mirror PONTIAC FIREBIRD 1997 User Guide

Driving with a Trailer
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Before setting out for the
open road, you’ll want to get
to know your rig, Acquaint yourself with the feel. of
handling and braking with the added weight of the
trailer. And always keep in mind that the vehicle
you are
driving is now
a good deal longer and not nearly as
responsive as your vehicle
is by itself.
Before you start, check the trailer hitch and platform
(and attachments), safety chains, electrical connector,
lamps, tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and
then apply the trailer brake controller
by hand to be sure
the brakes
are working. This lets you check your
electrical connection at the same time.
During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer brakes
are still working.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as you
would when driving
your vehicle without a trailer. This
can help
you avoid situations that require heavy braking
and sudden turns.
Passing
You’ll need more passing distance up ahead when
you’re towing
a trailer. And, because you’re a good deal
longer, you’ll need to go much farther beyond the
passed vehicle before you can return to your lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand.
Then, to move the trailer to the left, just move that hand
to the left.
To move the trailer to the right, move your
hand to the right. Always back up slowly and, if
possible, have someone guide you.
4-36

Appearance Care Materials Chart
PART NUMBER USAGE DESCRIPTION SIZE
994954 Exterior
Polish
Polishing Cloth - Wax Treated 23 in. x 25 in. -
1050004
Exterior wash
Wash and Wax
Concentrate 16
02. (0.473 L) 1052870 Cleans
grease, grime and smoke
film Glass Cleaner 23 oz. (0.680 L) I050427
Spot and stain removal
Vinyl
Cleaner 32 oz. (0.946 L) 1050214 Exterior
cleaner and polish
Magic Mirror Cleaner Polish
1 gal. (3.785 L) 1050200
Removes soil and black marks
White Sidewall Tire Cleaner
16 02. (0.473
L)
1050 174 Removes rust and corrosion
Chrome Cleaner and Polish 16
oz. (0.473
L)
10501 73
Also removes old waxes and polishes
Tar and Road Oil
Remover 16 oz. (0.473 L) 10501 72 Shines vehicle without scratching Chamois
2.75
sq. ft.
~
10529 18**
16 02. (0.473 L) 1052925 Protects vinyl, leather and rubber
Armor
All TM Protector 8 oz. (0.237 L)
Attracts and absorbs soils Capture Dry Spot Remover
8 oz. (0.237 L)
1052930 Spray
on wheel cleaner
Wheel Cleaner
16 oz. (0.473
L)
1052929 Cleans
vinyl, cloth,
tires and mats Multi-Purpose Powdered Cleaner
12345002**
16 oz. (0.473 L) Armor All TM Cleaner Cleans vinyl, leather and rubber
12345725
Spot cleans paint and gives high luster
Finish Enhancer
16
oz. (0.473
L)
12377966 Protects finish and removes
fine scratches
Cleaning
Wax
16
02. (0.473 L)
12377964 Shines tires
Silicone Tire
Shine 12
oz. (0.354 L)
See your General Motors Parts Department for these products. *‘N Not recommended for use on instrument panel vinyl.
See
“Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.
6-67

Fuse
TAIL LTS
HVAC PWR ACCY
COURTESY
GAGES
AIR BAG
CIGARIACCY DEFOG/SEATS
Usage
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
Module, Headlamp Switch
Selector Switch, Rear Defogger
SwitchITimer
Park Lamp Relay, Hatch Release
Relay, Power Mirror Switch,
Radio, Shock Sensor,
Instrument Cluster
Body Control Module (BCM)
Body Control Module (BCM),
Brake Switch Assembly (BTSI),
Instrument Cluster, Daytime
Running Lamps
(DRL) Module
Diagnostic Energy Reserve
Module (DERM), Dual Pole
Arming Sensor
Cigar Lighter, Data Link
Connector (DLC), Auxiliary
Accessory Wire
Rear Defogger Switch/Timer,
Rear Defogger Timer/Relay,
Power Seats
Fuse
PCM IGN
WIPERIWASH WINDOWS
I/P DIMMER
RADIO
Usage
Powertrain Control Module
(PCM), EVAP Canister Purge
Vacuum Switch, EVAP Canister
Purge Valve, Transmission
Wiper Motor Assembly,
Wipermasher Switch
Power Windows Switch
(RH, LH),
Express-Down Module, Coolant Level Latching Module, Convertible
Top Switch
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, Traction
Control Switch
(TCS) and 2nd
Gear Start Switch
Body Control Module (BCM),
Radio, Amplifier, Steering
Wheel
Controls-Radio
6-71

