brakes PONTIAC FIREBIRD 1996 Owner's Manual

.. ' When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a €Till
' ' 1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down
while
you:
Start your engine;
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
pul1ing.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 heip you find them quickly.
If you're trailering, it's a good idea to review these
sections befcn-e
you start yam trip.
Check;periodically
to see that all hitch nuts and bolts .
are tight.
.. 1
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Brakes
Brake Fluid
Your brake master cylinder reservoir is here. It is filled
with DOT-3 brake fluid.
There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level in
the reservoir might go down. The first is that the brake
fluid goes down
to an acceptable level during normal
brake lining wear. When new linings
are put in, the fluid
level goes back up. The other reason is that fluid is
leaking out
of the brake system. If it is, you should have your brake system fixed, since a leak means that
sooner
or later your brakes won’t work well, or won’t work
at all.
So, it isn’t a good idea to “top off” your brake fluid.
Adding brake fluid won’t correct a leak.
If you add fluid
when your linings
are worn, then you’ll have too much
fluid when you get new brake linings. You should add
(or remove) brake fluid, as necessary, only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic system.
If you have too much brake fluid, it can spill on the
engine. The fluid will burn if the engine fs hot
enough. You or others could be burned, and your
vehicle could be damaged. Add brake fluid only when work
is done on the brake hydraulic system.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to
check your brake fluid. See “Periodic Maintenance
Inspections’’
in the Index.
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Checking Brake Fluid What to Add
With the Tong kind of fluid in your brake
system, your brakes may not work well, or they
may not even workat all. This could cause a
crash. Always use the
proper brake fluid.
You can check the brake fluid without taking off the cap.
Just look at the brake fluid reservoir. The fluid level should
be above the plastic seam in the reservoir. If it isn’t, have
your brake system checked to see Z there is a leak
A€kr wmk is done on the brake hydraulic system, make
sme the level is above the plastic seam, near the base of
the filler neck. When
you do need brake fluid, use only DOT-3 brake
fluid
- such as Delco Supreme 11 @ (GM Part
No. 1052535). Use new brake fluid from a sealed
container only, and always clean the brake fluid
reservoir cap before removing it.
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NOTICE:
Using the wrong fluid can badly damage
brake system parts. For example, just
a few
drops of mineral-based oil, such as engine
oil, in your brake system can damage brake
system parts
so badly that they’ll have to be
replaced. Don’t let someone put in the
wrong
kind of fluid.
If you spill brake fluid on your vehicle’s
painted surfaces, the paint finish can be
damaged. Be careful not
to spill brake fluid
on your vehicle.
If you do, wash it off
immediately. See “Appearance Care”
in the Index.
I
Brake Wear
Unless you have the four-wheel disc brake option, your
Pontiac has front disc brakes and rear drum brakes.
Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that make a high-pitched warning sound when the brake pads are worn and new pads are needed. The sound may come and go or
be heard all the time your vehicle is moving (except when
you are pushing on the brake pedal fiy).
The brake wear warning sound means that sooner
or later your brakes won’t work well. That could
lead to
an accident. When you hear the brake wear
warning sound, have your vehicle serviced.
NOTICE:
Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads
could result in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are first applied
or lightly applied.
This does not
mean something is wrong with your brakes.
Free movement
of brake calipers and properly torqued
wheel nuts are necessary to help prevent brake
pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect brake calipers
for movement, brake pads for wear, and evenly torque
wheel nuts in the proper sequence to
GM specifications.
If you have rear drum brakes, they don’t have wear
indicators, but if you ever hear a rear brake rubbing
noise, have the rear brake linings inspected. Also, the
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rear brake drums should be removed and inspected each
time the tires are removed for rotation or changing.
When you have the front brakes replaced, have the rear brakes inspected, too.
Brake linings should always
be replaced as complete
axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return to
normal height, or if there is a rapid increase
in pe’dal
travel.
