Pontiac 1996 Firebird Owner's Manual

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1996

Summary of Contents for Pontiac 1996 Firebird

Page 1 1996...
Page 2 This section tells you when to perform vehicle maintenance and what fluids and lubricants to use. Customer Assistance Information This section tells you how to contact Pontiac for assistance and h’ow to get service and owner publications. It also gives you information on “Reporting Safety Defects” on page 8-9.
Page 3 “General Motors of Canada Limited” for Pontiac Division whenever it appears in this manual. Please keep this manual in your Pontiac, so it will be there if you ever need it when you’re on the road. If you sell the vehicle, please leave this manual in it so the new owner can use it.
Page 4 How to Use This Manual people Many read their owner’s manual to end when they first receive their new vehicle. If you do this, it will help you learn about the features and controls for your vehicle. In this manual, you’ll find that pictures and words work together to explain things quickly.
Page 5 .icle Damage Warnings in this book you Also, will find these notices: NOTICE: These mean there is something that could damage your vehicle. In the notice area, we tell you about something that can damage your vehicle. Many times, this damage would covered by your warranty, and it .could be costly.
Page 6 Vehicle Symbols These are some of the symbols you may find These symbols For example, are important these symbols for you and on an a r e used your passengers original battery: whenever your vehicle is CAUTION driven: POSSIBLE INJURY PROTECT EYES BY SHlELDlNG...
Page 7 NOTES...
Page 8 Section Here you’ll find information about the seats in your Pontiac and how to use your safety belts properly. You can also learn about some things you should not do with air bags and safety belts. Seats and Seat Controls...
Page 9 4-Way Manual Seat There are two levers at the front of the seat, The left lever adjusts the seat forward and back. The right lever adjusts angle sf the front of the seat. To adjust the seats forward and rearward, lift the lever under the left front of the seat.
Page 10 Fully Articulating Spori Seat (Option) your Pontiac these seats, the driver’s seat has the four-way manual seat adjuster. See “4-Way Manual Seat” earlier in this part. The passenger seat has the two-way manual seat adjuster. See “Manual Front Seat” earlier in this part.
Page 11 Reclining Front Seatbacks If you have fully articulating sport recliner seats, your lever looks like this. To adjust the seatback, lift lever on the side of outer the seat. Release the lever to lock the seatback where you want it. Pull up on the lever and the seat will go to its original upright position.
Page 12 But don’t have a seatback reclined if your vehicle is moving. CAUTION: Sitting in a reclined position when your vehicle is in motion can be dangerous. Even if you buckle your safety belts can’t do their job when you’re reclined like this. The shoulder belt can’t do its job.
Page 13 Folding Rear Seatback fold position, The rear seatback in your Pontiac folds down to provide more storage space. To fold the seatback down: 1. Pull forward on both levers. Fold the...
Page 14 Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone part This of the manual tells you how to properly. It also tells you some things you should not do with safety belts. it explains the Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR), or air bag system. Don’t let anyone ride where he or she can’t wear a safety belt properly.
Page 15 Why Safety Belts Work When you in or on anythmg, you go as fast as it goes. ride ..rake the simplest vehicle. Suppose it’s just a seat on wheels.
Page 16 The person keeps going until stopped by something. Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle. The rider doesn’t stop..In a real vehicle, it could be the windshield...
Page 17 or the safety belts! or the instrument panel With safety belts, you slow down as the vehicle does. You get more time to stop. You stop over more distance, and your strongest bones take the forces. That's why safety belts make such good sense. 1-10...
Page 18 Here Are Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts and the Answers &.’ Won’t I be trapped in the vehicle after an accident if I’m wearing a safety belt? You could be whether you’re wearing a safety belt or ‘not. But you can unbuckle a safety belt, even if you’re upside down.
Page 19 And there are Merent rules for child wilI be smaller chldren and babies. your Pontiac, see the part of this manual called those rules for everyone’s protection. “ C h i l d r e n . ”...
Page 20 If the belt stops before it reaches the buckle, tilt the latch plate and keep pulling until you can buckle the belt. Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure. If the belt isn’t long enough, see “Safety Belt Extender” at the end of this section.
Page 21 worn part of the belt should be the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies force'to the strong pelvic bones. And you'd be less likely slide under the lap belt. If you slid under it, the belt would apply force at your abdomen.
Page 22 What’s wrong with this? The shoulder belt is too loose. It won’t give nearly as much protection this way. You can be seriously hurt if your shoulder belt is too loose. In a crash, you would move forward too much, which could increase injury. The shoulder belt should fit against your body.
Page 23 What's wrong with this? The belt is buckled in the wrong place. 1-16 CAUTION: You can be seriously injured if your belt is t h i s . buckled the wrong phce Iike the belt would go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not at the pelvic bones.
Page 24 e.' ' What's wrong with this? The shoulder belt is worn under the arm. It should be worn over the shoulder at all times. You can be seriously injured if you wear the shoulder belt under body would move too far forward, which would increase the chance of head and neck injury.
Page 25 What’s wrong with this? You can be seriously injured by a twisted belt. a crash, you wouldn’t have the full width of the belt to spread impact forces. If a belt is twisted, make it straight so it can work properly, or ask your dealer to The belt is twisted acros’s the body.
Page 26 Supplemental Restraint (SRS) System This part explains the Supplemental Restraint (SRS) system or air bag system. Your Pontiac has two air bags driver and another air bag for the right front passenger. one air bag for the 1-19...
Page 27 Mere are the most things to know important bag system: can be severely injured or killed you aren’t wearing your safety belt have an air bag. Wearing your safety belt during a crash helps reduce your chance of hitting things inside the vehicle being ejected restraint,’’...
Page 28 There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument panel, which shows AIR BAG. The system checks the air bag’s electrical system for malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical problem. See “Air Bag Readiness Light” in the Index for more information.
Page 29 The right front passenger's air bag is in the instrument panel on the passenger's side. Don't put anything on, or attach anything to, the steering wheel or instrument panel. Also, don't put'anything (such as pets or objects) between any occupant and the steering wheel or instrument, panel.
Page 30 When should an air bag inflate? The air bag is designed to inflate in moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal crashes. The air bag will inflate only if the impact speed is above the system’s designed “threshold level.” If your vehicle goes straight into a wall that doesn’t move or deform, the threshold level about 9 to 15 mph (14 to 24 km/h).
Page 31 What will you see after an air bag inflates? After the air bag inflates, it quickly deflates. This occurs so quickly that some people may not even realize the air bag inflated. Some components of the air bag module in the steering wheel hub for the driver’s air bag, or the instrument panel for the right front passenger’s bag, will be hot for a short time.
Page 32 Do not open or break the air bag covers. Servicing ,Your Air Bag-Equipped Pontiac Air bags affect how your Pontiac should be serviced. There are parts of the air bag system in several places around your vehicle. You don’t want the system to inflate while someone is working on your vehicle.
Page 33 Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy Safety belts work for everyone, including pregnant women. Like all occupants, they are more likely to be seriously injured if they don’t wear safety belts. A pregnant woman should wear a lap-shoulder belt, and the lap portion should be worn as low as possible, below the rounding, throughout the pregnancy.
Page 34 Rear Seat Passengers It’s very imprtant rear seat passengers to buckle up! Accident statistics show that unbelted people in the rear seat are hurt m r e often in crashes than those who are wearing safety belts. Rear passengers who aren’t safety belted can be thrown out of the vehicle in a crash.
Page 35 If the belt stops before it reaches the buckle, tilt the latch plate and keep pulling until you can buckle it. Pull .up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure. If the belt is not long enough, see “Safety Belt Extender”...
Page 36 The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies force to the strong pelvic bones. And you’d be less likely to slide under the lap belt. If you slid under would apply force at your abdomen.
Page 37 To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle. Children Everyone in a vehicle needs protection! That includes infants and all children smaller than adult size. In fact, the law in every state in the United States and in every Canadian province says children up to some age must restrained while in a vehicle.
Page 38 in your Never hold baby arms vehicle. A baby doesn’t weigh much crash. During a crash a baby will become heavy you example, can’t hold it. For CAUTION: (Continued) CAUTION: (Continued) at only 25 mph (40 km/h), a 124b. (5.5 kg) baby will suddenly become a 240-lb.
Page 39 Child Restraints Be sure the child restraint is designed to be used in a vehicle. If it is, it will have a label saying that it meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Then follow the instructions for the restraint. You may find these instructions on the restraint itself or in a booklet, or both.
Page 40 If your child restraint has top strap, it should be anchored. If you need to have an anchor installed, you can ask your Pontiac dealer to put it in for you. If you want install an anchor yourself, your dealer can tell you how to do it.
Page 41 Child Restraint in Securing Rear Seat Position You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt: See the earlier part about the top strap if the child restraint has, one. 1. Put the restraint on the seat. Follow the instructions h r the child restraint. 2.
Page 42 4. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly you ever had to. 5. To tighten the belt, pull up on the shoulder belt while you push down on the child restraint. 6.
Page 43 Securing Child Restraint i n Right Front Seat Position Your vehicle has a right front passenger put a rear-facing child restraint in this A child in a rear-facing child restraint seriously injured if the right front passenger’s bag inflates, This is because the back of a rear-facing chiId restraint would be very close to the inflating air bag.
Page 44 Tilt the latch plate to adjust the belt if needed. If the shoulder belt goes in front of the child’s face or neck, put it behind the child restraint. 5. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.
Page 45 6. To tighten the belt, pull up on the shoulder belt while push down on the child restraint. Push and pull the child restraint in different directions to be sure it is secure. To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt and let it go back all the way.
Page 46 Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear seat. But they need to use the safety belts properly. Children who aren’t buckled up can be thrown out in a crash; Children who aren’t buckled up can strike other people who are.
Page 47 Never do this. i n a Here child sitting seat that has a lap-shoulder belt, but the shoulder part the child. If the child wears the belt in this way, in a crash the child might slide under the belt. The wodd then b’e belt’s force applied right on the...
Page 48 Safety Belt Extender If the safety will vehicle’s belt fasten around you, should use it. But if a safety belt isn’t long enough to fasten,, your dealer will order you an extender. It’s free. When you go in to order it, take the heaviest coat you will wear, so the extender will be long enough for you.
Page 49 NOTES...
Page 50 Section 2 Features and Controls Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your Pontiac, and information on starting, shifting and braking. Also explained are the instrument panel and the warning systems that tell you if everything is working properly -- and what to do if you have a problem.
Page 51 ,If you lose your door keys, you'll I f you need a new key, contact your Pontiac dealer who can obtain the correct key code. Remember to carry the pre-cut emergency key which Pontiac sends after delivery.
Page 52 Door Locks Unlocked doors can be dangerous. Passengers especially children open the doors and fall out. When a door is locked, the inside handle won’t open Outsiders can easily enter through an unlocked door when you slow down or stop your vehicle. This may not be so obvious: You increase the chance of being thrown out of the vehicle in a crash if the doors aren’t locked.
Page 53 Power Door Locks. (Option) Push the power door lock switch to lock or unlock both doors at once. Note: Operating the power door locks may affect the Vehicle and Content Theft-Deterrent System (if you have this option). See “Vehicle and Content Theft-Deterrent System”...
