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The Catera had been sitting in my garage for eight months. Remembered it as being a joy to drive and certainly was again compared to my other vehicle -- a Saturn Redline Vue with AWD and 250HP V6 which is a fine vehicle but the Catera drives like a sports car but rides like a limousine. Sweet. I live in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and lots of curvy roads, like the Cindy Crawford state " The Catera Commercial depicted "The Catera is the car that zigs".
Oh yes, the mechanic who worked on Opals for fifteen years in Germany stated he thought Opel made an excellent car.
Any ideas that I might try before going to a dealer?
( my sister in law has a problem with a Saab that won't start sometimes.... sounds like what you mentioin in this entry............. thanks Lee... ( by the way, my Caters is doing just fine )
My Cat 2000 start fine when it is cold. So, after I drive it for some time, that is, until the indicator of temperature crosses the middle (normal work temperature), it become hot as normally. The problem is when I switch off the car and after I intent to start again - dead. It only starts the lights in the panel and that's all. Then, I have to wait some 30, 40 or more minutes, while the motor refreshes a little bit and start again. It's a big mess when I have to make various stops in different places, always have to wait!
I changed the Crankshaft position sensor, but it does't help. Some peoples said that I have to change the MAF, but I think that's not the problem.
Can anybody help with this issue? thank a lot.
Micldar
How to diagnose? Well if you' re on your own, you might buy one of those remote starter switches at Autozone, and hook that up when the problem occurs. This little cheap device allows you to by-pass the ignition switch. The car won't START with the remote starter (you aren't supplying current to the ignition system, only the starter) but it will crank the starter motor. Since this remote goes directly from the battery to the starter relay, you get to test both relay and starter. The down side of this suggestion is that I don't know how difficult it is for you to access the starter motor connections on your car--I'm not that familiar with Cateras.
You might also thoroughly clean your battery cables.
I don't think doing this will set off your alarm system unless you disconnect the battery and then try to reconnect it. I think you have to open your doors first with your remote keypass before you mess with the battery.
Regards,
Thx in advance
AZ_Hvy
Were any other codes set? If so they must be addressed before 101
Also, check for vacuum leaks, loose oil cap, malfunctioning PCV valve, leaks at throttle body, unseated oil dip stick, something blocking the MAF inlet screen.
The car will run fine but at ideal sometimes will drop down to 2-3 hundred rpms jump back up to 600 sometimes all the way to 1200, it will even die sometimes.
Any other time I would let "Back To Basics" fix it but Dave does have a policy of only repair with re manufactured parts when new ones are not available. After being just laid off and money is tight I really cant afford to spend 550 when 300 will repair it
Would anyone know of a good mechanic for the Catera in the Orange County CA area? After reading many of the posts the one standout things is this car is a bit special and needs trained hands. I've no particular problems now but I do want to keep the car in shape.
Thanks!
so i tooked it to the delaer and they don't know much abouth this car. they told me to leave it there until they find the problem but i din't, so after couple of day asking almost every body abouth the problem, (leaking coolant) i came to the conclusion that most of the time is the heating control valve. please let me know if that help.
I would really dought if the window motor interchanges since I haven't ever seen that before but if you call a parts house, they should tell you.
You should hope it is the motor because if it isn't then it turns into hours of work to trouble shoot the problem.
If it is the compressor, Pontiac GTO 2004 till 2006 rear shocks will work on our cadis if you Google "98 catera rear shocks" you will find a lot of information on them
It was the Mass Air Flow Sensor. Instead of paying over 500$ for the part and another 100$ plus for him to install it and reset the codes, I purchased a
re manufactured MAFS from Checkers for 275$ and replaced it myself then disconnected battery to reset codes. My Cat now runs better then it ever has sense I have owned her plus getting better gas mileage then ever 20 in city best ever before was 18 Thanks again
hope you can help
Melanie
Good luck ,
Melaie
My TC and brake light (dash) go on when the brake pedal is pressed and go off when it is released.
Further, the car starts and engine goes to 1500 rpm, then idles down to around 5-600, coughing and spitting. It will not move the car in this state as there is 0 power.
After a while of running like this (1 min or so) the engine seems to clear up and the car runs reasonably well.
These problems both appeared after we lost the key for the car and it sat for 4 months while we looked everywhere. In the end, we paid $330 to get a new key. The car had to be towed to the dealer where the tow company destroyed the front end by grabbing it by the steering links and bending the tie rod links. The tow company paid for the repairs and now the car can't make it into the alignment bay because of the poor engine performance. Dealer swears that programming the key did not affect the car electronic management.
Any adice?
Dave
I am open to thoughts and suggestions before I teardown engine. Love the car and will solve this problem.
Thanks;
Dave
Will do, Started car this AM and got up to 45 PSI dry. Give me a correct leakdown process. Have done it some time ago with oil and air compressor on other cars but need reminding of proper sequence.
Dave
Wanna build your own?
http://www.vmaxoutlaw.com/tech/leakdown_tester.htm
I change the ignition coil, the stark plugs, the crank sensor, and the ECU.
After giving up I took a look at the ignition switch.
If I hold the ignition switch the car will start and then die..
I bought a new ignition switch but don't know where to start..
Please help...
I'm new to this and I need some help. I have a 2000 Catera and I need to buy the Intake Planum Switch Over Valve. I called the dealer but they told me they never heard of that part. I got the name from the sticker inside the hood. Is there a different name for it?
Thank you