This could be a sign of brake trouble.
Brake Adjustment
Every time you make a moderate brake stop, your disc
brakes adjust for
wear. If you rarely make a moderate or
heavier stop, then your brakes might not adjust correctly.
If you drive in that way, then -- very carefully -- make
a few moderate brake stops about every 1,000 miles
(1 600 km), so your brakes will adjust properly.
If YOU brake pedal goes down farther than narmd, you
rear drum brakes may need adjustment. Adjust them by
backing up and firmly applying the brakes a few times.
Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a modern vehicle is complex.
Its many parts have to be of top quality and work well
together if the vehicle is to have really good braking.
Vehicles we design and test have top-quality
GM brake
parts
in them, as your Pontiac does when it is new.
When
you replace parts of your braking system -- for
example, when your brake
linings wear down and you
have to have new ones
put in - be sure you get new
genuine
GM replacement parts. If you don’t, your
brakes my no longer work properly. For example, if
someone puts in brake linings that are wrong for your
vehicle, the balance between your front and rear brakes
can change - for the wme. The braking performance
you’ve come to expect can change in many other ways if
someone puts
in the wrong replacement brake parts.
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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.
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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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Brake Adjustment
.................................. 6-36
Master Cylinder
.............................. 6-33
Parking
..................................... 2-36
Pedal Travel
................................. 6-36
Replacing System Parts
........................ 6-36
System Warning Light
......................... 2-78
Fluid
....................................... 6-33
Trailer
...................................... 4-35
Transmission Shift Interlock
.................... 2-39
Wear
....................................... 6-35
Brakes. Anti-Lock
............................... 4-6
Braking
........................................ 4-5
Braking in Emergencies .......................... 4- 10
Break-In. New Vehicle
.......................... 2-21
Brightness Control .............................. 2-53
BTSI ......................................... 2-39
BTSICheck
................................... 7-41
Bulb Replacement
.............................. 6-37
Canadian Roadside Assistance
.................... 8-6
Capacities and Specifications
...................... 6-69
Carbon Monoxide
.................... 2-40,4-28. 4-35
Cassette Deck Service
........................... 7-39
Cassette Tape Player
........................ 3-6. 3-10
Care ....................................... 3-22
Errors .................................. 3-8, 3.11
CD Player Theft-Deterrent Feature ................. 3- 18
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp
Bulb Replacement .... 6-40
Certification Label .............................. 4-30
Chains. Safety ................................. 4-35
Chains. Tire
................................... 6-52 Changing
a Flat Tire ............................. 5-27
Chechng Your Restraint Systems
.................. 1-41
Chemical Paint Spotting .......................... 6-60
Child Restraints
................................ 1-32
Securing in a Rear Seat Position
................. 1-34
Securing in the Right Front Seat Position
.......... 1-36
TopStrap
................................... 1-33
Where
to Put ....................... ... 1-32
Cigarette Lighter
............................... 2-59
Circuit Breakers and Fuses
....................... 6-64
Cleaner. Air
................................... 6-16
Cleaning
...................................... 6-53
Aluminum Wheels
.................... ... 6-59
ConvertibleTop
............................... 6-59
Check Gauges Light
............................. 2-87
Fabric
...................................... 6-54
Glass ....................................... 6-56
Inside
of Your Pontiac ......................... 6-53
Instrument Panel
............................. 6-56
Leather
..................................... 6-56
Outside of Your Pontiac
........................ 6-58
Removable Roof Panel
......................... 6-57
Stains
...................................... 6-55
Tires ....................................... 6-59
Wheels
..................................... 6-59
Special Problems
............................. 6-55
.Vinyl
....................................... 6-55
Windshield and Wiper Blades
................... 6-57
Climate Control System
........................... 3-1
Clock, Setting the
................................ 3-6
Close-Out Panel
................................ 2-58
Clutch, Hydraulic
............................... 6-25
Comfort Controls
................................ 3-1
2 . .
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