Cadillac ELDORADO 2002 User Manual

2002 Cadillac Eldorado

Owner’s Manual

Litho in U.S.A.
Part Number 25729636 A First Edition All Rights Reserved

E

Copyright General Motors Corporation 06/11/01

i

GENERAL MOTORS, GM and the GM Emblem,
CADILLAC, the CADILLAC Crest & Wreath and
the name ELDORADO are registered trademarks of
General Motors Corporation.

This manual includes the latest information at the time it
was printed. We reserve the right to make changes after
that time without further notice. For vehicles first sold in
Canada, substitute the name “General Motors of Canada
Limited” for Cadillac Motor Car Division whenever it
appears in this manual.

Please keep this manual in your vehicle, so it will
be there if you ever need it when you’re on the road.
If you sell the vehicle, please leave this manual in it
so the new owner can use it.

We support voluntary
technician certification.

For Canadian Owners Who Prefer a French Language Manual:

Aux propriétaires canadiens: Vous pouvez vous

procurer un exemplaire de ce guide en français chez
votre concessionaire ou au:

Helm, Incorporated
P.O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207

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How to Use this Manual

Many people read their owner’s manual from beginning
to end when they first receive their new vehicle. If you
do this, it will help you learn about the features and
controls for your vehicle. In this manual, you’ll find
that pictures and words work together to explain
things quickly.

Safety Warnings and Symbols

You will find a number of safety cautions in this book.
We use a box and the word CAUTION to tell you
about things that could hurt you if you were to ignore
the warning.

CAUTION:

These mean there is something that could hurt
you or other people.

In the caution area, we tell you what the hazard is.
Then we tell you what to do to help avoid or reduce
the hazard. Please read these cautions. If you don’t,
you or others could be hurt.

You will also find a circle
with a slash through it in
this book. This safety
symbol means “Don’t,”
“Don’t do this” or “Don’t
let this happen.”

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Vehicle Damage Warnings

Also, in this book you will find these notices:

NOTICE:

These mean there is something that could damage
your vehicle.

In the notice area, we tell you about something that can
damage your vehicle. Many times, this damage would
not be covered by your warranty, and it could be costly.
But the notice will tell you what to do to help avoid
the damage.

When you read other manuals, you might see
CAUTION and NOTICE warnings in different
colors or in different words.

You’ll also see warning labels on your vehicle.
They use the same words, CAUTION or NOTICE.

Vehicle Symbols

Your vehicle may be equipped with components and
labels that use symbols instead of text. Symbols,
used on your vehicle, are shown along with the text
describing the operation or information relating to a
specific component, control, message, gage or indicator.

If you need help figuring out a specific name of a
component, gage or indicator reference the following
topics in the Index:

D

“Engine Compartment Overview”

D

“Instrument Panel”

D

“Comfort Controls”

D

“Audio Systems”

Also see “Warning Lights and Gages” in the Index.

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These are some examples of vehicle symbols you may find on your vehicle:

v

Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems

Here you’ll find information about the seats in your vehicle and how to use your safety belts properly. You can also
learn about some things you should not do with air bags and safety belts.

1

-2 Seats and Seat Controls

1

-9 Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone

-13 Here Are Questions Many People Ask

1

About Safety Belts

-14 How to Wear Safety Belts Properly

1
1

-14 Driver Position

1

-21 Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy

-22 Right Front Passenger Position

1
1

-22 Supplemental Inflatable

Restraint (SIR) System

-- and the Answers

-28 Rear Seat Passengers

1
1

-31 Center Passenger Position

-32 Children

1
1

-36 Restraint Systems for Children

-48 Older Children

1
1

-51 Safety Belt Extender

1

-51 Checking Your Restraint Systems

-51 Replacing Restraint System Parts

1

After a Crash

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1-1

Seats and Seat Controls

This section tells you about the power seats -- how to
adjust them, and also about the reclining front seatbacks,
lumbar adjustments, head restraints, heated seats and
seatback latches.

