change time PONTIAC FIREBIRD 1994 Owners Manual

How to Use This Manual
Important Notes about This
Manual
Please keep this manual in your Pontiac, so
it will be there if you ever need it when
you’re on the road. If you sell the vehicle,
please leave this manual in it
so the new
owner can use it.
This manual includes the latest information
at the time it was printed. We reserve the
right to make changes in the product after
that time without further notice. For
vehicles fist sold
in Canada, substitute the
name “General Motors of Canada Limited”
for Pontiac Motor Division wherever it
appears in this manual.
For Canadian Owners Who Prefer a
French Language Manual
Aux proprihires canadiens: Vous pouvez
vous procurer un exemplaire de ce guide
en frangis chez votre concessionaire
ou au
DGN Marketing Services Ltd., 1500
Bonhill Rd., Mississauga, Ontario L5T
1C7. Published by:
Pontiac Motor Division
General Motors Corporation
Pontiac Motors,
GM and the GM
emblem,
Pontiac and the Pontiac emblem,
and
Firebird and the Firebird emblem are
registered trademarks of General Motors
Corporation.
@Copyright 1993 General Motors
Corporation, Pontiac Motor Division.
All Rights Reserved.
... 2
ProCarManuals.com

NOTICE: NOTICE:
Holding your key in “Start” for
longer than
15 seconds at a time will
cause your battery to be drained
much sooner. And the excessive heat
can damage your starter motor.
2. If your engine won’t start (or starts but
then stops), it could be flooded with
too much gasoline. Try pushing your
accelerator pedal all
the way to the
floor and holding it there as you hold
the key in “Start” for about three
seconds. If the vehicle starts briefly
but then stops again, do
the same
thing, but this time keep the pedal
down for five or six seconds. This
clears the extra gasoline from
the
engine Your
engine is designed to work with
the electronics in your vehicle. If you
add electrical parts or accessories,
you could change the way the fuel
injection system operates. Before
adding electrical equipment, check
with your dealer. If you don’t, your
engine might not perform properly.
If you ever have to have your vehicle
towed, see the part of this manual
that tells how to do
it without
damaging your vehicle. See “Towing
Your Vehicle” in
the Index.
To start your VS engine:
1. Without pushing the accelerator
pedal, turn the ignition key to “Start.”
When the engine starts, let go of the
key. The idle speed will go down as
your engine gets warm.
Holding your key in “Start” for
longer than
15 seconds at a time will
cause your battery
to be drained
much sooner.. And the excessive heat
2. If it doesn’t start within 10 seconds,
push the accelerator pedal all the
way to the floor, while
you hold the
ignition key in “Start.” When the
engine starts, let go of the key and
let up on the accelerator pedal. Wait
about
15 seconds between each try to
help avoid draining your battery.
1
53. .
ProCarManuals.com

Features and Controls
When starting your engine in very cold
weather (below 0°F or
- 18”C), do this:
1.
2.
With your foot off the accelerator
pedal, turn the ignition key to “Start”
and hold it there. When the engine
starts, let go of the key. Use the
accelerator pedal to maintain engine
speed, if you have to, until your
engine has
run for a while.
If your engine still won’t start (or
starts but then stops), it could be
flooded with too much gasoline.
Try
pushing your accelerator pedal all the
way to the floor and holding it there
as you hold the key
in “Start” for
about three seconds. If the vehicle
starts briefly but then stops again, do
the same thing, but this time keep the
pedal down for five or six seconds.
This clears
the extra gasoline from
the engine.
NOTICE:
Your engine is designed to work with
the electronics in your vehicle. If you
add electrical parts or accessories,
you could change the way
the fuel
injection system operates. Before
adding electrical equipment, check
with your dealer. If you don’t, your
engine might not perform properly.
If you
ever have to have your vehicle
towed, see the part of this manual
that tells how to do it without
damaging your vehicle. See “Towing
Your Vehicle” in the Index.
Driving through Deep
Standing Water
NOTICE:
If you drive too quickly through deep
puddles or standing water, water can
come in through your engine’s air
intake and badly damage your
engine. If you can’t avoid deep
puddles or standing water, drive
through them very slowly.
Performance Mode Switch
(Option)
This switch lets you change from a
normal driving mode to a performance
mode. When you start the engine, the switch will be in normal mode. For
general driving conditions, use the
normal mode. It will remain
in normal
unless you select the “PERFORM”
feature.
For a firmer shift and increased
performance, you may choose the
“PERFORM, mode. The light in the
center
of the switch will light up when
selected. The switch will then remain in
“PERFORMANCE’ mode until the
engine is shut off, when it will go back to
normal mode.
... 54
ProCarManuals.com

