🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Cadillac

Model:

Deville

Year:

1998

Chassis Code:

K-body

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The 1998 Cadillac DeVille represented Cadillac's entry into the luxury sedan market, emphasizing comfort, spaciousness, and advanced features for its era. It was positioned as a comfortable cruiser for long-distance travel and a prestigious personal vehicle.

Competitors:

Competed with other large luxury sedans such as the Lincoln Town Car, Lexus LS, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, and BMW 7 Series. The DeVille aimed to offer a distinct American luxury experience.

Features Of 1998 Devile:

Front-wheel drive, Northstar V8 engine, Magnetic Ride Control (optional on some trims), spacious interior, premium comfort features, advanced (for the time) audio systems, and various electronic convenience features.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF

Source:

Factory Original

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for this era/vehicle)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine operation, maintenance, fuel system, cooling system, exhaust system, starting system, charging system

Drivetrain:

Transmission operation, fluids, general information

Chassis:

Brakes, steering, suspension, wheels and tires

Electrical System:

Lighting, instruments, dashboard indicators, infotainment system, climate control, power accessories, locks, security system

Body:

Doors, windows, seats, safety restraints, interior trim, exterior features, cleaning

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, fluid checks and refills, filter replacements, tire pressure checks, battery maintenance

Basic Operation:

Starting and stopping the engine, driving techniques, using climate control, operating infotainment systems, adjusting seats and mirrors

Safety Features:

Seat belt usage, airbag system information, child seat installation guidance

Troubleshooting:

Understanding dashboard warning lights, basic problem diagnosis (e.g., overheating, battery issues)

Specifications:

Fluid capacities, recommended lubricant types, tire sizes, bulb types

Depth:

Comprehensive owner-level information, including operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or component-level repair instructions typical of a service manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchable Text:

Yes (typically, depending on original scan quality)

Printable:

Yes

Quality:

Digital reproduction, quality depends on original source scan

Binding:

N/A (Digital File)

Paper:

N/A (Digital File)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

4.6L (279 cu in) DOHC V8 Northstar LH2

Bore X Stroke:

3.46 in x 3.05 in (88 mm x 77.5 mm)

Compression Ratio:

10.3:1

Valvetrain:

Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 32 valves

Engine Control System:

GM ECM 42 (likely)

Horsepower:

275 hp @ 6000 rpm (Northstar LH2)

Torque:

300 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (Northstar LH2)

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Port Fuel Injection (SFI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.5 US quarts (4.3 Liters) with filter change

Coolant Capacity:

Approximately 14.1 US quarts (13.3 Liters) for V8 engine with heater

Air Filter Part Number:

GM Part Number 25317205 (example, verify with manual)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic

Transmission Model:

4T80-E

Shift Modes:

Normal/Sport mode selection

Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron III Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

110.8 inches (2814 mm)

Length:

201.2 inches (5111 mm)

Width:

74.4 inches (1890 mm)

Height:

55.4 inches (1407 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 3,750-3,900 lbs (1700-1770 kg), varies by trim and options

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approximately 4,850 lbs (2200 kg)

Trunk Volume:

17.0 cubic feet (481 Liters)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

4/5 Stars (Good)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

4/5 Stars (Good)

IIHS Frontal Offset:

Acceptable (Good) - Based on 1998-2003 models

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Standard Traction Control System (TCS)

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags

Seatbelts:

Front and rear three-point seat belts

Child Seat Anchors:

Rear seat provisions (LATCH system not standard in 1998)

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Delco/Bose premium sound system with AM/FM stereo, cassette tape player, and CD player (optional on some models). Radio controls often integrated into steering wheel.

Navigation:

Touchscreen navigation system was an advanced optional feature for this model year, often referred to as the 'Driver Information Center' or similar.

Suspension Technology:

Optional Magnetic Ride Control (MSRC) which adjusted damping based on road conditions.

Parking Assistance:

Rear parking assist sensors (optional) known as 'Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist'.

Telematics:

OnStar system was introduced and available as an option on some Cadillac models around this time, providing emergency and information services via cellular connection.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, or as indicated by the oil life monitoring system (if equipped and functioning correctly)

Tire Rotation:

Every 7,500 miles (concurrent with oil change)

Engine Coolant Flush:

Initially at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles thereafter (GM specification)

Transmission Fluid Change:

Recommended every 50,000-100,000 miles, or as per manual's severe service schedule

Engine Oil Specification:

SAE 4W-30 Synthetic

Coolant Type:

GM Type 1 Coolant (Green) or equivalent silicate-free, extended-life coolant

Power Steering Fluid:

GM Power Steering Fluid or equivalent (DEXRON II/III compatible)

Northstar Engine Common Issues:

Head gasket leaks (particularly the '32-valve Northstar' which used 4 head bolts per cylinder), intake manifold gasket leaks, oil leaks, camshaft position sensor issues.

Suspension Issues:

Leaking struts or shocks, premature wear of control arm bushings and ball joints.

Electrical Issues:

Faulty body control modules (BCM), intermittent issues with power windows and locks, dashboard warning light illumination for various systems.

HVAC Issues:

Heater core leaks, AC compressor failures, climate control module issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Cadillac Heritage:

Cadillac, a division of General Motors, has a long-standing reputation for producing American luxury vehicles since its founding in 1902. It is known for its focus on comfort, advanced technology, and prestigious styling.

Devile Evolution:

The DeVille nameplate has been used by Cadillac for decades, evolving through various body styles and generations. The 1998 model belongs to the ninth generation (K-body), which debuted in 1994 and introduced front-wheel drive and the Northstar V8 engine across the line.

Production Years For 9Th Gen:

1994-1999

Manufacturing Location:

Hamtramck, Michigan, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

The Northstar V8 engine powered many Cadillacs that were recognized by automotive publications. While specific 1998 DeVille awards are not as prominent, the engine itself was generally well-regarded for its performance in the luxury segment.

Consumer Reports:

Consumer Reports ratings for this era's DeVille often cited strengths in ride comfort and quietness, but noted average to below-average reliability in certain areas, particularly relating to the Northstar engine's early designs.