tow PONTIAC FIREBIRD 1994 Owner's Guide

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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Remove: any rust or dirt from the wheel
bolts, mounting surfaces and spare wheel.
Place the spare on the wheel mounting
surface.
Replace the wheel nuts with the rounded
end
of the nuts toward the wheel. Tighten
each nut by hand until the wheel
is held
against the hub. Replace the wheel nuts with the rounded
end
of the nuts toward the wheel. Tighten
each nut by hand until the wheel
is held
against the hub.
,ewer the vehicle by rotating the wheel
vrench counterclockwise. Lower t&e jack
ompletely.
-4'
L:
-I .
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NOTICE:
Spinning your wheels can destroy
parts of your vehicle as well as the
tires.
If you spin the wheels too fast
while shifting your transmission back
and forth, you can destroy your trans-
mission.
Rocking your vehicle to get it out:
First, turn your steering wheel left and
right. That will clear the area around your
front wheels. If your vehicle has traction
control, you should
turn the system off.
(See “Traction Control System” in the
Index.) Then shift back and forth’ between
“R’ (Reverse) and a forward gear (or with
a manual transmission, between First or
Second gear and Reverse), spinning the
wheels as little as possible. Release the
accelerator pedal while you shift, and
press lightly on the accelerator pedal
when the transmission is in gear.
If that
doesn’t get you out after a few tries,
you
may need to be towed out. If you:do need
to be towed out, see “Towing
Yow
Vehicle” in the Index. .’
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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.
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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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3.4L L32 (Code S)
Then, without shutting off the engine,
follow these steps:
1. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a
clean rag or paper towel.
1.7L LTI (Code P)
2. Push it back in all the way, wait three
seconds and then pull it back out
again.
3. Check both sides of the dipstick, and
i-ead the lower level. The fluid level
must be in the “COLD” area
for a colc
check
or in the “HOT” area or
cross-hatched area for
a hot check.
4. If the fluid level is in the acceptable
range. push the dipstick back
in all the
way.
How to Add Fluid:
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to
determine what kind
of transmission fluid
to use. See “Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants”
in the Index.
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Service and Appearance Care
Don’t use any of these unless this manual
says you can. In many uses, these will
damage your vehicle:
0 Alcohol
Laundry Soap
0 Bleach
0 Reducing Agents
Cleaning the Inside of Your
Pontiac
Use a vacuum cleaner often to get rid of
dust and loose dirt. Wipe vinyl or leather
with a clean, damp cloth.
Your Pontiac dealer has two
GM cleaners,
a solvent-type spot lifter and a foam-type
powdered cleaner. They will clean normal
spots and stains very well. Do not use
them on vinyl or leather.
Here are some cleaning tips:
Always read the instructions on the
Clean up stains as soon as you can -
Use a clean cloth or sponge, and
cleaner
label.
before they set.
change to a clean area often. A soft
brush may be used
if stains are
stubborn.
D Use solvent-type cleaners in a
well-ventilated area only. If you use
them, don’t saturate
the stained area.
clean the entire area immediately or it
will set.
If a ring forms after spot cleaning,
Using Foam-Type Cleaner on Fabric
Vacuum and brush the area to remove
any loose dirt.
Always clean a whole trim panel or
section. Mask surrounding trim along stitch or welt lines.
Mix Multi-Purpose Powdered Cleaner
following the directions on the
container label.
Use suds only and apply with a clean
sponge.
Don’t saturate the material.
Don’t rub it roughly.
As soon as you’ve cleaned the section,
use a sponge to remove the suds.
Rinse the section with a clean, wet
sponge.
Wipe off what’s left with a slightly
damp paper towel or cloth.
Then dry it immediately with a blow
dryer or a heat lamp.
NOTICE:
Be careful with a hair dryer or heat
lamp.
You could scorch the fabric.
0 Wipe with a clean cloth.
Using Solvent-Type Cleaner on Fabric
First, see if you have to use solvent-type
cleaner at all. Some spots and stains will
clean
off better with just water and mild
soap.
If you need to use a solvent:
Gently scrape excess soil from the
trim material with a clean, dull knife
or scraper. Use very little cleaner, light
pressure and clean cloths (preferably cheesecloth). Cleaning should start at
the outside of the stain, “feathering”
toward the center. Keep changing to
a
clean section of the cloth.
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Service and Appearance Care
Care of Safety Belts
Keep belts clean and dry.
A CAUTION:
Do not bleach or dye safety belts.
If you
do, it may severely weaken
them.
In a crash they might not be
able to provide adequate protection.
Clean safety belts only
with mild
soap and lukewarm water.
Glass
Glass should be cleaned often. GM Glass
Cleaner (GM Part
No. 1050427) or a
liquid household glass cleaner will
remove normal tobacco smoke and dust
films.
Don’t use abrasive cleaners on glass,
because they may cause scratches. Avoid
placing decals on the inside rear window,
since they may have
to be scraped off
later. If abrasive cleaners are used on the
inside of the rear window, an electric
defogger element may be damaged. Any
temporary license should not be attached
across the defogger grid.
Cleaning the Outside of the Windshield
and Wiper Blades
[f the windshield is not clear after using
the windshield washer, or if the wiper
blade chatters when running, wax or
other material may be on the blade or
windshield.
Clean the outside of the windshield with
GM Windshield Cleaner, Bon-Ami
Powder@ (GM Part
No. 1050011). The
windshield is clean if beads do not form
when you rinse it with water.
