ECU CADILLAC CATERA 1999 1.G Owner's Manual

yellowblue
4-25
Include an ice scraper, a small brush or broom, a supply
of windshield washer fluid, a rag, some winter outer
clothing, a small shovel, a flashlight, a red cloth and a
couple of reflective warning triangles. And, if you will
be driving under severe conditions, include a small bag
of sand, a piece of old carpet or a couple of burlap bags
to help provide traction. Be sure you properly secure
these items in your vehicle.
Driving on Snow or Ice
Most of the time, those places where your tires meet the
road probably have good traction.
However, if there is snow or ice between your tires and
the road, you can have a very slippery situation. You'll
have a lot less traction or ªgripº and will need to be
very careful.

yellowblue
4-30
CAUTION:
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the
GVWR, or either the maximum front or rear
GAWR. If you do, parts on your vehicle can
break, and it can change the way your vehicle
handles. These could cause you to lose control
and crash. Also, overloading can shorten the life
of your vehicle.
NOTICE:
Your warranty does not cover parts or
components that fail because of overloading.
If you put things inside your vehicle -- like suitcases,
tools, packages or anything else
-- they will go as fast as
the vehicle goes. If you have to stop or turn quickly, or
if there is a crash, they'll keep going.
CAUTION:
Things you put inside your vehicle can strike
and injure people in a sudden stop or turn, or in
a crash.

Put things in the trunk of your vehicle. In a
trunk, put them as far forward as you can.
Try to spread the weight evenly.

Never stack heavier things, like suitcases,
inside the vehicle so that some of them are
above the tops of the seats.

Don't leave an unsecured child restraint in
your vehicle.

When you carry something inside the
vehicle, secure it whenever you can.

Don't leave a seat folded down unless you
need to.
Electronic Level Control
This feature keeps the rear of your vehicle level as the
load changes. It's automatic
-- you don't need to
adjust anything.

yellowblue
4-34 Safety Chains
You should always attach chains between your vehicle
and your trailer. Cross the safety chains under the tongue
of the trailer so that the tongue will not drop to the road
if it becomes separated from the hitch. Instructions
about safety chains may be provided by the hitch
manufacturer or by the trailer manufacturer. Follow the
manufacturer's recommendation for attaching safety
chains and do not attach them to the bumper. Always
leave just enough slack so you can turn with your rig.
And, never allow safety chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
Because your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, don't try to
tap into the hydraulic brake system. If you do, both
brake systems won't work well, or at all.
Be sure to read and follow the instructions for the trailer
brakes so you'll be able to install, adjust and maintain
them properly.
Driving with a Trailer
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Before setting out for the open road, you'll want to get
to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel of
handling and braking with the added weight of the
trailer. And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are
driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly as
responsive as your vehicle is by itself.
Before you start, check the trailer hitch and platform
(and attachments), safety chains, electrical connector,
lamps, tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and
then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure
the brakes are working. This lets you check your
electrical connection at the same time.
During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer brakes
are still working.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as you
would when driving your vehicle without a trailer. This
can help you avoid situations that require heavy braking
and sudden turns.

yellowblue
5-8
Towing Your Vehicle
CAUTION:
To help avoid serious personal injury to you
or others:

Never let passengers ride in a vehicle that is
being towed.

Never tow faster than safe or posted speeds.

Never tow with damaged parts not
fully secured.

Never get under your vehicle after it has
been lifted by the tow truck.

Always secure the vehicle on each side with
separate safety chains when towing it.

Use only the correct hooks.
NOTICE:
Use the proper towing equipment to avoid
damage to the bumper, fascia or fog lamp areas
of the vehicle.
With current trends in automotive styles and design, it is
essential that the correct towing equipment is used to
tow a vehicle. Your vehicle can be towed with
car
-carrier equipment only. Vehicle speed during towing
should not exceed 50 mph (80 kph) with a maximum
towing distance of 60 miles (100 km).
Consult your dealer or a professional towing service if
you need to have your vehicle towed. See ªRoadside
Assistanceº in the Index.

yellowblue
5-27
NOTICE:
Improperly tightened wheel bolts can lead to
brake pulsation and rotor damage. To avoid
expensive brake repairs, evenly tighten the wheel
bolts in the proper sequence and to the proper
torque specification.
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools
CAUTION:
Storing a jack, a tire or other equipment in the
passenger compartment of the vehicle could
cause injury. In a sudden stop or collision, loose
equipment could strike someone. Store all these
in the proper place.
After you've put the spare tire on your vehicle, you'll
need to store the flat tire in the trunk. Use the following
procedure to secure the flat tire in the trunk.
Put the flat tire in the trunk
where the spare is stored
(driver's side wheel well).
Secure the flat tire with the
straps that are used to hold
the spare in place.

yellowblue
5-28
The jacking tools are stored on the passenger's side of
the trunk behind the panel with the red pull handle.
Make sure these tools are properly secured when not
in use.
If You're Stuck: In Sand, Mud,
Ice or Snow
In order to free your vehicle when it is stuck, you will
need to spin the wheels, but you don't want to spin your
wheels too fast. The method known as ªrockingº can
help you get out when you're stuck, but you must
use caution.
CAUTION:
If you let your tires spin at high speed, they can
explode, and you or others could be injured. And,
the transmission or other parts of the vehicle can
overheat. That could cause an engine
compartment fire or other damage. When you're
stuck, spin the wheels as little as possible. Don't
spin the wheels above 35 mph (55 km/h) as shown
on the speedometer.

