oil level CADILLAC CATERA 1998 1.G Owners Manual

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug
and store the cord as it was before to keep it away
from moving engine
parts. If you don’t, it could
be damaged.
How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged
in? The answer depends on the outside temperature, the
kind of oil you have, and some other things. Instead of
trying to list everything here, we ask that you contact
your dealer in the area where you’ll be parking your
vehicle. The dealer can give you the best advice for that
particular area.
Automatic Transmission Operation
There are several different
positions for the shift lever.
PARK (P): This position locks the transmission drive
shaft. It’s the best position
to use when you start the
engine because your vehicle can’t move easily.
It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the
shift lever
is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
Don’t leave your vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to.
If you have left the
engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You
or others could be injured. To be sure your
vehicle won’t move, even when you’re on fairly
level ground, always set your parking brake and
move the shift lever to
PARK (P).
See “Shifting Into PARK (P)” in the Index. If
you’re pulling a trailer, see “Towing a Trailer” in
the Index.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Check Oil Light
This light will come on for
a few seconds when the
ignition is turned on. If the
light doesn’t come on, have
it repaired.
If the light comes
on while starting and stays on for
about one minute or comes on while driving, the engine
oil level should be checked. Prior to checking the oil
level, be sure your vehicle has been shut
off for several
minutes and is
on a level surface. Check the oil level
and bring it to the proper level. See “Engine Oil” in
the Index.
Brake To Shift Light
Ill This light will come on to
remind you that you must
press the brake pedal to shift
out of PARK (P). BRAKE TO
SHIFT
Cruise Control Light
CRUISE
This light comes on
whenever you set your
vehicle’s cruise control.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 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.
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.
Is your ve-hicle ready for a long trip?
If you keep it
serviced and maintained, it’s ready to go. If it needs service, have it done before starting out.
Of course,
you’ll find experienced and able service experts in
Catera dealerships all across North America. They’ll be
ready and willing to help if you need it.
Here are some things you can check before a trip:
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Windshield Washer Fluid: Is the reservoir full? Are
all windows clean inside and outside?
Wiper Blades: Are they in good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: Have you checked
all levels?
Lamps: Are they all working? Are the lenses clean?
Tires: They are vitally important to a safe,
trouble-free trip.
Is the tread good enough for
long-distance driving? Are the tires all inflated to the
recommended pressure?
Weather Forecasts: What’s the weather outlook
along your route? Should you delay your trip a short
time to avoid a major storm system?
Maps: Do you have up-to-date maps?

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine An electric engine cooling fan under the hood can
start up even when the engine is not running and
can injure you. Keep hands, clothing and tools
away from any underhood electric fan.
If the coolant inside the coolant surge tank is boiling,
don’t
do anything else until it cools down.
I
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.
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.
I NOTICE: I
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 cooling
fans are running. If the
engine
is overheating, both fans should be running. If
they aren’t, your vehicle needs service.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
Here you will find information about the care of your vehicle. This section begins with service and fuel information,
and then it shows how to check important fluid and lubricant levels. There
is also technical infomation about your
vehicle, and a part devoted to its appearance care.
6-2
6-3
6-5
6-5
6-8 6-8
6-11
6-15
6-18
6- 19
6-20
6-23 6-24
6-25
6-26
6-29
6-30 Service
Fuel
Fuels in Foreign Countries
Filling Your Tank
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
Checking Things Under the Hood
Engine Oil
Air Cleaner
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Rear Axle
Engine Coolant
Surge Tank Pressure Cap
Power Steering Fluid
Windshield Washer Fluid
Brakes
Battery
Bulb Replacement 6-36
6-37
6-45
6-46 6-48
6-49
6-50
6-52 6-53
6-54
6-54 6-55
6-63
6-63
6-63
6-64 Wiper
Blade Replacement
Tires
Appearance Care
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
Care of Safety Belts
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
Cleaning Aluminum
or Chrome Wheels
(If Equipped)
Underbody Maintenance
Appearance Care Materials Chart
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Service Parts Identification Label
Electrical System
Replacement Bulbs
Capacities and Specifications
Air Conditioning Refrigerants
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts

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.

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.
When to Add Engine 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.
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 to the left to remove
it.
6-12

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 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.
What Kind of Engine 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:
RECOMHEHDED SAE VISCOSITY GRADE ENGINE OILS
FOR BEST FUEL ECONOMY AND COW STARTING, SELECT THE LOWEST
SAE
VISCOSITY GRADE OIL FOR THE EXPECTED TEMPERATURE RANGE.
HOT
WEATHER
“F
t 100
+ 80
t60.
t40.
t20.
0.
(
i

“C
t 38
t 27
t 16
t4
-7
- 18
SAE sw-30
,I SAE I lOW-30
PREFERRED above 0°F (-18°C)
WOK
FI)R THIS
SYMBOL
u
COLD
WEATHER
DO NOT USE SAE 2OW-50 OR ANY OTHER GRADE OIL NOT RECOMMENDED
6-13

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 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.
in place.
pull the filter straight out.
3. Unhook both retaining clips that secure the filter
4. Slide the filter toward the front of the car and then
5. Replace the filter by sliding it back in, reattaching
6. Replace the engine compartment rear seal.
7. Close the engine hood.
both retainer clips and closing the grille flap.
For the type of filter to use, see “Normal Maintenance
Replacement Parts” in the Index.
Automatic Transmissio~ Fluid
It is not necessary to check the transmission fluid level.
A transmission fluid leak is the only reason for fluid
loss. If a leak occurs, take your Catera to
a Catera
dealership Service Department and have it repaired as
soon as possible. You may
also have your fluid level
checked by your dealer
or service center when you have
your oil changed.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Replacement Bulbs
Application ..................... Bulb Number
Front Turn Signal Lamp ............... 90487485
Headlamps Composite
Inner High Beam
................... 90512338
Outer
Low Beam ................... 90512338
Rear Turn Signal
Lamp and Taillamp .... 90002521
Capacities and Specifications
The following approximate capacities are given in
English and metric conversions. Please refer to
“Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the
Maintenance Schedule booklet for more information.
Transmission
................... 7 quarts (6.6 L)
Engine Crankcase
Oil Change With Filter
......... 6 quarts (5.75 L)
Engine Cooling System ........ 10.57 quarts (10 L)
Fuel Tank ..................... 18 gallons (68 L)
R- 134a Refrigerant ............. 2.9 lbs. (0.95 kg)
Wheel Bolt Torque
............ .80 lb-ft (1 10 N-m)
NOTE: All capacities are approximate. When adding, be
sure to
fill to the approximate level, as recommended in
this manual. Recheck fluid level after filling.
Air Conditioning Refrigerants
Not all air conditioning refrigerants are the same.
If the air conditioning system in your vehicle needs
refrigerant, be sure the proper refrigerant is used.
If you’re not sure, ask your dealer.
Engine Specifications
Displacement ......... 18 1 cubic inches (2 962 cc)
Type
......................... 3.0 L DOHC V6
VIN Engine Code
........................... R
Horsepower
.............. 200 (bhp) @ 6000 rpm
149 (kW)
@ 6000 rpm
Torque
................. 192 (lb-ft) @ 3600 rpm
260
(Nam) @ 3600 rpm
Thermostat Starts To Open
......... 198°F (92°C)
Firing Order ...................... 1-2-3-4-5-6
6-63