Air PONTIAC FIREBIRD 1998 Owners Manual

For prompt assistance, please have the following
information available to give the Customer
Assistance Representative:
Your name, address, home and business
telephone numbers
Vehicle Identification Number (This is available
from the vehicle registration or
title, or the plate at
the top left of the instrument panel and visible
through the windshield.)
0 Dealership name and location
Vehicle delivery date and present mileage
Nature of concern
We encourage
you to call us so we can give your inquiry
prompt attention. However, if you wish to write Pontiac,
address your inquiry to:
Pontiac-GMC Customer Assistance Center
P.O. Box 436008
Pontiac,
MI 48343-6008 In
Canada, write to:
General Motors
of Canada Limited
Customer Communication Centre,
163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H
8P7
Refer to your Warranty and Owner Assistance Information
booklet for addresses of
GM Overseas offices.
When contacting Pontiac, please remember that your
concern
will likely be resolved in the dealership, using the
dealer’s fadities, equipment and personnel. That is why we
suggest you follow
Step One first if you have a concern.
Customer Assistance for Text
Telephone (TTY) Users
To assist customers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or
speech-impaired and who use Text Telephones
(TTYs),
Pontiac has TTY equipment available at its Customer
Assistance Center. Any TTY user can communicate
with
Pontiac by dialing: 1-800-833-PONT. (TTY users in
Canada can dial
1-800-263-3830.)

Pontiac Roadside Assistance Program
Security While You Travel
1-800-ROADSIEE (1-800-762-3743)
As the proud owner of a new Pontiac vehicle, you are
automatically enrolled
in the Pontiac Roadside Assistance
program. This value-added service is
intended to provide
you with peace of mind as you
drive
in the city or travel the open road.
Pontiac’s Roadside Assistance toll-free number is
staffed by a team
of technically trained advisors, who
are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
We take anxiety out
of uncertain situations by providing
minor repair information over the phone or making
arrangements to tow your vehicle to the nearest
Pontiac dealer.
We will provide the following services for
3 years/36,000 miles (60 000 km), at no expense to you:
0 Fuel delivery
0 Keys locked in vehicle
0 Tow to nearest dealership for warranty service
Change a flat tire
0 Jumpstarts
0 Courtesy Transportation -- See Pontiac Courtesy
Transportation section for details

We have quick, easy access to telephone numbers of the
following additional services depending
on your needs:
Hotels
Glass replacement
Tire repair facilities
Rental vehicle or taxis
Airports or train stations
0 Police, fire department or hospitals
In many instances, mechanical failures
are covered
under Pontiac’s comprehensive warranty. However,
when other services
are utilized, our advisors will
explain any payment obligations you might incur.
For prompt and efficient assistance when calling, please
provide the following information to give the advisor:
Location of vehicle
0 Telephone number of your location
Vehicle model, year and color
0 Mileage of vehicle
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Vehicle license plate number Pontiac reserves the right
to limit services or
reimbursement to an owner or driver when in Pontiac’s
judgement the claims become excessive in frequency or
type of occurrence.
While we hope that you never have the occasion to
use
our service, it is added security while traveling for you
and your family. Remember, we’re only a phone call
away. Pontiac Roadside Assistance
-- 1-800-ROADSIDD
or 1-800-762-3743.
Canadian Roadside Assistance
Vehicles purchased in Canada have an extensive
Roadside Assistance program accessible from anywhere
in Canada or the United States. Please refer to the separate brochure provided
by the dealer or call
1-800-268-6800 for emergency services.
8-7