Features and Controls
A green arrow on the instrument panel
will flash in the direction of the turn or
lane change.
To signal a lane change, just raise or
lower the lever until the green arrow start
to flash. Hold it there until you complete
your lane change. The lever will return b!
itself when you release it.
As you signal a turn or a lane change, if
the arrows don’t flash but just stay on, a
signal bulb may be burned out and other
drivers won’t see your turn signal.
If a bulb is burned out, replace it to help
avoid an accident. If the green arrows
don’t go on at all when you signal a turn,
check the fuse (see “Fuses” in the Index)
and for burned-out bulbs.
feadlight High/Low Beam
’0 change the headlights from low beam
3 high or high to low, pull the turn signal
:ver all the way toward you. Then
:lease it. When the high beams are on,
lis blue light on the instrument panel
lso will be on.
Windshield Wipers
fou control the windshield wipers by
urning the band
with the wiper symbol
In it.
;or a single wiping cycle, turn the band to
‘MIST.” Hold it there until the wipers
;tart, then let go. The wipers will stop
ifter one cycle. If
you want more cycles,
lold the band on “MIST” longer.
You can set the wiper speed for a long or
;hort delay between wipes. This can be
iery useful in light rain or snow. Turn the
>and to choose the delay time. The closer
:o “LO,” the shorter the delay.
... 70
ProCarManuals.com

Comfort Controls and Audio Systems
I‘
Air Conditioner Controls (OPTIoN)
The air conditioning system uses the same
controls
as the heating system, except that
the air control knob has two extra
settings, described below. For
an
explanation of all the controls, see
“Heater Controls” earlier in this part.
MAX: Provides maximum cooling or
quick cool-down on very hot days. This
setting recirculates most of the air inside
your vehicle. If it is used for long periods
of time, the air may become
dry. This
setting directs air through the upper air
vents.
. . .lo6
A/C: Use for normal cooling on hot days
This setting cools outside air and directs
through the upper air vents.
The air conditioner comtxessor oDerates
in
“MAX,” “NC” and ii VJ , ,% and
9 when the outside temperature is
a6&e freezing. When the air conditioner
is on, you may sometimes notice slight
changes in your vehicle’s engine speed
and power. This is normal because the
system is designed
to cycle the
compressor on and
off to keep the desirec
cooling and help fuel economy.
Cooling
The air conditioner works best
if you keep
your windows closed. On very hot days,
open the windows just long enough for
the hot air to escape.
1. Turn the air control knob to “NC” for
normal cooling. For faster cooling
move the knob to
‘“AX.”
2. Turn the temperature control knob to
3. Turn the fan control knob to the right. a comfortable setting.
ProCarManuals.com

Shutting Off the Theft-Deterrent
Feature
If your audio system is secured (“SEC”
shows on display) and you wish to disable
it, enter your security code as follows,
pausing no more than
15 seconds between
steps:
1. Turn the ignition on. Make sure the
audio system is
off. The time will
show
on the display.
together until “SEC” shows on the
display.
3. Press “MIN.” “Oi>O,’ will appear on
the display.
4. Press “MIN’ again and hold until the
last two digits of your code appear.
Release
the button.
5. Press “HR’ until the first one or two
digits of your code appear.
6. Press “AM/FM.” If “---” shows, you
have shut off the theft-deterrent
feature. If “SEC” shows, your aud
system is still secured.
NOTE: If you lose or forget your security
code, see your dealer for assistance.
2. Press pushbuttons “1” and “4”
4
Unlocking the Audio System after a
Power Failure
If power is disrupted to the audio system
while in the “SEC” mode, the unit will
not work and “LOC” will show on the
display whenever the ignition is on. To
unlock the unit:
1. Press “MIN.” “000” will appear on
the display.
2. Press “MIN’ again and hold until the
last two digits of your code appear,
Release the button.
3. Press “HR’ until the first one or two
4. Press “AM/FM.” “SEC” will appear
digits
of your code appear.
on the display and the unit will work.
If “LOC” shows, the numbers did not
match and the unit is still locked.
How to Change Your Security Code
You can change your security code by
following these steps:
1. Using your old code, follow the
directions given under “Shutting
Off
the Theft-Deterrent Feature.”
2. Repeat directions of “Setfing Your
Security Code” with your new
security code.
Understanding Radio Reception
FM Stereo
FM stereo will give you the best sound.
But FM signals will reach only about
10 to 40 miles (16 to 65 km). And, tall
buildings or hills can interfere with
FM signals, causing the sound to come
and go.
AM
The range for most AM stations is greater
than for FM, especially at night. The
longer range, however, can cause stations
to interfere with each other. AM can pick
up noise from things like storms and
power lines. Try reducing the treble to
reduce this noise if you ever get it.
AM Stereo
This means the Delco@ system can
receive C-QUAM@ stereo broadcasts.
Many AM stations around the country
use C-QUAM@ to prodyce stereo, though
some do not. (C-QUAM@
is a registered
trademark
of Motorola, I&) If your
Delco@ system can get C-QUAM@, your
“STEREO” light will come on when
you’re receiving it.
121 ...
ProCarManuals.com

