transmission oil PONTIAC FIREBIRD 1994 Owners Manual

Features and Controls
How long should you keep the coolant
heater plugged in? The answer depends
on the weather, the kind
of oil you have,
and some other things. Instead
of trying to
list everything here, we ask that you
contact a Pontiac dealer in the area where
you’ll be parking your vehicle. The dealer
can give you the best advice for that
particular area.
Autamatic Transmission
There are several different positions for
your shift lever.
P (Park)
This locks your rear wheels. It’s the best
position to use when you start your
engine because your vehicle can’t move
easily.
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When You Are Ready to Leave after
Parking on a
Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and hold
the pedal down while you:
0 Start your engine;
0 Shift into a gear; and
0 Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear
4. Stop and have someone pick up and
of the chocks.
store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service more often
when you're pulling a trailer. See the
Maintenance Schedule for more on this.
Things that are especially important in
trailer operation are automatic
transmission fluid (don't overfill), engine
oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling system,
and brake adjustment. Each of these
is
covered in this manual, and the Index will
help you find them quickly. If you're
trailering, it's a good idea to review these
sections before you start your trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch
nuts and bolts .are tight.
I
I
149.. .
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I I
Here you will find information
about the care of your Pontiac
.
This part begins with service and fuel information. and then
it
shows how to check important
fluid and lubricant levels
. There
is also technical information
about your vehicle. and a section devoted
to its
appearance care
.
Part b
Service 8t Appearance Care
Service .........................................................
Fuel ...........................................................
Checking Things under the Hood ....................................
HoodRelease ..................................................
184
185
188
188
Engineoil
.................................................... 191
Aircleaner
.................................................... 195
Automatic Transmission Fluid
..................................... 198
Manual Transmission Fluid
....................................... 200
Hydraulic Clutch
............................................... 201
RearAxle
..................................................... 201
Enginecoolant
................................................. 201
Power Steering fluid
............................................ 204
Windshield Washer Fluid
......................................... 205
Brake Master Cylinder
........................................... 206
Bulb Replacement
................................................ 209
Battery
....................................................... 208
LoadingYourVehicle
............................................. 213
Tires
........................................................... 215
Appearance Care
................................................. 221
Appearance Care and Maintenance Materials
.......................... 227
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
................................. 228
Service Parts Identification Label
.................................... 228
Add-on Electrical Equipment
....................................... 228
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
......................................... 228
ReplacementBulbs
............................................... 232
Capacities and Specifications
........................................ 233
183 ...
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3.4L L32 (Code !
When you open the hood you'll see.
1. Battery
2. Engine Coolant Reservoir
3. Engine Oil Dipstick
4. Automatic Transmission Dipstick
5. Air Cleaner (if equipped)
6. Oil Fill
Cap
7. Brake Fluid Reservoir
8. Power Steering Reservoir
9. Windshield Washer Reservoir
10. Engine Fan
11. Clutch Fluid Reservoir (if equipped)
B
189 ...
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Service and Appearance Care
5.7L LTl (Code
When you open the hood you'll see:
1. Battery
2. Engine Coolant Reservoir
3. Engine Oil Dipstick
4. Automatic Transmission Dipstick
5. Air Cleaner (if equipped)
6. Oil Fill
Cap
7. Brake Fluid Reservoir
8. Power Steering Reservoir
9. Windshield Washer Reservoir
IO. Engine Fans
11. Clutch Fluid Reservoir (if equippec Before closing the hood,
be sure all the
filler caps are on.
Then just pull the hood down and close it firmly.
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Service and Appearance Care
Automatic Transmission Fluid
When to Check and Change:
A good time to check your automatic
transmission fluid level
is when the
engine oil is changed. Refer to the
Maintenance Schedule to determine when
to change your fluid. See “Scheduled
Maintenance Services” in the Index.
How to Check:
Because this operation can be a little
difficult, you may choose to have this
done at a Pontiac dealership Service
Department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all
the instructions here, or
you could get a
false reading on the dipstick.
Too much or too little fluid can
damage your transmission. Too much
can mean that some of the fluid could
come out and fall on hot engine parts
or exhaust system, starting a fire. Be
sure to get an accurate reading
if you
check your transmission fluid. Wait
at least 30 minutes before checking
the transmission fluid level if you have
been driving:
When outside temperatures are above
At high speed for quite a while.
In heavy traffic - especially in hot
90°F (32°C).
weather.
While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading, the fluid should
be at normal operating temperature,
which is 180°F to 200°F (82°C to 93°C).
