1997 Catera BCM

OLDSWO

MEMBER
1997 CADILLAC CATERA
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
70,000 MILES

After several electrical malfunctions (door lockes, trunk release, etc.) I took 1997 Catera to dealer for checkup. $200 later I was told that I needed to replace the "BCM and relays." Only problem is that Cadillac no longer carries the part, and it is not available as an after market product. They advised me to donate the car to charity. They will not attempt a repair using a BCM obtained from salvage. Car also needs a new A/C unit and new passenger side headlight assemmbly due to broken adjustment tab - same problem I had on driver's side (cxost almost $400 to replace). Is it practical to consider attempting to repair this vehicle, and where should I go to try to find a mechanic qualified to do the work? Car has less than 75,000 miles and has ent-free, rust-free body.

1 Reply

FACTORYJACK

MECHANIC
4,159 POSTS

In my honest opinion, it may just get to be one thing after another with your vehicle. You have the first model year of the Catera, and first model years can be problems. Since that vehicle has a large European influence, finding someone to work on it correctly, and economically, is another consideration. One thing to also consider in your decision, is to check the blue book value of your car. You could easily be confronted with repair costs that would considerably outweigh the value of the vehicle in it's current state.