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Cadillac Owners: Problems & Solutions

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  • bernadette55bernadette55 Member Posts: 7
    BLOWER STAYS ON ALL THE TIME CAN'T USE THE CLIMATE CONTROL HAVE TO GET OUT AND PULL THE PLUG OUT OF THE BLOWER PLEASE HELP
  • calgeo1calgeo1 Member Posts: 5
    my sons caddy started to bubble up transmission fluid out of the filler tube. Took to shop and had transmission rebuilt. problem happened again about a month later and the shop installed a transmission fluid cooler. that was about a month ago and it has started to bubble out of the filler tube again. any ideas???
  • gevinskygevinsky Member Posts: 1
    This is rather lengthy. My 2000 Cad.escalade 5.7 litre vortec engine has been hard starting setting in a warm garage, after about 3 tries it will start but acts almost like it is flooded, but will slowly pickup rpms. The other day I was driving approx. 60 mph & stepped on it & it would not pick up any rpms may have been missing a little hard to tell. Then 2 days ago I shut it off to run into business place & when I came out it would not start at all just spins over without firing. any ideas out there.
  • bossalwaysbossalways Member Posts: 1
    What is the difference between 2001 DTS and DHS or just a DeVille? We originally wanted a 1999 DeVille D'Elegance. We have since changed to 2001 because we like the idea of regular gas :). So now we are floundering around trying to find one place to see the spec for 2001 DeVille, DTS and DHS with the spec sides by side. PLEASE HELP.
  • blkhemiblkhemi Member Posts: 1,717
    Here are the differences:

    The base DeVille

    The DHS has all of the equippment of the base model plus chrome wheels, heated seats, rear vanity mirrors, analog gauges, etc.

    The DTS is the performer of the models. It has the 300hp Northstar compared to the 275hp in the other to models. It still runs on regular gas. It also has the Road Sensing Suspension that is sportier than the others. It eliminates that bobbing motions that Caddy's are known for. Some like it. Some don't. It has bucket seats in lieu of the bench and floor shifter. Your Concours model is similar. Hope this helps.
  • eldorado56eldorado56 Member Posts: 1
    If you go to any GM dealer you can get a 2005 or a 2004 Deville folder and all is shown in there, or go to GM.com and they will be listed there .DHS stands for Deville High Luxury Sedan the DTS is Deville Touring Sedan.
  • merrelmerrel Member Posts: 45
    TODAY IS 10/30/05 and I am here to caution ANYONE who is planning to purchase a new or recently new Cadillac! Between 1963 and 1995 I OWNED EXACTLY 12 Cadillac cars. On August 6 OF THIS YEAR I PURCHASED A 2005 (6 CYLINDER) STS- yes, it was the 'basic' model list price $41k+. At age 67 with a bald head I did not need a sunroof but if you don't get one, you cannot even get a remote garage door opener. The interior is cheap plastic, plastic, plastic and twice I cut my left hand fingers on the poor quality chrome plating on the drivers' door handle. The end of the plastic directional signal had sharp plastic burrs and again I cut my finger. You do not even get a manual or electric lumbar seat adjustment. I have had years and years' experience with this brand car and only two things have evolved. The car gets more expensive and the materials get cheaper. On October 19th I dumped this hunk of junk for a 2006 Mercedes- the NEW C-230 with the NEW 6 cylinder engine.(only 32.4 mpg-- OK?) I feel like a kid again. Disregard the 'break through' ads that GM runs on TV. This car is a piece of pure junk inside and out. Ask me any questions you want.
  • blkhemiblkhemi Member Posts: 1,717
    Either way, my '05 STS V8 AWD would blow the doors off of that overpriced hunk of German metal. I don't know the major differences between the base model and the V8, but my interior is better than most Euro and Japanese makes. I haven't experienced none of the things that you have. Caddy's interior is better than ALL domestic models, yes this even includes the 300 and Town Car. I passed the 300 over for it's plasticky interior. And as for that Merc that you just bought, I sure hope that you bought the extended warranty for it because the dealership that you bought from is where it'll spend most of it's life, IN SERVICE. Trust me, with me owning everything from a '87 560 SEL to a 2002 S600, I'll NEVER NEVER NEVER buy another.

