Snow CADILLAC CATERA 1999 1.G Owners Manual

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This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this
device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation of
the device.
Changes or modifications to this system by other than an
authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.
The range of this system is about 10 feet (3 m). At times
you may notice a decrease in range. This is normal for
any remote keyless entry transmitter. If the transmitter
does not work or if you have to stand closer to your
vehicle for the transmitter to work, try this:

Check to determine if battery replacement or
resynchronization is necessary. See the instructions
that follow.

Check the distance. You may be too far from your
vehicle. You may need to stand closer during rainy
or snowy weather.

Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may be
blocking the signal. Take a few steps to the left or
right, hold the transmitter higher, and try again.

If you're still having trouble, see your dealer or a
qualified technician for service.Operation
When you press this symbol to unlock the driver's
door, the parking lamps on your vehicle will blink twice.
The parking lamps and headlamps will remain on for
about 20 seconds. Pressing this button again within five
seconds will unlock the other doors. Pressing this button
will also disarm the optional theft
-deterrent system and
turn on the interior lamps (for approximately 20 seconds).
When you press this symbol to lock the doors
(including the fuel door), the parking lamps will blink
once. This also arms the optional theft
-deterrent system.
Press this symbol to open the trunk.
Press this button to unlock the fuel door.
Matching Transmitter(s) To Your Vehicle
Each remote keyless entry transmitter is coded to
prevent another transmitter from unlocking your vehicle.
If a transmitter is lost or stolen, a replacement can be
purchased through your dealer. Once your dealer has
coded the new transmitter, the lost transmitter will not
unlock your vehicle. Your vehicle may be equipped with
either a two or four fob capability and is only able to
have the same number of transmitters matched to it.
Since all vehicles come with only two fobs, you need to
check with your dealer to see which system you have.

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Your vehicle has a Brake-Transmission Shift Interlock
(BTSI). You have to fully apply the regular brakes
before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition
key is in ON. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease
pressure on the shift lever
-- push the shift lever all the
way into PARK (P) as you maintain brake application.
Then move the shift lever into the gear you wish. See
ªShifting Out of PARK (P)º in this section.
REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up.
To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow,
ice or sand without damaging the transmission, see
ªStuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snowº in the Index.
NEUTRAL (N): The engine doesn't connect with the
wheels when driving in NEUTRAL (N). Use
NEUTRAL (N) to restart your vehicle when you're
already moving or when your vehicle is being towed.
CAUTION:
Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) while
your engine is ªracingº (running at high speed) is
dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on the
brake pedal, your vehicle could move very
rapidly. You could lose control and hit people or
objects. Don't shift out of PARK (P) or
NEUTRAL (N) while your engine is racing.
NOTICE:
Damage to the transmission caused by shifting
out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) with the
engine racing isn't covered by your warranty.

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This feature is for improved traction only when the road
surface is slippery and is not intended for continuous use
or when the vehicle is stuck in sand, mud, ice, snow or
gravel. Drive as usual for normal road conditions.
This feature automatically turns off when any of the
following conditions occur:

When the ignition is turned off.

If the shift lever is placed in PARK (P), THIRD (3),
SECOND (2), or FIRST (1).

If you press and hold the accelerator pedal past its
resistance point for more than two seconds.

When speed falls below 25 mph (40 km/h).

Once the vehicle reaches 67 mph (108 km/h).
To turn this feature off, press the button again.
Whenever you start your vehicle, the transmission is in
the normal mode.Parking Brake
To set the parking brake, hold the regular brake pedal
down with your foot and pull up on the parking brake
lever. If the ignition is on, the brake system warning
light will come on.

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MIST: Tap the lever up and then release it for a single
wipe cycle. For more cycles, pull and hold the lever.
= (HIGH): Move the lever all the way up for a fast
wiper speed.
- (LOW): The third position up controls the low
wiper speed.
-- (DELAY): This position is for a controlled delay
setting. Rotate the control dial on the lever to increase or
decrease the delay between wipe cycles.
o (OFF): This position turns off the wipers.
Be sure to clear ice and snow from the wiper blades
before using them. If they're frozen to the windshield,
carefully loosen or thaw them. If the blades do become
damaged, replace them with new blades.
SeeªWindshield Wiper Blade Replacementº in
the Index.
Heavy snow or ice can overload the wiper motor. A
circuit breaker will stop the motor until it cools. Clear
away snow or ice to prevent an overload.
Windshield Washer
Pull and hold the washer
lever to wash the
windshield. Release the
lever when you have
enough fluid. The wipers
will clear the windshield
and either stop or return to
your preset speed.
CAUTION:
In freezing weather, don't use your washer until
the windshield is warmed. Otherwise the washer
fluid can form ice on the windshield, blocking
your vision.
A telltale light on the instrument panel will be displayed
when the washer fluid reaches a low level. See ªLow
Washer Fluid Warning Lightº in the Index for
more information.

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The front outlets are located in the center and at each
side of the instrument panel. You can adjust the
direction of airflow by moving the center control levers
or you can stop the airflow by moving the dial located
on each side of the outlets to the ªOº position.
The direction of airflow for the rear seats can also be
adjusted. Move the center control dial between each
vent up or down to adjust the airflow from low to high.
Turn the dial to the ªOº position to stop airflow. Move
the lever in the center of each vent to direct airflow
toward the upper or floor outlets.
The airflow temperature from the rear outlets is the
same as the driver's temperature setting.Ventilation Tips

Keep the hood and front air inlet free of ice, snow or
any other obstruction (such as leaves). The heater
and defroster will work far better, reducing the
chance of fogging the inside of the windows.

