engine PONTIAC FIREBIRD 1996 Owners Manual

Steering Column Lock Check
While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn
the key to LOCK 11 each shift lever position.
With an automatic transmission, the key should turn
to LOCK only when the shift lever is in PARK (P).
With a manual transmission, the key should
turn
to LOCK only when the shift lever is in
REVERSE (R).
On vehicles with a key release button, try to turn the key
to
LOCK without pressing the button. The key should
turn to LOCK only when you press the key button.
On all vehicles, the key should come out only in
LOCK.
Parking Brake and Automatic Transmission
PARK (P) Mechanism Check
A CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, your vehicle
could begin to move. You or others could be
injured and property could be damaged. Make
sure there is room in front of your vehicle in case
it begins to roll.
Be ready to apply the regular
brake at once should the vehicle begin to move.
Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing
downhill. Keeping your
foot on the regular brake, set the
parking brake.
To check the parking brake: With the engine running
and transmission
in NEUTRAL (N), slowly remove
foot pressure from the regular brake pedal.
Do this
until the vehicle
is held by the parking brake only.
To check the PARK (P) mechanism’s holding ability:
With the engine running, shift to
PARK (P). Then
release all brakes.
Underbody Flushing Service
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.
I -4L
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Part C: Periodic Maintenance
Inspections
Listed below are inspections and services which should
be performed at least twice a year (for instance, each
spring and fall). You should let your GM dealer’s
service department or other qualified service center do
these jobs. Make sure any necessary repairs are
completed at once.
Proper procedures to perform these services may be
found in a Pontiac Service Manual. See “Service and
Owner Publications’’ in the Index.
Steering and Suspension Inspection
inspect the front and rear suspension and steering
system for damaged, loose or missing parts, signs of
wear or lack of lubrication. Inspect
the power steering
lines and hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks,
cracks, chafing, etc.
Exhaust System Inspection
Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body near
the exhaust system. Look for broken, damaged, missing or
0~t~€-pii60n parts as well as open seams, holes, loose
connections or other conditions which could cause a heat
build-up in
the floor pan or could let exhaust fumes into
the vehicle. See “Engine Exhaust” in the Index.
Radiator and Heater Hose Inspection
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they are
cracked, swollen
or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
fittings and clamps; replace as needed.
Throttle Linkage Inspection
Inspect the throttle linkage for interference or binding, and
for damage or missing parts. Replace parts as needed.
Replace any cables that have high effort
or excessive wear.
Do not lubricate accelerator and cruise control cables.
Rear Axle Service
Check the gear lubricabt level in the rear axle and add if I
needed. See “Rear Axle” in the Index. A fluid loss may
indicate a problem. Check
the axle and repair it if needed.
Brake System Inspection
Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks,
chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors
for surface condition.
Also inspect drum brake linings
for wear and cracks. Inspect other brake parts, including
drums, wheel cylinders, calipers, parking brake, etc. The
parking brake is self-adjusting and no manual
adjustment
is required. You may need to have your
‘brakes inspected more often
if your driving habits or
conditions result in frequent braking.
7-43
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Part D: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
NOTE: Fluids and lubricants identified below by name,
part number or specification may be obtained from
your
GM dealer.
USAGE
Engine Oil
Engine Coolant
FLUIDLUBRICANT
Engine oil with the American
Petroleum Institute Certified
FOP
Gasoline Engines “Starburst”
symbol
of the proper viscosity. To
determine the preferred viscosity
for your vehicle’s engine, see
“Engine Oil” in the Index.
50/50 mixture of clean water
(preferably distilled) and
GM
Goodwrench@ DEX-COOL TM or
Havoline@
DEX-COOL TM
(orange-colored, silicate-free)
antifreeze conforming
to GM
Specification
6277M. See “Engine
Coolant”
in the Index.
USAGE
Coolant
Supplement
Sealer
Hydraulic Brake
System
Hydraulic Clutch System
Power Steering
System
Manual
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Key Lock
Cylinders
FLUIDLUBRICANT
GM Part No. 3634621 or
equivalent with a complete flush
and refill.
