battery PONTIAC FIREBIRD 1996 Owners Manual

I
Vehicle Symbols
These are some of the symbols you may find on your vehicle.
For example,
these symbols
are used on an
original battery:
POSSIBLE A
CAUTION
INJURY
PROTECT EYES BY
SHlELDlNG
CAUSTIC
ACID COULD BATTERY
CAUSE
BURNS
AVOID
SPARKS
OR
FLAMES
SPARK
OR ,\I/,
COULD FLAME
EXPLODE BAllERY
These symbols are important
for you and
your passengers
whenever your
vehicle
is
driven:
n
FASTEN
SEAT
BELTS
POWER
1
WINDOW
a?
AIR BAG p
These symbols
have to
do with
your lights:
PARKING pf
LAMPS
FOG LAMPS $0
These symbols
are on some
of
your controls:
WINDSHIELD
WIPER
WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER
WINDOW
DEFOGGER
These symbols are used on
warning and
indicator lights:
ENGINE Fd
COOLANT
TEMP
-
CHARGING I-1
BATTERY
SYSTEM
BRAKE
(0)
COOLANT a
ENGINE OIL e,
PRESSURE
ANTI-LOCK
(e)
BRAKES
Here are some
other symbols
you may see:
FUSE
LIGHTER
m
HORN )cr
SPEAKER
b
FUEL p3
J
V
ProCarManuals.com

0
0
Your vehicle is equipped with a crash sensing and
diagnostic module, which records information
about the air bag system.
The module records
information about the readiness of the system,
when the sensors are activated and driver’s safety
belt usage at deployment.
Let only qualified technicians work
on your air bag
system. Improper service can mean that your air
bag system won’t work properly. See your dealer
for service.
~~
NOTICE:
If you damage the cover for the driver’s or the
right front passenger’s air bag, they may not
work properly. You may have to replace the air
bag module in the steering wheel or both the
air
bag module and the instrument panel for the
right front passenger’s air bag.
Do not open or
break the air bag covers.
Servicing ,Your Air Bag-Equipped Pontiac
Air bags affect how your Pontiac should be serviced.
There are
parts of the air bag system in several places
around your vehicle. You don’t want the system to
inflate while someone is working on your vehicle. Your
Pontiac dealer and the Firebird Service
Manual have
information about servicing your vehicle and the air bag
system.
To purchase a service manual, see “Seririce and
Owner Publications” in the Index.
I A CAUTION:
II
For up to 10 minutes after the ignition key is
turned off and the battery is disconnected, an air
bag can still inflate during improper service. You
can be injured if you are close to an air bag when
it inflates. Avoid wires wrapped with yellow tape
or yellow connectors. They are probably part of
the
air bag system. Be sure to follow proper
service procedures, and make sure’ the person
performing work for you is qualified to do
so.
’he air bag system does not need regular maintenance.
ProCarManuals.com

Leaving Your Vehicle
If you are leaving the vehicle, take your keys, open your
door and set the locks from inside. Then get out and
close the door.
Remote Lock Control (Option)
3-Button Transmitter 4-Button Transmitter
If your Pontiac has this option, you can lock and
unlock your doors or unlock your hatch up to about
30 feet (9 m) using the key chain transmitter supplied
with your car. Your
Remote
Lock Control operates on a radio
frequency subject to Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) Rules.
This device complies with Part
15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
Should interference to this system occur, try this:
Check to determine if battery replacement is
necessary. See the instructions on battery
replacement.
vehicle. This product has a maximum range.
be blocking the signal.
Cheek the distance. You may be too far from your
Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may
See your Pontiac dealer or a qualified technician
Changes or modifications to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this.equipment.
for
service.
ProCarManuals.com

peration
The driver’s door will unlock automatically when
UNLOCK is pressed. If UNLOCK is pressed again
within five seconds, the passenger door will also unlock.
All doors will lock when LOCK
is pressed.
The hatch will unlock when the button with the trunk
symbol is pressed, as long as the ignition is turned to the
OFF position. If the ignition is in the RUN position, the
trunk symbol button will only work if
the transmission
is in PARK (P) for an automatic transmission, or if the
parking brake is set on a manual transmission.
The system will turn on the interior lamps for about
40 seconds (or until the ignition switch is turned t’o the
RUN position), when you unlock the doors or hatch.
The interior lamps will
go off when you lock the doors.
Operating the Remote Lock Control transmitter may
interact with the Vehicle and Content Theft-Deterrent
System (if
you have this option). See “Vehicle and
Content Theft-Deterrent System”
in the Index.
Alarm/Panic Mode
If your vehicle is equipped with the Vehicle and Content
Theft-Deterrent System, you will have a fourth button on
your Remote
Lock Control transmitter. This button is the
panic button. If you
are involved in a panic situation,
press this button and your vehicle’s horn will sound and the parking lamps will flash. This will draw needed attention
to you
and your vehicle. To turn this feature off,
either push the panic button again or turn the ignition to
the RUN position. Note: This feature will not work if
your ignition is in the
RUN position or if the remote
transmitter is
30 feet or more away from your vehicle.
Transmitter Range
The range of your Remote Lock Control system should
be about
30 feet (9 m). At times you may notice a
decrease
in the range. This is normal for any Remote
Lock Control system. If the transmitter does not work,
or you have to stand closer to your vehicle than normal
for the transmitter to work:
0
0
0
0
0
0
You may have to replace the battery in your transmitter.
See
the instructions8 for battery replacement.
You may be too far from your vehicle. Check your
distance. You may have to stand closer
to your
vehicle in rain or snow.
Check the location. Other
vehicles or objects may be
blocking the signal. Take
a few steps to the right or left.
You may have
to synchronize your transmitter to the
receiver in your vehicle. See the instructions for
synchronization.
You may have to match the transmitters to your
vehicle. See instructions for matching transmitters.
If none of the above apply, see your dealer or
qualified technician for service.
2-6
ProCarManuals.com

