PONTIAC FIREBIRD 1997 Owners Manual

Brake
Adjustment .................................. 6-39
Master Cylinder .............................. 6-36
Replacing System Parts
........................ 6-40
System Warning Light
......................... 2-79
Transmission Shift Interlock
.................... 2-40
Brakes, Anti-Lock
............................... 4-7
Braking
........................................ 4-6
Braking in Emergencies.
.......................... 4- 10
Break-In, New Vehicle .......................... 2-23
Brightness Control
.............................. 2-54
BTSI ......................................... 2-40
Bulb Replacement
.............................. 6-4 1
Fluid ....................................... 6-36
Parking
..................................... 2-37
PedalTravel
................................. 6-39
Trailer
...................................... 4-35
Wear
....................................... 6-38
BTSICheck
................................... 7-46
CalipedKnuckle Maintenance Inspections .......... 7-49
Canadian Roadside Assistance
...................... 8-8
Capacities and Specifications ...................... 6-73
Carbon Monoxide
.......... 2- 10.2-41.2-42.4-29. 4-35
Cassette Deck Service
........................... 7-44
Cassette Tape Player ............ ......... 3-7. 3-10
Errors .................................. 3-8. 3-12
CD Player Theft-Deterrent Feature ................. 3 - 19
Certification Label .............................. 4-30
Care
....................................... 3-23
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp Bulb Replacement
.... 6-44
Chains. Safety ................................. 4-35
Chains. Tire ................................... 6-57
Changing
a Flat Tire ............................. 5-26
Check Gauges Light
............................. 2-89
Checking Your Restraint Systems
.................. 1-41
Chemical Paint Spotting .......................... 6-66
Child Restraints'
................................ 1-32
Securing in a Rear Seat Position
................. 1-34
Securing
in the Right Front Seat Position .......... 1-36
Cigarette Lighter ............................... 2-59
Circuit Breakers and Fuses
....................... 6-69
Aluminum Wheels
............................ 4-64
Convertible Top .............................. 6-64
Glass
....................................... 6-61
Inside of Your Pontiac
......................... 6-58
Instrument Panel ............................. 6-61
Outside of Your Pontiac ........................ 6-63
Removable
Roof Panel ......................... 6-62
Special Problems ............................. 6'-59
Vinyl
....................................... 6-60
Windshield and Wiper Blades ................... 6-62
Climate Control System ........................... 3-2
Clock. Setting the ................................ 3-6
TopStrap ................................... l-33
WheretoPut ................................ 1-32
Cleaner. Air
................................... 6-18
Cleaning Fabric
...................................... 6-59
Leather ..................................... 6-60
Stains
...................................... 6-59
Tires ....................................... 6-65
Wheels ..................................... 6-64
9-2

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

Electrical Equipment. Adding .......... 2.26.3.22. 6.68
Electrical System ............................... 6-68
Coolant Heater ............................... 2-27
Coolant Level Check .......................... 7-44
Coolant Temperature Gage
..................... 2-83
Identification ................................ 6-68
Overheating
................................. 5-14
RunningWhileParked
......................... 2-42
Specifications
................................ 6-73
Engine .................................. 6-10. 6-11
Coolant
..................................... 6-29
Exhaust
..................................... 2-41
FuseBlocks
................................. 6-70
OilLevelCheck
.............................. 7-44
StartingYour ................................ 2-25
Engineoil
.................................... 6-12
Adding
..................................... 6-14
Checking ................................... 6-13
Used ....................................... 6-18
Ethanol
........................................ 6-5
Additives ................................... 6-1'7
Pressure Gage
................................ 2-87
Whentochange
.............................. 6-17
Exhaust. Engine
................................ 2-4 1
Exit Lighting ............................. 2-18. 2-54
Exit Lightingmelayed Illumination ................. 2- 18
Express-Down Window .......................... 2-43
Fabric Cleaning ............................... 6-59
Fan Control. Climate Control System
................ 3-2
Feature Customization ........................... 2- 17
Exit Lighting ................................ 2-18
Last Door Closed Locking
...................... 2-19
Lockout Prevention
........................... 2-19
Remote Keyless
Entry Control Verification ......... 2-19
Theft-Deterrent Arming Method
................. 2-20
Theft-Deterrent Arming Verification
.............. 2-21
Fifth Gear. Manual Transmission
.............. 2-32. 2-34
Filling Your Tank
................................ 6-6
Filter. Engine Oil
............................... 6-17
Finishcare
.................................... 6-63
Finish Damage ................................. 6-65
First
Gear. Automatic Transmission ................ 2-31
First Gear. Manual Transmission .............. 2-32. 2-33
Flashers. Hazar'd Warning
......................... 5-2
Flat Tire. Changing ............................. 5-26
Fluids and Lubricants ............................ 7-50
Folding Rear Seatback ............................ 1-7
Foreign Countries. Fuel ........................... 6-5
Fourth Gear. Manual Transmission
............ 2-32. 2-34
Four-Way Manual Seat
........................... 1-3
Frontconsole .................................. 2-58
Delayed 11.lumination
Driver's
Door Alarm Delay/Shock Sensor Enable ... 2-22 2-18
..........................
Filter. Air ..................................... 6-20
FloorMats
.................................... 2-61
FogLamps
.................................... 2-53
French Language Manual 11
FrontTowing .................................. 5-10
Front Turn Signal Lamp Bulb Replacement .......... 6-43
.. ...........................

