automatic transmission PONTIAC FIREBIRD 1994 Owner's Manual

Service and Appearance Care
Automatic Transmission Fluid
When to Check and Change:
A good time to check your automatic
transmission fluid level
is when the
engine oil is changed. Refer to the
Maintenance Schedule to determine when
to change your fluid. See “Scheduled
Maintenance Services” in the Index.
How to Check:
Because this operation can be a little
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 on the dipstick.
Too much or too little fluid can
damage your transmission. Too much
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. Wait
at least 30 minutes before checking
the transmission fluid level if you have
been driving:
When outside temperatures are above
At high speed for quite a while.
In heavy traffic - especially in hot
90°F (32°C).
weather.
While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading, the fluid should
be at normal operating temperature,
which is 180°F to 200°F (82°C to 93°C).
To check transmission fluid hot: Get
the vehicle warmed up by driving
about
15 miles (24 km) when outside
temperatures
are above 50°F ( 10°C).
If it’s colder than 50°F ( lO”C), drive
the vehicle in
“D’ (Third Gear) until the
engine temperature gage moves and then
remains steady for
ten minutes. Then
follow the hot check procedures.
To check transmission fluid cold: A cold
check is made after the vehicle has been
sitting for eight hours or more with the
engine
off and is used only as a reference.
Let the engine run at idle for five minutes
if outside temperatures are 50°F
(10°C)
or more. If it’s colder than 50°F (lO°C),
you may have to idle the engine longer.
Should the fluid level be low during a
cold check, you must perform a hot check
before adding fluid. This will give you a
more accurate reading of the fluid level.
To check the fluid hot or cold:
0
Park your vehicle on a level place.
With the parking brake applied, place
the shift lever
in “P” (Park).
With your foot on the brake pedal,
move the shift lever through each gear
range, pausing for about three seconds
in each range. Then, position the shift
lever in “P” (Park).
Let the engine
run at idle for three
minutes or more.
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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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Service and Appearance Care
Replacement Bulbs
Ashtray" ......................................................... 194
Automatic Transmission Indicator
...................................... 73
Backup
......................................................... 1156
Center High-Mounted Stoplight
....................................... 921
Cluster
.......................................................... 161
Console
......................................................... 194
Dome
........................................................... 906
Doorcourtesy
..................................................... 74
Fog
............................................................. 885
Front Parking and Turn Signal
....................................... 2397
GloveBox
....................................................... 194
Headlight
..................................................... H-6545
Heater and
A/C Control .............................................. 37
Indicator Lights
.................................................. PC74
Interior Door Handle
................................................ 74
License
.......................................................... 194
Reading
....................................................... 212-2
Rearcourtesy
..................................................... 562
Sidemarker
....................................................... 194
TailOnly
........................................................ 194
Tail/Stop/Turn
................................................... 2057
Trunk
........................................................... 562
Turn Signal Indicators
.............................................. 161
*Manual transmission only
.
... 232
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tNot all air conditioning refrigerants are the same. If the air con\
ditioning system in your
vehicle needs refrigerant, be sure the proper refrigerant is us\
ed. If you’re not sure, ask
your Pontiac dealer.
“Recheck fluid level after filling. See “Automatic Transmission Fluid” in the Index.
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ITEM
NO. SERVICE
6 Transmission Service - For
manual transmissions, fluid
doesn’t require changing. See
“Periodic Maintenance
Inspections.”
For automatic transmissions,
change both the fluid and filter
every 15,000 miles
(25 000 km)
if the vehicle is mainly driven
under one
or more of these
conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the
outside temperature regularly
reaches
90°F (32°C) or
higher.
In hilly or mountainous
terrain.
When doing frequent trailer
towing.
Uses such as found in taxi,
police car or delivery service.
If you do not use your vehicle
under any of these conditions,
change both the fluid and
filter every
100,000 miles
(166 000 km).
ITEM
NO. SERVICE
7
8
9
10
Spark Plug Replacement* -
Replace spark plugs with the
proper type. See “Replacement
Parts” in the Index.
Spark Plug Wire InsPection*t
-
Inspect for burns, cracks or other
damage. Check the boot fit at the
distributor and at the spark plugs.
Replace wires as needed.
Air Cleaner Filter Replacement”
- Replace every 30,000 miles
(50 000 km) or more often under
dusty conditions. Ask your
dealer for the proper replacement
intervals for your driving
conditions.
Fuel Tank. Cap and Lines
Inspection*-/-
- Inspect fuel tank,
cap and lines (including fuel rails
and injection assembly) for
damage or leaks. Inspect fuel cap
gasket for an even filler neck
imprint or any damage. Replace
parts as needed. Periodic
replacement of the fuel filter is
not required.
ITEM
NO. SERVICE
11 Rear Axle Fluid Change - If your
vehicle is used to pull a trailer,
have the rear axle gear lubricant
changed every
7,500 miles
(12 500 km).
If your vehicle is not used to pull
a trailer, but has a limited-sli,p
differential, have the rear axle
gear lubricant changed once, after
the first
7,500 miles (12 500.h).
