steering CADILLAC ELDORADO 2002 10.G Owner's Guide

4-38
Before you start, check the trailer hitch and platform
(and attachments), safety chains, electrical connector,
lamps, tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving
and then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be
sure the brakes are working. This lets you check your
electrical connection at the same time.
During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer brakes
are still working.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as
you would when driving your vehicle without a trailer.
This can help you avoid situations that require heavy
braking and sudden turns.
Passing
You'll need more passing distance up ahead when
you're towing a trailer. And, because you're a good
deal longer, you'll need to go much farther beyond
the passed vehicle before you can return to your lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand.
Then, to move the trailer to the left, just move that
hand to the left. To move the trailer to the right, move
your hand to the right. Always back up slowly and,
if possible, have someone guide you.
Making Turns
NOTICE:
Making very sharp turns while trailering
could cause the trailer to come in contact with
the vehicle. Your vehicle could be damaged.
Avoid making very sharp turns while trailering.
When you're turning with a trailer, make wider turns than
normal. Do this so your trailer won't strike soft shoulders,
curbs, road signs, trees or other objects. Avoid jerky or
sudden maneuvers. Signal well in advance.

5-2
Hazard Warning Flashers
Your hazard warning flashers let you warn others. They
also let police know you have a problem. Your front and
rear turn signal lamps will flash on and off.
The hazard warning flasher button is located on the right
side of the steering column, near the ignition switch.
The hazard warning flashers work no matter what
position your key is in, and even if the key isn't in.
Press the button to make your front and rear turn signal
lamps flash on and off.

5-6
The remote positive (+)
terminal is located in the
engine compartment on
the passenger's side of the
vehicle. Lift the red plastic
cap to access the terminal.
The remote negative (
-) terminal is located near
the power steering fluid reservoir. It is marked
ªGND (
-).º See ªEngine Compartment Overviewº
in the Index for more information on location.
CAUTION:
An electric fan can start up even when the engine
is not running and can injure you. Keep hands,
clothing and tools away from any underhood
electric fan.
CAUTION:
Using a match near a battery can cause battery
gas to explode. People have been hurt doing this,
and some have been blinded. Use a flashlight if
you need more light.
Be sure the battery has enough water. You don't
need to add water to the ACDelco
battery
installed in every new GM vehicle. But if a
battery has filler caps, be sure the right amount
of fluid is there. If it is low, add water to take
care of that first. If you don't, explosive gas
could be present.
Battery fluid contains acid that can burn you.
Don't get it on you. If you accidentally get it in
your eyes or on your skin, flush the place with
water and get medical help immediately.

5-20
5. Then replace the pressure cap. Be sure the arrow on
the pressure cap lines up like this.
Start the engine and allow it to warm up. If the CHECK
COOLANT LEVEL message does not appear on the
Driver Information Center, coolant is at the proper fill
level. If a CHECK COOLANT LEVEL message does
appear, repeat Steps 1 to 3 and reinstall the pressure cap
or see your dealer.
If a Tire Goes Flat
It's unusual for a tire to ªblow outº while you're driving,
especially if you maintain your tires properly. If air goes
out of a tire, it's much more likely to leak out slowly.
But if you should ever have a ªblowout,º here are
a few tips about what to expect and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the flat tire will create a drag that
pulls the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off
the accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel firmly.
Steer to maintain lane position, and then gently brake
to a stop well out of the traffic lane.
A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts much like a
skid and may require the same correction you'd use in
a skid. In any rear blowout, remove your foot from
the accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle under control by
steering the way you want the vehicle to go. It may be
very bumpy and noisy, but you can still steer. Gently
brake to a stop
-- well off the road if possible.
If a tire goes flat, the next part shows how to use your
jacking equipment to change a flat tire safely.

5-32
If You're Stuck: In Sand, Mud,
Ice or Snow
In order to free your vehicle when it is stuck, you will
need to spin the wheels, but you don't want to spin
your wheels too fast. The method known as ªrockingº
can help you get out when you're stuck, but you must
use caution.
CAUTION:
If you let your tires spin at high speed, they can
explode, and you or others could be injured.
And, the transaxle or other parts of the vehicle
can overheat. That could cause an engine
compartment fire or other damage. When you're
stuck, spin the wheels as little as possible. Don't
spin the wheels above 35 mph (55 km/h) as shown
on the speedometer.
NOTICE:
Spinning your wheels can destroy parts of your
vehicle as well as the tires. If you spin the wheels
too fast while shifting your transaxle back and
forth, you can destroy your transaxle.
For information about using tire chains on your vehicle,
see ªTire Chainsº in the Index.
Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out
First, turn your steering wheel left and right. That will
clear the area around your front wheels. You should turn
your traction control system off. See ªTraction Control
Systemº in the Index. Then shift back and forth between
REVERSE (R) and a forward gear, spinning the wheels
as little as possible. Release the accelerator pedal while
you shift, and press lightly on the accelerator pedal
when the transaxle is in gear. By slowly spinning your
wheels in the forward and reverse directions, you will
cause a rocking motion that may free your vehicle.
If that doesn't get you out after a few tries, you may
need to be towed out. If you do need to be towed out,
see ªTowing Your Vehicleº in the Index.