Your Driving and the Road
Here’s how anti-lock works. Let’s say
the road is wet. You’re driving safely.
Suddenly an animal jumps out in front
You slam on the brakes. Here’s what
happens with ABS.
A computer senses that wheels are
slowing down. If one of the wheels is
about to stop rolling, the computer will
separately work the brakes at each front
wheel and at the rear wheels.
The anti-lock system can change the
brake pressure faster than any driver
could. The computer is programmed to
make the most of available tire and road
conditions.
of you.
. . .I30
You can steer around the obstacle while
braking hard.
As you brake, your computer keeps
receiving updates
on wheel speed and
controls braking pressure accordingly.
Remember: Anti-lock doesn’t change the
time you need to get your foot
up to the
brake pedal. If you get too close to the vehicle
in front of you, you won’t have
time to apply your brakes if that vehicle
suddenly slows or stops. Always leave
enough room up ahead to stop, even
though you have anti-lock brakes.
To Use Anti-Lock
Don’t pump the brakes. Just hold the
brake pedal down and let anti-lock work for
you. You may feel the system
working, or you may notice some noise,
but this is normal. When your anti-lock system is adjusting brake pressure to help
avoid a braking skid, the “LOW TRAC”
light will come on. See “Low Traction
Light” in the Index.
Traction Control System (Option: LT1
V8 Engine)
Your vehicle may have a traction control
system that limits wheel spin. This is
especially useful in slippery road
conditions. The system operates only
if
it
senses that one or both of the rear wheels
are spinning or beginning to lose traction.
When this happens, the system works the
rear brakes and reduces engine power (by
closing the throttle and managing spark)
to limit wheel spin.
The “LOW TRAC” light will come on
when your traction control system is
limiting wheel spin. See “Low Traction Light” in the Index.
You may feel the
system working, or you may notice some
noise, but this is normal.
The traction control system may operate
on dry roads under some conditions, and
you may notice a reduction
in acceleration
when this happens. This is normal and
doesn’t mean there’s a problem with your vehicle. Examples of these conditions
include a hard acceleration in a turn, or
an abrupt upshift or downshift.
ProCarManuals.com

Your Driving and the Road
Braking in Emergencies
Use your anti-lock braking system when
you need to. With anti-lock, you can steer
and brake at the same time.
In many
emergencies, steering can help you more
than even the very best braking.
Steering
Power Steering
If you lose power steering assist because
the engine stops or the system
is not
functioning, you can steer but it will
take much more effort.
Steering Tips
Driving on Curves
It’s important to take curves at a
reasonable speed.
A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents
mentioned on the news happen on curves.
Here’s why:
Experienced driver or beginner, each of
us is subject to the same laws of physics
when driving on curves. The traction of
the tires against the road surface makes it
possible for the vehicle to change its path
when you turn the front wheels. If there’s
no traction, inertia will keep the vehicle
going in the same direction. If you’ve
ever tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice,
you’ll understand this.
The traction you can get in a curve
depends on the condition of your tires
and the road surface, the angle at which
the curve is banked, and your speed.
While you’re in a curve, speed is the
one factor you can control.
Suppose you’re steering through a sharp
curve. Then you suddenly accelerate.
Both control systems
- steering and
acceleration
- have to do their work
where the tires meet the road. Unless you
have traction control and the system is
on, adding the sudden acceleration can
demand too much of those places.
You
can lose control.
What should you do if this ever happens?
Ease up on the accelerator pedal, steer the
vehicle the way you want
it to go, and
slow down.
Speed limit signs near curves warn that
you should adjust your speed. Of course,
the posted speeds are based on good
weather and road conditions. Under less
favorable conditions you’ll want to go
slower.
[f you need to reduce your speed as you
approach a curve,
do it before you enter
the curve, while your front wheels are
straight ahead.
Try to adjust
your speed so you can
”drive” through the curve. Maintain a
reasonable, steady speed. Wait to
accelerate until you are out of the curve,
and then accelerate gently into the
straightaway.
. . ,132
ProCarManuals.com