Page 54 Remote Lock Control (Option) 3-Button Transmitter 4-Button Transmitter If your Pontiac has this option, you can lock and unlock your doors or unlock your hatch up to about feet (9 m) using the key chain transmitter supplied with your car.
Page 55 peration The driver’s door will unlock automatically when UNLOCK is pressed. If UNLOCK is pressed again within five seconds, the passenger door will also unlock. All doors will lock when LOCK is pressed. The hatch will unlock when the button with the trunk symbol is pressed, as long as the ignition is turned to the OFF position.
Page 56 Synchronization Synchronization may be necessary due to the security method used by Remote Lock Control system. The transmitter does not send the same signal twice to the receiver. The receiver will not respond to a signal it has been sent previously. This prevents anyone from recording and playing back the signal fiom the transmitter.
Page 57 Check that all transmitters work by pressing their buttons. the transmitters don’t work, or if you’d rather not match the transmitters yourself, See your Pontiac dealer. Battery Replacement Under normal use, the battery Control transmitter should last about two years.
Page 58 To replace the battery in the Remote Lock Control transmitter: 1. Carefully pry off the cover by inserting a dime (or similar object) in a slot between the covers and twist. 2. Lift off the back cover. 3. Remove and replace the battery. Use one battery, type CR2032, or a similar type.
Page 59 Hatch Release Your door key opens the hatch. If your vehicle has the Vehicle and Content Theft-Deterrent System, and the system is armed, opening the hatch this way will trigger the alarm. First system use the Remote Lock Control &sarin the transmitter to open the hatch.
Page 60 When you park your Pontiac and open the driver’s door, you’ll hear a tone reminding from the ignition and take it with you. Your steering wheel will be locked, and so will your ignition.
Page 61 Vehicle and Content Theft-Deterrent System (Option) your vehicle has option, it has a theft-deterrent alarm system. Once armed, the system will sound the horn and flash the parking lamps if the vehicle is broken into. Shock Sensor Coupe The shock sensor is what triggers detects blow to your vehicle.
Page 62 every two seconds, the system is armed and there was an intrusion that sounded the alarm). Horn chirps and parking lamp flashes can be set to your choice. Remote Lock Control Transmitter Locking If all the doors are closed, locking the vehicle with the transmitter will immediately the system.
Page 63 Turning Off the Alarm If you started the alarm by pressing the panic button on the Remote Lock Control transmitter, you must either push that button again or turn the ignition switch to the RUN position to stop the alarm. If the alarm is sounding due to the shock sensor or a hatch opening, it can be turned off by either door...
Page 64 Index). I f the starter won’t work with the other key, your vehicle needs service. If your vehicle does start, the first ignition key may be faulty. See your Pontiac dealer or a locksmith who can service the PASS-Key If you accidentally use a key that has a damaged or missing resistor pellet, the starter won’t work and the...
Page 65 Feature Customization (Option) Your Pontiac’s locks and lighting systems can be programmed with several, different features.. The features you can program depend upon the options that came with your vehicle. The following list tells you the features that can be programmed. Listed next to each feature is the option you need to have on your vehicle in order to be able to program that particular feature.
Page 66 Exit Lighting and Delayed Illumination Your vehicle comes with this feature set in Mode 4. This means that your interior lamps will go on when the key is removed from the ignition switch and stay on for 25 seconds after closing the doors to help in exiting the vehicle.
Page 67 Remote Lock Control Verification Your vehicle comes with this feature set in Mode 5. This ,means that when you use the Remote Lock Control transmitter to lockhnlock your vehicle, your parking lamps will flash briefly upon the f i s t push on LOCK.
Page 68 Theft-Deterrent Arming Method Your vehicle comes with this feature set in Mode means that both your Remote Lock Control transmitter and the power door lock switch will actively arm the' system. To change the factory setting, do the following: 1. Press the UNLOCK switch on the door. 2.
Page 69 Mode 3: Horn and LampsLamps (If you use transmitter to the system, your parking lamps will flash and your horn will chirp twice to verify that the system is armed. you use either the power door lock switch or passive arming, only your lamps will flash for verification).
Page 70 New Vehicle “Break-In” NOTICE: Ywr modern Pontiac doesn’t need an elaborate “break-in.” But it will perform better in the long run if you follow these guidelines: Keep your speed at mph (88 km/h) or less for the first 500 miles (804 km).
Page 71 (B): LOCK The only position in which you can remove the key. This locks your steering wheel, ignition and automatic transmission. you have an automatic transmission, the ignition switch can't be turned to LOCK unless the shift lever is in the PARK (P) position. OFF (C): Unlocks the steering wheel, ignition and automatic transmission, but does not...
Page 72 To restart when you’re already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. NOTICE: Don’t try to shift to PARK (P) if your Pontiac is moving. If you do, you could damage the transmission. Shift to PARK (P) only when your vehicle is stopped.
Page 73 Manual transmission The gear selector should be in NEUTRAL (N).’Hold the clutch pedal to the floor and start the engine. Your vehicle won’t start if the clutch pedal is not all the way down that’s a safety feature. Starting Your 3800 Engine 1.
Page 74 Starting Your 5.7 Liter LT1 Engine 1. Without pushing the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let go of the key. The idle speed will go down as your engine gets warm. NOTICE: Holding your key in START for longer than seconds at a time will cause your battery to be drained much sooner.
Page 75 Instead of trying to list everything here, we ask that you contact your Pontiac dealer in the area where you'll be puking your vehicle. The dealer can give you the best advice for particular area.
Page 76 Automatic Transmission Operation There are several different positions for your shift lever. PARK (P): This locks your rear wheels. It’s the best position use when you start your vehicle can’t move easily. is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in parking brake firmly set.
Page 77 fully in PARK (P) range Ensure the shift lever is before starting the engine. Your Ponti’ac has brake-transmission shift interlock. You have to fully apply your regular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition key is in the cannot shift out of PARK (P), the shift lever...
Page 78 AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (@): for normal driving. you need more power for passing, and you’re: Going less than about 35 mph (56 accelerator pedal about halfway down. - Going about 35 mph (56 km/h) accelerator all the way down. You’ll shift down to the next gear and have more power.
Page 79 FIRST.(l): This position gives you even (but lower fuel economy) SECOND (2). You can than use it on very steep hiils, or in deep snow or mud. If the selector lever is put in FIRST (11, the transmission won't shift into first gear until the vehicle is going slowly enough.
Page 80 Second-Gear Start TRANSMISSION START 2NDGEARQ Your vehicle may be equipped with a second-gear start feature. Press 2ND GEAR START to provide more traction when you are starting on ice or other slippery surfaces. The transmission will be in SECOND (2) gear when the vehicle begins to move.
Page 81 SECOND (2): Press the clutch pedal to the floor as you let up on the accelerator pedal and shift into SECOND (2). Then, slowly let as you press the accelerator pedal. THIRD(3),FOURTH(4)andF'IFTH(5): THIRD (3), FOURTH and FIFTH (5) the same way you do for SECOND (2).
Page 82 6-Speed This is your shift pattern. Here’s how to operate your transmission: FIRST (1): Press the clutch pedal and shift into FIRST (1). Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal. You can shift into FIRST (1) when you’re going less than 20 mph (32 M).
Page 83 Skip Shift Light (5.7L LT1 Engine) When this light comes on, you can only shift from FIRST (1) to FOURTH (4) gear instead of FIRST (1) to SKIP SECOND helps you to get the best SHIFT possible fuel economy. light on under these conditions: This will come...
Page 84 This chart shows when to shift to the next higher gear for best fuel economy. MANUAL TRANSMISSION RECOMVENDED SHIFT SPEEDS, IN MPH (kdh) Acceleration Engine 1 t o 2 2 t o 3 3 t o 4 13-16 21-28 3800 32-37 (Code K) (21-25)
Page 85 Parking Brake To set the parking brake, hold the brake pedal down and pull up on the parking brake lever. If the ignition is on, the brake system warning light will come on. 2-36 To release the parking brake, hold the brake pedal down. Pull the parking brake lever up until you can push in the release button.
Page 86 NOTICE: Driving with the parking brake on can cause your rear brakes to overheat. You may have to replace them, and you could also damage other parts of your vehicle. If you are towing a trailer and are parking on any hill, see “Towing a Trailer”...
Page 87 1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot and parking brake. 2. Move the shift lever into' PARK (P) position by holding in the button on the lever, and push the lever all the way toward the front af your vehicle. 3.
Page 88 Trailer” in the Index. Shifting Out of PARK (P) (Automatic Transmission) Your Pontiac has a brake-transmission shift interlock. You have to fully apply your regular brake before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition is in the RUN position. See “Automatic Transmission” in the Index.
Page 89 Parking Over Things That Burn Things that can burn could’touch hot exhaust parts under your vehicle and ignite. Don’t park over papers, leaves, grass or other things that d r y can burn. 2-40 Engine Exhaust kill. It contains the gas Engine exhaust carbon monoxide (CO), which you can’t see or smell.
Page 90 Running Your Engine While You’re Parked (Automatic Transmission) It’s better not to park with the engine running. But if you ever have to, here are some things to know. CAUTION: Idling the engine with the air system control off could anow dangerous exhaust into your vehicle (see the earlier Caution under...
Page 91 Windows Manual Windows Rotate the window crank handle to open and close each door window. Power Windows (Option) With power windows, switches on the door control each window when the ignition is on or when RAP is present. (See “Retained Accessory Power” in the Index.) 2-42 You can also open the passenger window any amount by...
Page 92 Tilt Steering Wheel A tilt steering wheel allows you to adjust the steering wheel before you drive. can also raise it to the highest level to give your legs more room when you exit and enter the vehicle. To tilt the wheel, hold the steering wheel and pull the lever.
Page 93 Turn Signal and Lane Change Indicator The turn signal has two upward (for right) and two downward (for left) positions. These positions allow to signal a turn or a lane change. To signal a turn, move the lever all the way up or down.
Page 94 Windshield Wipers You control the windshield wipers by turning the band with the wiper symbol on it. single wiping cycle, turn the band to MIST. Hold there until the wipers start, then let go. The wipers will stop after one cycle. If you want more cycles, .hold the band on MIST longer.
Page 95 Windshield Washer At the top the turn signal lever there’s a paddle with word PUSH on it. To spray washer fluid on the windshield, just push the paddle for less than a second. The washer will continue to spray until you release the paddle.
Page 96 When you apply your brakes, or push the clutch pedal, if you have a manual transmission, the cruise control shuts off. can’t drive safely at a steady speed. So, don’t use your cruise control on winding roads or in heavy traffic. Cruise control can be dangerous slippery roads.
Page 97 1. Move the cruise control switch to ON. 2. Get up to the speed you want. 3. Push in the SET button at the end release it. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal. 2-48 Resuming Set Speed Suppose you set your crui,se control at a desired speed and then apply of the lever and shuts off the cruise control.
Page 98 Increasing Speed While Using Cruise Control ways There are two to go to higher speed. Use the accelerator pedal to get to the higher speed. Push the button at the end of the lever, then release the button and the accelerator pedal. You’ll now cruise at the higher speed.
Page 99 Lamps The main lamp control is a knob that works these lamps: Headlamps Taillamps Parking Lamps License Lamps Sidemarker Lamps Instrument Panel Lights -' Q - , This setting turns on your headlamps and other operating lamps. This setting turns on your parking lamps without your headlamps.
