Top 10 1997 Cadillac Catera Questions & Answers

try taking the unit out. there is a sticker on it with a serial number
call your dealer and tell them that you need a code " service department "
they will ask for the serial number on the radio
once you give the serial number they will look it up and give you the code
do not try to put a " random " code this will lock your radio and you will have to unlock it before putting the code in it.
if the screen shows " code " you are fine, just get the code and voile.
if your screen shows " waiting " the radio is locked up and i will assis you on that matter once you get the code.

First of all ensure that your car is leaking coolant fluid, and what is dripping is not just water condensation from the air conditioner.
If you have a coolant liquid leak, it can be from one of the ducts leading to radiator , from water pump or radiator itself. Check liquid levels, and if you have a leak have the car inspected by a qualified mechanic.
A broken water pump, for example, can cause your motor to blow in few miles.

Also, Takeout #1(from front of the car on your left) and #2 and compare two plugs.
perheps #2 sparkplug is white(at contact point), Than you are in deep troble(head gasket problem, white smoke comes out of tailpipe) like I have.

The problem is a leaking air shock(s). My 1997 catera had this problem also. I drove the rear wheels up on a set of ramps and went underneath. There is a sensor located close to the rear axle's that moves up when the car is loaded in the rear. (luggage/person in the back seat). When the car senses the extra weight, a small compressor located up under the hood pumps air to the air shocks until the car is back level again. With the key turned on, and the engine off, You can actually move this sensor with your hand and after about 45 seconds, you will hear the small electric compressor come on and see the rear of the car rise. Even if the shock is leaking, the car will still rise but you can hear/feel the air leak on the rubber boot of the shock. The reason the light never stops flashing is because of the air leak the car never really reaches proper leveling. I know what your thinking, "I didn't have extra weight in the car"..doesn't matter car still levels itself from time to time without extra load in the rear. Possible road conditions etc. and also the fact your basically riding around with only one rear shock working like it should. hope this helps......dave

the locking solenoid could be sticking up or down due to the cold or could be going bad. if possible take off the door panel a watch the solenoid as you have someone operate the key and with the remote.

I have a Cadillac caters 2001 I switch out my stock radio Bose to a jvc deck. The deck work but no sound coming out

sensor is part of the overflow tank. lift the tank up and unplug the plug on the bottom. you can just cut off the plug and splice the two wires together or take a bread tie and strip off the paper then jump out the plug. to replace the sensor you must buy a new tank.

you wont?? without the key you will not be able to remove the barrell.their are two headless bolts that shear off when its fitted ,if you can behind them and tap them around to slacken them with a centre punch then your lucky ??other than that remove the steering column and cut it off ,i take it the lock has jammed up ?? and will not turn .

you will be causing further damage no matter what. you will have to pry the door open or break the lock assembly out of the glove box door. be carefull to only damage the door because repairing the dash is a lot harder and more expensive. obtain a new glove box door and latch and you will have to get a copy of the door key or have the lock re-keyed to use the lock again.

Hi, there should be marks on the belt itslf that align with hatch marks on the timing gears. Below are the instructions for installation. From these, you should be able to verify that the belt is in time. There are also some diagrams here: http://www.2carpros.com/diagrams/cadillac/catera/1997


To install:

1. Install the timing belt.
   1. Start at the crankshaft pulley.
   2. Install the timing belt with a double dash (TDC) mark on the belt aligned with the marks on the oil pump and belt drive gear.
   3. Pinch the belt with special tool J 42069-30 to prevent the splines from jumping.
   
   
2. Route the timing belt through the idler pulley for camshafts 3 & 4 then route the timing belt through the camshaft gears 3 & 4.
   1. Ensure the dash marks on the timing belt align with marks on the camshaft gears and the notches on the rear timing belt cover.
   2. If necessary, loosen timing belt idler pulley or move the cam gears slightly, with J 42069-1 and 2 still in place, until the timing belt can be installed.
   3. Tighten the idler pulley locking bolt until snug. The idler pulley bolt will be tightened to specifications after the final adjustments are made.
   
   

1. If necessary, adjust the timing belt deflection by turning the timing bolt idler pulley eccentric, for camshafts 3 & 4, counter-clockwise with the special tool J 42069-40, or equivalent.

1. Route the timing belt through the timing belt idler pulley for camshafts 1 & 2 then route the timing belt through camshaft gears 1 & 2.
   1. Ensure the dash marks on the timing belt align with the marks on the camshaft gears and the notches on the rear timing belt cover.
   2. If necessary, loosen the timing belt idler pulley or move the cam gear slightly, with J 42069-1 and 2 still in place, until the timing belt can be installed.
   3. Apply sufficient tension to the timing belt to prevent it from slipping off the gears by turning the timing belt idler pulley eccentric for camshafts 1 & 2 counter-clockwise with special tool J 42069-40 or equivalent.
   4. Tighten the idler pulley locking bolt until snug. Idler pulley bolt will be tightened to specifications after final adjustments are made.
   
   
2. Route the timing belt through the timing belt tensioner.
3. Apply initial tension to the timing belt by turning tensioner eccentric counter-clockwise, with a 5 mm hex wrench, until marks are set.
   1. Tighten the belt tensioner-locking nut to 15 ft. lbs. (20 Nm).
   
   
4. Adjust the timing belt.
   1. The timing belt must be properly adjusted or engine damage may occur. Do not continue with the engine assembly procedure until the timing belt is properly adjusted.
   
   
5. Install the timing belt cover. Tighten the timing belt cover bolts to 71 inch lbs. (8 Nm).
6. Install the power steering pump pulley and bolts. Install the water pump pulley and bolts.
   1. Tighten the power steering pump pulley bolts and the water pump pulley bolts after the serpentine drive belt is installed.