brake light PONTIAC FIREBIRD 1995 User Guide

Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive in
spurts
-- heavy acceleration followed by heavy braking
-- rather than keeping pace with traffic. This is a
mistake. Your brakes may not have time to cool between
hard stops. Your brakes will wear out much faster
if you
do a lot
of heavy braking. If you keep pace with the
traffic and allow realistic following distances, you will
eliminate a lot of unnecessary braking. That means
better braking and longer brake
life.
If your engine ever stops while you’re driving, brake
normally but don’t pump your brakes.
If you do, the
pedal may get harder to push down.
If your engine
stops, you will still have some power brake assist. But
you will use it when you brake. Once the power assist is
used up, it may take longer to stop and the brake pedal
will be harder to push.
Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)
Your Pontiac has an advanced electronic braking system
that will help prevent a braking skid.
INOP
This light on the
instrument panel will
come on briefly when
you start your vehicle.
When you start your vehicle, or when you begin to drive
away, you may hear a momentary motor or clicking
noise. And you may even notice that your brake pedal
moves a little while this is going on. This is the ABS
system testing itself. If there’s a problem with the
anti-lock brake system, the anti-lock brake system
warning light will stay on or flash.
See “Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light’’ in the
Index.
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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 fiont 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 engine 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.
4-8
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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.
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.
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Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly
applied, This does not mean something is wrong with
your brakes.
If you have rear drum brakes, they don’t have wear
indicators, but if you ever hear a rear brake rubbing
noise, have the rear brake linings inspected.
Also, the
rear brake drums should be removed and inspected each
time the tires are removed for rotation or changing.
When you have the front brakes replaced, have the rear
brakes inspected, too.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return to
normal height, or
if there is a rapidincrease in pedal
travel.
This could be a sign of brake trouble.
Brake Adjustment
Every time you make a moderate brake stop, your disc
brakes adjust for wear. If you rarely make a moderate or
heavier stop, then your brakes might not adjust correctly.
If you drive in that way, then -- very carefully -- make
a few moderate brake stops about every 1,000 miles
(1 600 km), so your brakes will adjust properly.
If your brake pedal goes down farther than norrid, your
rear drum brakes may need adjustment. Adjdsi them by
backing up and firmly applying the brakes a few times.
Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a modern vehicle is complkx. Its
many parts have to be of top quality and wokk well.
together if the vehicle is to have really good briking.
Vehicles
we design and test have top-quality GM brake
parts
in them, as your Pontiac does when it is new.
When you replace parts of your braking system, -- for
example, when your brake linings wear down dnd yob .
have to have new ones put in -- be sure you get new
genuine
GM replacement parts. If you don’t, yuia
brakes
may no longer work properly. For em$le, if
someone puts in brake linings that are wrong
€& ybuf
vehicle, the balance between your front and re& btakes
can change
-- for the worse. The braking perfoi-mhnce ,
you’ve come to expect can change in many other way$ if
someone puts in the wrong replacement brake parts.
,& b .. - i*
t
-
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5. PCM IGN: Powertrain Control Module; Fuel Pump
Re1ay;Theft Deterrent Module; Engine Mass Air
Flow Sensor (V8 Engine)
6. STOP/HAZARD: Brake Light/Cruise Release
Switch; Hazard Flasher
7. PWR ACCY: Power Door Locks; Power Mirrors;
Hatch Release Switch; Auxiliary Accessory Wire
8. COURTESY: Audio Alarm Module; Courtesy
Lamps: Console Compartment, Glove Box, Dome,
Trunk, Rear Courtesy, Rearview Mirror; Radio;
Theft Deterrent Module; SECURITY Indicator;
Hatch Release Relay; Keyless Entry Receiver
9. GAGES: Audio Alarm Module; Daytime Running
Lamps Module (Canada); Diagnostic Energy
Reserve Module; Instrument Cluster; Keyless Entry
Receiver; Brake Switch Assembly; Auxiliary
Accessory Wire
10. TAIL LTS: Exterior Lighting
11.
CIGAR/HORN: Cigarette Lighter; Horn Relay;
12. DEFOGBEATS: Power Seats; Rear Defogger
13.
IP DIMMER: Brightness Control
14.
WIPEWASH: Windshield Wipermasher
15. WINDOWS: Power Windows, Convertible Top
Data Link Connector
Switch (Circuit Breaker); Cooling Level Latching
Module
16. CRANK: Diagnostic Energy Reserve Module
17.
