sensor 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

If your vehicle has this option, it has a theft-deterrent
alarm system. Once armed, the system will sound the
horn and flash the parking lamps if the vehicle is
broken into.
Shock Sensor
Coupe Convertible
The shock sensor is what triggers the alarm when it
detects a blow to your vehicle. It
is located over the
right rear wheelhouse near the spare
tire in the hatch
area. There are two levels of alarms via the shock
sensor: Two horn blasts and parking lamp flashes for
non-threatening blows to the vehicle and
a full two
minute alarm for harder blows to the vehicle. Its
sensitivity can be adjusted if more or less sensitivity is
desired. (Note: If sensitivity is increased too much,
it
may give false alarms caused by gusts of wind or other
natural events that may shake the vehicle).
To adjust, remove the label covering the adjustment
knob on the sensor and adjust as desired. Turn clockwise
to increase sensitivity and turn counterclockwise to decrease sensitivity. The shock sensor
is ignored by the
alarm system when the ignition is on, when the hatch is
open, when the alarm is disarmed, when it is customized
to be ignored and for five seconds after
the horn sounds
an alarm or chirp. The shock sensor is ignored after
triggering three full alarms until the system is rearmed.
2-13

Arming the System
The alarm system can be
armed to detect break-ins
by locking your vehicle
using the key chain
transmitter or by locking
the
doors with the power door
lock switch.
Passive arming is also available,
if you would like the
system to
am all by itself after the doors have been
closed for a short time. When the system
is armed, a red
light will flash briefly once every two seconds. (Note:
If
you return to your vehicle and the red light is flashing
two
brief flashes every two seconds, the system is armed
and the shock sensor had triggered a two minute alarm.
If the red light is flashing three times every two seconds,
the system
is armed and there was an intrusion that
sounded the alarm).
Horn chirps and parking lamp
flashes can be
set to your choice.
Remote Keyless Entry Transmitter Locking
If all the doors are closed, locking the vehicle with the
transmitter will immediately arm the system. The horn
will chirp twice and the
parking lamps will flash,
confirming that the system
is armed. If any door is open
when the transmitter
LOCK button is pressed, the
system goes into an armed wait mode, waiting for the
doors
to close. Once they are closed, the system will
arm, chirp the horns twice and flash the parking lamps.
If the hatch
is open or ajar at the time the system is
arming, the
horn will only chirp once.
Power Door Lock Switch Locking
If any door is open when the power door lock switch is
pressed, the system goes into an armed wait mode,
waiting for the doors to close. Once they are closed, the
system will arm and flash the parking lamps.
If all of the
doors are closed when the lock switch is pressed, the
system assumes
you are inside the vehicle, so it will not
arm. Note: Locking the doors
by using the manual door
locks will
not arm the system.
2-14

Passive Arming
If the ignition was just turned off and a door was
opened, the system will arm
six seconds after all doors
are closed, whether or not you lock them. In all other
cases, the system will wait 30 seconds after all doors are
closed before arming, allowing you time
to get into the
vehicle and put the key in the ignition. The parking
lamps will flash when the system arms. Passive arming
is not enabled from the factory.
Turning Off the Alarm
Disarming the System
There are two ways to disarm the system:
1. Press the UNLOCK button on the key chain
transmitter. If the horn chirps two or three times
when you unlock the car, the alarm sounded in your
absence. Two chirps means that the shock sensor was
set off and three chirps means that a door or hatch
was opened.
proper key.
2. Turn the ignition to the RUN position with the
For more information on customizing the features
mentioned here, see “Feature Customization” in
the Index.
If you started the alarm by pressing the panic button on
the key chain transmitter, you must either push that
button again or turn the ignition switch to the RUN
position to stop the alarm.
If the alarm is sounding due to the shock sensor or a
door or hatch opening, it can be turned
off by either
turning the ignition switch with a proper key inserted or
by pressing any button on the key chain transmitter. If
you
use your key chain transmitter to silence the alarm,
additional things will happen depending upon which
button you press.
Pressing the UNLOCK button will turn the alarm
off, unlock the driver’s door and disarm the system.
0 Pressing the LOCK button will turn the alarm off,
keep the doors locked and keep the system armed.
Pressing the trunk symbol button twice within five
seconds will turn the alarm off, unlock and disarm
the hatch only.
keep the doors locked and keep the system armed.
Pressing the panic button will turn the alarm off,
If the alarm is sounding because an incorrect ign“’ >n
key was used, press any button on the key chain
transmitter to turn the alarm off.
The alarm will stop by itself after two minutes.
2-15

Clean and dry the key. Wait about three minutes and try
again. The SECURITY light may remain on during this
time. If the starter still won’t work, and the key appears
to be clean and dry, wait about three minutes and try
another ignition key. At this time, you may also want to
check the fuses (see “Fuses and Circuit Breakers” in the
Index). If the starter won’t work with the other key, your
vehicle needs service.
If your vehicle do’es start, the first
ignition key may be faulty. See your Pontiac dealer or a
locksmith who can service the PASS-Key
11.
If you accidentally use a key that has a damaged or
missing resistor pellet, the starter won’t work, and the
SECURITY light will flash. But you don’t have to wait
three minutes before trying another ignition key.
See your Pontiac dealer or
a locksmith who can service
the PASS-Key
I1 to have a new key made.
If you’re ever driving and the SECUFUTY light comes on and
stays on, you will be able to restart your engine if you
turn it
off. Your PASS-Key II system, however, is not working
properly and must be serviced by your Pontiac dealer. Your
vehicle is not protected by the PASS-Key
II system.
If
you lose or damage a PASS-Key I1 ignition key, see
your Pontiac dealer or a locksmith who can service
PASS-Key
I1 to have a new key made. In an emergency,
call the Pontiac Roadside Assistance Program at
1-800-ROADSIm or 1-800-762-3743.
Feature Customization (If Equipped)
Your Pontiac’s locks and lighting systems can be
programmed with several different features. The
features you can program depend upon the options that
came with your vehicle. The following list
tells you the
features that can be programmed. Listed next to each
feature is the option you need to have
on your vehicle in
order to be able to program that particular feature.
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Exit Lighting (available for all)
Delayed Illumination (available for all)
Last Door Closed Locking (if equipped with power
door locks)
Lockout Prevention
(if equipped with power door locks)
Remote Lock Control Verification (if equipped with
Vehicle and Content Theft-Deterrent System)
Theft-Deterrent Arming Method
(if equipped with
Vehicle and Content Theft-Deterrent System)
Theft-Deterrent Arming Verification
(if equipped
with Vehicle and Content Theft-Deterrent System)
Driver’s Door Alarm Delay (if equipped with
Vehicle and Content Theft-Deterrent System)
Shock Sensor Enable (if equipped with Vehicle and
Content Theft-Deterrent System)

To program features, your vehicle must be in the
programming mode. Follow these steps:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Put your key in the ignition.
Turn the ignition to the
RUN pos’ition to disarm the
Vehicle and Content Theft-Deterrent System.
Turn the ignition
to the OFF position.
Remove the RADIO
fuse. This fuse is in the main
fuse block, located on the left side of your
instrument panel. See “Fuses and Circuit Breakers”
in the Index.
Put the ignition in the
ACC position:
You should hear
a chime to verify that the system is
in programming mode.
If the chime sounds once,
you will be able
to program Exit Lighting, Delayed
Illumination, Last Door Closed Locking and Lockout
Prevention only.
If the chime sounds twice and your
vehicle is equipped with the Vehicle and Content
Theft-Deterrent System,
you will also be able to set
Remote
Lock Control Verification, Arming Method,
Arming Verification, Driver’s Door Delay and Shock
Sensor Enable.
Exit Lighting and Delayed Illumination
Exit Lighting: Your interior lights will come on for
up to
25 seconds when the key is removed from the
ignition switch.
Delayed Illumination: Your interior lights will stay
on
for up to 25 seconds when entering your vehicle and up
to five seconds when leaving your vehicle.
Your vehicle comes with both features enabled (Mode
4).
To change the factory setting, do the following:
1. Turn the courtesy lamps on by turning the instrument
panel brightness control knob all the way up.
2. Count the number of chimes you hear. The number of
chimes tells you which mode your vehicle is set for.
3. Turn the courtesy lamp switch to off.
4. Turn the courtesy lamp switch from on to off until
you hear the number of chimes that correspond to the
mode selection
you want.
Mode 1: Both Off
Mode 2: Delayed Illumination Only
Mode 3: Exit Lighting Only
Mode 4: Both On
2-18

Driver’s Door Alarm Delay and Shock
Sensor Enable
Your vehicle comes with this feature set in Mode 4.
This means that if you open the driver’s door using
your key, the alarm will not sound
for eight seconds.
Also the shock sensor, able
to detect sharp blows to
your vehicle, is active.
To change the factory setting, do
the following:
1. Turn the parking lamps
on and off,
2. Count the number of chimes you hear. The number
of chimes tells you which mode your vehicle is
set for.
3. Turn the parking lamps on and off until you hear the
number of chimes that correspond to the mode
selection you want.
Mode 1: Zero Delay and Shock Sensor Disabled (The
alarm will sound immediately
if the driver’s door is
opened with your
key and the shock sensor will not be
available to measure sharp blows to your vehicle).
Mode 2: Eight Second Delay and Shock Sensor
Disabled (The alarm will sound eight seconds after the
driver’s door is opened with your key and the shock
sensor will not be available to measure sharp blows to
your vehicle),
Mode 3: Zero Relay and Shock Sensor Enabled (The
alum will sound immediately after the driver’s door is
opened with your key and the
shock sensor will be
available
to measure sharp blows to your vehicle).
Mode 4: Eight Second Delay and Shock Sensor Enabled
(The alarm will
sound eight seconds after the driver’s
door is
opened with your key and the shock sensor will
be available to measure sharp
blows to your vehicle).
Leaving Programming Mode
When programming is done, turn the ignition switch to
the
OFF position and replace the RADIO fuse.
2-22

