🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Cadillac

Model:

Catera

Year:

1998

Product Name:

‘98 Cadillac Catera 1998 Owners Manual

Vin Prefix:

1G4

Platform:

Vauxhall/Opel Omega B

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Entry-level Luxury Sedan (Compact Executive Sedan)

Target Audience:

Younger professionals, buyers seeking a luxurious brand at a more accessible price point.

Competitors:

BMW 3 Series (E36/E46), Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202), Audi A4 (B5), Lexus ES300, Acura TL.

Luxury Appointments:

Leather seating, premium sound systems, upscale interior materials compared to mainstream sedans.

Performance Orientation:

Rear-wheel drive platform, sport-tuned suspension (in some trims), powerful V6 engine.

Badge Prestige:

Access to Cadillac's reputation for luxury and comfort.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Summary:

Features, controls, maintenance schedules, DIY activities, towing, and safety considerations for the 1998 Cadillac Catera.

Estimated Page Count:

Approx. 250-300 pages (typical for this era of owner's manual)

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Electronic (PDF)

Compatibility:

Windows, Mac, Linux

Printability:

Printable

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine, transmission, drivetrain, fuel system, exhaust system.

Chassis:

Steering, suspension, braking system, wheels, tires.

Electrical:

Lighting, instrumentation, audio system, climate control, power accessories, battery, starting system, charging system.

Body & Interior:

Doors, windows, seats, airbags, dashboard controls, interior trim, exterior lighting.

Operation:

Instrument panel indicators, warning lights, operating the climate control, audio system, power windows, mirrors, seat adjustments.

Maintenance:

Fluid checks (oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, wiper blade replacement, bulb replacement, basic cleaning and care.

Troubleshooting:

Guidance on common warning lights and their potential causes, basic operational issues.

Safety:

Seat belt usage, airbag system explanation, child restraint system installation, emergency procedures, towing guidelines.

Depth:

Focuses on owner-level understanding and basic maintenance. Does not cover advanced diagnostics or complete mechanical rebuilds.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable if originally scanned with OCR.

Quality:

Dependent on original scan quality; typically high for official documents.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated V6

Displacement:

3.0 L (2962 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

86.0 mm x 84.8 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.3:1

Valve Train:

DOHC, 24 valves (4 valves per cylinder)

Horsepower:

200 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

205 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPFI)

Recommended Fuel:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher)

ECM Identifier:

GM ECU (specific model/part number not detailed in product description)

Coolant Type:

Dex-Cool (Orange coolant) or equivalent silicate-free, long-life coolant.

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 8.0 quarts (7.6 liters)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

Automatic

Transmission Model:

GM 4L30-E (RWD 4-speed automatic)

Gear Ratios:

1st: 2.96, 2nd: 1.54, 3rd: 1.00, 4th: 0.75, Reverse: 2.14

Transmission Fluid:

Dexron-III (or Dexron-VI)

Optional Transmission:

None offered for 1998 model year in North America.

Shift Modes:

Standard Drive, Sport Mode (likely)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

188.8 inches (4796 mm)

Width:

70.4 inches (1788 mm)

Height:

56.7 inches (1440 mm)

Wheelbase:

111.4 inches (2830 mm)

Front Track:

59.8 inches (1519 mm)

Rear Track:

60.0 inches (1524 mm)

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5 x 110 mm

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3450 - 3600 lbs (1565 - 1633 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Approx. 4500 lbs (2041 kg)

Trunk Volume:

Approx. 14.2 cu ft (0.40 m³)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Test:

5-star driver, 4-star passenger (typical for this era, may vary slightly)

IIHS Frontal Offset:

Acceptable (typical for models based on European platforms of this era)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Optional Traction Control System (TCS)

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags (SRS - Supplemental Restraint System)

Seat Belts:

Three-point seat belts in all seating positions, front seatbelt pretensioners.

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system or equivalent provisions.

Rollover Protection:

Reinforced roof structure.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM stereo with cassette player and CD player (optional), optional premium sound system (e.g., Bose).

Climate Control:

Manual or automatic climate control system with dual-zone capability (optional).

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control.

Auxiliary Ports:

No auxiliary audio input (common for this era), though aftermarket solutions may exist.

Power Accessories:

Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, remote keyless entry (optional).

Lighting:

Automatic headlights (optional), interior courtesy lighting.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, using synthetic or synthetic blend oil.

Tire Rotation Interval:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)

Transmission Fluid Change:

Inspect every 30,000 miles (48,000 km), change as needed or based on driving conditions.

Coolant Flush:

First flush at 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or 5 years, then every 50,000 miles (80,000 km) or 5 years thereafter.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Platinum-tipped spark plugs recommended for 100,000 mile (160,000 km) service interval.

Engine Oil Viscosity:

SAE 5W-30 (Synthetic or Synthetic Blend recommended)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Power Steering Fluid:

Dexron-III (or Dexron-VI)

Common Problems:

Ignition module failure (coil packs), coolant leaks (particularly from the water pump and thermostat housing), transmission solenoid issues, intermittent electrical gremlins, oil pressure sensor failures.

Repair Tips From Manual:

Manual will likely guide on checking fluid levels, cleaning battery terminals, and replacing common bulbs/wipers.

📚 Vehicle History

Cadillac Legacy:

Long-standing American luxury marque known for comfort, power, and advanced features.

Catera Concept:

Cadillac's attempt to capture a younger demographic and compete in the compact executive segment, utilizing German engineering from Opel.

Catera Production Span:

1997-2001

Manufacturing Location:

Rüsselsheim am Main, Germany (as part of Opel)

Production Volume Us:

Modest sales figures, approximately 94,000 units sold in the US over its lifespan.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Journalism Mentions:

Often reviewed for its European handling and performance relative to its American luxury peers, though sometimes criticized for reliability compared to German rivals.

Consumer Reports Historical Ranking:

Typically ranked average to below average in reliability and owner satisfaction by publications like Consumer Reports during its production years.

Emissions Certification:

Meets EPA emissions standards for the 1998 model year.