2000 CADILLAC CATERA wheel

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CAUTION:
When an air bag inflates, there is dust in the air.
This dust could cause breathing problems for
people with a history of asthma or other breathing
trouble. To avoid this, everyone in the vehicle
should get out as soon as it is safe to do so. If you
have breathing problems but can't get out of the
vehicle after an air bag inflates, then get fresh air
by opening a window or a door.
In many crashes severe enough to inflate an air bag,
windshields are broken by vehicle deformation.
Additional windshield breakage may also occur from
the right front passenger air bag.

Air bags are designed to inflate only once. After an
air bag inflates, you'll need some new parts for your
air bag system. If you don't get them, the air bag
system won't be there to help protect you in another
crash. A new system will include air bag modules
and possibly other parts. The service manual for
your vehicle covers the need to replace other parts.
Your vehicle is equipped with a crash sensing and
diagnostic module, which records information about
the frontal air bag system. The module records
information about the readiness of the system, when
the system commands air bag inflation and driver's
safety belt usage at deployment.

Let only qualified technicians work on your air
bag systems. Improper service can mean that an
air bag system won't work properly. See your
dealer for service.
NOTICE:
If you damage the covering for the driver's or
the right front passenger's air bag, or the
air bag covering on the driver's and right front
passenger's seatback, the bag may not work
properly. You may have to replace the air bag
module in the steering wheel, both the air bag
module and the instrument panel for the right
front passenger's air bag, or both the air bag
module and seatback for the driver's and right
front passenger's side impact air bag. Do not
open or break the air bag coverings.

2-
2-1
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 (Option)
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
- 26 Parking Brake
2
- 27 Shifting Into PARK (P)
2
- 29 Shifting Out of PARK (P)
2
- 30 Parking Over Things that Burn2
- 31 Engine Exhaust
2
- 31 Running Your Engine While You're Parked
2
- 32 Windows
2
- 34 Horn
2
- 34 Tilt Wheel
2
- 35 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
2
- 41 Exterior Lamps
2
- 47 Interior Lamps
2
- 48 Mirrors
2
- 50 Storage Compartments
2
- 53 OnStar
System (If Equipped)
2
- 54 Sunroof (Option)
2
- 58 HomeLink
Transmitter (If Equipped)
2
- 62 The Instrument Panel -- Your
Information System
2
- 66 Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators

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If your vehicle loses power
temporarily, you can
manually open the trunk
using the trunk release
handle. The handle is
located on the underside
of the trunk lid on the
driver's side and can be
accessed through the
fold
-down rear seats.
Fold down the driver's side rear seat and reach through to
the trunk compartment to find the release handle. Pulling
the handle opens the trunk. For more information on
how to fold the rear seats, see ªFolding the Rear Seatº
in the Index.
Theft
Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities.
Although your vehicle has a number of theft
-deterrent
features, we know that nothing we put on it can make
it impossible to steal. However, there are ways you
can help.
Key in the Ignition
If you leave your vehicle with the keys inside, it's an
easy target for joy riders or professional thieves
-- so
don't do it.
When you park your vehicle and open the driver's door,
you'll hear a tone reminding you to remove your key
from the ignition and take it with you. Always do this.
Your steering wheel will be locked, and so will your
ignition and transmission. And remember to lock
the doors.

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New Vehicle ªBreak-Inº
NOTICE:
Your vehicle doesn't need an elaborate
ªbreak
-in.º But it will perform better in the
long run if you follow these guidelines:

Don't drive at any one speed -- fast or
slow
-- for the first 500 miles (805 km).
Don't make full
-throttle starts.

Avoid making hard stops for the first
200 miles (322 km) or so. During this time
your new brake linings aren't yet broken
in. Hard stops with new linings can mean
premature wear and earlier replacement.
Follow this breaking
-in guideline every
time you get new brake linings.

Don't tow a trailer during break
-in.
See ªTowing a Trailerº in the Index for
more information.
Ignition Positions
NOTICE:
If your key seems stuck in LOCK and you can't
turn it, be sure you are using the correct key;
if so, is it all the way in? If it is, then turn the
steering wheel left and right while you turn the
key hard. But turn the key only with your hand.
Using a tool to force it could break the key or the
ignition switch. If none of this works, then your
vehicle needs service.
Keep in mind that you may have to turn the steering
wheel as you turn the key in order to turn the ignition
switch from LOCK to START
-- this is normal.
Using extra effort to remove the key from the ignition
switch, as compared to other GM vehicles that you may
have owned, is also normal.
If your key is stuck in the ignition switch and cannot
be turned back to LOCK, your vehicle will need to be
repaired. See your dealer for service.

