Automobile / Cadillac

Repair Questions and Answers

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Question:  1998 Cadillac Seville  mileage: 95,000.  I am having cold start problems; I had a tune-up recently but the check engine light comes on sometimes now. The engine was rebuilt approx 30k miles ago.  Is there a cold start solenoid or something to that effect, which would cause my problem?

Answer: The "check engine" light will "light" when there is a malfunction in the engine management system. The fault code is then stored in the computer. The computer must be scanned to retrieve these stored faults to pinpoint the malfunctioning component. We recommend buying your own scanner and doing it yourself. With a pocket scanner you can check for fault codes to find out why the light came on in the first place. You can clear your cars trouble codes after you replace the malfunctioning sensors.

Question: 1997 Cadillac Sedan DeVille  mileage: 108,000 . I have a question regarding the brakes. What will cause the car to 'jerk' or' catch' when trying to stop. Example: While pressing on the brake pedal to stop or slow down, the car 'jerks' or feels like the brake is 'catching' on to something. It gets worse as the speed decreases until the car is at a full stop. I have changed the front disk brakes and rotors. What else could cause this to happen?

Answer: Check to see that the brake rotors are running true. Also, check the tires for cord separation and properly tighten the lug nuts that hold the wheels on. Over tightening will distort the brake rotors. Factory replacement parts are now available on the internet at www.eautopartstore.com at wholesale prices. Replacing the rotors should solve your problems.

Question: 1998 Cadillac Seville  mileage: 97,000. At about 92,000 miles the engine begun to run rough. I took the car to the Cadillac dealer and they performed a 100,000-mile tune up. They also performed a de-carbonization service and serviced the E.G.R. and throttle body parts. The engine continued to run rough and when I took it back they re-secured a plug wire and performed idle learn. The engine continued to run rough, so I took it back to the dealer again. This time they stated that a spark plug was defective causing an intermittent misfire. They replaced No. 1 plug, scoped ignition system, tested injector output and ran complete fuel systems test. All OK They stated vacuum gage fluctuated at idle; fuel mixture is lean at idle. Also stated that an internal problem may exist at valve guides. I was not satisfied with their analysis as the engine continued to run rough. I took the car to a local mechanic with 30 years experience and asked him to have a go at it. He suspected that it was the injectors, so I gave him the OK to pull them and have them tested, flushed and cleaned. One injector was apparently not operating properly and was replaced. The engine still runs rough! I would appreciate your input as to what may be causing the problem

Answer: We would suggest doing compression and cylinder leak-down tests. You may be having some internal engine problems.

Question:  1996 Cadillac DeVille 4.9 mileage: 80,000.  A few weeks ago the 'SERVICE RIDE CONTROL' message came on. The mechanic says the car needs both rear and one front electronic struts replaced at a cost of around $2300.   I cannot believe all these went bad at the same time.  The car seems to ride and handle fine.  I told him I would think about it.  What are your thoughts?

Answer:    The “service ride control light” will “light” when there is a malfunction in the ride control management system.  The fault code is then stored in the computer.  The computer must be scanned to retrieve these stored faults to pinpoint the malfunctioning component. With a pocket scanner you can check for fault codes to find out before you replace all four struts to be sure the struts are the problem. These brand new scanners work for any car or truck 1996 or newer. They work great and will continue to save you money on car repairs in the future.
 

Question:  1985 Cadillac Eldorado 4.1 mileage: 95,000.  Upon initial starting, even after sitting overnight, my coolant temperature light flickers intermittently, but I can’t notice anything wrong until the car has traveled at highway speed for 10 minutes or so.  Once it warms up, it feels like it is stalling or surging in and out of gear.  The coolant light always flickers and the service soon light stays on.   I checked the radiator, its fine, I checked the transmission fluid, it’s O.K., any help would be appreciated.