RADIO: Radio Amplifier; Steering Wheel Controls
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Section 9 INDEX
Adding. Automatic Transmission Fluid ............. 6-26
Adding. Brake Fluid
............................. 6-38
Adding. Electrical Equipment
..................... 6-65
Adding. Engine Coolant
.......................... 6-31
Adding. Engine Oil
............................. 6- 15
Adding. Hydraulic Clutch Fluid
.................... 6-26
Adding. Manual Transmission Fluid
................ 6-27
Adding. Power Steering Fluid
..................... 6-35
Adding. Sound Equipment
........................ 6- 14
Adding. Windshield Washer Fluid
............. 2-44. 6-35
AirBag
....................................... 1-19
Air Bag Readiness Light
.................... 1-21.2. 69
Air Bag System
................................ 1-19
Air Bag. How Does it Restrain
.................... 1-23
Air Bag.
How it Works ........................... 1-21
Air Bag Location
............................... 1-22
Air Bag. Servicing
.............................. 1-25
Air Bag. What
Makes it Inflate .................... 1-23
Air Bag. What Will You See After It inflates
......... 1-23
Air Bag. When Should it Inflate
................... 1-23
Aircleaner
.................................... 6-19
Air Conditioning
................................ 3-3
Alignment and Balance. Tires
..................... 6-54
Aluminum Wheels. Cleaning ...................... 6-62
Antenna. Fixed Mast
............................ 3-16
Antenna. Power Mast Care
....................... 3-17
Anti-Lock
..................................... 4-6
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light
......... 2.71. 4.6
Anti-Lock Brakes
............................... 4-6
Antifreeze ..................................... 6-30
Antifreeze Adding
.............................. 6-31
Antifreeze Checking
............................ 6-31
Anti-Theft Feature. Theftlock
..................... 3-12
Appearance Care
............................... 6-55
Appearance Care and Materials .................... 6-64
Ashtray and Lighter
............................. 2-62
Ashtray. Front
................................. 2-62
Audio System. Steering Wheel Touch Controls
....... 3-18
Audio System. Tips About Your
................... 3-14
Audio Systems
.................................. 3-5
Automatic Transmission
......................... 2-23
Automatic Overdrive Position .................. 2-25
First Gear
(1) Position ........................ 2-26
Neutral (N) Position
.......................... 2-24
Park (P) Position
............................. 2-23
Reverse (R) Position
.......................... 2-24
9-1
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.
Second Gear (2) Position ...................... 2-25
Third Gear (3) Position
........................ 2-25 Shifting .................................... 2-23
Axle, Rear 6-29
....................................
...................................... Battery 6-40
Replacement. Remote Lock Control ............... 2-8
Warnings
................................ 5.2. 5.4
Low Maintenance ............................ 6-40
BBBAutoLine
................................. 8-3
Blizzard
...................................... 4-27
Boot Cover, Installing ........................... 2-82
Brake
............................................
Adjustment ................................. 6-39
Fluid, Adding
............................... 6-38
Master Cylinder
............................. 6-36
System Parts, Replacing ....................... 6-39
System Warning Light
........................ 2-69
Transmission Shift Interlock
.................... 2-36
System Warning Light
........................ 2-69
Brakes, Anti-Lock
............................... 4-6
Braking
........................................ 4-5
Braking, In Emergencies
......................... 4- 1 1
Break-In, New Vehicle
.......................... 2-14
Parking .................................... 2-32
PedalTravel
................................ 6-39
Trailer ..................................... 4-35
Wear ...................................... 6-38
Brakes, Trailer 4-35
.................................
Bulb Replacement .............................. 6-7 1
Center High Mounted Stop Lamp ................ 6-42
Front Turn Signal Lamps
...................... 6-43
Rear Sidemarker Lamps ....................... 6-45
Headlamps ................................. 6-40
RearLamps
................................. 6-44
Canadian Roadside Assistance .................... 8-7
Capacities and Specifications
...................... 6-72
Cassette Tape Errors .............................. 3-8
Cassette Tape Player
............................. 3-5
Cassette Tape Player Care
........................ 3-15
CDPlayer ..................................... 3-10
CD Player Anti-Theft Feature
..................... 3-12
Center Console
................................. 2-60
Certificatioflire Label .......................... 4-30
Chains, Safety
................................. 4-35
Changing a Flat Tire ............................. 5-30
Check Gauges Light
............................. 2-79
Checking Your Restraint Systems
.................. 1-40
Automatic Transmission ....................... 6-22
Brake Huid
................................. 6-37
Carbon Monoxide ......................... 4.28. 4.34
Cargocover
................................... 6-62
Center High Mounted Stop Lamp Bulb
Replacement ................................. 6-42
Chains, Tire ................................... 6-55
Checking
.............................. Engine Coolant 6-31
9-2
..... .......... . ..... - ... -8- L.
