key battery PONTIAC FIREBIRD 1997 Owners Manual

Your vehicle is equipped with a crash sensing and
diagnostic module, which records information about
the air bag system. The module records information
about
the readiness of the system, when the sensors are
activated
and driver’s safety belt usage at deployment,
Let only qualified technicians work on your air bag
system. Improper service can mean that your
air bag system won’t work properly.
See your
dealer
for service.
I I
NOTICE:
If you damage the covering for the driver% or the
right front passenger’s
air bag, the bag may not
work properly. You may have to replace the air
bag module in the steering wheel
or both the air
bag module and the instrument panel for the
right front passenger’s air bag. Do not open or
break the air bag coverings.
S ~ ring Your Air Bag-Equipped Pontiac
Air bags affect how your Pontiac should be serviced.
There are parts
sf the air bag system in several places
around your vehicle. You don’t want the system to
inflate while someone is working on your vehicle. Your
Pontiac deal’er and the Firebird Service Manual have
information about servicing your vehicle and the air bag
system.
To purchase a service manual, see “Service and
Owner Publications” in the Index,
For up to 10 minutes after the ignition key is
turned of€ and the battery is disconnected, an air
bag can still inflate during improper service, You
can be injured if you are close to an air bag when
it inflates. Avoid
wires wrapped with yellow tape
or yellow connectors.
They are probably part of
the air bag system. Be sure to follow proper
service procedures, and make sure
the person
performing
work for you is qualified to do so.
rhe air bag system does not need regular maintenance.
1-26

AlarmRanic Mode Operation
The driver’s door will unlock automatically when
UNLOCK is pressed.
If UNLOCK is pressed again
within five seconds, the passenger door will also unlock.
All doors will lock when
LOCK is pressed.
The hatch will unlock when the button with the trunk
symbol is pressed twice within five seconds, as long as
the ignition is turned to the
OFF position. If the ignition
is on, the trunk symbol button will only work if the
transmission is in
PARK (P) for an automatic
transmission, or if the parking brake is set on a manual
transmission.
The system will turn on the interior lamps for about
40
seconds (or until the ignition switch is turned to the
RUN position), when you unlock the doors or hatch.
The interior lamps will go
off when you lock the doors.
Operating the key chain transmitter may interact with
the Vehicle and Content Theft-Deterrent System
(if you
have this option). See “Vehicle and Content
Theft-Deterrent System” in the Index.
If your vehicle is equipped with the Vehicle and Content
Theft-Deterrent System, you will have a fourth button
on your key chain transmitter. This button
is the panic
button. If you are involved in a panic situation, press
this button and your vehicle’s horn will sound and the
parking lamps will flash. This will draw needed
attention to you and your vehicle. To turn this feature
off, either push the panic button again or turn the
ignition to on. Note: This feature will not work if your
ignition is on
or if the key fob is 30 feet (9 m) or more
away from your vehicle.
Transmitter Range
The range of your Remote Keyless Entry system should
be about 3 feet (1 m) up to 30 feet (9 m). At times you
may notice a decrease in the range. This is normal for
any Remote Keyless Entry system. If the transmitter
does not work, or you have to stand closer to your
vehicle than normal for the transmitter to work:
0 You may have to replace the battery in
your transmitter. See
the instructions for
battery replacement.
You may be too far from your vehicle. Check your
distance,
You may have to stand closer to your
vehicle in rain or snow.
2-7

