coolant temperature PONTIAC FIREBIRD 1994 Owners Manual

How to Use This Manual
Rear Window Defogger
Y
Ventilating Fan
Bi-
L e vel
Vent
Heater Blend
These symbols are used on warning and
indicator lights:
Engine Coolant
Temperature
Battery Charging System
1-7
Fuel
Engine
Oil Pressure w,
Brake (Canada) (0) (8)
Anti-Lock Brake System
(Canada) Low Coolant
m
Here
are some other symbols you may see:
Hatchnrunk Release a
Hood Release
Lighter
Horn
Speaker Convertible Top Switch
... 6
ProCarManuals.com

Your six-speed manual transmission
has a feature that allows you to safely
shift into
“R’ (Reverse) while the vehicle
is rolling (at less than 3 mph). You will be
“locked-out” if you try to shift into “R”
(Reverse) while your vehicle is’ moving
faster than
3 mph.
If you have turned your ignition off and
wish to park your vehicle in Reverse, you
will have to move the shift lever quickly
to the right, “crashing” through the high
load spring and then into gear.
SKIP
SHIFT
;kip Shift Light (5.7L LT1 Engine)
Yhen this light comes on, you can only
hift from
“1” (First) to “4” (Fourth) gear
nstead of “1” (First) to “2” (Second)
gar. This helps you to get
the best
lossible fuel economy.
’his light will come on under these
onditions:
The engine coolant temperature is greater than 170°F (77”C),
You are going
15-20 mph
(24-32
km/h), and
You are
at 35% throttle or less. When this
light
is on, the gear shift lever
will let you shift from
“1” (First) gear to
“4”(Fourth) gears only. Once you are
in
“4” (Fourth) gear, you can press the
clutch again and shift into another gear.
Follow the shift speeds in this chart when
the
“SKIP SHIFT” light is on.
Computer Aided Manual Transmission
Shift Speeds:
1st to 4th. . , . , . . 15 mph (24 km/h)
4th to 5th ...... 25 mph (40 km/h)*
5th
to 6th ...... 40 mph (64 km/h)**
Each time you come to
a stop, the
engine’s Electronic Control Module
(EGM) determines when to activate the
“SKIP SHIFT” upshift system. Use
“2”
(Second) gear only when you accelerate
very quickly from’a stop.
You can then
follow the full gear shift pattern.
*30 mph (48 km/h) when accelerating
to highway speeds.
**45 mph (72 km/h) when accelerating
to highway
speeds.
61 ’. , . ProCarManuals.com

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 ...
ProCarManuals.com

During initial start-up only, if your
vehicle is eduipped with an optional
engine coolant heater, you can
use i't in
cold weather (around
+20°F/-8" C or
lower) to heat the passenger areq better
than without it. Because an engine coolant
heater warms the engine coolant, your
vehicle's Heating system can more
efficiently provide heat for the passenger
area
of your vehicle. See "Engine Coolant
Heater" in the Index.
Bi-Level Heating
You may want to use bi-level heating on
cool, but sunny days. This setting directs
cool air toward your body and warmer air
toward your feet.
1. Turn the air control knob to ,d .
2. Turn the temperature control knob to
3. Turn the fan control knob to the right.
a
comfortable setting.
VentiMon
?or mild outside temperatures when little
leating or cooling
is needed, you can still
iirect outside air through your vehicle.
I. Turn the air control knob to 2 .
2. Turn the temperature control knob to a
3. Turn the fan control knob to the right.
comfortable setting.
3efogging and Defrosting
Windows
I. Tui-n
the air control knob to
!. Turn the temperature control knob all
1. Turn the fan control knob to the: right.
P.
the way to the right.
105 ...
ProCarManuals.com

I NOTICE:
Towing a vehicle over rough surfaces
could damage a vehicle. Damage
can occur from vehicle-to-ground
or vehicle-to-wheel-lift-equipment
contact.
To help avoid damage, install
a towing dolly and raise vehicle until
adequate clearance is obtained between
the ground and/or wheel-lift equipment.
Engine Overheating
I
If Steam Is Coming from Your Engine:
You will find a coolant temperature gage
on your Pontiac’s instrument panel.
You may also find a low coolant warning
light
on your Pontiac instrument panel.
161 .
ProCarManuals.com

Service and Appearanc’e Care
The proper coolant for your Pontiac will:
0
Give freezing protection down to
-34°F (-37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 262°F
(128°C)
.
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine
temperature.
Let the warning lights work as
they
should.
What to Use:
Use a mixture of one-half clean water
(preferably distilled) and one-half
antifreeze that meets
“GM Specification
1825M,” which won’t damage aluminum
parts. You can also use a recycled coolant
conforming to GM Specification 1825M
with a complete coolant flush and refill. If
you use this mixture, you don’t need to
add anything else.
NOTICE:
If you use an improper coolant mix,
your engine could overheat and be
badly damaged. The repair cost wouldn’t be covered by your war-
ranty. Too much water in the mix can
freeze and crack the engine, radiator,
heater core and other parts.
Adding Coolant
To Check Coolant: When your engine is
cold, check the dipstick on the cap of the
coolant recovery tank. The coolant level should be “COLD,” or a little higher.
When your engine is warm, the level on
the dipstick should be up to
“HOT,” or a
little higher.
. . .202
ProCarManuals.com

