2001 CADILLAC CATERA warning lights

ii
Table of Contents
Windows
Keys and Door Locks
Remote Keyless Entry System
Trunk Release
Automatic Transmission
Parking Brake
Tilt Wheel
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
Windshield Wipers
Cruise ControlExterior and Interior Lamps
Mirrors
Storage Compartments
Convenience Net
Accessory Power Outlets
OnStar® System (If Equipped)
Sunroof (Option)
HomeLink® Transmitter (Option)
Instrument Panel, Warning Lights and Gages Seats and Seat Controls
Safety BeltsAir Bag Systems
Restraint Systems for Children
Section
1
Section
2
Seats and Restraint Systems
Features and Controls

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:
CHILD
RESTRAINT
TOP STRAP
ANCHOR
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
FUEL
Vehicle Symbols
These are some of the symbols you may find on your vehicle. Also see ªWarning Lights and Gagesº in the Index.

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 Windows
2
-5 Keys
2
-7 Door Locks
2
-10 Remote Keyless Entry System (RKE)
2
-14 Trunk
2
-16 Theft
2
-17 Theft-Deterrent System (Option)
2
-19 Immobilizer
2
-20 New VehicleªBreak-Inº
2
-20 Ignition Positions
2
-22 Starting Your Engine
2
-23 Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)
2
-25 Automatic Transmission Operation
2
-30 Parking Brake
2
-31 Shifting Into PARK (P)
2
-33 Shifting Out of PARK (P)2
-35 Parking Over Things that Burn
2
-35 Engine Exhaust
2
-36 Running Your Engine While You're Parked
2
-36 Horn
2
-37 Tilt Wheel
2
-37 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
2
-45 Exterior Lamps
2
-50 Interior Lamps
2
-52 Mirrors
2
-54 Storage Compartments
2
-57 OnStar
System (If Equipped)
2
-60 Sunroof (Option)
2
-64 HomeLink
Transmitter (If Equipped)
2
-68 The Instrument Panel -- Your
Information System
2
-72 Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators

2-47 Lamps On Reminder
You will hear a warning chime if you open the door
while leaving the lamps on, if the manual headlamp
knob is activated. An exception to this is when you're
using the Twilight Sentinel.


Daytime Running Lamps
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier
for others to see the front of your vehicle during
the day. DRL can be helpful in many different driving
conditions, but they can be especially helpful in the
short periods after dawn and before sunset. Fully
functional daytime running lights are required on all
vehicles first sold in Canada.
The DRL system will make the high
-beam headlamps
come on at reduced brightness when the following
conditions are met:

Your vehicle's ignition is in ON or START,

the low
-beam headlamps are off (the manual lamp
knob is in the off or park lamp position) and

your vehicle's transmission is shifted out
of PARK (P).When DRL are on, only the high
-beam headlamps (at
reduced brightness) will be on. No other exterior lamps
such as the parking lamps, taillamps, etc. will be on
when the DRL are being used. The instrument panel
won't be lit up either.
When the Twilight Sentinel
 is on and it's dark enough
outside, the high
-beam headlamps (at reduced intensity)
will change to low
-beam headlamps. When it's bright
enough outside, the regular lamps will go off, and
the high
-beam headlamps change to the reduced
brightness of DRL.
To idle your vehicle with the headlamps off, turn off the
Twilight Sentinel using the thumbwheel located below
the headlamp knob, then shift the transmission into
PARK (P). Placing your vehicle in PARK (P) disables
the DRL. The DRL will stay off until you shift out
of PARK (P).

2-72
Warning Lights, Gages
and Indicators
This part describes the warning lights and gages that
may be on your vehicle. The pictures will help you
locate them.
Warning lights and gages can signal that something is
wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause an
expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention to
your warning lights and gages could also save you
or others from injury.
Warning lights come on when there may be or is a
problem with one of your vehicle's functions. As you
will see in the details on the next few pages, some
warning lights come on briefly when you start the
engine just to let you know they're working. If you
are familiar with this section, you should not be alarmed
when this happens.
Gages can indicate when there may be or is a problem
with one of your vehicle's functions. Often gages and
warning lights work together to let you know when
there's a problem with your vehicle.When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on
when you are driving, or when one of the gages shows
there may be a problem, check the section that tells you
what to do about it. Please follow this manual's advice.
Waiting to do repairs can be costly
-- and even
dangerous. So please get to know your warning lights
and gages. They're a big help.
Safety Belt Reminder Light
When the key is turned to ON or START, a tone will
come on for about eight seconds to remind people to
fasten their safety belts, unless the driver's safety belt
is already buckled.
The safety belt light will
also come on and stay on
for about four seconds,
then it will flash for
about 60 seconds.
If the driver's belt is already buckled, neither the tone
nor the light will come on.

2-85
If you continue to drive with a loose fuel cap, the
diagnostic system in your vehicle can determine if the
fuel cap has been left off or improperly installed. A
loose or missing fuel cap will allow fuel to evaporate
into the atmosphere. If this happens, the CHECK
ENGINE light may come on. For more information, see
ªMalfunction Indicator Lampº earlier in this section.
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.

6-20 How to Check Lubricant
If the level is below the bottom of the filler plug hole,
you'll need to add some lubricant. Add enough lubricant
to raise the level to the bottom of the filler plug hole.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of lubricant to use. See ªRecommended Fluids and
Lubricantsº in the Maintenance Schedule booklet.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with
DEX
-COOL engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for 5 years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs first, if you add only
DEX
-COOL extended life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and how
to add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem
with engine overheating, see ªEngine Overheatingº
in the Index.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX
-COOL coolant will:

Give freezing protection down to
-34F (-37C).

Give boiling protection up to 265F (129C).

Protect against rust and corrosion.

Help keep the proper engine temperature.

Let the warning lights and gages work as
they should.