1432 messages,
Last post on Jun 05, 2013 at 1:38 PM
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Cadillac Catera Forum.
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Cadillac Catera, Auto Repair, Sedan
Jul 05, 2006 (8:10 am)
I have a 2000 Catera w/~70k miles that also just started leaking coolant. The leak is also coming from the top/back of the engine. It looks to be either a coolant hose or whatever the hose is plugged in to. It looks very hard to get to so I am going to take it in to a Cadillac dealer. It looks like it might cost a arm and a leg in labor but I'll let you know and keep you updated.
About the Catera shutting off and sport mode flashing - I was having the same problems last December with my 00. It ended up being the Crankshaft Posistion Sensor. I took it to the caddy dealer to get this fixed but I forget the cost. I think it was around $300. Any dealer who is familiar with Catera should recognize this right away. Before I took it to the dealership, I had my local mechanic look at it. He thought it was something with the security system on the car. Im glad I decided to take it to the dealership.
Jul 05, 2006 (8:20 am)
I just got off the phone with the guy at the dealership. He said he has seen a lot of Catera with faulty hot water valves. He said mostly likely this is the cause of the leak. He said it resides behind the engine and will cost around $350-400 for parts and labor. Im bringing it in Friday mornring to have it looked at.
#195 of 1432 Re: Any Lawsuits? [jrmenz]
by robert409
Jul 05, 2006 (8:55 pm)
We have a 1999 Catera that had the same leak when it rained. There is a cabin air filter on the fire wall (get to it from under the hood) on the passenger side that has a drain hole that was clogged with trash. I cleaned it out and opened the drain and we have not had any more leaks. Might want to replace the cabin air filter while you are in there.
#196 of 1432 Re: 2000 catera coolant leak [mark1961]
by bbbmystic
Jul 05, 2006 (9:20 pm)
It sounds like your heater valve. I'm on my second one in two years; it's a poor design. The part is very hard to access and replace.
#197 of 1432 coolant leak
by mark1961
Jul 08, 2006 (8:33 am)
Yup, thats what it was a bad heater valve, I did some research and found that the saab 9000 uses the same exact part. What idiot put this behind the engine? Only the dealer has the expertise in replacing this $45 part $350.00 labor item. The dealer did it in 2 hours. Just shows how so called german cars are so well built (yeah). what should I expect next?. I allready know that when brake pads are worn so are the rotors, beyond turning. because of weak steel, also don't forget the brake sensors that need replaning at the same time. no wonder these cars sell for 2,000 to 6,000 on e-bay, who needs the problems. You'll see mine soon with 45k on it, im over it. Thank you for the help
Jul 10, 2006 (10:26 am)
2000 Catera, I really loved the car but after one year I have paid thousands due to timimg chain kit, oil switch,
sensor, hose and now head gasket. I am disabled and now need $2000.00 for repair that I don't have and stillowe on car.
I think this will be my last american made car.
Disgusted
#199 of 1432 Re: '98 Catera Problems [gnguru]
by caterajunk
Jul 10, 2006 (10:55 am)
I first got the oil switch replace after the oil light kept coming on. The car contiuned to do the same thing. Mechanic said part was bad. On the way returning the car computer shut down and car had to be towed. New switch, new
hose and got car back. Smell of smoke and smoke seem under hood. Mechanic said today head gasket blown $1700.00 and I still owe on car. Never will I buy amother american car. Have you heard of any recalls on catera. I fisrt replaced timing chain kit $1500.00
#200 of 1432 blown head gasket
by caterajunk
Jul 10, 2006 (2:18 pm)
Has anyone ever tried the glass sealer last chance to fix head gasket? I am disabled and just cannot afford $2000.00
for head gasket job.
#201 of 1432 Timing chain replacement and oil sensor light on.
by gnguru
Jul 10, 2006 (4:01 pm)
I've noticed several people have had to replace their timing chains on their Cateras. Can any of you give me an approximate mileage of when this had to be done? Also, our oil pressure light goes on and off all the time but the oil pressure needle never goes into the red. However, the oil pressure needle does fall pretty low after the car warms up and the engine is at an idle. Does anyone think it is a faulty oil sensor or what could it be?? Car has 48K miles and my Mom bought it new in '98... Help please.
#202 of 1432 Re: Timing chain replacement and oil sensor light on. [gnguru]
by caterajunk
Jul 10, 2006 (4:25 pm)
I have a 2000 Catera and at 53k miles I was told my timing chai kit was bad so the mechanic said since he was in the engine he just replace the timing chain too. Now my oil pressure needle fluated and the light kept coming on. I was told it was the oil switch and had it replaced. taht was two weeks ago now its a head gasket!!!!