Resources for the Repair and Maintenance of your Cadillac Catera
Cadillac Catera Models:
Cadillac Catera Problems
Coolant and Oil Leaks
The Catera often experiences oil leaks from the oil cooler and/or valve cover gasket. The thermostat seal and/or the water pump may develop a coolant leak.
Engine Performance Problems Due to Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure
The crankshaft position sensor may fail causing the engine to stall while driving and/or will crank but not start, especially when the engine is warm. The car may start again if it is left to cool off, but it may run roughly or have poor performance.
Coolant loss and/or Engine Overheating Due to Leaking Water Control Valves
The hot water control valve may develop a coolant leak resulting in engine overheating. A leaking valve should be replaced.
Shift Lever May Not Go Into "Park" on Automatic Transmissions
On the automatic transmission models, the shift lever may not shift completely into "Park". This can result in the key being stuck in the ignition lock cylinder. Care should be taken to insure the shift lever fully engages the "Park" position. Replacing the shifter may be necessary to correct this concern.
The Timing Belt Idler and/or Tensioner Pulley May Fail
The timing belt idler and/or tensioner pulley may fail, resulting in server engine damage. Cadillac has recalled certain 1997-2001 models to replace the timing belt and other related components as necessary.
Cadillac Catera Questions and Answers
what is the tourch pressure on putting on a head gasket?
how to put in a head gasket
Original gas cap is vented. Replacement gas cap we purchased is non-vented, is this OK?
Thanks.
how do you check and replace the transmission fluid in a 97 Cadillac catera
Cadillac Catera Stories
Worst car GM ever put the Cadillac name on! Original owner traded to dealer for new Impala ... and as the second owner we now know why! In first week of owning and at only 32K all seals failed mixing oil and coolant throughout engine block. Car was under full warranty so GM had to tear apart and rebuild at their expense (dealer refused to take the car back and argued every time the car came in for other problems and they never supplied items that were missing when I took delivery: owner's manual and cargo net, both had been removed from gthe car. Englewood Buick/Chevrolet/GMC in Englewood, NJ ... DO NOT DEAL WITH THEM!). Between 32K and 45K here are a few more problems that surfaced: the third brake light failed (400.00 to replace, not included in warranty); the fog lights shorted out (too expensive to fix so they still don't work); various electrical problems that still occur; a burnt sensor on the transmission that would completely shut-down the car while traveling (replaced under warranty); warning lights that come on and off for no reason and when no problem exists. In short this is a high-maintenance and very expensive car to own. When everything works as it should the Catera is extremely comfortable and very much a great highway driver. When something goes wrong - as it does constantly - the car is a true horror. Stay away from the Catera and don't take any chance that you'll find one that'll never give trouble ... if you do take the chance you'll be sorry and bankrupt. I can't wait to dump the thing for a Lincoln MKZ.
this cas after 5 years just keeps falling apart. Poor excuse for a cadilac. Very costly to have repaired 2001 only 57000 mile and looking at new motor not trade time.
Cadillac name is SHIT IN MY book since I purchased this catera. It is a poor model of a Cadillac when it is out of commission. It costs an arm and a leg to fix. The maintenance is like fixing a rolls royce. ITS assurd. The car is perfect in when it is functioning. But when it is out of commision it is awful and cost a fortune.
Two years ago in 2009, I "inherited" this car from a family member. She was an elderly lady, and it really WAS one of those cars that was always garaged and only driven to the grocery store, the mall and the VFW hall. A TEN year-old Caddy with only 23,000 miles on it ! Thought I'd hit the jackpot. Since then, I've had to put over $3,000 in the car. New a/c, "copper tubing" for the cooling system, and brake lights that suddenly stopped working. The problem is, the damned thing is SO expensive to work on ! $500 in labor just to get to the a/c compressor ! Still...when it runs, it's an absolute joy. Plush interior, hugs the highway like nobody's business and a Bose sound system to die for.... I just can't give it up... (Not yet)
catera uff