transmission PONTIAC FIREBIRD 1997 Owner's Manual

Running Your Engine While You’re
Parked (Automatic Transmission)
It’s better not to park with the engine running. But if you
er have to, here are some things.. .fl,.:?=....v,> tg kngw,. ,:+:-., i::, ,..>?pd; y.
Idling the engine with the air system control off
could allow dangerous exhaust into your vehicle
(see the earlier Caution under <‘Engine Exhaustss),
Also, idling in
a closed-in place can let deadly
carbon monoxide (CU) into your vehicle even if
the fan switch is
at the highest setting. One place
this
can happen is a garage. Exhaust -- with
CO -- can come in easily. NEVER park in a
garage with the engine running.
Another closed-in place can be
a blizzard, (See
“Blizzard” in the Index.)
A CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if
the shift lever
is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake
firmly set, Your vehicle can roll.
Don’t leave your vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. If you’ve left the
engine running, the
vehicle can move suddenly.
You
or others could be injured. ‘Bo be sure your
vehicle won’t move, even when you’re on fairly
level ground, always set your parking brake and
move the shift PWW to P;ARK (P).
Follow the proper steps to be sure your vehicle won’t
move. See “Shifting Into PARK (P)” in the Index.
If you are parking on a hill and if you’re pulling a
trailer, also see “Towing a Trailer” in the Index.
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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.
n freezing weather, don’t I : your was1 r until
the windshield is warmed. Otherwise the washer
fluid can
form ice on the windshield, blocking
your vision.
Cruise Control
With cruise control, you can maintain a speed of ab’out
25 mph (40 kmh) 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 kmh).
When you apply your brakes, or push the clutch pedal,
if you have a manual transmission, the ‘cruise control
shuts
off.
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Increasing Speed While Using Cruise Control
There are two ways to go to a higher speed:
0
0
rn
Use the accelerator pedal to get to the higher speed.
Push the button at the end of the lever, then release
the button and the accelerator pedal. You’ll now
cruise at the higher speed.
To increase your speed in very small amounts, move
the switch to
WA for less than half a second and then
release it. Each time you do this, your vehicle will
go
about 1 rnph (1.6 kmh) faster.
Move the cruise switch from
ON to WA. Hold it
there until you get up
to the speed you want, and
then release the switch.
Reducing Speed While Using Cruise Control
There are two ways to reduce your speed while using
cruise control:
0
e
Push in the button at the end of the lever until you
reach the lower speed you want, then release it.
To slow down in very small amounts, push the
button for less than half a second. Each time you do
this, you’ll
go 1 mpk (1.6 km/h) slower.
Passing Another Vehicle While Using Cruise Control
Use the accelerator pedal to increase your speed. When
you take your foot
off the pedal, your vehicle will slow
down to the cruise control speed you set earlier.
Using Cruise Control on Hills
How well your cruise control will work on hills depends
upon your speed, load and the steepness
of the hills.
When going up steep hills,
you may have to step on the
accelerator pedal
to maintain your speed. When going
downhill, you may have to brake or shift to
a lower gear
to keep your speed down. Of course, applying the brake
takes
you out of cruise control. Many drivers find this to
be
too much trouble and don’t use cruise control on
steep hills.
Ending Out of Cruise Csntrol
There are several ways to turn off the cruise control:
rn Step lightly on the brake pedal or push the clutch
pedal, if
you have a manual transmission ; OR
rn Movk the cruise switch to OFF.
Erasing Speed Memory
When you turn off the cruise control or the ignition,
your cruise control set speed memory is erased.
2-50 ~-

When carrying large or heavy items, it is a good idea to
open the panel and place the items in the rear area.
I An improperly stored close-out panel could be
thrown about the vehicle during
a collision or
sudden maneuver. You
or others could be
injured. If you remove the cover, always store it
outside your vehicle. When you put it back,
always be sure that it is securely reattached.
Ashtray and Lighter
Lift up the cover to open the ashtray. To remove it, lift
up on either side
of the ashtray. If you have an automatic
transmission, the ashtray
is near the front of your
console.
If you have a manual transmission, the ashtray
is near your cupholder.
I NOTICE:
Don’t put papers and other things that burn into
your ashtray.
If you do, cigarettes or other
smoking materials could set them on
fire,
causing damage.
To use the lighter, push it in all the way and let go.
When it’s ready, it will pop back by itself.
2-59

