maintenance PONTIAC FIREBIRD 1994 User Guide

Service and Appearance Care
If the fluid level is low, add only enough
of the proper fluid to bring the level up to
the “COLD’ area for a cold check or the
“HOT” area for a hot check. It doesn’t
take much fluid, generally less than a pint.
Don’t overfill. We recommend you use
only fluid labeled DEXRON@-I11 or
DEXRON@-IIE, because fluids with
that label are made especially for your
automatic transmission. Dama
e caused
by fluid other than DEXRON
-111 or
DEXRON@-IIE is not covered by your
new vehicle warranty.
0 After adding fluid, recheck the fluid
level as described under
“How to
Check.”
obtained, push the dipstick back in all
the way.
&
When the correct fluid level is
Manual Transmission Fluid
How to Check:
Because this operation can be difficult,
you may choose to have this done at a
Pontiac dealership Service Department.
If you
do it yourself, be sure to follow all
the instructions here, or you could get a
false reading.
NOTICE:
Too much or too little fluid can
damage your transmission.
Too rriuch
can mean that some of the fluid could
come out and fall
on hot engine parts
or exhaust system, starting a
fire. Be
sure to get
an accurate reading if you
check your transmission fluid.
Check the fluid level only when your
engine is off, the vehicle is parked on a
level place and the transmission is cool
enough for you to rest your fingers on the
transmission case.
Then, follow these steps:
1. Remove the filler plug.
2. Check that the lubricant level is up to
the bottom of the filler plug hole.
3. If the fluid level is good, install the
plug and be sure it is fully seated. If
the fluid level is low, add more fluid
as described in the next steps.
How to Add Fluid:
Here’s how to add fluid. Refer to the
Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of fluid to use. See “Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.
1. Remove the filler plug.
2. Add fluid at the filler plug hole. Add
only enough fluid to bring the fluid
level up to the bottom of the filler
plug hole.
3. Install the filler plug. Be sure the plug
is fully seated.
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Hydraulic Clutch
The hydraulic clutch in your vehicle is
self-adjusting. The clutch master cylinder
reservoir is filled with hydraulic clutch
fluid.
It isn’t a good idea to “top
off’ your
clutch fluid. Adding fluid won’t correct a
leak.
A fluid loss in this system could indicate
a problem. Have the system inspected and
repaired.
When to Check and What to Use:
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to
determine how often you should check
the fluid level in your clutch master
cylinder reservoir and for the proper fluid.
See “Owner Checks and Services” and
“Recommended Fluids and Lubricants”
in the Index.
How to Check:
The proper fluid should be added if the
level
is below the “STEP’ mark on the
reservoir. See the instructions on the
reservoir cap.
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
“Periodic Maintenance Inspections” 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 Axle Lubricant (GM Part No.
1052271) or SAE 80W-90 GL-5 gear
lubricant.
Limited-Slip Differential
To add lubricant when the.leve1 is
low, use Axle Lubricant (GM Part
No.
105227 1) or SAE 8OW-90 GL-5 gear
lubricant. To completely refill after
draining, add
4 ounces ( 1 18 ml) of
Limited-Slip Differential Lubricant
Additive (GM
Part No. 1052358). Then
fill to the bottom of the filler plug hole
with Axle Lubricant (GM
Part No.
12345977) or SAE 8OW-90 GL-5 gear
lubricant.
Engine 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 “Engine Overheating” in the Index.
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hat to Add:
:fer to the Maintenance Schedule to
termine what kind
of fluid to use. See
!ecommended Fluids and Lubricants” ir
: Index.
NOTICE:
When adding power steering fluid or
making a complete fluid change,
always use the proper fluid. Failure
to use the proper fluid can cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.
Windshield Washer Fluid
To Add:
Open the cap labeled “WASHER FLUID
ONLY.” Add washer fluid until the bottle
is full.
NOTICE:
0
0
0
0
When using concentrated washer
fluid, follow the manufacturer’s
instructions for adding water.
