power steering CADILLAC CATERA 2001 1.G Owners Manual

2-21
NOTICE:
If your key seems stuck in LOCK and you can't
turn it, be sure you are using the correct key; if
so, is it all the way in? If it is, then turn the
steering wheel left and right while you turn the
key hard. But turn the key only with your hand.
Using a tool to force it could break the key or the
ignition switch. If none of this works, then your
vehicle needs service.
OFF (I): This position lets you turn off the engine but
still turn the steering wheel. It doesn't lock the steering
wheel like LOCK. Use OFF if you must have your
vehicle in motion while the engine is off (for example, if
your vehicle is being pushed).
ON (II): This is the position used for driving
your vehicle.START (III): This position starts the engine.
To lock the steering column, remove the key while in
LOCK. Turn the steering wheel until you hear a click.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
The radio and the optional cellular phone are the only
accessories on your vehicle that may be used for up to
10 minutes after the ignition is turned to OFF or until a
door is opened.
Power to the door locks is available at all times.
Power to the fuel door and trunk release will be
available for 15 minutes after the ignition is turned
to OFF.
The power window controls and the sunroof (optional)
controls are active until a door is opened
-- there is no
time limit as long as the doors remain closed.

2-69
A. Air Outlets
B. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
C. Instrument Panel Cluster
D. Windshield Wiper/Washer Lever
E. Comfort Controls
F. Lamp Controls
G. Horn
H. Steering Wheel Touch Controls for Audio System
I. Hood ReleaseJ. Heated Front Seat Control (Option)
K. Hazard Warning Flasher Button
L. Fuel Door Release Button
M. Ashtray
N. Radio
O. Trunk Release Button
P. Rear Power Sunshade Button (Option)
Q. Traction Control On/Off Button
R. Glove Box

3-27 Audio Steering Wheel Controls
Some audio controls can be adjusted at the steering
wheel. They include the following:

:Press this button to move forward through preset
radio stations or to the next selection on a tape or CD.
:Press this button to move rearward through
preset radio stations or to the previous selection on a
tape or CD.
(BAND): Press this button to change between AM,
FM1 or FM2 for the radio. This button also changes a
tape to the other side, restarts a CD if playing a single
CD or goes to the next available CD loaded in the
trunk
-mounted CD changer.
+: Pressing this button increases volume.
-: Pressing this button decreases volume.
o (SOURCE): To change to a tape or CD, press
this button.
Understanding Radio Reception
AM
The range for most AM stations is greater than for
FM, especially at night. The longer range, however, can
cause stations to interfere with each other. AM can pick
up noise from things like storms and power lines. Try
reducing the treble to reduce this noise if you ever get it.
FM Stereo
FM stereo will give you the best sound, but FM signals
will reach only about 10 to 40 miles (16 to 65 km). Tall
buildings or hills can interfere with FM signals, causing
the sound to come and go.

4-9
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.
Braking in Emergencies
With anti-lock, you can steer and brake at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can help you more
than even the very best braking.
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 comes on and stays
on, the system will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your
driving accordingly.
When the system is limiting wheel spin, the Traction
Control System warning light will be blinking.

4-10
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 or snow and rocking the vehicle is
required. See ªRocking Your Vehicleº in the Index.
To turn the system off,
press the TCS OFF button
located near the radio on
the center console.
Steering
Power Steering
If you lose power steering assist because the engine
stops or the system is not functioning, you can steer but
it will take much more effort.
Speed Sensitive Steering (SSS)
This system varies the amount of steering effort in relation
to your vehicle speed. Steering is easier at a lower speed
for maneuvering and parking ease. As your vehicle speed
increases, the steering effort also increases. At highway
speeds, the amount of steering effort is increased to
provide manual
-like steering for maximum control and
stability. If your vehicle seems harder to steer than normal
when parking or driving slow, something may be wrong
with the speed sensitive steering system. You will still
have power steering, however, steering will be stiffer than
normal at low speeds.

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

6-10 Engine Compartment Overview
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.

6-24
Surge Tank Pressure Cap
NOTICE:
The surge tank cap is a 14 psi (97 kPa)
pressure
-type cap and must be tightly installed to
prevent coolant loss and possible engine damage
from overheating.
Power Steering Fluid
The power steering fluid reservoir is located between the
battery and the brake master cylinder on the driver's side
of the engine. See ªEngine Compartment Overviewº in the
Index for more information on location.

6-25 When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering
fluid unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
How to Check Power Steering Fluid
Turn the key off, let the engine compartment cool down,
wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean, then
unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag.
Replace the cap and completely tighten it. Then remove
the cap again and look at the fluid level on the dipstick.
The level should be at the full mark. There are two lines
on the dipstick. The top line is the ªfullº mark and the
bottom line is the ªaddº line (which means that fluid
should be added). If necessary, add only enough fluid to
bring the level up to the full mark.
What to Use
To determine what kind of fluid to use, see
ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in the
Maintenance Schedule booklet. Always use the proper
fluid. Failure to use the proper fluid can cause leaks and
damage hoses and seals.
Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When you need windshield washer fluid, be sure to read
the manufacturer's instructions before use. If you will be
operating your vehicle in an area where the temperature
may fall below freezing, use a fluid that has sufficient
protection against freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
The windshield washer fluid
reservoir is located behind the
front grille on the driver's side
of the engine. See ªEngine
Compartment Overviewº in
the Index for more
information on location.
Open the cap with the washer
symbol on it. Add washer
fluid until the tank is full.

6-58
Instrument Panel Fuse Block (Driver's Side)
The fuse block is located below the steering wheel on
the driver's side. Using a screwdriver, loosen the two
trim fasteners under the trim panel and pull the trim
panel away from the instrument panel to access.
Fuse Usage
1 RH and LH Front Side Door
Window Regulator Motor, LH
Front Side Door Window Switch
2 Stoplamp Switch, Cruise Control
Release Switch
3 Automatic Transmission Range
Switch, Automatic Transmission
Control Indicator, Power Steering
Control Module, Hazard Warning
Switch, Automatic Transmission
Winter Mode Switch, Transmission
Control Module (TCM)