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1997 Cadillac Catera Gas Cap Vacuum

1997 ALL OTHER MAKES ALL OTHER MODELS
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JOE CUNEO
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I have a 97 Catera that runs terrible until I loosen the gas cap. When I loosen the cap I can hear a vacuum (loud sucking sound) and the car runs fine after that.
Currently I can't tighten the cap when I fuel up. I have to leave the cap loose or the car will barely run. With the gas cap being loose, it causes the CHECK ENGIN LIGHT to come on. I already spent a fortune on a new gas cap, so I know that's not the problem.

Hopefully somebody out there can provide me with a solution to this problem.

Any feedback will be greatly appreciated.
Feb 10, 2006 at 5:50 AM
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MVANNESSJR
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 223 POSTS
That's a lot of pressure in the fuel system. A clogged fuel filter can create this type of pressure in the system. If the fuel filter is indeed clogged this can lead to eventual failure of the fuel pump (much more expensive to fix). I'd start there.
Feb 10, 2006 at 6:07 AM
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JOE CUNEO
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
[quote:a271b1170f="mvannessjr"]That's a lot of pressure in the fuel system. A clogged fuel filter can create this type of pressure in the system. If the fuel filter is indeed clogged this can lead to eventual failure of the fuel pump (much more expensive to fix). I'd start there.[/quote:a271b1170f]

mvannessjr,

Thank you for your input. I can't find any manual on this car. It sounds like you have some knowledge on this car. Can you tell me where the fuel filter is located and how many filters does it have?

Look forward to your reply,

Joe
Feb 13, 2006 at 12:01 PM
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Suggested Repair

Start by inspecting the fuel filter for clogging and replace it if restricted. A clogged filter can create excessive fuel-system pressure and may eventually damage the fuel pump.

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Conversation Summary

A 1997 Cadillac Catera runs poorly until the gas cap is loosened. Loosening the cap releases a strong vacuum and the engine then runs normally, but leaving the cap loose turns on the check engine light. A new gas cap did not solve it. An expert said this indicates excessive fuel-system pressure, recommended checking the fuel filter first, and warned that a restricted filter can lead to fuel-pump failure. The owner asked where the filter is and how many the car has; that was not answered.

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