6-11 Engine Compartment Overview
When you open the hood, you'll see the following:
A. Battery
B. Engine Coolant Surge Tank
C. Power Steering Fluid
D. Engine Oil Fill LocationE. Engine Oil Dipstick
F. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir
G. Transaxle Dipstick/Fluid
Fill LocationH. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
I. Windshield Washer
Fluid Reservoir

6-28
Power Steering Fluid
The power steering fluid
reservoir and dipstick
are located next to the
coolant surge tank on
the passenger's side of
the vehicle.
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. See ªEngine Compartment Overviewº in the
Index for reservoir location.
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 COLD mark.
If necessary, add only enough fluid to bring the
level up to the mark.
What to Use
To determine what kind of fluid to use, see
ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Index.
Always use the proper fluid. Failure to use the proper
fluid can cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.

6-61
MaxiFuse
(8
-Way) Usage
INADVERT Inadvertent Power Relay, Interior
Lamps Fuse, Cigarette Lighter
-1
Fuse, Courtesy Lamp Relay
LAMPS Headlamps Fuse/Relay, High/Low
Beam Control Relay, Fog Lamp
Fuse, DRL Fuse, Hazard Fuse,
Mirror Fuse, Inadvertent Power
Relay, Right and Left High
-Beam
Fuse, Right and Left Low
-Beam
Fuse, Stoplamp Fuse, Fog Lamp
Relay, DRL Relay
IGN 1 Rear Ignition
-1 Relay, Wiper Fuse,
Relay Ignition
-1 Fuse, Supplemental
Inflatable Restraint (SIR) Fuse,
Accessory Relay
WINDOWS Retained Accessory Power
(RAP) Relay
SEATS Horn Relay, Driver and Passenger
Lumbar In/Out Relays, Driver and
Passenger Lumbar Up/Down RelaysMaxiFuse
(8
-Way) Usage
SPARE Spare Fuse
AIR AIR Pump
BATT 3 Steering Column Ignition Switch
BATT 2 Steering Column Ignition Switch
IGN 1 Front Ignition
-1 Relay, Oxygen
Sensor 1 and 2 Fuse, Fuel Fuse,
Cruise Fuse, Fuel Pump Relay
BATT 1 Starter Relay and Solenoid,
Park/Reverse Fuse, Park Relay,
Powertrain Control Module
(PCM) Fuse, AC Compressor
Fuse and Relay, Fan Relays,
Reverse Relay
BRAKES Anti
-Lock Brake System (ABS)
Brake Modulator
COOL FANS Cooling Fan Relays 1 and 3

6-67
Fuse Usage
RADIO/PHONERadio Receiver, Radio Interface
Module (RIM) (Optional),
Phone, RAP Relay, Trunk Release
Relay, Fuel Door Release Relay,
High/Low
-Beam Relay
CLUSTER Steering Wheel Controls, Cluster
ACC PZM, Electrochromic Mirror,
Rain Sensor (Optional),
Accessory Relay
HTD BACKLT Rear Window Defogger
HTD MIR Right and Left Outside
Heated Mirror
HTD SEAT R Passenger Heated Seat
Relay (Optional)
HTD SEAT L Driver Heated Seat
Relay (Optional)
PULL DOWN Trunk Pull
-Down Motor
SPARE Spare Fuse
ANTENNA Power Mast Antenna
RSS Damper Relay (ETC Only)Fuse Usage
CONVENC Trunk Release Relay, Trunk
Release Solenoid, Fuel Door
Release Relay, Fuel Filler Door
Release Solenoid, Door Lock
Relay, Left and Right Door Motors,
PZM, Door Unlock Relay
BATT Driver and Passenger Seat
Lumbar Switch (Optional),
Driver and Passenger Seat Belt
Comfort Solenoid, Memory Seat
Module (Optional)
RSS Road Sensing Suspension (RSS)
Module (ETC Only)
RT PARK Headlamp Switch, Right Front
Parking Lamp, Right Front
and Rear Sidemarker Lamps,
Right Turn/Stop/Tail Lamps
LT PARK Left Front and Rear Sidemarker
Lamps, Left Front Parking Lamp,
Left Turn/Stop/Tail Lamps,
Right and Left License Lamps,
Underhood Lamp

7-19
Part C: Periodic
Maintenance Inspections
Listed in this part are inspections and services which
should be performed at least twice a year (for instance,
each spring and fall). You should let your dealer's
service department or other qualified service center
do these jobs. Make sure any necessary repairs are
completed at once.
Proper procedures to perform these services may be
found in a service manual. See ªService and Owner
Publicationsº in the Index.
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive
Axle Boot and Seal Inspection
Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering
system for damaged, loose or missing parts, signs of
wear or lack of lubrication. Inspect the power steering
lines and hoses for proper hook
-up, binding, leaks,
cracks, chafing, etc. Clean and then inspect the
drive axle boot seals for damage, tears or leakage.
Replace seals if necessary.
Exhaust System Inspection
Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body
near the exhaust system. Look for broken, damaged,
missing or out
-of-position parts as well as open seams,
holes, loose connections or other conditions which could
cause a heat build
-up in the floor pan or could let
exhaust fumes into the vehicle. See ªEngine Exhaustº
in the Index.