🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Cadillac Model: Deville Year: 1998 Codes Chassis Code: K-body 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning: The 1998 Cadillac DeVille represented Cadillac's entry into the luxury sedan market, emphasizing comfort, spaciousness, and advanced features for its era. It was positioned as a comfortable cruiser for long-distance travel and a prestigious personal vehicle. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Competed with other large luxury sedans such as the Lincoln Town Car, Lexus LS, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, and BMW 7 Series. The DeVille aimed to offer a distinct American luxury experience. Key Features Features Of 1998 Devile: Front-wheel drive, Northstar V8 engine, Magnetic Ride Control (optional on some trims), spacious interior, premium comfort features, advanced (for the time) audio systems, and various electronic convenience features. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Manual Type: Owner's Manual Language: English Format: Digital PDF Source: Factory Original Page Count Estimated Page Count: Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for this era/vehicle) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine operation, maintenance, fuel system, cooling system, exhaust system, starting system, charging system Drivetrain: Transmission operation, fluids, general information Chassis: Brakes, steering, suspension, wheels and tires Electrical System: Lighting, instruments, dashboard indicators, infotainment system, climate control, power accessories, locks, security system Body: Doors, windows, seats, safety restraints, interior trim, exterior features, cleaning Procedures Included Routine Maintenance: Oil changes, fluid checks and refills, filter replacements, tire pressure checks, battery maintenance Basic Operation: Starting and stopping the engine, driving techniques, using climate control, operating infotainment systems, adjusting seats and mirrors Safety Features: Seat belt usage, airbag system information, child seat installation guidance Troubleshooting: Understanding dashboard warning lights, basic problem diagnosis (e.g., overheating, battery issues) Specifications: Fluid capacities, recommended lubricant types, tire sizes, bulb types Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive owner-level information, including operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or component-level repair instructions typical of a service manual. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchable Text: Yes (typically, depending on original scan quality) Printable: Yes Print Quality Quality: Digital reproduction, quality depends on original source scan Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital File) Paper Type Paper: N/A (Digital File) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: 4.6L (279 cu in) DOHC V8 Northstar LH2 Bore X Stroke: 3.46 in x 3.05 in (88 mm x 77.5 mm) Compression Ratio: 10.3:1 Valvetrain: Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 32 valves Engine Control System: GM ECM 42 (likely) Performance Horsepower: 275 hp @ 6000 rpm (Northstar LH2) Torque: 300 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (Northstar LH2) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Sequential Port Fuel Injection (SFI) Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended) Refill Capacities Engine Oil Capacity: 4.5 US quarts (4.3 Liters) with filter change Coolant Capacity: Approximately 14.1 US quarts (13.3 Liters) for V8 engine with heater Maintenance Air Filter Part Number: GM Part Number 25317205 (example, verify with manual) 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 4-speed Automatic Transmission Model: 4T80-E Features Shift Modes: Normal/Sport mode selection Fluid Specifications Transmission Fluid Type: Dexron III Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: 110.8 inches (2814 mm) Length: 201.2 inches (5111 mm) Width: 74.4 inches (1890 mm) Height: 55.4 inches (1407 mm) Weights Curb Weight: Approximately 3,750-3,900 lbs (1700-1770 kg), varies by trim and options Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Approximately 4,850 lbs (2200 kg) Cargo Trunk Volume: 17.0 cubic feet (481 Liters) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Impact Driver: 4/5 Stars (Good) NHTSA Front Impact Passenger: 4/5 Stars (Good) IIHS Frontal Offset: Acceptable (Good) - Based on 1998-2003 models Active Features ABS: Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Traction Control: Standard Traction Control System (TCS) Passive Features Airbags: Driver and front passenger airbags Seatbelts: Front and rear three-point seat belts Child Seat Anchors: Rear seat provisions (LATCH system not standard in 1998) 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Delco/Bose premium sound system with AM/FM stereo, cassette tape player, and CD player (optional on some models). Radio controls often integrated into steering wheel. Navigation: Touchscreen navigation system was an advanced optional feature for this model year, often referred to as the 'Driver Information Center' or similar. Driver Assistance Suspension Technology: Optional Magnetic Ride Control (MSRC) which adjusted damping based on road conditions. Parking Assistance: Rear parking assist sensors (optional) known as 'Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist'. Connectivity Telematics: OnStar system was introduced and available as an option on some Cadillac models around this time, providing emergency and information services via cellular connection. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, or as indicated by the oil life monitoring system (if equipped and functioning correctly) Tire Rotation: Every 7,500 miles (concurrent with oil change) Engine Coolant Flush: Initially at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles thereafter (GM specification) Transmission Fluid Change: Recommended every 50,000-100,000 miles, or as per manual's severe service schedule Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Specification: SAE 4W-30 Synthetic Coolant Type:...
The 1998 Cadillac DeVille represented Cadillac's entry into the luxury sedan market, emphasizing comfort, spaciousness, and advanced features for its era. It was positioned as a comfortable cruiser for long-distance travel and a prestigious personal vehicle.