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With the key in the
ignition switch, you can
turn the switch to four
different positions.
LOCK (
): Before you put the key in, the ignition
will be in LOCK. This is the only position from which
you can remove the key. This position locks the
ignition, steering wheel and transmission. It's a
theft
-deterrent feature.
OFF (I): This position lets you turn off the engine
but still turn the steering wheel. It doesn't lock the
steering wheel like LOCK. Use OFF if you must
have your vehicle in motion while the engine is off
(for example, if your vehicle is being pushed).ON (II): The ignition is on in this position. ON is used
for driving your vehicle.
START (III): This position starts the engine.
To lock the steering column, remove the key while in
LOCK. Turn the steering wheel until you hear a click.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
The radio and the optional cellular phone are the only
accessories on your vehicle that may be used for up to
10 minutes after the ignition is turned to OFF or until
a door is opened.
Power to the door locks is available at all times. Power
to the fuel door and trunk release will be available
for 15 minutes after the ignition is turned to OFF.
The power window controls and the sunroof (optional)
controls are active until a door is opened
-- there is
no time limit as long as the doors remain closed.

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Your vehicle has an automatic transmission shift lock
control system. You have to fully apply the regular
brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when
the ignition key is in ON. If you cannot shift out of
PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever
-- push
the shift lever all the way into PARK (P) as you
maintain brake application. Then move the shift lever
into the gear you wish. See ªShifting Out of PARK (P)º
in this section.
REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up.
To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow,
ice or sand without damaging the transmission, see
ªStuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snowº in the Index.
NEUTRAL (N): The engine doesn't connect with
the wheels when driving in NEUTRAL (N). Use
NEUTRAL (N) to restart your vehicle when you're
already moving or when your vehicle is being towed.
CAUTION:
Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) while
your engine is ªracingº (running at high speed)
is dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on the
brake pedal, your vehicle could move very
rapidly. You could lose control and hit people
or objects. Don't shift out of PARK (P) or
NEUTRAL (N) while your engine is racing.
NOTICE:
Damage to the transmission caused by shifting
out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) with the
engine racing isn't covered by your warranty.

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DRIVE (D): Use this for normal driving. If you need
more power for passing, and you're:

Going less than 35 mph (55 km/h), push the
accelerator pedal about halfway down.

Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more,
push the accelerator all the way down.
The transmission will shift down to the next gear.
THIRD (3): This position is not used for normal
driving. It offers more power and lower fuel economy
than DRIVE (D).
Here are some times you might choose THIRD (3)
instead of DRIVE (D):

When driving on hilly, winding roads.

When towing a trailer, so there is less shifting
between gears.

When going down a steep hill.
SECOND (2): Driving in this position gives you more
power than driving in THIRD (3). Use it on hills. It can
help control your speed as you go down steep mountain
roads, but then you would also want to use the brakes
off and on.FIRST (1): This position gives you more power (but
lower fuel economy) than SECOND (2). You can use it
on very steep hills. If the shift lever is put in FIRST (1),
the transmission won't shift into first gear until the
vehicle is going slowly enough.
NOTICE:
If the rear wheels can't rotate, don't try to drive.
This might happen if you were stuck in very
deep sand or mud or you were up against a
solid object. You could damage the transmission.
Also, if you stop when going uphill, don't hold
your vehicle there with only the accelerator
pedal. This could overheat and damage the
transmission. Use the brakes to hold your
vehicle in position on a hill.
When you start your vehicle and the engine temperature
is below 86F (30 C), upshifting of the transmission
will be delayed for about one minute. This is normal.
The engine's catalytic converter is warming up during
this time.

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Rear Window Lockout
Moving this switch to the
left will disable the rear
passenger window controls.
A red indicator light in
the control will illuminate
as a reminder the rear
passenger window
controls are disabled.
Move the switch to the right to enable the rear passenger
window controls again. A green indicator light in the
control will illuminate to indicate the rear passenger
window controls are active.
Horn
The horn can be sounded by pressing either horn symbol
on the steering wheel. The symbols are located at about
the 9 and 3 o'clock positions.
Tilt Wheel
Tilt steering allows you to adjust the steering wheel
before you begin driving. Raising the steering wheel to
the highest level gives your legs more room when you
enter and exit your vehicle.
Hold the steering wheel and pull the lever toward
you to tilt the wheel. Adjust the steering wheel to a
comfortable position and then release the lever to lock
the wheel in place.