engine coolant PONTIAC FIREBIRD 1994 User Guide

On the V8 engine you’ll see this:
1. Coolant recovery tank
2. Radiator pressure cap
3. Electric engine fans
If the coolant inside the coolant recovery
tank is boiling, don’t do anything else
until it cools down.
When it
is cool, remove the coolant
recovery tank cap and look at the dipstick.
The coolant level should be at
or above
“FULL
COLD.” If it isn’t, you may have
a leak in the radiator hoses, heater hoses,
radiator, water pump or somewhere else
in the cooling system.
NOTICE:
Engine damage from running your
engine without coolant isn’t covered
by your warranty.
If there seems to be no leak, check to see
if the electric engine fan is running. If the
engine
is overheating, the fan should be
running.
If it isn’t, your vehicle needs
service.
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Problems on the Road
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Recovery Tank
If you haven’t found a problem yet, but
the coolant level isn’t at or above the
“FULL COLD’ mark, add a 50/50
mixture of clean water (preferably
distilled) and a proper antifreeze at the
coolant recovery tank. (See “Engine
Coolant” in the Index for more
information about the proper coolant
mix.)
NOTICE:
I
In cold weather, water can freeze
and crack the engine, radiator,
heater core and other parts. Use the
recommended coolant. When the coolant
in the coolant recovery
tank is at or above the “FULL COLD’
mark, start your vehicle.
If the overheat warning continues, there’s
one more thing
you can try. You can add
the proper coolant mix directly to the
radiator, but be sure the cooling system is
cool before
you do it.
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How to Add Coolant to the Radiator
:3.4L L32 (Code S) Engine)
I. You can remove the radiator pressure
cap when the cooling system,
including the radiator pressure cap
and upper radiator hose, is no longer
hot. Turn the pressure cap slowly to
the left until it first stops. (Don't pres:
down while turning the pressure cap.)
If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stor
A hiss means there is still some
pressure left.
2. Then keep turning the pressure cap,
but
now push down as you tum it.
Remove the pressure cap.
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6.
7.
Start the engine and let it run until
you can feel the upper radiator hose
getting hot. Watch out for the engine
fan(s).
By this time the coolant level inside
the radiator filler neck may be lower.
If the level is lower, add more of the
proper
mix through the filler neck
until the level reaches the base of the
filler neck. Then
replace the pressure cap. At any
time during this procedure if coolant
begins
to flow out of the filler neck,
reinstall the pressure cap. Be sure the
arrows on the pressure cap line up likl
this.
How to Add Coolant to the Radiator
(5.7L LT1 (Code P) Engine)
NOTICE:
The LTl engine (Code P) has a
specific radiator fill procedure.
Failure to follow this procedure
could cause your engine to overheat
and be severely damaged.
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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.
i. Continue to fill the radiator up to the *
base of the filler neck.
’. Rinse or wipe the spilled coolant from
the engine and compartment.
I. Start the engine and allow it to run in
idle
for approximately four minutes.
By this time, the coolant level inside
the radiator will be lower. Add more
of the proper mix through the filler
neck until the level reaches the bdse
of the filler neck.
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Problems on the Road
9. Shut the engine off and replace the
pressure cap. Be sure the arrows
on
the cap line up like this.
I
0. Then fill the coolant recovery tank to
;or a complete drain, flush and refill, see
‘our Pontiac dealer or a Pontiac Firebird
Iervice Manual. To purchase a service
nanual, see “Service Publications’’ in
he Index. the proper
level.
If a Tire Goes Flat
[t’s unusual for a tire to “blow out” while
you’re driving, especially
if you maintain
your tires properly. If air goes out of a
;ire, it’s much more likely to leak out
jlowly. But if you should ever have a
‘blowout,” here are a few tips about what
:o expect and what to do:
[fa front tire fails, the
flat tire will create
3 drag that pulls the vehicle toward that
side. Take your foot off the accelerator
pedal and grip the steering wheel firmly.
Steer to maintain lane position,
then
gently brake to a stop well out of the
traffic lane.
A rear blowout, particularly on a curve,
acts much like a
slud and may require the
same correction you’d use in a skid. In
any rear blowout, remove your foot from
the accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle
under control by steering the way you
want the vehicle to go.
It may be very
bumpy and noisy, but you can still steer.
Gently brake to a stop, well
off the road
if possible.
