Cadillac Catera won't start problems

Filed Jul 2, 2009 · Engine, Fuel system · 20,654 miles · FL

The tensioner pulley & timing belt was a know defect for vehicle and was recalled but I was never notified, at the time of failure I lost all power & control of the vehicle on an decline in a high traffic location in a server rain storm. Vehicle is now doa and gm refuses to remedy tues evening 6/23 the check engine light goes on, in 30-45 seconds the car stopped running, earlier in the day I heard a knock and thought I ran over something as all gauges indicated everything was running normal. Had aaa tow it to my home and next day (wed.) to the caddy dealer. They charge me $109 to assess the problem, then tell me the timing belt broke! It will cost another $600 labor for 5 hours of inspection to check the problem and depending what they find $$$$$$ to fix, daaaaa! I call the service manager he tells me he'll check it out and call me back. Ok so now he calls me and tell me the rep miss-quoted what they were going to do. Now it's the tension pulley that failed casing the timing belt to snap, to replace the whole set is $699 + labor and suggested I invest another $150 to change the coolant pump as it's showing signs of leakage at the same time so it doesn't run me additional costs later as it's in the same part of the engine as the pulley and belt. Grand total of $1207 + tax. "but" depending on what happens after they replace the tensioner pulley & timing belt there might be additional cost if the car still will not start. Ok so I tell him to go ahead. I decided to goggle the problem to see what it is I am paying for, hellllllo! What do I find but a major recall back in 9/2002 on the tensioner pulley failure causing the timing belt to snap!!!!!!!!! & the replacement of the coolant pump. I was never notified or advised of this recall. They never told me anything every time I brought the car in for service. I only have only 20,654 miles on the car, as it's my 2nd vehicle and use it locally for shopping. Normal replacement for the timing belt & tensioner pulley is 70k mi.

Filed Aug 2, 2006 · 86,000 miles · ID

Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle would not start intermittently. The sunroof opened, the doors unlocked and the seat belts disconnected without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who determined the anti theft module needed to be replaced but the required code was not available.

Filed Jul 5, 2006 · Electrical, Engine · 00

Constant problem since the purchase of vehicle. Such as steering problems, quivering on the road, burning smell, etc. As of feb. 2006, car engine shut down on highway while driving 3 times. At the time there was a burning smell and the engine/coolant light had come on. Vehicle constant in shop for repair, approximately 3 times a month; causing problems for me. Engine sensor was changed in feb. 2006; however, burning smell continued, leaks began to occur,water pump needed replacement, and the coolant light continued to be activated. A number of leaks were discovered, and they were repaired; however, problems continued to occur. Light were coming on and off, "onstar" light remained on, and cd player/stereo would stay on with engine off and no key in ignition with doors open, and the sunroof would open without touching the button. When taken to shop, result was that they did not find any problems with the car. After this event occurred, car created unusual noise when started and as engine continued to run. Now car will not start on its own, it needed a boost three times within one day. When taken to repair shop, marvin starr, reported to me tat corrosion is occurring with wires that leads to the battery. Plastic covering of wire is melting and worn away leaving the bare wire exposed. Overheating is occurring but the source is unknown. Battery, which was replaced in 2005, has now started wearing away. Company wants approximately $1000 in order for wires to be fixed; however, the problem is when they repair it the melting of the wires would still continue due to the over heating. Dangerous driving vehicle at moment; however, I need to get around and driving is a main part of my everyday activities.

Filed Oct 20, 2005 · Engine · 67,000 miles · AZ · 1 injury

Car's "check engine" and transmission dash lights intermittently stay on and the car won't start. Sometimes the car will start and move with the transmission light on but the car is sluggish. Two or three hours later the car will start and run fine. This problem was identified a week after purchase (sep 2004) but the dealer couldn't identify a problem. It has gradually worsened, but none more than this evening when my family and I were almost killed! We were driving on an interstate at 70 MPH. No engine lights were on. The speedometer all of a sudden went to zero and I lost all power. An eighteen wheeler missed us by inches as I tried to get the car off to the side of the road. My daughter slammed her head against the side window. Gm and cadillac should be ashamed of putting this product out. They have all but washed and turned their back on catera owners. I am retiring from the u.s. Air force in two weeks after 25 years of service. I get chills when I think of americans who died in wars and contingencies to protect people and businesses like this. I can't believe there isn't one official recall on this vehicle. I've had nothing but trouble with this car from the beginning but none as dangerous as the current problem. I have read story after story on yours and other internet sites about this lemon of a car (1997 to 2001). Tomorrow I will take time off from work to bring this car to the dealer. Everything will be based on their schedule and I will have to find rides back and forth (30 minutes from my work and 45 minutes from my home). They will not be able to identify any dtc codes and I will pay for things that they think is wrong with it. Ironically, my research indicates that the problem may be a crankshaft sensor. They disagreed during the warranty period and did not replace it. It may or may not be the sensor, but someone must be responsible and accountable for identifying and fixing this common catera problem before someone gets killed!

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 Jun 27, 2005 · Brakes, Electrical · 90,000 miles · MI

1998 catera problems: transmission failed 3 times caused by electronic part mal function; alternator failure; battery has been replaced 3 times; heater and A/C inoperative-burned harness and electronic component; door hinges failed; engine oil leak; vehicle cranks but will not start; premature tire wear; vehicle wanders; front end aligned 3 times in one year; warped disc rotors twice in two year period; differential seals leak; vaoltage meter ambiguos reading; sidemarkers inoperative and corroded; high underhood temperature; remote keys filed; rear view mirrors do not adjust to night driving.

Filed Feb 16, 2004 · Electrical, Engine · 80,000 miles · MO · crash

While driving the vehicle, the car stalled without cause. When we attempted to stop the car due to the car stall the car spun out and was hit by an oncoming vehicle. This car has been subject to several stallouts while driving at various speeds since purchased in 2002. This vehicle also has problems with not starting when the car is completely filled with fuel. After being filled completely, the car will not start for several days.*ak the vehicle also leaks antifreeze from the oil cooler at a rate of about 1 gallon per week. Cadillac acknowledges the problem but will not fix it.

Filed Jun 27, 2002 · Engine · MA

Vehicle will not start on a regular basis, was towed to dealer, who started vehicle, but could not find cause. Next day vehicle would not start again.

Filed Jun 12, 2002 · Electrical, Engine · OH

While driving, vehicle stalls and surges, intermittently the vehicle will not start, dealer has replaced the battery, alternator and crank sensor as the problems.

Filed Oct 31, 2001 · Engine · MD

Defective pulleys caused the timing belt to come off its track. Bent valves do not allow proper compression to give the vehicle power so it will not start or run. Visual signs of wear on the pulleys show apparently bad craftmanship.