Convertible Top
The following procedures explain the proper operation
of your convertible top.
Lowering Your Convertible Top
NOTICE:
Don't leave your convertible out with the top
down for any long periods 'of time. The sun and
the rain can damage your seat material
and other
things inside your vehicle.
1. Park on a level surface. Set the parking brake firmly,
shift an automatic transmission into PARK (PI or a
manual transmission into REVERSE (R). The
ignition must be in the ACC or RUN position. Lower
both sun visors.
NOTICE:
Bun% lower the top if it is damp 'or wet. When
the
top is down, trapped water can cause stains,
mildew and damage to the inside of your vehicle.
Be sure to
dry off the top before you lower it.
NOTICE:
It is' not recommended to lower the top if your
vehicle
is out in cold weather, 0°F (-18" C) or
lower, or you may damage top components.
2-68

~~~~ Manual
Transmission
I NOTICE:
Before lowering the convertible top into the
storage area, be sure there are no objects in the
way of the folded, stored top. The weight of a
stored top
on items in the storage area will cause
the convertible top back glass
to break.
2. Unlock the front of the convertible top by pushing on
the smaller
part of the latch, then pulling down on the
larger
part of the latch. Be sure the hook on the latch
that attaches into the hole at the windshield releases.
Automatic
Transmission
3. Be sure no one or nothing is on or around the top.
Push and hold the bottom of the convertible top
switch. The switch is on the left side of your console
for a manual transmission and in front
of the gear
shift lever for automatic transmissions. The
top will
automatically lower into the storage area.

Raising Your Convertible Top
1. Park on a level surface. Set the parking brake firrnly.
If you have an automatic transmission, shift into
PARK
(P). If you have a manual transmission, shift
into REVERSE (R). The ignition must be in the ACC
or RUN position or RAP must be on. Lower both sun
visors. Lower both windows at least
3 inches (8 cm). If
the boot cover is in place, it must be removed first.
3. Remove the two side pieces of the boot cover
by lifting the rear cover and sliding them out
of
their slots.
2. Open the trunk. Remove the middle piece of the
cover by pushing in on the latch and lifting up on
the cover.

4. Store each piece of the cover in its separate
compartment
in the storage bag. Store in the trunk
and close the hatch.
Manual
7lkansmission
~~~ ~
Automatic
Transmission
5, Push and hold the top of the convertible top switch.
2-72

A. Fog Lamp Switch (If Equipped)
B. Main Lamp Control
C. Air Vent
D. Instrument Cluster
E.
Horn
E Audio System
G. Glove Box
H. Comfort Controls
I. Cupholder
J. Parking Brake Lever
K.
Storage Console
L. Rear Window Defogger Switch
M. Convertible Top Switch (Automatic) (If Equipped)
N. Traction Control System Switch or Second Gear
0. Cigarette Lighter
P. Shift Lever
Q. Ashtray (Automatic Transmission)
R. Convertible Top Switch (Manual) (If Equipped)
S. Steering Wheel Controls
T. Remote Hatch Release
Start
Switch (If Equipped)

If you drive regularly in steep country, or if you’re
planning to visit there, here are some tips that can
make
your trips safer and more enjoyable.
Keep your vehicle in good shape. Check all fluid
levels and also the brakes, tires, cooling system and
transmission. These
parts can work hard on
mountain roads.
Know how to go down hills. The most important
thing to know
is this: let your engine do some of the
slowing down. Shift to a lower gear when you go
down a
steep or long kill.
Coasting downhill! in NEUTRAL (N) or with
the ignition
off is dangerous. Your brakes will
have to do all the work of slowing
down. They
could get
so hot that they wouldn’t work well.
You would then have poor braking or even
none
going down a hill. You c’ould crash. Always have
your engine running and your vehicle in gear
when you! go downhill.
then have poor braking or even none going
down
a hill. You could crash. Shift down to let
your engine assist your brakes on a steep
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