Service and Appearance Care
Radiator Pressure Cap (All Engines)
NOTICE:
Your radiator cap is a 18 psi (124 kPa)
pressure-type cap and must be tightly
installed to prevent coolant loss and
possible engine damage from over-
heating. Be sure the arrows on the
cap line up with the overflow tube
on the radiator filler neck.
When you replace your radiator pressure
cap,
an AC@ cap is recommended.
Thermostat
Engine coolant temperature is controlled
by a thermostat in the engine coolant
system. The thermostat stops the flow of
coolant through the radiator until the
coolant reaches a preset temperature.
When you replace your thermostat, an
AC@ thermostat is recommended.
3.4L L32 (Code S)
Power Sfeering Fiuid
How to Check Power Steering Fluid:
Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick
with a clean rag. Replace the cap and
completely tighten it. Then remove the
cap again and look at the fluid level on
the dipstick.
0
0
5.7L LT1 (Code P)
When the engine compartment is hot,
the level should be at the
“H” or
“HOT” mark.
When the engine compartment is
cool, the level should be at the
“C”
or “FULL COLD” mark.
. . .204
ProCarManuals.com

Maintenance Schedule
Section A: Scheduled Maintenance Services (Cont.)
Explanation of Scheduled
Maintenance Services
Following are explanations of the services
listed in Schedule I and Schedule
II.
The proper fluids and lubricants to use are
listed in Section
D. Make sure whoever
services your vehicle uses these. All parts
should be replaced and all necessary
repairs done before you or anyone else
drives the vehicle.
NOTE: To determine your engine’s
displacement and code, see
“Engine Identification” in the
Index.
ITEM
NO. SERVICE
1 Engine Oil and Filter Change* -
Always use SH or SG Energy
Conserving
I1 oils of proper
viscosity. The “SH” or “SG”
designation may be shown alone
or in combination with others,
such as “SH/CD,”
“SH, SG,
CD,” “SG/CD,” etc. To deter-
mine the preferred viscosity for
your vehicle’s engine (e.g., SAE
ITEM
NO.
2
3
4
SERVICE
5W-30 or SAE 10W-30), see
“Engine Oil” in the Index.
Chassis Lubrication
- Lubricate
the suspension and steering
linkage. Lubricate the
transmission
shift linkage.
Tire and Wheel Rotation and
InsDection
- For proper wear
and maximum tire life, rotate
your tires following the
instructions in this manual. See
“Tires, Inspection and Rotation”
in the Index. Check the tires for
uneven wear or damage. If you
see irregular or premature wear,
check the wheel alignment.
Check for damaged wheels also.
Engine Accessorv Drive Belt!s)
InsDection
- Inspect the belt(s)
for cracks, fraying, wear and
proper tension. Replace as
needed. (Belts can have many small cracks in individual ribs
without affecting performance.)
ITEM
NO. SERVICE
5 Cooling: System Service* -
Drain, flush and refill the system
with new or approved recycled
coolant conforming to GM
Specification 1825M. Keep
coolant at the proper mixture as specified. See “Coolant”
in the
Index. This provides proper
freeze and boil protection, corrosion inhibitor level and
maintains proper engine operating temperature.
Inspect hoses and replace if they
are cracked, swollen or deterior-
ated. Tighten screw-type hose
clamps. Clean the outside of the
radiator and air conditioning
condenser. Wash the pressure cap and neck.
To help ensure proper operation,
we recommend a pressure test of
both the cooling system and the
pressure cap.
* An Emission Control Service.
. . .246
ProCarManuals.com

