check engine PONTIAC FIREBIRD 1994 Owner's Manual

Service and Appearance Care
If the fluid level is low, add only enough
of the proper fluid to bring the level up to
the “COLD’ area for a cold check or the
“HOT” area for a hot check. It doesn’t
take much fluid, generally less than a pint.
Don’t overfill. We recommend you use
only fluid labeled DEXRON@-I11 or
DEXRON@-IIE, because fluids with
that label are made especially for your
automatic transmission. Dama
e caused
by fluid other than DEXRON
-111 or
DEXRON@-IIE is not covered by your
new vehicle warranty.
0 After adding fluid, recheck the fluid
level as described under
“How to
Check.”
obtained, push the dipstick back in all
the way.
&
When the correct fluid level is
Manual Transmission Fluid
How to Check:
Because this operation can be difficult,
you may choose to have this done at a
Pontiac dealership Service Department.
If you
do it yourself, be sure to follow all
the instructions here, or you could get a
false reading.
NOTICE:
Too much or too little fluid can
damage your transmission.
Too rriuch
can mean that some of the fluid could
come out and fall
on hot engine parts
or exhaust system, starting a
fire. Be
sure to get
an accurate reading if you
check your transmission fluid.
Check the fluid level only when your
engine is off, the vehicle is parked on a
level place and the transmission is cool
enough for you to rest your fingers on the
transmission case.
Then, follow these steps:
1. Remove the filler plug.
2. Check that the lubricant level is up to
the bottom of the filler plug hole.
3. If the fluid level is good, install the
plug and be sure it is fully seated. If
the fluid level is low, add more fluid
as described in the next steps.
How to Add Fluid:
Here’s how to add fluid. Refer to the
Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of fluid to use. See “Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.
1. Remove the filler plug.
2. Add fluid at the filler plug hole. Add
only enough fluid to bring the fluid
level up to the bottom of the filler
plug hole.
3. Install the filler plug. Be sure the plug
is fully seated.
. . .200
ProCarManuals.com

Hydraulic Clutch
The hydraulic clutch 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.
When to Check and What to Use:
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to
determine how often you should check
the fluid level in your clutch master
cylinder reservoir and for the proper fluid.
See “Owner Checks and Services” and
“Recommended Fluids and Lubricants”
in the Index.
How to Check:
The proper fluid should be added if the
level
is below the “STEP’ mark on the
reservoir. See the instructions on the
reservoir cap.
Rear Axle
When to Check and Change Lubricant:
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to
determine how often to check the
lubricant and when to change
it. See
“Periodic Maintenance Inspections” in
the Index.
How to Check Lubricant:
If the level is below the bottom of the
filler plug hole, you’ll need to add some
lubricant. Add enough lubricant to raise
the level to the bottom of the filler plug
hole.
What to Use
Standard Differential
Use Axle Lubricant (GM Part No.
1052271) or SAE 80W-90 GL-5 gear
lubricant.
Limited-Slip Differential
To add lubricant when the.leve1 is
low, use Axle Lubricant (GM Part
No.
105227 1) or SAE 8OW-90 GL-5 gear
lubricant. To completely refill after
draining, add
4 ounces ( 1 18 ml) of
Limited-Slip Differential Lubricant
Additive (GM
Part No. 1052358). Then
fill to the bottom of the filler plug hole
with Axle Lubricant (GM
Part No.
12345977) or SAE 8OW-90 GL-5 gear
lubricant.
Engine Coolant
The following explains your cooling system and how to add coolant when
it is low. If you have a problem with
engine overheating or if you need to add
coolant to your radiator, see “Engine Overheating” in the Index.
I
201 . . .
ProCarManuals.com

Service and Appearanc’e Care
The proper coolant for your Pontiac will:
0
Give freezing protection down to
-34°F (-37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 262°F
(128°C)
.
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine
temperature.
Let the warning lights work as
they
should.
What to Use:
Use a mixture of one-half clean water
(preferably distilled) and one-half
antifreeze that meets
“GM Specification
1825M,” which won’t damage aluminum
parts. You can also use a recycled coolant
conforming to GM Specification 1825M
with a complete coolant flush and refill. If
you use this mixture, you don’t need to
add anything else.
NOTICE:
If you use an improper coolant mix,
your engine could overheat and be
badly damaged. The repair cost wouldn’t be covered by your war-
ranty. Too much water in the mix can
freeze and crack the engine, radiator,
heater core and other parts.
Adding Coolant
To Check Coolant: When your engine is
cold, check the dipstick on the cap of the
coolant recovery tank. The coolant level should be “COLD,” or a little higher.
When your engine is warm, the level on
the dipstick should be up to
“HOT,” or a
little higher.
. . .202
ProCarManuals.com