* An Emission Control Service.
j- The US. Environmental Protection Agency
or the California Air Resources Board has
determined that the failure to pe$orm this
maintenance item will not nullify the emission
warranty
or limit recall liability prior to the
completion
of vehicle useful life. General
Motors, however, urges that all recommended
maintenance services be performed at the
indicated intervals and the maintenance be
recorded in “Section E: Maintenance Record.”
247. . .
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I At Least Once a Year I
CHECK
OR SERVICE
Key Lock Cylinders
Body Lubrication
~ ~
Starter Switch
WHAT TO DO
Lubricate the key lock cylinders with the lubricant specified in Section D.
Lubricate all body door hinges. Also lubricate all hinges and latches, including those for the hood,
headlight door assemblies, rear compartment, console doors and any folding seat hardware.
Section
D tells you what to use.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room around the vehicle.
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake (see ‘‘Pariung Brake” in the Index if necessary) and the
NOTE:
Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to turn off the engine immediately if it starts.
3. On automatic transmission vehicles, try to start the engine in each gear. The starter should
work only in
“P” (Park) or “N” (Neutral). If the starter works in any other position, your
vehicle needs service.
On manual transmission vehicles, put the shift lever in
“N” (Neutral), push the clutch down
halfway and try to start the engine. The starter should work only when the clutch is pushed
down all the way to the floor. If the starter works when the clutch isn’t pushed all the way
down, your vehicle needs service.
regular
brake.
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Maintenance Schedule
Section B: Owner Checks and Services (Cont.)
At least Once a Year (CONK)
CHECK
OR SERVICE
Steering Column Lock
Parking Brake and
Automatic Transmission “P” (Park) Mechanism
Check
Underbody Flushing
WHAT TO DO
While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn the key to “LOCK” in each shift lever
position.
With an automatic transmission, the key should turn to “LOCK” only when the shift lever is
0 With a manual transmission, the key should turn to “LOCK” only when the shift lever is in
On vehicles with a key release button, try to turn the key to “LOCK” without pressing the
button. The key should turn to “LOCK” only with the key button depressed. On all vehicles,
the kev should come out only in “LOCK.”
in
“P” (Park).
“R” (Reverse).
brake, set the parking brake.
0 To check the parhng brake: With the engine running and transmission in “N” (Neutral),
slowly remove foot pressure from the regular brake pedal.
Do this until the vehicle is held by
the parking brake only.
brakes.
0 To check the “P” (Park) mechanism’s holding ability: Shift to “P” (Park). Then release all
~~ ~
At least every spring, use plain water to flush any corrosive materials from the underbody. Take
care to clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris can collect.
. . .250
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Section D: Recommended Fluids & Lubricants
JOTE: Fluids and lubricants identified below by name, part number or specification may be obtained from your GM Dealer.
USAGE
Engine Oil
Engine Coolant
Hydraulic Brake System
FLUID/LUBRICANT
API service SH or SG Energy Conserving I1 oils of the proper viscosity. The “SH” designation
may be shown alone or in combination with others, such as “SH/CD,”
“SH, SG, CD,”
“SG/CD,” etc. To determine the preferred viscosity for your vehicle’s engine, see “Engine
Oil”
in the Index.
50/50 mixture of water (preferably distilled) and good quality ethylene glycol base antifreeze
(GM Part No. 1052753 or equivalent) conforming to GM Specification 1825M or approved
recycled coolant conforming to
GM Specification 1825M.
Delco-Supreme
ll@ Brake Fluid (GM Part No. 1052535 or equivalent DOT-3 Brake Fluid).
Hydraulic Clutch Hydraulic Clutch Fluid (GM Part.
No. 12345347 or equivalent).
System
Power Steering System
~~
GM Hydraulic Power Steering Fluid (GM Part No. 1052884 or equivalent).
Manual Transmission DEXRON@-IIE Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Automatic DEXR0N’-III or DEXRON@-IIE Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Transmission
I
Key Lock Cylinders I Lubricate with Multi-Purpose Lubricant (GM Part No. 12345120) or synthetic SAE 5W-30
253. . .
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ABS ........................ 129
Accessory Power. Retained
....... 52
Add-on Electrical Equipment
..... 228
Adding Coolant
................ 202
Additives. Engine Oil
............ 194
AirBags
...................... 23
How the System Works
........ 24
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped
Pontiac
................... 27
Readiness Light
.............. 24
Air Cleaner
.................... 195
Air Conditioner Controls
......... 106
Air Control
Knob ............... 104
Air Filter Replacement
........... 196
Alignment and Tire Balance.
Wheel
...................... 220
Aluminum Wheels
.............. 225
A"M Stereo
With Cassette Tape Player
...... 109
With Cassette Tape Player and
Graphic Equalizer
.......... 1 12
With Compact Disc Player
...... 115
With Compact Disc Player and
Graphic Equalizer
.......... 1 18
Antenna. Fixed Mast
............ 123
Anti-Lock Brakes
.............. 129
To Use ..................... 130
System Warning Light ......... 91
Appearance Care
............... 221
Appearance Care and Materials
.... 227 Appearance Care.
