warning CADILLAC ELDORADO 1997 10.G Owner's Guide

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine itives
Don’t add anything to your oil. Your Cadillac dealer is
ready to advise if you tlunk something should be added.
Your Cadillac has an Oil Life Indicator. This feature
will let you
know when to change your oil and
filter
-- usually between 3,000 miles (5 000 km) and
7,500 miles
(12 500 km) since your last oil change.
Under severe conditions,
the indicator may come on
before 3,000 miles (5 000 km). Never drive your vehicle
more than 7,500 miles (12
500 km) or 12 months
(whichever occurs first) without an
oil change.
The system won’t detect dust
in the oil. So, if you
drive
in a dusty area, be sure to change your oil every
3,000 miles
(5 000 km) or sooner if the CHANGE
ENGINE OIL message comes on. Remember to reset
the Oil Life Indicator when the oil has been changed.
For more information, see “Oil Life Indicator”
in
the Index.
After
the oil has been changed, display the OIL LIFE
LEFT message by pressing the INFORMATION (INFO)
button. Then press and hold the RESET (INFO RESET)
button until the display shows “loo.” This resets the oil life
index. The message will remain
off until the next oil
change
is needed. The percentage of oil life remaining
may be checked at any time by pressing the
INFORMATION (INIFQ) button several times until
the OIL LIFE LEFT message appears. For more
information on the Oil Life feature, see “Oil Life
Indicator”
in the Index.
at to
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 QI- bodies of water. Instead,
recycle
it by takmg 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.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Your vehicle is equipped with a transaxle fluid change
indicator.
A CHANGE TRANS FLUID message will
display on
the Driver Information Center (DIC) when
the powertrain computer determines that the transaxle
fluid needs to be changed or at each
100,080 miles
(160 080 km) interval, whichever occurs first. See your
Maintenance Schedule booklet for more information.
When this message appears, change the transaxle fluid
and reset the transaxle fluid life indicator as follows:
I. Turn the ignition on but do not start the engine.
2. Press and hold the OFF and rear defog buttons on the
climate control at the same time until the
TRANS
FLUID RESET message appears on the DHC.
The cooling s stern 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.
2
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when
it is low. If YOU have a problem with
engine overheating, see “Engine Overheating”
in
the Index.
A 50/50 mixture of water and DEX-COOL@
coolant will:
@ Give freezing protection down to -34” F (-37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 265 OF (1 29°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages work as
they should.
When adding coolant, it is important that you use
only DEX-COOL~ (silicate-free) coolant.
If coolant other than DEX-COOL@is added t~
the system, premature engine, heater core or
radiator corrosion may result. In addition, the
engine coolant
will require change SOQWW 0- at
34b,8(Bo miles (50 000 km) or 24 months,
whichever CD~CUP’S first. Damage caused
of coolant other than
covered
by your new vehicle warranty.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Use a mixture of one-half clean water (preferably
distilled) and
one-half DEX-COOL@ coolant which
won’t damage aluminum
parts. If you use this mixture,
you
don’t need to add anything else.
A, CAUTION.: ..
Adding only plain water to your cooling system
can
be dangerous. Plain water, or some other
liquid Bike alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant mix will.
YQW vehicle’s coolant warning
system is set for the proper coolant mix. With
plain water or the wrong
mix, your engine could
get too hot but you wouldn’t get the overheat
warning. Your engine could catch fire and
YOU or
others could
be burned. Use a 5W50 mix of clean
water and
DEX-COOE~ coolant.
If YSU use an improper coolant mix, your engine
could overheat and
be badly damaged. The
repair cost wouldn’t be covered by your
warranty. Too much water in the mix can freeze
and crack the engine, radiator, heater core and
If you have to add coolant more than four times a year,
have your dealer check your cooling system.
If you use the proper coolant, you don’t have to
add extra inhibitors
QF additives which claim to
improve the system. These can be harmful.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Your brake master cylinder reservoir is here. It is filled
with
DOT-3 brake fluid.
There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level
in
the reservoir might go down. The first is that the brake
fluid goes down to an acceptable level during normal
brake lining wear. When new linings are put in, the fluid
level goes back up. The other reason
is that fluid is
leakng out of the brake system. If it is, you should have
your brake system fixed, since a leak means that sooner
or later your brakes won’t work well, 01- w~n’t work
at all.
so, it isn’t a good idea to “top off’ your brake fluid.
Adding brake fluid won’t correct a leak.
If you add fluid
when your linings are
worn, then you’ll have too much
fluid when you
get new brake linings. YOU should add
(or remove) brake fluid, as necessary, only when work is
done
on the brake hydraulic system.
When your brake fluid
falls to a low level, your brake
warning light will come on. See “Brake System Warning
Light” in the Index.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Your Cadillac has four-wheel disc brakes.
Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that make a
high-pitched warning sound when the brake pads
are
worn and new pads are needed. The sound may come and
go or be heard all the time your vehicle is moving (except
when you are pushing on the brake pedal firmly).
The brake wear warning sound means that soon
your brakes won9$ work well. That could lead to
an accident. When you hear the brake wear
warning sound, have your vehicle serviced.
Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does
not mean something is wrong with
your brakes.
Properly torqued
wheel nuts are necessary to help
prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect
brake pads for wear and evenly torque wheel
nuts in the
proper sequence to GM specifications.
Brake linings should always be replaced
as complete
axle
sets.
See “Brake System Inspection” in the Maintenance
Schedule booklet under Part
C “Periodic Maintenance
Inspections”.
See your dealer
if the brake pedal does not return to
normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in pedal
travel. This could be a sign of brake trouble.
Every time you apply the brakes, with or without the
vehicle
moving, your brakes adjust for wear.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine The following information relates to the system developed
by the United States National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration, which grades tires by treadwear, traction
and temperature performance.
(This applies only to
vehicles sold in the United States.) The grades are molded
on
the sidewalls of most passenger car tires. The Uniform
Tire Quality Grading system does not apply to deep tread, winter-type snow tires, space-saver or temporary use spare
tires, tires with nominal rim diameters of 10 to 12 inches
(25 to 30 cm), or to some limited-production tires.
While the tires available on General Motors passenger
cars and
light trucks may vary with respect to these
grades, they must also conform
to Federal safety
requirements and additional General Motors Tire
Performance Criteria
(TPC) standards.
eadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on
the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled
conditions
on a specified government test course. For
example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and a haIf
( 1 1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire
upon the actual conditions of their use, however, and
may depart significantly from the norm due to variations
b Oraded 100. The relative performance of tires depends in
driving habits, service practices and differences in
road characteristics and climate.
action -- A9
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are A, €3 and
C, and they represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet
pavement as measured under controlled conditions on
specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete.
A tire marked C may have poor traction performance.
Warning:
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based
on braking (straightahead) traction tests and does not
include cornering (turning) traction.
~~~~~~~~~~~ -ID A?
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B and C,
representing the tire’s resistance to the generation of
heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under
controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the
material
of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead to sudden
tire failure.
The grade
C corresponds to a level of performance
which all passenger car tires must meet under the
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
No. 109. Grades
A and B represent higher levels of performance on the
laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Warning: The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly inflated and not
overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation
or
excessive loading, either separately or in combination,
can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.
The wheels on your vehicle were aligned and balanced
carefully at the factory to give you the longest
tire life
and best overall performance.
Scheduled wheel alignment and wheel balancing are not
needed. However, if you notice unusual tire wear
or
your vehicle pulling one way or the other, the alignment
may need to be reset.
If you notice your vehicle
vibrating when
driving on a smooth road, your wheels
may need to be rebalanced.
Replace any
wheel that is bent, cracked or badly rusted
or corroded.
If wheel nuts keep coming loose, the wheel,
wheel bolts and wheel nuts should be replaced.
If the
wheel leaks air, replace
it (except some aluminum
wheels, which can sometimes be repaired). See
your
Cadillac dealer if any of these conditions exist. Your
dealer will know the kind of wheel you need.
Each new wheel should have the same load-carrying
capacity, diameter, width, offset and be mounted the
same way
as the one it replaces.
If you need to replace any of your wheels, wheel bolts
or wheel nuts, replace them only with new GM original
equipment parts. This
way, you will be sure to have the
right wheel, wheel bolts and wheel nuts for your
Cadillac model.
Using the wrong replacement wheels, wheel
bolts or wheel nuts on your vehicle can be
dangerous. It
could affect the braking and
handling
sf your vehicle, make your tires lose air
and make
YOU lose control. You could have a
c~llision in which you or others could be injured.
Always
use the correct wheel, wheel boats and
wheel nuts for replagment.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Remember, cleaning products can be hazardous. Some
are toxic. Others can burst into flames if you strike a
match or get them on a hot part of the vehicle. Some
are
dangerous if you breathe their fumes in a closed space.
When
you use anything from a container to clean your
Cadillac, be sure to follow
the manufacturer’s warnings
and instructions. And always open your doors or
windows when you’re cleaning the inside.
Never use these to clean your vehicle:
e Gasoline
Qb Benzene
0 Naphtha
Q) Carbon Tetrachloride
0 Acetone
Paint Thinner
Q) Turpentine
Lacquer Thinner
Q Nail Polish Remover
They can all be hazardous
-- some more than
others
-- and they can all damage your vehicle, too. Don’t
use any of these unless this manual
says you can.
In many uses, these will damage your vehicle:
Alcohol
* Laundry Soap
Q) Bleach
Q) Reducing Agents
F c
Use a vacuum cleaner often to get rid of dust and loose
dirt. Wipe vinyl or leather with a clean, damp cloth.
Your Cadillac dealer has two cleaners, a solvent-type
spot lifter and a foam-type powdered cleaner. They will
clean
normal spots and stains very well. Do not use
them on vinyl or leather.
Here
are some cleaning tips:
1. Always read the instructions on the cleaner label.
2. Clean up stains as soon as you can -- before they set.
3. Use a clean cloth or sponge, and change to a clean area
often.
A soft brush may be used if stains are stubborn.
4. Use solvent-type cleaners in a well-ventilated area
only.
If you use them, don’t saturate the stained area.