Service and Appearance Care
Radiator Pressure Cap (All Engines)
NOTICE:
Your radiator cap is a 18 psi (124 kPa)
pressure-type cap and must be tightly
installed to prevent coolant loss and
possible engine damage from over-
heating. Be sure the arrows on the
cap line up with the overflow tube
on the radiator filler neck.
When you replace your radiator pressure
cap,
an AC@ cap is recommended.
Thermostat
Engine coolant temperature is controlled
by a thermostat in the engine coolant
system. The thermostat stops the flow of
coolant through the radiator until the
coolant reaches a preset temperature.
When you replace your thermostat, an
AC@ thermostat is recommended.
3.4L L32 (Code S)
Power Sfeering Fiuid
How to Check Power Steering Fluid:
Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick
with a clean rag. Replace the cap and
completely tighten it. Then remove the
cap again and look at the fluid level on
the dipstick.
0
0
5.7L LT1 (Code P)
When the engine compartment is hot,
the level should be at the
“H” or
“HOT” mark.
When the engine compartment is
cool, the level should be at the
“C”
or “FULL COLD” mark.
. . .204
ProCarManuals.com

Service and Appearance Care
L c
i
I
1
F
d
t!
7
1,
r
1
1
e
i
C

I
Vehicle Identification
Number
(VIN)
rhis is the' legal identifier for your
'ontiac. It appears on a plate in the front
:orner of the instrument panel, on the
lriver's side. You can see it if you look
hrough the windshield from outside your
rehicle. The
VIN also appears on the
Jehicle Certification and Service Parts
abels and the certificates of title and
egistration.
hgine Identification
?he eighth character in your VIN is the
:ngine code. This code will help you
.dentify your engine, specifications, and
*eplacement parts.
. .228
Service Parts
Identification Label
You'll find this label inside your console
storage compartment. It's very helpful if
you ever need to order parts.
On this
label is:
D your VIN,
the model designation,
paint information, and
a list of all production options and
special equipment.
Be sure that this label is not removed
From the vehcle.
Add-on Electrical
Equipment
NOTICE:
Don't add anything electrical to your
Pontiac unless you check with your
dealer first. Some electrical equip-
ment 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.
Your vehicle has an air bag system.
Before attempting to add anything
zlectrical to your Pontiac, see "Servicing
Your Air Bag-Equipped Pontiac" in the
Index.
ProCarManuals.com

I
P
a
it
fi
'I
C'
V
I Fuses and Circuit
Breakers
'he wiring circuits in your vehicle are
rotected from short circuits by
a
ombination of fuses, circuit breakers,
nd fusible thermal links in the wiring
self. This greatly reduces the chance of
ires caused by electrical problems.
'here are two fuse centers on your ehicle. One is in the left side of your
lstrument panel.
The other is in the engine compartment.
3pen the cover on either of the boxes to
:xpose the fuses.
>oak at the silver-colored band inside the
'use. If the band is broken or melted,
.eplace the fuse. Be sure you replace a
)ad fuse with a new
one of the correct
rize.
f you ever have a problem on the road
md don't have a spare fuse, you can
)orrow one. Just pick some feature
of
Jour vehicle that you can get along
without
- like the radio or cigarette
ighter
- and use its fuse, if it is the size
IOU need. Replace it as soon as you can.
Headlights
The headlight wiring is protected by a
circuit breaker. An electrical overload
will cause the lights to go
on and off, or in
some cases to remain
off. If this happens,
have your headlight wiring checked right
away.
Windshield Wipers
The windshield wiper motor is protected
by a circuit breaker and a fuse. If
the
motor overheats due to heavy snow, etc.,
the wiper will stop until the motor
cools. If the overload is caused by some
electrical problem and not snow, etc.,
be sure to get it fixed.
Power Windows and Other Power
Options
Circuit breakers protect the power
windows and other power accessories.
When the current load is too heavy,
the circuit breaker opens and closes,
protecting the circuit until the problem
is fixed or goes away.
229. . .
ProCarManuals.com

Service and Appearance Care
Crankcase
VIN Engine Code S .................................... 4.0 qt. (3.8 L)**
Without Filter Change
................................ 4.0 qt. (3.8 L)**
With Filter Change ................................... 5.0 qt. (4.7 L)**
Fuel Tank ........................................... 15.5 gal. (58.7 L)
Five-Speed
........................................... 5.9 pt. (2.8 L)*
Six-Speed
............................................ 8.0 pt. (3.8 L)*
Rear Axle Lubricant
...................................... 3.5 pt. (1.7L)
VIN Engine Code
P
Manual
Transmission
Vehicle Dimensions
Tread Wheelbase
........................................... 101.1 I‘ (2 566 mm)
Front
.............................................. .60.7“ ( 1 542 mm)
Rear
.............................................. .60.6” (1 540 mm)
Length
............................................... 193.2“ (4 908 mm)
Firebird and Formula
................................. 195.6” (4 968 mm)
Trans Am .......................................... 197.0” (5 005 mm)
Width
............................................... 74.5” (1 893 mm)
Coupe
........................................... 52.0” (1 322 mm)
Convertible ....................................... .52.7” ( 1 340 mm)
Coupe
........................................... .51.7” (1 312 mm)
Convertible
....................................... .52.4“ (1 331 mm)
Height
Firebird and Formula
Trans Am
*Recheck fluid level after filling. See “ManualTransmission Fluid” in the Index.
**Recheck oil level after filling. See “Engine Oil” in the Index.
. . -236
ProCarManuals.com