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Lamps ...................................... 2-49
Lamps On Reminder
............................ 2-50
Lamps. Courtesy
............................... 2-52
Lamps. Daytime Running
........................ 2-50
Lmps. Front Map .............................. 2-52
Lamps. Interior
................................. 2-52
Lane Change Indicator
........................... 2-41
Larger Children. Safety Belt Use
................... 1-37
Latches. Front Seatback
........................... 1-6
Leaving Your Vehicle
............................. 2-4
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running
....... 2-35
Lights
Air Bag Readiness ...................... 1-21. 2-68
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning
........... 2-70. 4-6
Brake System Warning
........................ 2-69
Check Gauges
............................... 2-79
Coolant
(V8 Engine Only) ..................... 2-73
Low Traction
................................ 2-72
Safety Belt Reminder
..................... 1.8. 2.68
Service Engine Soon
.......................... 2-74
LowCoolant ................................ 2-73
LowOil
.................................... 2-77
Low Traction
................................ 2-72
Lighter ....................................... 2-63
Limited Slip Differential
......................... 6-29
Limited
Slip Axle .............................. 6-32
Loading Your Vehicle
........................... 4-29
Locks
Lamps. Fog ................................... 2-52
Traction Control System Warning ........... 2.72. 4-9
Door ....................................... 2-3
PowerDoor
.................................. 2-4
Steering Column
............................. 7-46
Lock. Torque .................................. 2-35
Loss of Control
................................ 4-14
Lubricants and Fluids
............................ 6-73
Lubrication. Body .............................. 7-46
Main Fuse Block ......................... 6-66. 6-67
Maintenance Record
............................ 7-52
Maintenance Schedule
Long Trip. Before Leaving on a .................... 4-22
Low Maintenance Battery
........................ 6-40
Owner Checks and Services .................... 7-45 .
Periodic Maintenance Inspections ............... 7-48
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
............ 7-50
Schedule1
................................... 7-6
Schedule
I Definition .......................... 7-4
ScheduleII
................................. 7-32
Schedule
11 Definition .......................... 7-5
Scheduled Maintenance Services
................. 7-3
Maintenance. Normal Replacement Parts ............ 6-74
Maintenance. Underbody
.... .- .. ................... 6-63
Maihtenance. When Trailer Towing
................. 4-38
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Service Engine Soon Light) 2-74
Manual Adjust Mirror
........................... 2-53
Manual Front Seat
............................... 1-1
Manual Remote Control Mirror .................... 2-53
Manual Transmission
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Traction Control System Warning Light ......... 2.72. 4.9
Trailer Tongue. Weight of
........................ 4-33
Trailer
............................................
Brakes ..................................... 4-35
Driving with a Trailer ......................... 4-35
Hitches
.................................... 4-34
Maintenance
................................ 4-38
ParkingonHills
............................. 4-38
Safety Chains
............................... 4-35
Total Weight on Your Vehicle's Tires
............. 4-34
Turn Signals ................................ 4-37
Weight of a Trailer
........................... 4-33
Transmission Fluid, Automatic
.................... 6-22
Transmission Fluid, Manual
....................... 6-27
Trip Odometer
................................. 2-67
Turn Signal
and Lane Change Indicator ............. 2-41
Turn Signal meadlamp Beam Lever
................ 2-41
Turn Signal When Towing a Trailer
................. 4-37
Twin Lift-off
Roof Panels ........................ 2-55
DrivingonGrades ............................ 4-37
TowingaTrailer ............................. 4-31
Underbody Maintenance ........................ 6-63
vehicle Damage Warnings ......................... iv
Vehicle Dimensions Chart
........................ 6-74
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
............... 6-65
Vehicle Loading
................................ 4-29
Vehicle Storage
................................ 6-40
Vehicle Symbols
................................... v
Vehicle. Control of a
............................. 4-5
Vehicle. Leaving Your
............................ 2-4
Ventilation System. Flow-Through
.................. 3-4
Ventilation Tips ................................. 3-4
Vision. Night
.................................. 4-16
Visor Vanity
Visors. Sun .................................... 2-62
Voltmeter
..................................... 2-79
Mirrors .................................... 2-62 .. Q
3. . ' ' y ' .. .. ji' .u . .11 !
... 9-13
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