🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Cadillac

Model:

Catera

Year:

1999

Generation Code:

Type 500

Vin Code Engine:

V

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Luxury Compact Sedan (based on Opel Vectra platform)

Target Audience:

Owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, independent repair shops.

Competitors:

BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, Lexus IS.

Cadillac Positioning:

Offered a blend of European driving dynamics with American luxury styling and amenities, though it faced challenges in establishing itself against established German rivals.

Manual Benefit:

Empowers owners to maintain their vehicle, reduce repair costs, and understand their vehicle's systems.

Manual Accuracy:

Vehicle-specific, direct from factory documentation, ensuring accuracy and completeness.

Format Advantage:

Digital PDF allows for targeted printing, preventing damage and loss of paper manuals.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Maintenance, Service, Diagnosis, Repair

Secondary Coverage:

Component Overhaul, Wiring Schematics, Specifications

Estimated Pages:

Extensive (Specific count not provided, but implied to be comprehensive for A-Z repairs)

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Full coverage including internal components, timing, and sealing.

Engine Control System:

ECU diagnostics, sensor testing, actuator control, fuel injection, ignition timing.

Fuel System:

Fuel pump, injectors, pressure regulator, evaporative emissions (EVAP).

Emission Control:

Catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, EGR system, PCV system, emission control diagnostics.

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, fan, coolant specifications, flushing procedures.

Lubrication System:

Oil pump, oil filter, oil specifications, oil change intervals.

Ignition Starting Charging:

Spark plugs, ignition coils, battery, alternator, starter motor, diagnostic procedures.

Automatic Transmission:

Operation, diagnosis, fluid service, component replacement, torque converter.

Manual Transmission:

Clutch operation, gearbox overhaul, fluid specifications.

Drivetrain Suspension:

Driveshafts, CV joints, differential, wheel bearings, suspension components, alignment specifications.

Brakes Control:

ABS system diagnostics, brake booster, master cylinder, brake fluid specifications.

Brake System:

Brake pad/shoe replacement, rotor resurfacing/replacement, brake line repair.

Steering System:

Power steering pump, rack and pinion, steering column, alignment procedures.

Air Conditioning:

Refrigerant handling, system diagnostics, component replacement, climate control operation.

Supplemental Restraint System:

Airbag system diagnostics, seatbelt pre-tensioners, SRS module.

Body Exterior Interior:

Door mechanisms, hinges, latches, trim, weatherstripping, glass replacement.

Electrical System:

Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, power windows, mirrors, central locking.

Multiplex Communication:

CAN bus communication, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) related to network issues.

Instrumentation Controls:

Instrument cluster repair, gauge testing, warning lights, switches.

Cruise Control:

System operation, diagnostics, and repair.

Wiper Washer:

Wiper motor, linkage, washer pump, fluid reservoir.

Security Immobilizer:

Engine immobilizer system operation and troubleshooting.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, fluid checks and top-offs, filter replacements, spark plug replacement.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Step-by-step troubleshooting guides for various systems using diagnostic tools and visual inspection.

Repair Procedures:

Detailed instructions for component removal, installation, and adjustment for all covered systems.

Rebuild Procedures:

Instructions for overhauling major components like engines and transmissions.

Wiring Schematics Interpretation:

Detailed wiring diagrams for all electrical systems, with explanations for interpreting them.

Torque Specifications:

Precise torque values for critical fasteners across all systems.

Special Tool Identification:

Identification of specific tools required for certain repair procedures.

Depth:

Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete vehicle overhauls and advanced diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable (standard for high-quality PDFs), allowing for quick information retrieval.

Quality:

High-resolution, allowing for clear printing of diagrams and illustrations.

Scalability:

Images and diagrams can be enlarged for detailed viewing and printing.

Type:

Digital (PDF), allowing for on-demand printing of specific pages. No physical binding.

Type:

N/A (Digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

L82

Engine Type:

3.0L V6 DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft)

Displacement:

2962 cc (180.7 cubic inches)

Bore X Stroke:

86.0 mm x 85.0 mm (3.39 in x 3.35 in)

Compression Ratio:

10.3:1

Horsepower:

200 hp @ 5800 rpm (SAE Net)

Torque:

205 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm (SAE Net)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-port Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

Oil Capacity:

4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change

Recommended Oil Viscosity:

SAE 5W-30

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 8.5 quarts (8.0 liters)

Coolant Type:

Dex-Cool Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant (Orange)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-speed automatic (GM 4T65-E)

Type:

N/A (Only automatic was offered for 1999)

Shift Modes:

Standard Drive, Sport Mode (for enhanced acceleration)

Fluid Specification:

Dexron III (or equivalent)

Capacity With Filter:

Approx. 9.0 quarts (8.5 liters)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

186.4 inches (4735 mm)

Width:

68.9 inches (1750 mm)

Height:

55.7 inches (1415 mm)

Wheelbase:

107.2 inches (2723 mm)

Front Track:

58.6 inches (1488 mm)

Rear Track:

58.9 inches (1496 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 3500-3600 lbs (1588-1633 kg), depending on trim and options.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 4600 lbs (2087 kg)

Standard Tire Size:

P215/55R16

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5 x 110 mm

Wheel Size:

16 x 6.5 inches

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

4 Stars (for 1999 models)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

4 Stars (for 1999 models)

NHTSA Side Impact Front Driver:

NR (Not Rated)

NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:

NR (Not Rated)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Optional Traction Control System (TCS)

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts for all seating positions, front seat pretensioners.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette and optional CD player. Bose premium audio system available on some trims.

Climate Control:

Manual or optional automatic climate control with recirculation and air conditioning.

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control.

Connectivity Options:

Limited by modern standards; primarily focused on vehicle operation and entertainment. No Bluetooth or USB connectivity.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions).

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles or 1 year.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 100,000 miles (with recommended iridium-tipped plugs).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 50,000 miles or 5 years (under normal driving conditions).

Coolant Flush:

Every 100,000 miles or 5 years (using Dex-Cool).

Power Steering Fluid:

GM Power Steering Fluid (or equivalent meeting GM Spec D-20324)

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 (or DOT 4)

Common Problems:

Oil leaks (valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket), cooling system leaks (thermostat housing, water pump), ABS sensor failures, ignition coil failures, interior electronic module issues (e.g., body control module).

📚 Vehicle History

Cadillac Lineage:

Cadillac, a long-standing American luxury marque known for comfort and prestige.

Cadillac Catera Introduction:

Introduced in 1997 as Cadillac's entry into the compact luxury sedan segment, aiming to attract younger buyers. It was based on the Opel Vectra B platform.

1999 Model Updates:

Minor updates for 1999, including potential package adjustments and refinements, but no major redesign.

Production Location:

Born, Germany (as part of GM's European operations)

Production Years:

1997-2001

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Perception:

While not a recipient of specific major awards in its class, the Catera was recognized for its European-derived handling and chassis, a departure from traditional American Cadillac comfort-focused designs. It was often cited as a step towards a more globally competitive Cadillac.