check engine light CADILLAC CATERA 1997 1.G Owner's Manual

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine The most important advice on freeway driving is: Keep
up with traffic and keep to
the right. Drive at the same
speed most of the other drivers are driving. Too-fast or
too-slow driving breaks a smooth traffic flow. Treat the
left lane on a freeway as a passing lane.
At the entrance, there is usually a ramp that leads to the
freeway.
If you have a clear view of the freeway as you
drive along the entrance ramp, you should begin to
check traffic. Try to determine where you expect to
blend with the flow. Try to merge into the gap at close to
the prevailing speed. Switch on your
turn signal, check
your mirrors and glance over your shoulder as often as
necessary. Try to blend smoothly with the traffic flow.
Once you are on the freeway, adjust your speed to the
posted limit or to the prevailing rate if it’s slower. Stay
in the right lane unless you want to pass.
Before changing lanes, check your
mirrors. Then use
your turn signal.
Just before you leave the lane, glance quickly over your
shoulder
to make sure there isn’t another vehicle in your
“blind” spot. Once
you are moving on the freeway, make certain you
allow a reasonable following distance. Expect to move
slightly slower at night.
When you want to leave the freeway, move to the proper
lane well in advance. If you miss your exit, do not,
under any circumstances, stop and back up. Drive on to
the next exit.
The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes quite sharply.
The exit speed is usually posted.
Reduce your speed according to your speedometer, not
to your sense of motion. After driving for any distance
at higher speeds, you may tend to think you are going
slower than you actually are.
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Make sure you’re ready. Try to be well rested. If you
must start when you’re not fresh
-- such as after a day’s
work
-- don’t plan to make too many miles that first part
of the journey. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes you
can easily drive in.
4-22

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine A CAUTION:
Snow can trap exhaust gases under your vehicle.
This can cause deadly
CO (carbon monoxide) gas
to get inside.
CO could overcome you and kill
you. You can’t see it or smell it,
so you might not
know it is in your vehicle. Clear away snow from
around the base of your vehicle, especially any
that
is blocking your exhaust pipe. And check
around again from time to time to be sure snow
doesn’t collect there.
Open
a window just a little on the side of the
vehicle that’s away from the wind. This will help
keep
CO out.
Run your engine only as long as you must. This saves
fuel. When you
run the engine, make it go .a little faster
than just idle. That is, push the accelerator slightly. This
uses less fuel for the heat that you get and it keeps the
battery charged.
You will need a well-charged battery to
restart the vehicle, and possibly for signaling later
on
with your headlamps. Let the heater run for awhile.
Then, shut the engine
off and close the window almost
all the way to preserve the heat. Start the engine again
and repeat this only when
you feel really uncomfortable
from the cold. But do it as little as possible. Preserve the
fuel as long as
you can. To help keep warm, you can get
out of the vehicle and do some fairly vigorous exercises
every half hour or
so until help comes.
4-29

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Using a match near a battery can cause battery
gas to explode. People have been hurt doing this,
and some have been blinded. Use a flashlight if
you need more light.
Be sure the battery has enough water. You
don’t need to add water to the Delco Freedom@
battery installed in every new
GM vehicle. But
if a battery has filler caps, be sure the right
amount of fluid is there.
If it is low, add water to
take care of that first. If you don’t, explosive gas
could be present.
Battery fluid contains acid that can burn you.
Don’t get
it on you. If you accidentally get it in
your eyes or on your skin, flush the place with
water and get medical help immediately.
5. Check that the jumper cables don’t have loose or
missing insulation. If they
do, you could get a shock.
The vehicles could
also be damaged.
Before you connect the cables, here are some basic
things you should know. Positive
(+) will go to
positive and negative
(-) will go to an unpainted
metal engine part
or a body metal surface. Don’t
connect positive
(+) to negative (-) or you will get
a short that would damage the battery and maybe
other parts, too. Also, don’t connect negative
(-) to
negative
(-) .
A CAU JON:
Fans or other moving engine parts can injure you
badly. Keep your hands away from moving parts
once the engines are running.
5-5