Power Seats

The power seat controls are located on the outboard side
of the front seat cushions.

The power seat controls can be adjusted the following ways:

D

Move the front of the control up or down to adjust
the front portion of the cushion up or down.

D

Move the rear of the control up or down to adjust the
rear portion of the cushion up or down.

D

Lift up or push down the whole control to move the
entire seat up or down.

D

T o move the whole seat forward or rearward, slide
the control forward or rearward.

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Power Lumbar Control (Option)

If your vehicle has this
option, the driver’s and
passenger’s controls are
located on the outboard
sides of the seat cushions.

The power lumbar support control can be adjusted the
following ways:

D

T o increase or decrease support, hold the control
forward or rearward.

D

T o move the lumbar up and down, hold the control
up or down.

Keep in mind that as your seating position changes,
as it may during long trips, so should the position of
your lumbar support. Adjust the seat as needed.

If you have the optional personalization package, the
power lumbar control can be programmed for memory
recall. For more information, see “Memory and
Personalization Features” and “Memory Seat and
Mirrors” in the Index.

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Memory Seat and Mirrors (If Equipped)

If your vehicle has this
feature, the controls are
located on the driver’s
door armrest.

These buttons are used to program and recall memory
settings for the driver’s seating and outside rearview mirror
positions. Use the following steps to program each button:

1. Adjust the driver’s seat (including lumbar adjustments)
and both outside mirrors to a comfortable position.

2. Press the SET button.

3. W ithin five seconds, press button 1. A single beep
will sound through the driver’s side front speaker to
let you know that the position has been stored.

A second mirror and seating position may be
programmed by repeating the above steps and pressing
button 2 instead of button 1. Each time button 1 or 2 is
pressed and released while the vehicle is in PARK (P),
the memory position will be recalled. Each time a
memory button is pressed, a single beep will sound.

You can also recall a seat and mirror position if your
vehicle is not in PARK (P). Press and hold either
the 1 or 2 button until seat and mirror movement is
complete. Releasing the buttons will stop adjustment.

If you use the button with the unlock symbol on the
remote keyless entry transmitter to enter the vehicle, the
preset driver’s seat and mirror positions will be recalled.
The numbers on the back of the transmitters, 1 or 2,
correspond to the numbers on the driver’s armrest.

If the remote keyless entry transmitter was not used to
enter the vehicle, the last used seat and mirror positions
will be recalled when a key is inserted in the ignition
and is turned to RUN. The vehicle must be previously
programmed to turn this feature on. See “Memory and
Personalization Features” in the Index.

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T o stop recall movement of the memory feature at
any time, press one of the power seat controls or
memory buttons.

The EXIT button can be programmed to allow easy exit
for up to two drivers. Adjust the seat to a comfortable
“exit” position and then press the SET button followed
by the EXIT button. While your vehicle is in PARK (P),
briefly press the EXIT button to recall your programmed
exit position.

Further programming for automatic seat and mirror
movement can be done using the Driver Information
Center (DIC). You can select or not select the following:

D

Automatic seat and mirror movement when the
vehicle is unlocked with the remote keyless entry
transmitter, or

D

automatic seat and mirror movement when a key
is placed in the ignition.

For programming information, see “Memory and
Personalization Features” in the Index.

Heated Front Seat (Option)

The switch for the heated
front seat is located in the
center console.

Move the switch to LO or HI to turn on the heating
elements in the seat. The LO setting warms the
seatback and cushion until the seat approximates body
temperature. The HI setting heats the seat to a slightly
higher temperature.

A light in the switch is on when the system is in use.
The heated seats can only be used when the ignition
is turned on.

T o turn the heated front seat off, move the switch to
the center position.

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Reclining Front Seatbacks

The reclining front
seatback control is
located on the outboard
side of each front seat.

Press the control forward or rearward to adjust the seatback.

But don’t have a seatback reclined if your vehicle
is moving.

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CAUTION:

Sitting in a reclined position when your vehicle is
in motion can be dangerous. Even if you buckle
up, your safety belts can’t do their job when
you’re reclined like this.

The shoulder belt can’t do its job. In a crash you
could go into it, receiving neck or other injuries.

The lap belt can’t do its job either. In a crash the
belt could go up over your abdomen. The belt
forces would be there, not at your pelvic bones.
This could cause serious internal injuries.

For proper protection when the vehicle is in
motion, have the seatback upright. Then sit
well back in the seat and wear your safety
belt properly.

Head Restraints

Slide the head restraint up or down so that the top of the
restraint is closest to the top of your head. This position
reduces the chance of a neck injury in a crash.

The head restraints tilt forward and rearward also.

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Seatback Latches

CAUTION:

If the seatback isn’t locked, it could move forward
in a sudden stop or crash. That could cause injury
to the person sitting there. Always press rearward
on the seatback to be sure it is locked.

The front seatback folds forward to let people get into
the rear seat. The seatback will move back and forth
freely unless you come to a sudden stop, then it will lock
into place.

The seatback latches are located on the back side of
the front seats near the bottom of the outboard side
of the seat.

T o fold the seatback
forward when it’s in the
locked position, lift the
latch and fold the seatback
at the same time.

The seatback may not fold without some help from you
if your vehicle is parked facing down a fairly steep hill.
In this case, push the seatback toward the rear as you lift
the latch. Then the seatback will fold forward. The latch
must be down for the seat to work properly.

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Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone

This part of the manual tells you how to use safety belts
properly. It also tells you some things you should not do
with safety belts.

And it explains the Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR),
or air bag system.

CAUTION:

Don’t let anyone ride where he or she can’t wear
a safety belt properly. If you are in a crash and
you’re not wearing a safety belt, your injuries
can be much worse. You can hit things inside the
vehicle or be ejected from it. You can be seriously
injured or killed. In the same crash, you might
not be if you are buckled up. Always fasten your
safety belt, and check that your passengers’ belts
are fastened properly too.

CAUTION:

It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo
area, inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision,
people riding in these areas are more likely to
be seriously injured or killed. Do not allow
people to ride in any area of your vehicle that is
not equipped with seats and safety belts. Be sure
everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and using a
safety belt properly.

Your vehicle has a light
that comes on as a reminder
to buckle up. See “Safety
Belt Reminder Light” in
the Index.

1-9

In most states and Canadian provinces, the law says to
wear safety belts. Here’s why: They work.

You never know if you’ll be in a crash. If you do have
a crash, you don’t know if it will be a bad one.

A few crashes are mild, and some crashes can be so
serious that even buckled up a person wouldn’t survive.
But most crashes are in between. In many of them,
people who buckle up can survive and sometimes walk
away . Without belts they could have been badly hurt
or killed.

After more than 30 years of safety belts in vehicles,
the facts are clear. In most crashes buckling up does
matter ... a lot!

Why Safety Belts Work

When you ride in or on anything, you go as fast as it goes.

Ta ke the simplest vehicle. Suppose it’s just a seat on wheels.

1-10

Put someone on it. Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle. The rider

doesn’t stop.

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The person keeps going until stopped by something.
In a real vehicle, it could be the windshield ...

1-12

or the instrument panel ...

or the safety belts!
With safety belts, you slow down as the vehicle does.

You get more time to stop. You stop over more distance,
and your strongest bones take the forces. That’s why
safety belts make such good sense.

Here Are Questions Many People Ask
About Safety Belts

Won’t I be trapped in the vehicle after an

Q:

accident if I’m wearing a safety belt?

-- and the Answers

A: You could be -- whether you’re wearing a safety

belt or not. But you can unbuckle a safety belt,
even if you’re upside down. And your chance of
being conscious during and after an accident, so
you can unbuckle and get out, is much greater if
you are belted.

Q: If my vehicle has air bags, why should I have

to wear safety belts?

A: Air bags are in many vehicles today and will

be in most of them in the future. But they are
supplemental systems only; so they work with
safety belts
system ever offered for sale has required the use of
safety belts. Even if you’re in a vehicle that has air
bags, you still have to buckle up to get the most
protection. That’s true not only in frontal collisions,
but especially in side and other collisions.

-- not instead of them. Every air bag

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Q: If I’m a good driver, and I never drive far from

home, why should I wear safety belts?

A: You may be an excellent driver , but if you’re in

an accident
and your passengers can be hurt. Being a good
driver doesn’t protect you from things beyond your
control, such as bad drivers.

Most accidents occur within 25 miles (40 km)
of home. And the greatest number of serious
injuries and deaths occur at speeds of less than
40 mph (65 km/h).

Safety belts are for everyone.

-- even one that isn’t your fault -- you

How to Wear Safety Belts Properly

Adults

This part is only for people of adult size.
Be aware that there are special things to know about

safety belts and children. And there are different
rules for smaller children and babies. If a child will be
riding in your vehicle, see the part of this manual called
“Children.” Follow those rules for everyone’s protection.

First, you’ll want to know which restraint systems your
vehicle has.

We’ll start with the driver position.

Driver Position

This part describes the driver’s restraint system.

Lap-Shoulder Belt

The driver has a lap-shoulder belt. Here’s how to
wear it properly.

1. Close and lock the door.

2. Adjust the seat so you can sit up straight.
T o see how, see “Seats” in the Index.

1-14

3. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you.
Don’t let it get twisted.

4. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks.
Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure.

If the belt isn’t long enough, see “Safety Belt
Extender” at the end of this section.

Make sure the release button on the buckle is
positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the
safety belt quickly if you ever had to.

The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on
the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies
force to the strong pelvic bones. And you’d be less likely
to slide under the lap belt. If you slid under it, the belt
would apply force at your abdomen. This could cause
serious or even fatal injuries. The shoulder belt should
go over the shoulder and across the chest. These parts
of the body are best able to take belt restraining forces.

The safety belt locks if there’s a sudden stop or crash.

1-15

Shoulder Belt Tightness Adjustment

Your car has a shoulder belt tightness adjustment
feature. If the shoulder belt seems too tight, adjust it
before you begin to drive.

1. Sit well back in the seat.

2. Start pulling the shoulder belt out.

3. Just before it reaches the end, give it a quick pull.

4. Let the belt go back all the way. You should hear a
slight clicking sound. If you don’t, the adjustment
feature won’t set, and you’ll have to start again.

5. Now you can add a small amount of slack. Lean
forward slightly, then sit back. If you’ve added more
than 1 inch (25 mm) of slack, pull the shoulder belt
out as you did before and start again.

If you move around in the vehicle enough, pull out the
shoulder belt, or open your door, the belt will become
tight again. If this happens, you can reset it.

1-16

Q: What’s wrong with this?

A: The shoulder belt is too loose. It won’t give nearly

as much protection this way.

CAUTION:

You can be seriously hurt if your shoulder belt is
too loose. In a crash, you would move forward too
much, which could increase injury. The shoulder
belt should fit against your body. Don’t allow more
than 1 inch (25 mm) of slack.

1-17

Q: What’s wrong with this?

A: The belt is buckled in the wrong place.

CAUTION:

You can be seriously injured if your belt is buckled
in the wrong place like this. In a crash, the belt
would go up over your abdomen. The belt forces
would be there, not at the pelvic bones. This could
cause serious internal injuries. Always buckle your
belt into the buckle nearest you.

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Q: What’s wrong with this?

A: The shoulder belt is worn under the arm. It should

be worn over the shoulder at all times.

