lock PONTIAC FIREBIRD 1994 Repair Manual

Hitches
It’s important to have the correct hitch
equipment. Crosswinds, large trucks
going by, and rough roads are a few
reasons why you’ll need the right hitch.
Here are some rules to follow:
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Will you have to make any holes in
the body of your vehicle when you
install a trailer hitch? If you do, then
be sure to seal the holes later when
you remove the hitch. If you don’t
seal them, deadly carbon monoxide
(CO) from your exhaust can get into
your vehicle (see “Carbon Monoxide”
in the Index). Dirt and water can,
too.
The bumpers on your vehicle are not
intended for hitches.
Do not attach
rental hitches or other bumper-type
hitches to them. Use only a
frame-mounted hitch that does not
attach to the bumper.
Safety Chains
You should always attach chains between
your vehicle and your trailer. Cross the
safety chains under the tongue of the
trailer
so that the tongue will not drop to
the road if it becomes separated from the
hitch. Instructions about safety chains
may be provided by the hitch manufacturer or
by the trailer
, 1.
manufacturer. Follow the manufacturer’s
recommendation for attaching safety
chains. Always leave just enough slack
so
you can turn with your rig. And, never
allow safety chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
If your trailer weighs more than 1,000
pounds (450 kg) loaded, then it needs its
own brakes
- and they must be adequate.
Be sure to read and follow the instructions
for the trailer brakes
so you’ll be able to
install, adjust and maintain them properly.
Because you have anti-lock brakes, do not
try to tap into your vehicle’s brake
system. If
YOU do, both brake systems
won’t work well, or at all.
Driving with a Trailer
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount
of experience. Before setting out for the
open road, you’ll want to get to know
your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel
of handling and braking with the added
weight
of the trailer. And always keep in
mind that ’the vehicle you are driving is
now a good deal longer and not nearly as
responsive
as your vehicle is by itself. Before you
start, check the trailer hitch
and platform, safety chains, electrical
connector, lights, tires and mirror
adjustment. If
the trailer has electric
brakes,
start your vehicle and trailer
moving and then apply the trailer brake
controller by hand to be sure the brakes
are working. This lets you check your
electrical connection at the same time.
During your trip, check occasionally to
be sure that the load is secure,. and that
the lights and any trailer brakes are still
working.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the
vehicle ahead as you would when driving
your vehicle without a trailer.,,This can
help
you avoid situations that’.require
heavy braking and sudden turns.
Passing
You’ll need more passing distance up
ahead when you’re towing a trailer. And,
because you’re a good deal longer, you’ll
need to go much farther beyond the
passed vehicle before you can return to
your lane.
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6. Connect the red positive (+) cable to
the positive
(+) terminal of the vehicle
with the dead battery. Use a remote
positive
(+) terminal if the vehicle
has one.
I‘ 7. Don’t let the other end touch metal.
Connect it to the positive
(+) terminal
of the good battery. Use a remote
positive
(+) terminal if the vehicle
has one. But don’t use the junction
block on your Pontiac.
8. Now connect the black negative (-)
cable to the good battery’s negative
(-) terminal.
Don’t let the other end touch anything
until the next step. The other end
of
the negative cable doesn’t go tathe
dead battery. It goes to a heavy
’
unpainted metal part on the engine
of the vehicle with the dead battery.
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Problems on the Road
When your vehicle is being towed, have
the ignition key off. The steering wheel
should be clamped in a straight-ahead
position, with a clamping device designed
for towing service. Do not use the
vehicle’s steering column lock for this.
The transmission should be in “Neutral”
and the parking brake released.
Don’t have your vehicle towed on the rear
wheels, unless you must. If the vehicle
must be towed on the rear wheels, don’t
go more than 35 mph (55 km/h) or farther
than
50 miles (80 km) or your
transmission will be damaged. If these
limits must be exceeded, then the rear
wheels have to be supported on a dolly. Front Towing Hook-Ups
Attach T-hook chains to slots in frame
rearward
of front wheels on both sides.
NOTICE:
Do not attach winch cables or “J”
hooks to suspension components
when using car carrier equipment.
Always use T-hooks inserted in the
T-hook slots.
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Changing a FIat Tire
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire and
wheel damage by driving s’lowly to a level
place. Turn on your hazard warning
flashers. The
following steps will tell you how to
use the jack and change a tire.
The equipment you’ll need is
in the rear
area.
First you must remove the clcse-out
panel. See “Close-Out Panel” 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
screw knobs under the trunk
edge a
quarter
turn counterclockwise to remove
lhe panel.
Find the plastic screw heads in
the trim
?anel over the spare tire. Use a coin or a
tey to turn the screw heads until the slots
mint front and back. Lift the
trim panel
md move it out
of the way.
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Problems on the Road
:hen pry off the center cap with the
vheel wrench. [f your vehicle has optional alloy wheels,
:ach wheel may have one locknut in place
If the standard wheel nut. A special
wheel lock key (removal tool)
and
.nstructions are located in the center
:onsole. Attach the wheel lock key to the
socket
of the wheel wrench. Remove the
locking wheel nut by turning
:ounterclockwise. Using the wheel wrench, loosen all the
wheel nuts. Don’t remove them yet.
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Problems on the Road
I
taise the vehicle by rotating the wheel
wench clockwise. Raise the vehicle far
mough
off the ground so there is enough
'oom for the spare tire to fit.
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temove all the wheel nuts and take off
he flat tire.
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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:
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I
Filling Your Tank
The cap is behind a hinged door on the
left side of your vehicle. To
take
off the cap, turn it slowly to the
left (counterclockwise).
Be careful not to spill gasoline. Clean
gasoline from painted surfaces as soon as
possible. See “Cleaning the Outside of
Your Pontiac” in
the Index.
When
you put the cap back on, turn it to
the right until you hear at least three
:licks.
NOTICE:
If you need a new 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 and your fuel tank
and emissions system might be dam-
aged.
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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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Service and Appearance Care
3. Remove the wing nuts.
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8. Pull off the assembly from the outside.
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. To remove the bulb, push in and turn
7. Reverse the steps with a new bulb. it counterclockwise, then pull it out.
Lear
Sidemarker
'0 replace a rear sidemarker bulb:
. Remove the screw from the
sidemarker assembly.
!. To pull out the bulb housing, tilt the
housing to remove the tabbed end.
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