Page 100 4. Replace the plastic cover on the retractor motor knob. To manually close the headlamp doors, turn the lampssoff and turn the knob clockwise. If the headlamp doors aren’t working properly, see your Pontiac dealer for help.
Page 101 Daytime Running Lamps (Option) Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier for others tu see the front of your vehicle during the day. can be helpful in many different driving conditions, but they can be especially helpful in.the short periods after dawn and before sunset. A light sensor on top of the instrument panel makes the isn’t work, so be sure it...
Page 102 Interior Lamps Instrument Panel Brightness Control This switch controls the brightness of your instrument panel lights. Turn the switch to brighten dim the lights. If you turn the switch all the way up your courtesy lamps will come on. Courtesy Lamps When any door is opened, several interior lamps go on.
Page 103 Front Map Lamps Your inside rearview mirror includes two map lamps. Each lamp has its own switch. Use the switch closest to the lamp to turn it on, The lamps will also go on when a door is opened. Retained Acce,ssory Power (RAP) Your vehicle is equipped with Retained Accessory...
Page 104 Mirrors Inside Daymight Rearview Mirror An inside rearview mirror is attached to your windshield. has pivots so that you can adjust it. mirror You can adjust the mirror for day or night driving. Pull the tab for night driving to reduce glare. Push the tab for daytime driving.
Page 105 Power Remote Control Mirror (Option) The power mirror control is the driver’s door. To adjust either mirror, move the center switch to left (L) or right (R). Then use touch pad to adjust the mirror. 2-56 Convex Outside Mirror Your passenger’s side mirror is convex. A convex mirror’s surface is curved so you can see more from the driver’s seat.
Page 106 Front Console To use the storage area, push the tab and pull up on the front end of the console. There is a cupholder in the console. The console will also have a storage area. Cassette and Compact Disc Storage You have a storage area for cassette tapes.
Page 107 Close-Out Panel The close-out panel can be closed the rear area of your vehicle. Removing the Clase-Out Panel 1. Close the panel. If the close-out panel is not closed and resting trim panel, to unsnap it. Then slide the 2. Pull the panel toward you close-out panel along the groove in the Reverse the steps to install the panel.
Page 108 Ashtray and Lighter Lift up the cover to open the ashtray. up on either side of the ashtray. If you have an automatic transmission, the ashtray is near the front of your console. you have a manual transmission, the ashtray is near your cupholder.
Page 109 Sun Visors To block out glare, you can swing down the visors. You can also swing them to the side. The elastic bands on your visor provide extra storage for maps or papers. Covered Visor Vanity Mirror visor and lift the cover to expose Pull down the sun vanity mirror.
Page 110 Floor Mats Your Firebird’s floor mats custom fitted to the floor wells. Be sure the driver’s floor mat is in place. If it isn’t, it could interfere with the accelerator or brake pedal. lhvin Lift-off Roof Panels (Option) If you have this option, you can remove one or both lift-off roof panels.
Page 111 Then push on release handle to unlatch the panel. Lift the outer edge of the panel and pllall~it toward you. 2-62 If the T-top panel is not stored properly, it could be thrown about the vehicle in a crash or sudden mmeuvec People in the vehicle could be injured.
Page 112 Open the close-out panel completely. Place the correct slot (DRIVER) or (PASSENGER) in the rear area of your vehicle. Make sure the handle is open and facing you when you put it in the storage panel in Push handle closed lock each panel in the storage area, use your door key.
Page 113 An improperly installed T-top panel may fly off the vehicle. You or others could be injured. After installing a T-top panel, always check that it is firmly attached by pushing up on the underside of the panel. Reverse the steps above to install the T-top panels. When installing panels, be sure to align weatherstrips properly.
Page 114 Open the latch and close the T-top. Cheek to see if there are any gaps showing. Unlatch the T-top and adjust the sunshade as required. 4. Once the sunshade is installed properly, you can stick the Velcro@ buttons on every time you install the sunshades. To do this, first remove the T-top with the sunshade installed and place it upside down on a table or bench.
Page 115 You can store the sunshades two different ways: When the T-tops are in use, store the sunshades in their storage area in the rear of the vehicle, and make sure the close-out panel is in its closed, upright position. When you have the T-tops off and in their storage slots, store the sunshades on the T-tops,...
Page 116 NOTICE: Don’t lower the top if it is damp or wet. When the top is down, trapped water can cause stains, mildew and damage to the inside of your vehicle.. Be sure to dry off the top before you lower it. NOTICE: is not recommended to lower the top if your out in cold weather, 0°F (-18°C) or lower.
Page 117 2. Unlock the front of the convertible top by pushing on the smaller part of the latch, then pulling down on the larger part of the latch. Be sure the hook the latch that attaches into the hole at. the windshield releases.
Page 118 3. Install the middle section of the cover by sliding the tabs into the slots on right side cover. Lower the cover and engage latch. 4. Close the trunk. Raising Your Convertible Top on a parking 1. Park level surface. Set the If you have an automatic transmission, shift into PARK (I?).
Page 119 3. Remove the two side pieces of the boot cover by lifting the rear cover and sliding them out of their slots. 4. Store each piece of the cover in its separate compartment in the storage bag. Store in the trunk and close the trunk.
Page 120 5. Push and hold the top of the convertible top switch. 6 . Pull down on center opening and align hooks with holes. Push forward on the larger part of the latch until it clicks. Do not force the latch. lock, the top is not properly aligned.
Page 121 Instrument Panel 2-72...
Page 122 1. Fog Lamp Switch (if equipped) Main Lamp Control 3. Side Upper Air Vent 4. Instrument Cluster Horn 6. Center Upper Air Vent 7. Audio System 8. Glove Box 9. Comfort Controls 10. Cigarette Lighter 1 1. Parking Brake Lever 12.
Page 123 Instrument Panel Cluster CWKCK W O E S Your instrument cluster designed to let you know glance vehicle running. You’ll how your know fast you’re going, about how much fuel you have left and many other things you’ll need to know to drive safely and economically.
Page 124 The numbers may not be true. You may wonder what happens if your Pontiac needs a new odometer installed. If possible, the new one has to be set to the same rkading the old one had. If it can't...
Page 125 there Warning lights come when problem with one of your vehicle’s functions. As will see in the details the next f a y pages, some warning lights come on briefly when you start the engine just to let you know they’re working. familiar with this section, you should not be alarmed when happens.
Page 126 Air Bag Readiness Light is an air There bag readiness light panel, which shows AIR BAG. The system checks the air bag’s electrical system for malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical problem. The system check includes the air bag sensors, the air bag modules, the wiring and the crash sensing and diagnostic module.
Page 127 Brake System Warming Light Your Pontiac’s hydraulic brake system is divided into If one part isn’t working, the other part can two parts. still work and stop you. For good braking, though, you need both parts working well. If the warning light comes on, there could be a brake problem.
Page 128 Then start the engine again to reset the system. If the light still stays on, or comes on again while you’re driving, your Pontiac needs service. If the light is on but not flashing and the regular brake system warning light isn’t on, you still have brakes, but you...
Page 129 Traction Control System Warning Light (Option) This warning light should come on briefly as you start the engine. If the warning light doesn’t come on then, T’CS have it fixed so it will be ready to problem. -,.L-,- If it stays on, or comes‘0n’’when you’re driving, there may be a problem with your traction control system your vehicle may need service.
Page 130 Low Traction Light When your anti-lock system is adjusting brake pressure help avoid a braking skid, this light will come on. TRAC If you have the traction control system, this light will also come on when the system is limiting wheel spin. Slippery road conditions may exist if the low traction light comes on, so...
Page 131 NOTICE: Driving with the LOW COOLANT light on could cause your Pontiac to overheat. See “Engine COOLANT Overheating’’ i n the^ Index. Your Pontiac could be damaged m d it wouldn’t be covered warranty. Turn the ignition switch to the...
Page 132 Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Service Engine Soon Light) Your Pontiac is equipped with a computer which monitors operation of the fuel, ignition and emission SERVICE control systems. ENGINE SOON This system is called OBD I1 (On-Board Diagnostics-Second Generation) and is intended to...
Page 133 If the Light Is Flashing more serious The following may prevent your s&ide: Reduce vehicle speed. Avoid hard accelerations. Avoid steep uphill grades. If towing a trailer, reduce the amount of cargo being hauled as soon as it is possible. If the light stops flashing and remains on...
Page 134 Have you recently changed brands of fuel? If so, be sure to fuel your vehicle with quality fuel (see “Fuel” in the Index). Poor fuel quality will cause your engine not to run as efficiently as designed. You may notice this as stalling after start-up, stalling when you put the vehicle into gear, misfiring, hesitation on acceleration or stumbling on acceleration.
Page 135 Don’t keep driving if the pressure is low. If you do, your engine can become so hot that it catches fire. You or others could be burned. oil as Check your soon as possible and have your vehicle serviced. NOTICE: Damage to your engine from neglected oil problems can be costly and is not covered by your warranty.
Page 136 NOTICE: The oil level monitoring system only checks the oil level when you are starting your engine. It does not monitoring the level once your keep engine is running. Also, the oil level check only works when the engine has been turned enough for the oil to drain back into the oil pan.
Page 138 Section 3 Comfort Controls and Audio Systems In this section you’ll find out how to operate the comfort control and audio systems offered with your Pontiac. Be sure to read about the particular systems supplied with your vehcle. Comfort Controls...
Page 139 Air Control Knob OFF: The system is off. VENE Air flows through the upper air vents. BI-LEVEL: Air is directed through the upper air vents and the heater ducts. HEATER: This setting directs most of the air through the heater ducts and some of the air through the windshield defroster vents.
Page 140 The air conditioner compressor operates in MAX, BI-LEVEL, BLEND and DEFROST when the outside temperature is above freezing. When the air conditioner is on, you may sometimes notice slight changes in your vehicle’s engine speed and power. This is normal because the system .is designed to cycle the compressor on and off to keep the desired cooling help fuel economy.
Page 141 Rear Window Defogger (Option) The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to remove fog from the rear window. Press the switch to turn on the defogger. An indicator light will come on to remind you that the defogger is on. The defogger will automatically after about turn off...
Page 142 Turn the fan control knob to the desired speed. Your Pontiac's flow-through ventilation system supplies outside air into the vehicle when it is moving. Outside air will also enter the vehicle when the blower fan is running.
Page 143 Audio Systems Your Delco@ audio system has been designed to operate easily and give years of listening pleasure. You will get the most enjoyment out of it if you acquaint yourself with it first. Find out what your Delco system can do and how to operate all controls, to be sure you’re getting the most out of the advanced engineering that...
Page 144 Finding a Station AM-FM: Press this button to get A M , The display shows your selection. If a cassette tape is playing, press this button to play the radio. TUNE: Press this knob lightly so it extends. Turn it, to choose radio stations.
Page 145 Playing a Tape Cassette Your tape player i,s built to work best with tapes that are 30 to 45 minutes long on each side. Tapes lohger than that are so thin they may not work'well in this player. While the tape is playing, use the VOL, FADE, BAL, TREBLE and BASS controls just as you radio.
Page 146 PROG (3): Press this button to play the other side of the tape. (4): Press this button to reduce background noise. Note that the double-D symbol will appear on the display. Dolby@ Noise Reduction is manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. Dolby and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation.
