service PONTIAC FIREBIRD 1994 Owner's Manual

Problems on the Road
9. Shut the engine off and replace the
pressure cap. Be sure the arrows
on
the cap line up like this.
I
0. Then fill the coolant recovery tank to
;or a complete drain, flush and refill, see
‘our Pontiac dealer or a Pontiac Firebird
Iervice Manual. To purchase a service
nanual, see “Service Publications’’ in
he Index. the proper
level.
If a Tire Goes Flat
[t’s unusual for a tire to “blow out” while
you’re driving, especially
if you maintain
your tires properly. If air goes out of a
;ire, it’s much more likely to leak out
jlowly. But if you should ever have a
‘blowout,” here are a few tips about what
:o expect and what to do:
[fa front tire fails, the
flat tire will create
3 drag that pulls the vehicle toward that
side. Take your foot off the accelerator
pedal and grip the steering wheel firmly.
Steer to maintain lane position,
then
gently brake to a stop well out of the
traffic lane.
A rear blowout, particularly on a curve,
acts much like a
slud and may require the
same correction you’d use in a skid. In
any rear blowout, remove your foot from
the accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle
under control by steering the way you
want the vehicle to go.
It may be very
bumpy and noisy, but you can still steer.
Gently brake to a stop, well
off the road
if possible.
[f a tire goes flat, the next section shows
how to use your jacking equipment to
change a flat tire safely.
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I I
Here you will find information
about the care of your Pontiac
.
This part begins with service and fuel information. and then
it
shows how to check important
fluid and lubricant levels
. There
is also technical information
about your vehicle. and a section devoted
to its
appearance care
.
Part b
Service 8t Appearance Care
Service .........................................................
Fuel ...........................................................
Checking Things under the Hood ....................................
HoodRelease ..................................................
184
185
188
188
Engineoil
.................................................... 191
Aircleaner
.................................................... 195
Automatic Transmission Fluid
..................................... 198
Manual Transmission Fluid
....................................... 200
Hydraulic Clutch
............................................... 201
RearAxle
..................................................... 201
Enginecoolant
................................................. 201
Power Steering fluid
............................................ 204
Windshield Washer Fluid
......................................... 205
Brake Master Cylinder
........................................... 206
Bulb Replacement
................................................ 209
Battery
....................................................... 208
LoadingYourVehicle
............................................. 213
Tires
........................................................... 215
Appearance Care
................................................. 221
Appearance Care and Maintenance Materials
.......................... 227
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
................................. 228
Service Parts Identification Label
.................................... 228
Add-on Electrical Equipment
....................................... 228
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
......................................... 228
ReplacementBulbs
............................................... 232
Capacities and Specifications
........................................ 233
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Service and Appearance Care
~
Service
Your Pontiac dealer knows your vehicle
best and wants you to be happy with it.
We hope you’ll go to your dealer for all
your service needs. You’ll get genuine
GM parts and GM-trained and supported
service people.
We hope you’ll want to keep your GM
vehicle all GM. Genuine GM parts have
one
of these marks.
Doing Your Own Service Work
[f you want to do some of your own
service work, you’ll want to get the
proper Pontiac Service Manual.
It tells
you much more about how
to service
your Pontiac than this manual can.
To
order the proper service manual, see
“Service Publications” in the Index.
Your vehicle has an air bag system.
Before attempting to
do your own
service work, see “Servicing Your Air
Bag-Equipped Pontiac” in the Index.
You should keep a record with all parts
receipts and list the mileage and the date
of any service work you
perform. See
“Maintenance Record” in the Index.
NOTICE:
If you try to do your own service
work without knowing enough about
it, your vehicle could be damaged.
. . .184
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H Fuel
The 8th digit of your Vehicle
Identification Number (VIN) shows
the code letter for your engine.
You will
find the VIN at the top left of your
instrument panel. (See “Vehicle
Identification Number” in the Index.)
3.4L L32 (Code S)
Use regular unleaded gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher. It should meet
specifications ASTM D4814 in the
U.S.
and CGSB 3.5-92 in Canada. These fuels
should have the proper additives,
so you
should not have
to add anything to: the
fuel.
In the U.S. and Canada, it’s easy to be sure you get the right kind of giisoline
(unleaded). You’ll see “UNLEADED”
right on the pump. And only unleaded nozzles will fit into your vehicle’s filler
neck.
’ Be sure the posted octane is at least 87.
If the octane is less than 87, you may get
a heavy knochng noise when
you drive.
If it’s bad enough, it can damage your
1 engine. If
you’re using fuel rated at 87 octane or
higher and you still hear heavy knoclung,
your engine needs service. But don’t
worry if you hear a little pinging noise
when you’re accelerating or driving up a
hill. That’s normal, and you don’t have to
buy a higher octane fuel to get rid of
pinging. It’s the heavy, constant knock
that means you have a problem.
