PONTIAC FIREBIRD 1996 Owners Manual
Manufacturer: PONTIAC, Model Year: 1996, Model line: FIREBIRD, Model: PONTIAC FIREBIRD 1996Pages: 386, PDF Size: 19.18 MB
Page 371 of 386

REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS
TO THE CANADIAN
GOVERNMENT
If you live in Canada, and you believe that your vehicle
has a safety defect, you should immediately notify
Transport Canada, in addition to notifying General
Motors of Canada Limited. You may write to:
Transpart Canada
Box 8880
Ottawa, Ontario K1G 352
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS
TQ GENERAL MOTORS
In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Tran-sport Canada)
in a situation like this, we certainly hope you’il not*
us. Please call us at 1-800-PM-CARES or write:
Pontiac Division Customer Assistance Center
One Pontiac Plaza
Pontiac,
MI 48340-2952
In Canada, please call us at 1-800-263-3777 (English)
01- 1-800-263-7854 (French). Or, write:
General
Motors of CdLimited
Customer Assistance Center
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
8- 10
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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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Page 374 of 386

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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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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Methanol ...................................... 6-3
Mirrors
....................................... 2-55
Convex Outside
.............................. 2-56
Inside Daymight Rearview
..................... 2-55
Manual
..................................... 2-55
Manual Remote Control
........................ 2-55
Power Remote Control
......................... 2-56
Visor Vanity
.................................. 2-60
MountainRoads
................................ 4-23
Multifunction Lever
. . ............... 2-43
Neutral. Automatic Transmission
................. 2-28
Neutral. Manual Transmission
................ 2.32. 2.33
New Vehicle “Break-In”
......................... 2-21
Nightvision
................................... 4-16
Odometer
.................................... 2-75
Odometer. Trip .................................. 2-75
Off-Road Recovery ............................. 4- 12
Oil. Engine
.................................... 6-10
.... Overheating Engine ............................. 5- 13
.... ................ .. Overdrive. Automatic Transmission 2-29
... .. L ... Owner Checks and Services ....................... 7-39
.. Owner Publications, Ordering ..................... 8- 11 .- . ..
Paint Spotting. Chemical . . ................. 6-60
Park Automatic Transmission
........................ 2-27
Shifting
Into ................................. 2-37
Shifting Out of
................................ 2-39 Parking
At Night
.... .... 2-11
Brake
....................... ......... 2-36
Brake Mechanism Check
....................... 7-42
Lots
....................................... 2-11
Over Things That Burn
........................ 2-40
WithaTrailer
................................ 4-37
Parking Your Vehicle, Manual Transmission
.......... 2-39
Passenger Position
......................... 1-26. 1-27
Passing
....................................... 4-13
PASS-Key
II ................................. 2-14
Periodic Maintenance Inspections
.................. 7-43
Pontiac Cares Information
......................... 8-1
Power Antenna Mast Care
............................ 3-23
DoorLocks
................................... 2-4
Option Fuses
................................ 6-63
Remote Control Mirror
........................ 2-56
Retained Accessory
........................... 2-54
Seat
......................................... 1-2
Steering
.................................... 4-10
Steering Fluid
................................ 6-30
Windows
................................... 2-42
Pregnancy. Use of Safety Belts
.................... 1-26
Problems
on the Road ............................ 5-1
Publications, Service and Owner
................... 8-11
Radiator
................................ 5.20. 5.23
Radiator Pressure Cap
........................... 6-30
Radio Reception ................................ 3-20
Radios
........................................ 3-6
9-7
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