steering PONTIAC FIREBIRD 1997 Owner's Guide

5.7L Engine
How To Check Power Steering Fluid
When the engine compartment is cool, wipe the cap and
the top
of the reservoir clean, then unscrew the cap and
wipe the dipstick with a clean rag. Replace the cap and
completely tighten it. Then remove the cap again and
look at the fluid level on the dipstick.
The level should be at the FULL COLD mark. If
necessary, add only enough fluid to bring the level up
to the mark.
When the engine compartment is hot, the level
When the engine compartment is cool, the level
should
be at the
H or HOT mark.
should
be at C or FULL COLD m’ark.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind
of fluid to use. See “Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants”
in the Index. Always use the proper fluid.
Failure to
use the proper fluid can cause leaks and
damage hoses and seals,
6-34

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

Short TriplCity Maintenance Schedule
The services shown in this schedule up to 100,000 miles
(166 000 km) should be performed after 100,000 miles
(166
000 km) at the same intervals. The services shown
at
150,000 miles (240 000 km) should be performed at
the same interval after
150,000 miles (240 000 km).
Footnotes
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the
California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify
the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to the
completion
of the vehicle’s useful life. We, however,
urge that all recommended maintenance services be
performed
at the indicated intervals and the maintenance
be recorded.
# Lubricate the steering and shift linkage.
+ A good time to check your brakes is during tire
rotation. See “Brake System Inspection” under “Periodic
Maintenance Inspection”
in Part C of this schedule.
++ If you drive in a highly corrosive environment, your
front brake calipers may require additional inspection
and service, at every other tire rotation. See
“Caliper/Knuckle Maintenance Inspection” under
“Periodic Maintenance Inspections” in Part C
of
this schedule.

Long Tripmighway Maintenance Schedule
The services shown in this schedule up to 100,000 miles
(166
000 km) should be performed after 100,000 miles
(166
000 km) at the same intervals. The services shown
at
150,000 miles (240 000 km) should be performed at
the same interval after 150,000 miles (240
000 km).
Footnotes
? The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the
California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify
the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior
to the
completion of the vehicle’s useful life. We, however,
urge that all recommended maintenance services be
performed at
the indicated intervals and the maintenance
be recorded.
## Lubricate the steering and shift linkage.
+ A good time to check your brakes is during tire
rotation. See “Brake System Inspection” under “Periodic
Maintenance Inspections” in
Part C of this schedule.
++ If you drive in a highly corrosive environment, your
front brake calipers may require additional inspection
and service, at every other tire rotation. See
“Caliper/Knuckle Maintenance Inspection” under
“Periodic Maintenance Inspections” in Part C of
this schedule.

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.

Part D: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
NOTE: Fluids and lubricants identified below by name,
part number or specification may be obtained from your
GM dealer.
USAGE
~
Engine Coolant
Coolant
Supplement Sealer
FLUIDLUBRICANT
Engine oil w-
Petroleum Institute Certified For
Gasoline Engines “Starburst”
symbol of the proper viscosity. To
determine the preferred viscosity
for your vehicle’s
engine, see
“Engine Oil” in the Index.
50/50 mixture of clean water
(preferably distilled) and use only
GM Goodwrench* DEX-COOL@
or Havoline’ DEX-COOL@
coolant. See “Engine Coolant” in
the
Index.
GM Part No. 3634621 or
equivalent
with a complete flush
and refill.
USAGE
Hydraulic Brake
System
Hydraulic Clutch
System
Power Steering System
Manual
Transmission
__
Automatic
Transmission Key
Lock
Cylinders
-
Clutch Linkage
Pivot Points
PLUJD/LUBRICANT
Delco Supreme 11 @ Brake Fluid
(GM Part No. 12377967 ur
equivalent DOT-3 brake fluid).
Hydraulic Clutch Fluid
(GM Part
No. 12345347 or equivalent
DOT-3
brake fluid).
GM Power Steering Fluid (GM
Part No. 1052884 - 1 pint,
1050017 - 1 quart, or equivalent).
DEXRON@-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
DEXRON@-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Multi-Pur
ose lubricant,
Superlube
(GM Part
No. 12346241 or equivalent).
Engine
oil.
-
&

