check engine light PONTIAC FIREBIRD 1994 Owners Manual

Features and Controls
I rl SECUIITY
The ignition key must be clean and dry
before it’s inserted in the ignition or the
engine may not start. If the engine does
not start and the “SECURITY” light stays on when you
try to start the vehicle, the
key may be dirty or wet. Turn the
ignition
off.
Clean and dry the key. Wait about three
minutes and try again. The security light
will remain on during this time. If the
starter still won’t work, and the key
appears to be clean and
dry, wait about
three minutes and try another ignition key.
At this time, you may also want
to check
the fuses (see “Fuses and Circuit
Breakers” in the Index). If the starter
won’t work with the other key, your
vehicle needs service.
If your vehicle
does start, the first ignition key may be
... 50
Faulty. See your Pontiac dealer or a
locksmith who can service the
PASS-Key@II.
[f you accidentally use a key that has a
Jamaged or missing resistor pellet, the
starter won’t work and the security light
will flash. But you don’t have to wait
three minutes before trying another
ignition key.
See your Pontiac dealer or a locksmith
who can service the PASS-Key@II to
have a new key made.
If you’re ever driving and the
“SECURITY’’ light comes on and stays
on, you will be able to restart your engine
if you turn it
off. Your PASS-Key@ I1
system, however, is not working properly
and must be serviced by your Pontiac
dealer. Your vehicle is not protected by
the PASS-Key% system.
If you lose or damage a PASS-Key@ I1
ignition key, see your Pontiac
dealer or a locksmith who can service
PASS-Key% to have a new key made.
In
an emergency, call the Pontiac Roadside
Assistance Program on
1-800-ROADSIDE
or 1-800-762-3743.
New Vehicle
“Break-Zn”
NOTICE:
Your modem Pontiac doesn’t need an
elaborate “break-in.” But it will per-
form better in the long run if you fol-
low these guidelines:
Keep your speed at
55 mph (88
km/h) or less for the first 500
miles (804 km).
Don’t drive at any one speed
-
fast or slow - for the first 500
miles (804 km). Don’t make
full-throttle starts.
Avoid malung hard stops for the
first 200 miles (322 km) or
so.
During this time your new brake linings aren’t yet broken in. Hard
stops with new linings can mean
premature wear and earlier
replacement. Follow this
“brealung-in” guideline every
time you get new brake linings.
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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.
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Trip Odometer
The trip odometer can tell you how far
your vehicle has been driven since you
last set the trip odometer to zero.
To set the trip odometer to zero, press the
knob.
Tachometer
The tachometer displays the engine speed in thousands of revolutions per minute
(rpm).
I NOTICE:
I
Do not operate the engine with the
tachometer in the red area, or engine
damage may occur.
Warning Lights, Gages
and Indicators
This section describes the warning lights
and gages that may be on your vehicle.
The pictures will help you locate them.
Warning lights and gages can signal that
something is wrong before
it becomes
serious enough to cause
an expensive
repair or replacement. Paying attention to
your warning lights and gages could also
save you or others from injury.
Warning lights go on when there may be
or is a problem with one of your vehicle’s
functions.
As you will see in the details
on the next few pages, some warning
lights come on briefly when you turn the
ignition key just to let you know they’re
working. If you are familiar with this
section, you should not be alarmed when
this happens.
Gages can indicate when there may be or
is a problem with one of your vehicle’s
functions. Often gages and warning lights
work together to let you know when
there’s a problem with your vehcle. When
one of the warning lights comes on
and stays on when you are driving, or
when one
of the gages shows there may
be a problem, check the section that tells
you what to do about it. Please follow the
manual’s advice. Waiting to do repairs
can be costly
- and even dangerous. So
please get to know your warning lights
and gages. They’re a big help.
89. .
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When this warning light is on, the system
will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your
driving accordingly.