Page 147 AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player and Equalizer Playing the Radio VOL: Push this knob to turn the system on or off. Turn clockwise to increase volume and counterclockwise to 'decrease volume. RECALL: Press this button briefly to recall the station being played or to display the clock.
Page 148 Adjusting the Speakers BAL: Press this knob lightly so it extends. Turn it to move the sound to the left or right speakers. Use the middle position to balance these speakers. Push the knob back in when you’re not using it. FADE: Press this knob lightly so it extends.
Page 149 direction arrow blinks during NEXT or SEEK operation. Press PREV or the SEEK up arrow to stop searching. The sound is muted during NEXT or SEEK operation. PROG (3): Press this button to play the other side of the tape. (4): Press this button reduce background noise.
Page 151 TREBLE: Slide the lever to the right or left to increase or decrease treble. If a station is weak or noisy, slide the lever down to reduce the noise. Adjusting the Speakers BAL: Press this knob lightly so it extends. Turn it to move the sound to the left or right speakers.
Page 152 NEXT (2): Press this button or the SEEK up arrow to go to the start of the next track if more than eight seconds have played. If you hold the button or press it more than once, the player will continue moving forward through the disc.
Page 153 Finding a Station AM-FM: Press this button to get AM, FM1 or FM2. The display shows your selection. TUNE: Press this knob lightly so it extends. Turn it to choose radio stations. Push the knob back in when you're not using it. SEEK: Press the up or d,own arrow to go to the next higher or lower station.
Page 154 If you’re driving on a very rough road or if it’s very hot, the disc may not play and E (error) and a number may appear on the radio display. If the disc comes out, it could be that: The disc is upside down. It is dirty, scratched or wet.
Page 155 Theft-Deterrent Feature THEFTLOCK" is designed to discourage theft rabio. It works by using a secret code.to disable all radio functions whenever battery power is removed. The THEFTLOCK feature for the radio may be used or ignored. If ignored, the system plays normally an'd the radio is not protected by the feature.
Page 156 Unlocking the Theft-Deterrent Feature After a Power Loss Enter your secret code as follows; pause no more than 15 seconds between steps: 1. LOC appears when the ignition is on. 2. Press MIN and will appear on the display. 3. Press MIN again to make the last two digits agree with your code.
Page 157 Steering Wheel Controls (Option) If your vehicle feature, you can control certain this radio functions using the buttons on your steering wheel. VOLUME: Press the up arrow to increase the volume and the down arrow decrease volume. PLAY: Press this button to play a cassette tape or compact disc when the radio is playing.
Page 158 Tips About Your Audio System Hearing damage from loud noise is almost undetectable until it is too late. Your hearing can adapt to higher volumes of sound. Sound that seems normal can be loud and harmful to your hearing. Take precautions by adjusting the volume control on your radio to a safe sound level before your hearing adapts to it.
Page 159 Insert the cassette at least three times to ensure thorough cleaning. A scrubbing action cleaning cassette is Pontiac available through your dealer.
Page 160 Power Antenna Mast Care Your power antenna will look its best and work well if it’s cleaned from time to time. To clean the antenna mast: Turn, on the ignition and radio to raise the anrenna. Dampen a clean cloth with mineral spirits or equivalent solvent.
Page 161 NOTES 3-24...
Page 162 The best advice anyone can give about driving is: Drive defensively. Please start with a very important safety device in Y Pontiac: Buckle up. (See “Safety Belts” in the Index.) Defensive driving really means “be ready for anything.” On city streets, rural roads or freeways, it means “always...
Page 163 Drunken Driving Death and injury associated with drinking and driving is tragedy. It's the number one contributor to a natiQna1 the highway death toll, claiming thousands of victims every year. Alcohol affects four things that anyone needs to drive a vehicle: Judgment Muscular Coordination Vision...
Page 164 It’s the amount of alcohol that counts. For example, if the same person drank three double martinis (3 ounces or 90 ml of liquor each) within an hour, the person’s BAC would be close to 0.12 percent. A person who consumes food just before or du.ring drinking will have a somewhat lower BAC level.
Page 165 'The body takes about hour to rid itself of the alcohol ,in one drink. No amount of coffee or number of cold 'showers wlll speed that up. "I'll b'e careful'' isn't the ?right answer. What if there's an emergency, a need to ~ ~ r ~ .
Page 166 Control of a Vehicle You have three systems that make your vehicle go where Braking action you want it to go. They are the brakes, the steering and reaction the accelerator. All three systems have to do their work at the places where the tires meet the road. Sometimes, as when you’re driving on snow or ice, it’s easy to ask more those control systems than the tires...
Page 167 Avoid needless heavy bralung. Some people drive in spurts --.heavy acceleration followed by heavy braking rather than keeping pace Your brakes may not have time to cool b’etween mistake. hard stops. Your brakes will wear out much faster if you do a lot of heavy braking.
Page 168 Here’s how anti-lock works. Let’s say You’re driving safely. Suddenly an animal jumps out in of you. front The anti-lock system can change the brake pressure faster than any driver could. The computer is programmed to make the most of available tire and road conditions. road is wet.
Page 169 Remember: Anti-lock doesn’t change the time you need to get your foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease stopping distance. you get too close front of you, you won’t have time to apply your brakes if that vehicle sudd’enly slows or stops. Alwayssleave enough room up ahead to stop, even though you have anti-lock brakes.
Page 170 abrupt upshift or downshft. Also, when the compact spare tire is on the rear axle, the traction control system will cycle and limit acceleration for about of driving after each engine start. If your vehicle is in cruise control when the traction control system begins to limit wheel spin, the cruise control will automatically disengage.
Page 171 If the traction control system is limiting wheel spin when press the button, the light on the button will .go off and the warning light will come on ,system won't turn off right away. It will wait until g a t h e r e ' s longer a current need to limit wheel spin.
Page 172 But sometimes you can’t; there isn’t room. That’s the time for evasive action the problem. Your Pontiac can perform very well in emergencies like these. First apply your brakes. (See “Braking in go slower. Emergencies” earlier in this section.) It is better to remove as much speed as you can from a possible collision.
Page 173 An emergency like this requires close attention and a quick decision. If you are holding the recommended 9 and 3 o’clock positions, you can turn it a full 180 degrees very quickly without removing either hand. But you have to act fast, steer quickly, and just as quickly straighten the wheel once you’have ’...
Page 174 Passing The driver of a vehicle about to pass another on a two-lane highway waits for just the right moment, accelerates, moves around the vehicle ahead, then goes back into the right lane again. A simple maneuver? Not necessarily! Passing another vehicle on highway is a potentially dangerous move, since the passing vehicle occupies the same lane traffic for several seconds.
Page 175 But skids are always possible. The three types of skids correspond to your Pontiac’s three control systems. In the braking skid, your wheels aren’t rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, too much speed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip and lose cornering force.
Page 176 Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice, gravel or other material is on the road. For safety, you’ll want to slow down and adjust your conditions. It is important to slow down on slippery surfaces because stopping distance will vehicle control more limited.
Page 177 Here are some tips on night driving. Drive defensively. Don’t drink and drive. Adjust your inside rearview mirror to reduce the glare from headlamps behind you. as well, you Since you can’t see slow down and keep more space between you and other vehicles.
Page 178 Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads Rain and wet roads can mean driving trouble. On a’wet road, you can’t stop, accelerate or turn as well because your tire-to-road traction isn’t as good as on dry roads. And, if your tires don’t have much tread left, you’ll get even less traction.
Page 179 Driving fast through large water puddles or even going through some washes can cause problems, too. The water may affect your brakes., Try to avoid puddles. if you can’t, try to slow down before you hit them. Wet brakes can cause accidents. They won’t work well in a quick stop and may cause pulling to one side.
Page 180 Hydroplaning Hydroplaning is dangerous. So much water can build up under your tires that they can actually ride on the water. This can happen if the road is wet enough and you’re going fast enough. When your vehicle is hydroplaning, or no contact with the road.
Page 181 City Driving Here are ways to increase your safety city driving: One of biggest problems with city streets i s the amcaunt of traffic on them. You’ll want to watch out for what the other drivers are and pay attention to doing traffic signals.
Page 182 Freeway Driving Mile for mile, freeways (also called thruways, parkways, expressways, turnpikes or superhighways) are the safest of all roads. But they have their own special rules. The most important advice on freeway driving is: Keep with traffic and keep to the right. Drive at the same speed most of the other drivers are driving.
Page 183 If it needs service, have it done before starting out. Of course, you'll find experienced and able service experts in Pontiac dealerships all across North America. They'll be ready and willing to help if you need it. 4-22...
Page 184 Highway Hypnosis Is there actually such a condition as “highway hypnosis”? Or is it just plain falling asleep at the wheel? Call it highway hypnosis, lack of awareness, or whatever. There is something about an easy stretch of road with the same scenery, along with the hum of the tires on.
Page 185 If you drive regularly in steep country, or if you’re planning to visit there, here are some tips that can make your trips safer and more enjoyable. Keep your vehicle in good shape. Check all fluid levels and also the brakes, tires, cooling system and transmission.
Page 186 Be alert to these and take appropriate action. Winter Driving Here are some tips for winter driving: Have your Pontiac in good shape for winter. may want to put winter emergency supplies your vehicle. Include an ice scraper, a small brush or broom, a supply...
Page 187 Driving on Snow or, Ice Most of the time,. those places where your tires meet the road probably have good traction. Hdwever, if there is snow or ice between your tires and the road, you can have very slippery situation. You’ll have a lot less traction or “grip?’...
Page 188 four improve anti-lock brakes your vehicle’s stability when you make a hard stop on a slippery road. Even though you have the anti-lock braking system, you’ll want to begin stopping sooner than you would on dry pavement. See “Anti-Lock” in the Index. Allow greater following distance on Watch for slippery spots.
Page 189 Turn on your hazard flashers. Tie a red cloth to your vehicle you've been stopped by the snow. on extra clothing or wrap a blanket around If you have no blankets or extra clothing, make body ,Insulators from newspapers, burlap bags, rags, floor - ' - ' 1.
Page 190 as you Run your engine only long fuel. When you run the engine, make it go a little faster than just idle. That is, push the accelerator slightly. This uses less fuel for the heat that you get and it keeps the battery charged.
Page 191 MFD BY GENERAL MOTORS CORP DATE GYWR GAWR FRT THIS VE~HICCE CONFORMS TO ALL APPLI- CABLE U.S. FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY, BUMPER, AND THEFT PREVENTION STANDARDS IN EFFECT ON THE DATE MANUFACTURE SHOWN ABOVE. The other label is the Certification label, found on the rear edge of the driver's door.
Page 192 You and your passengers could be seriously Pull a trailer only if you have followed all the steps in this section. Ask your Pontiac dealer for advice and information about towing a trailer with your vehicle.
Page 193 Your car can tow a trailer if it is equipped with proper trailer towing equipment. To identify what the vehicle trailering capacity is for your vehicle, you should read the infrwmakion in “Weight of T r ~ l e r ” that appears later in this section.
Page 194 You can ask your dealer for our trailering information or advice, or you can write us at: Pontiac Division Customer Assistance Center One Pontiac Plaza Pontiac, MI 48340-2952 In Canada, write to: General Motors of Canada Limited Customer Assistance Center...
