Problems with anti-theft systems using the raised-chip key can prevent the car from starting. The wires in the steering column to the ignition lock cylinder tend to break. The key and ignition lock cylinder should be replaced to correct this condition.
The trunk pull down switch may fail causing the trunk lid not to close completely. Our technicians tell us that the failed switch can be replaced without changing the complete pull down motor assembly.
The auto level ride compressor may fail causing the rear of the vehicle to ride to high or too low.
The engine may develop an oil leak from the lower crankcase portion of the engine block . Our technicians tell us that the engine must be removed from the vehicle to properly repair this oil leak.
The air conditioning system can be prone to refrigerant leaks and failure of one or more pressure sensors. The AC pressure sensors should be checked for proper operation when ever the AC system is serviced.
The crankshaft position sensor may fail causing the engine to stall intermittently, the Check Engine Light may or may not illuminate.
The head light switch may fail causing the head lights to become inoperative.
The AC compressor may develop an abnormal noise or refrigerant leak, requiring replacement.
Overheating of the engine may cause the cylinder head to expand, severely straining the head bolts and damaging the threads in the engine block. This commonly results in a blown head gasket . Our technicians tell us the engine block threads must be repaired before the cylinder head is reinstalled.
Power seat motors and seat position sensors may fail causing the power seats to act erratically.
The vacuum release actuator for the parking brake may fail, preventing the parking brake from releasing automatically. Our technicians remind us that there is a mechanical release lever on the park brake ratchet you may use if the park brake does not release automatically. (Care should be taken when manually releasing the park brake!)
The high pressure power steering hose will commonly leak fluid; it should be replaced.
The water pump and/or the plastic side tanks on the radiator may leak causing a loss of coolant . The engine may overheat due to coolant loss. Continued coolant loss after external leaks have been repaired could indicate a blown head gasket .
The fuel pump may fail causing the engine to stall and not restart. Our technicians recommend replacing the fuel filter every 30,000 miles to help prevent undue strain on the fuel pump.
Vehicles equipped with the 4.6L engine may develop excessive oil consumption. Please be advised that under optimum driving conditions, using one quart of oil every 2000 miles is acceptable. This Cadillac standard applies to vehicles with less that 50,000 miles. Our technicians tell us that if you experience excessive oil consumption it may be caused by built up on the piston rings which restricts movement, preventing them from wiping all the oil from the cylinder walls. Oil left behind is then burned during the combustion process. There is a special ring cleaning procedure which can help this situation. The GM service bulletin number is #02-06-01-009C.
An automatic transmission fluid leak may develop from the rubber section of a transmission cooler line. In some cases the rubber section of hose can be replaced. In others, the complete cooler line must be replaced to correct this type of leak.
Brake fluid can become dirty and may cause problems in the brake system ; it should be flushed every 60,000 miles.
You may be able to prevent transmission problems by servicing the transmission and inspecting the fluid every 30,000 miles. If the fluid is dark or burned then the transmission system should be completely flushed .
Our technicians highly recommend that the engine coolant be replaced every 30,000 miles.