PONTIAC FIREBIRD 1996 Owners Manual

Then push on the release handle to unlatch the panel.
Lift the outer edge of the panel and pllall~it toward you.
If the T-top panel is not stored properly, it could
be thrown
about the vehicle in a crash or sudden
mmeuvec People in the vehicle could be injured.
Whenever
you store panel m the vehicle, always
be sure that it is stored securely in the correct
storage slot with the T-top handle closed.
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Open the close-out panel completely. Place the panel in
the correct slot (DRIVER) or (PASSENGER) in the rear
area
of your vehicle. Make sure the handle is open and
facing you when you put
it in the storage slot.
Push the handle closed to secure the panel in the slot. To
lock each panel in the storage area, use your door key.
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T-Top Sunsnades
An improperly installed T-top panel may fall into
or fly off the vehicle. You or others could be
injured. After installing a T-top panel, always
check that
it is firmly attached by pushing up on
the underside
of the panel.
Reverse the steps above to install the T-top panels.
When installing panels, be
sure to align weatherstrips
properly. Panels incorrectly installed may leak.
NOTICE:
High pressure car washes may cause water to
enter
your vehicle. Never spray water directly at
the roof panel joints. This will cause leaks.
1. Start with the pmel mmkd DRIVER FRONT. ::. . .
Unlatch the driver's side T-top, raise it halfway and
close the latch handle.
\.
2. With the top raised and resting on the center roof
rail, slide the flat edge of the sunshade panel (with
the vinyl side to the glass) between the glass and
plastic trim, making sure the edge marked DRIVER
FRONT is pointing to the front of the vehicle.
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L
3. Open the latch and close the T-top. Cheek to see if
there are any gaps showing. Unlatch the T-top and
adjust the sunshade as required.
stick the Velcro@ buttons on
the glass for a proper fit
every time you install the sunshades. To do this, first
remove the T-top with the sunshade installed and
place it upside down
on a table or bench. Take care
not to scratch the glass.
4. Once the sunshade is installed properly, you can
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5. Pull the sunshade back a little and remove the
backing paper from the Velcro buttons. Push the
sunshade back into place, sticking the Velcro to
the glass.
6. Install the T-top, close the latch and lock
the T-top. Repeat the above steps for the
passenger-side sunshade.
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You can store the sunshades two different ways:
0 When the T-tops are in use, store the sunshades in
their storage area in the rear of the vehicle, and
make
sure the close-out panel is in its closed,
upright position.
0 When you have the T-tops off and in their storage
slots, store the sunshades on the T-tops, in their
installed position.
Convertible Top
The following procedures explain the proper operation
of your convertible top.
Lowering Your Convertible Top
Don’t leave your convertible out with the top
down for any long periods of time. The sun and
the rain can damage your seat material and other
1. Park on a level surface. Set the parking brake firmly,
shift
an automatic transmission into PARK (PI or a
manual transmission into
REVERSE (R). The
ignition must be in the ACC or RUN position. Lower
both
sun visors.
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I NOTICE:
Don’t lower the top if it is damp or wet. When
the top is down, trapped water can cause stains,
mildew and damage to the inside of your vehicle..
Be sure to dry off the top before you lower it.
I NOTICE:
It is not recommended to lower the top if your
car is out in cold weather, 0°F (-18°C) or lower.
NOTICE:
Before lowering the convertible top into the
storage area, be sure there are no objects in
the
way of ,the folded, stored top. The weight of a
stored top
on items in the storage area will cause
the convertible top back glass to
break.
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2. Unlock the front of the convertible top by pushing
on the smaller
part of the latch, then pulling down
on the larger part of the latch. Be sure the hook
on the latch that attaches into the hole at. the
windshield releases.
Installing the Boot Cover
After lowering the convertible top, you may want to
install the boot cover.
The three-piece boot cover is
stored in a bag in the trunk.
3. Be sure no one or nothing is on or around the top.
Push and hold the bottom of the convertible top
switch.
The switch is on the left side of your
console.
The top will automatically lower into the
storage area.
1. Open the tnank and remove the two side covers from
2. Install the two side covers by engaging the tab
the
storage bag.
into the fhnt seatbelt cover. Lower the covers onto
the vehicle.
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3. Install the middle section of the cover by sliding
the tabs into the slots on right side cover. Lower
the cover and engage latch.
4. Close the trunk.
Raising Your Convertible Top
1. Park on a level surface. Set the parking brake fdy.
If you have an automatic transmission, shift into
PARK (I?). If you have a manual transmission, shift
into REVERSE (R). The ignition must be in the ACC
or RUN position or RAP must be on. Lower both sun
visors. Lower both windows at least 3 inches (8 cm).
If the boot cover is in place, it must be removed first.
2. Open the trunk. Remove the middle piece of the
cover by pushing in on the latch and lifting up on
the cover.
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3. Remove the two side pieces of the boot cover
by lifting the rear cover and sliding them out of
their slots.
4. Store each piece of the cover in its separate
compartment in the storage bag. Store in the trunk
and close the trunk.
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5. Push and hold the top
of the convertible
top switch.
6. Pull down on center opening and align hooks with
holes. Push forward on the larger part of the latch until
it clicks.
Do not force the latch. If it is hard to
lock, the top is not properly aligned.
If
your vehicle suffers a power loss, such as a dead
battery, you can still raise or lower the top manually by
rotating the valve in the left side
of the trunk.
Open the
trunk and find the tab along the left side trim
panel. Lift up the tab and turn the valve clockwise to
release the hydraulic pressure. Turn the ignition
key to
the LOCK position. You can now raise or lower your top
manually. Be sure to close
the valve after installing your
top
so you can raise or lower it electronically later.
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