tow PONTIAC FIREBIRD 1996 Service Manual

Don’t include the compact spare tire in your
tire rotation.
After the tires
have been rotated, adjust the front and
rear
inflation pressures as shown on the Tire-Loading
Information label. Make certain that all wheel nuts are
properly tightened. See “Wheel Nut Torque” in the Index.
I
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to’ which
it is fastened, can make wheel nuts become loose
after a time. The wheel could come off and cause
an accident,
When you change a wheel, remove
any rust or
dirt from places where the wheel
attach.& to the vehicle. In an emergency, you can
use
a cloth or a paper towel to do this; but be
sure to use a scraper or wire brush later, if
you need to, to get all the rust or dirt off.
(See “Changing a Flat Tire” in the.Index.)

When It’s The for New Tires
One way to tell when it’s
time for new
tires is to
check the treadwear
indicators,
which will
appear when your
tires have
only 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) or
less of tread remaining.
You need
a new tire if any of the following statements
are true: . .. 1. .. . .. ...
You can see the indicators at three or more places
.. . ‘ : __ .I
around the tire.
You can see cord or fabric showing through the
tire’s
rubber.
The tread or sidewall is cracked, cut or snagged deep
enough to show cord or fabric.
The tire has a. bump, bulge or split.
The tire has a puncture, cut or other damage that can’t be
repaired well because of the size or location of the damage.
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Using Foam-Qpe Cleaner on Fabric
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
a.
9.
10.
11.
Vacuum and brush the area to remove any
loose
d.ilt
Always clean a whole trim panel or section. Mask
surrounding trim along stitch
or welt lines.
Mix Muhi-Purpose Powdered Cleaner following
the directions on the container label.
Use suds only
and apply with a clean sponge.
Don’t saturate the material.
Don’t rub it roughly.
As soon as you’ve cleaned the section, use a sponge
to remove the suds.
-Rinse the section with a clean, wet sponge.
Wipe
off what’s left with a slightly damp paper
towel or cloth.

Then dry it immediately with a blow dryer.
Wipe
with a clean cloth.
Using Solvent-’Qpe Cleaner on Fabric
First, see if you have to use solvent-type cleaner at all.
Some
spots and stains will clean off better with just
water and mild soap.
If you need.to use a solvent:
Gently scrape excess soil from the trim material with
a clean, dull knife or scraper. Use very little cleaner,
light pressure and clean cloths (preferab’ly cheesecloth). Cleaning should start at
the outside of
the stain, “feathering” toward the center. Keep
changing
to a clean section of the cloth.
When you clean a stain from fabric, im.mediately
dry the area with a blow dryer to help prevent a
cleaning ring.
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Cleaning the Outside of Your Pontiac
The paint finish on your vehicle provides beauty, depth
of color, gloss retention and durability.
Washing Your Vehicle
The best way to preserve your vehicle’s finish is to keep
it clean by washing it often with lukewarm or cold water.
’- Don’t wash your vehicle in the direct rays of the sun.
Don’t use strong soaps or chemical detergents. Use
liquid hand, dish or car washing (mild detergent) soaps.
Don’t use cleaning agents that
are petroleum based, or
that contain acid
or abrasives. All cleaning agents
should be flushed promptly and not allowed to
dry on
the surface, or they could stain. Dry the finish with
a
soft, clean chamois or a 100% cotton towel to avoid
surface scratches and water spotting.
High pressure car washes
may cause water to enter
your vehicle.
Finish Care
Occasional waxing or mild polishing of your Pontiac by
hand may be necessary to remove residue from
the paint
finish. You can get GM-approved cleaning products
from your dealer.
(See “Appearance Care and Materials”
in the Index.)
Your Pontiac has a “basecoaYclearcoat” paint finish.
The clearcoat gives more depth and gloss to the
colored basecoat. Always use waxes and polishes
that
are non-abrasive and made for a basecoatklearcoat
paint finish.
I NOTICE:
Machine compounding or aggressive polishing on
a basecoatklearcoat paint fbish may
dull the
finish
or leave swirl marks.
Foreign materials such as calcium chloride and other
salts, ice melting agents, road oil and tar,
tree sap, bird
droppings, chemicals
from industrial chimneys, etc., can
damage your vehicle’s
finish if they remain on painted
surfaces. Wash the vehicle as soon as possible.