Pontiac Courtesy Transportation
Pontiac strives to give you a worry-free ownership of
your vehicle, and we realize the inconvenience of being
without a car.
So Pontiac has come up with a way to
eliminate any frustrations you might have when trying
to get a ride to work,
or wondering how you will get
home. Well, your worries are over. Pontiac provides
no-cost transportation when you bring your
1998 Pontiac in for warranty service.
It applies to any repair covered under the
3 year/36,000
mile (60 000 km) limited warranty, and to
any 1998 Pontiac requiring repair as a result of product
recall or special policy situations. For
same day service,
you are entitled to one-way shuttle service of up to
10 miles (16
km). If the vehicle requires multiple day
repairs, you’re entitled
to either a Pontiac loaner or
reimbursement for a rental car, up to $30/day, for up
to five days.
Some state insurance regulations make
it impractical to
rent vehicles to people under
21 years of age. If you are
under 21 and have difficulty renting a vehicle, Pontiac
will reimburse you, up to $30/day, for any documented
transportation you receive.
In Canada, please consult your GM dealer for
information on Courtesy Transportation.
8-8

GM Participation in an Alternative
Dispute Resolution Program
This program is available in all 50 states and the District
of Columbia. Canadian owners refer to your Warranty
and Owner Assistance Information booklet for
information on the Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration
Plan (CAMVAP). General Motors reserves the right to
change eligibility limitations and/or to discontinue its
participation in this program.
Both Pontiac and your Pontiac dealer are committed to
making sure you are completely satisfied with your new vehicle. Our experience has shown that, if
a situation
arises where you feel your concern has not been
adequately addressed, the Customer Satisfaction
Procedure described earlier in this section is
very successful.
There may be instances where an impartial third party
can assist in arriving at a solution to a disagreement
regarding vehicle repairs
or interpretation of the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
To assist in resolving these
disagreements, Pontiac voluntarily participates in
BBB AUTO
LINE.
BBB AUTO LINE is an out-of-court program
administered by the Better Business Bureau system to
settle automotive disputes. This program is available
free of charge to customers who currently own or lease
a
GM vehicle.
If you are not satisfied after following the Customer
Satisfaction Procedure, you may contact the BBB using
the toll-free telephone number, or write them at the
following address:
BBB AUTO LINE Council of Better Business Bureaus, Inc.
4200 Wilson Boulevard Suite
800
Arlington, VA 22203- 1804
Telephone: 1-800-955-5 100
To file a claim, you will be asked to
provide y8 our name
and address, your Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN)
and a statement of the nature of your complaint.
Eligibility is limited by vehicle age and mileage, and
other factors.
8-9

1998 PONTIAC SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ORDERING INFORMATION
The following publications covering the operation and servicing of your vehicle can be purchased by filling out
the Service Publication Order Form in this book and mailing it in with your check, money order,
or credit card information to Helm, Incorporated (address below.)
CURRENT PUBLICATIONS FOR 1998 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 the
1998 GM transmissions, transaxles and transfer 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.
PLEASE COMPLETE THE ORDER FORM SHOWN ON
THE FOLLOWING PAGE AND MAIL TO:
Helm, Incorporated RO. Box 07130 Detroit, MI 48207
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
Service Publications are available for current and past
model
GM vehicles. To request an order form, please
specify year and model name of the vehicle.
OR ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-782-4356
Monday-Friday 8:OO AM - 6:OO PM Eastern Time
For Credit Card Orders Only (VISA-MasterCarcCDisr)

Section 9 Index
Accessory Plug ............................... 2-62
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle ...... 6-3
Air Bag ....................................... 1-22
How Does it Restrain .......................... 1-26
How it Works ................................ 1-24
Location .................................... 1-24
Readiness Light ......................... 1.23. 2.81
Servicing ................................... 1-27
What Makes it Inflate .......................... 1-25
What Will You See After it Inflates ............... 1-26
When Should it Inflate ......................... 1-25
Aircleaner .................................... 6-18
Air Conditioning ................................ 3-3
Air Conditioning Refrigerants ..................... 6-70
Aircontrol ..................................... 3-2
Air Filter Replacement ........................... 6- 19
Alarm. Content Theft-Deterrent System ............. 2- 14
AlarmPanicMode ............................... 2-8
Alignment and Balance. Tire ...................... 6-51
Aluminum Wheels. Cleaning ...................... 6-59
Antenna. Power ................................ 3-22
Antifreeze ..................................... 6-27
Anti-Lock
Brake System Warning Light
................ 2.82. 4.7
Anti-Theft, Radio .............................. 3-17
Appearance Care ............................... 6-53
Appearance Care Materials Chart .................. 6-61
Arbitration Program .............. ............ 8-9
Ashtray and Lighter ........................... 2-60
Audio Equipment, Adding ........................ 3-20
Audio Steering Wheel Controls .................... 3-19
Audio Systems .................................. 3-7
Auto-Down Window ............................ 2-45
Automatic Overdrive ............................ 2-32
Automatic Transmission
Check
...................................... 7-33
Fluid ....................................... 6-20
Operation ................................... 2-30
Park Mechanism Check ........................ 7-35
Shifting ..................................... 2-30
StartingYourEngine .......................... 2-26
Brakes ...................................... 4-7
Axle, Limited-Slip Rear ......................... 2-44
Axle, Rear .................................... 6-27
9-1

