heating PONTIAC FIREBIRD 1995 User Guide

r
NOTICE:
Engine damage from running your engine without coolant isn’t covered by your warranty.
If there seems to be no leak, check to see if the electric
engine fans are running.
If the engine is overheating,
both fans should be running.
If they aren’t, your vehicle
needs service.
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Recovery Tank
If you haven’t found a problem yet, but the coolant level
isn’t at
FWLL COLD, add a 50/50 mixture of clean
water (preferably distilled) and a proper antifreeze at the
coolant recovery tank. (See “Engine Coolant”
in the
Index for more information about the proper coolant
mix.)
ProCarManuals.com

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.
I 6-30
ProCarManuals.com

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.
6-31
ProCarManuals.com

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.
6-32
ProCarManuals.com

Cleaning Your Convertible Top
NOTICE:
When using an automatic car wash, set your
heating or cooling system to “VENT” with the
fan speed set to the second highest speed. This
will prevent high pressure water from entering
around your top.
Your convertible top should be cleaned often. Use a
mild soap, lukewarm water and a soft brush. Don’t use
any harsh cleaners or bleaching agents on the top. They
can darnage the material.
When the top is really dirty, use a mild foam-type
cleaner. Use a cloth or sponge to remove the dirt.
Thoroughly rinse the top and dry it before lowering it.
A damp top causes wrinkles.
Aluminum Wheels (If So Equipped)
Your aluminum wheels have a protective coating similar
to the painted surface of your car. Don’t use strong
soaps, chemicals, chrome polish, abrasive cleaners
or
abrasive cleaning brushes on them because you could
damage this coating, After rinsing thoroughly, a wax
may be applied.
NOTICE:
If you have aluminum wheels, don’t use an
automatic car wash that has hard silicon carbide
cleaning brushes. These brushes can take the
protective coating
off your aluminum wheels.
Tires
To clean your tires, use a stiff brush with a tire cleaner.
When applying a tire dressing always take care to wipe
off any overspray or splash from painted surfaces.
Petroleum-based products may damage the paint finish.
6-62
ProCarManuals.com

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
9-5
ProCarManuals.com

Glass. Cleaning ................................ 6-59
GloveBox
.................................... 2-60 GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) .............. 4-30
Halogen Bulbs ................................ 6-40
Hatchback Release
............................... 2-9
Hazard Warning Flashers
.......................... 5-1
Head Restraints ................................. 1-6
Headlamp High-Low Beam Changer ............... 2-42
Headlamp, Wiring
.............................. 6-67
Headlamps, Bulb Replacement
.................... 6-40
Hearing or Speech Impaired, Customer Assistance
...... 8-2
Highway Hypnosis
.............................. 4-23
Hill and Mountain Roads
......................... 4-23
HeadlampDoor ................................ 2-51
Headlamps .................................... 2-49
Heating ........................................ 3-1
Hitches,Trailer ................................. 4-34
HoodRelease
................................... 6-8
Horn ......................................... 2-40
Hydraulic Clutch ............................... 6-28
Adding
.................................. 6-28
Checking
................................... 6-29
Hydroplaning
.................................. 4- 19
Hydraulic Clutch Fluid
If You’re Stuck: In Sand. Mud. Ice or Snow ......... 5-43
Ignition Key Positions
........................... 2-14
Ignition Switch
................................. 2-14
Inside Daymight Rearview Mirror
................. 2-53
Brake System ............................... 7-49
Exhaust Systems
............................. 7-48
Manual Transmission
......................... 7-49
Rear Axle Service
............................ 7-49
Restraint System
............................. 7-48
Steering and Suspension
....................... 7-48
Throttle Linkage
............................. 7-49
Installing Boot Cover ............................ 2-82
Instrument Panel
............................... 2-64
Instrument Panel Brightness Control
................ 2-49
Instrument Panel Cluster
......................... 2-66
Instrument Panel Cleaning
........................ 6-59
Interior Lamps
................................. 2-52
Inspections
J ack. Tire .................................... 5-31
................................... Jump Starting 5-2
Key Lock Cvlinders ............................ 7-46 .I
Key Release Button ............................. 2-15
Keys .......................................... 2-1
9-6
.................. ........... - ~~ ProCarManuals.com