Page 195 Weight of the Trailer T0ngu.e The tongue load (A) of any trailer is an important weight to measure because it affects,the total capacity weight your vehicle. The capacity weight includes the curb weight of the vehicle, any cargo’ you may carry in it, and the people who will be riding in the if you will tow a trailer, you must subtract the tongue load from your vehicle’s capacity weight because your...
Page 196 Hitches It’s important to have the correct hitch equipment. Crosswinds, large trucks going by and rough roads are a €ew reasons why you’ll need the right hitch. Here are some rules to follow: Will you have to make any holes in the body of your vehicle when you install a trailer hitch? If you do, then be sure to seal the holes later when you remove the’hitch.
Page 197 Driving with Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience. open Before setting out for the road, you’ll want to get to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel handling and braking with the added weight of the trailer.
Page 198 Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer When you tow a trailer, your vehicle may need a different ‘turn signal flasher and/or extra wiring. Check with your Pontiac dealer. The arrows your instrument panel will flash whenever you signal a turn or lane change. Properly hooked up, the trailer lamps will also flash, telling other drivers you’re about to turn, change lanes or stop.
Page 199 When You Are Ready to Leave After Parking on a €Till 1. Apply your regular brakes and hold while you: Start your engine; S h i f t into a gear; and Release the parking brake. Let .up on the brake pedal. 3.
Page 200 Section 5 Problems on the Road Here you’ll find what to do about some problems that can occur on the road. Hazard Warning Flashers Your hazard warning flashers let you warn others. They also let police know you have a problem. Your‘front and rear turn signal lamps will flash on and off.
Page 201 Jump Starting your battery has run down, you may want to use another vehicle and some jumper cables your Pontiac. But please use the following steps to do it safely. Batteries can hurt you. They can be dangerous because: They contain acid that can burn you.
Page 202 Ignoring these steps could result in costly damage to your vehicle that wouldn’t be covered by your warranty. Trying to start your Pontiac by pushing or pulling it could damage your vehicle, even if you have a manual transmission. And if you have an automatic transmission, it won’t start that way.
Page 203 5 . Find the positive a d negative each battery. Using a match near battery can cause battery gas to explode. People have been hurt doing some have been blinded. Use a flashlight if you need more light. Be sure the battery has enough water. You don't need to add water to the Delco Freedom@ battery installed in every new GM vehicle.
Page 204 Use a remote positive terminal if the vehicle has one. Don’t use the junction block on your Pontiac. positive 8. Don’t let the other end touch metal. Connect the positive (+) terminal of the good battery.
Page 205 Attach the cable at least 18 inches (45 cm) away from the dead battery, but not near engine parts that move. The connection is just electrical there, but the chance of sparks getting back to the battery is much less. Now start the vehicle with the good battery and run the engine for a while.
Page 206 Towing Your Vehicle Try to have a Pontiac dealer or a professional towing service tow your Firebird. your vehicle has been changed or modified since it was factory-new by adding aftermarket items like fog lamps, aero skirting, or special tires and wheels, these instructions may not be correct.
Page 207 CAUTION: can fall A vehicle from a car carrier if it isn’t adequately secured. This can cause a collision, serious personal injury and vehicle damage. The vehicle should be tightly secured with chains or steel cables before it is transported. Don’t use substitutes (ropes, leather straps, canvas webbing, etc.) that can be cut by sharp edgeswderneath the towed vehicle.
Page 208 Front Towing Tow Limits -- 35 mph k h ) , 50 miles (80 km) NOTICE: Do not tow with sling-type equipment or fascidfog light damage will occur. Use wheel lift or car carrier equipment. Additional ramping may be required for car carrier equipment.
Page 209 NOTICE: Do not attach winch cables J-hooks to suspension components when using car carrier equipment. Always use T-hooks inserted in the T-hook slots. 5-10 Attach a separate safety chain around outboard end of each lower control a r m . NOTICE: Take care not to damage the brake pipes and hoses...
Page 210 Rear Towing NOTICE: Do not tow with sling-type equipment or rear bumper valance will be damaged. Use wheel lift or car carrier equipment. Additional ramping may be required for car carrier equipment. Use safety chains and wheel straps. Towing a vehicle over rough surfaces could damage a vehicle.
Page 211 Attach T-hook chains in front of rear wheels in bottom of frame rail on both sides. 5-12 Attach a separate safety chain around each outboard end of the rear axle. NOTICE: Take not -to damage the brake pipes and cables. care...
Page 212 Engine Overheating You will find a coolant temperature gage on your Pontiac's instrument panel. You may also find a LOW COOLANT warning light on your Pontiac instrument panel. If Steam Is Comidg Frod Your Engine CAUTION: Steam from an overheated engine can burn you badly, even if you just open the hood.
Page 213 If No Ste~ Jminp From Your Engine If you get the overheat warning but see or hear no steam, the problem may not be too serious. Sometimes the engine can get a little too hot when you: on a Climb a long hill hot day.
Page 214 When you decide it’s safe to lift the hood, here’s what you’ 1 1 see: V8 Engine 1. Coolant Recovery Tank 2. Radiator Pressure Cap 3. Electric Engine Fan When you decide it’s safe to lift the hood, here’s what you’ll see: Engine 1.
Page 215 An electric fan under the hood can start up even when the engine is not running you. Keep hands, clothing and tools away from any underhood electric fan, the coolant inside the coolant recovery tank is boiling, don’t do anything else until it cools down. 5-16 can injure When it is cool, remove the coolant recovery tank cap...
Page 216 Heater and radiator hoses, and other engine parts, can be very hot. Don’t touch them. If you do, you can be burned. Don’t run the engine if there is a leak. If you run the engine, it could lose all coolant. That could cause engine fire, and you could be burned.
Page 217 NOTICE: .In cold weather, water can freeze and crack the engine, radiator, heater core and other parts. Use the recommended coolant and the proper coolant mix. 5-18 You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol and it will burn if the engine parts are hot enough.
Page 218 Steam and scalding liquids from a hot cooling system can blow out and burn you badly. They are under pressure, and if you turn the radiator pressure cap even a little they can come out at high speed. Never turn the cap when the cooling system, including -the radiator pressure cap, is hot.
Page 219 HOW to Add Coolant to the Radiator (V6 Engine Only) 1. You remove the rachator pressure cap when the cooling system, including ,&e radiator pressure cap Bnd upper radiator hose, is no longer hot. Turn the pressure cap slowly counterclockwise until it first stops. (Don't press down while turning the pressure cap.) If you hear a hiss, wait for that...
Page 220 Then fill the coolant recovery tank to FULL COLD. 3. Fill the radiator with the proper base mix, of the filler neck. Put the cap back on the coolant recovery tank, but leave the radiator pressure cap off.
Page 221 6. Start the engine and let it run until you can feel the upper radiator hose getting hot. Watch out for the engine fan. 7. By this time the coolant level inside the radiator filler neck may be lower. If the level more of the proper through the filler neck until the level reaches the base of the filler neck.
Page 222 How to Add Coolant to the Radiator (V8 Engine Only) NOTICE: The LTl Engine (Code has a specific radiator fill procedure. Failure to follow this procedure could cause your engine to overheat and be severely < 1. You can remove the radiator pressure cap when the cooling system, including the radiator pressure cap and upper radiator hose, is no longer hot.
Page 223 Then keep turning the pressure cap, but now gush down you turn it, Remove CAUTION: You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol, and it will burn if the engine parts are hot enough Don't spill coolant on a hot engine.
Page 224 4. Fill with the proper mix. Add coolant until you see a steady stream of coolant coming from the bleed valves. 5. Close the bleed valves. Continue to fill the radiator up to the base of the filler neck. Rinse or wipe the spilled coolant from the engine and compartment.
Page 225 10. Then fill the coolant recovery tank to the proper level. For a complete flush and refill, see your Pontiac drain, dealer or a Pontiac Firebird Service Manual. To purchase a service manual, see “Service and Owner Publications” in the Index.
Page 226 If a Tire Goes Flat It’s unusual for tire to “blow out” while you’re driving, especially if you maintain your tires properly. If air goes out of a tire, it’s much more likely to leak out slowly. But if you should ever have a “blowout,” here are a few tips about what to expect and what to do: If a front tire fails, the flat tire will create a drag that pulls the vehicle toward that side.
Page 227 The following steps will tell you how to use the jack and change a tire. 5-28 Removing the Spare Tire and Tools The equipment you’ll need is in the right (passenger) rear area behind the trim panel. First you must remove the close-out panel. See “Close-Out Panel”...
Page 228 Find the plastic screw heads in the trim panel over spare tire. (See “Compact Spare’ Tire” later in this section for more information about the compact spare.) coin or a key to turn the screw heads until the slots point front and back. Gently lift the trim panel and move it out of way.
Page 229 Remove the wing nut and adapter and pull out the spare. The tools you’ll be using include the jack (A) and wheel wrench (B). 5-30...
Page 230 The jack has a bolt at the end. Attach the wheel wrench to the jack bolt. Turn the wheel wrench to the right to raise the lift head a little. If your wheel has a bolt-on center cap, loosen the plastic caps using the wheel wrench.
Page 231 Each wheel has one locknut in place of the standard wheel nut. A special wheel lock key (removal tool) and instructions are located in the center console. Attach the wheel lock key to the socket of the wheel wrench. Remove the locking wheel nut by turning counterclockwise.
Page 232 Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire 1. Using the wheel wrench, loosen all the wheel nuts. Don’t remove them yet. 2. Position the jack under the vehicle. There is a notch in the vehicle’s rocker flange on the coupe model. Raise the jack head until it fits firmly into the notch nearest the flat tire.
Page 233 moldings or fender Stay away from damaging them. 3. Put compact spare tire near you. Getting under a vehicle when it is jacked up is dangerous. If the vehicle slips off the jack, you could be badly injured or killed. Never get under a vehicle when it is supported NOTICE: Raising your vehicle with the jack improperly...
Page 234 4. Raise the vehicle by rotating the wheel wrench clockwise. Raise the vehicle far enough off the ground there is enough room for the spare tire to Remove all the wheel nuts and take off the flat tire. CAUTION:’ Rust or dirt on the wheel, or on the parts to which it is fastened, can make the wheel nuts become loose after a time.
Page 235 CAUTION: Never use oil or grease on studs or nuts. If you do, the nuts might come loose. Your wh'eel could fall off, causing a accident. serious 5-36 6. Replace the wheel nuts with the rounded end of the nuts toward the wheel.
Page 236 7. Lower the vehicle by rotating the wheel wrench counterclockwise. Lower the jack completely. Tighten the wheel nuts firmly in a criss-cross sequence as shown. Incorrect wheel nuts or improperly tightened wheel nuts can cause the wheel to become loose and even come off.
Page 237 NOTICE: ImproperIy tightened wheel nuts can.lead to brake pulsation and rotor damage. To avoid expensive brake repairs, evenly tighten the wheel nuts the proper sequence and to the proper torque specification. Don't try to put a c'enter cap on your compact spare tire. It won't fit.
Page 238 Replace the jack, wheel wrench and flat tire using the storage instructions. When you replace the trim panel, be sure to tuck it under the weatherstrip. Trim Panel Bolt Cover Jack Wing Nut Adapter Compact Spare Tire Full-Size Tire Flap Carpet Tire Storage Bolt Convertible Top Protection...
