heating PONTIAC FIREBIRD 1999 User Guide

yellowblue
4-40 Maintenance When Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service more often when you're
pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance Schedule for more
on this. Things that are especially important in trailer
operation are automatic transmission fluid (don't
overfill), engine oil, axle lubricant, drive belts, cooling
system and brake system. Each of these is covered in
this manual, and the Index will help you find them
quickly. If you're trailering, it's a good idea to review
this information before you start your trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
Your cooling system may temporarily overheat during
severe operating conditions. See ªEngine Overheatingº
in the Index.

5-
yellowblue
5-1
Section 5 Problems on the Road
Here you'll find what to do about some problems that can occur on the road.
5
-2 Hazard Warning Flashers
5
-3 Other Warning Devices
5
-3 Jump Starting
5
-8 Towing Your Vehicle
5
-9 Engine Overheating5
-12 Cooling System
5
-24 If a Tire Goes Flat
5
-22 Changing a Flat Tire
5
-36 Compact Spare Tire
5
-37 If You're Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow

yellowblue
5-9
Engine Overheating
You will find a coolant temperature gage on your
vehicle's instrument panel. You may also find a
LOW COOLANT warning light on your vehicle's
instrument panel (5.7L V8 engine only).
Overheated Engine Protection Operating
Mode (5.7L V8 Engine Only)
Should an overheated engine condition exist and the
LOW COOLANT warning light is displayed, an
overheat protection mode which alternates firing groups
of cylinders helps prevent engine damage. In this mode,
you will notice a loss in power and engine performance.
This operating mode allows your vehicle to be driven
to a safe place in an emergency; you may drive up to
50 miles (80 km). Towing a trailer in the overheat
protection mode should be avoided.
NOTICE:
After driving in the overheated engine protection
operating mode, to avoid engine damage, allow
the engine to cool before attempting any repair.
The engine oil will be severely degraded. Repair
the cause of coolant loss, change the oil and
reset the oil life monitor. See ªEngine Oilº in
the Index.

yellowblue
5-14
NOTICE:
Engine damage from running your engine
without coolant isn't covered by your warranty.
See ªOverheated Engine Protection Operating
Modeº in the Index.
NOTICE:
When adding coolant, it is important that you
use only DEX
-COOL
(silicate-free) coolant.
If coolant other than DEX-COOL is added to
the system, premature engine, heater core or
radiator corrosion may result. In addition, the
engine coolant will require change sooner
-- at
30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months,
whichever occurs first. Damage caused by the
use of coolant other than DEX
-COOL
is not
covered by your new vehicle warranty.
If there seems to be no leak, with the engine on, check to
see if the electric engine cooling fans are running. If the
engine is overheating, both fans should be running. If
they aren't, your vehicle needs service.

yellowblue
6-27
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
ªScheduled Maintenance Servicesº 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 SAE 75W
-90 Synthetic Gear Lubricant (GM
Part No. 12378261) or equivalent meeting GM
Specification 9986115.
Limited
-Slip Differential
To add lubricant when the level is low, use SAE 75W
-90
Synthetic Gear Lubricant (GM Part No. 12378261) or
equivalent meeting GM Specification 9986115. To
completely refill after draining, add 4 ounces (118 ml)
of Limited
-Slip Differential Lubricant Additive (GM
Part No. 1052358) or equivalent. Then fill to the bottom
of the filler plug hole with the Synthetic Gear Lubricant.
Radiator Pressure Cap
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.

yellowblue
6-28
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with
DEX
-COOL engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for 5 years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs first, if you add only
DEX
-COOL extended life 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 ªEngine Overheatingº in the Index.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX
-COOL coolant will:

Give freezing protection down to
-34F (-37C).

Give boiling protection up to 265F (129C).

Protect against rust and corrosion.

Help keep the proper engine temperature.

Let the warning lights and gages work as
they should.
NOTICE:
When adding coolant, it is important that you use
only DEX
-COOL (silicate-free) coolant.
If coolant other than DEX-COOL is added to the
system, premature engine, heater core or
radiator corrosion may result. In addition, the
engine coolant will require change sooner
-- at
30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months,
whichever occurs first. Damage caused by the use
of coolant other than DEX
-COOL is not
covered by your new vehicle warranty.
What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clean, drinkable water and
one
-half DEX-COOL coolant which won't damage
aluminum parts. If you use this coolant mixture, you
don't need to add anything else.

yellowblue
6-30 Checking Coolant
The vehicle must be on a level surface. When your
engine is cold, check the dipstick on the cap of the
coolant recovery tank. The coolant level should be at
COLD, or a little higher. When your engine is warm, the
level on the dipstick should be up to HOT, or a
little higher.
5.7L V8 Engine Only
If this light comes on and stays on, it means you're low
on engine coolant.
Adding Coolant to the Recovery Tank
If you need more coolant, add the proper DEX
-COOL

coolant mixture at the coolant recovery tank, but only
when your engine is cool. If the tank is very low or
empty, also add coolant to the radiator. See ªEngine
Overheatingº in the Index for information.

yellowblue
6-46
Tires
Your new vehicle 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.
CAUTION:
Poorly maintained and improperly used tires
are dangerous.