Low Traction Light
When your anti-lock system is adjusting
brake pressure to help avoid a braking
skid, the “LOW TRAC” light will appear
on your instrument cluster. If you have
the traction control system, this light will
also come on when the system is limiting
wheel spin. Slippery road conditions may
exist if this light comes on,
so adjust your
driving accordingly. The light will stay
or
for a few seconds after the anti-lock
system stops adjusting brake pressure or
the traction control system stops limiting
wheel spin. The “LOW TRAC” light also
comes
on briefly, as a bulb check, when
the engine is started.
Sngine Coolant Temperature Gage
’his gage shows the engine coolant
emperature.
If the gage pointer moves
nto the red area, your engine is too, hot!
t means that your engine coolant fias
werheated. If you have been operiting
‘our vehicle under normal driving-
onditions, you should pull off the road,
top your vehicle and turn
off the engine
s soon as possible.
IOT COOLANT CAN BURN
YOU
iADLY!
n “Problems on the Road,” this manual
hows what
to do. See “Engine
Iverheating” in the Index.
93 ...
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Features and Controls
I
Voltmeter
You can read battery voltage on your
voltmeter.
If it reads less than 11 volts or
more than
16 volts while your engine is
running, and it stays there, you may have
a problem with the electrical charging
system. Have it checked right away.
Driving with the voltmeter reading in a
warning zone could drain your battery.
If you idle your engine for a while, the
voltmeter reading might move into the
yellow zone.
If the reading stays in the
yellow zone while you are driving, you
may have a problem with the electrical
charging system. Have it checked. While
the voltmeter reads in the yellow zone,
your battery may not be able
to power
certain electrical accessories, like
ABS.
... 94
:If this happens, your “ABS INOP’ light
will come on. See “Anti-Lock Brake
System Warning Light” in this
part.)
[f you must drive a short distance with the
voltmeter reading in a warning zone, turn
~ff all your accessories, including your
:omfort control and audio systems.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Service Engine Soon Light)
A computer monitors operation of your
fuel, ignition and emission control
systems. This light should come on when
the ignition is on, but the engine is not
running, as a check to show you it is
working.
If it doesnot come on at all,
have it fixed right away.
If it stays on, or
it comes on while you are driving, the
computer is indicating that you have a
problem. You should take your vehicle in
for service soon.
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Features and Controls
CHECK
GAUGES
Check Gages Light
This light will come on briefly when you
are starting the engine. If the light comes
on and stays on while you are driving,
check your gages to see
if they are in the
warning areas.
... 96
LOW
OIL
,ow Oil Light
!our vehicle is equipped with an oil level
nonitoring system. When you start your
ngine, the light will come on briefly. If
he light doesn’t come on, have it
epaired. If the light stays on after startine
‘our engine, your engine oil level may be
30 low. You may need to add oil. See
Engine Oil” in the Index.
I NOTICE:
The oil level monitoring system only
checks the oil level when you are
starting your engine. It does not keep
monitoring the level once your en- gine is running.
Also, the oil level
check only works when the engine
has been turned off long enough for
the oil to drain back into the oil pan.
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Your Driving and the Road
The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes
quite sharply. The exit speed is usually
posted. Reduce your speed according to
your speedometer, not to your sense of
motion. After driving for any distance at
higher speeds, you may tend to thnk you
are going slower than you actually are.
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Make sure you’re ready. Try to be well
rested.
If you must start when you’re not
fresh
- such as after a day’s work -
don’t plan to make too many miles that
first part of the journey. Wear comfortable
clohng and shoes you can easily drive
in.
Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If
you keep it serviced and maintained, it’s
ready to go. If it needs service, have it
done before starting out. Of course, you’ll
find experienced and able service experts
in Pontiac dealerships all across North
America. They’ll be ready and willing to
help if you need it.
Here are some things you can check
before a trip:
Windshield Washer Fluid: Is the
reservoir full? Are all windows clean
inside and outside?
. . .I40
Wiper Blades: Are they m good
shape?
0 Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids:
Have you checked all levels?
0 Lights: Are they all workmg? Are the
lenses clean?
0 Tires: They are vitally important to a
safe, trouble-free trip. Is the tread
good enough for long-distance
driving? Are the tires all inflated to
the recommended pressure?
Weather Forecasts: What’s the
weather outlook along your route?