Delco Supreme
I1 @ Brake Fluid
(GM Part No. 10852535 or
equivalent
DOT-3 brake fluid).
Hydraulic Clutch
Fluid (GM Part
No. 12345347
or equivalent).
GM Power Steering Fluid
1050017 - 1 qt., or equivalent).
DEXRON@-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
DEXRON@-LII Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Multi-Pur
ose Lubricant,
Superlube
?& (GM Part
No. 12346241 or equivalent).
(GM
Part
NO. 1052884 - 1 Pt.,
7-44
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Clutch Linkage
Pivot Points
Floor Shift Linkage
Chassis
’
Lubrication
~~
Rear Axle
(Standard
Differential)
Rear Axle
(Limited-Slip
Differential)
FLUIDLUBRICANT
Engine oil.
Lubriplate Lubricant aerosol (GM
Part
No. 12346293 or equivalent)
or lubricant meeting requirements
of NLGI Grade 2 Category LB or
Chassis lubricant
(GM Part ’
No. 1052497 or equivalent) or
lubricant meeting requirements
of
NLGI Grade 2, Category LB or
Axle Lubricant
(GM Part
No. 12345977) or SAE 8OW-90
GL-5 Gear Lubricant.
Axle Lubricant (GM
Part
No. 12345977) and 2 ounces
(59 ml) of Limited-Slip
Differential Lubricant Additive
(GM
Part No. 1052358 or
equivalent) where required.
See “Rear Axle” in the Index.
GC-LB.
GC-LB.
USAGE
Windsheld
Washer Solvent
Hood Latch
Assembly Pivots,
Spring Anchor
and Release
Pawl
Hood and Door
Hinges
Weatherstrip Conditioning
FLUIDLUBRICANT
GM Optikleen’ Washer Solvent
(GM Part No. 1051515) or
equivalent.
Lubriplate lubricant aerosol
(GM
Part No. 12346293 or equivalent)
or lubricant meeting requirements
of NLGI Grade 2, Category LB or
Multi-pu ose lubricant,
Superlube
% (GM Part
No. 12346241 or equivalent).
Dielectric Silicone Grease
(GM
Part No. 12345579 or equivalent).
GC-LB.
See “Replacement Parts” in the Index ‘for recommended
replacement filters and spark plugs.
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1996 PONTIAC SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ORDERING INFORMATION
The following publications covering the operation and servicing of your vehicle can be purchased by filling out
the Service Publication Order Form in this book and mailing it in with your check, money order,
or credit card information to Helm, incorporated (address below.)
CURRENT PUBLICATIONS FOR 1996 PONTIAC
SERVICE MANUALS OWNER’S INFORMATION
Service
Manuals have the diagnosis and repair information Owner
publications are written directly for Owner’s and
on engines, transmission, axle, suspension, brakes, intended to provide basic operational information
about the
electrical, steering, body, etc. vehicle.
The owner’s manual will include the Maintenance
RETAIL SELL PRICE:
$90.00 Schedule for all models.
TRANSMISSION, TRANSAXLE, TRANSFER CASE
UNIT REPAIR MANUAL
This manual provides information on unit repair service In-Portfolio: Includes
a Portfolio, Owner’s Manual and
Warranty Booklet. RETAIL SELL PRICE: $1 5.00
procedures, adjustments and specifications’for the Without Portfolio: Owner’s Manual only.
1996
GM transmissions, transaxles and transfer cases. RETAIL SELL PRICE: $1 0.00
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $40.00
SERVICE BULLETINS Service Publications are available for current and past
Service Bulletins give technical Sewice information needed model GM vehicles.
TO request an order form, please
to knowledgeably service General Motors cars and trucks. specify year and model name of the vehicle.
Each bulletin contains instructions
to assist in the
diagnosis
and service of your vehicle.