Daytime Running Lamps
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier for
others to see the front of your vehicle during the day.
DRL can be helpful in many different driving
conditions, but they can be especially helpful in the
short periods after dawn and before sunset.
In Canada, a light sensor on top of the instrument
panel automatically turns the headlamps on,
so be
sure it isn’t covered.
The DRL system will make your front turn signal lamps
come on when:
The ignition is on,
The headlamp switch is OFF and
0 The parking brake is released.
When
the DRL are on, only your front turn signal lamps
will be on. The taillamps, sidemarker and other lamps
won’t be on.
Your instrument panel won’t be lit up either.
For Canadian vehicles when it’s dark enough outside,
your front turn signal lamps will go out and your
headlamps will come on. The other lamps that come on
with your headlamps will also come on. When it’s bright
enough outside, the regular lamps will go off, and your
front turn signal lamps will come on. On a non-Canadian vehicle the headlamps have
to be
turned on manually when you need them. When the
headlamps are turned
on, the front turn signal lamps
will go out. When you use your turn signals, the front
turn signal lamp and the taillamp on the desired side
will flash.
As with any vehicle, you should turn OM the regular
headlamp system when you need it.
Fog Lamps (If Equipped)
Use your fog lamps for better vision in foggy or misty
conditions. Your parking lamps must be on or your fog
lamps won’t work.
0s To turn the fog lamps on, push the right side of the
fog lamp switch. Push the left side of the switch to turn
the fog lamps
off. A light on the switch will come on
when the fog lamps are on.
Fog lamps will go off whenever your high beams come
on. When the high beams
go off, the fog lamps will
come on again.
If your vehicle is equipped with the Vehicle and Content
Theft-Deterrent System and your fog lamp switch is on,
the fog lamps may flash to indicate operation of the
Vehicle and Content Theft-Deterrent System. See “Vehicle
and Content Theft-Deterrent System” in the Index.
2-53

Safety Belt Reminder Light
When the key is turned to RUN or START, a chime will
come on for about eight seconds to remind people to
fasten their safety belts.
The safety belt light will
also come on and stay on
for about
70 seconds. If the
driver’s belt is already
buckled, neither the chime
nor the light will come
on.
Air Bag Readiness Light
There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument
panel, which shows
AIR BAG. The system checks the
air bag’s electrical system for malfunctions. The light
tells you if there is an electrical problem. The system
check includes the air bag sensors, the air bag modules,
the wiring and the crash sensing and diagnostic module.
For more information
on the air bag system, see “Air
Bag” in the Index. This light
will come on
when you start your engine,
and
it will flash for a few
seconds. Then the light
should go out. This means
the system
is ready.
If the air bag readiness light stays on after you start the
engine or comes on when you are driving, your air bag
system may not work properly. Have your vehicle
serviced right away.
The air bag readiness light should flash for a few
seconds when
you turn the ignition key to RUN. If the
light doesn’t come
on then, have it fixed so it will be
ready to warn you
if there is a problem.
2-78

Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
This gage shows the engine
coolant temperature.
If the
gage pointer moves into the
red area, your engine is too
hot! It means that your
engine coolant has
overheated.
Low Coolant Light (VS Engine)
This warning light should
come on while you are
starting your engine.
If the
light doesn’t
come on, have
it repaired.
If you have been operating your vehicle under normal
driving conditions, you should pull off the road, stop
your vehicle and turn off the engine as soon as possible.
In “Problems
on the Road,” this manual shows what to
do. See “Engine Overheating” in the Index. Your
Firebird is equipped with
a LOW COOLANT
indicator which is designed to detect when the coolant
level drops below set limits. If the low coolant level
sensor (on the radiator) drops while the engine is
running,
the LOW COOLANT indicator will light and
remain lit until the ignition switch
is turned to the OFF
position. Check coolant level and add coolant as needed.
The LOW COOLANT light might stay on after filling
the radiator. Turn the ignition switch to the
OFF
position, then restart the engine to verify that the LOW
COOLANT light goes out. See “Engine Coolant” in
the Index.
2-83