124 messages,
Last post on Feb 22, 2013 at 2:20 AM
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Cadillac Catera Forum.
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Cadillac Catera, Sedan
#62 of 124 Re: Hello & Welcome! [Ican]
by dallasdude1
Dec 21, 2008 (7:20 am)
The timing belt is designed to last 100,000 miles, The first Catera's were failing early. 2000 and 2001 should be fine. The belt breaking will crash into the valves and require head work. In Europe many cars are serviced at the 100,000 and extensive work is done. While your there you can replace the water pump, tensioner, all the pulleys/bearings. Cadillac charges $3,500 and the cheapest I've seen is $2,500. Many untrained folks have caused more damage than good in doing this themselves. My brother in law is a Mr Goodwrench and was fortunate enough to be sent on the Catera training. Few dealerships even bothered. Again this is a EURO car and designed, if maintained well, to last a lifetime. There are a few common and simple to fix problems. However, many American technical people have no training and therefore customers are paying for on the job training, much as a dog would chase its tail.
#63 of 124 Re: Hello & Welcome! [dallasdude1]
by merckx
Dec 21, 2008 (4:36 pm)
I thought the manualsuggests changing the timing belt at 60,000 miles.
#64 of 124 Catera dash lamps
by dave53
Jan 18, 2009 (11:22 pm)
The drivers side tempeture control knob is out, what must I do to replace it.
Also is there suppose to be a light at the ignition to assist placement of the key when starting? If so mine dosen't work either.
Thank you
Feb 13, 2009 (11:02 am)
Hi all, I am a new owner of a 2000 Catera; I think this will be the best car I have ever owend! I like the feel and the zippy engine, I will accespt any advise from this fourm. My Catera has 94,225 miles, what should I check in my next servicing?
Jun 15, 2009 (7:39 pm)
have a 2000 catera when it rains car floods on passenger side front and rear where is the water coming from?
#67 of 124 Re: New Member [ministerdavis]
by cateragirl22
Jun 15, 2009 (7:47 pm)
Hi i own a 2000 catera dont let the repairs ive had discourage you but these are things i fixed and am still working on being repaired i think the previous owner didnt maintain the car well heater core radiator alternator ox sensor mass airflow sensor and now i need new suspension they say its a commond problem gaskets and timing belt and experiancing the car flooding whenever it rains on the passenger side im willing to get the repairs done because i love this car and after this is done that should be every thing she had 55000 miles when i got her i think its worth it
Jul 31, 2009 (5:02 pm)
what is a cool air box?
#69 of 124 Re: 1997 Cadi Catera [redheadshar]
by nogm4me
Oct 25, 2009 (6:55 pm)
I am responding to the " leveling " idiot light issues posted by " redheadshar ". I have
posted before and am an owner of a 97 Cat with 165k miles on the odometer. I had the " rear " air ride shocks replaced in June of this yr. the factory units literally rotted into oblivion. My idiot light was on/off for well over a year. You are correct, do not load the trunk and drive over rough terrain. The IRS ( independent rear suspension ) could become damaged. Suggestions: make sure the leveling switch is operating correctly.
If you have over 80-90k miles, replace the air ride shocks. No questions asked. Look for a reputable brand, the one starting with "M" is barely above factory quality. Go with the Japanese or German brand. approx. $150 each. ( only the rear are involved). As I mentioned I replaced the 2 units at 160k and the steering feel improved, handling in general and I get better fuel mileage. Why,..? the vehicle has returned to the proper rake angle in meeting the wind. You can hear the air pump run then stop after the switch determines proper ride height/load for the car. My new dilema was a steering box that began leaking profusely. They are not serviceable and require a good used unit in it's place, very labor intensive. Some estimates indicate that up to 80 % of vehicles on the road have substandard suspensions on them. Don't let yours be one of them. (see link )
http://www.motorist.org/news/consnews/BatteriesRideControlUICSMy6.pdf
#70 of 124 Re: Car will not start sometimes [rhondah]
by hgqguy
Nov 01, 2009 (3:56 pm)
Did you ever find out why the car will not start? my 2000 catera sport just started doing this yesterday shut of, came back to car, turn key, everything works except wont start.. nothing happens, no click, or even a try to start.. fliped key over, and after 6 tries it started.
ran fine today then I went to leave again, same problem, after 10 tires I gave up and drove the other car..
if you have anyinfo I would appreciate it..
I have seen alternator, battery, coils and cam or crank sensor as possibles..
thanks for your time.
#71 of 124 Re: Car will not start sometimes [hgqguy]
by dirtdiver826
Nov 04, 2009 (5:54 pm)
Not your battery or alternator ... my 98 is in the shop as I send this with the same problem ... she will start up on her own if given enough time but sometimes she wont even try. The weirdest part is when she is being fussy she will start with a jump regardless (senseless!). I'll keep you posted.