window PONTIAC FIREBIRD 1996 Owners Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: PONTIAC, Model Year: 1996, Model line: FIREBIRD, Model: PONTIAC FIREBIRD 1996Pages: 386, PDF Size: 19.18 MB
Page 6 of 386

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
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Page 31 of 386

What will you see after an air bag inflates?
After the air bag inflates, it quickly deflates. This occurs
so quickly that some people may not even realize the air
bag inflated. Some components
of the air bag module in
the steering wheel hub for the driver’s air bag, or the
instrument panel for the right front passenger’s bag, will
be hot for a short time. The part
of the bag that comes
into contact with you may
be warm, but it will never be
too hot to touch. There will be some smoke and dust
coming from vents in the deflated air bags. Air bag
inflation will not prevent the driver from seeing or from
being able to steer the vehicle, nor will it stop people
from leaving
the vehicle.
I A CAUTION:
When an air bag inflates, there is dust in the air.
This dust could cause breathing problems for
people with a history
of asthma or other
breathing trouble.
To avoid this, everyone in the
vehicle should get out as soon
as it is safe to do so.
If you have breathing problems but can’t get out
of the vehicle after an air bag inflates, then get
fresh air by opening
a window or door.
In many crashes severe enough to inflate an air bag,
windshields are broken by vehicle deformation.
Additional windshield breakage may also occur from the
right front passenger air bag.
The air bags are designed to inflate only once. After
they inflate, you’ll need some new parts for your air
bag system. If
you don’t get them, the air bag system
won’t be there to help protect you in another crash.
A new system will include air
bag modules and
possibly other parts. The service manual for your
vehicle covers
the need to replace other parts.
1-24
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Page 50 of 386

v Section 2 Features and Controls
Here you can learn about the many standard and
optional features on your Pontiac, and information on
starting, shifting and braking.
Also explained are the
instrument panel and the warning systems that tell you
if
everything is working properly -- and what to do if you
have a problem.
Keys
1
Leaving young children in'a vehicle with the
ignition key is dangerous for many reasons.
A child or others could be badly injured or
even killed.
They could operate power windows or other
controls or even make
the vehicle move. Don't
leave the keys in a vehicle
with young children.
I I
2-1
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Page 58 of 386

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
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Page 60 of 386

NOTICE:
If you put things in the hatchback area, be sure
they won’t break the glass when you close it.
Never slam the hatch down.
You could break the
glass
or damage the defogger grid (if equipped).
On vehicles with the Vehicle and Content
Theft-Deterrent System: If the system has sounded an
alarm, the hatch switch will not work until the system is
disarmed. See “Vehicle and Content Theft-Deterrent
System” in the Index.
Theft
Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities.
Although your Pontiac has a number
of theft-deterrent
features, we
know that nothing we put on it can make it
impossible to steal. However, there
are ways you can help.
Key in the Ignition
If you leave your vehicle with the keys inside, it’s an
easy tmget for joy riders or professional thieves -- so
don’t do it. When you
park your Pontiac and open the driver’s door,
you’ll hear a tone reminding
you to remove your key
from the ignition and take it with you.
Always do this.
Your steering wheel will be locked, and so will your
ignition. If you have an automatic transmission, taking
your key
out also locks your transmission. And
remember to lock the doors.
Parking at Night
Park in a lighted spot, close all windows and lock your
vehicle. Remember to keep your valuables out of sight,
Put them in a storage area,
or take them with you.
Parking Lots
If you park in a lot where someone will be watching
your vehicle, it’s best to lock it up and take your keys.
But what if you have to leave your ignition key? What
if
you have to leave something valuable in your vehicle?
0 Put your valuables in a storage area, like your
0 Lock the glove box.
Lock all the doors except the driver’s.
0 Then take the door key with you.
glove box.
2-11
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Page 89 of 386

Parking Over Things That Burn Engine Exhaust
Things that can burn could’touch hot exhaust
parts under your vehicle and ignite. Don’t
park
over papers, leaves, dry grass or other things that
can burn. ~~~
Engine
exhaust can kill. It contains the gas
carbon monoxide
(CO), which you can’t see or
smell. It can cause unconsciousness and death.
You might have exhaust coming in if:
Your exhaust system sounds strange
Your vehicle gets rusty underneath.
0 Your vehicle was damaged in a collision.
Your vehicle was damaged when driving over
high points on the road or over road debris.
Repairs weren’t done correctly.
0 Your vehicle or exhaust system had been
If you ever suspect exhaust is coming into
your vehicle:
Drive it only with all the windows down to
Have your vehicle fixed immediately.
or
different.
modified improperly.
blow out any CO; and
2-40
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Page 91 of 386

Windows
Manual Windows
Rotate the window crank handle to open and close each
door window.
Power Windows (Option)
T
With power windows, switches on the door control each
window when the ignition is on or when
RAP is present.
(See “Retained
Accessory Power” in the Index.)
You can also open the passenger window any amount by
pressing the switch and releasing it when the window
has lowered to the position
you want.
The switch-for the driver’s window has anexpress-down
feature. Quickly press and release
the switch for the
driver’s window and
the window will lower completely.
You can also open the driver’s window any amount by
pressing the switch again while the
window is in the
express-down mode when it has lowered to
the position
you want.
Horn ..
To sound the horn, press either horn symbol on your ‘ -. ”’ .
steering wheel.
If your horn sounds two or three chirps when unlocking ,
your vehicle with the Remote Lock Control transmitter
(if
you have that option), the alarm was triggered in
while
you were away. ‘Check the vehicle before entering.
.. .., c ’ .I .. I’ .. . ..
2-42
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Page 95 of 386

Windshield Washer
At the top of the turn signal lever there’s a paddle with
the word PUSH on it. To spray washer fluid on the
windshield, just push the paddle for less than
a second.
The washer will continue to spray until you release the
paddle. The wipers will clear the window and wipe a
few more times before stopping or returning to the
previous setting. See “Windshield Washer Fluid” in
the Index.
In freezing weather, don’t use your washer until
the windshield
is warmed. Otherwise the washer
fluid can form ice
on the windshield, blocking
your vision.
Cruise Control (Option)
With cruise control, you can maintain a speed of about
25 mph (40 km/h) or more without keeping your foot on
the’ accelerator. This can really help on long trips. Cruise
control does not
work at speeds below about 25 mph
(40 km/h).
2-46
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Page 103 of 386

Front Map Lamps
Your inside rearview mirror includes two map lamps.
Each lamp has its own switch. Use the switch closest to
the lamp
to turn it on, The lamps will also go on when a
door is opened.
Retained Acce,ssory Power (RAP)
Your vehicle is equipped with a Retained Accessory
Power
(RAP) feature which will allow certain features
of your vehicle to continue to work
up to 10 minutes
after the ignition key
is turned to OFF.
Your convertible top, power windows, and audio system
will work when the ignition key is in the
RUN or ACC
positions. Once the key is turned from RUN to OFF,
these features will continue to work for up to 10 minutes
or until either door
is opened.
Your power door unlock and remote hatch release
features will work when the ignition key
is in the RUN
or ACC positions or if either door is open. Once the key
is turned to OFF, these features will continue to work for
up to 10 minutes. If either door is open and the ignition
key is OFF, these features will continue to work until
both doors have been closed for about 30 seconds or
until the theft-deterrent system
arms. At that time, both
the power door unlock and remote hatch release features
will be disabled to enhance the security of the vehicle.
The power door lock function will work at all times
except during Lockout Prevention (if this feature is
enabled). See “Lockout Prevention’’
in the Index.
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Page 110 of 386

Floor Mats
Your Firebird’s floor mats are custom fitted to the
floor wells. Be sure the driver’s floor mat is in place.
If it isn’t, it could interfere with the accelerator or
brake pedal.
lhvin Lift-off Roof Panels (Option)
If you have this option, you can remove one or both
lift-off roof panels.
Don’- __ to remove the T-top panels while the
vehicle is moving. Trying to remotre T-top panel
while the vehicle is moving could cause an
accident. The panel could
fall into the vehicle and
cause you to lose control, or it could fly off and
strike another vehicle.
You or others could be
injured. Remove
T-top panel only when the
vehicle is parked.
The door key unlocks the panels. The lock is over the
front door window. Turn the key to the left to unlock
the panel.
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