5.7L LT1 (Code P)
Use premium unleaded gasoline rated at
91 octane or higher. You may use middle
grade or regular unleaded gasolines, but
your vehicle may not accelerate as well.
The gasoline you use should meet
specifications
ASTM D4814 in the U.S.
and
CGSB 3.5-92 in Canada. These fuels
should have the proper additives,
so you
should not have to add anything to the
fuel.
In the
U.S. and Canada, it’s easy to be
sure you get the right lund of gasoline
(unleaded). You’ll see “UNLEADED”
right on the pump. And only unleaded nozzles will fit into your vehicle’s filler
neck. Be sure
the posted octane for premium
is
at least 91 (at least 89 for middle grade
and 87 for regular).
If the octane is less
than 87, you may get a heavy knocking
noise when you drive. If it’s bad enough,
it can damage your engine.
If you’re using fuel rated at
91 octane or
higher and you still hear heavy knocking,
your engine needs service. But don’t
worry if you hear a little pinging noise
when you’re accelerating or driving up a
hill. That’s normal and you don’t have to
buy a higher octane fuel to get rid of
pinging. It’s the heavy, constant knock
that means you have a problem.
All Engines
What about gasoline with blending
materials that contain oxygen
(oxygenates), such as MTBE or alcohol?
MTBE is “methyl tertiary-butyl ether.”
Fuel that is no more than
15% MTBB is
fine for your vehicle.
Ethanol is ethyl or grain alcohol.
Properly-blended fuel that is no more
than 10% ethanol is fine for your vehicle.
Methanol is methyl or wood alcohol.
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Service and Appearance Care
NOTICE:
Fuel that is more than 5% methanol
is bad for your vehicle. Don’t use it.
It can corrode metal parts in your fuel
system and also damage plastic and
rubber parts. That damage wouldn’t
be covered under your warranty. And
even at
5% or less, there must be
“cosolvents” and corrosion prevent-
ers in this fuel to help avoid these
problems.
Gasolines for Cleaner Air
Your use of gasoline with deposit control
additives will help prevent deposits from
forming in your engine and fuel system.
That helps keep your engine in tune and
your emission control system working
properly. It’s good for your vehicle, and
you’ll be doing your part for cleaner air.
Many gasalines are now blended with
oxygenates. General Motors recommend:
that you use gasolines with these blendin,
materials, such as MTBE and ethanol. BJ
doing
so, you can help clean the air,
especially
in those parts of the country
that have high carbon monoxide levels. n
addition, some gasoline suppliers are
low producing reformulated gasolines.
rhese gasolines are specially designed to
.educe vehicle emissions. General Motors
-ecommends that you use reformulated
;asoline. By doing
so, you can help clean
:he air, especially in those parts of the
:ountry that have high ozone levels.
You should ask your service station
3perators if their gasolines contain deposit
:ontrol additives and oxygenates, and
if
:hey have been reformulated to reduce
vehicle emissions.
Fuels in Foreign Countries
[f you plan on driving in another country
outside the
U.S. or Canada, unleaded fuel
may be hard to find. Do not use leaded
gasoline, If you use even one tankful,
your emission controls won’t work well
or at all. With continuous use, spark plugs
can get fouled, the exhaust system can
corrode, and your engine oil can
deteriorate quickly. Your vehicle’s oxygen
sensor will be damaged. All of that means
costly repairs that wouldn’t be covered by
your warranty.
To check on fuel availability, ask an auto
:lub, or contact a major oil company that
Joes business in the country where you’ll
,e driving.
You can also write us at the following
iddress for advice. Just tell
us where
you’re going and give your Vehicle
Identification Number (VIN).
General Motors Overseas Distribution
North American Export Sales (NAES) 1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario
LlH 8P7
Canada Corporation
. . .I86
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Service and Appearance Care
r-
Checking Things under
the Hood
Hood Release
To open the hood, first pull the handle
nside the vehicle.
, . .I88
men go to the front of the vehicle and
pull up on the hood release.
Lift the hood.
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Service and Appearance Care
5.7L LTl (Code
When you open the hood you'll see:
1. Battery
2. Engine Coolant Reservoir
3. Engine Oil Dipstick
4. Automatic Transmission Dipstick
5. Air Cleaner (if equipped)
6. Oil Fill
Cap
7. Brake Fluid Reservoir
8. Power Steering Reservoir
9. Windshield Washer Reservoir
IO. Engine Fans
11. Clutch Fluid Reservoir (if equippec Before closing the hood,
be sure all the
filler caps are on.
Then just pull the hood down and close it firmly.