Competitive Analysis
Competitors:
Competed with other large luxury sedans such as the Lincoln Town Car, Lexus LS, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, and BMW 7 Series. The DeVille aimed to offer a distinct American luxury experience.
Key Features
Features Of 1998 Devile:
Front-wheel drive, Northstar V8 engine, Magnetic Ride Control (optional on some trims), spacious interior, premium comfort features, advanced (for the time) audio systems, and various electronic convenience features.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Manual Type:
Owner's Manual
Language:
English
Format:
Digital PDF
Source:
Factory Original
Page Count
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for this era/vehicle)
Comprehensive owner-level information, including operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or component-level repair instructions typical of a service manual.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF
Searchable Text:
Yes (typically, depending on original scan quality)
Printable:
Yes
Print Quality
Quality:
Digital reproduction, quality depends on original source scan
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital File)
Paper Type
Paper:
N/A (Digital File)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type:
4.6L (279 cu in) DOHC V8 Northstar LH2
Bore X Stroke:
3.46 in x 3.05 in (88 mm x 77.5 mm)
Compression Ratio:
10.3:1
Valvetrain:
Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 32 valves
Engine Control System:
GM ECM 42 (likely)
Performance
Horsepower:
275 hp @ 6000 rpm (Northstar LH2)
Torque:
300 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (Northstar LH2)
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Port Fuel Injection (SFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Refill Capacities
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 US quarts (4.3 Liters) with filter change
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 14.1 US quarts (13.3 Liters) for V8 engine with heater
Maintenance
Air Filter Part Number:
GM Part Number 25317205 (example, verify with manual)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic
Transmission Model:
4T80-E
Features
Shift Modes:
Normal/Sport mode selection
Fluid Specifications
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron III Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
110.8 inches (2814 mm)
Length:
201.2 inches (5111 mm)
Width:
74.4 inches (1890 mm)
Height:
55.4 inches (1407 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3,750-3,900 lbs (1700-1770 kg), varies by trim and options
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approximately 4,850 lbs (2200 kg)
Cargo
Trunk Volume:
17.0 cubic feet (481 Liters)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
4/5 Stars (Good)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
4/5 Stars (Good)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Acceptable (Good) - Based on 1998-2003 models
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Seatbelts:
Front and rear three-point seat belts
Child Seat Anchors:
Rear seat provisions (LATCH system not standard in 1998)
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Delco/Bose premium sound system with AM/FM stereo, cassette tape player, and CD player (optional on some models). Radio controls often integrated into steering wheel.
Navigation:
Touchscreen navigation system was an advanced optional feature for this model year, often referred to as the 'Driver Information Center' or similar.
Driver Assistance
Suspension Technology:
Optional Magnetic Ride Control (MSRC) which adjusted damping based on road conditions.
Parking Assistance:
Rear parking assist sensors (optional) known as 'Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist'.
Connectivity
Telematics:
OnStar system was introduced and available as an option on some Cadillac models around this time, providing emergency and information services via cellular connection.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, or as indicated by the oil life monitoring system (if equipped and functioning correctly)
Tire Rotation:
Every 7,500 miles (concurrent with oil change)
Engine Coolant Flush:
Initially at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles thereafter (GM specification)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Recommended every 50,000-100,000 miles, or as per manual's severe service schedule
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 4W-30 Synthetic
Coolant Type:
GM Type 1 Coolant (Green) or equivalent silicate-free, extended-life coolant
Power Steering Fluid:
GM Power Steering Fluid or equivalent (DEXRON II/III compatible)
Known Issues
Northstar Engine Common Issues:
Head gasket leaks (particularly the '32-valve Northstar' which used 4 head bolts per cylinder), intake manifold gasket leaks, oil leaks, camshaft position sensor issues.
Suspension Issues:
Leaking struts or shocks, premature wear of control arm bushings and ball joints.
Electrical Issues:
Faulty body control modules (BCM), intermittent issues with power windows and locks, dashboard warning light illumination for various systems.
HVAC Issues:
Heater core leaks, AC compressor failures, climate control module issues.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Cadillac Heritage:
Cadillac, a division of General Motors, has a long-standing reputation for producing American luxury vehicles since its founding in 1902. It is known for its focus on comfort, advanced technology, and prestigious styling.
Model Evolution
Devile Evolution:
The DeVille nameplate has been used by Cadillac for decades, evolving through various body styles and generations. The 1998 model belongs to the ninth generation (K-body), which debuted in 1994 and introduced front-wheel drive and the Northstar V8 engine across the line.
Production
Production Years For 9Th Gen:
1994-1999
Manufacturing Location:
Hamtramck, Michigan, USA
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver 10Best:
The Northstar V8 engine powered many Cadillacs that were recognized by automotive publications. While specific 1998 DeVille awards are not as prominent, the engine itself was generally well-regarded for its performance in the luxury segment.
Ratings
Consumer Reports:
Consumer Reports ratings for this era's DeVille often cited strengths in ride comfort and quietness, but noted average to below-average reliability in certain areas, particularly relating to the Northstar engine's early designs.
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