Answer:    Your temperature sender may be the problem with coolant light.  The “check engine” light will “light” when there is a malfunction in the engine management system.  The fault code is then stored in the computer.  The computer must be scanned to retrieve these stored faults to pinpoint the malfunctioning component.   Because the check engine light indicates something is wrong, a trip to you neighborhood automobile service center sooner rather than later is recommended.

Question:  1984 Cadillac Coupe Deville 4.1 V8 mileage: 94,332.  My Car has started vibrating hard when I drive it. It also drives slower.   I can barely reach 70 mph. Sometimes it feels like if it is going to turn off, when I’m going up hill. When I’m stopping to park I accelerates a little by itself. The Fuel data signals very poor mileage and I think it is starting to burn motor oil. It also lets out a bit of smoke.  Does it sound like high fuel pressure?  Or a bad EGR valve?  What do you think it could be?

Answer:  Check the catalytic converter to make sure it is not “plugged” or restricted.  Your car is equipped with a computer controlled engine management system.  An independent auto service center can scan your computer for fault or error codes.  The information should pinpoint the malfunctioning components.
 

Answer:   We wish we could help you here.  However, it is almost impossible to describe how the linkage should be installed.  We suggest you find another Cadillac and check it for linkage placement.  If you see one for sale, maybe the owner would let you look at his/hers.
 

Question:  1991 Cadillac Sedan DeVille 4.9 liter mileage: 75,000.  Once the engine is warmed up, the car has a rough idle when sitting with the car in gear.  Occasionally, the car will stall.  Cadillac said the injectors and computer control module needed to be replaced.  The extended warranty company wanted a second opinion, and recommended a master mechanic in town.  He has run computer checks, ohm checks, and pressure checks, and still can't determine the problem.   I only use super unleaded gasoline from either Mobil or Chevron.  I have tried fuel injector cleaner, and that didn't help.  There is no pattern of when the car will stall.  Occasionally it will idle fine, then the idle gets rough and the car stalls.  Please help with any possible suggestions of getting this problem fixed.

Answer:    There are a number of things that can cause your stalling problem:  EGR valve hanging up, fuel pressure regulator sticking, fuel pump failing or a faulty computer.  We would suggest going with the Cadillac dealer.  Obviously, they are more familiar with your car and what may be causing your problem.
 

Question:  1984 Cadillac Coupe Deville V8 4.1l mileage: 94,023.  How do activate the computer to give me fault codes?

Answer:   Push the off and the warmer buttons on the air conditioning controls at the same time.
 

Question:  1976 Cadillac Seville  mileage: 121,000. Please help me! I have a 1976 Cadillac Seville with throttle body fuel injection. It starts up fine. As soon as it reaches operating temperature, it quits. It will not restart until the engine is cold. It seems like the engine is running too rich at this point. I have run out of ideas. Does this sound like a bad EGR valve or possibly some kind of sensor? Any helpful hints would be greatly appreciated.

Answer: Check the temperature sensors. One is for coolant temperature the other for air temperature. Sounds like one has failed.

Answer:  Error Codes:
               21 - Throttle position sensor on high voltage side.
               26 - Throttle position sensor shorted.
               44 - Lean exhaust indication.
               52 - ECM Memory reset in indicator
               60 - Transmission not in drive.
 

Question:  1992 Cadillac sedan Deville 4.9 mileage: 116,000. I have had the water pump replaced, hoses replaced, and the radiator tested. I still have to put antifreeze in the overflow jug every two to three day's. They also put it on a pressure test. I cannot find the leak. Floorboard is dry on passenger side also. There is no steam or vapors coming out of tailpipe indicating cracked head gasket. Also oil looks fantastic. There is never a trace of antifreeze on the driveway. I have followed the car to see if it is leaking during acceleration and nothing. Please help before I drive this car off a cliff.

Answer:  The magic cure is very simple. Cadillac recommends add a special cooling system sealer whenever the coolant is changed. We have had the best results with the sealer that is sold at the Cadillac dealer.

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