Should you delay your trip a short
time to avoid a major storm system?
maps?
Maps: Do you have up-to-date
Highway Hypnosis
Is there actually such a condition as
“highway hypnosis”? Or is it just plain
falling asleep at the wheel? Call
it
highway hypnosis, lack of awareness, or
whatever.
There is something about an easy stretch
of road with the same scenery, along with
the hum of the tires on the road, the drone
of the engine, and the rush of the wind
against the vehicle that can make you sleepy. Don’t let
it happen to you! If it
does, your vehicle can leave the road in
less than a second, and you could crash
and be injured.
What can you
do about highway
hypnosis? First, be aware that it can
happen.
Then here are some tips:
0
0
0 Make sure your vehicle is well
ventilated, with a comfortably cool
interior.
Keep your eyes moving. Scan the road ahead and to the sides. Check your
rearview mirrors and your instruments
frequently.
If you get sleepy, pull
off the road into
a rest, service, or parking area and
take a nap, get some exercise, or both.
For safety, treat drowsiness on the
highway as an emergency.
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Your Driving and the Road
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel
with one hand. Then, to move the trailer
to the left, just move that hand to the left.
To move the trailer to the right, move
your hand to the right. Always back up
slowly and, if possible, have someone
guide you.
Making 7hms
When you’re turning with a trailer, make
wider turns than normal.
Do this so your
trailer won’t strike soft shoulders, curbs,
road signs, trees, or other objects. Avoid
jerky or sudden maneuvers. Signal well in
advance.
Thrn Signals When Towing a Trailer
When you tow a trailer, your vehicle has
to have a different turn signal flasher and
extra wiring. The green arrows on your
instrument panel will flash whenever you signal a turn or lane change. Properly
hooked up, the trailer lights will also
flash, telling other drivers you’re about to
turn, change lanes or stop. When
towing a trailer, the green arrows
on your instrument panel will flash for
turns even
if the bulbs on the trailer are
burned out. Thus, you may think drivers
behind you are seeing your signal when
they are not. It’s important to check
occasionally to be sure the trailer bulbs
are still working.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear
before you start down a long or steep
downgrade. If you don’t shift down, you
might have to use your brakes
so much
that they would get hot and no longer
work well.
On a long uphill grade, shift down and
reduce your speed to around
45 mph
(70 km/h) to reduce the possibility of
engine and transmission overheating.
If you are towing a trailer and you
have an automatic transmission with
Overdrive, you may prefer to drive in
“D”
instead of Overdrive (or, as you need to, a
lower gear). Or,
if you have a manual
transmission with fifth (or sixth) gear and
you are towing a trailer, it’s better not to
use fifth (or sixth) gear. Just drive in
fourth gear (fifth gear if you have a six-speed manual transmission) or, as you
need to, a lower gear.
Parking on Hills
You really should not park your vehicle,
with a trailer attached, on a hill. If
-
something goes wrong, your rig could
start to move. People can be injured, and
both your vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged.
But if you ever have to park your rig on a
hill, here’s how to do it:
1. Apply your regular brakes, but don’t
shift into
“P” (Park) yet, or into gear
for a manual transmission.
2. Have someone place chxks under the
3. When the wheel chocks are in place,
release the regular brakes until the
chocks absorb the load. trailer wheels.
4. Reapply the regular brakes. Then
apply your parking brake, and then shift to
“P” (Park), or “R” (Reverse)
for a manual transmission.
5. Release the regular brakes.
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OIL
Engine Oii
If the “LOW OIL” light on the instrumenl
panel comes on, it means you need to
check your engine oil level right away.
For more information, see
“Low Oil
Light”
in the Index. You should check
your engine oil level regularly; this is an
added reminder.
3.4L L32 (Code S)
It’s a good idea to check your engine oil
every time you get fuel. In order to get an
accurate reading, the oil must be warm
and the vehicle must be on level ground.
5.7L LTl (Code P)
Turn off the engine and give the oil a few
ninutes to drain back into the oil pan. If
’ou don’t, the oil dipstick might not show
he actual level.
191 ...
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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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