cooling PONTIAC FIREBIRD 1995 Owners Manual

Section 3 Comfort Controls and Audio Systems
In this section you’ll find out how to operate the comfort \
control systems and audio systems offered with your
Pontiac. Be sure to read about the particular system
supplied with your vehicle.
Comfort Controls
With this system, you can control the heating and ventilation in your Pontiac. If you have the air
conditioning option, you can also control cooling.
Your vehicle also has the flow-through ventilation
system described later in this section.
Heater Controls
Fan Control Knob
* FAN: Turn this knob to select the force of air
you want.
Temperature Control Knob
Turn the knob to change the temperature of the air flowing
from the heating system. Turn it to the right for warmer
air
and to the left for cooler air. The temperature of the air can
not be less than the temperature of the outside
air.
Air Control Knob
OFF:
The system is off.
4.
~9 BI-LEVEL: Air is directed through the upper air d.
vents and the heater ducts.
9 VENT: Air flows through the upper air vents.
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d HEATER: This setting directs most of the air
through the heater ducts and some of the air through the
windshield defroster vents.
z2 BLEND: Air is directed through the windshield
defroster vents and the heater ducts.
9 DEFROST: This setting directs most of the air
through the windshield defkoster vents and some of the
air through the heater ducts.
Heating
The heater works best if you keep your windows closed
while using it.
1. Turn the air control knob to HEATER.
2. Turn the fan control knob to the desired speed.
3. Turn the temperature control knob to a comfortable
During initial start-up only, if your vehicle is equipped
with an optional engine coolant heater, you can use it in
cold weather (around
+20 O F/-8 O C or lower) to improve
heater performance on
start up. Because an engine
coolant heater warms the engine coolant, your vehicle’s
setting.
heating system can more efficiently provide heat for the
passenger area of
your vehicle. See “Engine Coolant
Heater” in the Index.
Bi-Level Heating
You may want to use bi-level heating on cool, but sunny
days. This setting directs cool air toward your body and
warmer air toward your feet.
1. Turn the air control knob to BI-LEVEL.
2. Turn the temperature control knob to a comfortable
3. Turn the fan control knob to the desired speed.
Ventilation
For mild outside temperatures when little heating or
cooling
is needed, you can still direct outside air through
your vehicle.
1. Turn the air control knob to VENT.
2. Turn the temperature control knob to a comfortable
3. Turn the fan control knob to the desired speed.
setting.
setting.
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Defogging and Defrosting the Windshield
1. Turn the air control knob to DEFROST.
2. Turn the temperature control knob to the desired
setting.
3. Turn the fan control knob to the desired speed.
Air Conditioner Controls (Option)
The air conditioning system uses the same controls as the
heating system, except that the
slir control knob has two
extra settings, described below. For an explanation of all
the controls, see “Heater Controls” earlier in this part.
MAX: Provides maximum cooling or quick cool-down
on very hot days.
This setting recirculates most of the air
inside your vehicle. If it is used for long periods of time,
the
air may become dry. This setting directs air through
the upper air vents.
A/C: Use for normal cooling on hot days. This setting
cools outside
air and directs it through the upper air vents.
The air conditioner compressor operates in MAX, A/C,
BI-LEVEL, BLEND and DEFROST when the outside
temperature is above freezing. When the
air conditioner
is on, you may sometimes notice slight changes in your
vehicle’s engine speed and power.
This is normal because
the system is designed to cycle the compressor on and
off
to keep the desired cooling and help fuel economy.
Cooling
The air conditioner works best if you keep your
windows closed. On very hot days, open the windows
just long enough for the hot air to escape.
1. Turn the air control knob to A/C for normal cooling.
For faster cooling move the knob to MAX.
2. Turn the temperature control knob to a comfortable
3. Move the fan cdfitrol knob to the desired speed.
setting.
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If you drive regularly in steep country, or if you’re
planning to visit there, here
are some tips that can make
your
trips safer and more enjoyable.
Keep your vehicle in good shape. Check all fluid
levels and also the brakes, tires, cooling system and
transmission. These parts can work hard on
mountain roads.
0 Know how to go down hills. The most important
thing to know is this: let your engine do some
of the
slowing down. Shift to a lower gear when you
go
down a steep or long hill. 0
0
0
0
0
Know how to go uphill. You may want to shift down
to a lower gear. The lower gears help cool your engine
and transmission, and you can climb the
hill better.
In hilly terrain, you may want to switch to the
PERFORMANCE mode for better performance.
Stay in your own lane when driving on two-lane
roads in hills or mountains. Don’t swing wide
or cut
across the center
of the road. Drive at speeds that let
you stay in your own lane.
As you go over the top of a hill, be alert. There could be
something in
your lane, like a stalled car or an accident.
You may see highway signs on mountains that wam of
special problems. Examples
are long grades, passing or
no-passing zones, a falling rocks area, or winding
roads. Be alert to these and take appropriate action.
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Parking on Hills
You really should not park your vehicle, with a trailer
attached, on a
hill. If something goes wrong, your rig
could
start to move. People can be injured, and both
your vehicle and the trailer can be damaged.
But if you ever have to park your rig on a hill, here’s
how to
do it:
1. Apply your regular brakes, but don’t shift into
PARK (P) yet, or into gear for a manual transmission.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the
regular brakes until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the regular brakes, Then apply your parking
brake, and then shift to PARK (P), or REVERSE (R)
for a manual transmission.
5. Release the regular brakes.
When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down
while you:
Start your engine;
0 Shift into a gear; and
0 Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service more often when you’re
pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance Schedule for more on this. Things that
are especially important in trailer
operation
are automatic transmission fluid (don’t
overfill), engine oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling
system, and brake adjustment. Each
of these is covered
in this manual, and the Index will help you find them
quickly.
If you’re trailering, it’s a good idea to review
these sections before you start your trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts are
tight.
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Cooling System
V8 Engine
I.
When you decide it’s safe to lift the hood, here’s what
you’ll see:
1. Coolant recovery tank
2. Radiator pressure cap
3. Electric engine fan
V6 Engines
When you decide it’s safe to lift the hood, here’s what
you’ll see:
1. Coolant recovery tank
2. Radiator pressure cap
3. Electric engine fan
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NOTICE:
In cold weather, water can freeze and crack the
engine, radiator, heater core and other parts. Use the recommended coolant.
I I
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene gly
and it will burn if the engine narts arp hnt
When the coolant in the coolant recovery tank is at
WLL COLD, start your vehicle.
If the overheat warning continues, there’s one more
thing you can
try. You can add the proper coolant mix
directly to the radiator, but be sure the cooling system is 1
cool before you do it.
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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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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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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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