Synchronization
Synchronization may be necessary due to the security
method used by Remote Lock Control system. The transmitter does not send the same signal twice to the
receiver. The receiver will not respond to a signal it has
been sent previously.
This prevents anyone from recording
and playing back the signal fiom the transmitter.
To resynchronize the transmitter with the receiver:
While standing close to your vehicle, simultaneously
press and hold the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons on the
transmitter for
8 seconds. The door locks should cycle
and parking lamps flash
to confirm synchronization. If
this does happen, you may need to replace the battery in
your transmitter or match the transmitter
to your vehicle.
Transmitter Verification (Option)
This feature provides feedback to the holder of the Remote
Lock Control transmitter that a command has been received
by
the Remote Lock Control receiver. The parking lamps
will flash on every lock and unlock command and
the horn
will sound only
if the LOCK button is pushed twice within
five seconds.
This allows for silent operation of locking and
unlocking, unless
a confirming horn chrrp is desired. Other
optkns may be sekcted for this feature (see “Feature
Gustomization”
in the Index).
Matching Transmitter(s) To Your Vehicle
Each Remote Lock Control transmitter is coded to
prevent another transmitter from unlocking your vehicle.
If a transmitter is lost or stolen, a replacement can be
purchased through your dealer. Remember
to bring any
remaining transmitters with
you when you go to your
dealer, When the dealer matches the replacement
transmitter to your vehicle, any remaining transmitters
must also be matched. Once the new transmitter
is coded,
the lost transmitter will not unlock your vehicle. Each
vehicle can have up
to four transmitters matched to it.
2-7
ProCarManuals.com

Have each transmitter you intend to match ready for the
next steps.
To match transmitters to your vehicle:
a
e
a
e
0
e
Turn the ignition switch to the RUN position then to
the OFF position. This will disarm the Vehicle and
Content Theft-Deterrent System (if your vehicle has
this option).
Remove
RADIO fuse. This fuse is located in the
main fuse block, located on the left side of your
instrument panel. See
“Fuses and Circuit Breakers”
in the Index.
Turn the ignition switch from the
OFF to the RUN
position three times quickly (within five seconds.)
The
vehicle will respond by locking the doors,
unlocking the driver’s
doors and releasing the hatch.
Your transmitter is now ready to match your vehicle.
Press
and hold the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons on
the first transmitter for 15 seconds. The vehicle will
respond
as in Step 3.
Repeat Step 4 for the remining transmitters.
When you have finished matching all
of your
transmitters, replace the
RADIO fuse.
Check that all transmitters work
by pressing
their buttons.
If the transmitters don’t work, or if you’d rather not
match the transmitters yourself, See your Pontiac dealer.
Battery Replacement
Under normal use, the battery in your Remote Lock
Control transmitter should last about
two years.
kou can tell the battery is weak if the transmitter won’t
work at
the normal range in any location. If you have to
get
close to your vehicle before the transmitter works,
it’s probably time to change the battery.
Use one battery, type CR2032, or a similar type.
ProCarManuals.com

To replace the battery in the Remote Lock
Control transmitter:
1. Carefully pry off the cover by inserting a dime (or
2. Lift off the back cover.
3. Remove and replace the battery. Use one battery,
similar object) in a slot between the covers and twist.
type CR2032, or a similar type. Put new battery in
printed side down.
4. Replace the back cover. Make sure the cover is on
tightly
so water won’t get in.
5. Check the trans,mitter operation. If the transmitter
does not work after battery replacement, it may need
to be resynchronized or matched to your vehicle. See
“Synchronization” in the Index.
It can be dangerous to drive with the hatch open
because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can come into
your vehicle. You can’t see or smell
CO. It can
cause unconsciousness
and even death.
If you must drive with the hatch open or if
electrical wiring or other cable connections
must pass through the seal between the body and
the hatch:
Make sure all windows are shut.
Wrn the fan on your heating or cooling
system to its highest speed with the setting
on
VENT. That will force outside air into
your vehicle. See “Comfort Controls” in
the Index.
instrument panel, open them all
the way.
If you have air outlets on or under the
See “Engine Exhaust” in the Index.
,ye*: ; -2
ProCarManuals.com

Manual transmission
The gear selector should be in NEUTRAL (N).’Hold the
clutch pedal to the floor and start the engine. Your
vehicle won’t start
if the clutch pedal is not all the way
down
-- that’s a safety feature.
Starting Your 3800 Engine
1. Without pushing the accelerator pedal, turn your
ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let
go of the key. The idle speed will go down as your
engine gets
warm.
NOTICE:
Holding your key in START for longer than
15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to be
drained much sooner.
And the excessive heat can
damage your starter motor.
2. If it doesn’t start right away, hold your key in
START for about three to five seconds at a time until
your engine starts. Wait about
15 seconds between
each try to help avoid draining your battery.
3. If your engine still won’t start (or starts but then
stops), it could be flooded with too much gasoline.
Try pushing your accelerator pedal all the way to the
floor and holding
it there as you hold the key in
START for about three seconds. If the vehicle starts
briefly but then stops again, do the same thing, but
this time keep the’ pedal down for five or six seconds.
This clears the extra gasoline
from the engine.
After waiting about
15 seconds, repeat the normal
starting procedure.
NOTICE:
Your engine is designed to work with the
electronics
in your vehicle. If you add electrical
parts or accessories, you could change the
way
the engine operates. Before .adding electrical
equipment, check with your dealer.
If you don’t,
your engine might not perform properly.
If you ever have to have your vehicle towed, see
the part
of this manual that tells how to do it
without damaging
your vehicle. I See c6To~g
Your Vehicle” in the Index.
2-24
ProCarManuals.com

Starting Your 5.7 Liter LT1 Engine
1. Without pushing the accelerator pedal, turn the
ignition key to START. When the engine starts,
let
go of the key. The idle speed will go down as your
engine gets warm.
NOTICE:
Holding your key in START for longer than
15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to be
drained much sooner. And the excessive heat can
damage your starter motor.
2. If it doesn't start wihn 10 seconds, push the
accelerator pedal
all the way to the floor, while you
hold the ignition key in START. When the engine
starts, let go of the key and let up on the accelerator
pedal. Wait about
15 seconds between each try to
help avoid draining your battery.
When starting your engine in very cold weather (below
0°F or -18"C), do this:
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the
ignition key to START and hold it there. When the
engine starts,
let go of the key. Use the accelerator pedal
to maintain engine speed, if you have to, until
your engine
has run for a while.
stops), it could be flooded with too much gasoline.
Try pushing your accelerator pedal
all the way to the
floor and holding it there as you hold the key in
START for about three seconds. If the vehicle starts
briefly but then stops again, do the same thing, but
this time keep the pedal down for five or six seconds.
This clears the extra gasoline from the engine.
2. If your engine still won't start (or starts but then
I NOTICE:
Your engine is designed to work with the
electronics in your vehicle.
If you add electrical
parts or accepsories, you could change the
way
the engine operates. Before adding electrical
equipment, check with your dealer.
If you don't,
your engine might not perform properly.
If you ever have to have your vehicle towed, see
the part of this manual that tells how to do
it
without damaging your vehicle. See 4'Towing
Your Vehicle" in the Index.
2-25
ProCarManuals.com

Interior Lamps
Instrument Panel Brightness Control
This switch controls the brightness of your
instrument panel lights. Turn the switch to brighten
or
dim the lights. If you turn the switch all the way up your
courtesy lamps will come on.
Courtesy Lamps
When any door is opened, several interior lamps go on.
These lamps are courtesy lamps. They make it easier for
you to enter and leave your vehicle.
Courtesy lamps include the dome lamp and other
lamps
throughout the interior of your vehicle.
To prevent battery rundown, your interior lamps will be
disabled about
10 minutes after the ignition is turned to
OFFm The 10 minute timer will be restarted if you do any
of the following:
1. Turn the ignition on.
2. Open either door.
3.
4.
5.
Press any button on your Remote Lock
Control transmitter.
Turn the interior lamp switch from off to on.
Open the hatch.
Delayed Illumination (Option)
With delayed illumination, when you open a door, your
courtesy lamps will come
on and stay on for 25 seconds
after the doors
are closed. The 25 seconds is shortened
if the ignition is turned to
the RUN position or if the
power locks
are activated. To turn this feature on or off,
see “Feature Customization” in the Index.
Exit Lighting (Option)
With exit lighting, the interior lamps will come on when
you remove the key from the ignition to help you see
while exiting the vehicle. To turn
this feature on or off,
see “Feature Customization” in the Index.
..
ProCarManuals.com