Clean the blade by wiping vigorously
with a cloth soaked in full strength
windshield washer solvent. Then rinse
the blade with water.
Wiper blades should be checked on a
regular basis and replaced when worn.
Cleaning Twin Lift-off Roof Panels
Special care is necessary when cleaning,
removing and/or storing the roof panels.
0
0
Flush with water to remove dust and
dirt, then dry the panels.
Clean the panels with GM Glass
Cleaner (GM Part
No. 1050427) or
a liquid household glass cleaner.
Leave the cleaner
on the panel for one minute, then wipe the panel with
a soft, lint-free cloth.
0 Don’t use abrasive cleaning materials.
Cleaning the Outside of Your
Pontiac
The paint finish on your vehicle provides
beauty, depth of color, gloss retention and
durability.
Washing Your Vehicle
The best way to preserve your vehicle’s
finish is to keep it clean by washing it
often with lukewarm or cold water.
Don’t wash your vehicle
in the direct
rays of-the sun. Don’t use strong soaps
or chemical detergents. Use .Tiquid hand,
dish or car washing (mild-detergent)
soaps. Don’t use cleaning agents that are
petroleum based, or contain acid or abrasives.
All cleaning agents should be
flushed promptly and not allowed to dry
on the surface, or they could stain. Dry the finish with a soft, clean chamois or
a 100% cotton towel to avoid surface
scratches and water spotting.
High pressure car washes may cause
water to enter your vehicle.
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“Section C: Periodic Maintenance
Inspections” explains important
inspections that your Pontiac dealer’s
service department or another qualified
service center should perform.
“Section
D: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants” lists some products GM
recommends to help keep your vehicle
properly maintained. These products,
or
their equivalents, should be used whether
you do the work yourself or have it done.
“Section
E: Maintenance Record”
provides a place for you to record the
maintenance perfowed on your vehicle.
Whenever any maintenance is performed,
be
sure to write it down in this section.
This will help you determine when your
next maintenance should be done. In
addition, it is a good idea to keep your
maintenance receipts. They may be
needed to qualify your vehicle for
warranty repairs.
Using Your Maintenance
Schedules
This section tells you the maintenance
services you should have done and when
you should schedule them. Your Pontiac
dealer knows your vehicle best and wants
you to be happy
with it. If you go to your
dealer for your service needs, you’ll know
that GM-trained and supported service
people will perform the work using
genuine GM parts.
These schedules are for vehicles that:
carry passengers and cargo within
recommended limits. You will find
these limits on your vehicle’s
Tire-Loading Information label. See
“Loading Your Vehicle”
in the Index.
are driven on reasonable road surfaces
within legal driving limits.
use the recommended unleaded fuel.
See “Fuel” in the Index.
Selecting the Right Schedule
First you’ll need to decide which of the
two schedules is right for your vehicle.
Here’s how to decide which schedule to
follow:
Schedule
I
Is any one of these true for your vehicle?
Most trips are less than 4 miles (6 km).
Most trips are less than 10 miles (1 6
km) when outside temperatures are
below freezing.
0 The engine is at low speed most of the
time (as
in door-to-door delivery, or in
stop-and-go traffic).
e You operate your vehicle in dusty
e You tow a trailer.
If any one (or more) of these is true for
your driving, follow Schedule
I.
Schedule 11
Follow Schedule I1 QI& if none of the
above conditions is true.
areas.
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Maintenance Schedule
C L Section A: Scheduled Maintenance Services
Schedule I
Follow Schedule I if your vehicle is
MAINLY driven under one or more of
the following conditions:
When most trips are less than
4 miles
(6 km).
When most trips are less than
10 miles
(16 km) and outside temperatures
remain below freezing.
When most trips include extended
idling and/or frequent low-speed
operation, as in stop-and-go traffic.
When towing a trailer.
When operating in dusty areas.
Schedule
I should also be followed if the
vehicle is used for delivery service. police,
taxi or other commercial aqdications.
* An Emission Control Service.
t The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
or the California Air Resources Board has
determined that the failure to perform 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.”
ITEM NO.
-
1
3
-
4
6
-
7
9
11
WHAT TO SERVICE
See “Explanation of Scheduled
Maintenance Services” following
Schedules
I and II.
~
Engine Oil & Oil Filter Change*
Chassis Lubrication
Tire and Wheel Rotation
& Inspection
Engine Accessory Drive Belt Inspection*
Cooling System Service*
Transmission Service
Spark Plug Replacement
(3.4L L32 (Code
S) Engine)*
Spark Plug Replacement
(5.7L LTl (Code P) Engine)*
Spark Plug Wire Inspection*?’
Air Cleaner Filter Replacement*
Fuel Tank, Cap
& Lines Inspeclion*t
Rear Axle Fluid Change (For Vehicles
Towing Trailers or for Vehicles with
Limited-Slip Differentials)
WHEN TO PERFORM
Miles (kilometers) or Months
(whichever occursfirst).
Every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months.
Every other oil change.
At
6,000 miles (10 000 km) and every
15,000 miles (25 000 km) or as necessary.
Every
30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months.
See “Explanation of Scheduled Maintenance
Services” following Schedules I and
II.
Every 30,000 miles (50 000 km).
Every 100,000 miles (166 000 km).
Every 30,000 miles (50 000 km).
See “Explanation of Scheduled Maintenance
Services” following Schedules I and 11.
Every 30,000 miles
(50 000 km).
~ ~~ ~~~
See “Explanation of Scheduled Maintenance
Services” following Schedules
I and 11.
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