CTS Repairs

This 2003 CTS has been a bummer as far as reliability is concerned.

At about 30k miles, the air conditioning compressor ate itself (words used by the service manager) and the right rear axle seal was leaking. Both repaired under warranty.

At about 50k miles, the variable steering solenoid had to be replaced.

At about 70k miles, the PCV valve froze up, causing 2 quarts of oil to be blown out of the valve cover gastket onto I71. I discovered there is a technical service bulletin on this problem.. It seems that under severe cold temperatures (defined as 30F and below!) the PCV separater (not really a PCV valve) can freeze up, causing oil to be blown out of the engine. It was about 15F when I experienced the problem. They have a nice little kit that costs $100+ that fixes everything up.

Now with 90k miles, the transmission output shaft seal is leaking. The parts cost $36. Haven't gotten the work done as yet (Oct. 6, 2007).

As of November 21, 2007, I've determined the the transmission actually isn't leaking. However, the "coupling" between the transmission and driveshaft is shot. This is a little rubber donut about an inch thick and 3 inches in diameter with six holes in it. The only way to replace this, is to replace the entire driveshaft. Just the part is $600. I've opened a request with Cadillac, asking them to pay for this. This is a very poor design. In the mean time, I'm shopping for another car. I wish I had bought one a month or two ago. There are some Pontiac Grand Prix's for sale in town. They have the 3800 engine which is an excellent power package that lasts a long time. I had a Buick Regal (John now owns it with 230k miles) and a an 88 Park Ave with this engine. Very reliable.