2000 CADILLAC CATERA instrument panel

6-9
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.
Hood Release
Pull the lever inside the
vehicle to open the hood.
It is located on the
lower left side of the
instrument panel.
Then go to the front of the vehicle and find the
secondary hood release which is located above the front
grille. Lift up on the release lever as you raise the hood.

6-11
Engine Oil
If the low oil level appears
on the instrument panel,
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.
Checking Engine Oil
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.
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.

6-22
NOTICE:
If you use an improper coolant mixture, your
engine could overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost wouldn't be covered by your
warranty. Too much water in the mixture can
freeze and crack the engine, radiator, heater core
and other parts.
If you have to add coolant more than four times a year,
have your dealer check your cooling system.
NOTICE:
If you use the proper coolant, you don't have to
add extra inhibitors or additives which claim to
improve the system. These can be harmful.
Checking Coolant
The surge tank is located behind the air cleaner on the
passenger's side of the engine.
The cooling system when hot is under a lot of pressure.
If the low coolant warning light on the instrument panel
appears, you will need to add coolant.

6-48
Here are some cleaning tips:

Always read the instructions on the cleaner label.

Clean up stains as soon as you can
-- before they set.

Carefully scrape off any excess stain.

Use a clean cloth or sponge, and change to a
clean area often. A soft brush may be used if
stains are stubborn.

If a ring forms on fabric after spot cleaning, clean
the entire area immediately or it will set.
Cleaning Vinyl
Use warm water and a clean cloth.

Rub with a clean, damp cloth to remove dirt.
You may have to do it more than once.

Things like tar, asphalt and shoe polish will stain
if you don't get them off quickly. Use a clean
cloth and a vinyl/leather cleaner. See your dealer
for this product.
Cleaning Leather
Use a soft cloth with lukewarm water and a mild soap or
saddle soap and wipe dry with a soft cloth. Then, let the
leather dry naturally. Do not use heat to dry.

For stubborn stains, use a leather cleaner. See your
dealer for this product.

Never use oils, varnishes, solvent
-based or abrasive
cleaners, furniture polish or shoe polish on leather.

Soiled or stained leather should be cleaned
immediately. If dirt is allowed to work into the
finish, it can harm the leather.
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel
Use only mild soap and water to clean the top surfaces
of the instrument panel. Sprays containing silicones or
waxes may cause annoying reflections in the windshield
and even make it difficult to see through the windshield
under certain conditions.

6-54
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
PART NUMBERSIZEDESCRIPTIONUSAGE
99495423 in. x 25 in.Polishing Cloth ± Wax TreatedExterior polishing cloth
105017216 oz. (0.473 L)Tar and Road Oil RemoverRemoves tar, road oil and asphalt
105017316 oz. (0.473 L)Chrome Cleaner and PolishUse on chrome, stainless steel, nickel, copper and brass
105017416 oz. (0.473 L)White Sidewall Tire CleanerRemoves soil and black marks from whitewalls
105021432 oz. (0.946 L)Vinyl CleanerCleans vinyl tops, upholstery and convertible tops
105042723 oz. (0.680 L)Glass CleanerRemoves dirt, grime, smoke and fingerprints
1052918**8 oz. (0.237 L)Armor All
ProtectantProtects leather, wood, acrylics, Plexiglas
, plastic,
rubber and vinyl
105292516 oz. (0.473 L)Multi-Purpose Interior
CleanerCleans carpets, seats, interior trim, door panels
and floor mats
105292916 oz. (0.473 L)Wheel CleanerSpray on and rinse with water
10529308 oz. (0.237 L)Capture Dry Spot RemoverAttracts, absorbs and removes soils on fabric
123457212.5 sq. ft.Synthetic ChamoisShines vehicle without scratching
1234572512 oz. (0.354 L)Silicone Tire ShineSpray on tire shine
12377964*16 oz. (0.473 L)Finish EnhancerRemoves dust, fingerprints and surface contaminants
12377966*16 oz. (0.473 L)Cleaner WaxRemoves light scratches and oxidation and protects finish
12377984*16 oz. (0.473 L)Surface CleanerRemoves contaminants, blemishes and swirl marks
See your General Motors Parts Department for these products.
See ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Maintenance Schedule booklet.
* For exterior use only.
** Not recommended for use on instrument panels.

6-55
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
This is the legal identifier for your vehicle. It appears
on a plate in the front corner of the instrument panel,
on the driver's side. You can see it if you look through
the windshield from outside your vehicle. The VIN also
appears on the Vehicle Certification and Service Parts
labels and the certificates of title and registration.
Engine Identification
The 8th character in your VIN is the engine code. This
code will help you identify your engine, specifications
and replacement parts.
Service Parts Identification Label
You'll find this label behind the passenger's side
access panel in the trunk (the panel that covers the
trunk
-mounted CD changer). It's very helpful if
you ever need to order parts. On this label is:

your VIN,

the model designation,

paint information and

a list of all production options and
special equipment.
Be sure that this label is not removed from the vehicle.

6-57 Power Distribution Fuse Block
This fuse block is attached to the engine compartment
relay center located on top of the battery. Simply lift the
lid to open. If you have any questions about the power
distribution fuse block, consult your dealer.
Please note that if a power loss has occurred, such as
disconnecting the battery or removing the Maxi Fuses
in the power distribution fuse block, there are steps that
must be followed to calibrate the Electronic ThrottleControl (ETC). If these steps are not done, the engine
will not run properly. For information regarding these
steps, see ªBatteryº earlier in this section.
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
The wiring circuits in your vehicle are protected from
short circuits by a combination of fuses and circuit
breakers. This greatly reduces the chance of fires
caused by electrical problems.
Look at the silver
-colored band inside the fuse. If the
band is broken or melted, replace the fuse. Be sure you
replace a bad fuse with a new one of the identical size
and rating.
If you ever have a problem on the road and don't have
a spare fuse, you can borrow one that has the same
amperage. Pick some feature of your vehicle that you
can get along without
-- like the radio or cigarette
lighter
-- and use its fuse, if it is the correct amperage.
Replace it as soon as you can.
There are two fuse blocks in your vehicle: the
instrument panel fuse block and the engine
compartment relay center.

6-58
Instrument Panel Fuse Block (Driver's Side)
The fuse block is located below the steering wheel on
the driver's side. Using a screwdriver, loosen the two
trim fasteners under the trim panel and pull the trim
panel away from the instrument panel to access.
Fuse Usage
1 RH and LH Front Side Door Window
Regulator Motor, LH Front Side Door
Window Switch
2 Stoplamp Switch, Cruise Control
Release Switch
3 Automatic Transmission Range Switch,
Automatic Transmission Control Indicator,
Power Steering Control Module, Hazard
Warning Switch, Automatic Transmission
Winter Mode Switch, Transmission
Control Module (TCM)