service PONTIAC FIREBIRD 1996 Manual Online

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
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

.%
Section 8 Customer Assistance Information
0
0
0
0
0
e
0
0
The Pontiac Cares Program
The Customer Satisfaction Procedure
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone
(TTY) Users
Roadside Assistance
Courtesy Transportation
BBB Auto Line -- Alternative Dispute
Resolution Program
Reporting Safety Defects
Service and Owner Publications
Here
you will find out how to contact Pontiac if you need
assistance.
This section also tells you how to obtain
service publications and how to report any safety defects.
This section includes information on:
Pontiac Cares
PONTIACZ
l
I
With the PONTIAC CARES program, you are never
more than a phone call away from having your concern
taken care of.
8-1
ProCarManuals.com

The PONTIAC CARES philosophy and elements are
designed to make
you realize that Pontiac recognizes
you as a valuable customer, appreciates your purchase
decision, and
is dedicated to taking care of the most
important person
... YOU! PONTIAC CARES is: A
valuable feature that comes with every Pontiac, a feature
that offers a multitude of benefits that can give you
safety, security, comfort and convenience.
What makes up Pontiac Cares?
e A 3 year/36,000 mile Bumper to Bumper Warranty
0 Roadside Assistance
Courtesy Transportation
All of these elements combine to make your driving
experience
an enjoyable one, and are discussed in
greater detail further in your owner’s manual. Pontiac is
focusing on the changing needs
of our customers and
is committed in giving you an exceptional level of
customer
care throughout the ownership experience.
Our goal is to create total customer enthusiasm in our
product
and our services, and make you the most
satisfied customer in the world.
!
Customer Satisfaction Procedure
Your satisfaction and goodwill are important to your
dealer
and Pontiac. Normally, any concern you may
have with
your vehicle can be handled by your selling
or servicing dealer.
Your dealer has the facility, trained
technicians, special tools and up-to-date information to
promptly address
any issue which may arise. Pontiac has
empowered
its dealers to make any decisions and repair
vehicles, and they are eager
to resolve your concern to
8-2
ProCarManuals.com

your complete satisfaction. If your concern has not been
resolved to your satisfaction, take the following steps:
STEP ONE -- Discuss your concern with a member
of dealer management. Normally, concerns can be quickly
resolved at that level.
If the matter has already been
reviewed
with the Sales, Service, or Parts Manager, contact
the owner of the dealership or the General Manager.
STEP TWO -- If after contacting a member of
dealership management, it appears your concern cannot
be resolved by the dealership without further help,
contact the Pontiac Customer Assistance Center by
calling 1-800-PM-CARES. In Canada, contact
GM
of Canada Customer Assistance Center in Oshawa by
calling 1-800-263-3777 (English) or 1-800-263-7854
(French).
For help outside of the United States and Canada, call
the following numbers as appropriate:
In Mexico: (525) 625-3256
In Puerto Rico: 1-800-496-9992 (English) or
0 In the'U.S. Virgin Islands: 1-800-496-9994
0 In the Dominican Republic: 1-800-751-4135
(English) or 1-800-751-4136 (Spanish)
1-800-496-9993 (Spanish)
In the Bahamas: 1-800-389-0009
In Bermuda, Barbados, Antigua and the British
0 In
all other Caribbean countries: 1-809-763- 13 15
In other overseas locations, call GM North American
Virgin
Islands: 1-800-534-0122
Export Sales in Canada at 1-905-644-41 12
For prompt assistance, please have the following
information available to give the Customer Assistance
Representative:
0
0
0
0
0
Your name., address, home and business telephone
numbers
Vehicle Identification Number (This is available
from the vehicle registration or title, or the plate at
the top left of the instrument panel and visible
through the windshield.)
Dealership name and location
Vehicle delivery date and present mileage
Nature
of concern
8-3
ProCarManuals.com

Pontiac Roadside Assistance Program
Security While You Travel
1 -800-ROADSIEE (I -800-762-3743)
As the proud owner of a new Pontiac vehicle, you are
automatically enrolled in the Pontiac Roadside
Assistance program. This value-added service is
intended
to provide you.with peace of mind as you drive
in the city or travel the open road. Pontiac's Roadside Assistance toll-free number is
staffed by a team
of technically trained advisors, who
are available
24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
We take anxiety out
of uncertain situations by providing
minor repair information over the phone
or making
arrangements to tow your vehicle to the nearest
Pontiac dealer.
We will provide the following services for
3 years/36,000 miles, at no expense to you:
0 Vehicle 'out of fuel
Keys locked in vehicle
TOW to nearest dealership for warranty service
a Change a flat tire
Jump starts
0 Courtesy Transportation -- See Pontiac Courtesy
Transportation section for details
. .. .
ProCarManuals.com

We have quick, easy access to telephone numbers of the Pontiac reserves the right to limit services or
following additional services depending, on your needs: reimbursement
to an owner or driver
when in Pontiac’s
a
0
a
In
Glass replacement
Rental vehicle or taxis
Police,
fire department or hospitals
many instances, mechanical failures
are covered
under Pontiae’s comprehensive
warranty. However,
when other services are utilized, our advisors will
explain
any payment obligations you might incur.
For prompt and efficient assistance when calling, please
provide the following information to give the advisor:
Location of vehicle
Telephone number of your location
Vehicle model, year and color
0 Mileage of vehicle
a Vehicle Identification Number
0 Vehicle license plate number judgement
the claims become excessive in frequency or
type of occurrence.
While we
hope that you never have the occasion to use
our service, it is added security while traveling for you
and yo’ur family. Remember, we’re only a phone call
away. Pontiac Roadside Assistance
-- 1 -800-ROADSIDD
or.
1-800-762-3743.
Canadian Roadside Assistance
Vehicks purchased in Canada have an extensive
Roadside Assistance Program accessible from anywhere
in Canada or the United States. Please refer to the
separate brochure provided
by the dealer or call
1-800-268-6800 for emergency services.
8-6
ProCarManuals.com

Pontiac Courtesy Transportation
Pontiac strives to give you a worry free ownership of
your vehicle, and we realize the inconvenience of being
without a car.
So Pontiac has come up with a way to
eliminate any frustrations you might have when trying
to get a ride to work, or wondering how you will get
home. Well, your worries are over. Pontiac provides
no-cost transportation when you bring your
1996 Pontiac in for warranty service. It applies to any repair covered under the
36
month/36,000
mile limited warranty, and to any 1996
Pontiac requiring repair as a result of product recall or
special policy situations. For same day service, you are
entitled to one-way shuttle service
of up to 10 miles. If
the repairs require an overnight stay for the car, you’re
entitled to either a Pontiac loaner or reimbursement for a
rental car, up to $30/day, for up to five days.
Some state insurance regulations make it impractical to
rent vehicles to people under 21 years of age.
If you are
under 21 and have difficulty renting a vehicle, Pontiac
will reimburse you, up to $30/day,
for any documented
transportation
you receive.
For warranty repairs during the Complete Vehicle
Coverage period in the New Vehicle Limited Warranty,
interim transportation may
be available under the
Courtesy Transportation Program. Please consult your
dealer for details. The Roadside Assistance program is
available only in the United States or Canada.
ProCarManuals.com