check engine PONTIAC FIREBIRD 1996 Workshop Manual

Long Trip/Highwav Maintenance Schedule
s2,500 Miles (137 500 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every
12 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
0 Lubricate the steering linkage (or every
12 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.
RATE SERVICED BE ACTUAL MILEAGE
i
90,000 Miles (150 000 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every
12 months, whichever occurs first).
0 Lubricate the steering linkage (or every
12 months, whichever occurs first).
0 Change automatic transmission fluid and
filter
if the vehcle 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.
An Emission Control Service.
- In hilly or mountainous terrain.
- When doing fkquent trailer towing.
7-36 I
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I Long Trip/Highway Maintenance Schedule
- 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.
delivery service.
Replace air cleaner filter.
17 Inspect fuel tank, cap and lines for damage
or leaks. Inspect fuel cap gasket for any
damage. Replace parts as needed.
An Em,ission Control Service.
An Emission Control Service.
97,500 Miles (162 500 km)
IJ Change engine oil and filter (or every
12 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
0 Lubricate the steering linkage (or every
12 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.
DATE SERVICED BY: ACTUAL MILEAGE
DATE
SERVICED BY: ACTUAL MILEAGE
7-37
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Part B: Owner Checks and Services
Listed below are owner checks and services which
should be performed at the intervals specified to help
ensure the safety, dependability and emission control
performance of your vehicle.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any fluids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
in
Part D.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important for you or a service station attendant to
peeorm these underhood checks at eachfuelfill.
Engine Oil Level Check
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. See “Engine Oil” in the Index for
further details.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add the proper
coolant mix if necessary. See “Engine Coolant” in
the
Index for further details.
Windshield .Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer fluid level in the
windshield washer tank and add the proper fluid if
necessary. See “Windshield Washer Fluid” in the Index
for further details.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Inflation Check
Make sure tires are inflated to the correct pressures.
See “Tires” in the Index for further details.
Cassette Deck Service
Clean cassette deck. Cleaning should be done every
50 hours of tape play. See “Audio Systems” in the
Index for further details.
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Starter Switch Check When
you are doing this check, the vehicle could
move suddenly.
If it does, you or others could be
injured. Follow the steps below.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake (see “Parking
Brake’’ in
the Index if necessary) and the regular brake.
NOTE: Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be
ready to turn
off the engine immediately if it starts.
3. On automatic transmission vehicles, try to start the
engine in each gear. The starter should work only in
PARK
(P) or NEUTRAL (N). If the starter works in
any other position, your vehicle needs service.
around
the vehicle.
On manual transmission vehicles, put the shift lever
in NEUTRAL
(N), push the clutch down halfway
and
try to start the engine. The starter should work
only when
the clutch is pushed down all the way to
the floor. If the starter works when the clutch isn’t
pushed all the way down, your vehicle needs service.
Brake-Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) Check
(Automatic Transmission)
When you are doing this check, the vehicle could move suddenly. If it does, you or others could be
injured. Follow the steps below.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
arouqd the vehicle. It should be parked on
a
level surface.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake (see “Parking Brake”
in the Index
if necessary).
NOTE: Be ready to apply the regular brake
immediately if the vehicle begins to move.
3. With the engine off, turn the key to the RUN
position,
but don’t start the engine. Without applying
the regular brake,
try to move the shift lever out of
PARK (P) with normal effort. If the shift lever
moves out
of PARK (P). vour vehicle’s BTSI
needs service.
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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.
7-43
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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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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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