We own a 1998 Catera, purchased new, approx. 100K miles. I found this site while exploring a fix to our problem. The car shuts down, seems to be a lack of fuel, restarts in a few minutes, runs for a while and then shuts down again. The Cadillac Dealer diagnosis was low fuel pressure no trouble codes - needs a fuel pump. I'm not sure if that is really the problem. I would like to know if anyone has had similar problems and could help.
Miguel
The only problems I have had in the past were:
Replacement of a Gear Selector Switch - covered under warranty
Battery Replacement
Eats up front tires every 15-20K miles
I have a 1998 Catera. Yesterday, it just died at a red light. No warning, no previous problems. had it towed to the dealership. They told me today, it is the crankshaft sensor. Not covered under warranty! It will start, but immediately when it heats up a little bit, it dies. They tried to charge me $564 (that would include the crankshaft sensor, and one oxygen sensor). But I have a mechanic that found the C.S. for $41. It is on national backorder, though. will take about 3 days to get it. Needless to say, the dealership won't be doing the repairs.
have meny catera's come through my hands i work at a used car lot and the boss likes them so we buy alot of them we have 4 right now as of this post i find that where i am we can get them whole sale for around $3500 to $4000 US at first i did not like this car very picky car kinda like a women got to touch them just the right way lol
the ones we have now are 2 96 models and 2 97's all are undert 90,000 miles my boss has spent alot of money on scaners and other eq for the shop just for these cars if i can be of any help to any one please feel free to ask me. i'm located in middle tn oh and by the way any one want to sell there catera i promise to give it a good home
I have a 2000 Gold Catera. I have owned this car for two year purchased with 26k, now has 56k. I have only recently started to have minor issues with this car. I love it. I usually trade in every few years - not this time, hopefully I can keep this one going for a few more.
I have a '97 Catera that I have had for the past three years. I have heard the horror stories that seems to come along with these cars and luckily I haven't had any major issues. In three years the only major problems I have really had to deal with was the ignition locked up on me and I had to replace the ignition cylinder. I try to keep a close eye on the oil cooler problem and I guess the tire wear is just something everyone has to deal with. I finally broke down and ordered some rims for the summer.
The problem with shutting down appears to be the crankshaft position sensor which is beside the oil filter. It's wir runs too close to the manifold connection to the exhaust and starts breaking down so that it builds more electrical resistance when car warms up . This causes a bad voltage pulse to the computer which shuts down your fuel relay. When it cools somwhat it will start. I have a 98 and had same problem. ZigZag (email Noakes.HM@telus.net)
i own a 99 catera with a beautifull green paint job and the corme factory wheels, the front tires to seem to wear a lil fast, the car is awsome tho, for every prob people might have with these cars its made up when your crusing the highway enjoying such a unique vehicle, im proud to drive a catera
that god for america <germany to>
I've had my 99 for about two years. I like it a lot. I happened to mention to a friend, a while ago, about the track record for Catera's. Ever since that time he's got something to say about Catera's just about everytime I see him.
Such as:
"Want me to follow you home in my car just to make sure your car makes it?"
"Are you going to look into a another extended warrenty after yours runs out?"
"I saw a guy along side the freeway kicking his Catera the other day, wonder if something was wrong?" etc.
My Catera was coming off of a lease when I bought it. I had some problems the first year. Every third time I'd start the engine the windshield wipers would turn on for one swipe. The sun roof would open a few inches by itself. I had a coolant leak once, it wasn't a hose but some mechanical thing under the engine. The warrenty covered everything. For the last year everything's been perfect.
I asked a couple of questions lately on your forum and got really fast responses, which I want to thank you for again.
Thanks. Im glad to see this forum getting more traffic and new members who stay around. I try to do my best; and staying on here almost all the time helps deliver great service & results.
Reguardless, Cadillacforums is just a great forum overall.
__________________ Feels kinda blistery in here, anyone else feel that? Oh waits its me.
Jerry - I have similar experiences with people having bad things to say about the Catera... Not my friends though, just random people.. and they aren't nice.
They ask why I put a Cadillac badge on a Saturn/Nissan... They ask why I even wasted my money buying a Catera.. They say it's the biggest POS. They say it's a woman's car..
Overall, I like the car and how it drives... But I'm not gonna lie, I get extremely angry when people have nothing but negative input on my car; especially when they're driving a Geo Metro.
It will start, but immediately when it heats up a little bit, it dies. They tried to charge me $564 (that would include the crankshaft sensor, and one oxygen sensor). But I have a mechanic that found the C.S. for $41. It is on national backorder, though. will take about 3 days to get it. Needless to say, the dealership won't be doing the repairs.