Page 239 Compact Spare Tire Although the compact spare tire was fully inflated when your vehicle was new, it can lose air after a time. Check the inflation pressure regularly. It should be 60 psi (420 Wa). After installing the compact spare on your vehicle, you should stop as soon as possible and make sure your spare tire is correctly inflated.
Page 240 NOTICE: If the compact spare is used as a rear tire, do not drive faster than 50 mph (80 km/h). Damage to axle may occur the compact spare is the rear driven faster than mph (80 km/h). This speed limitation does not apply when the compact spare is used as a front tire.
Page 241 If You’re Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow What you d0n’t want to do when your vehicle is stuck is to spin your wheels too fast. The method known as “rocking” can help you get out when you’re stuck, but you must caution.
Page 242 Doing Your Own Service Work If you want to do some of your own service work, you’ll want to get the proper Pontiac Service Manual. It tells you much more about how to service your Pontiac than this manual can. To order the proper service manual, see “Service and Owner Publications”...
Page 243 You can be injured and your vehicle could be damaged if you try to do service work on a vehicle without knowing enough about it. Be sure you have sufficient knowledge, experience, and the proper replacement parts and tools before you attempt vehicle maintenance task.
Page 244 If this occurs, return to your authorized Pontiac dealer for diagnosis to determine the cause of failure. In the event it is determined that the cause of the condition is the type of fuels used, repairs may not be covered by your warranty.
Page 245 Fuels i n Foreign Countries If you plan driving in another country outside the United States Canada, the proper fuel find. ‘Never use leaded gasoline or any other fuel not recommended in the previous text on fuel. Costly repairs caused by use of improper fuel wouldn’t be covered by your warranty.
Page 246 Gasoline vapor is highly flammable. It burns violently, and that can cause very bad injuries. Don’t smoke if you’re near gasoline or refueling your vehicle. Keep sparks, flames, and smoking materials away from gasoline. To take off the cap, turn it slowly to the left (counterclockwise).
Page 247 Be careful not to spill gasoline. Clean gasoline painted surfaces as soon as possible! See “Cleaning the Outside of Your Pontiac” in the Index. When you plat the cap back on, turn it to the right until you hear at least three clicks. Make sure the cap.
Page 248 Hood Release To open the hood, first pull the handle inside the vehicle. . ._ Then go to the front of the vehicle hood release. Lift the hood. and pull up on...
Page 249 you open the hood of the 3800 L36 (Code K) engine you’ll see: When A. Engine Coolant Reservoir B. Battery C . Oil Fill Cap D. Automatic Transmission Dipstick (if equipped) E. Engine Fan E Windshield Washer Reservoir G. Power Steering Reservoir H.
Page 250 When open the hood of the 5.7L LT1 (Code P) -giro you’ll see: A. Engine Coolant Reservoir B. Power Steering Reservoir C. Engine Oil Dipstick D. Battery E. Engine Oil Fill Cap E Fan G. Windshield Washer Reservoir H. Automatic Transmission Dipstick (if equipped) I.
Page 251 sure Before closing the hood, be Then just pull the hood down and close it firmly. Engine Oil If the LOW OIL light on the instrument panel comes on, it means you need to check your engine oil level right away. The engine oil dipstick is the yellow loop near the back of the engine.
Page 252 3800 L36 (Code Oil Dipstick Turn off the engine and give the oil a few minutes to drain back into the oil pan. If you don't, the oil dipstick might not show the actual level. Checking Engine Oil Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or cloth, then push it back in all the way.
Page 253 When to Add Oil h e , then If the oil is or below the ARD some oil. But you must use the explains what kind of oil to use. For crankcase capacity, see “Capacities and Specifications” in the Index. NOTICE: Don’t add too much oil.
Page 254 RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY GRADE ENGINE OILS FOR BEST FUEL ECONOMY AND COLD STARTING, SELECT SAE VISCOSITY GRADE OIL FOR THE EXPECTED TEMPERATURE RANGE. FOR MIS WEATHER SYMBOL "F - +3a + 6 0 - + 2 0 - - 7 - - 1 8 WEATHER NOT USE...
Page 255 Most trips are less than 5 to 10 miles (8 to 16 km). This is particularly important when outside temperatures are below freezing. your warranty. oil. Your Pontiac dealer is your you think something should be added:...
Page 256 Most trips include extensive idling (such as frequent driving in stop-and-go traffic). Most trips are through dusty areas. You frequently tow a trailer or use a carrier on top of your car. The vehicle is used for delivery service, police, taxi or other commercial application.
Page 257 Air Cleaner 3800 L36 (Code K) Engine 6-16 5.7L LT1 (Code P) Engine Refer to the Maintenance Schedule replace the air filter. ‘ 1 8.1. See “Scheduled Maintenance Senkes” in the Index. determine when to ’ (<, ’...
Page 258 Operating the engine with the cause you or others to be burned. The air cleaner not only cleans the air, it stops flame if the engine backfires. I f it isn't there, and the engine backfires, you could be burned. Don't drive with it off, and be careful working on the engine with the air cleaner off.
Page 259 2. Disconnect the plastic clamp on the duct. Pull apart 3. Pull the air cleaner straight up. Unclamp the the connection. metal clips.
Page 260 air cleaner and remove the filter. Open the If you have the 5.7L LT1 engine (with the WS6 option), your air cleaner will be located near the front of the engine compartment. To remove the filter, remove the screws (located on the rear edge of the air cleaner), lift the air cleaner and remove the filter.
Page 261 See “Scheduled Maintenance Services” in the Index. How to Check Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may choose to have this done at your Pontiac dealership Service Department. you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions here, or you could get a false reading on the dipstick.
Page 262 Checking Transmission Fluid Hot Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about 15 miles k m ) when outside temperatures are above 50°F (10°C). If it's colder than 50°F (lO"C), drive the vehicle in DRIVE (D) until the engine temperature gage and then remains steady for 10 minutes.
Page 263 5.7L LT1 Engine Transmission Dipstick- 1. The transaxle fluid handle is the red loop near the back of the engine. Pull out the dipstick and wipe with a clean rag or paper towel. Push back in all the way, wait three seconds and then pull it back out again.
Page 264 3800 L36 Engine Transmission Dipstick 3. Check both sides of the dipstick, and read the lower level. The fluid level must be in the COLD area for a cold check or in the HOT area or cross-hatched area for a hot check. 4.
Page 265 However, the fluid in your manual transmission doesn’t require changing. How to Check Because this operation can be difficult, you may choose to have this done at your Pontiac dealership Service Department. yourself, be sure to follow all the do it instructions here, or you could get a false reading.
Page 266 Hydraulic Clutch The hydraulic clutch linkage in your vehicle is self-adjusting. The clutch master cylinder reservoir is filled with‘hydraulic clutch fluid. It isn’t a good idea to “top off’ your clutch fluid. Adding fluid won’t correct a leak. A fluid loss in this system could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected and repaired.
Page 267 “Engine Overheating” in the Index. A 50/50 mixture of water your Pontiac will: Give freezing protection down Give boiling protection up to 265 O F Protect against rust and corrosion.
Page 268 NOTICE: When adding coolant it important that you use DEX-COOL (orange-colored, silicate-free) coolant meeting GM Specification 6277111. If silicated coolant is added to the system, premature engine, heater core or radiator corrosion may result. In addition, the engine coolant will require change sooner 30,000 miles 000 km) or...
Page 269 NOTICE: If you use an improper coolant could overheat and be badly damaged. The repair cos’t wouldn’t be covered by warranty. Too much water in the mix can freeze and crack the engine, radiator, heater core and other parts. If you have to add coolant more than four times a year, have your dealer check your cooling system.
Page 270 If this light comes on, it means you’re low on engine coolant. COOLANT 5.7L LT1 Engine Adding Coolant to the Recovery Tank proper mix If you need more coolant, add the emban& recovery tank, but only when your engine cool. If the tank is very low or empty, also add coolant to the radiator.
Page 271 Radiator Precsure Cap (All Engines) NOTICE: Your radiator cap is an 18 psi (124 kPa) pressure-type cap and must be tightly installed to prevent coolant loss and possible engine damage from overheating. Be sure the arrows on the cap line up with the overflow tube on the radiator filler neck.
Page 272 5.7L LT1 Engine How To Check Power Steering Fluid When the engine compartment is cool, unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag. Replace the cap Then and completely tighten it. remove the cap again on the dipstick. and look at the fluid level The level should be at the FULL COLD mark.
Page 273 Windshield Washer Fluid What to Use When you need windshield washer fluid, be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions before use. If you will be operating your vehicle in an area where the temperature may fall below freezing, use a fluid that has sufficient protection against freezing.
Page 274 Brakes Brake Fluid Your brake master cylinder reservoir is here. It is filled brake with DOT-3 fluid. There only two reasons why the brake fluid level the reservoir might go down. The first is that the brake fluid goes down to an acceptable level during normal brake lining wear.
Page 275 Checking Brake Fluid You can check the brake fluid without Just look at the brake fluid reservoir. The fluid level should be above the plastic seam in the reservoir. If it isn’t, have your brake system checked to see A€kr is done on the brake hydraulic system, make sme the level is above the plastic seam, near the base the filler neck.
Page 276 Index. Brake Wear Unless you have the four-wheel disc brake option, your Pontiac has front disc brakes and rear drum brakes. Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that make a high-pitched warning sound when the brake pads are worn and new pads are needed.
Page 277 Vehicles we design and test have top-quality GM brake parts in them, as your Pontiac does when it is new. When example, when your brake linings wear down and you have to have new ones put genuine GM replacement parts.
Page 278 Battery Every new Pontiac has Delco Freedom@ battery. You never have to add water to one of these. When it’s time for a new battery, we recommend a Delco Freedom battery. Get one that has the replacement number shown original battery’s label.
Page 279 To replace a headlamp: I . OpeTX the headlamp door by hand. See “Headlamp Doors” in the Index. I I I W - 3. Remove the screws and pull out the bulb housing. and remove 2. Unscrew the bezel with a s c r e w c k i ~ 6-38...
Page 280 Front Turn Signal Pull bulb and disconnect electrical connector. 5. Reverse the steps with a new bulb. 1. Using a screwdriver, remove the plastic screws from the deflector under the vehicle. Move the deflector out of the way.
Page 281 Center High-Mounted Stoplamp 2. Turn and pull out socket and the bulb. 3. Pull out the bulb. To replace bulb: Reverse the steps with a new bulb. Lem. 1. Remove the two screws the stodarnp 6-40...
Page 282 Rear Lamps change rear bulb, have to remove the entire housing. 1. Remove the trim panel from the side that you are replacing the bulb. 2. Pull the carpet back. Gently pull assembly out and remove bulb from the back of the assembly. 3.
Page 283 Pull off the assembly from the outside. To remove a socket w i t h a tab, press the tab and turn the socket counterclockwise. To remove a socket without a tab, turn the socket counterclockwise. To remove the bulb, push in and turn counterclockwise, then pull it out.
Page 284 3. Turn counterclockwise and pull out the socket and the bulb. 4. Pull out the bulb. 5. Reverse the steps with a new bulb. Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement Replacement blades come in different types and are removed in different ways. To remove the wiper blade assembly: 1.