    Moreover, the C-Class is in the same class with CTS, not STS. If I were to trade in my STS for a Merc, It would have to be the E-500. It's in the same class.
  • mnjoemnjoe Member Posts: 36
    Maybe it's a trim level thing, but my V8 AWD has been flawless as well. The interior materials are as good or better than anything on the market. I tested Mercedes, BMW, 300C, Infiniti, Acura, Audi, and Lexus. The Cadillac was overpriced, but the lease was competitive. I think it's great. It is my third Cadillac, though I have owned many other major luxury brands.
  • blkhemiblkhemi Member Posts: 1,717
    I've got 26,960 miles on mine already, and the only thing that has went wrong was a broken HID headlamp. I've owned just about every other major luxury car, and at 27,000 miles, they all had major problems. Glad to hear that I'm not the only one to have good reliablilty from my STS. Caddy's build quality is up there with the likes of Lexus, Infiniti, Acura but far pass BMW, Mercedes, Jaguar. That says something for the "Standard of the World".
  • dohrndohrn Member Posts: 1
    The speakers make ugly noises and crack when I turn it up. Sometimes they even cut out while I'm accelerating, and wierdly if I hit the brake they will come back on. The power antenna chooses when it wants to work, along with the remote wire to my amp in the trunk. (If one is not working the other doesn't etc..) I heard it might be the cdm box, but I'm not sure.

    Help please? Dave
  • jhutchinson1jhutchinson1 Member Posts: 1
    My 2005 Cadillac STS has been a disater. It has left me stranded twice. Now the car needs a new engine at 6,000 miles. What a huge disappointment. After stalling the first time, I was told there was nothing wrong with the car. The second time, I was told the oil pump wasn't working. Now they decided it needs a new engine. The car has been in the shop for almost 3 weeks.

    Unfortunately, Cadillac refuses to re-buy the car, so I'm stuck with a lemon.(doesn't yet qualify for the Louisiana lemon law) I was very excited to buy this car--it's beautful and quite a step-up from my Chevy Malibu.

    I have been very dissatisfied with my first and ONLY Cadillac! I'm sure others have had good luck with this car; however, engine replacement at 6,000 miles can't be a good sign.
  • coneyislconeyisl Member Posts: 1
    I was trying to jump-start my '97 STS when I heard a small "pop" towards the middle of the car on the passenger side. I've replaced the battery but now everything is still as dead as can be. Does this car have a fusible link? What else could have happened? Melted cable? I didn't smell or see any smoke.
  • shetokashetoka Member Posts: 2
    Ok I just went out and was gonna pick up my kids at school...got in the 94 Seville STS and when I turned the ignition NOTHING....the security light was on tho and before I noticed that I opened the hood to make sure the battery cables were ok then realized it didnt even click when I tried starting it....I tried a couple more times and nothing....then a few seconds later I cleaned off the chip on the key (thought maybe it got wet) put the key in and the security light went out and it started just fine....any ideas as to what would cause this??? It has hesitated a couple times before (we have had this car about 2 months)please someone tell me I have not been screwed on this car....it seems fine otherwise...we did have to replace the ac compressor it was literally falling apart...one rivet holdin the clutch(?) on the side of it.
  • herheartherheart Member Posts: 3
    My 1998 El Dorado has started giving a false "Low Fuel Level" warning. This started after it was in the shop to have the back brakes replaced. Once the gas gauge reaches just below 1/2 tank, the gauge falls to E when I brake and the low fuel level warning displays. When I begin driving again, the gauge will climb to full tank and slowly drop to between E and 1/4 tank. I've never used anything except premium fuel in the car, and with only a few exceptions fill up at the same station each time. Any ideas where I should start looking for the problem?
  • midgey1midgey1 Member Posts: 4
    The engine (according to the dealer) on my 2006 Cadillac CTS makes a continual whining noise when accelerating or at a steady speed above 35 MPH, that the dealer says is normal.

    Previously, the dealer told me it was my Differential and replaced it.

