engine PONTIAC FIREBIRD 1995 Manual PDF

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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When to Add Oil What Kind of Oil to Use
If the oil is at or below the ADD line, then you’ll need to
add some
oil. But you must use the right kind. This part
explains what kind.of oil to use. For crankcase capacity,
see ‘‘Capacities and Specifications” in the Index.
NOTICE:
Don’t add too much oil. If your engine has so
much oil that the oil level gets above the
cross-hatched area that shows the proper
operating range, your engine could be damaged.
Oils of the proper quality for your vehicle can be
identified by looking for the “Starburst” symbol. The
“Starburst” symbol indicates that the
oil has been
certified by the American Petroleum Institute (API), and
is preferred
for use in your gasoline engine.
Just fill it enough to put the level somewhere in the
proper operating range. Push the dipstick all the way
back in when you’re through.
If you change your own oil, be sure you use oil that has
the “Starburst” symbol on the front of the oil container.
If you have your oil changed
for you, be sure the oil put
ihto your engine is American Petroleum Institute
certified for gasoline engines.
You should also use the proper viscosity oil for your
vehicle, as shown in the following chart:
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3.8L L36 (Code K)
RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY GRADE ENGINE OILS
FOR BEST FUEL ECONOMY AND COLD STARTING, SELECT THE LOWEST
SAE VISCOSITY GRADE OIL
FOR THE EXPECTED TEMPERATURE RANGE.
HOT
WEATHER I 7
“C
t 38
+ 27
+ 16
t4
-7
-18
COLD
WEATHER
I I SAE 5W-30 I
,I
SAE 1DW-30 PREFERRED above 0°F (-18T)
IF NEITHER SAE 5W-30 NOR SAE 1OW-30 GRADE OILS ARE AVAILABLE, SAE 30 GRADE MAY BE USED AT TEMPERATURES ABOVE 40 DEGREES F (4 DEGREES C)
DO NOT USE SAE 2OW-50 OR ANY OTHER
GRADE OIL NOT RECOMMENDED
As shown in the chart, SAE 1OW-30 is best for your
vehicle. However,
you can use SAE 5W-30 if it’s going
to be colder than
60 OF (1 6 O C) before your next oil
change. When it’s very cold, you should use
SAE
5W-30. These numbers on an oil container show its
viscosity, or thickness. Do not use other viscosity oils,
such as
SAE 20W-50.
L
NOTICE:
Use only engine oil with the American Petroleum
Institute Certified For Gasoline Engines “Starburst” symbol. Failure to use the proper oil
can result in engine damage not covered by your
warranty.
GM Goodwrench@ oil (in Canada, GM Engine Oil)
meets all the requirements for your vehicle.
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Engine Oil Additives
Don’t add anything to your oil. Your Pontiac dealer is
ready to advise if you think something should be added.
When to Change Engine Oil
See if any one of these is true for you:
Most trips are less than 5 to 10 miles (8 to 16 km).
This is particularly important when outside
temperatures are below freezing.
Most trips include extensive idling (such as frequent
driving in stop and go traffic).
Most trips are through dusty areas.
You frequently tow a trailer or use a carrier on top of
If any one of these is true for your vehicle, then you
need
to change your oil and filter every 3,000 miles
(5 000 km) or 3 months -- whichever comes first.
If none of them is true, change the oil and filter every
7,500 miles (12 500 km) or 12 months -- whichever
comes first.
your car.
Engine Coolant Heater
An engine coolant heater can be a big help if you have
to park outside in very cold weather,
0 OF (- 1 8 O C) or
colder.
If your vehicle has this option, see “Engine
Coolant Heater” in the Index.
What to Do with Used Oil
Did you know that used engine oil contains certain
elements that may be unhealthy for your skin and could
even cause cancer? Don’t let used oil stay on your skin
for very long. Clean your skin and nails with soap and
water, or a good hand cleaner. Wash or properly throw
away clothing or rags containing used engine oil. (See
the manufacturer’s warnings about the use and disposal
of oil products.)
Used oil can be a real threat to the environment. If you
change your own oil, be sure to drain all free-flowing oil
from the filter before disposal. Don’t ever dispose of oil
by putting it in the trash, pouring it on the ground, into
sewers, or into streams or bodies of water. Instead,
recycle it by taking it to a place that collects used oil.
If
you have a problem properly disposing of your used oil,
ask your dealer, a service station or
a local recycling
center for help.
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Air Cleaner
V6 Engines
VS Engine
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to
replace the air filter. .. ~
See “Scheduled Maintenance Services” in the Index.
1s ’,. ., .
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NOTICE:
If the air cleaner is off, a backfire can cause a
damaging engine fire. And, dirt can easily get
into your engine, which will damage it. Always
have the air cleaner in place when you’re driving.
Air Filter Replacement
To remove the air filter:
I
1. Remove the plastic pin by pulling it straight up.
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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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Then, witho.ut shutting off the engine, follow these
steps:
3.4L Transmission Dipstick Location
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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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