28th Jan 2005, 06:09
1997 Deville with only 55,000 miles also seems to eat oil. At 1000 miles reads low and takes 1 - 2 qts.
Also - at 1000 miles " oil life " down to 78 % - which seems low.
The above oil issues possibly normal for Northstar engine? Heard Notthstar known for high oil consumption.
Ed Webb commonwealth@msn.com.
15th Apr 2006, 00:05
I too have been having problem after problem with my 1998 STS. I too had an oil consumption problem and got the same lip service. I called Cadillac direct and explained the oil problem and they rebuilt my engine - completely! Problem went away. I had to replace all 4 struts around 50k miles. Again, I complained to Cadillac. They paid half the cost to replace them. I haven't had any electrical problems, but I am now faced with the AC not working. I have chosen to trade it in - enough already.
15th Nov 2006, 13:28
I bought a 1999 STS from a friend at a very reasonable price. Compared to the used junk I typically buy, this car rides like a dream. I have repaired my own cars over the years and intend to do the same with this one. I got a Service Engine Soon light along with a Check Gas Cap. I took the gas cap apart and didn’t find anything obvious. Bought another gas cap and still not good. Plugged in a lap top with a program and interrogated the signals but didn’t get too far so I reset it with the lap top. Later the signal came back. Does anyone know how to dummy in an OK signal to the computer that will not get detected by the emissions testing computer?
24th Jan 2007, 10:04
In response to the Seville owner's comment on 11/15/06.
You said you get the 'check gas cap message'. I wouldn't worry too much about that, as long as you don't feel rough idle or car doesn't shut down at stop lights. This message can also likely trigger the check engine light. It happened to me also. Try this (what I did to remove the message), drive around until your gas tank is empty (i mean so empty the 'gas level low' message comes across the dash and blinks), then fill the tank up beyond max with premium fuel. twist the gas cap tightly back on. go into the OBD2 onboard and clear the trouble codes. see if it comes back on. I haven't seen that message since. it's worth a try. worked for me.
20th Aug 2007, 17:48
High Quality aftermarket struts are avalable for the STS.
Less than $400 for the set. They also fool the system into thinking the original ones are still working.
29th Aug 2007, 10:49
I have a 1994 STS which I bought off-lease in 1997. Yes, the Northstar does use a little oil (mine is a quart every 1500-2000 miles) but c'mon.. big deal you add a quart at 1500 and change it at 3000 a quart down. Always used synthetics since I've owned it. Car now has 114,000 miles on it and runs better than new. Repairs - Power Window motors are a weak point, but used motors are $40 at the junkyard now. I've gone through 2 alternators (1 free), 1 starter, and an A/C compressor. Transmission is stock except new solenoids at 85K. Since all the major repairs were done at a Cadillac dealer they're now covered under a lifetime warranty. Struts are original as are the entire exhaust system except the Cat converter, all hoses, and the water pump. Four new coils, new plug wires, and new Champion Iridium Plugs at 100,000 miles. Upgraded brakes (Brembo slotted, carbon pads) and tires (Goodyear F1 D3 245/50WR16s just fit inside the wheel wells). Great car overall; very fast, handles well, and gets decent gas mileage to boot (17-18 around town, 25+ @ 74MPH on the interstate). Just bought a 1999 STS for a friend. Except for the power windows all electical items have worked flawlessly including the excellent Bose CD System.
28th Sep 2007, 12:11
Bought my '99' Seville two months ago, 107,000 miles. Had to do a tune up, but runs great, was low on oil when purcashed, added to it. I love the car and was able to talk to original owner, only had an alternator problem other than that, NOTHING, AS far as oil use, I don't know of any motor that does not do this, you folks must not know about cars and motors. I personally have done drag racing, own auto repair shops (2), built my own motors and others folks and I can tell you, no matter what car, you are going to have sum oil use over time, new or used. In fact look at your owners Manuel and it will tell you that it is normal for it to use oil during the BREAK IN period. Love my cadillac is all I can say.
30th Sep 2007, 21:51
I have a 99 Seville STS,and it keeps overheating on the freeway. Gas cap problems; if you know how to help me please reply.
3rd Oct 2007, 17:02
I bought a 1999 Seville STS. I'll be driving along and the Speedometer, Tach, Cruise Control, and Turn Signals will quit working. I"ll stop the car turn it off and then restart and they'll work again. It also seems that the car doesen't run right when this occurs. I will get a message sometimes that says the electrical system needs serviced, but doesen't throw any codes. Please if anybody has had this happened let me know what the problem is. I had a new computer put in and thought this would correct the problem, but hasen't. My GM mechanic can't figure it out.
7th Nov 2007, 11:58
I just bought a 99 Cadillac Seville with 105,000 miles and had a tune up & oil change done. Everything works fine except that my engine seems to burn too much oil. I always have this heavy oil burning smell coming out of the engine when I drive and worse when I park the car.
Any idea why? Thanks.
25th Nov 2007, 17:48
I purchase a 1999 (STS) with 70,000 miles a few weeks ago. The cruise control becomes inoperative at speeds over 65 mph. Receives a code 503 vehicle speed sensor intermittent. When this happens we get a service engine soon light and cruise will not reset. I have taken to two dealers. The first re-flashed the PCM and this did not help. The second dealer found a service bulletin Number 99-07-30-015 which call for replacement of all parts and case extension in final drive assembly. Bulletin states that they may have a mis-machined final drive internal gear outside diameter and a internal gear retaining ring that is incorrect. GM should step up to the plate and repair regardless of mileage.
GM has not issued a recall that we can find. Putting incorrect parts in a $50000.00 vehicle really gives you confidence in what you purchased.
We have had to replace water pump, front motor mount, all electrical in transmission.
Engine is loosing oil around pan gasket. I am told that this is a common problem for this model. Cost $500.00 to replace gasket. We had a 1993 (STS) and drove 175,000 miles and never dripped oil non garage floor.
Would I buy another Cadillac? Very good question. Don't want to buy a Japanese, but doesn't look like US mfg. really care about quality control.
28th Nov 2004, 09:00
I have a 97 Seville STS and "love" the car except - over the six years I have owned this car I have put far too many repairs into maintaining the vehicle. I too am experiencing some type of electrical problem whereby there is a registered power or electrical drain on the battery even when the car is turned off. I've spent over $200 and no diagnosis yet. I agree with someone else's comment that it is too bad that such a fine car on the outside can't be more dependable on the inside. My previous car was a Lexus and although it didn't have much pizazz, it ran like a gem. Maybe GM needs to hire some of their engineers. My lease expired at 65,000 miles on the Lexus and "nothing ever went wrong. I bought the STS with its Northstar engine and had the idea that I would drive it into the ground. I do have 90,000+ miles on it, but realize I picked the wrong car to "drive off into the sunset" with.