brake light PONTIAC FIREBIRD 1999 User Guide

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2-82 Low Traction Light
When your anti-lock system
is adjusting brake pressure
to help avoid a braking skid,
this light will come on.
If you have the traction control system, this light will also
come on when the system is limiting wheel spin. You
may feel or hear the system working, but this is normal.
Slippery road conditions may exist if the low traction
light comes on, so adjust your driving accordingly. The
light will stay on for a few seconds after the traction
control system stops limiting wheel spin.
The low traction light also comes on briefly when you turn
the ignition key to RUN. If the light doesn't come on
then, have it fixed so it will be there to tell you when the
anti
-lock brake system or traction control system is active.
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
This gage shows the engine
coolant temperature. If the
gage pointer moves into
the red area, your engine
is approaching an
overheating condition.
If you have been operating your vehicle under normal
driving conditions, you should pull off the road, stop
your vehicle and turn off the engine as soon as possible.
See ªEngine Overheatingº in the Index.

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4-7
Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive in
spurts
-- heavy acceleration followed by heavy
braking
-- rather than keeping pace with traffic.
This is a mistake. Your brakes may not have time to
cool between hard stops. Your brakes will wear out
much faster if you do a lot of heavy braking. If you
keep pace with the traffic and allow realistic following
distances, you will eliminate a lot of unnecessary
braking. That means better braking and longer
brake life.
If your engine ever stops while you're driving, brake
normally but don't pump your brakes. If you do, the
pedal may get harder to push down. If your engine
stops, you will still have some power brake assist. But
you will use it when you brake. Once the power assist is
used up, it may take longer to stop and the brake pedal
will be harder to push.
Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)
Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes (ABS). ABS is an
advanced electronic braking system that will help
prevent a braking skid.
When you start your engine, or when you begin to drive
away, your anti
-lock brake system will check itself. You
may hear a momentary motor or clicking noise while
this test is going on, and you may even notice that your
brake pedal moves or pulses a little. This is normal.
If there's a problem with the
anti
-lock brake system, this
warning light will stay on.
See ªAnti
-Lock Brake
System Warning Lightº
in the Index.

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4-9
Remember: Anti-lock doesn't change the time you need
to get your foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease
stopping distance. If you get too close to the vehicle in
front of you, you won't have time to apply your brakes
if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always leave
enough room up ahead to stop, even though you have
anti
-lock brakes.
Using Anti
-Lock
Don't pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal down
firmly and let anti
-lock work for you. You may feel a
slight brake pedal pulsation or notice some noise, but
this is normal.
When your anti-lock system
is adjusting brake pressure
to help avoid a braking skid,
this light will come on. See
ªLow Traction Lightº in
the Index.
Traction Control System
(Option)
Your vehicle may have a traction control system that
limits wheel spin. This is especially useful in slippery
road conditions. The system operates only if it senses
that one or both of the rear wheels are spinning or
beginning to lose traction. When this happens, the
system for V8 engines works the rear brakes and for
V8 and V6 engines reduces engine power by closing the
throttle and managing engine spark to limit wheel spin.
This light will come on
when your traction control
system is limiting wheel
spin. See ªLow Traction
Lightº in the Index. You
may feel or hear the system
working, but this is normal.
The traction control system may operate on dry roads
under some conditions, and you may notice a reduction
in acceleration when this happens. This is normal and
doesn't mean there's a problem with your vehicle.
Examples of these conditions include a hard acceleration
in a turn, or an abrupt upshift or downshift.

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4-19
Driving too fast through large water puddles or even
going through some car washes can cause problems, too.
The water may affect your brakes. Try to avoid puddles.
But if you can't, try to slow down before you hit them.
CAUTION:
Wet brakes can cause accidents. They won't work
as well in a quick stop and may cause pulling to
one side. You could lose control of the vehicle.
After driving through a large puddle of water or
a car wash, apply your brake pedal lightly until
your brakes work normally.

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5-4
2. Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper cables
can reach, but be sure the vehicles aren't touching
each other. If they are, it could cause a ground
connection you don't want. You wouldn't be able to
start your vehicle, and the bad grounding could
damage the electrical systems.
To avoid the possibility of the vehicles rolling, set the
parking brake firmly on both vehicles involved in the
jump starting procedure. Put an automatic
transmission in PARK (P) before setting the
parking brake.
3. Turn off the ignition on both vehicles. Unplug
unnecessary accessories plugged into the cigarette
lighter. Turn off all lamps that aren't needed as well
as radios. This will avoid sparks and help save both
batteries. In addition, it could save your radio!
NOTICE:
If you leave your radio on, it could be badly
damaged. The repairs wouldn't be covered by
your warranty.
4. Open the hoods and locate the batteries.
CAUTION:
An electric fan can start up even when the engine
is not running and can injure you. Keep hands,
clothing and tools away from any underhood
electric fan.
Find the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals on
each battery.

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6-35
When your brake fluid falls to a low level, your brake
warning light will come on. See ªBrake System Warning
Lightº in the Index.
Checking Brake Fluid
You can check the brake fluid without taking off the cap.
Just look at the brake fluid reservoir. The fluid level should
be above the plastic seam in the reservoir (A). If it isn't,
have your brake system checked to see if there is a leak.
After work is done on the brake hydraulic system, make
sure the level is above the plastic seam (B), near the
base of the filler neck.What to Add
When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT
-3 brake
fluid. Use new brake fluid from a sealed container only.
Refer to ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in the
Maintenance Schedule.
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and the area
around the cap before removing it. This will help keep
dirt from entering the reservoir.
CAUTION:
With the wrong kind of fluid in your brake
system, your brakes may not work well, or they
may not even work at all. This could cause a
crash. Always use the proper brake fluid.