Battery ...................................... 6-37
Jump Starting
................................. 5-3
Replacement. Keyless Entry
.................... 2-10
warnings ................................ 5-33-5
BBB Auto Line
................................. 8-9
Before Leaving
on a Long Trip .................... 4-22
Better Business Bureau Mediation
................... 8-9
Blizzard
...................................... 4-28
Brake Adjustment
.................................. 6-36
Fluid
....................................... 6-33
Master Cylinder
.............................. 6-33
Parking
..................................... 2-44
PedalTravel
................................. 6-36
Replacing System Parts
........................ 6-37
System Warning Light
......................... 2-82
Transmission Shift Interlock
.................... 2-3 1
Wear ....................................... 6-35
Trailer
...................................... 4-35
Brakes.Anti -Lock
............................... 4-7
Braking
........................................ 4-6
Braking in Emergencies
.......................... 4-10
“Break-In”. New Vehicle
......................... 2-23
Brightness Control. Instrument Panel
............... 2-55
BTSI
......................................... 2-31
BTSI Check
................................... 7-34
Bulb Replacement
.............................. 6-38 Canadian
Roadside Assistance
.................... 8-7
Carbon Monoxide
............... 2-1 1.2.42.4.29. 4.35
Cassette Deck Service
........................... 7-32
CareofYo ur ................................. 3-21
Errors ....................................... 3-9
CD Player Theft-Deterrent Feature
................. 3-17
CertificationLabel
.............................. 4-30
Chains. Safety
................................. 4-35
Chains. Tire
................................... 6-52
Changing a Flat Tire ............................. 5-27
Check Gages Light
.............................. 2-90
Chemical Paint Spotting
.......................... 6-60
Child Restraints
................................ 1-34
Securing in a Rear Seat Position
................. 1-40
Securing in the Right Front Seat Position
.......... 1-42
TopStrap
................................... 1-39
TLpesof
.................................... 1-34
WheretoPut
................................ 1-38
Cigarette Lighter
............................... 2-60
Circuit Breakers and Fuses
....................... 6-63
Cleaner.
Air ................................... 6-18
Cleaning AluminumWheels
............................ 6-59
ConvertibleTop
.............................. 6-58
Capacities and Specifications
...................... 6-68
Cassette Tape Player
......................... 3.7. 3.8
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp Bulb Replacement
.... 6-40
Checking
Your Restraint Systems .................. 1-47
9-2