Page 285 Wiper Blade Element Replacement To replace the wiper blade element refer to the wiper blade assembly replacement instructions. To replace the element follow these steps: Locate the heel end of the wiper blade assembly that has the two notches held by the wiper blade claw. Hold the wiper blade assembly with one hand and pull the element gently with the other hand.
Page 286 Tires We don’t make tires. Your new Pontiac comes with high-quality tires made by a leading tire manufacturer. If you ever have questions about your tire warranty and where to obtain service, see your Pontiac Warranty booklet for details. Poorly maintained and improperly used tires are dangerous.
Page 287 Inflation Tire Pressure The Tire-Loading Information label, located on the driver’s door, shows the correct inflation pressures for your tires when they’re cold. “Cold“ means your vehicle has been sitting for at least three hours or driven no 1.6 km). more than 1 mile If you’ll be driving at speeds higher than 100 mph (160...
Page 288 Tire,Inspection and Rotation 6,000 Tires should be inspected every (10 000 to 13 000 k m ) for any signs of unusual wear. If unusual wear is present, rotate your tires as soon as possible and check wheel alignment. Also check for or wheels.
Page 289 Don’t include the compact spare tire in your tire rotation. After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front and rear inflation pressures as shown Information label. Make certain that all wheel nuts are properly tightened. See “Wheel Nut Torque” in the Index. Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to’...
Page 290 Buying New Tires To find out what kind and size of tires you need, look at the Tire-Loading Information label. The tires installed on your vehicle when a Tire Performance Criteria Specification (TPC Spec) number on each tire’s sidewall. When you get new tires, get ones with that same TPC Spec number.
Page 291 Uniform Tire Quality Grading The following information relates to the system developed by the United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which grades tires by treadwear, traction and temperature performance. (This applies only to vehicles sold in the United States.) The grades are molded on the sidewalls of most passenger car tires.
Page 292 (except some aluminum wheels, which can sometimes be repaired). See your Pontiac dealer if any of these conditions exist. Your dealer will know the kind of wheel you need. Each new wheel should have the same load-carrying capacity, diameter, width, offset and be mounted the same way as the one it replaces.
Page 293 GM original equipment wheel. 6-52 Tire Chains NOTICE: If your Pontiac has P235/55R16, P245/50ZRl6 or P275/40ZR17 size tires, don’t use tire chains. or tire They can damage your vehicle. If you have other tires, use...
Page 294 When you use anything from a container to clean your Pontiac, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s warnings and instructions. And always open your doors or windows when you’re cleaning the inside.
Page 295 Using Foam-Qpe Cleaner on Fabric Vacuum and brush the area to remove any loose d.ilt Always clean a whole trim panel or section. Mask surrounding trim along stitch or welt lines. Mix Muhi-Purpose Powdered Cleaner following the directions on the container label. Use suds only and apply with a clean sponge.
Page 296 Special Cleaning Problems Greasy or Oily Stains Stains caused by grease, oil, butter, margarine, shoe polish, coffee with cream, chewing gum, cosmetic creams, vegetable oils, wax crayon, tar m d asphalt can be removed as follows: 1. Carefully scrape off excess stain. 2.
Page 297 Cleaning Leather Use a soft cloth with lukewarm water and saddle so,ap. use a GM For stubborn stains, equivalent product. Never use oils, varnishes, solvent-based or abrasive cleaners, furniture polish or shoe polish on leather. Soiled leather should be cleaned immediately. If dirt is allowed to work into the leather.
Page 298 Cleaning the Outside of the Windshield and Wiper Blades I f the windshield is not clear after using the windshield washer, or if the wiper blade chatters when running, wax or other material may be on the blade or Windshield. Clean the outside of the windshield with GM Windshield Cleaner, Bon-Arni Powder@ (GM No.
Page 299 High pressure car washes may cause water to enter your vehicle. Finish Care Occasional waxing or mild polishing of your Pontiac by hand may be necessary to remove residue from the paint finish. You can get GM-approved cleaning products from your dealer. (See “Appearance Care and Materials”...
Page 300 Cleaning Your Convertible Top Your convertible top should be cleaned often. If you use an automatic car wash, use one with water jets and hanging cloths. When you hand wash the top, do it in partial shade. Use a mild soap, lukewarm water and a soft sponge. A chamois or cloth may leave lint on the top, and a brush can chafe the threads in the top fabric.
Page 301 Sheet Metal Damage If your vehicle is damaged and requires sheet metal repair o x replacement, make sure the body applies anti-corrosion material to the parts repaired or replaced to restore corrosion protection. Finish Damage Any stone chips, fractures or deep scratches in the finish should be repaired away.
Page 302 Appearance Care Materials Chart 6-61...
Page 303 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) This is the legal identifier for your Pontiac. It appears on a plate in the front corner of the instrument panel, on the driver’s side. You can see5t if you look through the windshield from outside your vehicle. The VIN also...
Page 304 Electrical System Add-on Electrical Equipment NOTICE: Don't add anything electrical Pontiac unless you check with your dealer first. Some electrical equipment can damage your vehicle and the damage wouldn't be covered by your warranty. Some add-on electrical equipment can keep other components from working as they should.
Page 305 Fuses and Circuit Breakers The wiring circuits in your vehicle are protected from short circuits by a combination of fuses, circuit breakers and fusible thermal links in the wiring itself. This greatly reduces the chance of fires caused by klectrical problems. %?'-:There are two fuse centers side of your instrument panel.
Page 306 Main Fuse Block FUSE USAGE CHART STOPlHAZARD TURN BATT RADIO ACCY PWR ACCY HVAC TAIL CIGARIACCY GAGES DEFOGISEATS WIPERIWASH BATT WINDOWS RADIO ACCY DIMMER SEE OWNER'S MANUAL FOR MORE INFORMATION PRINTED IN U.S.A Fuse STOP/HAZARD Hazard Flasher, Brake Switch Assembly TURN' B-U Performance/Traction Control Switch, Transmission Range...
Page 307 Fuse CIGAWACCY Cigarette Lighter, Data Link Connector (DLC), Auxiliary Accessory Wire DEFOG/SEATS Rear Defogger SwitchiTimer, Rear Defogger Timermelay, Power Seats PCM IGN Powertrain Control Module (PCM), EVAP Canister Purge Vacuum Switch, EVAP Canister Purge Valve, Transmission W I P E W A S H Wiper Motor Assembly, Wiperwasher Switch WINDOWS...
Page 308 Underhood Electrical Center Fuse Usage ABS IGN Anti-Lock Brake System ACTUATORS Daytime Running Lamp Module, Headlamp Switch, Cooling Fan Relay, Exhaust, Gas Recirculation, EVAP Canister Purge Solenoid R HDLP DR Headlamp Door Module L HDLP DR Headlamp Door Module Fuse ABS VLV ABS BAT AIR PUMPFAN...
Page 309 Relay Usage Conditioning Compressor Anti-Lock Brake Systedraction Control System (TCS) Cooling Fan 1 Air Pump Cooling Fan 2 Not Used Fog Lamps Cooling Fan 3 Replacement Bulbs Ashtray* Automatic Transmission Indicator Back-up Center High-Mounted Cluster Dome Do'or Courtesy Front Parking and Turn Signal .
Page 310 Capacities and Specifications Engine Type VIN Engine Code VTN Engine Code P Fuel Delivery Valve Arrangement Piston Displacement ... . VINEngine Code K ... . VIN Engine Code P Firing Order .
Page 311 +Not all air conditioning refrigerants are the same. If the air conditioning system in your vehicle needs refrigerant, be sure the proper refrigerant is used. I f you’re not sure, ask your Pontiac dealer. *Recheck fluid level after filling. See “Automatic Transmission Fluid” or “Manual Transmission Fluid”...
Page 312 Not all air conditioning refrigerants are the A1163C If the air conditioning system in your vehicle needs A1163C refrigerant, be sure the proper refrigerant is used. If you're not sure, ask your Pontiac dealer..75-60 PF47 PF25...
Page 313 NOTES...
Page 314 ,EVEL AND CHANGE AS RECOMMENDED This section co lvers the maintenance required for your Pontiac. Your vehicle needs these services to retain its safety, dependability and emission control performance. Protection Have you purchased the GM Protection Plan? The Plan supplements your new vehicle warranties. See your Warranty and Owner Assistance booklet, ,or your Pontiac dealer for details.
Page 315 This will help yon this determine when your next maintenance should be done. In addition, it is a good idea to keep your maintenance receipts. They may be needed to qualify your vehicle for warranty repairs. your Pontiac dealer’s...
Page 316 If you have any questions on how to keep your vehicle in good condition, see your Pontiac dealer. This part tells you the maintenance services you should have done and when you should schedule them. If you go to your dealer for your service needs, you’ll know...
Page 317 Maintenance Schedule Short Trip/City Definition Follow the Short TripKity Maintenance Schedule if any these conditions true for your vehicle: Most trips less than This is particularly important when outside temperatures are below freezing. Most trips include extensive idling (such as frequent driving in stop-and-go traffic).
Page 318 Maintenance Schedule Lung Trip/Highway Definition Trip/Highway Long Follow this maintenance schedule only if none of the conditions from the Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule is true. Driving a vehicle with a fully warmed engine under highway conditions causes engine oil to break down slower.
Page 319 Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule The services shown in this s'chedule up to 100,000 (166 000 should be performed after 100,000 miles (1.66 000 km) at the same intervals. Footnotes The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the California Air Resources Board has determined that the failure to perform this' maintenance item will not nullify the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to the completion of the vehicle's useful life.
Page 320 Short TripKity Maintenance Schedule 6,000 Miles (10 000 km) Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. Lubricate the steering linkage (or every 6 months, whichever occurs first). Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation pattern and additional mforrnation.
Page 321 Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule 12,000 Miles (20 000 km) Change engine oil filter (or every months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. Lubricate the steering linkage (or every occurs months, whichever Change the rear axle gear lubricant if vehicle is used to pull a trailer. 15,000 Miles (25 000 km) Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
Page 322 Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule When doing frequent trailer towing. Uses such as found taxi, service. delivery I f you do not use your vehicle under any of these conditions, change the fluid and filter at IO0,OOO miles (1 66 000 km). Manual transmission fluid doesn’t require change.
Page 323 Short TripKity Maintenance Schedule 21,000 Miles (35 000 km) Change engine oil and filter (or every months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE 24,000 Miles (40 000 km) Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Sewice.
Page 324 Short TripKity Maintenance Schedule 27,000 Miles (45 000 km) Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, wluchever occurs first). An Emission Control Sewice. DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE 30,000 Miles (50 000 km) Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
Page 325 Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule 30,000 MiZes (50 000 km) (Continued) Change automatic transmission filter if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these conditions: - In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature regularly reaches 90 (32°C) or higher. In hilly or mountainous terrain.
Page 326 Short TripKity Maintenance Schedu .e 33,000 Miles (55 000 km) Change engine oil and filter (or 3 months, whichever occurs first); An Emission Control Service. DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE 36,000 Miles (60 000 km) every Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
Page 327 Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule 39,000 Miles (65 000 km) Change engine oil and filter 3 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Sewice. DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE 42,000 Miles (70 000 km) Change engine oil and filter (or every every 3 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service.