To check transmission fluid hot: Get
the vehicle warmed up by driving
about
15 miles (24 km) when outside
temperatures
are above 50°F ( 10°C).
If it’s colder than 50°F ( lO”C), drive
the vehicle in
“D’ (Third Gear) until the
engine temperature gage moves and then
remains steady for
ten minutes. Then
follow the hot check procedures.
To check transmission fluid cold: A cold
check is made after the vehicle has been
sitting for eight hours or more with the
engine
off and is used only as a reference.
Let the engine run at idle for five minutes
if outside temperatures are 50°F
(10°C)
or more. If it’s colder than 50°F (lO°C),
you may have to idle the engine longer.
Should the fluid level be low during a
cold check, you must perform a hot check
before adding fluid. This will give you a
more accurate reading of the fluid level.
To check the fluid hot or cold:
0
Park your vehicle on a level place.
With the parking brake applied, place
the shift lever
in “P” (Park).
With your foot on the brake pedal,
move the shift lever through each gear
range, pausing for about three seconds
in each range. Then, position the shift
lever in “P” (Park).
Let the engine
run at idle for three
minutes or more.
. . .I98
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Service and Appearance Care
Crankcase
VIN Engine Code S .................................... 4.0 qt. (3.8 L)**
Without Filter Change
................................ 4.0 qt. (3.8 L)**
With Filter Change ................................... 5.0 qt. (4.7 L)**
Fuel Tank ........................................... 15.5 gal. (58.7 L)
Five-Speed
........................................... 5.9 pt. (2.8 L)*
Six-Speed
............................................ 8.0 pt. (3.8 L)*
Rear Axle Lubricant
...................................... 3.5 pt. (1.7L)
VIN Engine Code
P
Manual
Transmission
Vehicle Dimensions
Tread Wheelbase
........................................... 101.1 I‘ (2 566 mm)
Front
.............................................. .60.7“ ( 1 542 mm)
Rear
.............................................. .60.6” (1 540 mm)
Length
............................................... 193.2“ (4 908 mm)
Firebird and Formula
................................. 195.6” (4 968 mm)
Trans Am .......................................... 197.0” (5 005 mm)
Width
............................................... 74.5” (1 893 mm)
Coupe
........................................... 52.0” (1 322 mm)
Convertible ....................................... .52.7” ( 1 340 mm)
Coupe
........................................... .51.7” (1 312 mm)
Convertible
....................................... .52.4“ (1 331 mm)
Height
Firebird and Formula
Trans Am
*Recheck fluid level after filling. See “ManualTransmission Fluid” in the Index.
**Recheck oil level after filling. See “Engine Oil” in the Index.
. . -236
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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.
. . .242
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Maintenance Schedule
Section A: Scheduled Maintenance Services (Cont.)
Schedule lI
Follow Schedule II ONLY if none of
the driving. conditions specified in
Schedule
I apply.
* An Emission Control Service.
t The US. Environmental Protection Agency
or the California Air Resources Board has
determined that the failure to pedorm 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.”
WHAT TO SERVICE WHEN TO PERFORM
“Explanation of Scheduled Miles (kilometers) or Months ITEM NO. Maintenance Services” following (whichever occursfirst).
Schedules
I and I?.
Engine Oil Change* Every 7,500 miles (12 500 km) or 12 months.
Oil Filter Change* At
first and every other oil change. 1
2 Chassis Lubrication Every 7,500 miles (12 500 km) or 12 months. ~~~
3 I Tire and Wheel Rotation & Inspection I
At 7,500 miles (12 500 km) and then every
15,000 miles (25
000 km) or as necessarv.
4 I Engine Accessory Drive Belt Inspection* ~ Every 30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months.
5 I Cooling System Service* !
6 I Transmission Service I
See “Explanation of Scheduled Maintenance
Services” following Schedules
I and 11.
Spark Plug Replacement
(3.4L L32 (Code
S) Engine)* Every 30,000 miles (50 000 km).
7
I
Spark Plug Replacement
(5.7L LTl (Code P) Ennine)* I Every 100,000 miles (166 000 km). \- I I, I
8 Spark Plug Wire Inspection*? Every 30,000 miles (50 000 km).
9 Air Cleaner Filter Replacement* I I
See “Explanation of Scheduled Maintenance
Services” following Schedules
I and II.
10 Fuel Tank, Cap & Lines Inspection”? Every 30,000 miles (50 000 km).
, , Rear Axle Fluid Change (For Vehicles See “Explanation
of Scheduled Maintenance
with Limited-Slip Differentials) Services” following Schedules I and
11.
. . .244
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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
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