Your Driving and the Road
Passing
The driver of a vehicle about to pass
another on a two-lane highway waits for
just the right moment, accelerates, moves
around the vehicle ahead, then goes back
into the right lane again. A simple
maneuver?
Not necessarily! Passing another vehicle
on a two-lane highway is a potentially
dangerous move, since the passing
vehicle occupies the same lane as
oncoming traffic for several seconds.
A
miscalculation, an error in judgment, or a
brief surrender to frustration or anger can
suddenly put the passing driver face to
face with the worst of all traffic accidents
- the head-on collision.
So here are some tips for passing:
“Drive ahead.” Look down the road,
to the sides, and to crossroads for
situations that might affect your
passing patterns. If you have any
doubt whatsoever about making a
successful pass, wait for a better time.
Watch for traffic signs, pavement
markings, and lines. If you can see a
sign up ahead that might indicate a
turn or an intersection, delay your
pass.
A broken center line usually indicates
it’s all right to pass
(providing the road ahead is clear).
Never cross a solid line
on your side
of the lane or a double solid line, even
if the road seems empty of
approaching traffic.
Do not get too close to the vehicle you
want to pass while you’re awaiting an
opportunity. For one thing, following
too closely reduces your area of
vision, especially if you’re following a
larger vehicle. Also, you won’t have
adequate space if the vehicle ahead
suddenly slows or stops. Keep back a
reasonable distance.
When it looks like a chance to pass is
coming up, start to accelerate but stay
in the right lane and don’t get too
close. Time your move
so you will be
increasing speed as the time comes to
move into the other lane. If the way is
clear to pass, you will have a “running
start” that more than makes up for the
distance you would lose by dropping
back. And if something happens to
cause you to cancel your pass, you
need only slow down and drop back
again and wait for another
opportunity. 0
0
0
If other cars are lined up to pass a
slow vehicle, wait your turn. But take
care that someone isn’t trying to pass
you as you pull out to pass the slow
vehicle. Remember to glance over
your shoulder and check the blind spot.
Check your mirrors, glance over your
shoulder, and start your left lane
change signal before moving out of
the right lane to pass. When you are
far enough ahead of the passed vehicle
to see its front in your inside mirror,
activate your right lane change signal
and move back into the right lane. (Remember that your right outside
mirror is convex. The vehicle you just
passed may seem to be farther away
from you than it really is.)
Try not to pass more than one vehicle
at a time on two-lane roads. Reconsider
before passing the next vehicle.
Don’t overtake a slowly moving
vehicle too rapidly. Even though the
brake lights are not flashing, it may be
slowing down or starting to turn.
If you’re being passed, make it easy
for the following driver
to get ahead
of you. Perhaps you can ease
a little to
the right.
. . .I34
ProCarManuals.com

NOTICE:
Pulling a trailer improperly can
damage your vehicle and result in
costly repairs not covered by your
warranty.
To pull a trailer correctly,
follow the advice in this section, and
see your Pontiac dealer for important
information about towing a trailer
with your vehicle.
Your vehicle can tow a trailer if it is
equipped with the proper trailer towing
equipment. To identify what the vehicle
trailering capacity is for your vehicle, you
should read the information in “Weight
of the Trailer” that appears later in this
section. But trailering is different than just
driving your vehicle by itself. Trailering
means changes
in handling, durability,
and fuel economy. Successful, safe
trailering takes correct equipment, and
it has to be used properly.
That’s the reason for this section. In it are
many time-tested, important trailering
tips and safety rules. Many of these are
important for your safety and that of your
passengers.
So please read this section
carefully before you pull a trailer. Load-pulling components such
as the
engine, transmission, rear axle, wheel
assemblies, and tires are forced to work
harder against the drag of the added
weight, The engine is required to operate
at relatively higher speeds and under
greater loads, generating extra heat.
What’s more, the trailer adds considerably
to wind resistance, increasing the pulling
requirements.
If You Do Decide to Pull a Trailer
If you do, here are some important points.
0 There are many different laws,
including speed limit restrictions,
having to do with trailering. Make
sure your rig will be legal, not only
where you live but also where you’ll
be driving.
A good source for this
information can be state or provincial
police.
0 Consider using a sway control. You
can ask a hitch dealer about sway
controls.
0 Don’t tow a trailer at all during the
first 1,000 miles (1 600 km) your
new vehicle is driven. Your engine,
axle or other parts could be damaged.
(800 km) that you tow a trailer, don’t
drive over
50 mph (SO h/h) and don’t
make starts at full throttle. This heips
your engine and other parts of your
vehicle wear in at the heavier loads.
Obey speed limit restrictions when
towing a trailer. Don’t drive faster
than the maximum posted speed for
trailers (or no more than
55 mph
(90 km/h)) to save wear on your
vehicle’s parts.
Three important considerations have to do
with weight:
., )I
Weight of the .Trailer $:
How heavy can a trailer safelyabe?
It should never weigh more th&
1,500 pounds (680 kg) under nQrmal
driving conditions. It should n&er
weigh more than
1,000 pounds
(450 kg) when driven on long grades
at high ambient temperatures. But
even that can be too heavy.
ProCarManuals.com