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine The coolant level should be at or slightly above the
KALTKOLD line (seam).
If it isn’t, you may have a leak in the radiator hoses,
heater hoses, radiator, water pump
or somewhere else in
the cooling system.
I A C A UTION:
Heater and radiator hoses, and other engine
parts, can be very hot. Don’t touch them.
If you
do, you can be burned.
Don’t run the engine
if there is a leak. If you run
the engine, it could lose all coolant. That could
cause an engine fire, and
you could be burned.
Get any leak fixed before you drive the vehicle.
NOTICE:
Engine damage from running your engine
without coolant isn’t covered by your warranty.
If there seems to be no leak, with the engine on, check to
see if the electric engine fans are running. If the engine
is overheating, both fans should be running. If they
aren’t, your vehicle needs service.
5-17

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.
6-10

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.
6-14

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine NOTICE:
If you use an improper coolant mix, your engine
could overheat and be badly damaged. The
repair cost wouldn't be covered by your
warranty.
Too much water in the mix 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.
6-21

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Brake Adjustment
.................................. 6-28
Fluid
....................................... 6-25
Master Cylinder
.............................. 6-25
PedalTravel
................................. 6-28
Replacing System Parts
........................ 6-28
System Warning Light
......................... 2-64
To Shift Light
................................ 2-73
Transmission Shift Interlock
.................... 2-27
Wear
....................................... 6-27
Brake Pad Wear Indicator Light
.................... 2-76
Brakes. Anti-Lock
............................... 4-7
Braking
........................................ 4-6
Braking in Emergencies
.......................... 4- 10
Break-In. New Vehicle .......................... 2-14
Brightness Control
.............................. 2-44
Bulb Replacement
.............................. 6-29
Capacities and Specifications
.................... 6-62
Carbon Monoxide
......................... 4.29. 4.35
Cassette Tape Player
....................... 3- 12. 3. 15
Cassette Tape Player Care
........................ 3-22
Cassette Tape Player Errors
.................. 3- 12. 3. 15
Cellular Telephone .............................. 2-5 1
Center Console Storage Area
...................... 2-48
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp. Bulb Replacement ... 6-34
Center Passenger Position
........................ 1-35
Central Door Unlocking System
.................... 2-4
Certification Label
.............................. 4-30
Chains. Safety
................................. 4-36
Chains. Tire
................................... 6-45
Parking
..................................... 2-24
BTSI ......................................... 2-27
Changing a Flat Tire
............................. 5-23
Charging System Indicator Light
................... 2-63
Check Engine Light
............................. 2-69
Checking Your Restraint Systems
.................. 1-50
Chemical Paint Spotting
.......................... 6-53
Child Restraints
................................ 1-39
Securing
in the Center Rear Seat Position .......... 1-43
Securing
in the Right Front Seat Position .......... 1-45
TopStrap
................................... 1-40
Where
to Put ................................ 1-39
CHMSL
...................................... 6-34
Chrome Wheels. Cleaning
........................ 6-51
Cigarette Lighter
............................... 2-50
Cleaner. Air ................................... 6-15
Cleaning Aluminum or Chrome Wheels
................... 6-51
Exterior LampsLenses
........................ 6-51
Fabric
................................. 6-46. 6-47
Glass Surfaces
............................... 6-49
Inside
of Your Catera .......................... 6-46
Instrument Panel
............................. 6-48
Leather
..................................... 6-48
Outside of Your Catera
......................... 6-50
Speakercovers
.............................. 6-49
Special Problems
............................. 6-47
Stains
................................. 6-47. 6-48
Tires
....................................... 6-52
Vinyl
....................................... 6-48
Wheels
..................................... 6-51
Windshield and Wiper Blades ................... 6-50
Check Oil Light
................................ 2-73
Securing
in a Rear Outside Seat Position ........... 1-41
8-2

