1995 Cadillac Seville STS

Reader Question: Hi,

I only have one car my 1995 Cadillac Seville STS 32-Valve Northstar. I use this car everyday to commute to work. It is all I have. Last night while driving home, when I was slowing to a stop at a stop light, the tape player stopped in the middle of a song, the anti-lock brake light came on, and the service engine soon light all came on and they were all dim. When I started to go the lights turned off.

However, every time I slowed down it did it again. Is it bad if I keep driving it? I am a college student living paycheck to paycheck and every time something goes wrong on this car I cringe because I know its gonna be sooooooooo expensive.

Is it just the brakes going out?

Thanks so much for any help you can give me.

Kellie

Hey Kellie,

That is a new one on me! It kind of sounds like there is a battery or an alternator charging problem to me. I would visit your trust worthy mechanic and have them do an electrical system test, which should include the following:

1. Load test the battery to see if it is still good

2. Check the alternator output to make sure it is recharging the battery properly

3. Check for a voltage drain to see if something is draining the battery down as you drive

4. Check the battery cables and connections to make sure they are clean and tight

These cars ARE expensive to repair when they break down, and they seem to break down more than other vehicles like the Honda Accord or Toyota Camry. It might be a great idea to figure out how to get away from this vehicle and into something newer with a warranty that is more economical to drive.

Probably, you can still get a great deal on a 2006 Kia Rio with no money down and they come with a 100K mile factory warranty so you can concentrate on your studies and not on car repairs.

Here is more info about it:

Kia Rio Car Review

Blessings,
Austin Davis