PONTIAC FIREBIRD 1995 Owners Manual

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How to Add Coolant to the Radiator
(V6 Engines)
2. Then keep turning the pressure cap, but now push
down as you turn it. Remove the pressure cap.
1. You can remove the radiator pressure cap when the
cooling system, including the radiator pressure cap
and upper radiator hose, is no longer hot. Turn the
pressure cap slowly to the left until it first stops.
(Don’t press down while turning the pressure cap.)
If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stop. A hiss means
there is still some pressure left.
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3. Fill the radiator with the proper mix, up to the base
of the filler neck.
4. Then fill the coolant recovery tank to mJLL COLD.
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5. Put the cap back on the coolant recovery tank, but
leave the radiator pressure cap off.
6.
7.
Start the engine and let it run until you can feel the
upper radiator hose getting hot. Watch out for the
engine fan(
s) .
By this time the coolant level inside the radiator
filler neck may be lower.
If the level is lower, add
more
of the proper mix through the filler neck until
the level reaches the base of the filler neck.
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How to Add Coolant to the Radiator - LTl
(Code P) Engine Only
NOTICE:
The LTl Engine (Code P) has a specific radiator
fill procedure. Failure to follow this procedure
could cause your engine to overheat and be
severely damaged.
8. Then replace the pressure cap. At any time during
this procedure
if coolant begins to flow out of the
filler neck, reinstall the pressure cap. Be sure the
arrows on the pressure cap line up like this.
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1. You can remove the radiator pressure cap when the
cooling system, including the radiator pressure cap and upper radiator hose, is no longer hot.
Turn the
pressure cap slowly to the left until it first stops. (Don’t press down while turning the pressure cap.)
If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stop. A hiss means
there is still some pressure left.
2. Then keep turning the pressure cap, but now push
down as you
turn it. Remove the pressure cap. 3. After the engine cools, open the air bleed valves on
the heater return hose and water pump inlet.
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4. Fill with the proper mix. Add coolant until you see a
steady stream
of coolant coming fiom the bleed
valves.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Close the bleed valves.
Continue to fill the radiator up to the base of the
filler neck.
Rinse or wipe the spilled coolant from the engine
and compartment.
Start the engine and allow it to run in idle for
approximately four minutes. By this time, the
coolant level inside the radiator will be lower. Add
more
of the proper mix through the filler neck until
the level reaches the base
of the filler neck.
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9. Shut the engine off and replace the pressure cap. Be
sure the arrows on the cap line up like this.
10. Then fill the coolant recovery tank to the proper
level.
For a complete drain, flush and refill, see your Pontiac
dealer or a Pontiac Service Manual. To purchase a
service manual, see “Service Publications” in the Index.
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If a Tire Goes Flat
It’s unusual for a tire to “blow out” while you’re driving,
especially
if you maintain your tires properly. If air goes
out of a tire, it’s much more likely to leak out slowly.
But if you should ever have a “blowout,” here are a few
tips about what to expect and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the flat tire will create a drag that
pulls the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot
off the
accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel firmly.
Steer to maintain lane position, then gently brake to a
stop well out of the traffic lane.
A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts much like a
skid and may require the same correction you’d use in a
skid. In any rear blowout, remove your foot from the
accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle under control by
steering the way you want the vehicle to go. It may be
very bumpy and noisy, but you can still steer. Gently
brake
to a stop, well off the road if possible.
If a tire goes flat, the next part shows how to use your
jacking equipment to change a flat tire safely.
Changing a Flat Tire
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire and wheel damage
by driving slowly to a level place. Turn on your hazard
warning flashers.
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The equipment you’ll need is in the right (pasq-enger)
rear area behind the trim panel.
The following steps will tell you how to use the jack and First you must remove the close-out panel. See
change a tire. “Close-Out Panel’’ in the Index.
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