Close-Out Panel ... .............. 2-58
Clutch. Hydraulic
. . ... ............ 6-28
Comfort Controls
............ ............. 3-2
Compact Disc Care
.................. .............. 3-23
Player Errors ................................ 3 - 15
Trunk Mounted Player ......................... 3-16
Compact Spare Tire
............................. 5-38
Content Theft-Deterrent
......................... 2- 13
AlarmRanicMode
............................. 2-7
Feature Customization ......................... 2- 17
Control
of a Vehicle .............................. 4-5
Convertible
Top ................................ 2-68
Convex Outside Mirror
.......................... 2-57
Coolant
....................................... 6-29
Bleed Valves ............................ 5-20, 5-24
Heater, Engine ............................... 2-27
Recovery Tank . . .......................... 5-17
Cooling System ................................ 5- 16
Courtesy Lamps
................................ 2-54
Courtesy Transportation
........................... 8-8
Cruise Control
................................. 2-47
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone Users ......... 8-5
Customer Assistance Information ................... 8- 1
Customer Satisfaction Procedure
.................... 8-3
Damage, Finish .............. .............. 6-65
Damage, Sheet Metal ............................ 6-65
Daytime Running Lamps ......................... 2-53
Dead Battery
................................... 5-3
Defects, Reporting Safety ........................ 8- 10
Player
...................................... 3-14
Defensive
Driving
.......... .............. 4-2
Defogger. Rear Window
.......................... 3-5
Defogging
..................................... 3-4
Defrosting ..................................... 3-4
Delayed Illumination ....................... 2- 18, 2-54
Dimensions, Vehicle
............................ 6-75
Dolby' B Noise Reduction ........................ 3-9
Door
Last Door Closed Locking Feature
........... 2-5, 2-19
Lockout Prevention
....................... 2-5, 2-19
Locks
....................................... 2-4
Downshifting .................................. 2-36
Driver Position
................................. 1-13
Driver's Door Alarm Delay/Shock Sensor Enable
..... 2-22
Driving
City
........................................ 4-20
Defensive
.................................... 4-2
Drunken
..................................... 4-2
Freeway .................................... 4-21
InaBlizzard
................................. 4-28
In Foreign Countries ........................... 6-5
IntheRain .................................. 4-17
Night ...................................... 4-15
On Curves .................................. 4-10
On Grades While Towing a Trailer ............... 4-37
On Hill
and Mountain Roads .................... 4-23
On Snow and Ice
............................. 4-26
Throughwater
............................... 4-19
WetRoads
.................................. 4-17
Winter
...................................... 4-25
With a Trailer
................................ 4-36
Drunken Driving
................................ 4-2
9-3

Fuel ................. ........... 6-3
Filling Your Tank .............................. 6-6
Gage ....................................... 2-89
In Foreign Countries ........................... 6-5
Fuses and Circuit Breakers ....................... 6-69 Headlamps
................................ 2-5 1
HighLow Beam Changer
...................... 2-45
On Reminder ................................ 2-51
Wiring
..................................... 6-69
Hearing Impaired. Customer Assistance .............. 8-5
High-Beam Headlamps 2-45
Highway Hypnosis
.............................. 4-23
Heating
........................................ 3-4
Engine
(khnt Temperature .................... 2-83 Hill and Mountain Roads ......................... 4-23
Engine oil Pra~re
........................... 2-87 Hitches. Trailer ................................. 4-35
..........................
Gages
Fuel
....................................... 2-89 Hood
GAWR
....................................... 4-30 Checking Things Under ......................... 6-8
Gear Positions. Automatic Transmission ............. 2-28 ......................................
Gear Positions. Manual Transmission 2-32.2-33. 2-34 Horn 2-43
Release 6-9
Graphic Equalizer
......................... 3-10? 3-14 Hydraulic Clutch System Check ................... 7-45
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating ...................... 4-30
Guide en Frangais
. . ' * all
..... .........................................
Glove Box .................................... 2-58 Hydraulic Clutch ............................... 6-28
Gross Axle Weight Rating
........................ 4-30 Hydroplaning .................................. 4-19
.. ....................
GVWR ................................ .. 4-30 Ignition Switch ................................ 2-23
Inflation. Tire
.................................. 6-50
Inside Daymight Rearview Mirror
................. 2-56
Halogen Bulbs .......... ............ 6-41 Inspections .................................... 7-48
Hatch
........................................ 2-10 Brakesystem ................................ 7-48
Hatch Release .................................. 2- 11 Caliper/Knuckle .............................. 7-49
Hatch Release. Remote .......................... 2- 11 Exhaust Systems ............................. 7-48
Hazard Warning Flashers .......................... 5-2 Radiator and Heater Hose ...................... 7-48
Head Restraints
................................. 1-6 RearAxle 7-48
Headlamp
Bulb Replacement ...................... 6-4 1 Steering .................................... 7-48
Headlamp
Doors ............................... 2-52 Suspension .................................. 7-48
Throttle Linkage .............................. 7-48
...................................
9-5

Maintenance Schedule ............................ 7- 1
Long TripMighway Definition ................... 7-6
Long Trip/Highway Intervals
..................... 7-6
Owner Checks and Services
..................... 7-44
Periodic Maintenance Inspections
................ 7-48
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants ............. 7-50
Scheduled Maintenance Services
.................. 7-4
Short Trip/City Definition ....................... 7-5
Short Trip/City Intervals ........................ 7-5
Maintenance. Underbody
......................... 6-66
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
................. 4-38
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
...................... 2-84
Manual Front Seat
............................... 1-2
Manual Mirror
................................. 2-56
Manual Transmission
Check
...................................... 7-45
Fluid
....................................... 6-27
Shifting ..................................... 2-32
Starting Your Engine .......................... 2-26
Map Pocket ................................... 2-58
Methanol
...................................... 6-5
Mirrors ....................................... 2-56
Convex Outside
.............................. 2-57
Inside Day/Night Rearview ..................... 2-56
Manual
..................................... 2-56
Manual Remote Control ........................ 2-56
Power Remote Control
......................... 2-57
Visor Vanity
................................. 2-60
MountainRoads
................................ 4-23
Multifunction Lever ............................. 2-44
Neutral. Automatic Transmission ................. 2-29
Neutral. Manual Transmission
................ 2.32. 2.34
New Vehicle “Break-In”
......................... 2-23
Night Vision
................................... 4-16
Odometer
.................................... 2-77
Odometer. Trip
................................. 2-77
Off-Road Recovery
............................. 4-12
Oil. Engine
.................................... 6-12
Overdrive, Automatic Transmission
................ 2-30
Overheating Engine
............................. 5-14
Owner Checks and Services
....................... 7-44
Owner Publications, Ordering
................... 8-12
Paint Spotting. Chemical
....... ............ 6-66
Park
Automatic Transmission ....................... 2-28
Shifting Into ................................. 2-38
Shifting
Out of ............................... 2-40
AtNight
.................................... 2-12
Brake
...................................... 2-37
Brake Mechanism
Check ....................... 7-47
Lots
....................................... 2-12
Over Things That Burn
........................ 2-41
With a Trailer
................................ 4-38
Parking Your Vehicle, Manual Transmission
.......... 2-40
Passenger Position
......................... 1-21, 1-27
Parking
9-7

Passing .................................. 4-13
PASS-Key
I1 ................................. 2-16 ' -49' *
Periodic Maintenance Inspections .................. 7-48
Pontiac Cares Information ......................... 8-2
Antenna Mast Care ............................ 3-24
Option Fuses ................................ 6-69
Remote Control Mirror
........................ 2-57
Retain'ed Accessory ........................... 2-55
Steering Fluid ................................ 6-33
Pregnancy. Use of Safety Belts .................... 1-20
Problems on the Road ............................ 5-1
Publications, Service and Owner ................... 8- 12
Power
DoorLocks ................................... 2-5
Seat ..................,...........,.......... l-3
Steering .................................... 4-10
Windows
................................... 2-43
Radiator
................................ 5.19. 5.22
Radiator Pressure
Cap ........................... 6-33
Radio Reception
................................ 3-22
Radios .............................. 3-7.3-10. 3-14
Rain. Driving In ................................ 4-17
UP ......................................... 2-55
ReadingLamps ................................ 2-55
Rear
Axle ....................................... 6-29
Lamp Bulb Replacement ....................... 6-45
Sidemarker Bulb Replacement ................... 6-46
Storage ..................................... 2-58
Seatpassengers ..,.........,,,...........,... l-27
Towing ..................................... 5-12
Window Defogger
............................. 3-5
Reclining Front Seatbacks ......................... 1-4
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants ............... 7-50
Recovery
Tank, Coolant .......................... 5-17
Refrigerants, Air Conditioning
.................... 6-74
Hatch Release
................................ 2-11
Keyless
Entry ................................. 2-6
Rearview Mirror, Inside Daymight
2-56 .................
Remote
Keyless Lock Control Verification
......... . . 2-19
Replacement
Bulbs
...................................... 6-73
Parts ....................................... 6-75
Wheel ...................................... 6-56
Replacing Safety Belts
........................... 1-41
Reporting Sa€ety Defects ......................... 8-10
Restraints
Checking
................................... 1-41
Child
......,....,...........,+.............. l-32
Head ........................................ 1-6
Replacing Pats After a Crash ................... 1-41
SystemCheck
................................ 7-44
Retained Accessory Power ........................ 2-55
Reverse, Automatic Transmission .................. 2-29
Reverse, Manual Transmission ............... 2-33. 2-34
Right Front Passenger Position .................... 1-21
Roadside Assistance .............................. 8-6
Roadside Assistance, Canadian ..................... 8-8
Rocking Your Vehicle ........................... 5-40
Roof Panels, Twin Lift-off ....................... 2-61
Rotation, Tires ................................. 6-51
9-8 .

Treadwear ............................... 6-54
Uniform Quality Grading
....................... 6-54
Wear Indicators
.............................. 6-53
Wheel Replacement
........................... 6-56
When It’s Time for New
....................... 6-53
Torque Lock
................................... 2-40
Torque. Wheel Nut ......................... 5-36. 6-73
TowingaTrajler
................................ 4-32
Towing Your Vehicle
............................. 5-8
Traction
Control
Off Button ................... .... 4-10
Control System
................................ 4-8
Control System Warning Light
.............. 2-81. 4-9
Brakes
..................................... 4-35
Driving on Grades
............................ 4-37
Drivingwith
................................. 4-36
Hitches ..................................... 4-35
Maintenance When Towing ..................... 4-38
ParkingonHills
.............................. 4-38
Safety Chains ................................ 4-35
Tongueweight
............................... 4-34
Towing
..................................... 4-32
Turnsignals
................................. 4-37
TopStrap
..................................... 1-33
Trailer Total Weight on Tires
........ .............. 4-35
Weight
..................................... 4-33
Transmission Fluid
Automatic
................................... 6-22
..................... 6-27
Transmitters. Matching ........................... 2-8
Transmitters. Range
.............................. 2-7
Transmitters. Remote Keyless Entry
................. 2-6
Transmitters. Synchronization ...................... 2-8
Transportation. Courtesy .......................... 8-8
Trip Odometer ................................. 2-77
T-Top Sunshades
............................... 2-66
TTY Users
..................................... 8-5
Turn Signal and Lane Change Signals ............... 2-45
Turn SignalNultifunction Lever
................... 2-44
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer ................ 4-37
Twin Lift-off Roof Panels
........................ 2-61
Underbody Flushing Service
..................... 7-47
Underbody Maintenance
......................... 6-66
Underhood Electrical Center
...................... 6-72
Vehicle Control
............................ ... 4-5
Damage Warnings .............................. iv
Dimensions
................................. 6-75
Identification Number
......................... 6-68
Loading
.................................... 4-30
Storage
..................................... 6-40
Ventilation System
............................... 3-5
Visor Vanity Mirrors
............................ 2-60
Visors, Sun .................................... 2-60
Voltmeter
.............................. 2-79