CADILLAC CATERA 1997 1.G Owners Manual

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search 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.
,I .,
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.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine When you open the hood, you’ll see:
1
H
A. Coolant Fill Location D. Engine Oil Fill Location G. Brake Master Cylinder
B. Air Cleaner E. Engine Oil Dipstick Location H. Power Steering Fluid
C. Passenger’s Compartment
F. Windshield Washer Fluid I. Battery
Air Filter
Before closing the hood,
be sure all filler caps are on properly. Then pull the hood down and close it firmly.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Engine Oil
If the low oil level light on
the instrument panel comes
on, it means you need
to
check your engine oil level
right away. For more
information, see “Low Oil
Level Light” in the Index.
You should check your
engine oil level regularly;
this
is an added reminder.
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 a few minutes
to
drain back into the oil pan. If you don’t, the oil dipstick
might
not show the actual level.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Checking Engine Oil
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. NOTICE:
Don’t add too much oil. If your engine has so
much oil that the oil level gets above the upper
mark that shows the proper operating range, your engine could be damaged.
The oil fill cap is located
behind the engine oil dipstick and next to the
engine block on the driver’s
side of the engine. Turn the
cap counterclockwise to
remove it.
When to Add Oil
If the oil is at or below the MIN mark, then you’ll
need to add at least one quart of oil. But you must use
the right kind. This part explains what kind of oil to use.
For crankcase capacity, see “Capacities and
Specifications” in the Index. Be sure
to fill
it enough to put the level somewhere in
the proper operating range. Push the dipstick all the way
back in when you’re through.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine What Kind of Oil to Use
Oils recommended for your vehicle can be identified by
looking for the “Starburst” symbol. This symbol
indicates that the oil has been certified by the American
Petroleum Institute (API).
Do not use any oil which
does not carry this Starburst symbol.
If
you change your own oil,
be sure you use oil that has
the Starburst symbol on the
front
of the oil container. If
you have your oil changed
for you, be sure the oil put
into your engine is
American Petroleum
Institute certified for
gasoline engines.
You should also use the proper viscosity oil for your
vehicle, as shown in the following chart:
~ RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY GRADE ENGINE OILS
FOR BEST FUEL ECONOMY AND COLD STARTING, SELECT THE LOWEST
SAE VISCOSITY GRADE OIL FOR THE EXPECTED TEMPERATURE RANGE.
HOT
WEATHER
~
“F
I100 -
+ 80 -
+60 -
+40-
+ 20 -
0-
7
“C
+ 38
+ 27
+ 16
+4
-7
- 18
---’I
-r
SAE 5w-30
1-91 sa PI abow 0°F (-18°C)
COLD
WEATHER
DO NOT USE SAE 2OW-50 OR AMY OTHER GRADE OIL NOT RECOMMENDED

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine As shown in the chart, SAE low-30 is best for your
vehicle. However,
you can use SAE 5W-30 if it’s going
to be colder than
60°F ( 16” C) before your next oil
change. When it’s very cold, you should use
SAE
5W-30. These numbers on an oil container show its
viscosity, or thickness.
Do not use other viscosity oils,
such as
SAE 2OW-50.
Engine Oil Additives
Don’t add anything to your oil. Your Catera dealer is
ready to advise if you think something should be added.
When to Change Engine Oil
If any one of these is true for you, use the short tripkity
maintenance schedule:
NOTICE:
Use only engine oil with the American Petroleum
Institute Certified For Gasoline Engines
“Starburst” symbol. Failure to use the
recommended oil can result in engine damage
not covered by your warranty.
0
0
0
0
GM Goodwrench@ oil meets all the requirements for
your vehicle.
If you are in an area where the temperature falls below
-20°F (-29”C), consider using either an SAE 5W-30
synthetic oil or an
SAE OW-30 oil. Both will provide
easier cold starting and better protection for your engine
at extremely low temperatures.
0
Most trips are less than 5 to 10 miles (8 to 16 km).