Service and
..... 183
Ashtray and Lighter
............. 85
Ashtray. Front
................. 85
Audio Systems ................. 108
Audio Systems. Comfort
Controls and
................. 103
Automatic Transmission
................ 56
Transmission Fluid
............ 198
Axle. Limited-Slip Rear
.......... 62
Axle. Rear
.................... 201
Babies. Smaller Children
and (Safety Belts)
............. 30
Balance. Wheel Alignment
and Tire
.................... 220
Battery
....................... 208
Battery Replacement. Remote Lock
Control
..................... 45
BBB Auto Line
- Alternative Dispute
Resolution Program.
GM Participation in
......... 261
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
.... 140
Belt Routing
................... 237
Belt. Lap-Shoulder
.............. 19
Bi-Level Heating
............... 105
Blizzard. If You're Caught in a
... 143
Box. Glove
.................... 83
Brakes Adjustment
.................. 208
Anti-Lock
(ABS) ............. 129 Brakes
Fluid
....................... 207
Master Cylinder
.............. 206
Parking
..................... 63
Pedal Travel ................. 207
System Parts. Replacing
........ 208
System Warning Light
......... 90
Trailer ...................... 147
Wear
...................... 207
Braking (Control of a Vehicle)
..... 128
Braking
in Emergencies ........... 132
"Break.In,
.. New Vehicle ........ 50
Brightness Control .............. 76
Bulb Replacement .............. 209
Center High-Mounted
Stoplight
.................. 210
Front Turn Signal
............. 211
Headlights
............. .' .... 209
Rear Lights
.................. 211
Rear Sidemarker
.............. 212
Bulbs, Halogen
................. 209
Bulbs. Replacement
............. 232
Canadian Roadside Assistance
... 263
Capacities and Specifications
...... 233
Carbon Monoxide
.............. 48
Care
Appearance
................. 221
Cassette Tape Player
.......... 122
Compact Discs
............... 122
Safety Belts
................. 224
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Cruise Control Using on Hills
............... 75
Curves. Driving on
.............. 132
Customer Assistance for the Hearing or Speech Impaired (TDD)
..... 260
Customer Assistance Information
. . 259
Customer Satisfaction Procedure
... 260
Daytime Running Lights
....... 77
Deep Standing Water.
Driving through
.............. 54
Defects. Safety Reporting to General Motors
.... 262
Reporting to the Canadian Government
............... 262
Reporting to the United States
Government
............... 26 1
Defensive Driving .............. 126
Defogger. Rear Window
......... 107
Defogging and Defrosting Windows
................... 105
Dimensions. Vehicle
............ 236
Doing Your Own Service Work
.... 184
Door Locks
.................... 43
Door Locks. Power
............. 44
Doors. Headlight
............... 76
Driver Position (Safety Belts)
..... 19
Driving AtNight
.................... 136
City
........................ 138
Defensive
................... 126 .
Driving
Drunken
.................... 126
Freeway
.................... 139
In the Rain .................. 137
On Curves
.................. 132
On Snow or Ice
.............. 142
Through Deep Standing Water
... 54
Winter
...................... 142
With a Trailer
................ 147
Drunken Driving
............... 126
Electrical Center. Underhood
.... 231
Electrical Equipment. Add-on
..... 228
Electric Mirror Control
.......... 80
Emergencies. Braking in
......... 132
Emergencies. Steering in
......... 133
Engine
Coolant
..................... 20 1
Coolant (Block) Heater
........ 55
Coolant Temperature Gage
..... 93
Exhaust
..................... 66
Identification
................ 228
Oil
........................ 191
Oil Pressure Gage
............. 95
Overheating
................. 1 6 1
Specifications ................ 233
Starting Your
................ 52
Environment, Your Vehicle
andthe
..................... 240
Exhaust, Engine
................ 66
Extender, Safety Belt
............ 39
Fan Control Knob ............. 104
Features and Controls
........... 41
Filling Your Tank
............... 187
Filter. Air. Replacement
.......... 196
Finish Care (Paint)
.............. 225
Finish Damage (Paint)
........... 226
Fixed Mast Antenna
............. 123
Flashers. Hazard Warning
........ 152
Flat Tire. Changing a
............ 171
Flat.
If a Tire Goes .............. 170
Floormats
..................... 79
Flow-Through Ventilation System
. . 107
Fluid Automatic Transmission
....... 198
Brake
....................... 207
Manual Transmission
.......... 200
Power Steering
............ .I .. 204
Recommended ................ 253
Windshield Washer
............. 205
Fog Lights
..................... 78
Folding Rear Seatback
........... 13
Foreign Countries. Fuels in
....... 186
Foreign Material Paint Damage
.... 226
Four-Way Manual Seat
.......... 8
Freeway Driving ............... 139
Front Ashtray
..................... 85
Console
.................... 84
Map Lights
.................. 79
Seat. Manual
................ 8
271 . .
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