CAUTION:

You can be seriously injured if you wear the
shoulder belt under your arm. In a crash, your
body would move too far forward, which would
increase the chance of head and neck injury.
Also, the belt would apply too much force to the
ribs, which aren’t as strong as shoulder bones.
You could also severely injure internal organs
like your liver or spleen.

1-19

Q: What’s wrong with this?

A: The belt is twisted across the body.

CAUTION:

You can be seriously injured by a twisted belt.
In a crash, you wouldn’t have the full width
of the belt to spread impact forces. If a belt is
twisted, make it straight so it can work properly,
or ask your dealer to fix it.

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T o unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle.
The belt should go back out of the way.

Before you close the door, be sure the belt is out of the
way . If you slam the door on it, you can damage both the
belt and your vehicle.

Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy

Safety belts work for everyone, including pregnant
women. Like all occupants, they are more likely to
be seriously injured if they don’t wear safety belts.

A pregnant woman should wear a lap-shoulder belt,
and the lap portion should be worn as low as possible,
below the rounding, throughout the pregnancy.

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The best way to protect the fetus is to protect
the mother. When a safety belt is worn properly,
it’s more likely that the fetus won’t be hurt in a crash.
For pregnant women, as for anyone, the key to making
safety belts effective is wearing them properly.

Here are the most important things to know about the
air bag system:

CAUTION:

Right Front Passenger Position

T o learn how to wear the right front passenger’s safety belt
properly, see “Driver Position” earlier in this section.

The right front passenger’s safety belt works the same
way as the driver’s safety belt
If you ever pull the lap portion of the belt out all the
way , you will engage the child restraint locking feature.
If this happens, just let the belt go back all the way and
start again.

-- except for one thing.

Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) System

This part explains the Supplemental Inflatable Restraint
(SIR) system or air bag system.

Your vehicle has air bags
and another air bag for the right front passenger.

Frontal air bags are designed to help reduce the risk of
injury from the force of an inflating air bag. But these
air bags must inflate very quickly to do their job and
comply with federal regulations.

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-- one air bag for the driver

You can be severely injured or killed in a crash
if you aren’t wearing your safety belt
you have air bags. Wearing your safety belt
during a crash helps reduce your chance of
hitting things inside the vehicle or being ejected
from it. Air bags are designed to work with
safety belts, but don’t replace them. Air bags
are designed to work only in moderate to severe
crashes where the front of your vehicle hits
something. They aren’t designed to inflate at
all in rollover, rear or low
crashes, or in many side crashes. And, for
some unrestrained occupants, air bags may
provide less protection in frontal crashes than
more forceful air bags have provided in the past.
Everyone in your vehicle should wear a safety
belt properly
for that person.

-- whether or not there’s an air bag

-speed frontal

-- even if

CAUTION:

Air bags inflate with great force, faster than
the blink of an eye. If you’re too close to an
inflating air bag, as you would be if you were
leaning forward, it could seriously injure you.
Safety belts help keep you in position before and
during a crash. Always wear your safety belt,
even with air bags. The driver should sit as far
back as possible while still maintaining control of
the vehicle.

CAUTION:

Anyone who is up against, or very close to, any
air bag when it inflates can be seriously injured
or killed. Air bags plus lap
the best protection for adults, but not for young

-shoulder belts offer

CAUTION: (Continued)

CAUTION: (Continued)

children and infants. Neither the vehicle’s safety
belt system nor its air bag system is designed
for them. Young children and infants need the
protection that a child restraint system can
provide. Always secure children properly in
your vehicle. To read how, see the part of this
manual called “Children.”

There is an air bag
readiness light on
the instrument panel,
which shows AIR BAG.

The system checks the air bag electrical system for
malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical
problem. See “Air Bag Readiness Light” in the Index
for more information.

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How the Air Bag System Works

Where are the air bags?

The driver’s air bag is in the middle of the steering wheel.

The right front passenger’s air bag is in the instrument
panel on the passenger’s side.

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