Model Years Covered:
1998-2004
Vin Code:
First digit is 1 (USA), 4 (Mexico), J (Japan), K (Korea), S (UK), W (Germany), Z (Italy). For Cadillac, VIN generally starts with '1'.
Positioning:
The Cadillac Seville, particularly in its SLS and STS variants, represented Cadillac's entry into the luxury sport sedan segment, competing with established European and Japanese rivals. This manual targets owners and independent repair shops seeking comprehensive factory-level information for maintaining and repairing these sophisticated vehicles.
Competitors:
BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6, Lexus GS.
Vehicle Attributes:
Known for its Northstar V8 engine, advanced electronic features, and comfortable luxury appointments. The SLS typically featured a more comfort-oriented suspension and powertrain, while the STS emphasized a sportier driving experience.
Benefit To Owner:
Empowers owners to perform their own maintenance and repairs, saving money on dealership labor costs. Provides access to the same authoritative information used by professional technicians, ensuring accurate and effective repairs.
General Coverage:
Complete factory service and repair for Cadillac Seville SLS and STS models.
Engine Coverage:
All engine types for the specified model years.
System Coverage:
Engine overhaul and rebuilding, brakes, sunroof, timing belt, troubleshooting, diagnostics, wiring diagrams, front end, alignment, suspension, transmissions (removal/installation, in-car servicing), air conditioning, computer diagnostics, engine performance.
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine performance, fuel system, ignition system, lubrication, cooling system, exhaust system, manual and automatic transmissions, drivetrain components.
Chassis:
Brakes (hydraulic, ABS, traction control), steering, suspension (front and rear), wheels, tires, driveline.
Body:
Body structure, exterior panels, interior trim, glass, doors, latches, windows, sunroof operation and repair.
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, lighting systems, instrumentation, power accessories, climate control electronics, safety systems (airbags, seatbelts), diagnostic systems, audio systems.
Maintenance:
Factory maintenance schedules and charts, fluid capacities and specifications, filter replacement, belt replacement (serpentine and timing), lubrication points.
Repair Rebuild:
Engine overhaul and rebuilding, transmission removal, installation, and in-car servicing, brake component replacement, suspension component repair, sunroof mechanism repair, CV-joint and U-joint service.
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Trouble codes, computer diagnostic trouble tree charts, troubleshooting and diagnostics for all systems, engine performance diagnostics, vacuum diagrams.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering simple to complicated repairs, factory-level specifications, detailed illustrations, diagrams, and step-by-step instructions.
Quality:
Original Adobe document, perfect quality, searchable text.
Printability:
Printable entire manual or selected pages.
Binding:
Digital (PDF) - No physical binding
Paper:
N/A (Digital Format)
Diagrams Illustrations:
Zoom in on diagrams and pictures for clear viewing of parts.
Engine Type Sls:
4.6L Northstar V8 (LD8)
Engine Type Sts:
4.6L Northstar V8 (L37 - higher output variant)
Horsepower Sls Ld8:
Approx. 275 hp @ 6000 rpm (varies slightly by year)
Torque Sls Ld8:
Approx. 300 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (varies slightly by year)
Horsepower Sts L37:
Approx. 300 hp @ 6000 rpm (varies slightly by year)
Torque Sts L37:
Approx. 295-300 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm (varies slightly by year)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Timing Belt Or Chain:
Timing Chain (Dual Overhead Camshafts - DOHC) - No user-replaceable timing belt. Manual covers chain inspection and service.
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
4/5 Stars (for most model years)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5/5 Stars (for most model years)
IIHS Front Offset Driver:
Good (for most model years)
ABS:
Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)
Traction Control:
Standard (often denoted as TC or Stability Control)
Airbags:
Standard front airbags, optional side airbags.
Audio System:
Premium Bose sound systems were common, with CD players and cassette decks. Later models offered GPS navigation systems.
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available on some later STS models.
Parking Assist:
Rear parking assist sensors available on some models.
Onstar:
Available on most models, providing telematics and emergency services.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 3,000-7,500 miles or 3-6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions. Manual will specify exact intervals based on oil life monitoring system if equipped.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Often recommended every 30,000-50,000 miles or as indicated by the vehicle's maintenance schedule. Fluid and filter change is critical for the 4T80-E.
Coolant Flush:
Typically every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-4 years, using the specified Dex-Cool coolant or equivalent.
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 4W-5W30 synthetic or synthetic blend, meeting GM specification GM6094M. Manual will provide precise details.
Coolant Specification:
GM P/N 12346290 (Orange Dex-Cool) or equivalent extended-life coolant.
Northstar Engine Issues:
Head gasket sealing issues (early Northstars), coolant leaks, oil leaks, intake manifold gasket leaks, starter motor failure (common location), oil pressure sensor issues. The manual will detail diagnostics and repair procedures for these.
Transmission Issues:
Potential for torque converter shudder, solenoid issues, and wear on clutch packs. Regular fluid changes are crucial. Manual covers diagnostics and repairs.
Suspension Issues:
Front suspension components (ball joints, tie rods, bushings) wear, especially with the Seville's weight and luxury focus. Magnetic Ride Control (MagneRide) on some STS models can be expensive to repair if faulty.
Cadillac Legacy:
Cadillac has a long-standing reputation for building American luxury vehicles, known for comfort, advanced technology (for their time), and powerful V8 engines.
Seville History:
The Seville was Cadillac's flagship personal luxury car. The 1998-2004 generation (GMC K-Body platform) marked a significant shift towards a sportier, more European-influenced design and driving dynamics, heavily influenced by the successful Northstar V8 engine and front-wheel-drive transaxle architecture.
Manufacturing Location:
Hamtramck, Michigan, USA