    I'm very unhappy with the car and drive with the radio on at all times to drown out the car noises.
  • blkhemiblkhemi Member Posts: 1,717
    Sounds like you've got a defective sending unit. Does it also do it when you're on a incline with the car facing downward?
  • alcanalcan Member Posts: 2,550
    You've already answered your question. The PATS (passive anti theft system) module is calibrated to the value of the resistor pellet in your ignition key. There are terminals in the ingition lock cylinder which contact the resistor pellet in the key. If the PATS module doesn't detect the right key pellet resistance, either due to an incorrect key, dirty key resistor contacts, or a broken wire in the back of the ignition lock cylinder (common), it won't enable the start circuit. Sometimes, all that's needed is cleaning the key.
  • onebadmofoonebadmofo Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2000 STS that the theft deterrent system is not allowing the car to start. It says "service theft system" on the DIC, and the security light stays on. The local dealer was nice enough to let me borrow their scanner (tech 2), and it didn't have any current codes, just a history code of no key or something like that. I thought the key might be bad, but the valet keys don't work either. Does anybody have any ideas??? Is there a seperate theft deterrent module, or is it part of the BCM??? Ignition lock cylinder??? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!!
  • caddibitchcaddibitch Member Posts: 1
    we are taking our cts in for the fourth time in a month to have the clutch fixed. it sticks to the floor; first time it was the master cylinder, second and third times it was the slave cylinder. the tranny has been pulled and they've talked to GM each time about the problem. the clutch continues to stick. has anyone else had this particular problem? it also looses its prime when the clutch goes out . getting real tired of this, only 37,000 miles. what's next for us?
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    They should replace the master and slave together sounds like to me.
  • herheartherheart Member Posts: 3
    Thanks for the reply and suggestion. I haven't noticed the problem on inclines, but I live in flat central Ohio where inclines are hard to come by. This gives me a place to start though next time I have the car in for maintenance.
  • joe771476joe771476 Member Posts: 19
    My 1985 caddy does the same thing! keep the tank filled and you'll be okay. I guess GM STILL doesn't know how to build cars. That and immigration has killed them because all these Asian immigrants buy Toyotas.
  • joe771476joe771476 Member Posts: 19
    I had the exact same problem with my 1985 4.1. Independent garage said he did the same thing. I thought it was the heat riser valve. The noise did stop. I think it's basically a purging of the fuel system.
  • frmofrmo Member Posts: 4
    Our 1990 Cadillac deville with about 140,000 miles shudders intermittantly. :P :P You can start the car and it will shudder, sputter, spew black smoke, settle down and drive fine, shudder, sputter, get no gas when you press the gas, then drive fine. I have it at the second mechanic. He says he can't find out what is wrong. Whenever he plugs the computer in, the car settles down. States he does not feel it is a fuel line issue or fuel filter. States that the spark plugs have black tips which suggests too much gas. First mechanic couldn't figure out what was wrong. Neither felt it was the transmission.
    Anyone with similar experience or have any suggestions. Our mechanic plans to keep it for several days and play with it when he has time.
  • maxwellsmartmaxwellsmart Member Posts: 2
    when I bought this car the pre owner said she was having trouble with the ac/heat fan coming on, she said that if you held the hi button down for 20 to 30 seconds the fan would eventually come on and it did,but after a few weeks of that it doesn't seem to work at all now,anyone have any answers?
  • maxwellsmartmaxwellsmart Member Posts: 2
    when I step on the brake pedal both the abs light and the brake light come on,the brake pedal is hard and nothing happens for the first few seconds the car is not slowing down and then like in slow motion the car will start to slow down this is not normal nor is it safe any answers?
  • bigeratbigerat Member Posts: 1
    I have a 90 deville with 24k. lately i get a slight stalling when driving at any speed. I changed the fuel filter and that didn't work. Please help.
  • nubianp1986nubianp1986 Member Posts: 1
    Would you be able to give a site that has those manuels for 1986 Cadillac Deville maintance on my caddy for girls or idiots. I have a beautiful caddy I bought in September, one owner orginal everything, the old lady babied this car
    it's in excellent condition. I just recently start hearing a high pitch screeching sound when I accelerate but stops when I apply brakes. Please help with sugestions, instructions anything. :confuse: :blush:
  • midgey1midgey1 Member Posts: 4
    My 2006 Cadillac CTS makes a continual howling and whining noise when accelerating and cruising. It is most evident at speeds between 30-50 mph and at steady speeds above 35mph. It is extremely annoying and poses a safety concern because it is very distracting and makes it difficult for me to concentrate on my driving.

    Anyone else having this problem?

