Compact Discs
Handle discs carefully. Store them in their original cases
or other protective cases and away from direct sunlight
and dust. If the surface of a disc is soiled, dampen a
clean, soft cloth in a mild, neutral detergent solution and
clean it, wiping from the center to the edge.
Be sure never to touch the signal surface when handling
discs. Pick up discs by grasping the outer edges or the
edge of the hole and the outer edge.

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6-4
That's normal, and you don't have to buy a higher
octane fuel to get rid of pinging. It's the heavy, constant
knock that means you have a problem.
If your vehicle is certified to meet California Emission
Standards (indicated on the underhood emission control
label), it is designed to operate on fuels that meet
California specifications. If such fuels are not available
in states adopting California emissions standards, your
vehicle will operate satisfactorily on fuels meeting
federal specifications, but emission control system
performance may be affected. The malfunction indicator
lamp on your instrument panel may turn on and/or your
vehicle may fail a smog
-check test. (See ªMalfunction
Indicator Lampº in the Index.) If this occurs, return to
your authorized Catera dealer for diagnosis to determine
the cause of failure. In the event it is determined that the
cause of the condition is the type of fuels used, repairs
may not be covered by your warranty.
Some gasolines that are not reformulated for low
emissions may contain an octane
-enhancing additive
called methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl
(MMT); ask your service station operator whether or not
the fuel contains MMT. General Motors does not
recommend the use of such gasolines. If fuels containing
MMT are used, spark plug life may be reduced and youremission control system performance may be affected.
The malfunction indicator lamp on your instrument
panel may turn on. If this occurs, return to your
authorized Catera dealer for service.
To provide cleaner air, all gasolines in the United States
are now required to contain additives that will help
prevent deposits from forming in your engine and fuel
system, allowing your emission control system to
function properly. Therefore, you should not have to add
anything to the fuel. In addition, gasolines containing
oxygenates, such as ethers and ethanol, and
reformulated gasolines may be available in your area to
contribute to clean air. General Motors recommends that
you use these gasolines, particularly if they comply with
the specifications described earlier.
NOTICE:
Your vehicle was not designed for fuel that
contains methanol. Don't use it. It can corrode
metal parts in your fuel system and also damage
plastic and rubber parts. That damage wouldn't
be covered under your warranty.

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6-28
CAUTION:
The brake pad wear indicator light means that
soon your brakes won't work well. That could
lead to an accident. When the brake pad wear
indicator light comes on and stays on, have your
vehicle serviced.
NOTICE:
Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads
could result in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean something is wrong with
your brakes.Properly torqued wheel bolts are necessary to help
prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect
brake pads for wear and evenly torque wheel bolts in the
proper sequence to GM specifications.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
See ªBrake System Inspectionº in the Maintenance
Schedule booklet under Part C ªPeriodic
Maintenance Inspections.º
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return to
normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in pedal
travel. This could be a sign of brake trouble.
Brake Adjustment
Every time you apply the brakes, with or without the
vehicle moving, your brakes adjust for wear.

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