1997 Cadillac Catera engine problems

Filed Mar 18, 2009 · Engine · 128,000 miles · NY

Tensioner pulley locked up. The tensioner stopped turning. As a result of this, the drive belt shredded like spaghetti and then melted. I avoided an accident by applying brakes and then having the car towed. Total repair cost: $729.

Filed May 3, 2007 · Engine · 58,600 miles · IL · fire

Tl*the contact owns a 1997 cadillac catera. While driving at any speed the vehicle overheated. The contact noticed smoke coming from the hood and antifreeze leaking from the vehicle. On may 2, 2007 the vehicle was taken to the dealer, who stated that there was a hole in the antifreeze line, but the vehicle was not repaired. The current mileage is 80,100, and failure mileage was 58,600.

Filed Jul 30, 2005 · Engine · 88,000 miles · WV

My vehicle is a 97 cadillac catera and has had the starter replaced and still will not start. Two car lots have had the vehicle at the cadillac dealership now and they are giving me the run around they say that its the mass airflow sensor but still have not replaced it yet I'm wondering why cadillac has not notified people of this problem when I'm being told that it is a common problem with cateras of them not starting.

Filed Dec 27, 2004 · Engine · 70,000 miles · NC

Vehicle shuts down and pulls to the right. Vehicle has been serviced numerous times, and performance is still unsatisfactory. Currently, vehicle is in the repair shop since smoke is coming from the engine and the rear tail pipe.

Filed Aug 28, 2004 · Engine · 80,511 miles · OH

-my 97 cadilac catera stalled 7/3/04 . -7/6/04 called trenor motor company (springfield, oh). Service manager refused to look at car. -7/7/04 it appeared as though a recall on the tensioner pulley had not been done. Pulled record on car and found that the recall involving the tensioner pulley work was in fact issued (and paid for) by general motors to trenor.-7/17/04 district service manager approved tear down time at jeff wyler, springfield, oh, to see for certain whether the recall had even been done with the stipulation that if the recall had been done (implying that the new recall pulley had been put on but went bad) general motors would "stand behind" product, paying total repair costs. If pulley had not been replaced, "stop" and send back to the dealer that was paid to perform recall-- number 02041a (which would be trenor). -7/20/04 technician and service manager at jeff wyler, came to me and confirmed that the pulley had not been replaced. I went to trenor to see mr. Ed tehan, who admitted that if the part wasn't bad, the part would not have been replaced by the technician in a recall! He also refused to show a parts stamp on original repair order. Recall directions from dealerworld.com (gm's website for recalls and vehicle history) state "if tensioner pulley has black bearing seal, then replace with a pulley having brown seals [given in pulley kit for recall, new part kit number 55352000, and additional pulley new number 90573616]". Part number on pulley found in my car has part number 337092ca (the seal is also not brown, as the new one should be, it is black) and according to national traffic safety adm. And general motors, should be replaced. Trenor motors failed to actually perform recall they were paid to do. -I have the actual (original) pulley, pictures, numerous documents, ten technicians to corroborate on these issues.

Filed Jun 26, 2004 · Airbags, Electrical · 34,879 miles · OH

This car was taken to dealer on 2/8/04 for recall 2041, 1037. Two days after picking up the car, the low coolant light came on my way home from work. My husband checked the coolant reservoir and it was over one inch below full, he also checked the driveway for any antifreeze and checked where you put oil in the engine but could not find any signs of external leaks, but a white milky substance under the oil cap. The car has been sitting in my driveway since. I emailed gm about this. This was their response! We have contacted the service manager for dan hemm cadillac, mr. Charlie caroll. He is aware of your concerns with the coolant level for the 1997 cadillac catera. He is willing to make arrangements to have the vehicle towed in. Depending on the nature of the concern it may or may not be related to the recall 02041, and they will need to diagnose the vehicle to verify. He has also informed us that when the vehicle was in for the recall, they did replace parts as necessary. If you have additional questions, we recommend that you contact him. If you should need to contact us in the future, simply reply to this message or call our cadillac customer assistance center at 1‑800‑458‑8006. Customer relationship managers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Be sure to refer to your service request number 1-226247104 in all future communication. If I return this car, let the dealer tow it to service department. I will be told that the reason my car is not drivable is my fault, and will be handed a bill for towing and whatever other charges for them looking at it! I had the car back two days, a total of 374 miles. The car has 34867 miles; I have had a lot of other problems with the car, front end alignment, headlight aimers, brake light switch's, headlight switch, ignition coil pack, air bag system. Even with all of the other things that went wrong, I at least could drive it, until I returned it for a recall!

Filed Jun 6, 2004 · Engine · 96,000 miles · TX

Timing belt, pulley and water pump replacement cost over $3700 to fix. Back in nov. 2001, now their is coolant leaking from the head gasket 6/04. Cadillac has been made aware of this situation and insists this had nothing to do with the engine previous overhaul.

Filed Jun 1, 2004 · Engine · 40,105 miles · PA

Lost all coolant, radiator light on, funny burning smell, car towed. Heater valve replaced, dex cool anti-freeze replaced. Cooling fan on car is now coming on while driving, air conditioning not working, funny motor noise, car has to go back to shop for diagnostic test. Cadillac 800# claims there is no recall on this. Some gauges not working properly. Car purchased -23,503 miles- now have 40,120 miles. Have had tires replaced twice.

Filed Apr 12, 2004 · Acceleration, Engine · 42,000 miles · OH

At highway speed vehicle accelerated. Consumer pressed the brake pedal to the floor, but there was no reaction. Then, consumer down shifted to stop the vehicle. Consumer had vehicle towed, and dealer determined that engine and accelerator control switch needed to be replaced.

Filed Nov 19, 2003 · Engine · NY

Problems getting 1997 cadillac catera engine repaired.*mr on 08/01/03, vehicle stopped on new jersey turnpike. Vehicle had to be towed. Mechanic attempted to repair the engine, but needed a part from an authorized dealer. On 08/04/03, customer was informed the part was recalled. Vehicle was towed to another dealer. This dealer informed the consumer the parts were missing/damaged and would cost the consumer $100. Dollars to repair before recall could be addressed. On 08/06/03, consumer visited dealership and seen parts in the trunk ofthe vehicle. Consume agreed all the parts were there and he was responsible for damaged parts. August 14,2003, consumer was informed vehicle could be repaired but he would be responsible for the damaged parts (vacuum storage tank and wire harness cover). August 18,2003 consumer received information that one of the parts were ordered and called weekly for progress. He was then informed that cadillac didn't have anything to do with independent mechanics and repairs. Consumer requested documentation of what he was told, but was denied. Sept. 16,2003, consumer learned vehicle was ready and he would be responsible for $753.46 dollars because cadillac wouldn't cover some of the engine repairs.