tow PONTIAC FIREBIRD 1996 User Guide

1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot and
set the parking brake.
I
2. Move the shift lever into' PARK (P) position by
holding in
the button on the lever, and push the lever
all the way toward the front
af your vehicle.
3. Move the ignition key to LOCK,
4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can
leave your vehicle with the ignition key in your
hand, your vehicle is in PARK (PI.
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine
Running (Automatic Transmission
Models Only)
It can be dangerous to leave your vehicle with the
engine
running. Your vehicle could move
suddenly
if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P)
with the parking brake firmly set. And, if you
leave the vehicle
with the engine running, it could
overheat and ev'en catch fire. You or others could
be injured. Don't
leave your vehicle with the
engine running unless you have to.
If you have to leave your vehicle with the engine
running,
be sure your vehicle is in PARK (P) and your
parking
brake is firmly set before you leave it. After
you've moved
the shift lever into the PARK (P)
position, hold, the regular brake pedal down. Then, see if
you can move the shift lever away from PARK (P)
without first pushing the button. If you can, it means
that the shift lever wasn't fully locked
into PARK (P).
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Torque Lock (Automatic Transmission) Shifting Out of PARK (P)
If you are parlung on a hill and you don’t shift your
transmission into PARK
(P) properly, the weight of the
vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl in
the transmission. You may find it difficult
to pull the
shift lever out of PARK (P),. This is called “torque lock.”
To prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and then
shift into
PARK (P) properly before you leave the
driver’s seat.
To find out how, see “Shifting Into
PARK (P)”
in the Index.
When you
are ready to drive, move the shift lever out of
PARK (P) before you release the parking brake.
(Automatic Transmission)
Your Pontiac has a brake-transmission shift interlock.
You have to fully apply your regular brake before
you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition
is in
the
RUN position. See “Automatic Transmission” in
the Index.
If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure
on
the shift lever -- push the shift lever all the way into
PARK
(P) and release the shift lever button as you
maintain brake application. Then press the shift lever
button and ‘move the shift lever into the gear you wish.
If torque lock does occur, you may need
to have another
vehicle push yours a little uphill
to take some of the
pressure from the transmission,
so you can pull the shift
lever out
of PARK (P). 1. Turn the key to the OFF position.
If
you
ever hold the brake pedal down but still can’t
shift out of PARK (P), try this:
Parking Your Vehicle 2. Apply and hold the brake.
(Manual Transmission) 3. Shift to NEUTRAL (N).
Before you get out of your vehicle, put your manual
transmission in REVERSE
(R) and firmly apply the
parking brake.
5. .Have the vehicle fixed as soon as you can.
If your vehicle is equipped to tow a trailer, see “Towing
a Trailer” in the Index.
4. Start the engine and then shift to the drive gear
you want.
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Running Your Engine While You’re
Parked (Automatic Transmission)
,.
It’s better not to park with the engine running. But if you
ever have
to, here are some things to know.
- -
A CAUTION:
-
Idling the engine with the air system control
off could anow dangerous exhaust into
your vehicle
(see the earlier Caution under
“Engine Exhaust”).
Also, idling in a closed-in place can let deadly
carbon monoxide
(CO) into your vehicle even if
the fan switch is at the highest setting. One place
this can happen
is a garage. Exhaust -- with
CO
-- can come in easily. NEVER park in a
garage with the engine running.
Another closed-in place can be a blizzard. (See
“Blizzard” in the Index.)
I
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if
the shift lever
is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can
roll.
Don’t leave your vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have
.to. If you’ve left the
engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured.
To be sure your
vehicle won’t move, even when you’re on fairly
level ground, always set your parking brake and
move the shift lever to PARK
(P).
Follow the proper steps to be sure your vehicle won’t
move. See “Shifting Into
PARK (P)” in the Index.
If you are parking on a hill and if you’re pulling a
trailer,
also see “Towing a Trailer’’ in the Index.
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Turn Signal and Lane Change Indicator
The turn signal has two upward (for right) and two
downward (for left) positions. These positions allow
you to signal a turn or a lane change.
To signal a turn, move the lever all the way up or
down. When
the turn is finished, the lever will +
return automatically.
An arrow on the instrument
panel will flash in the
direction.
of the turn or lane
change.
As you signal a turn or a lane change, if the arrows don’t
flash but just ‘stay
on, a signal bulb may be burned out
and other drivers won’t see your turn signal.
If a bulb is burned out, replace it to help avoid an
accident. If the arrows don’t go on at all when you
signal a turn, check the fuse (see “Fuses and,Circuit
Breakers” in the Index).
Headlarnp High/Low Beam Changer ’
.. -.
.;: , i.:. : . .. 1 g .- ..
To change the headlamps
from low beam to high or
high to low, pull the turn
signal lever all the way
toward you.
Then release it.
When
the high beams are
con, this light
on the
instrument panel also will
be on.
To signal a lane change, just raise or lower the lever
until the
mow starts to flash. Hold it there until you
complete
your lane change. The lever will return by
itself when you release it.
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Close-Out Panel
The close-out panel can be closed for hidden storage in
the rear area of your vehicle.