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

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 .

Safety Belt Extender ....... , ..... . . 1-41
Safety Belts
.................................... 1-7
Adults
...................................... 1-13
Care
....................................... 6-61
Children
.................................... 1-30
Driver Position
............................... 1 . 13
Extender
.................................... 1-41
How to Wear Properly ......................... 1 . 13
Incorrect Usage
.................... 1.16. 1.39. 1-40
Lap-Shoulder
........................... 1 . 13. 1-27
Larger Children
.............................. 1-38
Questions and Answers
........................ 1 . 12
Rear Seat Positions
............................ 1-27
Reminder Light
.......................... 1.8. 2.78
Replacing After a Crash
........................ 1-41
Right Front Passenger Position .................. 1-21
Smaller Children and Babies
.................... 1-30
Use During Pregnancy .... ................ 1-20
Why They Work .... ........................ 1-9
Safety Chains .................................. 4-35
Safety Defects. Reporting
........................ 8-10
Safety Warnings and Symbols ....................... 111
Scheduled Maintenance Services .................... 7-4
Seatback Folding Rear
.................................. 1-7
Front Latches
................................. 1-6
Reclining Front
............................... 1-4
...
Seats
Four-Way Manual
................... ....... 1-3
Fully Articulating Sport .......... .. ..... , 1-4
Lumbar Control ............................... 1-4
Manual Front
................................. 1-2 Power
....................................... 1-3
Restraint
Systems .............................. 1-1
Seat Controls
................................. 1-2
Securing a Child Restraint
...................... 1-34
Second Gear. Automatic Transmission .............. 2-30
Second Gear. Manual Transmission
............ 2-32. 2-34
Second-Gear Start
.............................. 2-31
Service
........................................ 6-2
Bulletins. Ordering
............................ 8-12
Engine
Soon Light ............................ 2-84
Manuals. Ordering
............................ 8-12
Parts Identification Label ....................... 6-68
Publications. Ordering
......................... 8-12
Work. Doing Your Own
......................... 6-2
Service and Appearance Care
...................... 6-1
Service and Owner Publications ................... 8-12
Service Publications
............................. 8-12
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Pontiac ........... 1-26
Sheet Metal Damage ............................ 6-65
ShiftLever .................................... 2-28
Shiftspeeds
................................... 2-36
Shifting
Automatic Transmission
....................... 2-28
Into
Park (P) ................................. 2-38
Outofpark
.................................. 2-40
Shifting. Manual Transmission
............... 2-32. 2-33
Signaling Turns
................................ 2-45
Sixth Gear. Manual Transmission
.................. 2-34
Skidding
...................................... 4-14
Skip Shift Light ................................ 2-35
Sound Equipment. Adding ........................ 3-22
Spare Tire. Compact ............................. 5-38

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

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