1997 Cadillac DeVille
1997 Cadillac DeVille
The 1997 Cadillac DeVille is a full-size luxury sedan known for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and powerful engine options. It is available with either a 4.6-liter Northstar V8 engine or a 5.7-liter LT1 V8 engine, both mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission. The Northstar V8 produces 275 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque, while the LT1 V8 produces 260 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque.
Engine
4.6-liter Northstar V8
- Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating
- Solution: Replace intake manifold gaskets
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,200+
- Recalls: None Found
- Water Pump Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating
- Solution: Replace water pump
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
- Head Gasket Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating, loss of power
- Solution: Replace head gaskets
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
- Recalls: None Found
5.7-liter LT1 V8
- Valve Spring Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, loss of power
- Solution: Replace valve springs
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks, rough idle
- Solution: Replace intake manifold gaskets
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
- 4-speed Automatic Transmission
- Torque Converter Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Shuddering, slipping, loss of power
- Solution: Replace torque converter
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Transmission Fluid Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Leaking fluid, burning smell
- Solution: Repair or replace leaking seals or gaskets
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Torque Converter Failure
Suspension
- Strut Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise, poor handling
- Solution: Replace struts
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+ per axle
- Recalls: None Found
- Ball Joint Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise, wandering steering
- Solution: Replace ball joints
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ per side
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Alternator Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Battery not charging, dimming lights
- Solution: Replace alternator
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
- Battery Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting, weak lights
- Solution: Replace battery
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Door Handle Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Door handle breaks, door won’t open
- Solution: Replace door handle
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
- Recalls: None Found
- Taillight Lens Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Cracked or broken taillight lens
- Solution: Replace taillight lens
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Power Window Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Window won’t go up or down
- Solution: Repair or replace power window motor or switch
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
- Recalls: None Found
- Climate Control Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Heater or AC not working
- Solution: Repair or replace climate control module
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 1997 Cadillac DeVille is a reliable and comfortable luxury sedan. However, it has some common issues, including intake manifold gasket failures, water pump failures, and valve spring failures. The severity of these issues varies, and the cost to fix them can be significant. Overall, the DeVille is a good value for money, but potential buyers should be aware of its potential issues before purchasing.