maintenance PONTIAC FIREBIRD 1996 Workshop Manual

Long Trip/Highway Maintenance Schedule ~
100,000 Miles (166 000 km)
0 Drain, flush and refill cooling system
(or every 60 months since last service,
whichever occurs
first). See “Engine
Coolant” in the Index for what to use.
Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser,
pressure cap and neck. Pressure test
the cooling system and pressure cap.
An Emission Control Sewice.
0 Inspect spark plug wires.
An Emission Control Service.
Replace spark .plugs.
0 If you haven’t used your vehicle under
severe service conditions listed previously
and, thereforle, haven’t changed your
automatic transmission fluid, change both
the fluid and filter.
An Emission Control Service.
I DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY:
ProCarManuals.com

At Least Twice a Year
Restraint System Check
Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your
belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages are
working progerly. Look for any other loose or damaged
safety belt system parts.
If you see anything that might
keep a safety belt system from doing its job, have it
repaired. Have any tom or frayed safety belts replaced.
Also- look for any opened or broken air bagtcovers, and
have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag system
does not need regular maintenance.)
Manual Transmission Check
Check the transmission fluid level; add i,f nkeded. See
“Manual Transmission” in the Index. A fluid. loss
may indicate a problem. Check the system and repair
if needed.
Automatic TransmisBiion Check
Check the transmission fluid level; add if needed. See
“Automatic Transmission” in the Index. A fluid loss
may indicate a problem. Check the system and repair
if needed.
Hydraulic Clutch System Check
Check the fluid lev’el in the clutch reservoir. See
“Hydraulic Clutch
Fluid” in the Index. A fluid loss in
this system could indicate a problem. Have the system
inspected and repaired at once.
At Least Once a Year
Key Lock Cylinders Service
Lubricate the key lock cylinders with the lubricant
specified-
in Part D.
Body Lubrication Service
Lubricate all body door hinges. Also lubricate all hinges
and latches, including those for the hood, ,headlamp door
assemblies, rear compartment, console doors and any
folding seat hardware.
Part D tells you what to use.
More frequent lubrication may be required when
exposed to a corrosive environment.
ProCarManuals.com

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
ProCarManuals.com

Part E: Maintenance Record
After the scheduled services are performed, record the
date, odometer reading and who performed the service
in the
boxes provided after the maintenance interval. Services”
or “Periodic Maintenance” can
be added on
the following record pages. Also, you should retain all
maintenance receipts. Your owner information portfolio
Any additioial information
from “Owner Checks and is a convenient place to store them.
Maintenance Record
SERVICED BY MAINTENANCE PERFORMED
ProCarManuals.com

Maintenance Record
ODOMETER
DATE MAINTENANCE
PERFORMED SERVICED BY READING
c
7-47
ProCarManuals.com

Maintenance Record
I I I I I
ProCarManuals.com

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
ProCarManuals.com

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
ProCarManuals.com

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
ProCarManuals.com

Rain. Driving In ................................ 4- 17
ReadingLamps
................................ 2-54
Rear Axle
........................................ 6-26
Lamp Bulb Replacement
.................. .... 6-41
Seat Passengers
............................... 1-27
Sidemarker Bulb Replacement
................... 6-42
Storage
..................................... 2-57 .
Towing ..................................... 5-11
Win'dow Defogger
............................. 3-4
Rearview Mirror, Inside Daymight
................. 2-55
Reclining Front Seatbacks
......................... 1-4
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
............... 7-44
Recovery Tank, Coolant
.......................... 5-17
Refrigerants,
Air Conditioning .................... 6-7 1
Remote
Hatch Release ................................ 2-10
Lock Control
................................. 2-5
Lock Control Verifkation
...................... 2-18
RAP ......................................... 2-54
Replacement Bulbs
...................................... 6-68
Parts
....................................... 6-71
. Wheel ...................................... 6-51
Replacing Safety Belts
........................... 1-4 1
Reporting Safety Defects
..................... 8-9, 8-10
Restraints Checking
................................... 1-41
Child
........................................ 1-32
Head
........................................ 1-5
Replacing
Puts After a Crash ................... 1-4 1
System Check
................................ 7-40
Retained Accessory Power
........................ 2-54 Reverse. Automatic Transmission
.................. 2-28
Reverse. Manual Transmission
............... 2-32. 2-33
Right Front Passenger Position
.................... 1-26
Roadside Assistance
....................... : ...... 8-5
Roadside Assistance. Canadian ..................... 8-6
Rocking Your Vehicle
........................... 5-42
Roof Panels. %in Lift-off
....................... 2-61
Rotation. Tires
.................................. 6-47 ... ... . --,.-, ... ..... . . ..
Safety Belt Extender ... ; .............. ...... 1-41
Safety Belts
.................................... 1-7
Adults
............................. ...... 1-12
Care
....................................... 6-56
Children
.................................... 1-30
DriverPosition ............................... 1-12
Extender ..................................... 1-41
How to Wear Properly .......... .) .............. 1-12
Lap-Should&
.............. I ............ 1- 12. 1-27
LargerChildren
.............................. 1-38
Questions
and Answers ........................ 1-11
Rear Seat Positions ............................ 1-27
Reminder Light
.......................... 1-7. 2-76
Replacing After a Crash
........................ 1-41
Right Front Passenger Position .................. 1-26
Smaller Children and Babies
.................... 1-30
Why They Work ........... .................... 1-8
SafetyChains
.................................. 4-35
Safety
Warnings and Symbols ....................... iii
Scheduled Maintenance Services .................... 7-3
Incorrect Usage .................... 1-15. 1-39. 1-40
Use During Pregnancy
......................... 1-26
Safety Defects. Reporting
.................... 8-9. 8-10
ProCarManuals.com