steering wheel PONTIAC FIREBIRD 1997 Owner's Manual

To help avoid injury to you or others:
Never let passengers ride in a vehicle that is
0 Never tow faster than safe or posted speeds.
Never tow with damaged parts not
fully secured.
0 Never get under your vehicle after it has
been lifted
by the tow truck.
Always secure the vehicle on each side with
separate safety chains when towing it.
0 Never use J-hooks, Use T-hooks instead.
being towed.
A vehicle
can fall from a car car
adequately secured. This can cause a collision,
serious personal injury and vehicle damage. The
vehicle should be tightly secured with chains or
steel cables before
it is transported.
Don’t use substitutes (ropes, leather straps,
canvas webbing, etc.) that can be cut by sharp
edges underneath the towed vehicle. Always use
T-hooks inserted in the T-hook slots. Never use
J-hooks, They will damage drivetrain and
suspension components.
When your vehicle is being towed, have the ignition key
turned to the
OFF position. The steering wheel should
be clamped in a straight-ahead position, with a clamping
device designed for towing service.
Do not use the
vehicle’s steering column
lock for this. The transmission
should
be in NEUTRAL (N) and the parking
brake released.

If a Tire Goes Flat
It’s unusual for a tire to ‘‘blow out’’ while you’re driving,
especially if you maintain your tires properly. If air goes
out of a tire, it’s much more likely to leak out slowly.
But
if you should ever have a “blowout,” here are a few
tips about what to expect and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the flat tire will create a drag that
pulls the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off the
accelerator pedal and
grip the steering wheel firmly,
Steer to maintain lane position, and then gently brake to
a st,ot, well out of the traffic lane.
A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts much like a
skid and may require the same correction you’d use in a
skid. In any rear blowout, remove your foot from the
accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle under control
by
steering the way you want the vehicle to go, It may be
very bumpy and noisy, but you can still steer. Gently
brake
to a stop -- well off the road if possible,
If
a tire goes flat, the next part shows how to use your
jacking equipment to change a flat tire safely.
Changing a Flat Tire
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire and wheel damage
by driving slowly t,o a level place.
Turn on your hazard
warning flashers.
Cham- ng a tire can cause an injury. The vehicle
can
slip off the jack and roll over you or other
people. You and they could be badly injured.
Find
a level place to change your tire. To help
prevent the vehicle from moving:
1. Set the parking brake firmly,
2. Put an automatic transmission shift lever in
PARK (P), or shift a manual transmission tu
FIRST (1) or REWRSE (R).
3. Turn off the engine.
To be even more certain the vehicle wan? move,
you can put blocks at the front and rear of the
tire farthest away from the one being changed.
That would
be the tire on the other side of the
vehicle, at the opposite ~ end,
5-26

NOTICE:
b
Spinning your wheels can destroy parts of your
vehicle as well
as the tires. If you spin the wheels
too
fast while shifting your transmission back
and forth, you can destroy your transmission.
For information about using tire chains on your vehicle,
see “Tire Chains” in the Index.
Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out
First, turn your steering wheel left and right. That will
clear the area around your front wheels.
If your vehicle
has traction control, you should turn the system off. (See
“Traction Control System”
in the Index.) Then shift
back and forth between
REVERSE (R) and a forward
gear
(or with a manual transmission, between FIRST (I)
I or SECOND (2) and REVERSE (R)), spinning the
wheels
as little as possible. Release the accelerator pedal
while you shift, and press lightly on the accelerator
pedal when the transmission is
in gear. If that doesn’t
get you out after
a few tries, you may need to be towed
out. If you do need to be towed out, see “Towing Your
Vehicle’’ in the Index.
5-40

Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
Here you will find information about the care of your Pontiac. This section begins with service and fuel information,
and then it shows how to check imDortant fluid and lubricant levels. There is also technical information about your I
vehicle, and a part devoted to its appearance care.
6-2 Service
6-3 Fuel
6-5 Fuels in Foreign Countries
6-6 Filling Your Tank
6- 8 Checking Things Under the Hood
6- 12 Engine Oil
6-18 Air Cleaner
6-22 Automatic Transmission Fluid 6-27 Manual Transmission Fluid
6-29 Engine Coolant
6-3
3 Power Steering Fluid
6-35 Windshield Washer Fluid
6-36 Brakes
6-40 Battery
6-4
1 Bulb Replacement 6-49
6-58
6-5
8
6-6 1
6-63
6- 64
4-65
6-66
6- 67
6-68
6-68
6-68
6-73
6-73
Tires
Appearance Care Cleaning the Inside
of Your Pontiac
Care
of Safety Belts
Cleaning the Outside
of Your Pontiac
Aluminum
or Chrome Wheels
Tires
Underbody Maintenance
Appearance Care Materials Chart
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Service Parts Identification Label
Electrical System
Replacement
Bulbs
Capacities and Specifications
6-1

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

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 GM 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
out-of-position 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 replalced 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 damaged or missing parts. Replace parts as needed.
Replace any cables that have
high effort or excessive wear.
Do not lubricate accelerator and cruise conbd cables.
Wear Axle Service
Check the gear lubricant level in the rear axle and add if
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.