This is particularly important when outside
temperatures are below freezing.
Most trips include extensive idling (such as frequent
driving in stop-and-go traffic).
Most trips are through dusty areas.
You frequently tow a trailer or use a carrier on top
of your Catera.
The vehicle is used for delivery service, police, taxi
or other commercial application.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Driving under these conditions causes engine oil to
break down sooner. If any one of these is
true for your
vehicle, then you need to change your oil and filter
every
5,000 miles (8 000 km) or 3 months -- whichever
occurs first. (See “Check Oil Light” in the Index.)
If none of them is true, use the long triphighway
maintenance schedule. Change the oil and filter at the
first
5,000 miles (8 000 km) or 3 months -- whichever
occurs first. Then, change the oil and filter every
10,000 miles
( 16 000 km) or 12 months -- whichever
occurs first. Driving a vehicle with
a fully warmed
engine under highway conditions causes engine oil
to break down slower. (See “Check Oil Light”
in
the Index.)
What to Do with Used Oil
Did you know that used engine oil contains certain
elements that may be unhealthy for your skin and could
even cause cancer? Don’t let used oil stay
on your skin
for very long. Clean your skin and nails with soap and
water, or a good hand cleaner. Wash or properly throw
away clothing or rags containing used engine oil. (See
the manufacturer’s warnings about
the use and disposal
of oil products.)
Used oil can be a real threat to the environment. If you
change your own oil, be sure to drain all free-flowing oil
from the filter before disposal. Don’t ever dispose of oil
by putting
it in the trash, pouring it on the ground, into
sewers, or into streams or bodies of water. Instead,
recycle
it by taking it to a place that collects used oil. If
you have a problem properly disposing of your used oil,
ask your dealer, a service station or a local recycling
center for help.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Air Cleaner
L
The air cleaner is located behind the headlamps on the
passenger’s side
of the engine. Be sure the engine has
cooled before following these steps
to replace the air filter.
I
1. Unhook the five clips that attach the air cleaner lid to
the housing.
2. Loosen the retaining clamp on the air intake tube
and then disconnect the tube (as shown by the
arrow above).
3. Move the hose going to the coolant surge tank out
of the way so the air cleaner lid can be lifted.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 4. Lift the lid, take out the air filter and remove any
loose debris that may be found laying in the air
cleaner base.
5. Install a new air filter element. See “Normal
Maintenance Replacement Parts”
in the Index.
To reinstall the air cleaner assembly, replace the air
cleaner lid, reattach the five clips, replace the air intake
tube and tighten the clamp. Return the coolant surge
tank hose
to its proper position.
Refer
to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to
replace the air filter. See
“Scheduled Maintenance Services” in the
Maintenance Schedule booklet.
‘
A CAUTION:
Operating the engine with the air cleaner off can
cause you or others to be burned. The air cleaner
not only cleans the air, it stops flames
if the
engine backfires.
If it isn’t there, and the engine
backfires, you could be burned. Don’t drive with
it off, and be careful working on the engine with
the air cleaner off.
NOTICE:
If the air cleaner is off, a backfire can cause a
damaging engine fire. And, dirt can easily get
into your engine, which will damage
it. Always
have the air cleaner in place when you’re driving.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Passenger Compartment Air
Filter Replacement
The passenger compartment air filter traps most of the
pollen from the air entering your vehicle and air
circulated inside the vehicle. Like your vehicle’s air
cleaner filter, it may need to be changed periodically.
For how often to change the passenger compartment air
filter, see your Maintenance Schedule booklet. The access panel
for the passenger compartment
air
filter is on the grille, at the base of the windshield,
on the passenger’s side.
1. Open the hood of your vehicle.
2. Lift the engine compartment rear seal (see the arrow
in the illustration) and pull it back far enough to be
able to lift open the grille flap.
3. Unhook both retaining clips that secure the filter
in place.
4. Slide the filter toward the front of the car and then
pull the filter straight out.
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