Don’t mix water with
ready-to-use washer fluid; Water
can cause the solution to freeze
and damage your washer fluid
tank and other parts of the washer
system. Also, water doesn’t clean
as well as washer fluid.
Fill your washer fluid tank only
3/4 full when it’s very cold. This
allows for expansion, which could
damage the tank if it is completely
full.
Don’t use radiator antifreeze in
your windshield washer. It can
damage your washer system and
paint.
205. . . ProCarManuals.com

Service and Appearance Care
Brake Master Cylinder
Your brake master cylinder is here. It is
filled with DOT-3 brake fluid.
There are only two reasons why the brake
fluid level in your master cylinder might
go down. The first is that the brake fluid
goes down to an acceptable level during
normal brake lining wear. When new linings are put in, the fluid level goes
back up. The other reason is that fluid is
leaking out of the brake system. If it is,
you should have your brake system fixed,
since a leak means that sooner or later
your brakes won’t work well, or won’t
work at all.
. . .206
So, it isn’t a good idea to “top off’ your
brake fluid. Adding brake fluid won’t
correct a leak. If you add fluid when your
linings are worn, then you’ll have too
much fluid when you get new brake
linings. You should add (or remove)
brake fluid, as necessary, only when work
is done on the brake hydraulic system.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to
determine when to check your brake
fluid. See “Periodic Maintenance
Inspections’’ in the Index.
To Check Brake Fluid:
You can check the brake fluid without
takmg
off the cap. Just look at the brake
fluid reservoir. The fluid level should be
above the plastic seam
in the reservoir.
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, near the base of the filler
neck.
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When to Check: Check your tires once a
month or more. Don’t forget your
compact spare tire. It should be at
60 psi
(420 kPa).
How to Check: Use a good quality
pocket-type gage to check tire pressure.
Simply looking at the tires will not tell
you the pressure, especially
if you have
radial tires
- which may look properly
inflated even if they’re underinflated.
If your tires have valve caps, be sure to
put them back on. They help prevent
leaks by keeping out dirt and moisture.
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Tire Inspection and Rotation
To make your tires last longer, have them
inspected and rotated at the mileages
recommended in the Maintenance
Schedule. See “Scheduled Maintenance
Services” in the Index.
If you don’t have P245/50ZR16 size tires:
use the rotation pattern shown above for
your size tires.
I1
II
0
SI
B
SI
e:
b
’ fl
A
tl
SI
12
P:
T
4-
-I-
4-
-a4
F you have P245/50ZR16 size tires, they
lust roll in a certain direction for the besl
vera11 performance. The direction is
hown by an arrow on both sidewalls.
lecause these tires are directional, they
hould be rotated as shown in the
xample above. These tires should only
e moved from front to rear and rear to
-ont on the same side of the vehicle.
Lfter the tires have been rotated, adjust
le front and rear inflation pressure as
Sown
on the Tire-Loading Information
lbel. Make certain that all wheel nuts are
roperly tightened. See “Wheel Nut
orque” in the Index.
217.
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Finish Care
Occasional waxing or mild polishing of
your Pontiac may be necessary to remove
residue from the paint finish.
You can get
GM approved cleaning products from
your dealer. (See “Appearance Care and
Maintenance Materials” in the Index.)
Your Pontiac has
a “basecoatjclearcoat”
paint finish. The clearcoat gives more depth and gloss to the colored
basecoat.Always use waxes and polishes
that are non-abrasive and made for a
basecoatklearcoat paint finish.
NOTICE:
Machine compounding or aggressive
polishing
on a basecoatjclearcoat
paint finish may dull the finish or
leave swirl marks.
Cleaning Your Convertible Top
NOTICE:
When using an automatic car wash,
set your heating or cooling system to
“VENT” with the fan speed set to
the second highest speed. This will
prevent high pressure water from
entering around your top.
Your convertible top should be cleaned
often. Use a mild soap, lukewarm water
and a soft brush. Don’t use any harsh
cleaners or bleaching agents on the top.