CURRENT & PAST MODEL ORDER FORMS
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Air ~ag ...................................... 1-21
How Does it Restrain .... ............. 1-23
How it Works .............................. 1-21
Location ............................... 1.21. 1.22
Readiness Light ......................... 1.21. 2.77
Servicing ................................... 1-25
What Makes it Inflate .......................... 1-23
What Will You See.After it Inflates ............... 1-24
When Should it Inflate ......................... 1-23
Aircleaner .................................... 6-16
Air Conditioning ................................ 3-2
Air Conditioning Refrigerants ..................... 6-7 1
Air Control. Climate Control System ................. 3-2
Alarm. Content Theft-Deterrent ................... 2- 12
Alarm/Panic Mode ............................... 2-6
Alignment and Balance. Tire ...................... 6-51
Aluminum Wheels. Cleaning ...................... 6-59
Antenna. Power .............................. : . 3-23
Antifreeze ..................................... 6-26
Anti-Lock
Brake System Warning Light
................ 2-78. 4-6
Brakes ....................................... 4-6
Anti-Theft. Radio .............................. 3-18
Appearance Care ............................... 6-53
Appearance Care Materials ....................... 6-61
Arbitration Program .............................. 8-8
Audio Controls. Steering Wheel Touch Control 3-20
Audio Systems .................................. 3-6
Automatic Overdrive ............................ 2-29
Automatic Transmission
Check
...................................... 7-40
Fluid ....................................... 6-20
Operation ................................... 2-27
Park Mechanism Check ........................ 7-42
Starting Your Engine .......................... 2-23
Axle, Limited-Slip Rear ......................... 2-35
Axle, Rear .................................... 6-26
Ashtrays .................................... 2-59
Audio Equipment. Adding ........................ 3-21
' * .......
Shifting ..................................... 2-28
Battery ....................... .............. 6-37
Jump Starting ................................. 5-2
Replacement. Remote Lock Control ............... 2-8
Warnings ................................ 5.2. 5.4
BBB Auto Line ................................. 8-8
Better Business Bureau Mediation ................... 8-8
Blizzard ....................................... 4-27
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Compact Disc Player ....................... 3- 13. 3 . 15
Errors ................................. 3.14. 3.17
Care ....................................... 3-22
Compact Spare Tire ............................. 5-40
Control of a Vehicle . . .. ........... 4-5
Convertible Top ....... .................... 2-66
Convex Outside Mirror .......................... , 2-57
Coolant ....................................... 6-26
Bleed Valves ................................. 5 -24
Heater. Engine ............................... 2-26
Recovery Tank ........................ ' ....... 5-, 17
Cooling System ................................ 5-15
Courtesy Lamps ................................ 2-53
Courtesy Transportation ........................... 8-7
Cruise Control .................................. 2-46
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone Users ......... 8-4
Customer Assktance Information ................... 8- 1
Customer Satisfaction Procedure .................... 8-2
Damage. Finish ................................ 6-60
Damage. Sheet Metal ............................ 6-60
Daytime Running Lamps ......................... 2-52
Dead Battery ................................... 5-2
Defects. Reporting Safety ................... ., 8-9. 8-10
Defensive Driving ............................... 4- 1
Defogger. Rear Window .......................... 3-4
Defogging ...................................... 3-5
Defrosting ., .................................... 3-5
Delayed Illumination ............................ 2-53
Dimensions. Vehicle ............................ 6-70
Dolby@ B Noise Reduction ....... ..... 3-9
Door
Last Door Closed Locking Feature
.... . . 2-4, 2-17
Lockout Prevention
................ . . 2.4, 2.17
Locks ......................... ....... 2-3
Downshifting .................................. 2-35
Driver Position ................................. 1 . 12
Driving Driver's Door Alarm Delay/Shock Sensor Enable
..... 2-20
City.' ........................................ 4-20
Defensive .......... ................... 4.- 1
Drunken ..................................... 4-2
Freeway .................................... 4-21
In a Blizzard ................................. 4-27
In Foreign Countries ........................... 6-4
In the Rain .................................. 4-17
Night ...................................... 4-15
On Curves .................................. 4-10
On Grades While Towing a Trailer ............... 4-37
On Hill and Mountain Roads .................... 4-23
On Snow and Ice ............................. 4-26
Throughwater ............................... 4-19
WetRoads .................................. 4-17
Winter ...................................... 4-25
With a Trailer ................................ 4-36
Drunken Driving ................................ 4-2
%lectrical Equipment, Adding .......... 2-24,3-21, 6-63
Electrical System ............................... 6-63
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Engine Coolant
...................................... 6-26
CoolantHeater ............................... 2-26
Coolant Level Check .......................... 7-39
Coolant Temperature Gage ..................... 2~81
Exhaust ..................................... 2-40
FuseBlocks ................................. 6-64
I'dentification ................................ 6-62
OilLevelCheck
.............................. 7- 39
Overheating ................................. 5- 13
Running While Parked
......................... 2-41
Specifications
................................ 6-69
Starting Your
...................... 2-23,2-24, 2-25
Engine Oil
..................................... 6-10
Additives
................................... 6-14
Checking ................................... 6-11
Used
....................................... 6-15
Adding
..................................... 6-12
Pressure Gage
................................ 2-85
When to Change ............................... 6- 15
Exhaust, Engine
................................ 2-40
Exit Lighting
.............................. 2-17. 2-53
Express-Down Window
.......................... 2-42
Ethan01
......................................... 6-3
Exit Lightingmelayed Illumination
.................. 2- 17
Fabric Cleaning ................................ 6-54
Fan Control, Climate Control System ................ 3-1
Feature Customization ........................... 2- 16
Delayed Illumination
.......................... 2- 17
Driver's Door
Alarm Delay/Shock.Sensor Enable .... 2-20
Exit Lighting ................................ 2-17
Last Door Closed Locking ...................... 2- 17
Lockout Prevention ........................... 2-17
Remote Lock
Control Verification ................ 2-18
Theft-Deterrent Arming Method
................. 2-19
Theft-Deterrent Arming Verification .............. 2-19
Fifth Gear. Manual Transmission
.............. 2-32. 2.33
FillingYourTa
nk ................................ 64
Filter, Engine Oil ............................... 6-15
First Gear, Automatic 'Transmission
................ 2-30
First Gear, Manual Transmission
.............. 2-3 1 , 2-33 '
Flashers, Hazard Warning ......................... 5-1
Flat Tire. Changing ............................. 5-27
Floor Mats .................................... 2-61
Fluids and Lubricants ............................ 7-44
FogLamps
.................................... 2-52
Folding
Rear Seatback ............................ 1-6
Foreign
Countries, Fuel ........................... 6-4
Fourth Gear, Manual Transmission ............ 2-33. 2-34
Four-Way Mmal Seat
........................... 1-2 ......
Filter, Air ..................................... 6-17
.Finishcare
.................................... 6-58
Finish Damage
................................... 6-60
French Language Manual ........................... ii~ i' T.!
Front Console ................................... 2-57
FrontTowing
................................... 5-9
Front
Turn Signal Lamp Bulb Replacement .......... 6-39
F~el
.......................................... 6-2
FillingYourTank .............................. 6-4
Gage ........................................ 2-87
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
....................... 6-64
In Foreign Countries ........................... 6-4
9-4
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Gages Engine Coolant Temperature
. . ....... ... 2-81
Engine Oil Pressure
......... ............... 2-85
Fuel
....................................... 2-87
GAWR
....................................... 4-30
Gear Positions. Automatic Transmission
............. 2-28
Gear Positions. Manual Transmission
.......... 2.32. 2.33
GloveBox
.................................... 2-56
Graphic Equalizer
......................... 3.10. 3.15
Gross Axle Weight Rating ........................ 4-30
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
...................... 4-30
Guide en Franqais
11
GVWR ....................................... 4-30
.. .................................
