transmission-97 catera

flushing · #1 (**permalink**) 11-10-04, 07:56 AM

My son just came into a 1997 catera. He had the dealer do the service on all the call back items. The tranmission light comes on and the car losses power. The next day it will work fine and then it happens again. Any ideas from you guys about this before we go back to the dealer. I don't trust the dealers. They just had the car and they didn't check this. Your comments are greatly appreciated.

**Vesicant** · #2 (**permalink**) 11-10-04, 06:25 PM

They can scan for a trouble code from the transmission.

Does the car drive like it takes off in 2nd gear? If its doing that then its in safe mode. Otherwise, sounds like maybe a torque converter problem.

It could be electronic or mechanical. Eitherway, check the codes the tranny's throwing.

mastertech · #3 (**permalink**) 11-12-04, 11:32 AM

Too bad you didn't check this site before buying a 97 Craptera......

sorry, they're just a horrible car....
Try having the codes pulled first, and go from there. Good luck!

flushing · #4 (**permalink**) 11-24-04, 06:53 AM

I really love my 97 catera. It looks great and the interior is the best I've ever had. The Bose audio system is the best. I sometimes sit in the auto just to listen to some cd's from the 12 disk player in the trunk. Of couse, all the gauges, and so on are really something. The main problem with this vehicle is its weight and of course the cost of service and the run around the dealer service centers give you. I had a cadillac Seville for over ten years that was just great. Beautiful and reliable. It just rusted away, otherwise I would still be driving it. Cadillac screwed up on the Catera mechanically big time. Do their people drive the cars they sell. I would like to check out General Motors headquarters parking lot. It's probably loaded with Toyotos.

Timelode · #5 (**permalink**) 11-24-04, 11:22 AM

Our '99 has done this a couple of times. We pull over and shut it off for a few minutes and it's fine after that. Does it operate fine otherwise, that is, does it seem to shift normally? Also, how often does it happen? From what I understand this could be caused by the Park/Nuetral Saftey switch.

Not a difficult item to check or change if you do your own work. I think AutoZone can read the code for you so you can at least reference it and narrow down the problem. You may also want to find an independant trans shop to actually do the work if you're concerned about the dealer. Often independant shops will be cheaper and easier to work with than a dealer.

saco · #6 (**permalink**) 12-01-04, 07:51 AM

I had the same problem. The problem turned out to be a short in the directional lights from corossion around the light bulb. Sound far fetch but the lamps are on the same circuit as the transmission.

Good luck.

flushing · #7 (**permalink**) 12-06-04, 02:39 PM

I want to thank everyone who helped me with my Catera problem. It's running perfectly for the moment so I'm selling it. I can't drive a car I'm afraid will break down at any moment. I took a 300 mile drive last weekend and was afraid of problems that may occur, so I drove the Ford Windstar Van. It has 55,000 miles and never has given me a moments trouble. It would have been nice to go in the Catera. Thank you again.