yellowblue
6-17 Passenger Compartment
Air Filter Replacement
The passenger compartment air filter traps most of the
pollen from the air entering your 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 below the grille, at the base of the windshield on
the passenger's side of the engine compartment.
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.

yellowblue
6-45
NOTICE:
The wrong wheel can also cause problems with
bearing life, brake cooling, speedometer or
odometer calibration, headlamp aim, bumper
height, vehicle ground clearance and tire or tire
chain clearance to the body and chassis.
See ªChanging a Flat Tireº in the Index for
more information.
Used Replacement Wheels
CAUTION:
Putting a used wheel on your vehicle is
dangerous. You can't know how it's been used or
how far it's been driven. It could fail suddenly
and cause an accident. If you have to replace a
wheel, use a new GM original equipment wheel.
Tire Chains
NOTICE:
Use tire chains only where legal and only when
you must. Use only SAE Class ªSº type chains
that are the proper size for your tires. Install
them on the rear tires and tighten them as tightly
as possible with the ends securely fastened. Drive
slowly and follow the chain manufacturer's
instructions. If you can hear the chains
contacting your vehicle, stop and retighten them.
If the contact continues, slow down until it stops.
Driving too fast or spinning the wheels with
chains on will damage your vehicle.

yellowblue
8-2
Brake
Adjustment 6-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid 6-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Master Cylinder 6-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pad Wear Indicator Light 2-76 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking 2-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pedal Travel 6-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing System Parts 6-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Warning Light 2-66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
To Shift Light 2-73 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) 2-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wear 6-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes 6-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-Lock 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer 4-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Braking 4-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Braking in Emergencies 4-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Break-In, New Vehicle 2-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brightness Control 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulb Replacement 6-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capacities and Specifications 6-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Carbon Monoxide 2-11, 2-30, 2-31, 4-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player 3-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of Your Compact Disc Player 3-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of Your Compact Discs 3-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Carpet Cleaning 6-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cassette Tape Player Errors 3-11, 3-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CD Adapter Kits 3-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CD Changer 3-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cellular Telephone 2
-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Center Console Storage Area 2-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL),
Bulb Replacement 6-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Central Door Unlocking System 2-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Certification Label 4-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chains, Safety 4-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chains, Tire 6-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing a Flat Tire 5-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Charging System Indicator Light 2-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Engine Light 2-70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Oil Light 2-73 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking Things Under the Hood 6-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking Your Restraint Systems 1-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chemical Paint Spotting 6-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child Restraints 1-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in a Rear Seat Position 1-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in the Right Front Seat Position 1-46 . . . . . . . . . .
Top Strap 1-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Where to Put 1-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Children (Safety Belts) 1-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chrome-Plated Wheels, Cleaning 6-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cigarette Lighter 2-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaner, Air 6-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning
Aluminum or Chrome
-Plated Wheels 6-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exterior Lamps/Lenses 6-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fabric/Carpet 6-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Glass Surfaces 6-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inside of Your Vehicle 6-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior Plastic Components 6-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

yellowblue
8-7
Power Door 2-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Programmable Automatic Door 2-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Door Security 2-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loss of Control 4-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Coolant Warning Light 2-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Fuel Light 2-75 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Washer Fluid Warning Light 2-74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lumbar Support, Manual 1-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance, Normal Replacement Parts 6-63 . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance, Underbody 6-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance When Trailer Towing 4-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Malfunction Indicator Lamp 2-70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual Folding Outside Rearview Mirrors 2-49 . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual Lumbar Support 1-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual Operation (Climate Controls) 3-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Map Lamps 2-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Map Pockets 2-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Memory Seat and Mirrors 1-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Methanol 6-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mirrors 2-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Convex Outside 2-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrochromic Day/Night Rearview 2-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heated Rearview 2-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Illuminated Visor Vanity 2-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual Folding Outside Rearview 2-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Remote Control 2-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MMT 6-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mobility Program for Persons with Disabilities 7-5 . . . . . . . . .
Mode Button 3-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Model Reference ii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mountain Roads 4
-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Multifunction Lever 2-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net, Convenience 2-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
NEUTRAL (N), Automatic Transmission 2-22 . . . . . . . . . . . .
New Vehicle ªBreak-Inº 2-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Night Vision 4-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts 6-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Odometer 2-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Odometer, Trip 2-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Off-Road Recovery 4-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil, Engine 6-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Pressure Light/Gage 2-72 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
OnStar
System 2-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ordering Service and Owner Publications 7-11, 7-12, 7-13 . . . .
Outside Rearview Mirrors, Manual Folding 2-49 . . . . . . . . . .
Outside Temperature Display 3-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating Engine 5-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Owner Publications, Ordering 7-11, 7-12, 7-13 . . . . . . . . . . .
Paint Spotting, Chemical 6-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Panel, Instrument 2-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PARK (P)
Automatic Transmission 2
-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting Into 2-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting Out of 2-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .