1988 Cadillac Sedan Deville Owners Manual

The 1988 Cadillac Sedan Deville is a full-size luxury sedan featuring front-wheel drive, 4.1L V8 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, electronic fuel injection, digital instrumentation, climate control, power accessories, premium sound system, and advanced comfort features. Below are key sections for operation, maintenance, specifications, and troubleshooting.

1. Vehicle Overview 2. Instrument Panel 3. Operating Instructions 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Features 6. Maintenance Schedule 7. Driving Tips 8. Safety Features 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Vehicle Overview

Key components: 4.1L V8 engine, front-wheel drive, electronic instrument cluster, climate control system, power windows/locks/seats, premium sound system.

Feature	Description
Engine	4.1L V8 with electronic fuel injection
Transmission	4-speed automatic with overdrive
Drivetrain	Front-wheel drive
Instrumentation	Digital electronic cluster with trip computer
Climate Control	Automatic temperature control system
Power Accessories	Windows, door locks, seats, antenna
Sound System	AM/FM stereo with cassette player
Seating	Power front seats with memory
Lighting	Automatic headlamp control
Security	Theft-deterrent system

Instrument Panel

Familiarize yourself with all controls and indicators before driving.

Speedometer: Digital display showing vehicle speed
Fuel Gauge: Shows fuel level in tank
Temperature Gauge: Engine coolant temperature
Warning Lights: Check engine, oil pressure, brake, battery
Trip Computer: Fuel economy, distance to empty, elapsed time
Climate Controls: Temperature, fan speed, mode selection
Audio Controls: Radio, cassette, volume, tone

WARNING! Always monitor warning lights while driving. Stop immediately if red warning lights illuminate.

Operating Instructions

Starting and operating your Cadillac Sedan Deville.

Starting: Insert key, turn to start position, release when engine starts
Transmission: Select P (Park), R (Reverse), N (Neutral), D (Drive), 2, 1
Climate Control: Set desired temperature, system automatically adjusts
Audio System: Power on, select AM/FM, adjust volume and tone
Power Seats: Use controls to adjust position and lumbar support
Cruise Control: Set speed using controls on steering wheel

CAUTION! Always come to complete stop before shifting between P, R, and D positions.

Specifications

Engine: 4.1L V8, electronic fuel injection
Horsepower: 130 hp @ 4200 rpm
Torque: 200 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Transmission: 4-speed automatic with overdrive
Fuel Capacity: 18 gallons
Fuel Requirement: Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane
Wheelbase: 110.8 inches
Length: 198.5 inches
Curb Weight: Approximately 3,450 lbs
Tires: P205/75R15

Controls and Features

Mastering your Cadillac's advanced features and controls.

Steering Wheel: Tilt adjustment, cruise control, horn

Instrument Panel: Digital displays, warning indicators, trip computer

Climate System: Automatic temperature control, defrost, bi-level, floor modes

Audio System: AM/FM stereo, cassette player, power antenna, fader control

Power Features: Windows, door locks, seats, trunk release, fuel door

Lighting: Automatic headlamps, twilight sentinel, interior lighting

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Oil Change: Every 3,000 miles or 3 months
Filter Replacement: Oil filter with oil change, air filter every 15,000 miles
Tire Rotation: Every 6,000 miles
Brake Inspection: Every 10,000 miles
Coolant Service: Every 30,000 miles or 2 years
Transmission Fluid: Every 30,000 miles
Spark Plugs: Every 30,000 miles

Tip: Keep records of all maintenance services for warranty purposes.

Driving Tips

Optimize your driving experience with these recommendations.

Break-in Period: Vary speed during first 500 miles, avoid hard acceleration
Fuel Economy: Maintain steady speeds, avoid rapid acceleration
Cold Weather: Allow engine to warm up before driving
Long Trips: Check fluid levels and tire pressure before departure
Towing: Consult manual for towing capacity and procedures
Storage: Use fuel stabilizer if storing vehicle for extended periods

WARNING! Never exceed vehicle load capacity or tow beyond rated limits.

Safety Features

Your Cadillac is equipped with numerous safety systems.

Anti-lock Brakes: Prevents wheel lock-up during hard braking

Air Bags: Driver-side air bag system (if equipped)

Seat Belts: Three-point lap/shoulder belts for all positions

Child Security: Rear door child safety locks

Theft Deterrent: Pass-Key anti-theft system

Care & Cleaning

Proper care maintains your Cadillac's appearance and value.

Exterior: Wash with mild soap, dry with soft cloth, wax regularly

Interior: Vacuum carpets, clean upholstery with appropriate cleaners

Windows: Use glass cleaner and soft cloth

Chrome: Polish with chrome cleaner to prevent corrosion

CAUTION! Avoid abrasive cleaners and high-pressure washers near seals and trim.

Warranty Information

New Vehicle Limited Warranty: 12 months/12,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 36 months/36,000 miles

Corrosion Warranty: 36 months/unlimited mileage

Emission System: 24 months/24,000 miles

For warranty service, contact authorized Cadillac dealership with proof of purchase.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Battery, fuel, ignition	Check battery connections, fuel level, spark plugs
Rough idle	Spark plugs, fuel system	Replace spark plugs, check fuel injectors
Overheating	Coolant level, thermostat	Check coolant level, replace thermostat if stuck
Electrical issues	Battery, alternator	Test battery and charging system
Transmission problems	Fluid level, linkage	Check fluid level and condition, adjust linkage

Service: Contact authorized Cadillac dealership for professional service

Emergency: Cadillac Roadside Assistance: 1-800-882-1112