🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Cadillac

Model:

Eldorado

Year:

2002

Generation Identifier:

Eleventh Generation (2000-2002)

Vin Code:

Last digit indicates model year (e.g., '2' for 2002)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Luxury Personal Luxury Coupe/Convertible

Competitors Era:

Ford Thunderbird, Chrysler Sebring Convertible, BMW 3 Series Convertible, Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class Convertible

Distinguishing Features:

Front-wheel drive, Northstar V8 engine, distinctive styling, comfortable ride, luxurious interior appointments, advanced features for its time.

📋 Manual Details

Systems Covered:

Introduction, Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Driving, Customer Assistance, Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. Only), Cleaning, Maintenance and Specifications, Engine Compartment, Engine Oil, Battery, Fuel Information, Air Filter(s), Part Numbers, Refill Capacities, Lubricant Specifications, Accessories

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 250-300 pages (typical for this era/vehicle)

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine compartment overview, engine oil requirements, battery maintenance, fuel information, air filter servicing, refill capacities (engine oil, coolant, washer fluid), lubricant specifications (engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, differential fluid, coolant).

Chassis:

Brake system information (fluid type, recommendations), steering system information (power steering fluid), suspension and tire information (recommendations for maintenance and care).

Electrical:

Battery system, fuse box locations and identification, lighting system operation, instrument cluster indicators and warnings, entertainment system operation, climate control system operation.

Body Interior:

Driver controls (steering wheel adjustments, pedal operation), locks and security features (keyless entry, anti-theft system), seating and safety restraints (seat adjustment, seatbelt operation, airbag system explanation), interior lighting, climate control operation.

Maintenance:

Routine checks (fluid levels, tire pressure), filter replacement guidance (air filter), jump-starting procedures, basic cleaning recommendations.

Troubleshooting:

Explanation of dashboard warning lights and their meaning, basic troubleshooting for common issues related to vehicle operation.

Operation:

Detailed explanations on operating all vehicle systems: instrument cluster functions, climate control settings, audio/entertainment system, lighting controls, driver assistance features, security systems, seat and restraint adjustments.

Depth:

Covers basic operation, routine maintenance, fluid identification, and safety information. It is intended for the vehicle owner, not for in-depth mechanical repair or diagnostics. Provides information on what to do in various driving situations and how to use all features.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Typically text-searchable if the source PDF was OCR'd, allowing users to quickly find information.

Quality:

Digital reproduction of the factory manual, quality depends on the source scanning and OCR process. Expected to be clear and legible.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

4.6L Northstar V8

Engine Code:

L37 (Performance variant)

Horsepower Est:

275 hp @ 5600 rpm (for base L37)

Torque Est:

300 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (for base L37)

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Port Fuel Injection (SFI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

Engine Oil Capacity Qt:

7.0 quarts (with filter) - Consult manual for exact spec

Engine Oil Viscosity:

SAE 5W-30 (check manual for seasonal variations/specific recommendations)

Coolant Capacity Qt:

Approximately 13.4 quarts (3.35 gallons) - Consult manual

Coolant Type:

Dex-Cool (GM's orange silicate-free antifreeze) or equivalent

Air Filter Part Number Example:

AC Delco A1227C (Verify with VIN and specific vehicle configuration)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic Transaxle

Transmission Code:

4T80-E

Shift Modes:

Driver Shift Control (DSC) allowing manual selection of gears.

Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron III or Dexron-VI ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) - Consult manual for exact specification and potential updates.

Transmission Fluid Capacity Qt:

Approximately 10.5 quarts (dry fill) - Consult manual for accurate capacity and service fill.

📐 Dimensions

Length In:

199.0

Width In:

73.1

Height In:

53.7

Wheelbase In:

110.8

Front Track In:

61.0

Rear Track In:

60.2

Curb Weight Lbs Est:

3900 - 4100 lbs (depending on body style and options)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Lbs Est:

4800 - 5000 lbs

Trunk Volume Cu Ft Est:

14.2

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

Likely 4-Star (based on typical GM ratings of the era)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

Likely 4-Star (based on typical GM ratings of the era)

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap:

Good (Typical for well-designed vehicles of this period, verify specific test results if available)

Traction Control:

Standard (often called Traction Control System - TCS)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Stability Control:

Optional (often called StabiliTrak on higher trims or with specific packages)

Airbags Front:

Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags

Airbags Side:

Optional (Side Impact Airbags, often seat-mounted)

Seatbelts:

Front 3-point height-adjustable seatbelts with pretensioners, rear 3-point seatbelts.

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Bose premium audio system (optional on many models), AM/FM stereo with CD player, cassette tape player.

Navigation:

Optional factory navigation system with touchscreen interface.

Cruise Control:

Standard adaptive cruise control (often called ACC) was a notable feature.

Parking Assist:

Optional Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA).

Onstar:

Optional OnStar in-vehicle safety and communication system.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Miles:

7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions). Consult manual for severe conditions.

Tire Rotation Interval Miles:

7,500 miles

Engine Coolant Flush Interval Miles:

Initially at 5 years or 100,000 miles, then every 3 years or 50,000 miles thereafter (with Dex-Cool).

Transmission Fluid Service Interval Miles:

Typically recommended every 50,000-100,000 miles, but consult manual as manufacturer recommendations can vary and sometimes suggest 'lifetime' fluid with specific service conditions.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 (consult manual for specific recommendations and DOT 4 compatibility if applicable)

Power Steering Fluid Type:

GM Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III/VI ATF (consult manual)

Common Maintenance Items:

Northstar engine head gasket leaks (though improved over earlier generations), coolant leaks, active suspension system issues (if equipped), power window regulators, dashboard pixelation on displays.

Recommended Checks:

Regularly check coolant level, monitor for oil leaks around the engine, inspect drive belts and hoses for wear.

📚 Vehicle History

Cadillac Legacy:

Cadillac, America's premier luxury automobile manufacturer since 1902, known for its innovation, comfort, and style.

Eldorado Lineage:

The Eldorado nameplate has a long history, evolving from a two-seater Eldorado Brougham to the iconic large personal luxury coupes and convertibles of the 1970s, 80s, and 90s. The 2002 model represents the final year of the front-wheel-drive Eldorado.

Production Years Eldorado FWD:

1967-2002

Manufacturing Location:

Hamtramck, Michigan (GM's Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly Plant)

Final Year Significance:

2002 marked the discontinuation of the Eldorado nameplate, ending a significant chapter in Cadillac's history.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

The Northstar V8 engine itself was frequently recognized for its performance and sophistication.

Luxury Car Status:

Consistently positioned as a benchmark for American luxury personal coupes, emphasizing comfort and refinement.