Page 2 of 321
Every
2000 Catera
under warranty is
backed with the
following
services:
Free lockout assistance
Free dead-battery assistance
Free out-of-fuel assistance
Free flat-tire change
Emergency towing
1-800-882-1112
that provides in an emergency:
1-800-882-1112
Bumper-to-Bumper
4-years/50,000 miles (80 000 km)
Limited Warranty
Courtesy
Transportation
Deluxe Trip
Routing
Page 6 of 321
Fuel
Checking Fluids and Lubricants
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
Passenger Compartment Air Filter
Brakes
Bulb ReplacementWindshield Wiper Blade Replacement
Tires and Wheels
Appearance Care
Electrical System/Fuses and Circuit Breakers
Capacities and Specifications
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
Table of Contents (cont'd)
Maintenance Schedule Service and Appearance Care
Section
6
Scheduled Maintenance
Owner Checks and Services
Periodic Maintenance InspectionsRecommended Fluids and Lubricants
Maintenance Records
See separate Maintenance Schedule Booklet
Page 11 of 321
ix
For example,
these symbols
are used on an
original battery:
CAUTION
POSSIBLE
INJURY
PROTECT
EYES BY
SHIELDING
CAUSTIC
BATTERY
ACID COULD
CAUSE
BURNS
AVOID
SPARKS OR
FLAMES
SPARK OR
FLAME
COULD
EXPLODE
BATTERY
These symbols
are important
for you and
your passengers
whenever your
vehicle is
driven:
DOOR LOCK
UNLOCK
FASTEN
SEAT
BELTS
POWER
WINDOW
AIR BAG
These symbols
have to do with
your lamps:
MASTER
LIGHTING
SWITCH
TURN
SIGNALS
PARKING
LAMPS
HAZARD
WARNING
FLASHER
DAYTIME
RUNNING
LAMPS
FOG LAMPS
These symbols
are on some of
your controls:
WINDSHIELD
WIPER
WINDSHIELD
WASHER
WINDSHIELD
DEFROSTER
REAR
WINDOW
DEFOGGER
VENTILATING
FAN
These symbols
are used on
warning and
indicator lights:
ENGINE
COOLANT
TEMP
BATTERY
CHARGING
SYSTEM
BRAKE
COOLANT
ENGINE OIL
PRESSURE
ANTI-LOCK
BRAKES
Here are some
other symbols
you may see:
FUSE
LIGHTER
HORN
SPEAKER
FUEL
Vehicle Symbols
These are some of the symbols you may find on your vehicle.
Page 12 of 321
For
a More
Detailed Look at
What's Under the Hood
See Section 6
Tire Pressure
See Section 6
Service Station Guide
Oil Viscosity
Engine Oil
See Section 6
Engine Oil Dipstick
See Section 6
Remote Fuel
Door Release
See Section 6
Premium Fuel Recommended
Use unleaded gas only,
91 Octane or higher.
See Section 6
Cooling System
See Section 5Hood Release
See Section 6
Windshield Washer
Fluid
See Section 6
Battery
See Section 6
Page 73 of 321

2-8
The average range of this system is about 30 feet (9 m).
At times you may notice a decrease in range. This is
normal for any remote keyless entry transmitter. If the
transmitter does not work or if you have to stand closer
to your vehicle for the transmitter to work, try this:
Check the distance. You may be too far from your
vehicle. You may need to stand closer during rainy
or snowy weather.
Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may
be blocking the signal. Take a few steps to the left
or right, hold the transmitter higher, and try again.
Check to determine if battery replacement or
resynchronization is necessary. See the instructions
that follow.
If you're still having trouble, see your dealer or
a qualified technician for service.Operation
When you press
this symbol to unlock
the driver's door, the
parking lamps on your
vehicle will blink
twice. The parking
lamps and headlamps
will remain on for
about 20 seconds.
Pressing this button again within five seconds will unlock
the other doors. Pressing this button will also disarm the
optional theft
-deterrent system and turn on the interior
lamps (for approximately 20 seconds).
When you press this symbol to lock the doors
(including the fuel door), the parking lamps will blink
once. This also arms the optional theft
-deterrent system.
Press this symbol to open the trunk.
Press this button to unlock the fuel door.
Page 82 of 321

2-17
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.
Page 84 of 321

2-19
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 Cateraº in the Index.
Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)
In very cold weather, 0F (-18C) 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.
Page 88 of 321

2-23
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.