0
0
0
Check the location. Other vehicles or objects
may be blocking the signal. Take a few steps to
the right or left.
You may have to synchronize your transmitter
to the receiver in your vehicle. See instructions
for synchronization.
You may have to match the transmitters to your
vehicle. See instructions.
If none of the above apply, see your dealer or
qualified technician for service.
Synchronization
Synchronization may be necessary due to the security
metho’d used
by the Remote Keyless Entry system. The
transmitter does not send the same signal twice to the
receiver.
The receiver will not respond to a signal it has
been s’ent previously.
This prevents anyone from recoding
and playing
back the signal fiom the transmitter. To
resynchronize the transmitter with the receiver:
While standing close to your vehicle, simultaneously
press and hold the
LOCK and UNLOCK buttons on
the transmitter for eight seconds. The door locks
should cycle and parking lamps flash
to confirm
synchronization. If this does not happen, you may
need
to replace the battery in your transmitter.
Transmitter Verification (I€ Equipped)
This feature provides feedback to the holder of the remote
keyless entry transmitter that a command has been
received by the keyless entry receiver.
The parking larnps
will
flash on every lock and unlock command and the horn
will sound only if the
LOCK button is pushed twice within
five seconds.
This allows for silent operation of locking
and unloclung unless
a confirming horn chxp is desired.
Other options may be selected for
this feature (see
“Feature Custornization” in the Index).
Matching Transmitter(s) To Your Vehicle
Each remote keyless entry transmitter is coded to
prevent another transmitter from unlocking your vehicle.
If a transmitter is lost or stolen, a replacement can be
purchased through your dealer. Remember to bring any
remaining transmitters with you when you go to your
dealer. When the dealer matches the replacement
transmitter to your vehicle,
any remaining transmitters
must also be matched. Once your dealer
has coded the
new transmitter, the lost transmitter will not unlock your
vehicle. Each vehicle can have up
to four transmitters
matched to it.

Have each transmitter you intend to match ready for the
next steps. To match transmitters to your vehicle:
1. Turn the ignition switch to the RUN position then to
the
OFF position. This will disarm the Vehicle and
Content Theft-Deterrent System (if your vehicle has
this option).
2. Remove the RADIO fuse. This fuse is located in the
main fuse block, located on the left side of your
instrument panel. See “Fuses and Circuit Breakers”
in the Index.
3. Turn the ignition switch from the OFF to the RUN
position three times quickly (within five seconds).
The vehicle will respond by locking the doors,
unlocking the driver’s doors and releasing the hatch.
Your transmitter is now ready to match your vehicle.
4. Press and hold the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons on
the first transmitter for 15 seconds. The vehicle will
respond as in Step
3.
5. Repeat Step 4 for the remaining transmitters.
6. When you have finished matching all of your
7. Check that all transmitters work by pressing their buttons.
transmitters,
replace the
RADIO fuse.
If the transmitters don’t work, or if you’d rather not
match the transmitters yourself,
see your Pontiac dealer.
Battery Replacement
Under normal use, the battery in your key chain
transmitter should last about two years.
You can tell the battery is weak if the transmitter won’t
work at the normal range in any location.
If you have to
get close to your vehicle before the transmitter works,
it’s probably time to change the battery.
Use one battery, type
CR2032, or a similar type.
2-9

NOTICE:
When replacing the battery, use care not to touch
any
of the circuitry. Static from your body
transferred
to these surfaces may damage
the
transmitter.
To replace the battery in the key chain transmitter:
1. Carefully pry off the cover by inserting a dime (or
2. Lift off the back cover.
3. Remove and repla’ce the battery. Use one battery,
similar object) in a slot between the covers and twist,
type CR2032, or a sirnilar type. Put the new battery
in printed side down.
tightly s0 water won’t get in.
does not work after battery replacement, it may need
to be resynchronized or matched
to your vehicle. See
“Synchronization” in the Index.
4. Replace the back cov’er. Make sure the cover is on
5. Check the transmitter operation. If the transmitter
Hatch
It can be dangerous to drive with the hatch open
because carbon monoxide
(CO) gas can come into
your vehicle. You can’t see
or smell CO, It can
cause unconsciousness and even death.
If you must drive with the hatch open or if
electrical wiring or other cable connections must
pass through the seal between the body and
the hatch:
Make sure all windows are shut.
Turn the fan your heating or cooling
system to
its highest speed with the setting on
VENT, That will force outside air into your
vehicle. See ‘‘Comfort Controls” in the Index.
instrument
paad, open them all the way.
If you have air outlets on or under the
See
‘(Engine Exhaust” in the Index.
2-10