I IMPORTANT
I
KEEP THE ENGINE OIL
AT THE PROPER
LEVEL AND CHANGE AS
RECOMMENDED
This part covers the
maintenance required for your
Pontiac. Your vehicle needs
these services
to retain its
safety, dependability and
emission control performance.
Part 7
Maintenance Schedule
Section
Introduction: A Word about Maintenance ... . . 240
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
..
Your Vehicle and the Environment ...... .......... 240
How This Part
Is Organized .......... ....... . . 240
Scheduled Maintenance Services .... ................. 242
Using
Your Maintenance Schedules ....................... 241
Selecting the Right Schedule
................ ..... 241
Schedule1
............................... . . 242
Schedule11
................................. . . 244
Explanation
of Scheduled Maintenance Services .......... 246
Owner Checksand Services ................................ 248
AtEachFuelFill
....................................... 248
At Least Once
a Month .................................. 248
At Least Twice a Year
................... ......... 248
At Least Once
a Year ............... .., . . 249
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants ... ................ 253
Maintenance Record ...................................... 255
Periodic Maintenance Inspections .... ... ..... 251
I-
I- -
Have you purchased the GM Protection Plan? The Plan
supplements
your new car warranties.
See
your GM dealer for details.
239. ..
ProCarManuals.com

Maintenance Schedule
Section A: Scheduled Maintenance Services (Cont.)
Explanation of Scheduled
Maintenance Services
Following are explanations of the services
listed in Schedule I and Schedule
II.
The proper fluids and lubricants to use are
listed in Section
D. Make sure whoever
services your vehicle uses these. All parts
should be replaced and all necessary
repairs done before you or anyone else
drives the vehicle.
NOTE: To determine your engine’s
displacement and code, see
“Engine Identification” in the
Index.
ITEM
NO. SERVICE
1 Engine Oil and Filter Change* -
Always use SH or SG Energy
Conserving
I1 oils of proper
viscosity. The “SH” or “SG”
designation may be shown alone
or in combination with others,
such as “SH/CD,”
“SH, SG,
CD,” “SG/CD,” etc. To deter-
mine the preferred viscosity for
your vehicle’s engine (e.g., SAE
ITEM
NO.
2
3
4
SERVICE
5W-30 or SAE 10W-30), see
“Engine Oil” in the Index.
Chassis Lubrication
- Lubricate
the suspension and steering
linkage. Lubricate the
transmission
shift linkage.
Tire and Wheel Rotation and
InsDection
- For proper wear
and maximum tire life, rotate
your tires following the
instructions in this manual. See
“Tires, Inspection and Rotation”
in the Index. Check the tires for
uneven wear or damage. If you
see irregular or premature wear,
check the wheel alignment.
Check for damaged wheels also.
Engine Accessorv Drive Belt!s)
InsDection
- Inspect the belt(s)
for cracks, fraying, wear and
proper tension. Replace as
needed. (Belts can have many small cracks in individual ribs
without affecting performance.)
ITEM
NO. SERVICE
5 Cooling: System Service* -
Drain, flush and refill the system
with new or approved recycled
coolant conforming to GM
Specification 1825M. Keep
coolant at the proper mixture as specified. See “Coolant”
in the
Index. This provides proper
freeze and boil protection, corrosion inhibitor level and
maintains proper engine operating temperature.
Inspect hoses and replace if they
are cracked, swollen or deterior-
ated. Tighten screw-type hose
clamps. Clean the outside of the
radiator and air conditioning
condenser. Wash the pressure cap and neck.
To help ensure proper operation,
we recommend a pressure test of
both the cooling system and the
pressure cap.
* An Emission Control Service.
. . .246
ProCarManuals.com

Maintenance Schedule
Section B: Owner Checks and Services
Listed below are owner checks and services which should be performed at the intervals specified to help ensure the saf\
ety,
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 in Section D.
At Each Fuel Fill (It is important for you or a service station attendant to perform these underhood checks at each fuel fill.)
CHECK
OR SERVICE
Engine Oil Level
Engine Coolant Level
Windshield Washer
Fluid Level
At least Once a Month
WHAT TO DO
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if necessary. See “Engine Oil” in the Index for
further details.
Check the engine coolant level and add the proper coolant mix if necessary. See “Coolant” in
the Index for further details.
Check the windshield washer fluid level in the windshield washer tank and add the proper fluid if
necessary. See “Windshield Washer Fluid” in the Index for further details.
CHECK
OR SERVICE ~~
Tire Inflation
Cassette Deck
WHAT TO DO
Check tire inflation. Make sure they are inflated to the pressures specified on the Tire-Loading
Information label located on the rear edge of the driver’s door. See “Tires”
in the Index for
further details.
Clean cassette deck. Cleaning should be done every
15 hours of tape play. See “Audio Systems”
in the Index for further details.
I At Least Twice a Year ___ ~~~ ~ ~
CHECK
OR SERVICE WHAT TO DO
Hydraulic Clutch
loss in
this system could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected and repaired at once.
System Inspection Check
the fluid level
in the clutch reservoir. See “Hydraulic Clutch Fluid” in the Index. A fluid
. . .248
ProCarManuals.com