5-
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5-1
Section 5 Problems on the Road
Here you'll find what to do about some problems that can occur on the road.
5
-2 Hazard Warning Flashers
5
-3 Other Warning Devices
5
-3 Jump Starting
5
-8 Towing Your Vehicle
5
-8 Engine Overheating5
-11 Cooling System
5
-17 If a Tire Goes Flat
5
-18 Changing a Flat Tire
5
-28 Compact Spare Tire
5
-29 If You're Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow
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5-8
Towing Your Vehicle
CAUTION:
To help avoid serious personal injury to you
or others:
Never let passengers ride in a vehicle that is
being towed.
Never tow faster than safe or posted speeds.
Never tow with damaged parts not
fully secured.
Never get under your vehicle after it has
been lifted by the tow truck.
Always secure the vehicle on each side with
separate safety chains when towing it.
Use only the correct hooks.
NOTICE:
Use the proper towing equipment to avoid
damage to the bumper, fascia or fog lamp areas
of the vehicle.
With current trends in automotive styles and design, it is
essential that the correct towing equipment is used to
tow a vehicle. Your vehicle can be towed with wheel
-lift
or car
-carrier equipment.
Consult your dealer or a professional towing service if
you need to have your vehicle towed. See ªRoadside
Assistanceº in the Index.
Engine Overheating
You will find an ENGINE COOLANT HOT, IDLE
ENGINE message or an ENGINE OVERHEATED,
STOP ENGINE message on the Driver Information
Center (DIC). There is also an engine temperature
warning light and/or gage on the instrument panel.
See ªEngine Coolant Temperature Warning Lightº
or ªEngine Coolant Temperature Gageº in the Index.
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5-9 Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
Should an overheated engine condition exist and the
message ENGINE OVERHEATED, STOP ENGINE is
displayed, an overheat protection mode which alternates
firing groups of cylinders helps prevent engine damage.
In this mode, you will notice a loss in power and engine
performance. This operating mode allows your vehicle
to be driven to a safe place in an emergency; you may
drive up to 50 miles (80 km). Towing a trailer in the
overheat protection mode should be avoided.
NOTICE:
After driving in the overheated engine protection
operating mode, to avoid engine damage, allow
the engine to cool before attempting any repair.
The engine oil will be severely degraded. Repair
the cause of coolant loss, change the oil and reset
the oil life indicator. See ªEngine Oilº in
the Index.
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
CAUTION:
Steam from an overheated engine can burn you
badly, even if you just open the hood. Stay away
from the engine if you see or hear steam coming
CAUTION: (Continued)
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5-29
If You're Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice
or Snow
In order to free your vehicle when it is stuck, you will
need to spin the wheels, but you don't want to spin your
wheels too fast. The method known as ªrockingº can help
you get out when you're stuck, but you must use caution.
CAUTION:
If you let your tires spin at high speed, they can
explode, and you or others could be injured. And,
the transaxle or other parts of the vehicle can
overheat. That could cause an engine
compartment fire or other damage. When you're
stuck, spin the wheels as little as possible. Don't
spin the wheels above 35 mph (55 km/h) as shown
on the speedometer.
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 transaxle back and
forth, you can destroy your transaxle.
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 transaxle 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.
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6-19
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
When to Check and Change
A good time to check your automatic transaxle fluid
level is when the engine oil is changed.
Change both the fluid and filter every 50,000 miles
(83 000 km) if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or
more of these conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90F (32C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, the fluid and filter do not require change
until the message CHANGE TRANS FLUID appears on
the Driver Information Center.
See ªScheduled Maintenance Servicesº in the
Maintenance Schedule booklet.
How to Check
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may
choose to have this done at the dealership service department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions
here, or you could get a false reading on the dipstick.
NOTICE:
Too much or too little fluid can damage your
transaxle. Too much can mean that some of the
fluid could come out and fall on hot engine parts
or exhaust system parts, starting a fire. Be sure to
get an accurate reading if you check your
transaxle fluid.
Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the transaxle
fluid level if you have been driving:
When outside temperatures are above 90F (32C).
At high speed for quite a while.
In heavy traffic
-- especially in hot weather.
While pulling a trailer.
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7-5
GM Mobility Program for Persons
with Disabilities
This program, available to
qualified applicants, can
reimburse you up to $1,000
toward aftermarket driver or
passenger adaptive
equipment you may require
for your vehicle (hand
controls, wheelchair/scooter
lifts, etc.).
This program can also provide you with free resource
information, such as area driver assessment centers and
mobility equipment installers. The program is available
for a limited period of time from the date of vehicle
purchase/lease. See your dealer for more details or call
the GM Mobility Assistance Center at 1
-800-323-9935.
Text telephone (TTY) users, call 1
-800-833-9935.
GM of Canada also has a Mobility Program. Call
1
-800-GM-DRIVE (463-7483) for details. TTY users
call 1
-800-263-3830. When calling from the United
States, please dial 1
-905-644-3063.
Roadside Service
Cadillac's exceptional Roadside Service is more than an
auto club or towing service. It provides every Cadillac
owner with the advantage of contacting a Cadillac
advisor and, when appropriate, a Cadillac trained dealer
technician who can provide on
-site service.
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7-6
Each technician travels with a specially equipped
service vehicle complete with the necessary Cadillac
parts and tools required to handle most roadside repairs.
Cadillac Roadside Service can be reached by dialing
1
-800-882-1112, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
This service is provided at no charge for any
warranty
-covered situation and for a nominal charge
if the Cadillac is no longer under warranty. Roadside
Service is available only in the United States
and Canada.
Cadillac Owner Privileges
Roadside Service provides several Cadillac
Owner Privileges at ªno charge,º throughout
your 1999 Cadillac Warranty Period
-- 48 months/
50,000 miles (80 000 km).
Emergency Road Service is performed on site for the
following situations:
Towing Service
Battery Jump Starting
Lock Out Assistance
Fuel Delivery
Flat Tire Change (Covers change only)
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8-4
Cooling System 5-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cornering Lamps 2-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Courtesy Transportation 7-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise Control 2-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise Control Light 2-76 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cupholders (in Storage Areas) 2-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Curb View Assist Mirror 2-53, 2-90 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Curb View Assist Mirror Programming 2-90 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Customer Assistance
For Text Telephone Users 7
-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Assistance Information 7-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Assistance Offices 7-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Customer Satisfaction Procedure 7-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CVRSS 2-91 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Damage, Finish 6-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Damage, Sheet Metal 6-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Daytime Running Lamps 2-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dead Battery 5-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defects, Reporting Safety 7-10, 7-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defensive Driving 4-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defogger, Rear Window 3-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defrosting and Defogging 3-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DIC 2-78 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DIC Controls and Displays 2-78 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DIC Messages 2-79 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimensions, Vehicle 6-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Display Mode 2-66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diversity Antenna 3-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dolby Noise Reduction 3-15, 3-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Door
Central Unlocking System 2
-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel Release 6-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Locks 2-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Map Pocket 2-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Doors Lock in Gear 2-89 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Doors Unlock in Park
Doors Unlock Key Off 2
-89 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driver
Door Ajar Message 2
-81 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Information Center (DIC) 2-78 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
No. X (1 or 2) Message 2-81 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Position 1-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unlock in Park 2-89 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unlock Key Off 2-89 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driver's Names Set/Recall 2-90 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driver's Outside Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror 2-52 . . . . .
Driving
City 4
-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defensive 4-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drunken 4-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Freeway 4-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In a Blizzard 4-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In Foreign Countries 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In the Rain and on Wet Roads 4-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Night 4-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Curves 4-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Grades While Towing a Trailer 4-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Hill and Mountain Roads 4-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Snow or Ice 4-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .