PONTIAC FIREBIRD 2002 Owners Manual
Page 131 of 359
2-75
NOTICE:
It is not recommended to lower the top if your
vehicle is out in cold weather (0F /
-18C or lower),
or you may damage top components.
NOTICE:
Before lowering the convertible top into the
storage area, be sure there are no objects in the
way of the folded, stored top. The weight of a
stored top on items in the storage area will
cause the convertible top back glass to break.
4. Unlock the front of the convertible top by pushing
on the smaller part of the latch, then pulling down
on the larger part of the latch. Be sure the hook
on the latch that attaches into the hole at the
windshield releases.
Page 132 of 359
2-76
5. The switch is located on
the console in front of
the gearshift lever.
Make sure nothing or anyone is on or around the top.
Push and hold the down arrow on the lower part of the
convertible TOP switch.
The top will automatically lower into the storage area.Installing the Boot Cover
After lowering the convertible top, you may want to
install the boot cover. The three
-piece boot cover is
stored in a bag in the hatch area.
1. Flip the two convertible top latches to the
closed position.
2. Open the hatch and remove the two side covers
and middle section from the storage bag.
Page 133 of 359
2-77
3. Install the two side covers by inserting the tab into the
front seatbelt cover. Lower the covers onto the vehicle.4. Install the middle section of the cover by sliding the
tabs into the slots on the right side cover. Lower the
cover and insert the latch.
5. Close the hatch.
Page 134 of 359
2-78 Removing the Boot Cover
1. Open the hatch.
2. Remove the middle piece of the cover by pushing in
on the latch and lifting up on the cover.
3. Remove the two side pieces of the boot cover
by lifting the rear cover and sliding them out of
their slots.
Page 135 of 359
2-79
4. Store each piece of the cover in its separate
compartment according to the graphic printed
inside of the storage bag. Store the bag in the
hatch and close the hatch.
5. Unlock the two convertible top latches.
Raising Your Convertible Top
1. Park on a level surface and set the parking brake
firmly. If you have an automatic transmission, shift
into PARK (P). If you have a manual transmission,
shift into REVERSE (R).
2. Turn the ignition to ACCESSORY or RUN
(or RAP must be active).
3. Lower both sun visors and lower both windows at
least 3 inches (8 cm). If the boot cover is in place,
it must be removed first.
NOTICE:
Raising or lowering the top while the vehicle is
in motion can cause serious damage to the top
to top mechanism.
Page 136 of 359
2-80
4. Push and hold the up
arrow on the top part
of the convertible
TOP switch.
5. Pull down on the latches and align the top so the pins
are aligned with the holes in the windshield header.
Push forward on the larger part of the latch until it
clicks. Do not force the latch. If it is hard to lock,
the top is not properly aligned.
Page 137 of 359
2-81
NOTICE:
The convertible top may be tight when pushing
forward on the latch when your vehicle is new,
but it will loosen up with time. Make sure that
the hooks are properly aligned before using any
kind of force.
If your vehicle has a power loss, such as a dead battery,
you can still raise or lower the top manually by turning
the valve in the driver's side of the trunk area.
1. Open the hatch and find the tab located along the
driver's side trim panel.
2. Lift up the tab and turn the valve clockwise to
release the hydraulic pressure.
3. Make sure the ignition key is in LOCK.
You can now raise or lower your top manually. Be sure
to close the valve after installing your top so you can
raise or lower it electrically later.
Page 138 of 359
2-82
The Instrument Panel -- Your Information System
Page 139 of 359
2-83
The main components of your instrument panel are the following:
A. Fog Lamp Switch
B. Exterior Lamp Control
C. Air Vents
D. Instrument Panel Cluster
E. Horn
F. Audio System
G. Glove Box
H. Remote Hatch Release
I. Audio Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped)
J. Rear Window Defogger ButtonK. Convertible Top Switch (If Equipped)
L. Traction Control System Switch (Option)
M. Ashtray
N. Shift Lever (Automatic Transmission Shown)
O. Cupholders
P. Front Console
Q. Parking Brake Lever
R. Cigarette Lighter
S. Accessory Power Outlet
T. Comfort Controls
Page 140 of 359
2-84 Instrument Panel Cluster
Your instrument panel cluster is designed to let you know at a glance how your vehicle is running. You'll know how
fast you're going, your engine's rpms, about how much fuel you have left and many other things you'll need to know
to drive safely and economically.
5.7L V8 Engine shown, 3800 V6 Engine similar (United States shown, Canada similar)