Filter. Air ..................................... 6-18
Filter. Engine Oil ............................... 6-70
Finish Care .................................... 6-58
Finish Damage ................................. 6-60
Flashers. Hazard Warning ......................... 5-2
Flat Tire. Changing ............................. 5-27
RoorMats .................................... 2-62
Fluids and Lubricants ............................ 7-38
FOgLamps .................................... 2-54
Folding Rear Seatback ............................ 1-8
Foreign Countries, Fuel ........................... 6-5
Four-Way Manual Seat ........................... 1-3
French Language Manual ........................... ii
Front Console
.................................. 2-58
Front Seatback Latches ........................... 1-7
FrontTowing .................................. 5-10
Front Tuni Signal Lamp Bulb Replacement .......... 6-39
Fuel .......................................... 6-3
FillingYourTank .............................. 6-6
Gage ....................................... 2-90
In Foreign Countries ........................... 6-5
Fuses and Circuit Breakers ....................... 6-63
Gages Engine Coolant Temperature
.................... 2-84
Fuel ....................................... 2-90
Oil Pressure ................................. 2-88
GAWR ..................................4-30. 4-31
Gear Positions. Automatic Transmission ............. 2-30
Gear Positions. Manual Transmission ............... 2-35
Glove Box .................................... 2-58
Graphic Equalizer ......................... 3.11. 3.12
Gross Axle Weight Rating ................... 4.30. 4.31
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating ................. 4.30, 4.31
Guide en Franqais ................................. ii
GVWR ................................ 4.30. 4.31
Halogen Bulbs ................................ 6-38
Hatch ........................................ 2-11
Hatch Release .................................. 2-11
Hatch Release, Remote .......................... 2-12
Hazard Warning Flashers .......................... 5-2
Head Restraints ................................. 1-7
Headlarnp Bulb Replacement ...................... 6-38
Headlamp Doors ............................... 2-53
High/Low Beam Changer ...................... 2-47
On Reminder ................................ 2-52
Wiring ..................................... 6-63
Hearing Impaired, Customer Assistance .............. 8-5
Headlarnps
Heating
........................................ 3-4
High-Beam Headlamps .......................... 2-47
Highway Hypnosis .............................. 4-23
Hill and Mountain Roads ......................... 4-23
Hitches. Trailer ................................. 4-35
Hood Checking Things Under
......................... 6-8 ~~
Release ...................................... 6-9
Horn ......................................... 2-45
Hydraulic Clutch ............................... 6-26

Hydraulic Clutch System Check ................... 7-33
Hydroplaning
.................................. 4- 19
If a Tile Goes Flat .............................. 5-27
Transmission Lock Check
...................... 7-35
Ignition Positions
............................... 2-24
Inflation. Tire
.................................. 6-45
Inside Daymight Rearview Mirror
................. 2-57
Inspections
.................................... 7-36
Brake System
................................ 7-37
Engine Cooling System
........................ 7-36
Exhaust Systems
............................. 7-36
RearAxle
................................... 7-37
Steering .................................... 7-36
Suspension
.................................. 7-36
Throttle Linkage
.............................. 7-37
Instrumentpanel
............................... 2-76
Brightness Control
............................ 2-55
Cleaning
.................................... 6-55
Cluster
..................................... 2-78
Interior Lamps
................................. 2-55
.................................... J ack. Tire 5-30
Jumpstarting
................................... 5-3
Key Lock Cylinders Service ..................... 7-33
Key Release Button
............................. 2-25
Keyless Entry Lock Verification. Remote
............ 2-20
Keyless Entry System. Remote
..................... 2-6
Keys
.......................................... 2-2 Labels
Certification
................................. 4-30
Service Parts Identification ..................... 6-62
Tire-Loading Information
..................... -4-30
Vehicle Identification Number ................... 6-62
Courtesy
.................................... 2-55
Interior
..................................... 2-55
On Reminder
................................ 2-52
Last Door Closed Locking ......................... 2-5
Last Door Closed Locking and Lockout Prevention .... 2-20
Latches. Front Seatback
........................... 1-7
Leaving Your Vehicle
............................. 2-6
Leaving
Your Vehicle with the Engine Running ....... 2-40
Lighter
....................................... 2-60
Lights
Lamps
Air Bag Readiness
....................... 1.23. 2.77
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning
............ 2.83. 4.7
Brake
System Warning ......................... 2-82
CheckGages
................................ 2-90
LowCoolant
................................. 2-85
Low Oil
.................................... 2-89
Low Traction
............................ 2.84. 4.9
Safety Belt Reminder
...................... 1.9. 2.80
Service Engine Soon
.......................... 2-85
Traction Control System Warning
............ 2.83. 4.9
Limited-Slip Differential. Rear Axle
................ 6-27
Loading
Your Vehicle ........................... 4-30
Lockout Prevention
......................... 2.6. 2.20
9-6