Section 9 Index
Accessory Plug ............................. 2-61
AirBag
....................................... 1-21
How Does it Restrain .......................... 1-25
How it Works ................................ 1-23
Location
.................................... 1-23
Readiness Light
......................... 1.22. 2.78
What Makes it Inflate
.......................... 1-24
What Will
You See After it Inflates ............... 1-25
When Should it Inflate
......................... 1-24
Aircleaner
.................................... 6-18
Air Conditioning
................................ 3-3
Air Conditioning Refrigerants ..................... 6-74
Air Control. Climate Control System ................. 3-2
Alarm. Content Theft-Deterrent ................... 2- 13
Alarm/PanicMode ............................... 2-7
Alignment and Balance. Tire
...................... 6-55
Aluminum Wheels. Cleaning
...................... 6-64
Antenna. Power
................................ 3-24
Antifreeze
..................................... 6-29
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light
................ 2-80. 4-7
Brakes
...................................... 4-7
Anti-Theft. Radio
.............................. 3- 19
Appearance Care ............................... 6-58
Servicing ................................... 1- 26 Appearance Care Materials
...... .......... 6-67
Arbitration Program
.............................. 8-9
Ashtrays ...................................... 2-59
Audio Controls. Steering Wheel Touch Control ....... 3-21
Audio Equipment. Adding ........................ 3-22
Audio Systems
.................................. 3-6
Automatic Overdrive ............................ 2-30
Automatic Transmission
Check
...................................... 7-45
Fluid
....................................... 6-22
Operation ................................... 2-28
Park Mechanism Check
........................ 7-47
Shifting ..................................... 2-28
Starting Your Engine .......................... 2-25
Axle. Limited-Slip Rear ......................... 2-36
Axle. Rear
.................................. 6-29
Battery ...................................... 6-40
Jump Starting ................................. 5-3
Warnings
................................ 5-3. 5-5
BBB Auto Line ................................. 8-9
Better Business Bureau Mediation ................... 8-9
Blizzard . . ... ................. 4-28
Replacement. Remote Keyless Entry ............... 2-9

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 .

Specmcauons ana Capacities ...................... 6-73
Specifications. Engine ........................... 6-93
Speech hpaired. Customer Assistance ............... 8-5
Sportscat ...................................... 1-4
Stains, Cleaning ................................ 6-59
Standard Differential. Rear Axle ................... 6-29
Starter Switch Check ............................ 7-46
Starting Your Engine ............................ 2-25
Steering ...................................... 4-10
Column Lock Check .......................... 7-47
In Emergencies ............................... 4- 11
Tips ........................................ 4- 10
Wheel. Tilt .................................. 2-44
Wheel Touch Controls ......................... 3-21
Storage Areas .................................. 2-58
Storage. Vehicle
................................ 6-40
Stuck: In Sand. Mud, Ice or Snow .................. 5-39
Sunshades. T-Top ............................... 2-66
Supplemental Restraint System .................... 1-21
Symbols. Vehicle .................................. v
S~~dometer ................................... 2-77
SRS ......................................... 1-21
Steam ........................................ 5-14
Power ...................................... 4-10
Sunvisors
.................................... 2-60
Synchronization ................................. 2-8
Tachometer .................................. 2-77
Temperature Control. Climate Control System ......... 3-2
TapePlayerCare ............................... 3-23
Theft ......................................... 2-12
Arming Verification ........................... 2-21
DisarEning ................................... 2-15
Feature,
CD Player ............................ 3-19
Third Gear, Automatic Transmission ................ 2-30
Third Gear, Manual Transmission ............. 2-32, 2-34
Tilt Steering Wheel ............................. 2-44
Time, Setting the ................................ 3-6
Tire , Storing Tire and Tools ...................... 5-36
Tire Chains .................................... 6-57
Tire Loading ................................... 4-30
Tire-Loading Information Label ................... 4-30
Alignment and Balance ........................ 6-55
Buying New ................................. 6-53
Changing a Flat .............................. 5-26
Compact Spare ............................... 5-38
Inflation Check ............................... 7-44
Inspection and Rotation ........................ 6-51
Pressure .................................... 6-50
Temperature ................................. 6-55
Traction .................................. 6-55
Theft-Deterrent
ArmingMethod
.............................. 2-20
THEFTLOCK”” ................................ 3-19
Thermostat ..................................... 6-33
Tires ......................................... 6-49
Chains ..................................... 6-57
Cleaning
..................................... 6-65
Inflation .................................... 6-50
Loading
.................................... 4-30
9-10