clock PONTIAC FIREBIRD 2002 User Guide

5-16 How to Add Coolant to the Radiator
(3800 V6 Engine Only)
NOTICE:
Your engine has a specific radiator fill procedure.
Failure to follow this procedure could cause your
engine to overheat and be severely damaged.
1. You can remove the radiator pressure cap when
the cooling system, including the radiator pressure
cap and upper radiator hose, is no longer hot.
Turn the pressure cap slowly counterclockwise
until it first stops. (Don't press down while turning
the pressure cap.)
If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stop.
A hiss means there is still some pressure left.
2. Then keep turning the pressure cap, but now push
down as you turn it. Remove the pressure cap.

5-19
9. Then replace the pressure cap. At any time during
this procedure if coolant begins to flow out of the
filler neck, reinstall the pressure cap. Be sure the
arrows on the pressure cap line up like this.
How to Add Coolant to the Radiator
(V8 Engine Only)
1. You can remove the radiator pressure cap when
the cooling system, including the radiator pressure
cap and upper radiator hose, is no longer hot.
Turn the pressure cap slowly counterclockwise
until it first stops. (Don't press down while turning
the pressure cap.)
If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stop.
A hiss means there is still some pressure left.

5-23
The following steps will tell you how to use the jack and
change a tire.
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools
The equipment you'll need is located in the rear area
behind the trim panel on the passenger's side.
1. First you must remove the cargo cover.
See ªCargo Coverº in the Index.
On convertible models, you must also remove
the trunk access panel. It's at the upper back of
the trunk. Turn the two wing fasteners under the
trunk edge a quarter turn counterclockwise to remove
the panel.

5-26
Your vehicle has alloy wheels.
1. First remove the decorative nut caps using the
wheel wrench. Each wheel may have one locknut
in place of the standard wheel nut. A special wheel
lock key (removal tool) and instructions are located
in the glove box.
2. Attach the wheel lock key to the socket of
the wheel wrench.
3. Remove the locking wheel nut by
turning counterclockwise.Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire
1. Using the wheel wrench, loosen all the wheel nuts.
Don't remove them yet.

5-29
3. Raise the vehicle by turning the wheel wrench
clockwise. Raise the vehicle far enough off the
ground so there is enough room for the compact
spare tire to fit underneath the wheel well.
4. Remove all the wheel nuts and take off the flat tire.
5. Remove any rust or dirt
from the wheel bolts,
mounting surfaces and
spare wheel.
CAUTION:
Rust or dirt on the wheel, or on the parts to
which it is fastened, can make the wheel nuts
become loose after a time. The wheel could come
off and cause an accident. When you change a
wheel, remove any rust or dirt from the places
where the wheel attaches to the vehicle. In an
emergency, you can use a cloth or a paper towel
to do this; but be sure to use a scraper or wire
brush later, if you need to, to get all the rust or
dirt off.

5-30
CAUTION:
Never use oil or grease on studs or nuts. If you
do, the nuts might come loose. Your wheel could
fall off, causing a serious accident.
6. Install the compact spare tire and put the wheel nuts
back on with the rounded end of the nuts toward the
wheel. Tighten each nut by hand until the wheel is
held against the hub.
7. Lower the vehicle by turning the wheel wrench
counterclockwise. Lower the jack completely.

6-6
The fuel cap is located behind a hinged door on the
driver's side of your vehicle.While refueling, allow the fuel cap to hang by the tether.
To remove the fuel cap, turn it slowly to the left
(counterclockwise). The fuel cap has a spring in it;
if you let go of the cap too soon, it will spring back
to the right.

6-7
CAUTION:
If you get gasoline on yourself and then
something ignites it, you could be badly burned.
Gasoline can spray out on you if you open the
fuel cap too quickly. This spray can happen if
your tank is nearly full, and is more likely in hot
weather. Open the fuel cap slowly and wait for
any ªhissº noise to stop. Then unscrew the cap
all the way.
Be careful not to spill gasoline. Clean gasoline from
painted surfaces as soon as possible. See ªCleaning the
Outside of Your Vehicleº in the Index.When you put the fuel cap back on, turn it to the right
(clockwise) until you hear a clicking sound. Make sure
you fully install the cap. The diagnostic system can
determine if the fuel cap has been left off or improperly
installed. This would allow fuel to evaporate into the
atmosphere. See ªMalfunction Indicator Lampº in
the Index.
NOTICE:
If you need a new fuel cap, be sure to get the
right type. Your dealer can get one for you.
If you get the wrong type, it may not fit properly.
This may cause your malfunction indicator lamp
to light and may damage your fuel tank and
emissions system. See ªMalfunction Indicator
Lampº in the Index.

6-42 Center High-Mounted Stoplamp
1. Remove the two screws in the stoplamp lens.
2. Gently pull the assembly out, turn the bulb
counterclockwise and remove it from the back
of the assembly.
3. Reverse the steps with a new bulb.

6-43 Rear Lamps
To change any rear bulb, you have to remove the
entire housing.
1. Remove the trim panel from inside of the hatch
for the side on which you are replacing the bulb.
2. Pull the carpet back.
3. Remove the wing nuts.
4. Pull the assembly out from the outside of the vehicle.
5. To remove a socket with a tab, press the tab and turn
the socket counterclockwise. To remove a socket
without a tab, turn the socket counterclockwise.
6. Pull out the bulb from the socket.
7. Reverse the steps with a new bulb.