Problem Reports
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1997 Cadillac Eldorado
Car Won't Start and Security Light is On
Problems with anti-theft systems using the raised-chip key can prevent the car from starting. The wires in the steering column to the ignition lock cylinder tend to break. The key and ignition lock cylinder should be replaced to correct this condition.
Trunk Lid Won't Close Due to Trunk Pull Down Switch Failure
The trunk pull down switch may fail causing the trunk lid not to close completely. Our technicians tell us that the failed switch can be replaced without changing the complete pull down motor assembly.
The Head lights May Stop Working
The head light switch may fail causing the head lights to become inoperative.
AC Not Cold Due to Refrigerant Leak and/or Pressure Sensor Fault
The air conditioning system can be prone to refrigerant leaks and failure of one or more pressure sensors. The AC pressure sensors should be checked for proper operation when ever the AC system is serviced.
Power seat operation erratic
AC Compessor May Fail
The AC compressor may develop an abnormal noise or refrigerant leak, requiring replacement.
The Parking Brake May Not Automatically Release
The vacuum release actuator for the parking brake may fail, preventing the parking brake from releasing automatically. Our technicians remind us that there is a mechanical release lever on the park brake ratchet you may use if the park brake does not release automatically. (Care should be taken when manually releasing the park brake!)
Rear of Vehicle May Ride to High or Low
The auto level ride compressor may fail causing the rear of the vehicle to ride to high or too low.
Oil Leak From Lower Engine Area
The engine may develop an oil leak from the lower crankcase portion of the engine block. Our technicians tell us that the engine must be removed from the vehicle to properly repair this oil leak.
High Pressure Power Steering Hose Can Leak Fluid
The high pressure power steering hose will commonly leak fluid; it should be replaced.
Transmission Fluid Leak From Cooler Line
An automatic transmission fluid leak may develop from the rubber section of a transmission cooler line. In some cases the rubber section of hose can be replaced. In others, the complete cooler line must be replaced to correct this type of leak.
The Fuel Pump May Fail Causing the Engine to Stall or Crank Over But Not Start
The fuel pump may fail causing the engine to stall and not restart. Our technicians recommend replacing the fuel filter every 30,000 miles to help prevent undue strain on the fuel pump.
Check Engine Light Due to Intake Manifold Vacuum Leaks
An intake manifold vacuum leak can develop from a variety of sources, often causing illumination of the Check Engine Light with codes P0171 & P0174 stored. Thorough diagnoses will be necessary to pinpoint the cause in order to make the correct repairs. A "smoke" machine is often used to isolate the cause of difficult to find vacuum leaks.
Engine Overheating Due to Leaking Headgasket
Overheating of the engine may cause the cylinder head to expand, severely straining the head bolts and damaging the threads in the engine block. This commonly results in a blown head gasket. Our technicians tell us the engine block threads must be repaired before the cylinder head is reinstalled.
Stalling Due to Failed Crankshaft Position Sensor
The crankshaft position sensor may fail causing the engine to stall intermittently, the Check Engine Light may or may not illuminate.
Excessive Engine Oil Consumption
Vehicles equipped with the 4.6L engine may develop excessive oil consumption. Please be advised that under optimum driving conditions, using one quart of oil every 2000 miles is acceptable. This Cadillac standard applies to vehicles with less that 50,000 miles. Our technicians tell us that if you experience excessive oil consumption it may be caused by built up on the piston rings which restricts movement, preventing them from wiping all the oil from the cylinder walls. Oil left behind is then burned during the combustion process. There is a special ring cleaning procedure which can help this situation. The GM service bulletin number is #02-06-01-009C.
Coolant Leaks From Water Pump and Radiator
The water pump and/or the plastic side tanks on the radiator may leak causing a loss of coolant. The engine may overheat due to coolant loss. Continued coolant loss after external leaks have been repaired could indicate a blown head gasket.
Rough Idle Due to EGR Valve Sticking Open
The EGR valve may stick open, causing a rough idle and/or the Check Engine Light to illuminate.
Check Engine Light Due to Gas Cap Issue
A Loose or worn gas cap may cause Check Engine Light to illuminate.