When you enter a vehicle in cold weather, adjust the
fan to the highest speed for a few moments before
driving off. This helps clear the intake outlets of
snow and moisture, and reduces the chance of
fogging the inside of the windows.

Keep the air path under the front seats clear of
objects. This helps circulate air throughout
your vehicle.
Passenger Compartment Air Filter
This ventilation system includes an air filter that helps to
remove dust, pollen, etc. from air flowing into your
vehicle. A restriction in the airflow coming into the
passenger compartment could be the result of dirt in the
filter. For more information, see ªPassenger
Compartment Air Filter Replacementº in the Index.
Also see the Maintenance Schedule booklet for when to
change the filter.

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Control of a Vehicle
You have three systems that make your vehicle go where
you want it to go. They are the brakes, the steering and
the accelerator. All three systems have to do their work
at the places where the tires meet the road.
Sometimes, as when you're driving on snow or ice, it's
easy to ask more of those control systems than the tires
and road can provide. That means you can lose control
of your vehicle.
Braking
Braking action involves perception time and
reaction time.
First, you have to decide to push on the brake pedal.
That's perception time. Then you have to bring up your
foot and do it. That's reaction time.
Average reaction time is about 3/4 of a second. But
that's only an average. It might be less with one driver
and as long as two or three seconds or more with
another. Age, physical condition, alertness, coordination
and eyesight all play a part. So do alcohol, drugs and
frustration. But even in 3/4 of a second, a vehicle
moving at 60 mph (100 km/h) travels 66 feet (20 m).
That could be a lot of distance in an emergency, so
keeping enough space between your vehicle and others
is important.
And, of course, actual stopping distances vary greatly
with the surface of the road (whether it's pavement or
gravel); the condition of the road (wet, dry, icy); tire
tread; the condition of your brakes; the weight of the
vehicle and the amount of brake force applied.

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Remember: Anti-lock doesn't change the time you need
to get your foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease
stopping distance. If you get too close to the vehicle in
front of you, you won't have time to apply your brakes
if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always leave
enough room up ahead to stop, even though you have
anti
-lock brakes.
Using Anti
-Lock
Don't pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal down
firmly and let anti
-lock work for you. You may hear the
anti
-lock pump or motor operate, and feel the brake
pedal pulsate, but this is normal.
Traction Control System
Your vehicle has a traction control system that limits
wheel spin. This is especially useful in slippery road
conditions. The system operates only if it senses that one
or both of the rear wheels are spinning or beginning to
lose traction. When this happens, the system brakes the
spinning wheel and/or reduces engine power to limit
wheel spin.
You may feel or hear the system working, but this
is normal.
This warning light will
come on to let you know if
there's a problem with your
traction control system.
See ªTraction Control System Warning Lightº in the
Index. When this warning light is on, the system will not
limit wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly.
The traction control system automatically comes on
whenever you start your vehicle. To limit wheel spin,
especially in slippery road conditions, you should
always leave the system on. But you can turn the
traction control system off if you ever need to. (You
should turn the system off if your vehicle ever gets stuck
in sand, mud, ice or snow. See ªRocking Your Vehicleº
in the Index.)

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If your vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off the
accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you want the
vehicle to go. If you start steering quickly enough, your
vehicle may straighten out. Always be ready for a
second skid if it occurs.
Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice,
gravel or other material is on the road. For safety, you'll
want to slow down and adjust your driving to these
conditions. It is important to slow down on slippery
surfaces because stopping distance will be longer and
vehicle control more limited.
While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try
your best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration or
braking (including engine braking by shifting to a lower
gear). Any sudden changes could cause the tires to slide.
You may not realize the surface is slippery until your
vehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize warning
clues
-- such as enough water, ice or packed snow on
the road to make a ªmirrored surfaceº
-- and slow down
when you have any doubt.
Remember: Any anti
-lock brake system (ABS) helps
avoid only the braking skid.
Driving at Night
Night driving is more dangerous than day driving.
One reason is that some drivers are likely to be
impaired
-- by alcohol or drugs, with night vision
problems, or by fatigue.

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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.

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What's the worst time for this? ªWet ice.º Very cold
snow or ice can be slick and hard to drive on. But wet
ice can be even more trouble because it may offer the
least traction of all. You can get wet ice when it's about
freezing (32F; 0C) and freezing rain begins to fall.
Try to avoid driving on wet ice until salt and sand crews
can get there.
Whatever the condition
-- smooth ice, packed, blowing
or loose snow
-- drive with caution.
Keep your traction control system on. It improves your
ability to accelerate when driving on a slippery road.
Even though your vehicle has a traction control system,
you'll want to slow down and adjust your driving to the
road conditions. See ªTraction Control Systemº in the
Index. Also, see ªThird Gear Startº in the Index.Your anti
-lock brakes improve your vehicle's stability
when you make a hard stop on a slippery road. Even
though you have the anti
-lock braking system, you'll
want to begin stopping sooner than you would on dry
pavement. See ªAnti
-Lockº in the Index.

Allow greater following distance on any
slippery road.

Watch for slippery spots. The road might be fine
until you hit a spot that's covered with ice. On an
otherwise clear road, ice patches may appear in
shaded areas where the sun can't reach: around
clumps of trees, behind buildings or under bridges.
Sometimes the surface of a curve or an overpass may
remain icy when the surrounding roads are clear. If
you see a patch of ice ahead of you, brake before you
are on it. Try not to brake while you're actually on
the ice, and avoid sudden steering maneuvers.