🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Cadillac

Model:

DeVille

Year:

1988

Platform Code:

C-body (GM)

Vin Digit Engine:

H (for 4.5L V8)

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Full-size luxury sedan

Primary Competitors:

Lincoln Town Car, Chrysler Fifth Avenue, Oldsmobile 98 Regency, Buick Electra.

Luxury Appointments:

Front-wheel drive, powerful V8 engine, plush interior, advanced comfort features for its era, often equipped with electronic climate control, power everything, and premium audio.

Target Audience:

Affluent buyers seeking comfort, prestige, and smooth ride quality.

📋 Manual Details

Steering System Components:

Steering column, tilt/telescope mechanism, steering wheel, ignition switch, turn signal switch, wiper switch, cruise control switches, hazard switch, column lock, intermediate shaft, universal joints, power steering pump (system overview for context), steering gear (overview for context).

Estimated Page Count:

150-200 (typical for specialized service manuals of this era)

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF loaded onto CD-ROM

📖 Manual Coverage

Steering Column Systems:

Tilt-Wheel, telescoping steering, ignition system interlock, turn signal operation, wiper/washer controls, cruise control integration, hazard warning switch, steering column locking mechanism, electrical connections and wiring harness related to the steering column.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting electrical circuits, diagnosing mechanical binding or looseness, identifying switch failures, testing ignition lock cylinder operation, diagnosing tilt/telescope mechanism issues.

Repair Procedures:

Steering column disassembly and assembly, steering wheel removal and installation, ignition switch replacement, turn signal switch replacement, cruise control switch replacement, wiper switch replacement, steering column cover removal and installation, intermediate shaft and U-joint replacement, steering column lock repair/replacement, tilt/telescope mechanism adjustment and repair.

Technical Depth:

Detailed, including component identification, torque specifications, electrical schematics specific to column functions, step-by-step repair instructions, and diagnostic flowcharts.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchable Text:

Likely searchable if the PDF was created with OCR (Optical Character Recognition).

Printability:

Printable pages

Quality Description:

Quality CD-ROM, implying professional digital reproduction of original factory service manual content.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

V8, Overhead Valve (OHV)

Displacement:

4.5 L (273 cu in)

Bore X Stroke:

3.74 in x 3.13 in (95.0 mm x 79.5 mm)

Compression Ratio:

8.5:1

Horsepower:

155 hp @ 4000 rpm (approximate)

Torque:

240 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm (approximate)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended)

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 12 quarts (11.4 liters) with heater

Coolant Type:

Dex-Cool (or equivalent extended-life coolant) is not applicable; use traditional green ethylene glycol based coolant.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic Overdrive

Transmission Model:

GM THM-440-T4 (Turbo-Hydramatic 440-T4)

Drive Type:

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)

Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron-III Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approx. 10.5 quarts (9.9 liters) for a dry fill, 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) for fluid change.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

206.5 inches (5245 mm)

Width:

72.4 inches (1839 mm)

Height:

55.4 inches (1407 mm)

Wheelbase:

116.0 inches (2946 mm)

Front Headroom:

38.6 inches (980 mm)

Front Legroom:

42.5 inches (1080 mm)

Rear Headroom:

38.0 inches (965 mm)

Rear Legroom:

40.2 inches (1021 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3700 - 3800 lbs (1678 - 1724 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 4800 lbs (2177 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

Seat Belts:

3-point front seat belts with outboard shoulder belt height adjusters, 3-point rear seat belts.

Airbags:

No driver or passenger airbags were standard or optional in 1988.

Steering Column Design:

Collapsible steering column designed to absorb impact energy in a frontal collision.

Brakes:

Front: Ventilated Disc; Rear: Disc. Power assisted.

Anti Lock Brakes:

Available as an option (ABS).

Lighting:

Halogen headlamps, standard tail lamps and turn signals.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Optional premium audio systems with cassette tape player, AM/FM stereo, and often graphic equalizer.

Climate Control:

Optional fully automatic climate control (HVAC system with electronic sensors and actuators).

Cruise Control:

Standard or widely available feature integrated into the steering column.

Connectivity Features:

No modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB. Communication systems were limited to basic car radio functions.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first (traditional interval for the era).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000 miles or 24 months.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Check service manual, typically around 30,000-60,000 miles depending on plug type.

Engine Oil Type:

API SF, SG rated SAE 10W-30 or SAE 5W-30 (depending on climate). Check owner's manual for specific temperature range recommendations.

Engine Coolant Type:

GM Specification 1801 (Green Ethylene Glycol based coolant) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 Brake Fluid

Common Steering Column Issues:

Wear in the tilt/telescope mechanism leading to looseness, failure of turn signal or wiper switches, degradation of electrical connectors within the column, ignition switch failure, steering wheel lock mechanism binding.

Common Vehicle Issues:

Aging of plastic components, potential for vacuum line leaks (for climate control), wear in suspension components, potential electrical gremlins common to older GM vehicles, fuel injection system maintenance.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Legacy:

Cadillac, founded in 1902, is renowned for its luxury, comfort, and technological innovation in American automobiles.

Deville Lineage:

The DeVille nameplate has a long history within Cadillac, evolving through various design eras and platform changes, consistently representing Cadillac's mid-to-upper luxury offering.

Production Years:

The 1988 model year belongs to the third generation of the Fleetwood/DeVille FWD models introduced for 1985.

Manufacturing Location:

Detroit, Michigan, USA (General Motors)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Historical Perception:

Cadillac DeVille models of this era were generally well-received for their comfort and ride quality, though often criticized for being less agile than European or Japanese luxury competitors.

Safety Ratings:

NHTSA crash test data for 1988 vehicles is limited by modern standards. Vehicles of this era did not undergo the same rigorous testing protocols as today's vehicles.