[f a tire goes flat, the next section shows
how to use your jacking equipment to
change a flat tire safely.
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I I
Here you will find information
about the care of your Pontiac
.
This part begins with service and fuel information. and then
it
shows how to check important
fluid and lubricant levels
. There
is also technical information
about your vehicle. and a section devoted
to its
appearance care
.
Part b
Service 8t Appearance Care
Service .........................................................
Fuel ...........................................................
Checking Things under the Hood ....................................
HoodRelease ..................................................
184
185
188
188
Engineoil
.................................................... 191
Aircleaner
.................................................... 195
Automatic Transmission Fluid
..................................... 198
Manual Transmission Fluid
....................................... 200
Hydraulic Clutch
............................................... 201
RearAxle
..................................................... 201
Enginecoolant
................................................. 201
Power Steering fluid
............................................ 204
Windshield Washer Fluid
......................................... 205
Brake Master Cylinder
........................................... 206
Bulb Replacement
................................................ 209
Battery
....................................................... 208
LoadingYourVehicle
............................................. 213
Tires
........................................................... 215
Appearance Care
................................................. 221
Appearance Care and Maintenance Materials
.......................... 227
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
................................. 228
Service Parts Identification Label
.................................... 228
Add-on Electrical Equipment
....................................... 228
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
......................................... 228
ReplacementBulbs
............................................... 232
Capacities and Specifications
........................................ 233
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3.4L L32 (Code !
When you open the hood you'll see.
1. Battery
2. Engine Coolant Reservoir
3. Engine Oil Dipstick
4. Automatic Transmission Dipstick
5. Air Cleaner (if equipped)
6. Oil Fill
Cap
7. Brake Fluid Reservoir
8. Power Steering Reservoir
9. Windshield Washer Reservoir
10. Engine Fan
11. Clutch Fluid Reservoir (if equipped)
B
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Service and Appearance Care
5.7L LTl (Code
When you open the hood you'll see:
1. Battery
2. Engine Coolant Reservoir
3. Engine Oil Dipstick
4. Automatic Transmission Dipstick
5. Air Cleaner (if equipped)
6. Oil Fill
Cap
7. Brake Fluid Reservoir
8. Power Steering Reservoir
9. Windshield Washer Reservoir
IO. Engine Fans
11. Clutch Fluid Reservoir (if equippec Before closing the hood,
be sure all the
filler caps are on.
Then just pull the hood down and close it firmly.
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When to Change Engine Oil:
See if any one of these is true for you:
Most trips are less than 4 miles
0 It’s below freezing outside and most
trips are less than
10 miles ( 16 km).
The engine is at low speed most of
the time (as in door-to-door delivery,
or
in stop-and-go traffic).
(6 km).
You tow a trailer often.
Most trips are through dusty places.
If any one of these is true for your
vehicle, then you need to change your
and filter every
3,000 miles (5 000 km) or
3 months - whichever comes first.
If none of them is true, change the oil
every
7,500 miles (12 500 km) or 12
months
- whichever comes first.
Change the filter at the first oil change
and at every other oil change after that.
Engine Coolant Heater (Engine Block
Heater):
An engine coolant heater can be a big
help if you have to park outside in very
cold weather,
0°F (-18°C) or colder. If
your vehicle has this option, see “Engine Coolant Heater” in the Index.
What to Do with Used Oil:
Did you know that used engine oil
:ontains elements that may be unhealthy
:or your skin and could even cause
:ancer? Don’t let used oil stay on your
;kin for very long. Clean your skin and
lails with soap and water, or a good hand
:leaner. Wash or properly throw away
:lothing or rags containing used engine
il. (See the manufacturer’s warnings
ibout the use and disposal of oil
xoducts.)
Used oil can be a real threat to the
mvironment. If you change your own oil,
)e sure to drain all free-flowing oil from
:he filter before disposal. Don’t ever
jispose of oil by putting it in the trash,
2ouring it on the ground, into sewers, or
into streams or bodies
of water. Instead,
recycle it by taking it to a place that
collects used oil. If you have a problem
properly disposing of your used oil, ask
your dealer, a service station or a local
recycling center for help.
3.4L L32 (Code S
Air Cleaner
iefer to the Maintenance Schedule to
letermine when to replace the air filter.
See “Scheduled Maintenance Services”
In the Index.
t
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