Manual Transmission
The gear selector should be in NEUTRAL (N). Hold the
clutch pedal to the floor and start the engine. Your
vehicle won’t start if the clutch pedal
is not all the way
down
-- that’s a safety feature.
1. Without pushing the accelerator pedal, turn your
ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let
go of the key. The idle speed will go down as your
engine gets warm.
NOTICE:
Holding your key in START for longer than
15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to be
drained much sooner. And the excessive heat can
damage your starter motor.
2. If it doesn’t start right away, hold your key in
START for about three to five seconds at a time until
your engine starts. Wait about 15 seconds between
each try to help avoid draining your battery.
3. If your engine still won’t start (or starts but then stops),
it could be flooded with too much gasoline. Try
pushing
your accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and
holding it there as you hold the key
in START for about
three seconds.
If the vehicle starts briefly but then stops
again,
do the same thing, but this time keep the pedal
down for five or six seconds. This clears the extra
gasoline from the engine. After waiting about
15 seconds, repeat the normal starting procedure.
NOTICE:
Your engine is designed to work with the
electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical
parts or accessories, you could change the way
the engine operates. Before adding electrical
equipment, check
with your dealer. If you don’t,
your engine might not perform properly.
If you ever have to have your vehicle towed, see
the part
of this manual that tells how to do it
without damaging your vehicle. See “Towing
Your Vehicle” in the Index.
2-26

Interior Lamps
Instrument Panel Brightness Control
This switch controls the brightness of your
instrument panel lights. Turn the switch upward
to
brighten or dim the lights, If you turn the switch all the
way up, your courtesy lamps will come on.
Courtesy Lamps
When any door is opened, several interior lamps go on.
These lamps are courtesy lamps. They make
it easier for
you
to enter and leave your vehicle.
Courtesy lamps include the dome lamp and other lamps
throughout the interior
of your vehicle.
To prevent battery rundown, your interior lamps will be
disabled about
10 minutes after the ignition is turned to
OFF. The 10 minute timer will be restarted if you do any
of the following;
1, Turn the ignition on.
2. Open either door.
3. Press any button on your Remote. Lock
Control transmitter.
4. Turn the int’erior lamp switch from off to on.
5. Open the hatch.
Delayed Illumination
With delayed illumination, the courtesy lamps will stay
on for
25 seconds after you close the doors when
entering the vehicle. They will stay
on for five seconds
after you close the doors when exiting the vehicle. The
times will
be shortened if the ignition is turned to the
RUN position or if the power locks are activated. To
turn this feature on or off, see “Feature Customizatian”
in the Index.
Exit Lighting
With exit lighting, the interior lamps will come on when
you remove the key from the ignition
to help you see
while exiting the vehicle.
To turn this feature on or off,
see “Feature Customization” in the Index,
2-54

6. Pull down on the center opening and align the hooks
with the holes.
Push forward on the larger part of the
latch until it clicks.
Do not force the latch. If it is
hard to lock, the top is not properly aligned.
If your vehicle suffers a power loss, such as a dead
battery, you can still raise
or lower the top manually by
rotating the valve in the left side
of the trunk. Open
the trunk and find the tab along the left side trim
panel.
Lift up the tab and turn the valve clockwise to
release the hydraulic pressure. Turn the ignition key to
the
LOCK position. You can now raise or lower your top
manually. Be sure to close the valve after installing your
top
so you can raise or lower it electrically later.
2-73

Voltmeter
You can read battery
voltage on your voltmeter.
If it reads less than 11 volts
or more than
16 volts while
your engine is running, and
it stays there, you may have
a problem with the
electrical charging system.
Brake System Warning Light
Your Pontiac’s hydraulic brake system is divided into
two parts.
If one part isn’t working, the other part can
still work and stop you.
For good braking, though, you
need both parts working well.
If the warning light comes on, there could be a brake
problem or the brake fluid level could
be low. Have your
brake system inspected right away.
Have it checked right away. Driving with the voltmeter
reading in a warning zone could drain your battery.
If you idle your engine for a while, the voltmeter
reading might move into the yellow zone.
If the reading
stays in the yellow zone while you are driving, you may
have a problem with the electrical charging system.
Have
it checked. While the voltmeter reads in the yellow
zone, your battery may not be able to power certain
electrical accessories, like
ABS. (If this happens, your
ABS INOP light will come on. See “Anti-Lock Brake
System Warning Light” in this part.)
If you must drive a short distance with
the voltmeter
reading in
a warning zone, turn off all your accessories,
including your air conditioning and audio system.
BRAKE
This light should come on
briefly when you turn
the ignition key to
RUN. If
it doesn’t come on then,
have it fixed
so it will be
ready to warn you if there’s
a problem.
If the light comes on while you are driving, pull off the
road and stop carefully.
You may notice that the pedal is
harder to push. Or, the pedal may
go closer to the floor.
It may take longer to stop. If the light is still on, or if the
anti-lock brake system warning light is flashing, have
the vehicle towed for service. (See “Anti-Lock Brake

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