coolant level PONTIAC FIREBIRD 1998 User Guide

Radiator Pressure Cap (All Engines)
I 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.
When you replace your radiator pressure cap, a GM 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, a GM thermostat
is
recommended.
Power Steering Fluid
The power steering fluid
reseivoir is locatei toward
the back
of the engine on
the driver’s side.
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering fluid
unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or you hear
an unusual noise. A fluid loss in this system could indicate
a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
How To Check Power Steering Fluid
When the engine compartment is cool, wipe the cap and
the top of the reservoir clean, then 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.
6-31

TAIL LPS HVAC
PWR ACCY
COURTESY
GAUGES
Fuse Usage
RADIO ACCY Delco Monsoon Radio Amplifier, Power Antenna, Remote CD
Player (trunk)
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
Module, Headlamp Switch
HVAC Selector Switch, Rear
Defogger Switch/Timer
Park Lamp Relay, Hatch
Release Relay, Power Mirror Switch, Radio,
Shock Sensor,
Instrument Cluster
Body Control Module (BCM)
Body Control Module (BCM),
Brake Switch Assembly
(BTSI),
Instrument Cluster, Daytime
Running Lamps (DRL) Module
AIR BAG Air Bag, Dual Pole Arming Sensor
CIGAFUACCY Cigar Lighter, Data Link
Connector (DLC), Auxiliary
Accessory Wire
Defogger Timermelay, Power Seats
DEFOGBEATS Rear Defogger Switch/Timer, Rear WINDOWS
I/p DIMMER
RADIO
Usage
Steering Wheel Controls
Fuse
STG WHEEL
CNTRL
WIPEWASH Wiper Motor Assembly,
Wiper/Washer Switch
Power Windows Switch
(RH, LH),
Express-Down Module, Coolant
Level Latching Module, Convertible Top Switch
Door Illumination Lamp
(RH,
LH), Headlamp Switch, Fog Lamp
Switch, Instrument Cluster,
HVAC
Control Assembly, PRNDL
Illumination Lamp, Ashtray Lamp,
Radio, Steering Wheel
Controls-Radio, Rear Window
Defogger Switch/Timer, Traction
Control Switch
(TCS) and 2nd
Gear Start Switch
Body Control Module (BCM),
Radio, Amplifier, Steering
Wheel
Controls-Radio
6-65

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
in Part D.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important for you or a service station attendant to
pe$orm these underhood
checks at each fuel fill.
Engine Oil Level Check
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. See “Engine Oil” in the Index for
further details.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add DEX-COOL@
coolant mixture if necessary. See “Engine Coolant” in
the Index for further details.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
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.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Inflation Check
Make sure tires are inflated to the correct pressures.
See “Tires”
in the Index for further details.
Cassette Deck Service
Clean cassette deck. Cleaning should be done every
50 hours of tape play. See “Audio Systems” in the
Index for further details.
7-32

Driver Position ................................. 1-14
Driver’s Door
Alarm Delay and Shock Sensor Enable . . 2-22
Driving City
........................................ 4-20
Defensive
.................................... 4-2
Drunken
..................................... 4-3
Freeway
.................................... 4-2 1
In a Blizzard ................................. 4-28
In Foreign Countries ........................... 6-5
IntheRain
.................................. 4-17
Night
...................................... 4-15
On Curves
.................................. 4-10
On Grades While Towing a Trailer
............... 4-37
On
Hill and Mountain Roads .................... 4-23
On Snow and Ice ............................. 4-26
Throughwater
............................... 4-19
WetRoads
.................................. 4-17
Winter
...................................... 4-25
With a Trailer
................................ 4-36
DrunkenDriving
................................ 4-3
Electrical Equipment. Adding
..... 2-27.2.28.3-20. 6-62
Electrical System
............................... 6-62
Engine
.................................. 6-10. 6-11
Coolant
..................................... 6-27
Coolant Heater
............................... 2-29
Coolant Level Check .......................... 7-32
Coolant Temperature Gage
..................... 2-84
Exhaust ..................................... 2-42
FuseBlocks
................................. 6-67 Identification
................................ 6-62
OilLevelCheck .............................. 7-32
Overheating
................................. 5-15
Running
While Parked ......................... 2-43
Specifications ................................ 6-68
StartingYour ................................ 2-26
Engineoil
.................................... 6-12
Additives
................................... 6-17
Checking
................................... 6-13
Used
....................................... 6-17
What Kind
Of Oil to Use ....................... 6-14
WhentoAdd
................................ 6-14
When to Change
.............................. 6-17
Ethanol
........................................ 6-5
Exit Lighting
............................. 2-19, 2-55
Exit Lighting and Delayed Illumination
............. 2-19
Fabric Cleaning
............................... 6-54
FanControlKnob
............................... 3-2
FeatureCustomization
........................... 2-18
Driver’s
Door Alarm Delay and
Shock Sensor Enable ....................... 2-22
Exit Lighting
and Delayed Illumination ........... 2-19
Last
Door Closed Locking and Lockout Prevention . . 2-20
Remote Keyless Entry Lock Verification
........... 2-20
Theft-Deterrent Arming Method ................. 2-21
Filling A Portable Fuel Container ................... 6-8
FillingYourTank ................................ 6-6
Theft-Deterrent Arming Verification
.............. 2-22