They can damage the material.
When the top is really dirty, use a mild
foam-type cleaner. Use a cloth or sponge
to remove the dirt.
Thoroughly rinse the top and dry
it before
lowering it.
A damp top causes wrinkles.
Aluminum Wheels (If So Equipped)
Your aluminum wheels have a protective
coating similar to the painted surface of
your vehicle. Don’t use strong soaps,
chemicals, chrome polish, abrasive
cleaners,
or abrasive cleaning brushes
on them because you could damage this coating. After
rinsing thoroughly, a wax
may be applied.
NOTICE:
If you have aluminum wheels, don’t
use an automatic car wash that has
hard silicon carbide cleaning brushes.
These brushes can take off the
protective coating.
Tires
Your Pontiac dealer has a GM White
Sidewall Tire Cleaner.
You can use a stiff
brush with the cleaner.
When applying a tire dressing always take
care to wipe
off any overspray or splash
from painted surfaces. Petroleum-based
products may damage the paint finish.
Weatherstrips
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will
make them last longer, seal better, and not
stick or squeak. Apply silicone grease
with a clean cloth at least every six
months. During
very cold, damp weather
more frequent application may be
required. (See “Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants’’ in the Index.)
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Service and Appearance Care
Sheet Metal Damage
If your vehicle is damaged and requires
sheet metal repair or replacement, make
sure the body repair shop applies
anti-corrosion material to the parts
repaired or replaced to restore corrosion
protection.
Foreign Material
Calc'ium chloride and other salts, ice
melting agents, road oil and tar, tree sap,
bird droppings, chemicals from industrial chimneys, and other foreign matter can
damage your vehicle's finish
if they
remain on painted surfaces. Use cleaners
that are marked safe for painted surfaces
to remove foreign matter.
Finish Damage
Any stone chips, fractures or deep
scratches in the finish should be repaired
right away. Bare metal will corrode
quickly and may develop into a major
repair expense.
Minor chips and scratches can be repaired
with touch-up materials available from
your dealer or other service outlets.
Larger areas of finish damage can be corrected
in your dealer's body and paint
shop.
Underbody Maintenance
Chemicals used for ice and snow removal
and dust control can collect on the
underbody. If these are not removed,
accelerated corrosion (rust) can occur on
the underbody parts such as fuel lines,
frame, floor pan, and exhaust system even
though they have corrosion protection.
At least every spring, flush these
materials from the underbody with plain
water. Clean any areas where mud and
other debris cah collect. Dirt packed in
closed areas
of the frame should be
loosened before being flushed. Your
dealer or an underbody vehicle washing
system can do this for you.
Chemical Paint Spotting
Some weather and atmospheric conditions
:an create a chemical fallout. Airborne
?ollutants can fall upon and attack painted
curfaces on your vehicle. This damage
:an take two forms: blotchy,
inglet-shaped discolorations, and small
irregular dark spots etched into the paint
surface.
Although no defect in the paint job causes
this, Pontiac will repair, at no charge to
the owner, the surfaces of new vehicles
jamaged by this fallout condition within
12 months or 12,000 miles (20
000 km)
of purchase, whichever comes first.
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Appearance Care and Maintenance Materials
PART NUMBER USAGE DESCRIPTION
SIZE
1051516
16
02. (0.473 L) 10501 73
Also old waxes, polishes
Tar
and Road Oil Remover
16 02. (0.473 L)
10501 72 Windshield washing system and gas line
Washer
Solvent and Gas Liner De-lcer
32
02. (0.946 L)
Windshield cleaner
Bon-Ami Powder"
12
02. (0.340 kg)
105001
1 Exterior cleaner and polish
Magic Mirror Cleaner-Polish
16
02. (0.473 L)
1050201 Spot and stain removal
on cloth and fabric Spot Lifter*
8 02. (0.237 L) 1051 398 Exterior wash
Wash-Wax (Concentrated)
16
02. (0.473
L)
1052870 Vinyl, cloth, door trims, seats, carpet, tires, mats Multi-Purpo\
se Powdered Cleaner
6
Ib. (2.72 kg)
1050429 Glass cleaning and
spot cleaning on vinyls Glass
Cleaner
24 02. (0.680 L)
1050427 Spot and stain removal
on cloth and fabric Fabric
Cleaner*
16 02. (0.473 L)
1050244 Spot and stain removal
on leather
and vinyl
VinyVLeather Cleaner*
32 02. (0.946 L)
105021 4 Cleans white and black tires White Sidewall Tire Cleaner 16
02. (0.473
L)
10501 74 Removes
rust and corrosion on chrome and steel
Cleaner and Polish
*Not recommended for pigskin suede leather.
See your General Motors Dealer for these products. See the Index under "Recommended Fluids and Lubricants" for other produc\
ts.
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I IMPORTANT
I
KEEP THE ENGINE OIL
AT THE PROPER
LEVEL AND CHANGE AS
RECOMMENDED
This part covers the
maintenance required for your
Pontiac. Your vehicle needs
these services
to retain its
safety, dependability and
emission control performance.
Part 7
Maintenance Schedule
Section
Introduction: A Word about Maintenance ... . . 240
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
..
Your Vehicle and the Environment ...... .......... 240
How This Part
Is Organized .......... ....... . . 240
Scheduled Maintenance Services .... ................. 242
Using
Your Maintenance Schedules ....................... 241
Selecting the Right Schedule
................ ..... 241
Schedule1
............................... . . 242
Schedule11
................................. . . 244
Explanation
of Scheduled Maintenance Services .......... 246
Owner Checksand Services ................................ 248
AtEachFuelFill
....................................... 248
At Least Once
a Month .................................. 248
At Least Twice a Year
................... ......... 248
At Least Once
a Year ............... .., . . 249
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants ... ................ 253
Maintenance Record ...................................... 255
Periodic Maintenance Inspections .... ... ..... 251
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I- -
Have you purchased the GM Protection Plan? The Plan
supplements
your new car warranties.
See
your GM dealer for details.
239. ..
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Maintenance Schedule
Introduction: A Word about Maintenance
We at General Motors want to help you
keep your vehicle in good working
condition. But we don’t know exactly
how you’ll drive it. You may drive very
short distances only a
few times a week.
Or you may drive long distances all the
time in very hot, dusty weather. You may
use your vehicle in making deliveries. Or
you may drive it to work, to do errands,
or in many other ways.
Because of all the different ways people
use their GM vehicles, maintenance needs
vary. You may even need more frequent
checks and replacements than you will
find in the schedules
in this part. So
please read this part and note how you
drive.
If you have any questions on how
to keep your vehicle in good condition,
see your Pontiac dealer, the place
many GM owners choose to have their
maintenance work done.
Your dealer can
be relied upon to use proper parts and
practices.
Your Vehicle and the
Environment
Proper vehicle maintenance not only
helps to keep your vehicle in good
working condition, but also helps the
environment. All recommended
maintenance procedures are important. Improper vehicle maintenance or the
removal of important components can
significantly affect the quality of the air
we breathe. Improper fluid levels or even
the wrong tire inflation can increase the
level of emissions from your vehicle.
To
help protect our environment, and to help
keep your vehicle in good condition,
please maintain your vehlcle properly.
How This Part is Organized
The remainder of this part is divided into
five sections:
“Section
A: Scheduled Maintenance
Services” shows what to have done and
how often. Some of these services can be
complex,
so unless you are technically
qualified and have the necessary
equipment, you should let your dealer’s service department or another qualified
service center do these jobs.
If you are skilled enough to do some work
on your vehicle, you will probably want
to get the service information GM
publishes. You will find a list of
publications and how to get them in
this
manpal. See “Service Publications” in the
Index.
“Section
B: Owner Checks and Services’’
tells you what should be checked
whenever you stop for fuel. It also
explains what you can easily do
to help
keep your vehicle in good condition.
. . .240
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