Page 328 Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule 45,000 Miles (75 000 km) Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. Change automatic transmission fluid and filter if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these conditions: In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature regularly reaches 90 (32 "...
Page 329 Trip/City Maintenance Schedule 48,000 Miles (80 000 km) Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. Lubricate the steering linkage (or every 6 months, whichever occurs first). Change the rear axle gear vehicle is used to pull a trailer.
Page 330 Short TripKity Maintenance Schedule 54,000 Miles (90 000 km) Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. Lubricate the steering linkage (or every 6 months, whichever occurs first). Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” the Index for proper rotation pattern and additional information.
Page 331 Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule 60,000 Miles (100 000 km) Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. Lubricate the steering linkage (or every occurs months, whichever Change the rear axle gear vehicle is used to pull a trailer. Change automatic transmission fluid and filter if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these conditions:...
Page 332 Short TripKity Maintenance Schedule 63,000 Miles (1 05 000 km) engine oil Change and filter months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. 66,000 Miles (110 000 (or every Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service.
Page 333 Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. 7-20 Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. Lubricate the steering linkage (or every 6 months, whichever occurs first). Change the rear axle gear lubricant if vehicle is used pull a trailer.
Page 334 ) C i t y Maintenance Schedule Miles (125 000 km) 75,000 Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). 'An Emission Control Service. Change automatic transmission fluid and filter if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these conditions: In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature regularly reaches...
Page 335 Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule 78,000 Miles (I30 000 km) Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. Lubricate the steering linkage (or every 6 months, whichever occurs first). Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation pattern and additional information.
Page 336 Short TripKity Maintenance Schedule 84,000 Miles (140 000 km) Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. Lubricate the steering linkage (or every 6 months, whichever occurs first). Change the rear axle gear lubricant if vehicle is used to pull a trailer., DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE...
Page 337 Short TripKity Maintenance Schedule 90,000 Miles (150 000 km) Change engine oil and filter months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. Lubricate the steering linkage (or every months, .whichever occurs first). Change the rear axle gear vehicle is used to pull trailer.
Page 338 Short TripKity Maintenance Schedule Inspect fuel tank, cap and lines tor damage or leaks. Inspect fuel cap gasket for any damage. Replace parts as needed. An Emission Control Service. Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation pattern and additional information.
Page 339 Sh'ort Trip/City Maintenance Schedu 96,000 Miles ( M Q 000 km) Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. Lubricate the steering linkage (or every 6 months, whichever occurs first). Change the rear axle gear vehicle is used to pull a trailer.
Page 340 Short TripKity Maintenance Schedule 100,000 Miles (166 000 km) Drain, flush and refill cooling system (or every 60 months since last service, whichever occurs first). See “Engine Coolant” in the Index for what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser, pressure cap and neck.
Page 341 Long Tripmighway Maintenance Schedule The services snown in this schedule up to 100,000 (166 000 km) should be performed after 100,000 miles 166 000 k m ) at the same intervals. Footnotes The U S . Environmental Protection Agency or the California Air Resources Board has determined that the failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to the...
Page 342 Long Trip/Highway Maintenance Schedule 15,000 Miles (25 000 km) Change engine oil and filter (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. Lubricate steering linkage (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first). Change automatic transmission fluid and filter if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these conditions: In heavy city traffic where the outside...
Page 343 22,500 Miles (37 500 km) Change engine oil and filter (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. Lubricate the steering linkage (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first). Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation pattern and additional information.
Page 344 Long Trip/Highwag Maintenance Schedule If you do not use your vehicle under any of these conditions, change the fluid and filter at 100,000 miles (1 66 000 km). Manual transmission fluid doesd t.require change. Replace cleaner filter. An Emission Control Service. Inspect fuel tank, cap and lines for damage or leaks.
Page 345 Long Trip/Highway Maintenance Schedule Miles (75 000 km) d~~*5.45,000 Change engine oil and filter (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. Lubricate the steering linkage (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first). Change automatic transmission fluid and filter if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these conditions: - In heavy city traffic where the outside...
Page 346 52,500 Miles (87 500 krrt) Change engine oil and filter (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Sewice. Lubricate the steering linkage (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first). Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation pattern and additional information.
Page 347 Long Trip/Highway Maintenance Schedule 60,000 Miles (100 000 km) (Continued) you do not use your vehicle under any these conditions, change the fluid and filter at 100,000 miles (166 000 km). Manual transmission fluid doesn’t require change. Inspect engine accessory drive belt. Replace air cleaner filter.
Page 348 Long Trip/Hip;hway Maintenance Schedule 75,000 Miles (125 000 km) Change engine oil and filter (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. Lubricate the steering linkage (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first). Change automatic transmission fluid and filter if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these conditions:...
Page 349 Long Trip/Highwav Maintenance Schedule s2,500 Miles (137 Change engine oil and filter (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. Lubricate the steering linkage (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first). Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation’’...
Page 350 Long Trip/Highway Maintenance Schedule Uses such as found in taxi, police delivery service. I f you do not use your vehicle under any of these conditions, change the fluid and filter at 100,000 miles (1 66 000 km). Manual transmission fluid doesn’t require change. Replace air cleaner filter.
Page 351 Long Trip/Highway Maintenance Schedule 100,000 Miles (166 000 km) Drain, flush and refill cooling system (or every 60 months since last service, whichever occurs first). See “Engine Coolant” in the Index for what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser, pressure cap and neck.
Page 352 Part B: Owner Checks and Services Listed below are owner checks and services which should be performed at the intervals specified to help ensure the safety, dependability and emission control performance of your vehicle. Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once. Whenever any fluids or lubricants are added to your vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown Part D.
Page 353 At Least Twice a Year Restraint System Check Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages are working progerly. Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything that might keep a safety belt system from doing its job, have it repaired.
Page 354 Starter Switch Check When are doing this check, the vehicle could move suddenly. If it does, you or others could be injured. Follow the steps below. 1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room around the vehicle. 2. Firmly apply both the parking brake (see “Parking Brake’’...
Page 355 Steering Column Lock Check While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn the key LOCK 11 each shift lever position. With an automatic transmission, the key should turn to LOCK only when the shift lever is With a manual transmission, turn to LOCK only when the shift lever is in REVERSE (R).
Page 356 Make sure any necessary repairs are completed at once. Proper procedures to perform these services may be found in a Pontiac Service Manual. See “Service and Owner Publications’’ in the Index. Steering and Suspension Inspection inspect the front and rear suspension and steering system for damaged, loose or missing parts, signs of wear or lack of lubrication.
Page 357 Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants NOTE: Fluids and lubricants identified below by name, part number or specification may be obtained from your GM dealer. USAGE FLUIDLUBRICANT Engine Oil Engine oil with the American Petroleum Institute Certified Gasoline Engines “Starburst” symbol of the proper viscosity.
Page 358 FLUIDLUBRICANT Clutch Linkage Engine oil. Pivot Points Floor Shift Lubriplate Lubricant aerosol (GM Linkage Part 12346293 or lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI Grade 2 Category LB or GC-LB. Chassis Chassis lubricant (GM Part ’ Lubrication No. 1052497 or equivalent) or lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI Grade 2, Category LB or GC-LB.
Page 359 Part E: Maintenance Record After the scheduled services are performed, record date, odometer reading and who performed the service in the boxes provided after the maintenance interval. Any additioial information from “Owner Checks and SERVICED BY Services” or “Periodic Maintenance” can be added on the following record pages.
Page 360 Maintenance Record ODOMETER SERVICED BY DATE MAINTENANCE PERFORMED READING 7-47...
Page 361 Maintenance Record...
Page 362 Section 8 Customer Assistance Information Here you will find out how to contact Pontiac if you need assistance. This section also tells you how to obtain service publications and how to report any safety defects. This section includes information on:...
Page 363 YOU! PONTIAC CARES is: A valuable feature that comes with every Pontiac, a feature that offers a multitude of benefits that can give you safety, security, comfort and convenience.
Page 364 If after contacting a member of dealership management, it appears your concern cannot be resolved by the dealership without further help, contact the Pontiac Customer Assistance Center calling 1-800-PM-CARES. In Canada, contact GM of Canada Customer Assistance Center in Oshawa by calling 1-800-263-3777 (English) or 1-800-263-7854 (French).
Page 365 We encourage you to call us so we prompt attention. However, if you wish to write Pontiac, write Pontiac Division Customer Assistance Center One Pontiac Plaza Pontiac, MI 48340-2952 Refer to your Warranty and Owner Assistance Information for addresses of Canadian and booklet GM Overseas offices.
Page 366 -800-ROADSIEE -800-762-3743) proud owner of new Pontiac vehicle, you are automatically enrolled in the Pontiac Roadside Assistance program. This value-added service is intended to provide you.with peace of mind as you drive in the city or travel the open road.
Page 367 Vehicle Identification Number Vehicle license plate number Pontiac reserves the right to limit services or reimbursement to an owner or driver when in Pontiac’s judgement the claims become excessive type of occurrence. While we hope that you never have the occasion to use our service, it is added security while traveling for you and yo’ur family.
Page 368 So Pontiac has come up with a way to eliminate any frustrations you might have when trying to get a ride to work, or wondering how you will get home.
Page 369 Canadian owners refer to your Warranty and Owner Assistance Informaticm booklet. GeneralMotors reserves the right to change eligibility limitations and/or to discontinue its participation in this program,. Both Pontiac and your Pontiac dealer are committed to' making are completely sure vehicle. O u r...
Page 370 AUTO may contact the BBB at any time. The BBB will attempt to resolve the complaint serving as an intermediary between you and Pontiac. If this mediation is unsuccessful, an informal hearing will be scheduled where eligible customers present their case to an impartial third-party arbitrator.
Page 371 Please call us at 1-800-PM-CARES or write: Pontiac Division Customer Assistance Center One Pontiac Plaza Pontiac, MI 48340-2952 In Canada, please call us at 1-800-263-3777 (English) 1-800-263-7854 (French). Or, write: General Motors of C d L i m i t e d...
Page 372 1996 PONTIAC SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ORDERING INFORMATION The following publications covering the operation and servicing of your vehicle can be purchased by filling out the Service Publication Order Form in this book and mailing it in with your check, money order, or credit card information to Helm, incorporated (address below.)
Page 374 Ai r ........~ a g .
Page 375 ........Leather Outside of Your Pontiac Removable Roof Panel...
Page 376 Compact Disc Player ........Care .
Page 377 Engine Coolant CoolantHeater ......Coolant Level Check Coolant Temperature Gage ........Exhaust FuseBlocks I'dentification...
Page 378 G a g e s Engine Coolant Temperature ..Engine Oil Pressure Fuel ........
Page 379 L a b e l s ....... . . Certification Service Parts Identification Tire-Loading Information .
Page 380 Periodic Maintenance Inspections ....2-28 Pontiac Cares Information ....2.32. 2.33...
Page 381 Rain. Driving In ......... .
Page 382 Service and Appearance Care ....Service and Owner Publications Service Publications Servicing Your Bag-Equipped Pontiac Sheet Metal Damage Shi€tLever Shift Speeds Shifting...
Page 383 ........Tachometer ....... TapePlayerCare Temperature Control.
Page 384 ........TTYUsers Turn Signal and Lane Change Signals .
Page 385 NOTES...

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