oil level CADILLAC CATERA 2001 1.G Owners Manual

2-82
The oil light goes on when
you turn the key to ON or
START. It goes off once
you start the engine.
That's a check to be sure
the light works.
If it doesn't come on, be sure to have it fixed so it will
be there to warn you if something goes wrong.
When the light comes on and stays on, it means that
oil isn't flowing through the engine properly. You could
be low on oil and you might have some other
system problem.
CAUTION:
Don't keep driving if the oil pressure is low.
If you do, your engine can become so hot that it
catches fire. You or others could be burned.
Check your oil as soon as possible and have your
vehicle serviced.
NOTICE:
Damage to your engine from neglected oil
problems can be costly and is not covered by
your warranty.
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 ªEngine Oilº in
the Index.

4-23
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.
Is your vehicle 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:

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?
Highway Hypnosis
Is there actually such a condition as ªhighway hypnosisº?
Or is it just plain falling asleep at the wheel? Call it
highway hypnosis, lack of awareness, or whatever.
There is something about an easy stretch of road with the
same scenery, along with the hum of the tires on the road,
the drone of the engine, and the rush of the wind against
the vehicle that can make you sleepy. Don't let it happen
to you! If it does, your vehicle can leave the road in less
than a second, and you could crash and be injured.
What can you do about highway hypnosis?
First, be aware that it can happen.
Then here are some tips:

Make sure your vehicle is well ventilated, with a
comfortably cool interior.

6-
6-1
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 information about your
vehicle, and a part devoted to its appearance care.
6
-2 Service
6
-3 Fuel
6
-5 Fuels in Foreign Countries
6
-5 Filling Your Tank
6
-8 Filling a Portable Fuel Container
6
-8 Checking Things Under the Hood
6
-11 Engine Oil
6
-15 Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
6
-19 Automatic Transmission Fluid
6
-19 Rear Axle
6
-20 Engine Coolant
6
-24 Surge Tank Pressure Cap
6
-24 Power Steering Fluid
6
-25 Windshield Washer Fluid
6
-26 Brakes
6
-30 Battery6
-30 Bulb Replacement
6
-37 Wiper Blade Replacement
6
-38 Tires
6
-47 Appearance Care
6
-49 Care of Safety Belts
6
-50 Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
6
-52 Cleaning Aluminum or Chrome-Plated
Wheels (If Equipped)
6
-53 Underbody Maintenance
6
-54 GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
6
-55 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
6
-55 Service Parts Identification Label
6
-56 Electrical System
6
-63 Replacement Bulbs
6
-63 Capacities and Specifications
6
-64 Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts

6-11
Engine Oil
If the low oil level light
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. See ªEngine
Compartment Overviewº in
the Index for more
information on location.
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.

6-12
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 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 engine oil fill cap is
located behind the engine
oil dipstick and next to
the engine block on the
driver's side of the vehicle.
See ªEngine Compartment
Overviewº in the Index
for more information
on location.
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.

6-19
Automatic Transmission 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 vehicle to the 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.
Change both the fluid and filter every 50,000 miles
(83 000 km) if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or
more of these conditions:

In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90F (32C) or higher.

In hilly or mountainous terrain.

When doing frequent trailer towing.

Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, the fluid and filter do not require changing.NOTICE:
We recommend you use only fluid labeled
DEXRON-III, because fluid with that label is
made especially for your automatic transmission.
Damage caused by fluid other than
DEXRON
-III is not covered by your new
vehicle warranty.
Rear Axle
When to Check Lubricant
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how
often to check the lubricant. See ªPeriodic Maintenance
Inspectionsº and ªScheduled Maintenance Servicesº in
the Maintenance Schedule booklet.

6-20 How to Check Lubricant
If the level is below the bottom of the filler plug hole,
you'll need to add some lubricant. Add enough lubricant
to raise the level to the bottom of the filler plug hole.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of lubricant to use. See ªRecommended Fluids and
Lubricantsº in the Maintenance Schedule booklet.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with
DEX
-COOL engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for 5 years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs first, if you add only
DEX
-COOL extended life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and how
to add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem
with engine overheating, see ªEngine Overheatingº
in the Index.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX
-COOL coolant will:

Give freezing protection down to
-34F (-37C).

Give boiling protection up to 265F (129C).

Protect against rust and corrosion.

Help keep the proper engine temperature.

Let the warning lights and gages work as
they should.

6-63
Fuse/Relay Usage
5 A/C Compressor Relay (K60)
6 Fan Control Relay (K87)
7 Fan Control Relay (K26)
8 Fuse 50
9 Fan Control Relay (K28)
10 Engine Controls Power
Relay (K43)
15 Fuse 40 (A) Fuse 52 (B)
16 Connector C110
17 Coolant Fan Test Connector
Fan Control
18 Fuse 42 (A), Fuse 49 (B)
19 Fan Control Relay (K52)
20 Fuel Pump Relay (K44)
29 Fuse 43Replacement Bulbs*
Application Bulb Number
Composite Headlamps
Inner High Beam 90512338. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outer Low Beam 90512338. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Turn Signal Lamp 90487485. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Taillamp 90002521. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
*For replacement bulbs not listed here, please consult
your dealer.
Capacities and Specifications
The following approximate capacities are given in
English and metric conversions. Please refer to
ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in the
Maintenance Schedule booklet for more information.
Transmission 7.0 quarts (6.6 L). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Crankcase
Oil Change With Filter 6.0 quarts (5.75 L). . . . . . .
Engine Cooling System 10.57 quarts (10.0 L). . . . . .
Fuel Tank 16.0 U.S. gallons (60.56 L). . . . . . . . . . . .
Refrigerant See refrigerant charge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
label under the hood.
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to
fill to the approximate level, as recommended in this
manual. Recheck fluid level after filling.