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6-36
NOTICE:

Using the wrong fluid can badly damage
brake system parts. For example, just a few
drops of mineral
-based oil, such as engine
oil, in your brake system can damage brake
system parts so badly that they'll have to be
replaced. Don't let someone put in the
wrong kind of fluid.

If you spill brake fluid on your vehicle's
painted surfaces, the paint finish can be
damaged. Be careful not to spill brake fluid
on your vehicle. If you do, wash it off
immediately. See ªAppearance Careº in
the Index.
Brake Wear
Your vehicle has four-wheel disc 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. The sound may come and go or
be heard all the time your vehicle is moving (except when
you are pushing on the brake pedal firmly).
CAUTION:
The brake wear warning sound means that soon
your brakes won't work well. That could lead to
an accident. When you hear the brake wear
warning sound, have your vehicle serviced.
NOTICE:
Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads
could result in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean something is wrong with
your brakes.
When you have the front or rear brake pads replaced,
have the other brakes inspected, too.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.

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Scheduled Maintenance
7-5
The services shown in this schedule up to 100,000 miles
(166 000 km) should be performed after 100,000 miles
(166 000 km) at the same intervals. The services shown
at 150,000 miles (240 000 km) should be performed at
the same interval after 150,000 miles (240 000 km).
See ªOwner Checks and Servicesº and ªPeriodic
Maintenance Inspectionsº following.
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. We, however,
urge that all recommended maintenance services be
performed at the indicated intervals and the maintenance
be recorded.* Your vehicle has an Engine Oil Life Monitor. This
monitor will show you when to change the engine oil
and filter
-- usually between 3,000 miles (5 000 km)
and 7,500 miles (12 500 km) since your last oil change.
Under severe conditions, the indicator may come on
before 3,000 miles (5 000 km). Never drive your vehicle
more than 7,500 miles (12 500 km) or 12 months
without an oil and filter change.
The system won't detect dust in the oil. So if you drive
in a dusty area, be sure to change your oil and filter
every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or sooner if the
OIL CHANGE light comes on. Remember to reset
the Oil Life Monitor whenever the oil is changed. For
more information, see ªOil Change Lightº in the Index.
+ A good time to check your brakes is during tire
rotation. See ªBrake System Inspectionº under ªPeriodic
Maintenance Inspectionsº in Part C of this schedule.

9-
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9-1
Section 9 Index
A
ccessory Plug 2-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Bag 1-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How Does it Restrain 1-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How it Works 1-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Location 1-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Readiness Light 1-24, 2-79 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Servicing 1-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What Makes it Inflate 1-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What Will You See After it Inflates 1-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When Should it Inflate 1-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Cleaner/Filter 6-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Conditioning 3-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Conditioning Refrigerants 6-72 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alarm 2-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Arming the System 2-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Disarming the System 2-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passive Arming 2-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Door Lock Switch Locking 2-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shock Sensor 2-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alignment and Balance, Tire 6-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aluminum Wheels, Cleaning 6-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antenna, Power Mast Care 3-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antifreeze 6-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-Lock
Brake System Warning Light 2-81, 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appearance Care 6-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Appearance Care Materials 6
-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Arbitration Program 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ashtrays 2-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio Controls, Steering Wheel 3-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio Equipment, Adding 3-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio Systems 3-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic Transmission
Check 7
-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid 6-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Leaving Your Vehicle with the Engine Running 2-38 . . . . .
Operation 2-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Park Mechanism Check 7-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Running Engine While Parked 2-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting Into PARK (P) 2-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting Out of PARK (P) 2-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting Your Engine 2-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Torque Lock 2-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Axle, Rear 6-27, 7-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery 6-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump Starting 5-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement, Remote Keyless Entry 2-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warnings 5-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BBB Auto Line 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before Leaving On A Long Trip 4-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Better Business Bureau Mediation 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Blizzard 4-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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9-2
Brake
Adjustment 6-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid 6-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Master Cylinder 6-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking 2-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pedal Travel 6-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing System Parts 6-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Warning Light 2-80 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer 4-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transmission Shift Interlock Check 2-30, 7-19 . . . . . . . . . .
Wear 6-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes, Anti-Lock 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Braking 4-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Braking in Emergencies 4-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Break-In, New Vehicle 2-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brightness Control 2-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BTSI Check 2-30, 7-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulb Replacement 6-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp 6-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Parking/Turn Signal 6-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlamps 6-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Lamps 6-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Sidemarker 6-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Canada, Ordering Service and Owner Publications 8-14 . . .
Canadian Roadside Assistance 8-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capacities and Specifications 6-71 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Carbon Monoxide 2-11, 2-41, 4-30, 4-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cargo Cover 2-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cassette Deck Service 7-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cassette Tape Player 3
-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care 3-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Errors 3-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CD Adapter Kits 3-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp Bulb Replacement 6-41 . . . .
Certification/Tire Label 4-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chains, Safety 4-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chains, Tire 6-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing a Flat Tire 5-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check
Automatic Transmission 7
-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake Transmission Shift Interlock 2-30, 7-19 . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Coolant Level 7-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil Level 7-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hydraulic Clutch 7-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition Transmission Lock 7-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual Transmission 7-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking Brake Mechanism 7-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Restraints System 7-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starter Switch 7-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tires Inflation 7-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield Washer Fluid Level 7-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wiper Blade 7-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Gages Light 2-89 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking Your Restraint Systems 1-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chemical Paint Spotting 6-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child Restraints 1-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in a Rear Seat Position 1-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in the Right Front Seat Position 1-44 . . . . . . . . . .
Where to Put 1-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chrome-Plated Wheels, Cleaning 6-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cigarette Lighter 2-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Circuit Breakers and Fuses 6-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .