light PONTIAC FIREBIRD 1996 Repair Manual

Rear Axle
When to Check and Change Lubricant
Refer to the Maintenance’ Schedule to determine how
often to check the lubricant and when to change it. See
“Periodic Maintenance Inspections” in the Index.
How to Check Lubricant
If the level is below the bottom of the filler plug hole,
you’ll need to add some lubricant.. Add enough lubricant
to raise the level to the bottom of the filler plug hole.
What to Use
Standard Differential
Use Axle Lubricant (GM Part No. 12345977) or
SAE 8OW-90 GL-5 gear lubricant. -
Limited-Slip Differential
To add lubricant when the level is low, use Axle
Lubricant
(GM Part No. 12345977). To completely refill
after draining, add
2 ounces (59 ml) of Limited-Slip
Differential Lubricant Additive
(GM Part No. 1052358).
Then fill to the bottom of the filler plug hole with Axle
Lubricant (GM,Part No. 12345977).
/
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with new
DEX-COOL TM (orange-colored, silicate-free) engine
coolant. This coolant is designed to remain in your
vehicle
for 5 years or 100,000 miles (166 000 km),
whichever occurs first.
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is
low. If you have a problem with
engine overheating or if you need to add coolant to your
radiator, see “Engine Overheating” in the Index.
A 50/50 mixture of water and the proper coolant for
your Pontiac will:
0
0
0
a
a
Give freezing protection down to -34 OF (-3 7 O C).
Give boiling protection up to 265 OF ( 129°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages work as they should.
,. .:
. .( , <.
6-26
ProCarManuals.com

LOW
COOLANT
If this light comes on,
it means you’re low on
engine coolant.
.. 5.7L LT1 Engine
Adding Coolant to the Recovery Tank
j,
If you need more coolant, add the proper mix at the
emban& recovery tank, but only when your engine is
cool. If the tank is very low or empty, also add coolant
to the radiator. See “Engine Overheating” in
the Index
for
information.
LAUTION:
”urning the radiator pressure cap when the
engine and radiator are hot can allow steam and
scalding liquids to blow out and burn
you badly-
Never turn the pressure cap -- even a
little -- when the engine and radiator are hot.
Add coolant mix at the recovery tank, but be careful not
to spill it.
I
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts.
Coolant contains ethylene glycol,
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Don’t spill coolant on
a hot engine.
ProCarManuals.com

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
6-35
ProCarManuals.com

Uniform Tire Quality Grading
The following information relates to the system
developed
by the United States National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration, which grades tires by
treadwear, traction and temperature performance.
(This
applies only to vehicles sold in the United States.) The
grades are molded on the sidewalls of most passenger
car tires. The Uniform Tire Quality Grading system does
not apply to deep tread, winter-type
snow tires,
space-saver or temporary use spare tires, tires with
nominal rim diameters
of 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm),
or to some limited-production tires.
While the tires available on General Motors passenger cars and light trucks may vary with respect
to these
grades, they must also conform to Federal safety
requirements and additional General Motors Tire
Performance Criteria (TPC) standards.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on
the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled
I , conditions on a specified government test course. For
example,
a tire graded 150 would wear one and a half
(1 112) times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance
of tires depends upon
the actual conditions of their use, however,
and
may depart significantly from the norm due to variations
in driving habits, service practices and differences in
road characteristics and climate.
Traction -- A, B, C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are A, B, and
C, and they represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet
pavement as measured under controlled conditions on
specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete.
A tire marked C may have poor traction,performance.
Warning: The traction grade assigned to this tire is based
on braking (straightahead) traction tests and does not
include cornering (turning) traction.
Temperature -- A, B, C
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire’s resistance to the generation of
heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under
controlled co’nditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can
cause the
material
of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure.
The grade
C corresponds to a level of performame
which all passenger car tires must meet under the
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
No. 109.
6-50
ProCarManuals.com

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.
6-54
ProCarManuals.com

Special Cleaning Problems
Greasy or Oily Stains
Stains caused by grease, oil, butter, margarine, shoe
polish, coffee with cream, chewing gum, cosmetic
creams, vegetable oils, wax crayon, tar md asphalt can
be removed as follows:
1. Carefully scrape off excess stain.
2. Follow the solvent-type instructions described earlier.
3. Shoe polish, wax crayon, tar and asphalt will stain if
left on a vehicle's seat fabric. They should be removed
as soon as possible. Be careful, because the cleaner
will dissolve them and may cause them to spread.
Non-Greasy Stains
Stains caused by catsup, coffee (black), egg,, fruit, fruit
juice,
milk, soft drinks, wine, vomit, urine and blood can
be removed as follows:
1. Carefully scrape
off excess stain, then sponge the
2. If a stain remains, follow the foam-type instructions
soiled area with cool
water.
described earlier.
3. If an odor lingers after cleaning vomit or urine,
treat the
area with a waterhaking soda solution:
1 teaspoon (5 ml) of baking soda to 1 cup (250 ml)
of lukewarm water.
4. If needed, clean lightly with solvent-type cleaner.
Combination Stains
Stains caused by candy, ice cream, mayonnaise, chili
sauce and unknown stains can be removed as follows:
0 Carefully scrape off excess stain,'then clean with
If a stain remains, clean it with solvent-type cleaner.
Cleaning Vinyl
Use warm water and a clean cloth.
cool
water and allow to
dry.
0
a
Rub with a clean, damp cloth to remove dirt. You
may have to
do it more than once.
Things like tar, 'asphalt and shoe polish will stain if
you don't get them off quickly. Use a clean cloth and
a
GM VinyVLeather Cleaner or equivalent product.
6-55
ProCarManuals.com

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.
ProCarManuals.com

Fuses and Circuit Breakers
The wiring circuits in your vehicle are protected
from short circuits by a combination
of fuses, circuit
breakers and fusible thermal links in the wiring itself.
This greatly reduces the chance of fires caused by
%?'-:There are two fuse centers
on your vehicle. One is in the
8; -1- . klectrical problems.
left side of your instrument panel. The
other
is in the engine compartment, Open the cover
on either
of the boxes to expose the fuses.
Look at the silver-colored band inside the fuse. If the
band
is broken or melted, replace the fuse, Be sure you
replace a bad fuse with a new one
of the correct size.
If you ever have a problem on the road and don't have a
spare
fuse, you can borrow one. Just pick some 'feature
of your car that you can get along without -- like the
radio or cigarette lighter
-- and use its fuse, if it is the
size you need. Replace it as soon as you can.
6-64
ProCarManuals.com

Fuse Usage
CIGAWACCY Cigarette Lighter, Data Link
Connector (DLC), Auxiliary
Accessory Wire
DEFOG/SEATS Rear Defogger SwitchiTimer,
Rear Defogger Timermelay,
Power Seats
EVAP Canister Purge
Vacuum Switch, EVAP Canister
Purge Valve, Transmission
Wiperwasher Switch
Express-Down Module, Coolant
Level Latching Module,
Convertible Top Switch
PCM IGN Powertrain Control Module (PCM),
WIPEWASH Wiper Motor Assembly,
WINDOWS Power Windows
Switch (RH, LH),
Fuse
Usage
I/P DIMMER Door
Illumination Lamp (RH, LH),
Headlamp Switch,
Fog Lamp
Switch, Instrument Cluster,
HVAC Control Assembly,
PRNDL Illumination Lamp,
Ashtray Lamp, Radio, Steering
Wheel Controls-Radio,
Rear Window Defogger
Switch/Timer,
Performance/Traction
Control Switch
Body Control Module (BCM),
Radio, Amplifier, Steering Wheel
Controls-Radio
RADIO
6-66
ProCarManuals.com

Relay
B . L 1 ... ..
C
D
E
F
G
H
J
r .. '
Usage
Air Conditioning Compressor
Anti-Lock Brake Systedraction
Control
System (TCS)
Cooling Fan 1
Air Pump
Cooling Fan 2
Not Used
Fog Lamps
Cooling Fan 3 .... .... ... ...._ . . € ~ : ". .. L .. ....
.. !
Replacement Bulbs
Ashtray* ................................ 194
Automatic Transmission Indicator
............. 73
Back-up ................................ 1156
Center High-Mounted
Stoplamp ............. 921
Cluster
.................................. 161
Dome
.................................. 906
Do'or Courtesy ............................ 74
Fog ..................................... 880
Front Parking and Turn Signal .............. 3057
GloveBox .............................. 194
..... Headlamp .................. ......... H-6545
Heater and
A/C Control ..................... 37
Indicator Lights
......................... PC74
Interior
Door Handle ....................... 74
License
................................. 194
Reading
.............................. .21 2-2
Rea Courtesy ............................ 562
Sidemarker
.............................. 194
Tail
Only ................................ 194
TaiVStop/Turn .......................... 2057
Trunk ................................... 562
Turn Signal Indicators ..................... 161
*Manual transmission only
.
ProCarManuals.com