Cadillac Repair: 2001 Catera Leveling Light Blinking, 2001 cadillac catera, cadillac catera

Question
Bill,

I just bought a used 2001 Cadillac Catera with 48,000 miles on it. I noticed that yesterday the leveling light started blinking when I start the car. I read in the manual and it said that when the light is blinking "it may indicate a problem." I do not understand exactly what the leveling system does or what the light means. However, from reading your previous answers it seems it has something to do with the rear suspension?

If I drive the car for 10 minutes or so the light will go off, but then usually come back on after awhile and it is always coming on when I start the car. Do you know what is causing this and what I should do? Also, if I drive the car is is hurting anything with the light blinking?

Thanks!

Tom

Answer
Hi Tom,

    What the leveling system is is basically a height sensor for the rear height, air shocks, an air compressor and air lines. What happens is the height sensor knows what is considered a normal ride height. When people or items are added at the rear seat or trunk the vehicle sits lower. The air compressor will turn on and attempt to pump up the air shocks to raise the height to normal again so the rear end doesn't bottom out.

     What can happen is the compressor fails to turn on due to a blown fuse, faulty compressor or defective height sensor. If the compressor turns on the shocks might not be able to pump up due to a line leak or air shock leak.

     If you are able to look at the lines or shocks you might find a problem. Otherwise going to your mechanic and have him/her inspect the system to see what the problem might be and then deside if you want to fix it or have them do the repair. Because the light turns on periodically and goes out I would suspect a leak somewhere.

    Hope that helps. Bill