    Thanks.
  • monicabmonicab Member Posts: 4
    I too have a 97 SLS where the brake light comes on intermitenly & the service engine light stays on all the time. Been told it is the o2 sensor and car doesn't turn on easily at all. Also, car's idle coming to a slow stop, car will shut down. Have had transmission flush, fuel engine injector cleaned, and tune up. Radiator smells too. This car is a beauty too!
  • blkhemiblkhemi Member Posts: 1,717
    Is your car a manual(stick)? If so, then it's been reported from Caddy that these models have "normal" howling sounds at those speeds.
  • moteachermoteacher Member Posts: 1
    I have a 98 Ford Escort, 2.0L 4cyl SOHC. A few months ago the engine kept stalling and ran very poorly until a mechanic replaced the coil pack, spark plugs and wires. Then it ran fine, but a few weeks after that the Check Engine light came on, though the car ran and runs fine. When I went to get the emissions cert. to renew the registration, they said the light was because the OBD code was that the catalytic converter was operating below threshold and that the catalytic converter must be replaced, a $450 job. In calling muffler shops for prices, one shop told me when I mentioned the ignition problems that preceded the light coming on, that the converter probably is not bad, that it was a transient condition that probably worked itself out after further driving. They said to clear the codes, drive it for a few days to let the computer take new readings, and if the light came back on then to go ahead and replace the catalytic converter. But if the light stayed off after 3 or 4 days driving to go back to see if it would pass emissions cert. Apparently AutoZone no longer resets codes, as some posts I have read said they did at one time. I am not trying to cheat emissions cert., only want to avoid replacing the catalytic converter if it isn't nece$$ary! Is there a way to actually clear the stored codes (not just make the check engine light go off) short of computer diagnosis at a mechanic ($60) or buying a diagnostic tool ($120) ? Thanks for any help!
  • roadster84roadster84 Member Posts: 1
    I have a beautiful low mileage '84 "Roadster" and I need some help. 1st can anymone tell me about this "Roadster Package", no where on this vehicle are the words DeVille, just Roadster, yet the reg. states it's a DeVille. Secondly, it needs a steering box...this one leaks. What can I expect to pay for it and how hard is it going to be to get and if I do get lucky...how hard is it to install.
    Any help or advise will be greatly appreciated, thanks.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Is this a convertible or just a hardtop coupe with a "cabriolet" vinyl roof option?

    If it's a convertible, then it's a chopped coupe, not factory car, if it's a Deville.

    Actually the "real" Cadillac convertibles in 1984 were not done by the factory but they were factory authorized----but not the Deville, only the Eldo.

    In any event, regardless of what it is or what's been done to it, just order parts by the VIN #.
  • policeladypolicelady Member Posts: 17
    Recently I purchased a Cadillac CTS. I purchased the vehicle this summer brand new 2005. I live in Illinois and yesterday it snowed really hard and was very cold. Since I purchased the vehicle in the summer brand new and now that it is cold, is it necessary to have the old changed on these cars when the weather goes from hot to cold. It is not time for an oil change but others of you who own this car, can you respond? Thanks
  • policeladypolicelady Member Posts: 17
    Funny, I noticed this when I first bought the car. Sounds like a racecar and the dealer told me that it was normal because of the high performance engine. The noise is really loud and for a luxury vehicle, seems like a lot to listen to when a person is driving. I too turn the radio up so I do not have to listen to this very loud engine. I was so excited to purchase my 1st Caddy, I just felt it would be o.k. but its loud...very loud...especially when speeding up.
  • charles18charles18 Member Posts: 1
    about two weeks ago my anti-theft alarm system locked up on me. my car will not stared. I tryed to wait the 3mins and still the same problem. I pull the fuse out the back but still the same. what can I do to turn this off so I can drive the car in to get it fixed??
  • joe771476joe771476 Member Posts: 19
    Isn't the car and drivetrain under warranty? It has to be! Don't pay a dime!
  • jerrymcshane1jerrymcshane1 Member Posts: 195
    Had the SAME problem with my Seville 03'. TWICE. They had to tow it in both times. Changed a whole boatload of stuff in it and guess what? The other night I had to turn it over a couple of times BEFORE it fired. I think Cadillac has a problem that theft system.
  • neishaneisha Member Posts: 1
    To merrel and others, Happy New Year
    I'm considering getting an MB either C or E class. I had been thinking about a Cadillac STS or CTS. I own my own boutique public relations business and I'm a single female47) .
    I want a car that is reliable, luxurious, great to drive and want to lease.

    Would appreciate your input since you have experience with Cadillac and MB...Also, should I consider a Lexus?

    What are your thoughts? Thanks for your insight.
    Regards,
    Neisha
  • iarmaniarman Member Posts: 4
    Do not buy Cadillac CTS. It is not the luxury vehicle that that the Mercedes is. The Cadillac service is typical GM and not luxury. They have poor customer service and could care less about any problems.
  • volvodan1volvodan1 Member Posts: 188
    Drive the ones you are considering. Some like the Caddy, others like the Mercedes. I personally like the Caddys better, but thats me. In some places Mercedes has better dealer service, in others its Caddy.

