CADILLAC CATERA 2000 1.G Owners Manual

6-7
Your vehicle has a tethered fuel cap.
To remove the cap, turn it slowly to the left
(counterclockwise). The cap has a spring in it; if you let
go of the cap too soon, it will spring back to the right.
CAUTION:
If you get gasoline on yourself and then something
ignites it, you could be badly burned. Gasoline can
spray out on you if you open the fuel filler cap
too quickly. This spray can happen if your tank is
nearly full, and is more likely in hot weather. Open
the fuel filler cap slowly and wait for any ªhissº
noise to stop. Then unscrew the cap all the way.
Be careful not to spill gasoline. Clean gasoline from
painted surfaces as soon as possible. See ªCleaning
the Outside of Your Vehicleº in the Index.

6-8
When you put the cap back on, turn it to the right
(clockwise) until you hear a clicking sound. Make sure
you fully install the cap. The diagnostic system can
determine if the fuel cap has been left off or improperly
installed. This would allow fuel to evaporate into the
atmosphere. See ªMalfunction Indicator Lampº
in the Index.
The FUEL CAP light will come on if the fuel cap is
not properly reinstalled.
NOTICE:
If you need a new cap, be sure to get the right
type. Your dealer can get one for you. If you get
the wrong type, it may not fit properly. This may
cause your malfunction indicator lamp to light
and your fuel tank and emissions system may be
damaged. See ªMalfunction Indicator Lampº in
the Index.
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
CAUTION:
Never fill a portable fuel container while it is in
your vehicle. Static electricity discharge from the
container can ignite the gasoline vapor. You can
be badly burned and your vehicle damaged if this
occurs. To help avoid injury to you and others:

Dispense gasoline only into
approved containers.

Do not fill a container while it is inside a
vehicle, in a vehicle's trunk, pickup bed or
on any surface other than the ground.

Bring the fill nozzle in contact with the
inside of the fill opening before operating
the nozzle. Contact should be maintained
until the filling is complete.

Don't smoke while pumping gasoline.

6-9
Checking Things Under the Hood
CAUTION:
An electric fan under the hood can start up and
injure you even when the engine is not running.
Keep hands, clothing and tools away from any
underhood electric fan.
CAUTION:
Things that burn can get on hot engine parts and
start a fire. These include liquids like gasoline,
oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer and
other fluids, and plastic or rubber. You or others
could be burned. Be careful not to drop or spill
things that will burn onto a hot 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.
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.

6-10
When you open the hood, you'll see:
A. Coolant Fill Location
B. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
C. Passenger Compartment
Air FilterD. Engine Oil Fill Location
E. Engine Oil Dipstick Location
F. Windshield Washer FluidG. Brake Master Cylinder
H. Power Steering Fluid
I. Battery
Before closing the hood, be sure all filler caps are on properly. Then pull the hood down and close it firmly.

6-11
Engine Oil
If the low oil level appears
on the instrument panel,
it means you need to
check your engine oil
level right away. For more
information, see ªCHECK
OIL lightº in the Index.
You should check your engine oil level regularly; this is
an added reminder.
Checking Engine Oil
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 several minutes to
drain back into the oil pan. If you don't, the oil dipstick
might not show the actual level.
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.

6-12
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 ªCapacities and Specificationsº
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 yellow cap
counterclockwise to
remove it.
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.

6-13 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:

6-14
As shown in the chart, SAE 10W-30 is best for your
vehicle. However, you can use SAE 5W
-30 if it's going
to be colder than 60F (16C) 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 20W
-50.
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.
GM Goodwrench oil meets all the requirements for
your vehicle.
If you are in an area where the temperature falls below
-20F (-29C), consider using either an SAE 5W-30
synthetic oil or an SAE 0W
-30 oil. Both will provide
easier cold starting and better protection for your engine
at extremely low temperatures.
Engine Oil Additives
Don't add anything to your oil. The recommended oils
with the starburst symbol are all you will need for good
performance and engine protection.
When to Change Engine Oil
If any one of these is true for you, use the short trip/city
maintenance schedule:

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.
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.

6-15
If none of them is true, use the long trip/highway
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.
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.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
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.

6-16
1. Unhook the five clips that attach the air cleaner lid
to the housing. You may need to use a screwdriver
to help you unhook the clips.
2. With a screwdriver, 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.4. Lift the lid, take out the air filter and remove any
loose debris that may be found lying in the air
cleaner base.
5. Install a new air filter element. See ªNormal
Maintenance Replacement Partsº in the Index.