Overloading your tires can cause
overheating as a result of too much friction.
You could have an air
-out and a serious
accident. See ªLoading Your Vehicleº in
the Index.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)

Underinflated tires pose the same danger as
overloaded tires. The resulting accident
could cause serious injury. Check all tires
frequently to maintain the recommended
pressure. Tire pressure should be checked
when your tires are cold.

Overinflated tires are more likely to be
cut, punctured or broken by a sudden
impact
-- such as when you hit a pothole.
Keep tires at the recommended pressure.

Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If your
tread is badly worn, or if your tires have
been damaged, replace them.
See ªInflation -- Tire Pressureº in this section for
inflation pressure adjustment for higher
speed driving.

yellowblue
9-4
Door
Keys 2-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Last Closed Locking 2-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Locks 2-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Locks 2-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drive, Automatic Transmission 2-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driver Position 1-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving
City 4
-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defensive 4-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drunken 4-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Freeway 4-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In Foreign Countries 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In the Rain 4-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Night 4-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Curves 4-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Grades While Towing a Trailer 4-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Hill and Mountain Roads 4-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Snow and Ice 4-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Through Water 4-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wet Roads 4-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter 4-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
With a Trailer 4-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DRL 2-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drunken Driving 4-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrical Equipment, Adding 3-20, 6-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrical System 6-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine 6-10, 6-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Cleaner/Filter 6-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Gages Light 2-89 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant 6-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Heater 2-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Coolant Level Check 7
-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Temperature Gage 2-82 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust 2-11, 2-41, 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse Block 6-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identification 6-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Level Check 7-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheated Protection Operating Mode 5-9 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating 5-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reduced Power Light 2-90 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Running While Parked 2-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Specifications 6-72 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting Your 2-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing 4-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil 6-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adding 6-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additives 6-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking 6-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Used 6-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What Kind to Use 6-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When to Change 6-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ethanol 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust, Engine 2-11, 2-41, 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exterior Lamps 2-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fabric/Carpet Cleaning 6-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Feature Customization 2-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driver's Door Alarm Delay/Shock Sensor Enable 2-21 . . .
Entering Programming Mode 2-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exit Lighting/Delayed Illumination 2-19, 2-53 . . . . . . . . . .
Last Door Closed Locking/Lockout Prevention 2-19 . . . . .
Leaving Programming Mode 2-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote Keyless Entry Verification 2-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Theft-Deterrent Arming Method 2-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Theft-Deterrent Arming Verification 2-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

yellowblue
9-5
Features and Controls 2-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fifth Gear, Manual Transmission 2-33, 2-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling a Portable Fuel Container 6-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling Your Tank 6-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filter, Air 6-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Finish Care 6-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Finish Damage 6-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
First Gear, Automatic Transmission 2-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
First Gear, Manual Transmission 2-32, 2-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flashers, Hazard Warning 5-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flat Tire, Changing 5-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Floor Mats 2-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid Capacities 6-71 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluids and Lubricants 7-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fog Lamps 2-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Folding Rear Seatbacks 1-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign Countries, Fuel 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fourth Gear, Manual Transmission 2-33, 2-34 . . . . . . . . . . . .
French Language Manual ii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Console 2
-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Map Lamps 2-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Parking/Turn Signal Bulb Replacement 6-41 . . . . . . . . .
Fuel 6-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Canada 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling a Portable Container 6-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling Your Tank 6-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gage 2-89 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In Foreign Countries 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Light 2-90 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses and Circuit Breakers 6-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine 6-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument Panel 6-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gages
Engine Coolant Temperature 2-82 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel 2-89 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Pressure 2-86 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GAWR 4-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gear Positions, Automatic Transmission 2-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gear Positions, Manual Transmission 2-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Glove Box 2-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GM Mobility Program for Persons with Disabilities 8-7 . . . . .
Graphic Equalizer 3-7, 3-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross Axle Weight Rating 4-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 4-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Guide en Fran†ais ii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GVWR 4
-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Halogen Bulbs 6-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hatch 2-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ajar Light 2-89 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Release, Remote 2-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hazard Warning Flashers 5-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Head Restraints 1-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlamps 2-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulb Replacement 6-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High/Low Beam Changer 2-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wiring 6-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hearing Impaired, Customer Assistance 8-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heating 3-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heating, Bi-Level 3-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High-Beam Headlamps 2-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Highway Hypnosis 4-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hill and Mountain Roads 4-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .