engine oil PONTIAC FIREBIRD 1997 Owner's Manual

1 Vf a I IJ
If you have the 5.7L LT1 engine (with the WS6 option),
your air cleaner will be located over the radiator near the
front
of the engine.
To remove the filter, remove the screws (located on the
rear edge of the air cleaner), lift the air cleaner and
remove
the filter.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
When to Check and Change
A good time to check your automatic transmission fluid
level is when the engine oil is changed.
Change both the fluid and filter every 15,000 miles
(25 000 km) if the vehicle is mainly driven under one
or more of these conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
0 In hilly or mountainous terrain.
regularly reaches
90” F (32” C) or higher.
0 Uses such as high
performance operation.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.
If you do
not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, change the fluid and filter every
100,000 miles ( 166 000 km),
See “Scheduled Maintenance Services” in the Index.
6-22

Manual Transmission Fluid
When to Check
A good time to have it checked is when the engine oil is
changed. However, the fluid in your manual
transmission doesn’t require changing.
How to Check
Because this operation can be difficult, you may
choose to have this done at your Pontiac dealership
Service Department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the
instructions here, or
you could get a false reading.
NOTICE:
Too much or too little fluid can damage your
transmission.
Too much ‘can mean that some of
the fluid could come out and fall on hot engine parts
or exhaust system parts, starting a fire. Be
: sure to get an accurate reading if you check your
I transmission fluid.
Check the fluid level only when your engine is off, the
vehicle is parked on a level place and the transmission is
cool
enough for you to rest your fingers on the
transmission case.
Then, follow these steps:
1. Remove the filler plug.
2. Check that the lubricant level is up to the bottom
of the filler plug hole.
3. If the fluid level is good, install the plug and be sure
it is fully seated. If the fluid level
is low, add more
fluid as described in the next steps.
How to Add Fluid
Here’s how to add fluid. Refer to the Maintenance
Schedule to determine what kind of fluid to use. See
“Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.
1. Remove the filler plug.
2. Add fluid at the filler plug hole. Add only enough
fluid to bring the fluid level up to the bottom of
the filler plug hole.
3. Install the filler plug. Be sure the plug is fully seated.
6-27

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
“Scheduled Maintenance Services” 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
80W-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 4 ounces
(1 18 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 s stem in your vehicle is filled with new
DEX-COOL 8 engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for
5 years or 150,000 miles
(240
000 km) whichever occurs first, if you add only
DEX-COOL’ extended life coolant.
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
50150 mixture’ of water and DEX-COOL@
coolant will:
Give freezing protection down to -34°F (-37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
e Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages work as
they should.

NOTICE:
When adding coolant, it is important that you
use only DEX-COOL@ (silicate-free) c’oolant.
If silicated coolant is added to the system,
premature engine, heater core
or radiator
corrosion may result. In addition, the engine
coolant will require change sooner
-- at
30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months,
whichever
occurs first,
What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half ckan water (preferably
distilled)
and one-half DEX-COOL@ coolant which
won’t damage aluminum parts. If you use this mixture,
you don’t need to add anything else.
I
Adding only plain water to your cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water, or
some other
liquid like alcohol, can boil before the proper coolant mix will.
Your vehicle’s coolant warning
system is set
for the proper coolant mix. With
plain water or the wrong mix, your engine could
get too hot but you wouldn’t get the overheat
warning. Your engine could catch fire and
you or
others could be burned. Use a 50J50 mix of clean
water and DEX-COOL’coolant.
6-30

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.
0 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.
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 firmly).
I
The brake wear warning sound means that soon
your brakes won’t work well. That could lead to
an accident. When
you hear the brake wear
warning sound, have
your vehicle serviced.
6-38

Capacities (Approximate)
The following approximate capacities are given in
English. and metric conversions. Please refer to
“Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index
for more information.
Air Conditioning?
, ... See the refrigerant
information label
under the hood.
Automatic Transmission Drain and Refill
............... 10 pints (4.7 L)*
Overhaul
VIN Engine Code K ........ 17.6 pints (8.3 L)*
VIN Engine Code P ....... 2 1.6 pints (10.2 L)*
Cooling System
VIN Engine Code K
With Manual Transmission . . 12.5 quarts (11.8 L)
With Automatic Transmission 12.3 quarts (1 1.6 L)
VIN Engine Code P
With Manual Transmission . 15.3 quarts (14.5 L)
With Automatic Transmission 15.1 quarts (14.3 L)
Crankcase
Oil and Filter Change
3800 (VIN K) ........... 4.5 quarts (4.3 L)**
5.7L (VIN P ) ............ 5.0 quarts (4.7 L)**
Fuel Tank
.................. 15.5 gallons (58.7 L)
Manual Transmission
Five-Speed
........... , . 6.8 pints (3.2 L)*
Six-Speed .......... ..... 8.0 pints (3.8L)*
Rear Axle Lubricant ............ 3.5 pints (1.7L)
Not all air conditioning refrigerants are the same.
If the air conditioning system in your vehicle needs
refrigerant, be sure the proper refrigerant is used.
If you’re not sure, ask your Pontiac dealer,
* Recheck fluid level after filling. See “Automatic
Transmission Fluid”
or “Manual Transmission Fluid”
in the Index.
** Recheck the oil level after filling. See “Engine Oil”
in
the Index.
6-74

Wheelbase
Front Tread
Rear Tread
Length Firebirdmormula
Length Trans Am
Width
Height
Vehicle Dimensions
101.1 inches (257 cm)
60.7 inches (154 cm)
60.7 inches (154 cm)
195.6 inches (497 cm)
197 inches
(501 cm)
74.5 inches (190 cm)
52.0 inches (132 cm)
Replacement Parts
Air Cleaner Filter
VIN Engine Code
K . ........ A1163C
VIN Engine Code
P .................. A1163C
VIN Engine Code
P (with WS6 Option) ... A1097C
Battery ............................... .75-60
Engine Oil Filter
VIN Engine Code K ................. PF47
VIN Engine Code P
................... PF25

Maintenance Schedule
I Short TriplCity Definition I
Follow the Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule if any
one
of these conditions is true for your vehicle:
Most trips are less than 5 to 10 miles (8 to 16 km).
This is particularly important when outside
temperatures are below freezing.
driving in stop-and-go traffic).
0 Most trips include extensive idling (such as frequent
Most trips are through dusty areas.
You frequently tow a trailer or use a carrier on top of
your vehicle.
or other commercial application.
If the vehicle is used for delivery service, police, taxi
One of the reasons you should follow this schedule if
you operate your vehicle under any of these conditions
is that these conditions cause engine oil to break
down soonex
Short Trip/City Intervals
Every 3,000 Miles (5 000 km): Engine Oil and Filter
Change (or
3 months, whichever occurs first).
Every 6,000 Miles (10 000 km): Chassis Lubrication
(or
6 months, whichever occurs first). Tire Rotation.
Every 6,000 Miles (10 000 km) of Trailering: Rear
Axle Fluid Change (Vehicles Towing Trailers).
At the First 6,000 Miles (10 000 km): Rear Axle Fluid
Change (Limited-Slip Differential).
Every 15,000 Miles (25 000 km): Air Cleaner Filter
Inspection, if driving in dusty conditions. Automatic
Transmission
Service (severe conditions only).
Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km): Air Cleaner Filter
Replacement. Fuel Tank, Cap and Lines Inspection.
Every 60,000 Miles (100 000 km): Engine Accessory
Drive Belt Inspection.
Every 100,000 Miles (166 000 km): Spark Plug Wire
Inspection. Spark Plug Replacement. Automatic
Transmission Service (normal conditions).
Every 150,000 Miles (240 000 km): Cooling System
Service (or every
60 months, whichever occurs first).
These intervals only summarize maintenance services.
Be sure to follow the complete muintenance schedule on
the following pages.
I- 7-5

Maintenance Schedule
n
Follow this maintenance schedule only if none of the
conditions from the Short Trip/City Maintenance
Schedule is true.
Do not use this schedule if the vehicle
is used for trailer towing, driven in
a dusty area or used
off paved roads. Use the Short Trip/City schedule for
these conditions.
Driving a vehicle with n fully warmed engine under
highway conditions causes engine oil to break
down sluwm
Every 7,500 Miles (12 500 km): Engine Oil and Filter
Change
(or every 12 months, whichever occurs first),
Chassis Lubrication (or every 12 months, whichever
occurs first). Tire Rotation,
At the First 7,500 Miles (12 500 km): Rear Axle Fluid
Change (Limited-Slip Differential),
Every 15,000 Miles (25 000 km): Automatic
Transmission Service (severe conditions only).
Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km): Air Cleaner Filter
Replacement. Fuel Tank, Cap and Lines Inspection.
Every 60,000 Miles (100 000 km): Engine Accessory
Drive Belt Inspection.
Every 109,000 Miles (166 000 km): Spark Plug Wire
Inspection. Spark Plug Replacement. Automatic
Transmission Service (normal conditions).
Every 150,000 Miles (240 000 km): Cooling System
Service
(or every 60 months, whichever occurs first).
These intervals only summarize maintenance services.
Be
sure to follow the cornnlete maintenance schedule on
the following pages,
7-6

I Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule 1
3,000 Miles (5 000 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Sewice.
DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY:
6,000 Miles (10 000 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Ernissi’on Control Service.
0 Lubricate chassis components (or every
6 months, whichever occurs first).
(See footnote
#.)
Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and
Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation
pattern and additional information.
(See footnote +,)
0 Change the rear axle gear lubricant if
vehicle is used to pull a trailer or has
limited-sliD differential.
~
DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY -