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2004 Cadillac Seville

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By Research the Car 4 min read

The 2004 Cadillac Seville is a luxury sedan known for its comfortable ride and spacious interior. It was offered in two trims: SLS (Seville Luxury Sedan) and STS (Seville Touring Sedan). The SLS was powered by a 4.6L Northstar V8 engine producing 275 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque, while the STS featured a higher-output version of the same engine, rated at 300 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 4T80-E four-speed automatic transmission. People often praised the Seville for its smooth ride, powerful engine, and luxurious features. Common complaints included issues with the complex electronics, potential for high repair costs, and a dated design compared to some competitors.

Engine

4.6L Northstar V8 (SLS & STS)

  • Head Gasket Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Overheating, coolant loss, white smoke from exhaust, rough running engine. Due to head bolt threads pulling from the aluminum block.
    • Solution: Repairing the head gasket issue often involves installing thread inserts to reinforce the head bolt threads in the engine block.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $5,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Oil Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil spots under the car, burning oil smell, low oil level. Common leak areas include valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, and rear main seal.
    • Solution: Replacing the affected gasket or seal.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ depending on the leak location.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Cooling System Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Overheating, coolant leaks, temperature gauge fluctuations. Common problems include a failing water pump, radiator leaks, and clogged coolant passages.
    • Solution: Replacing the faulty components, such as the water pump, radiator, or hoses. Flushing the cooling system can also help.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,500+ depending on the component.
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4T80-E (All Models)

  • Erratic Shifting
    • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifts, slipping between gears, failure to shift properly, transmission going into “limp mode”.
    • Solution: Could be caused by a faulty shift solenoid, worn valve body, or internal damage. Replacing the shift solenoids or valve body may resolve the issue, but a complete transmission rebuild or replacement may be necessary for severe cases.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (solenoid replacement) - $3,000+ (rebuild or replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Torque Converter Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering at highway speeds, stalling, or difficulty engaging gears.
    • Solution: Replacing the torque converter.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Air Suspension Failure (STS)
    • Description/Symptoms: Sagging rear end, compressor running constantly, rough ride. The air suspension system is prone to leaks and compressor failure.
    • Solution: Replacing the air struts or compressor, or converting to a traditional coil-over suspension system.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+ depending on the solution.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Strut and Shock Absorber Wear
    • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, poor handling, noise over bumps.
    • Solution: Replacing the worn struts and shocks.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Driver Information Center (DIC) Problems
    • Description/Symptoms: Flickering display, missing pixels, inaccurate readings, or complete failure.
    • Solution: Replacing the DIC module or sending it for repair.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Battery Drain
    • Description/Symptoms: Dead battery after sitting for short periods, difficulty starting. Can be caused by a parasitic draw from a faulty module or wiring.
    • Solution: Identifying and repairing the source of the parasitic draw.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the cause.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • ABS/Traction Control Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: ABS and/or Traction Control lights on, loss of braking or traction control function. Can be caused by faulty wheel speed sensors or a failing ABS module.
    • Solution: Replacing the faulty wheel speed sensor or ABS module.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Headlight Condensation
    • Description/Symptoms: Moisture inside the headlight housing, reduced visibility.
    • Solution: Replacing the headlight assembly or attempting to seal the existing housing.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Climate Control Malfunctions
    • Description/Symptoms: Inconsistent temperatures, failure to switch modes, blower motor problems. Can be caused by a faulty blend door actuator or control module.
    • Solution: Replacing the faulty blend door actuator or control module.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Seat Motor Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Seats not moving or adjusting properly, clicking noises.
    • Solution: Replacing the seat motor or repairing the wiring.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2004 Cadillac Seville, while a luxurious and comfortable vehicle for its time, suffers from a range of potential issues, particularly related to the engine, transmission, and electrical systems. Engine issues, especially head gasket failures, can be very costly. Transmission problems and electrical gremlins add to the potential ownership expenses. The severity of these issues ranges from minor inconveniences to major repairs, and the associated costs can be significant, making a thorough pre-purchase inspection crucial.

Cadillac, Seville
Cadillac Seville 2004
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