Index
Cassette Tape Player and Graphic
Cassette Tape Player. AM/FM
Cassette Tape Player.
Equalizer. AM/FM
Stereo with
. . 1 12
Stereo with
.................. 109
Care of Your
................. 122
Chains. Tire
................... 221
Changing a Flat Tire
............. 171
Check Gages Light
.............. 97
Checlung Things under
the Hood . . 18
Checlung Your Restraint Systems
. . 40
Chemical Paint Spotting
.......... 226
Child Restraints
................ 31
Rear Seat
................... 33
Right Front Seat
.............. 35
Top Strap ................... 32
Where to Put the
.............. 31
Children (Safety Belts)
........... 30
Children. Larger (Safety Belts)
.... 38
Cigarette Lighter
............... 86
Circuit Breakers. Fuses and
....... 229
City Driving
................... 138
Cleaner. Air
................... 195
Cleaning
Aluminum Wheels
............ 225
Convertible Top
.............. 225
Fabric
...................... 222
Glass
....................... 224
Inside of Your Pontiac
......... 222
Instrument Panel. Top of
....... 223
... 270
Cleaning
Leather
..................... 223
Outside of Your Pontiac
........ 224
Problems. Special
............. 223
Twin Lift-off Roof Panels
...... 224
Vinyl
...................... 223
Windshield and Wiper Blades
... 224
Clock. Setting the
............... 109
Close-Out Panel
................ 84
Clutch. Hydraulic
............... 20 1
Comfort Controls ............... 104
Comfort Controls and Audio
Systems
.................... 103
Compact Disc. To Play a
...... 116. 1 19
Compact Disc Player and Graphic
Equalizer. AM/FM Stereo with
. . 118
Compact Disc Player. AM/FM Stereo with
.................. 115
Compact Discs. Care of Your
...... 122
Compact Spare Tire
............. 180
Compartments. Storage and
....... 83
Control of a Vehicle
............. 128
Controls
Console. Front
................. 84
Control. Loss of
................ 135
Air Conditioner
.............. 106
Brightness
.................. 76
Comfort
.................... 104
Features and
................. 41
Heater
...................... 104
Main Light
.................. 76 Controls
Remote Lock
................ 44
Seat
........................ 8
Convertible Top
................ 98
Installing the Boot Cover
....... 99
To Lower
................... 98
To Raise
.................... 100
Convex Outside Mirror
.......... 79
Coolant Adding
..................... 202
Engine
..................... 201
Heater. Engine
............... 55
How to Add to the Coolant
Recovery Tank
............. 164
How to Add to the Radiator
. . 165. 167
Temperature Gage. Engine
...... 94
Cooling
....................... 106
Cooling System
................ 162
Courtesy Lights
................ 78
Courtesy Transportation
.......... 263
Covered Visor Vanity Mirror
...... 85
Cruise Control
................. 72
Passing Another Vehicle While Using
............... 75
To Erase Speed Memory
....... 75
To Get Out of
................ 75
To Increase Speed While Using . . 74
To Reduce Speed While Using
. . 74
To Resume a Set Speed
........ 73
ToSet
...................... 72
Traction Control System and
.... 75
ProCarManuals.com

Cruise Control Using on Hills
............... 75
Curves. Driving on
.............. 132
Customer Assistance for the Hearing or Speech Impaired (TDD)
..... 260
Customer Assistance Information
. . 259
Customer Satisfaction Procedure
... 260
Daytime Running Lights
....... 77
Deep Standing Water.
Driving through
.............. 54
Defects. Safety Reporting to General Motors
.... 262
Reporting to the Canadian Government
............... 262
Reporting to the United States
Government
............... 26 1
Defensive Driving .............. 126
Defogger. Rear Window
......... 107
Defogging and Defrosting Windows
................... 105
Dimensions. Vehicle
............ 236
Doing Your Own Service Work
.... 184
Door Locks
.................... 43
Door Locks. Power
............. 44
Doors. Headlight
............... 76
Driver Position (Safety Belts)
..... 19
Driving AtNight
.................... 136
City
........................ 138
Defensive
................... 126 .
Driving
Drunken
.................... 126
Freeway
.................... 139
In the Rain .................. 137
On Curves
.................. 132
On Snow or Ice
.............. 142
Through Deep Standing Water
... 54
Winter
...................... 142
With a Trailer
................ 147
Drunken Driving
............... 126
Electrical Center. Underhood
.... 231
Electrical Equipment. Add-on
..... 228
Electric Mirror Control
.......... 80
Emergencies. Braking in
......... 132
Emergencies. Steering in
......... 133
Engine
Coolant
..................... 20 1
Coolant (Block) Heater
........ 55
Coolant Temperature Gage
..... 93
Exhaust
..................... 66
Identification
................ 228
Oil
........................ 191
Oil Pressure Gage
............. 95
Overheating
................. 1 6 1
Specifications ................ 233
Starting Your
................ 52
Environment, Your Vehicle
andthe
..................... 240
Exhaust, Engine
................ 66
Extender, Safety Belt
............ 39
Fan Control Knob ............. 104
Features and Controls
........... 41
Filling Your Tank
............... 187
Filter. Air. Replacement
.......... 196
Finish Care (Paint)
.............. 225
Finish Damage (Paint)
........... 226
Fixed Mast Antenna
............. 123
Flashers. Hazard Warning
........ 152
Flat Tire. Changing a
............ 171
Flat.
If a Tire Goes .............. 170
Floormats
..................... 79
Flow-Through Ventilation System
. . 107
Fluid Automatic Transmission
....... 198
Brake
....................... 207
Manual Transmission
.......... 200
Power Steering
............ .I .. 204
Recommended ................ 253
Windshield Washer
............. 205
Fog Lights
..................... 78
Folding Rear Seatback
........... 13
Foreign Countries. Fuels in
....... 186
Foreign Material Paint Damage
.... 226
Four-Way Manual Seat
.......... 8
Freeway Driving ............... 139
Front Ashtray
..................... 85
Console
.................... 84
Map Lights
.................. 79
Seat. Manual
................ 8
271 . .
ProCarManuals.com