Few Questions...

NewCadOwner · #1 (**permalink**) 10-25-04, 01:08 AM

First off...I love my 97 Catera...but have some problems to deal with...

1, I have a ticking noise in the engine...increases with acceleration. I thought it was because of putting 87 gas into the car, but tried putting premium and it's still there. Any ideas as to what this could be? We've already determinded it's not the oil...

2. Power seats..I've posted about this before...they don't work...have yet to figure out how to move them...I tried replacing the fuse with another and it just blew after a few seconds...any ideas here? Or ideas on how much it would cost to have fixed?

3. Foglights/Hi-beams...my left foglight/hi-beam doesn't come on...only the right side...can this be a fuse problem?

4. How can I replace the headlights to a brighter kind? Any ideas as to what kind to get or prices on them?

5. The back bumper has a few areas of chipped paint...how do I go about repairing this? I'll try to post a picture of it within the next day...prices on that?

6. Finally, is there any way to remove the two bars (or whatever they are) that are on the front bumper? I noticed the 2000 up model Catera's don't have this 'thing' on their fronts...

Any help/suggestions would be greatly appreciated...

**Vesicant** · #2 (**permalink**) 10-25-04, 07:25 PM

1. That could be a valve tick, or possibly a rod tick. Or the valve(s) are out of adjustment.

2. Try checking the connections under the seat, making sure they are connected and not d/c'd and possibly grounding to metal. Another possibllity is the motor or the switch.

3. Check the bulbs. although in the manual, it does list fuses for the lights and they can be found underneath the knee pad below the steeringwheel - comes off with two screws holding on trim fasteners on the bottom. Photo

4. Sylvania Silverstars seem to work well (Catera' size H7). You can find them anywhere from Wal-mart to autoparts stores.. around 20-35 dollars IIRC.

5. Some paint fill kits from an autoparts store, or have the bumper re-painted.

6. I think those are integral to the bumper. Have a look for yourself if your not sure. The 2000/2001 MY bumper wont work so you cant replace it with that.