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Cadillac Catera

124 messages,  Last post on Feb 22, 2013 at 2:20 AM

You are in the Cadillac Catera Forum.

What is this discussion about? Cadillac Catera, Sedan

    

Messages Page 13 of 13

#115 of 124 Re: IGNITION LOCK [boogiee] by bhc128

Sep 29, 2009 (4:29 pm)

Replying to: boogiee (Sep 29, 2009 11:55 am)
I was the one that posted the original question about this. I'm afraid that I don't have the greatest of news. Several people have since told me that the lock mechanisms on Cateras were not real sturdy, and tend to need replacement after a while.
 
Our son is an engineer. He looked at the car, and decided that there was no good way to fix it without replacing the lock mechanism (which, with towing to the dealer, parts, and labor, would have run over $1,000).
 
Our solution was to drill out the screws holding the ignition lock in place, and to install a simple "on-off" (flip) switch for the ignition (like a light switch) and a "push-button" switch for the starter. If someone gets into the car (by picking the lock or breaking a window), the only thing that keeps them from starting the car is that you need to hold the original key (which has a chip in in) close to the steering wheel or the system shuts down. It's not a pretty solution, but it lets us drive the car and saved a ton of money.

#116 of 124 IGNITION LOCK by boogiee

Sep 29, 2009 (10:32 pm)

THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP AND INTERTEST. MAY GOD BLESS

#117 of 124 Re: IGNITION LOCK [bhc128] by echo1sn

Jan 07, 2012 (9:41 am)

Replying to: bhc128 (Sep 29, 2009 4:29 pm)
Problem Having trouble getting the key out the ignition when im done driving. i just put it in gear then in park 3-3 time and it would advance to the off position to take key out. Today after about 10 -15 times i used hand force to turn to off position and took key out.Put key back in and turned to start position and nothing happens. car now useless. is this kind of the same problem? I just got laid off yesterday and well u can imagine.

#118 of 124 Radiator Light/Engline Oil Cooler by ladylovecatera

Feb 12, 2012 (7:38 pm)

#119 of 124 Radiator Light/Engline Oil Cooler by ladylovecatera

Mar 22, 2009 (5:14 pm)

My radiator light came one,it was low,added the right cooler,then engine low light came on a few days later,engine oil mixed in the radiator box and all under the hood everywhere but in the oil refill where it should be,took to shop and was told needed an engine oil cooler,got car back the next day and problem started back and only just drove the car from the shop and parked it in the garage. Shop was supposed to have flushed the entire system and hoses and replace all hoses if necessary which I was told did not need to replace the hoses because caught it in time. I have contacted the consumer affairs regarding this auto shop as I as told after my car was torn appart and looked at that it was definitely the engine oil cooler needing replaced and I did call the Cadillac Dealers and an auto part shops that I deal and inform them of what was happening and all was inagreed that it was the engine oil cooler that needs to be replaced, which is what I did, but I don't think the shop I took it too did all what they were supposed to do.. Therefore, when getting work done on these particular vehicles, best to take it to the dealer if you can. ... Just wanted to let you guys know. I have been very pleased with my card as it is a good running car... Good Luck to all!!!!

#120 of 124 subaru forester engine oil cooler by drandazzo

Mar 14, 2010 (2:40 pm)

I have a 2001 Subaru Forester. Can anyone tell me WHY it has an engine oil coller for an automatic?

#121 of 124 Lou89 by lou89

Aug 16, 2010 (7:44 pm)

1998 Catera , 33,000 mi. This problem for years: drive errands make a stop, will not restart. Dash lites, no click. Call AAA, 15 +- min with hood up. Try, it starts. Go to Sears batt ck and ok.Wife car, afraid to drive, so I do; Prob 5 Cad dealers over past- haul in or go in. " need to bring whhen prob exist. Probb short lived to now. # 2 prob--radiator light. Now, about 50-75 mi lite on, resivor low from full. Refill with Preston The know me Walmart. Never let level below 1/2. Refil l freq has become shorter. Call me very frustrated.Car bought new. Dealers do not appear knowledgeable---"we don't know"

#122 of 124 do I junk it or repair it by scorpiolyn1962

Dec 12, 2011 (11:01 pm)

have a '98 Cadillac Catera;bought 2 years ago and it has served me well; but have always had a problem with her getting hot and she finally blew the head gasket, I think; is it worth the money to repair her or just junk her? please help

#123 of 124 Re: do I junk it or repair it [scorpiolyn1962] by jpf

Feb 12, 2012 (7:38 pm)

Replying to: scorpiolyn1962 (Dec 12, 2011 11:01 pm)
Unless you can get a replacement engine cheaply from an auto wreckers, I would dump the Caddy. Caddy's are sink holes for money. Your problems would continue in the future even after replacing the engine. Good luck.

#124 of 124 So far so good by ambergoldcaddy

Feb 22, 2013 (2:20 am)

I just got my 2000 Cadillac Catera about 4 months ago, it had 91,800 miles on it, i paid 5,800 for my Cadillac Catera, in very good condition, ok... first 3 months no problems... them the timing belt broke... 96,000 miles... i had it towed to the dealership cost 278.00 4 days later the coolant light came on... back to the dealership, they told me that my hose had a leak to the coolant jug, had it fixed 53.00, I wonder what will be next, i really enjoy driving the car, I did get an extended warranty for 100.000 miles are 5 years when i brought the used Catera, but i do half to pay 100.00 deductible for any brake downs... plus i get road side tow & rent a car on the warranty in case of a brake down for only 122.50 a month for 18 months... i plan to keep the car for at lease 2 to 3 years, maybe longer it all depends on the car, after reading some of the bad stories about the car, I'm afraid to drive it long term!...

Messages Page 13 of 13

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