Hi Guys,
I bought a 1997 cadillac cater with 74k miles. It runs good but the transmission shift points are really high. 5k rpm to shift to 2nd, 4.5rpm to shift to 3rd, and 4k rpm to shift to overdrive (75 - 80 mph). does anyone know if this is a sensor or is it adjustable? Thanks
Joe:confused:

On the Gear-Shift, there is a button that has a white S on it. Make sure that this letter does not show up as being on, on the Instrument Pannel...what it is, is a Sport Mode which makes the transmission hold its gears longer so you can go faster. Another thing is, the Catera has to work hard reguardless because its a lil heavy of a car for the engine it has and plus it makes a lot of its power above 4000 rpm's. Mine, which is a 2000 loves being in that range all the time and its good for the engine (its meant to high-rev). I dont think this is a problem yet, as long as its not jerky or giving you gas millage problems. Also, when does this happen? If its in the morning, it does this because its warming up the exhaust o2 sensors and various other emissions components so it runs better (not only that but helps lubricate engine parts faster and warm the tranny).

Also, an explination on the high shift points without Sport mode enabled, is that European cars do not utilize the same transmission settings American cars do. American cars and their drivers, like to have all their speed and torque at low end so they can take off faster and cruise better. Whence European drivers want to have that power at top end because they drive faster than we do and have more high-speed highways (aka the Autobahn in Germany). This Cadillac Catera is based on the German model Opel Omega.

Hope this helps! :coolgleam