engine overheat PONTIAC FIREBIRD 1995 User Guide

Engine Coolant
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem with
engine overheating or if you need to add coolant to your
radiator, see “Engine Overheating” in the Index.
The proper coolant for your Pontiac will:
Give freezing protection down to -34°F (-37 O 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
1825-M,” which won’t damage aluminum
parts.
You can also use a recycled coolant conforming to
GM Specification 1825-M 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 warranty.
Too much water in the mix can freeze
and crack the engine, radiator, heater core and
other parts.
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Adding Coolant 5.7L LTl Engine Only
r ----
If this light comes on, it means you’re low on engine
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 at
COLD, or a little higher. When your engine is
warm, the level on the dipstick should be up to the HOT,
or a little higher.
To Add Coolant to the Recovery Tank
If you need more coolant, add the proper mix at the
coolant
recovery tank, but only when your engine is
cool. If the tank is very low or empty, also add coolant
to the radiator, see “Engine Overheating” in the Index
for information.
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Radiator Pressure Cap (All Engines)
NOTICE:
Your radiator cap is a 18 psi (124 Ea)
pressure-type cap and must be tightly installed to
prevent coolant loss and possible engine damage
from overheating. 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.
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When to Change ............................. 6-18
Overheating
................................. 5-16
Running
it While you’re Parked ................. 2-38
Specifications
............................... 6-72
Starting
.................................... 2-17
Ethanol (In Fuel) ................................ 6-3
Exhaust. Engine
................................ 2-37
Expectant Mothers. Use
of Safety Belts ............. 1-25
Express Down Window
.......................... 2-39
Extender. Safety Belt
............................ 1-40
Fabric Cleaning ............................... 6-57
Fifth Gear (5). Manual Transmission (Five Speed) ..... 2-27
Fifth Gear (5). Manual Transmission (Six Speed)
...... 2-29
Filter
Filling Your Tank ................................ 6-6
Engine Oil .................................. 6-18
Finish Damage
................................. 6-63
First Gear (1). Manual Transmission (Five Speed)
..... 2-27
First Gear (1). Manual Transmission (Six Speed) ...... 2-28
Five Speed Manual Transmission
.................. 2-27
Fixed Mast Antenna
............................. 3- 16
Flashers. Hazard Warning
......................... 5-1
Flat Tire. Changing
............................. 5-30
Flow-Through Ventilation System
................... 3-4
Aircleaner ................................. 6-20
Finishcare
.................................... 6-61
First Gear. Automatic Transmission ................ 2-26
Fluids and Lubricants ............................ 6-73
Floor Mats .................................... 2-54
FogLmps
.................................... 2-52
Folding Rear Seatback
......... , .................. 1-7
Foreign Countries, Fuel ........................... 6-5
Four-Way Manual Seat
........................... 1-2
Fourth Gear (4), Manual Transmission (Five Speed)
... 2-27
Fourth Gear (4), Manual Transmission (Six Speed) .... 2-29
FrenchLanguageManual
11
Front Ashtray .................................. 2-62
FrontConsole
.................................. 2-60
Front Map Lamps
............................... 2-52
Front Seatback Latches
........................... 1-6
FrontTowing Hookups
.......................... 5-10
Front Turn Signal Lamps, Replacement
............. 6-43
Fuel
.. ...........................
5.7L Engine .................................. 6-4
Filling Your
Tank ............................. 6-6
Gauge
..................................... 2-79
3.4L and 3.8L Engines ......................... 6-3
Fully Articulating Sport Seat
....................... 1-3
In Foreign Countries ........................... 6-5
Fuse Block, Engine Compartment ............. 6-66, 6-69
Fuse Block, Main
.......................... 6-66, 6-67
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
....................... 6-66
Gauge. Engine Coolant Temperature .............. 2-72
Gauge. Fuel ................................... 2-79
Gasolines for Cleaner Air ......................... 6-5
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) ................ 4-30
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Power Remote Control ........................ 2-54
Visor Vanity
................................ 2-62
MTBE (In Fuel) ................................. 6-3
Neutral (N) Position. Automatic Transmission ....... 2-24
Neutral (N) Position. Manual Transmission (Five Speed) 2-28
Neutral
(N) Position. Manual Transmission (Six Speed) . 2-29
New Vehicle “Break-In” ......................... 2-14
Nightvision
................................... 4-16
OBD IT 3.8L Engine ........................... 2-74
Odometer, Trip
................................. 2-67
Off -Road Recovery ............................. 4-13
Engine
..................................... 6-12
Pressure Gauge
.............................. 2-76
OwnerPublications ............................ 8-7
Service and Owner’s Publications
................ 8-7
Service Bulletins
.............................. 8-7
Overdrive Position, Automatic Transmission ......... 2-25
Overheated Engine
.............................. 5-16
Owner Checks and Services
....................... 7-45
Owner Publications, Ordering
...................... 8-7
Odometer ..................................... 2-66
Oil
LightLow .................................. 2-77
Ordering
ServiceManuals .............................. 8-7
9-8
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