5. If a ring forms after spot cleaning, clean the entire
area immediately or it will set.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine ..........
BS ......................................... 4-7
AK Off For Engine Protection Message ............. 2-84
Adding Equipment to the Outside
of Your Vehicle ...... 6-3
AirBag ....................................... 1-21
How Does it Restrain .......................... 1-25
How it Works ................................ 1-23
Location .................................... 1-23
Readiness Light
......................... 1.22. 2.71
Servicing
................................... 1-26
What Makes it Inflate
.......................... 1-24
What Will
You See After it Inflates ............... 1-25
When Should it Inflate
......................... 1-24
AirCIeaner
.................................... 6-15
Air Conditioning ................................ 3-6
Air Conditioning Refrigerants
..................... 6-66
Air Control, Climate Control System ................. 3-3
Alarm. Theft-Deterrent
.......................... 2- 16
Aluminum Wheels. Cleaning ...................... 6-51
Analog Control Buttons .......................... 2-83
Antenna . Power ................................ 3-27
Antifreeze
..................................... 6-21
Alignment and Balance.
Tire ...................... 6-44
Anti-Lock
Brake System Warning Light
................ 2.73. 4..
Brakes .....,................................ 4-:
Anti-Lockout Feature ............................ 2-t
Anti-Theft, Radio .............................. 3-21
Appearance Care ............................... 6-4t
Appearance Care Materials
....................... 6-5:
Apply Brake
To Shift Message .................... 2-8'
Arbitration Program ............................. 7-11
Arrnrest, Storage
............................... 2-5t
Ashtrays ...................................... 2-5;
Assist Handles ................................. 2-55
Astroroof ..................................... 2-55
Audio Equipment, Adding ........................ 3-2f
Audio Steering Wheel Controls
.................... 3-25
Audio Systems
.................................. 3-5
Automatic Door Locks
............................ 2-5
Automatic Overdrive ............................ 2-25
Automatic Pull-Down Feature
..................... 2-15
Automatic Transaxle ............................ 2-21
Fluid
....................................... 6-18
Shiftin ,o ..................................... 2-23
Starting Your Engine
.......................... 2-21
Operation
................................... 2-23

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine attery ...................................... 6-30
Charging System Indicator Light
................. 2-7 1
Jump Starting
................................. 5-4
No Charge Message ........................... 2-85
Replacement, Remote Keyless Entry
.............. 2- 10
Volts High Message ........................... 2-85
Volts
Low Message ........................... 2-85
Battery Guard Storage
........................... 2-48
Battery Saver
.................................. 2-47
Exterior Lighting
............................. 2-47
Inadvertent Power
............................ 2-48
BBB Auto Line
................................ 7- 11
Better Business Bureau Mediation
.................. 7-1 1
Brake Adjustment
.................................. 6-29
Master Cylinder
.............................. 6-27
Replacing System
Parts ........................ 6-30
System Warning Light ......................... 2-72
Trailer
...................................... 4- 36
Transaxle Shift Interlock
....................... 2-3 1
Vacuum Problem Message ...................... 2-85
Wear
....................................... 6-2 9
Brakes, Anti-Lock ............................... 4-7
Braking ........................................ 4-6
Braking in Emergencies
.......................... 4- 10
Break-In, New Vehicle
.......................... 2-19
Brightness Control
.............................. 2-47
BTSI ......................................... 2-31
Bulb Replacement
.............................. 6-3 1
Warnings ................................ 5-4, 5-6
Fluid ....................................... 6-27
Parking
..................................... 2-26
Peddlravel ................................. 6-29
Capacities and Specifications .................... 6-45
Carbon Monoxide
.................... 2.32.4.29. 4.35
Cassette Tape Player
.................. 3.10.3.13. 3.17
Cassette Tape Player Care
........................ 3-26
Cellular Telephone
.............................. 2-58
Center Console Storage Area
...................... 2-56
Center Passenger Position
........................ 1-30
Central Door Unlocking System
.................... 2-4
Certitication Label
.............................. 4-31
Chains. Safety
................................. 4-36
Chains. Tire
................................... 6-45
Change Engine
Oil Message ...................... 2-85
Change Trans Fluid Message
...................... 2-85
Changing a Flat Tire ............................. 5-26
Charging System Indicator Light
................... 2-71
Check Brake Fluid Level Message
................. 2-86
Check Coolant Level Message ..................... 2-86
Check Fuel Gage Message
........................ 2-86
Check Oil Level Message ........................ 2-86
Check Washer Fluid Message ..................... 2-86
Checking Your Restraint Systems .................. 1-43
Chemical Paint Spotting
.......................... 6-52
Child Restraints
................................ 1-33
Securing in
a Rear Outside Seat Position ........... 1-34
Securing in the Center Rear Seat Position
.......... 1-36
Securing in
the Right Front Seat Position .......... 1-38
Wheretoput
................................ l-33
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp. Bulb Replacement ... 4-35
. TopStrap ................................... 1-34
Chrome Wheels. Cleaning
........................ 6-51
Cigarette Lighter
............................... 2-57
CHMSL ...................................... 6.35
Circuit Breakers
and Fuses ....................... 6-58
-2