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Service and Appearance Care
To Check Engine Oil
(3.4L L32 (Code S) Engine)
Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a
paper towel or cloth, then push it back
in
all the way. Remove it again, keeping the
tip lower, and check the level.
To Check Engine Oil
(5.7L LT1 (Code P) Engine)
Pull out the dipstick slightly. Pinch the
end of the dipstick tube as you remove
the dipstick to wipe the oil from it. Then
push it all the way back in. Now remove
it without pinching the tube, keeping the
tip lower.
3.4L L32 (Code S)
When to Add Oil:
If the oil is at or below the “ADD’ line,
then you’ll need to add some oil. But
you must use the right kind. This section
explains what kind of oil to use. For
crankcase capacity, see “Capacities and Specifications” in the Index.
. . .I92
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Service and Appearance Care
Recommended SAE Viscosity
Grade Engine
Oils
For best fuel economy and cold starting,
select the
lowest SAE viscosity grade oil
for the expected temperature range.
HOT
WEATHER
J
SAE 5W-30 PREFERRED
COLD
WEATHER
IF NllTHER SAE SW-30 NOR SAE 1OW-30 GRADE OILS ARE AVAILABLE, SAE 30 GRADE
MAY BE USED AT TEMPERATURES ABOVE
40 DEGREES F (4 DEGREES C).
ANY OTHER GRADE OIL NOT RECOMMENDED. Dd NO? USE SAE 1OW-40, SAE 2OW-50 OR
As shown in the chart, SAE 5W-30
is best for your vehicle. However,
you can use
SAE 1OW-30 if it’s
going to be
0°F (-18°C) or above.
These numbers on an oii container
show its viscosity,
or thickness. Do
not use other viscosity oils such as
SAE 1OW-40 or SAE 20W-50.
If you cannot find oils with
the new
“starburst” symbol on the front of the
container, you should look for and use
oils containing the following three
things:
0
0
0
SH or SG
“SH” or “SG” must be on the oil
container, eithet by itself or
combined
with other quality
designations, such as “SWCD,”
“SH, SG, CD,” “SGKD,” etc.
These letters show American
Petroleum Institute
(API) levels of
quality.
SAE 5W-30
Energy Conserving
I1
Oils with these words on the
container will help you save fuel. These three things are usually
included in a doughnut shaped logo
(symbol) on most containers. If you
cannot find oils with the “starburst”
symbol, you should look for oils
with the doughnut shaped symbol,
containing the three things noted
above.
NOTICE:
If you use oils that do not have
either the “starburst” symbol or an
API SH or SG designation, you can
cause engine damage not covered
by your warranty.
GM Goodwrench@ oil
(in Canada,
GM Engine Oil) meets all the
requirements for your vehicle.
Engine Oil Additives:
Don’t add anything to your oil. Your
Pontiac dealer is ready to advise
if you
think something should be added.
. . .194
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When to Change Engine Oil:
See if any one of these is true for you:
Most trips are less than 4 miles
0 It’s below freezing outside and most
trips are less than
10 miles ( 16 km).
The engine is at low speed most of
the time (as in door-to-door delivery,
or
in stop-and-go traffic).
(6 km).
You tow a trailer often.
Most trips are through dusty places.
If any one of these is true for your
vehicle, then you need to change your
and filter every
3,000 miles (5 000 km) or
3 months - whichever comes first.
If none of them is true, change the oil
every
7,500 miles (12 500 km) or 12
months
- whichever comes first.
Change the filter at the first oil change
and at every other oil change after that.
Engine Coolant Heater (Engine Block
Heater):
An engine coolant heater can be a big
help if you have to park outside in very
cold weather,
0°F (-18°C) or colder. If
your vehicle has this option, see “Engine Coolant Heater” in the Index.
What to Do with Used Oil:
Did you know that used engine oil
:ontains elements that may be unhealthy
:or your skin and could even cause
:ancer? Don’t let used oil stay on your
;kin for very long. Clean your skin and
lails with soap and water, or a good hand
:leaner. Wash or properly throw away
:lothing or rags containing used engine
il. (See the manufacturer’s warnings
ibout the use and disposal of oil
xoducts.)
Used oil can be a real threat to the
mvironment. If you change your own oil,
)e sure to drain all free-flowing oil from
:he filter before disposal. Don’t ever
jispose of oil by putting it in the trash,
2ouring it on the ground, into sewers, or
into streams or bodies
of water. Instead,
recycle it by taking it to a place that
collects used oil. If you have a problem
properly disposing of your used oil, ask
your dealer, a service station or a local
recycling center for help.
3.4L L32 (Code S
Air Cleaner
iefer to the Maintenance Schedule to
letermine when to replace the air filter.
See “Scheduled Maintenance Services”
In the Index.
t
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