    Take the advice you get on these boards with a grain of salt. There are poor Caddy dealers and poor Mercedes dealers. Drive and buy what YOU LIKE!!!
  • khrissy770khrissy770 Member Posts: 2
    YES I HAVE A 98 STS SEVILLE AND ITS STARTING TO GIVE SOME SMALL PROBLEMS AND I TRY TO KEEP REGULAR OIL CHANGES AND TUNE UPS AND IM SEEING A MESSAGE THAT READS SERVICE STABILITY SYSTEM AND I TOOK IT TO THIS GUY THAT SAYS HE SERVICE NOTHING BUT CADDIES SINCE 1974 OR WHATEVER BUT HE TOLD ME THAT IT WAS A YAW SENSOR THAT I NEED TO FIX THE SERVICE STABILITY PROBLEM THEN WHEN I CALL THE DEALERSHIP THE TECH SAID IT WAS NO SUCH SENSOR SO I WOULD LIKE TO CHAT OR SOMEONE COULD EMAIL ME IF YOU HAVE OR HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND TELL ME WHAT I NEED TO DO THANKS
  • joe771476joe771476 Member Posts: 19
    How did you like your 1985? I have one I inherited, because I NEVER would have bought one! Twenty five years in the car biz allowed me to hear all the horror stories about them! If you think about it, it's the reason why all the limo builders went to Lincoln Town Cars. I'm struggling to get 200,000 miles on this junk! By the way, on all my Fords and Lincolns I was able to get 175K to 250K miles on with no problems and fewer oil changes than recommended! But with this junk, I make sure the oil is changed and the coolant is up!
  • joe771476joe771476 Member Posts: 19
    Is there anybody from California who can tell me when they began testing for NOx emissions? Thanks!
  • baltomanbaltoman Member Posts: 43
    I had been thinking about a Cadillac STS or CTS.

    I've have a 3 year 15K lease on a 2005 STS that I took delivery on in April.

    Like you, I own my own small business.

    I've owned Buick, MB Toyota, VW, etc.
    Here's my take on the luxury cars you mentioned.

    MB is a look at me status car. Nice looking and a decent ride.

    But you get to pay for them twice. Once at purchase and again for upkeep. Why I bought the second one is a question I asked myself for 2 years. It was as bad as the first for upkeep. I keep all my car expense records for tax purposes and I was amazed at the annual costs.

    And as far as the vaunted MB service experience, I always felt like our local dealer's service dept was snobby and overpriced. These people strutted around like they were neuro-surgens, not auto mechanics. And charged likewise.

    And if you do a search for articles about MB quality, you'll find a lot not to like for a car that is priced too high for what it offers.

    In fact, my experience is that the best thing a MB can offer to most owners is the right to say "See I'm a success. I have a Benz".

    BTW, last year Cadillac outsold MB for the first time in a quarter century.

    Lexus and Toyota strike me as the same car with the Lex being a quieter and smoother ride. It you want generic Asian styling and and the best driving sofa in town, this is your car. As the wag said: "A Lexus is a Toyota for people with too much money". Some won't agree, but that was my feeling too.

    As for the Cadillac, I never thought of buying one. And past Cads were not much more than a lux boat of average quality.

    I bought 2 Buick Park Aves in the late 90's early 2000. Big comfortable, affordable, dependable and great for clients.
    And I bought them as cars to take out clients.

    They were also boring and average quality. The new ones are much better quality, but still are family centered transportation, not luxury cars.

    I wanted something that had great quality, luxury features, comfortable but with sport handling, and made a bold statement.

    And. honestly, since America offered me a chance to have a great life by working hard, I like spending on American products and keeping the home economy cooking. A healthy national economy is good for small business owners.

    But I was not going to buy second rate either.
    I wanted excellent looks, fit, quality and performance.
    And a great service department.

    The STS filled all that for me. Great bold looks. Excellent quality - not a hint of a problem in 10K miles,
    Excellent finish and fit. The most interior room of any car in this class. And made in America.

    There are some that carp about resale value, but like you, I am leasing. So I know the exact resale value up front.

    And because GM is eager to do business, I was able to negotiate excellent lease terms - far more favorable than MB or Toy/Lex. So I have a great car at the most favorable price. And both I and the American economy get the maximum benefit.

    As USA today said: "Cadillac is cool again".
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    I always thought it was 1984 but I'm not sure of that.
  • carpetmannycarpetmanny Member Posts: 3
    I have a 1998 seville sls . I hear a water sloshing sound in dash.I checked all drains and a/c evaporator drains. They were clean.Thought it might be the heater core but shows no signs of leaking or steaming of the windshield.Any help with diagnosing this problem would be highly appreciated.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    you checked the drains under the windshield wipers? (fresh air vents under windshield) How did you check them?
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