If
necessary, use non-abrasive cleaners that are marked
safe for painted surfaces to remove foreign matter.
Exterior painted surfaces
are subject to aging, weather
and chemical fallout that can take their toll over a period
of years. You can help to beep the paint finish looking
new by keeping your Pontiac garaged or covered
whenever possible.
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Cleaning Your Convertible Top
Your convertible top should be cleaned often. If you use
an automatic car wash, use one with water jets and
hanging cloths.
When you hand wash the top, do it in partial shade. Use
a
mild soap, lukewarm water and a soft sponge. A
chamois or cloth may leave lint on the top, and a brush
can chafe the threads in the top fabric. Don’t use
detergents, harsh cleaners, solvents or bleaching agents.
When you clean the top, put one hand under it to
support it. Wet the entire vehicle and wash the top
evenly to avoid spots or rings. Let the soap remain
on
the fabric for a few minutes. When the top is really dirty,
use a mild foam-type cleaner. Thoroughly rinse the
entire vehicle, then let the top
dry in direct sunlight.
To protect the convertible top:
0 After you wash the vehicle, make sure the top is
0 Don’t get any cleaner on the vehicle’s painted finish;
If you decide to go through an automatic car wash,
ask the manager if the equipment could damage
your top.
completely dry before
you lower it.
it could leave streaks.
Aluminum Wheels (If So Equipped)
Keep your wheels clean using a soft clean cloth with
mild soap and water. Rinse with clean water. After
rinsing thoroughly, dry with a soft clean towel. A wax
may then be applied.
The surface of these wheels is similar to the painted
surface of your car. Don’t use strong soaps, chemicals,
abrasive polishes, abrasive cleaners or abrasive cleaning
brushes on them because you could damage the surface.
Don’t take your vehicle through an automatic car wash
that has s.ilicon carbide tire cleaning brushes. These
brushes can also damage the surface of these wheels.
Tires
To clean your tires, use a stiff brush with a tire cleaner.
NOTICE:
When applying a tire dressing always take care
to wipe
off any overspray or splash from all
painted surfaces on the body or wheels
of the
vehicle. Petroleum-based products
may damq~e
the paint finish.
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Maintenance Schedule
Short Trip/City Definition
Follow the Short TripKity Maintenance Schedule if any
one
of these conditions is true for your vehicle:
0 Most trips are less than 5 to 10 miles (8 to 16 km).
This is particularly important when outside
temperatures are below freezing.
0 Most trips include extensive idling (such as frequent
driving in stop-and-go traffic).
$0 Most trips are through dusty areas.
You frequently tow a trailer or use a carrier on top of
0 If the vehicle is used for delivery service, police, taxi
One ofthe reasons you should follow this schedule if you
operate your vehicle under any of these conditions is that
these conditions cause engine oil to break down
soonel:
your vehicle.
or other commercial application.
Short Trip/City Intervals
~~
Every 3,000 Miles .(5 000 km): Engine Oil and Filter
Every 6,000 Miles (10 000 km): Chassis Lubrication
Change
(or 3 months, whichever occurs first).
(or
6 months, whichever occurs first).
- I
Short Trip/City Intervals
At 6,000 Miles (10 000 km) -- .Then
Every 12,000 Miles (20 000 km): Tire Rotation.
Every 6,000 Miles (10 000 km) of Trailering:
Rear Axle Fluid Change (Vehicles Towing Trailers).
At the First 6,000 Miles (10 000 Ism): Rear Axle Fluid
Change (Limited-Slip Differential).
Every 15,000 Miles (25 000 km): Air Cleaner Filter
Inspection, if driving in dusty conditions. Automatic
Transmission Service (severe conditions only).
Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km): Air Cleaner Filter
Replacement, Fuel Tank, Cap and
Lines Inspection.
Every 60,000 Miles (100 000 km): Engine Accessory
Drive Belt Inspection.
Every 100,000 Miles (166 000 km): Cooling System
Service
(or every 60 months, whichever occurs fust).
Spark Plug Wire Inspection. Spark Plug Replacement.
Automatic Transmission Service (normal conditions).
These intervals only summarize maintenance services.
Be
sure to follow the complete maintenance schedule on
the following pages.
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Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule I
- When doing frequent trailer towing.
- Uses such as found in taxi, police or
If you do not use your vehicle under any of
these conditions, change the fluid and filter at
IO0,OOO miles (1 66 000 km).
Manual transmission fluid doesn’t require change.
delivery service.
. DATE SERVICED BY: ACTUAL MILEAGE
23 ,_‘I .i .‘ id __. .... . . ’ ,:: ,: il - ..I _. .I
18,000 Miles (30 000 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first)/.
An Emission
Control Service.
0 Lubricate the steering linkage (or every
6 months, whichever occurs first).
0 Rotate tires. See ‘Tire Inspection and Rotation”
‘in the Index for proper rotation pattern and
additional information. During tire rotation,
check brake calipers for freedom of movement.
Refer to the appropriate GM service manual for
proper caliper service procedures.
0 Change the rear axle gear lubricant if vehicle is
used to pull a trailer.
DATE SERVICED By: ACTUAL MILEAGE
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Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule
30,000 MiZes (50 000 km) (Continued)
0 Change automatic transmission fluid and
filter if the vehicle is mainly driven under
one or more of these conditions:
- In heavy city traffic where the outside
temperature regularly reaches
90 O F
(32°C) or higher.
- In hilly or mountainous terrain.
- When doing frequent trailer towing.
- Uses such as found in taxi, police or
delivery service.
If you do not use your vehicle ulzder any of
these conditions, change ,the fluid and filter at* ‘
lO0,OOO miles (166 000 km).
Manual transmission fluid doesn’t require change.
Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation
pattern and additional
information. During
tire rotation, check brake calipers for fieedom
of movement. Refer to the appropriate
GM service
manual for proper caliper
service procedures.
0 Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and
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1 Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule I
45,000 Miles (75 000 km)
Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
0 Change automatic transmission fluid and
filter if the vehicle is mainly driven under
one or more of these conditions:
- In heavy city traffic where the outside
temperature regularly reaches
90 OF
(32 "C) or higher.
- In hilly or mountainous terrain.
- When doing frequent trailer towing.
- Uses such as found in taxi, police or
If you do not use your vehicle under any of
these conditions, change the fluid and filter at
100,000 miles (1 66 000 km).
Manual transmission fluid doesn't require change.
0 Inspect air cleaner filter if you are driving
in dusty conditions. Replace filter
if
delivery service.
necessary. An Emission Control Service.
DATE
SERVICED BY: ACTUAL MILEAGE
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Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule
60,000 Miles (100 000 km)
Cl Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
I7 Lubricate the steering linkage (or every
6 months, whichever occurs first).
0 Change the rear axle gear lubricant if
vehicle is used to pull a trailer.
0 Change automatic transmission fluid and
filter
if the vehicle is mainly driven under
one or more of these conditions:
- In heavy city traffic where the outside
temperature regularly reaches
90' F
(32 O C) or higher.
- In hilly or mountainous terrain.
- When doing frequent trader towing.
- Uses such as found in taxi, police or
delivery service.
Ifyou do n ot use your vehicle under any of
these conditions, chartge the fluid and filter at
100,000 miles (I 66 000 lzm).
Manual transmission fluid doesn't require change.
17 Inspect engine accessory drive belt.
0 Replace air cleaner filter.
An Emission Control Service.
0 Inspect fuel tank, cap and lines for damage
or leaks. Inspect fuel cap gasket for any
damage. Replace parts as needed.
An Emission Control Service.
DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE
SERVICED BY:
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)City Maintenance Schedule I
75,000 Miles (125 000 km)
Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
'An Emission Control Service.
[7 Change automatic transmission fluid and
filter
if the vehicle is mainly driven under
one or more of these conditions:
- In heavy city traffic where the outside
temperature regularly reaches
90 OF
(32°C) or higher.
- In hilly or mountainous terrain.
- When doing frequent trailer towing.
- Uses such as found in taxi, police or
delivery service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of
these conditions, change the fluid and filter at
100,000 miles (166 000 km):
Manual transmission fluid doesn't require change.
0 Inspect air cleaner filter if you are driving
in dusty conditions. Replace filter if
necessary. An Emission Control Service.
DATE SERVICED BY: ACTUAL MILEAGE
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