1997 PONTIAC SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ORDERING INFORMATION
The following publications covering the operation and servicing of your vehicle can be purchased by filling out
the Sewice Publication Order Form in this book and mailing it in with your check, money order,
or credit card information to Helm, /ncorporated (address below.)
CURRENT PUBLICATIONS FOR 1997 PONTIAC
SERVICE MANUALS
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair information
on engines, transmission, axle, suspension, brakes,
electrical, steering,
body, etc.
RETAIL
SELL PRICE: $90.00
TRANSMISSION, TRANSAXLE, TRANSFER CASE UNIT
REPAIR MANUAL
This manual provides information on unit repair service
procedures, adjustments and specifications for €he
1997 GM transmissions, transaxles and transfe:r cases.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $40.00
SERVICE BULLETINS
Service Bulletins give technical service information needed
to knowledgeably service General Motors cars and trucks.
Each bulletin contains instructions
to assist in the
diagnosis and service
of your vehicle.
OWNER’S INFORMATION
Owner publications are written directly for Owners and
intended
to provide basic operational information about the
vehicle. The owner’s manual will include the Maintenance
Schedule for
all models,
In-Portfolio: Includes
a Portfolio, Owner’s Manual and
Warranty Booklet. RETAIL SELL
PRICE: $1 5.00
Without Portfolio: Owner’s Manual only.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $1 0.00
CURRENT & PAST MODEL ORDER FORMS
Sewice Publications are available for current and past
rno’del
GM vehicles. To request an order form, please
specify year and
model name of the vehicle.

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

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

Instrument Panel ............................... 2-74
Brightness Control
............................ 2-54
Cleaning
.................................... 6-61
Cluster ..................................... 2-76
Interior
Lamps ................................. 2-54
Jack. Tire
.................................... 5-29
JumpStarting
................................... 5-3
Key Lock Cylinders Service ..................... 7-45
Key Rele'ase Button ............................. 2-'24
Keys .......................................... 2-2
Labels
Certification
................................. 4-30
Service Parts Identification ..................... 6-68
Tire-Loading Information
...................... 4-30
Vehicle Identification Number ................... 6-68
Lamps ........................................ 2-51
Courtesy .................................... 2-54
Interior
..................................... 2-54
OnReminder
................................ 2-51
Last Door Closed Locking Feature ............. 2-52- 19
Last Door Closed LockingLockout Prevention ....... 2- 19
Latches, Front Seatback ........................... 1-6
Leaving Your Vehicle ............................. 2-5
Leaving Your Vehicle with the Engine Running ....... 2-39
Lighter ....................................... 2-59
Lights
Air Bag Readiness ....................... 1-22. 2.78
Anti-Lock Brake System
Warning ............ 2.80. 4.7
Brake System Warning ......................... 2-79
Low Coolant ................................. 2-83
Low Traction ............................ 2-82. 4-9
Safety Belt Reminder
...................... 1-8. 2-78
Service Engine Soon .......................... 2-84
Traction Control System Warning
............ 2-8 1. 4-9
Limited-Slip Differential. Rear Axle ................ 6-29
Loading Your Vehicle
........................... 4-30
Lockout Prevention ......................... 2-5, 2-19
CheckGauges
............................... 2-89
LowOil .................................... 2-88
Locks ......................................... 2-4
CyIinders
................................... 7-45
Door ........................................ 2-4
Key Lock Cylinder Service ..................... 7-45
Power Door .................................. 2-5
Steering Column Lock Check ................... 7-47
Low Coolant Light .............................. 2-83
Low Oil Light ................................. 2-88
Low Traction Light ......................... 2-82. 4-9
Lubricants and Fluids ............................ 7-50
Lubrication Service. Body ........................ 7-45
Lumbar Controls ................................ 1-4
Main Fuse Block .............................. 6-70
Maintenance. Normal Replacem'ent Parts ............ 6-75
Maintenance
Record ............................ 7-52
............ 94