check engine PONTIAC FIREBIRD 1995 Owner's Manual

5.7L LT1 (Code P) Oil Dipstick Location 3.4L L32 (Code S) or 3.SL L36 (Code K)
Turn off the engine and give the oil a few minutes to
drain
back into the oil pan. If you don’t, the oil dipstick
might not show the actual level.
To Check Engine Oil
Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or
cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it again,
keeping the
tip down, and check the level.
5.7L LTl (Code P)
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4. Open the air cleaner and remove the filter.
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 your Pontiac dealer 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.
NOTICE:
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 parts, starting a fire. Be sure to get an accurate reading if you check your
transmission fluid.
.
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Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the
transmission fluid level if you have been driving:
When outside temperatures are above 90°F (32°C).
At high speed for quite a while.
In heavy traffic -- especially in hot 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
&e above 50°F (10°C).
If its colder than 50" F (10" C) drive the vehicle in
DRIVE (D) until the engine temperature gage moves
and then remians 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:
Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the engine
With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever
running.
in PARK (P).
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 PARK
(P).
Let the engine run at idle for three minutes or more.
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Manual Transmission Fluid
How to Check
Because this operation can be difficult, you may choose
to have this done at your Pontiac dealer Service
Department.
If you do
it yourself, be sure to follow all the
instructions here, or you could get a false reading.
NOTICE:
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 parts, starting a fire. Be
sure to get an accurate reading if you check your
transmission fluid.
Check the fluid level only when your engine is off, the
vehicle is parked on a level place and the transmission is
cool enough for you to rest your fingers on the
transmission case.
Then, follow these steps:
1. Remove the filler plug.
2. Check that the lubricant level is up to the bottom of
the filler plug hole.
3. If the fluid level is good, install the plug and be sure
it is fully seated. If the fluid level is low, add more
fluid as described in the next steps.
How to Add Fluid
Here’s how to add fluid. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what kind of fluid to use. See
“Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.
1. Remove the filler plug.
2. Add fluid at the filler plug hole. Add only enough
fluid to bring the fluid level up to the
bottom of the
filler plug hole.
3. Install the filler plug. Be sure the plug is fully seated.
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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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5.7 L LT1 Engine How To Check Power Steering Fluid
When the engine compartment is cool, unscrew the cap
and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag. Replace the cap
and completely tighten it. Then remove the cap again
and look at the fluid level on the dipstick.
The level should be at the FULL COLD mark. Add
enough fluid to bring the
level up to the mark.
A fluid loss in this system could indicate a problem.
Have the system inspected and repaired.
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Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
1111 11111 II II I I 111 I II II Ill Ill I 11111 111 I11111111 I1111 Ill II I 111111 II
I
This is the legal identifier for your Pontiac. It appears on
a plate in the front corner of the instrument panel, on the
driver’s side.
You can see it if you look through the
windshield from outside your vehicle. The VIN also
appears on the Vehicle Certification and Service Parts
labels and the certificates of title and registration.
Engine Identification
The eighth character in your VIN is the engine code.
This code will help you identify your engine.
specifications, and replacemenf parts.
Service Parts Identification Label
You’ll find this label inside your console storage
compartment. It’s very helpful
if you ever need to order
parts. On this label is:
your VIN,
the model designation,
paint information, and
a list of all production options and special equipment.
Be sure that
this label is not removed from the vehicle.
Add-on Electrical Equipment
NOTICE: ,ii :/
Don’t add anything electrical to your Pontiac
unless you check with your dealer
first. Some
electrical equipment can damage your vehicle and
tbe damage wouldn’t be covered
by your warranty.
some add-on electrical equipment can keep other
components from working
as they should.
!:
Your vehicle has an air bag system. Before attempting to
add anything electrical to your Pontiac, see “Servicing
Your Air Bag-Equipped Pontiac” in the Index.
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Capacities (Approximate)
The following approximate capacities are given in U.S.
and metric conversions.
Air Conditioning? See the refrigerant information label
under the hood.
Automatic Transmission
Drain and Refill .................. 10 pt. (4.7 L)*
VIN Engine Code S and K ....... 17.6 pt. (8.3 L)*
VIN Engine Code P ............ 21.6 pt. (10.2 L)*
VIN
Engine Code S
Overhaul
Cooling System
With Manual Transmission . . , . . 12.5 qt. (11.8 L)
With Automatic Transmission ... 12.3 qt. (11.6 L)
VIN Engine Code K
With Manual Transmission ..... 12.5 qt. (1 1.8 L)
With Automatic Transmission ... 12.3 qt. (11.6 L)
With Manual Transmission ..... 15.3 qt. (14.5 L)
With Automatic Transmission ... 15.1 qt. (14.3 L)
VIN Engine Code P
Crankcase
Without Filter Change ........... 4.0 qt. 1 (3.8 L)**
With Filter Change ............. 5.0 qt. (4.7 L)**
Fuel Tank ...................... 15,5 gal. (58.7 L)
Manual Transmission
Five-Speed
.................... 5.9 pt. (2.8 L)*
Six-Speed ..................... 8.0 pt. (3.8 L)*
Rear Axle Lubricant ................. 3.5 pt. (1.7L)
? Not all air conditioning refrigerants are the same. If the
air conditioning system in your vehicle needs refrigerant,
be sure the proper refrigerant is used.
If you’re not sure,
ask your Pontiac dealer.
* Recheck fluid level after filling. See “Automatic
Transmission Fluid” or “Manual Transmission Fluid”
in the Index.
** Recheck the oil level after filling. See “Engine Oil” in
the Index.
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Part B: Owner Checks and Services
Listed below are owner checks and services which should be performed at the intervals specified to help
ensure the safety, dependability and emission control
performance
of your vehicle.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any fluids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
in
Part D.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important for you or a service station attendant to
peqorm these underhood checks at each fuel
fill.
Engine Oil Level
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. See “Engine Oil” in the Index for further
details.
Engine Coolant Level
Check the engine coolant level and add the proper
coolant mix
if necessary. See “Coolant” in the Index for
further details.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level
Check the windshield washer fluid level in the
windshield washer tank and add the proper fluid
if
necessary. See “Windshield Washer Fluid” in the Index
for further details.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Inflation
Check tire inflation. Make sure tires are inflated to the
pressures specified on the Tire-Loading Information
label located on the rear edge of the driver’s door. See
“Tires” in the Index for further details.
Cassette Deck ; ,.
Clean cassette deck. Cleaning should be done every
50 hours of tape play. See “Audio Systems” in the Index
for further details.
At Least Mce a Year
Hydraulic Clutch System Inspection
Check the fluid level in the clutch reservoir. See
“Hydraulic Clutch Fluid” in the Index. A fluid loss in
this system could indicate a problem. Have the system
inspected and repaired at once.
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On vehicles with a key release button, try to turn the key Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing
to LOCK without pressing the button. The key should downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake, set the
turn to LOCK only with the key button depressed. parking brake.
On all vehicles, the key should come out only in LOCK. 0 To check the parking brake: With the engine running
Parking Brake and Automatic Transmission PARK foot pressumfrom the regular brake pedal. Do this
(P) Mechanism Check until the vehicle is held by the parking brake only.
and transmission in NEUTRAL (N), slowly remove
0 To check the PARK (P) mechanism's holding ability:
Shift to PARK (P). Then release all brakes.
Underbody Flushing
At least every spring, use plain water to flush any
corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to
clean thoroughly
any areas where mud and other debris
can collect.
t '. . .. , . 5; 1
f'
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