Halogen Bulbs ................................ 6-37
Hatch Release
.................................. 2- 10
Hatch Release. Remote
.......................... 2- 10
Hazard Warning Flashers
.......................... 5-1
Head Restraints
................................. 1-5
Headlamp Bulb Replacement
...................... 6-38
Headlamp
Doors ............................... 2-51
Headlamps
.................................... 2-50
HighLow Beam Changer
...................... 2-44
OnReminder
................................ 2-50
Wiring
..................................... 6-63
Hearing Impaired. Customer Assistance
.............. 8-4
Heating
........................................ 3-3
High-Beam Headlamps
.......................... 2-44
Highway Hypnosis
.............................. 4-23
Hill and Mountain Roads ......................... 4-23
Hitches, Trailer
................................. 4-35
Hood
Checking Things Under .......... ............ 6-6
Release ...................................... 6-7
Horn
......................................... 2-42
Hydraulic Clutch
............................... 6-25
Hydraulic Clutch System Check
................... 7-40
Hydroplaning
.................................. 4-19
Ignition Switch
................................ 2-21
Inflation. Tire
.................................. 6-46
Inside Daymight Rearview Mirror
................. 2-55
Inspections
.................................... 7-43
Brakesystem
................................ 7-43
Exhaust Systems
............................. 7-43
Radiator and Heater Hose
...................... 7-43
RearAxle
................................... 7-43
Steering
.................................... 7-43
Suspension .................................. 7-43
Throttle Linkage
........ : ..................... 7-43
Instrument Panel
............................... 2-72
Brightness Control
............................ 2-53
Cleaning
.................................... 6-56
Cluster
............ ......... 2-74
Interior Lamps
. . ....... 2-53
Jack. Tire
.................................. 5-28
Jump Starting
................................... 5-2
Key Lock Cylinders Service
...................... 7-40
Key Release Button
............................. 2-22
Keys
.......................................... 2-1
9-5
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Labels Certification
................................. 4-30
Service
Parts Identification ..................... 6-62
Tire-Loading Information
....................... 4-29
Vehicle Identification Number
................... 6-62
Lamps
........................................ 2-50
Courtesy
.................................... 2-53
Interior
..................................... 2-53
On Reminder
................................ 2-50
Last Door Closed Locking Feature
............. 2.4. 2.17
Last Door Closed LoclungLockout Prevention
....... 2-17
Latches. Front Seatback
........................... 1-6
Leaving Your Vehicle .............................. 2-5
Leaving Your Vehicle with the Engine Running ....... 2-38
Lighter
....................................... 2-59
Lights
Air Bag Readiness ....................... 1-2 1. 2-77
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning
............ 2.78. 4.6
Brake System Warning
......................... 2-78
CheckGauges
............................... 2-87
Interior
..................................... 2-53
LowCoolant
................................. 2-82
LowOil
.................................... 2-86
Low Traction
............................ 2-81, 4-8
Safety Belt Reminder
...................... 1-7. 2-76
Service Engine Soon
.......................... 2-83
Traction Control System Warning
............ 2-80. 4-9
Limited-Slip Differential. Rear Axle
................ 6-26
Loading
Your Vehicle ........................... 4-29
Lockout Prevention
......................... 2-4, 2-17
Cylinders
................................... 7-40
Door
........................................ 2-3
Locks
......................................... 2-3
Key Lock
Cylinder Service ..................... 7-40
PowerDoor
.................................. 2-4
Steering Column Lock Check
................... 7-42
Low Coolant Light ............................... 2-82
LowOilLight
................................. 2-86
Low Traction Light
......................... 2-81, 4-8
Lubricants and Fluids
............................ 7-44
Lubrication Service, Body
........................ 7-40
Lumbar Controls
................................ 1-3
Main Fuse Block .................... ..... 6-65
Maintenance. Normal Replacement
Parts .......... 6-71
Maintenance Record .................. ..... 7-46
Maintenance Schedule
............................ 7-1
Long TripMighway Definition ................... 7-5
Long Tripmighway Intervals .................... 7-28
Owner Checks and Services ..................... 7-39
Periodic Maintenance Inspections
................ 7-43
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
............. 7-44
Scheduled Maintenance Services
.................. 7-1
Short Trip/City Definition ....................... 7-4
Short Trip/City Intervals
........................ 7-6
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
................. 4-38
Manual Front Seat
............................... 1-1
Manual Mirror
................................. 2-55
Manual Transmission ............................ 2-31
Check
...................................... 7-40
Fluid
....................................... 6-24
Shifting
..................................... 2-32
MapPocket ................................... 2-57
Maintenance. Underbody
......................... 6-60
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
...................... 2-83
9-6
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