Removing the Clase-Out Panel
1. Close the panel. If the close-out panel is not closed
and resting OR the trim panel, it cannot be removed.
2. Pull the panel toward you to unsnap it. Then slide the
close-out panel along the groove in the trim panel.
Reverse
the steps to install the panel.
When carrying large or heavy items, it is a good idea to
open the panel and place the items in the rear area.
An. improperly stored close-out panel could be
thrown about the vehicle
during a collision or
sudden maneuver. You or others could be
injured.
If you remove the cover, always store it
outside your vehicle.
When you put it back,
always
be sure that it is secureIy reattached.
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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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Brake System Warming Light
Your Pontiac’s hydraulic brake system is divided into
two parts. If one part isn’t working, the other part can
still work and stop
you. For good braking, though, you
need both parts working well.
If the warning light comes on, there could be a brake
problem. Have your brake system inspected right away.
BRAKE
This light should come on
briefly when you turn the
ignition key
to RUN. If it
doesn’t come on then,
have it-fixed so it will be
ready to warn you if there’s
a problem.
If the light comes on while you are driving, pull off the
road and
stop carefully. You may notice that the pedal is
harder to push. Or,
the pedal may go closer to the floor.
11 may take longer to stop. IE the light is still on, or if the
anti-lock brake system warning light is flashing, have
the vehicle towed for service. (See “Anti-Lock Brake
System Warning Light”
and “Towing Your Vehicle” in
the Index.)
Your brake system may not be working properly
if the brake system warning light is on. Driving
with the brake system warning light on can lead
to an accident. If the light is still on or if the
anti-lock brake system warning light is flashing
after you’ve pulled
off the road and stopped
carefully, have the vehicle towed for service.
When the ignition is on, the brake system warning light
will also come on when you set your parking brake. The
light will stay on if your parking brake doesn’t release
fully.
If it stays on after your parking brake is fully
released,
it means .;.; -< . . you have a brake problem. ?>- ?-L,- .‘ ., : . . <, ., > .> . , . , :. - > , ._”
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Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light
ABS
INOP
With the anti-lock brake system, this light will
come on when you start
your engine and it will
stay on for three seconds.
That’s normal.
,4 :._ :< If he fight flashes when driving, fbu ~~$~~~~e
anti-lock brakes and there could be a problem with your
regular brakes. Pull
off the road and stop carefully. You
may notice that the pedal is harder to push.
Or, the pedal
Have the vehicle towed for service. (See “Towing
Your
Vehicle” in the Index.)
, may go closer to the floor. It may take longer to stop.
Your regular brake system may not be working
properly
if the anti-lock brake system warning
light is flashing. Driving with the anti-lock
brake system warning light flashing can lead
to an accident. After you’ve pulled
off the road
and stopped carefully, have the vehicle towed
for service.
If the anti-lock brake system warning light stays on
longer than normal after you’ve started your engine, turn
the ignition
off. Or, if the light comes on and stays on
when you’re driving, stop as soon as possible and turn
the ignition off. Then start the engine again to reset
the
system. If the light still stays on, or comes on again
while you’re driving, your Pontiac needs service.
If the
light is on but not flashing and the regular brake system
warning light isn’t on, you still have brakes, but you
don’t have anti-lock brakes.
The anti-lock brake system warning light should come
on
briefly when you turn the ignition key to RUN. If the
light doesn’t come on then, have it fixed so it will be
ready to warn you
if there is a problem.
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If the Light Is Flashing
The following may prevent more serious damage to
your s&ide:
Reduce vehicle speed.
Avoid hard accelerations.
Avoid steep uphill grades.
If towing a trailer, reduce the amount of cargo being
hauled
as soon as it is possible.
If the light stops flashing and remains on steady, see “If
the Light Is On Steady” following.
If the light continues to flash, whenit is safe to do so, ’
stop the vehicle. Put your vehicle in PARK (P). Turn the
key
off, wait at least 10 seconds and restart the engine.
If the light remains on steady, see “If the Light Is On
Steady” following.
If the light is still flashing follow the
previous steps, and drive the vehicle to your dealer or
*qualified service center for service.
If the Light Is On Steaay
You may be able to correct the emission system
malfunction by considering
the following:
Did you just put
fuel into your vehicle?
If so, reinstall the fuel cap, making sure to fully install
the cap. The diagnostic system can determine if the fuel
cap has been left
off or improperly installed. This will
dow fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere. A few
driving trips
should turn the light off.
Did you just drive through a deep puddle of water?
If so, your el’ectrical system may be wet. The condition
will usually
be corrected when the electrical system
dries
out. A few driving trips should turn the light off.
Are you low on fuel?
As your engine
starts to run out of fuel, your engine may
not bun as efficiently as designed since small amounts of
air are sucked into the fuel line causing a misfire. The
system can detect this. Adding fuel should correct this
condition. Make sure to install the fuel cap properly. It
will take a few driving trips to turn the light off.
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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.
2. Turn the temperature control knob to a
3. Move the fan control knob to the desired speed. For faster cooling, move
the knob to
MAX.
comfortable setting. 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
‘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 setting.
3. Turn the fan control knob to the desired speed.
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 setting.
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