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Electrmic Level Control ......................... 4-32
Emergency
Trunk Release ........................ 2-10
Compartment Relay Center
..................... 6-61
Caolant Heater
............................... 2- 17
Coolant Temperature Gage
..................... 2-68
Coolant Temperature Warning
Light .............. 2-68
Identification
................................ 6-55
Overheating ................................. 5-14
Running
While Parked ......................... 2-29
Spscificatio
ns ................................ 6-62
Smg YOU ................................ 2-16
Engine
......................................... 6-9
..................................... CoOltUlt
6-19
Exh~
st ..................................... 2-29
Engine Oil
.................................... 6-10
Adding 6-11
Additives 6- 13
Checking
................................... 6- 11
Used 6-14
.....................................
...................................
.......................................
When to Change .............................. 6-13
Engine
Speed Limiter ............................ 2-61
FmglishMetric Display
........................... 3-3
Ethan01
........................................ 6-4
Exhaust, Engine
................................ 2-29
Exteri~ Frat Bulbs ............................. 6-30
Exterior
Lamps ................................. 2-38
Exterior
RW Bulbs ............................. 6-34
Fabric
cleaning .......................... 6.46. 6.47
Fan Button. Climate Control System
................. 3-2
FillingYourTank
................................ 6-5
Filter. Air 6-15 .....................................
Filter Replacement. Passenger Compartment Air ...... 6- 17
Finish Care 6-51 ....................................
Fish Damage ................................. 6-52
First Gear. Automatic Transmission ................ 2-21
Flashers.
Hazard Warning ......................... 5-2
Flat Tire. Changing ............................. 5-23
Fog Latsps .................................... 2-42
Folding the Rear Seat
............................. 1-10
Foreign Countries. Fuel
........................... 6-5
French Language Manual
........................... ii
Front Turn Signal Lamp. Bulb Replacement .......... 6-30
Filling
Your Tank .............................. 6-5
Gage .................................. . ., ... 2-75
In Foreign Countries ........................... 6-5
Fuses and Circuit Breakers ....................... 6-57
Gages
Engine Coolant Temperature .................... 2-63
Flash-To-PassFeature
........................... 2-33
Floor Mats 2-51
....................................
Fuel .......................................... 6-3
DoorLock ................................... 6-6
....................................... Fuel 2-75 OilPressure
................................. 2-72
GarmentHooks
................................ 2-51
GAM 4-30
Glove Box 2-48
.......................................
Gear Positions. Automatic Transmission ............. 2-19
Gold
Key Courtesy Transportation .................. 7-8
Gross Axle Weight Rating ........................ 4-30
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating ...................... 4-30
....................................
8-4

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Guide en FranGais 11 .. .................................
GVWR ....................................... 4-30
Halogen Bulbs
................................ 6-29
Handles. Assist
................................. 2-51
Hazard Warning Flashers
.......................... 5-2
Head Restraints
................................. 1-8
Head Restraints. Removable ....................... 1-8
Headlamps .................................... 2-39
Aiming
..................................... 6-35
Bulb Replacement
............................ 6-32
High/Low Beam Changer
...................... 2-33
OnReminder
................................ 2-40
Wiper Activated
.............................. 2-40
Hearing Impaired. Customer Assistance
.............. 7-4
Heated Backlite Antenna
......................... 3-24
Heated Seats
............................... 1.6. 1. I1
Heating ........................................ 3-6
High-Beam Headlamps
.......................... 2-33
Highway Hypnosis
.............................. 4-23
Hill and Mountain Roads
......................... 4-24
Hitches. Trailer
................................. 4-35
Hood Checking Things Under
......................... 6-7
Release
...................................... 6-8
Ho~ ......................................... 2-31
Hydraulic Brake Warning Lights
................... 2-64
Hydroplaning
.................................. 4-19
Wiring
..................................... 6-56
Ignition Positions
.............................. 2- 15 Illuminated Entry
............................... 2-44
Illuminated Visor Vanity Mirror
.................... 2-50
Immobilizer
................................... 2-13
Inflation. Tire
.................................. 6-38
Instrument Panel
............................... 2-58
Brightness Control
............................ 2-44
Cleaning
.................................... 6-48
Cluster
..................................... 2-60
FuseBlock
............................. 6-57. 6-60
Interior Lamps ................................. 2-44
Jack. Tire
............................... 5.25. 5.26
Jump Starting
................................... 5-3
Keyless Entry. Remote
.......................... 2-6
Keys
.......................................... 2-2
Labels Certification
................................. 4-30
Service Parts Identification
..................... 6-55
Tire-Loading Information
...................... 4-30
Vehicle Identification Number
................... 6-55
Exterior
.................................... 2-38
Interior
..................................... 2-44
Panel
....................................... 2-44
Lamps On Reminder
............................ 2-40
Leaving
Your Vehicle ............................. 2-6
Leveling Indicator Light
......................... 2-76
Light Sensor. Twilight Sentinel
.................... 2-44
Lamps
Leaving
Your Vehicle with
the Engine Running ....... 2-26
8-5