mirror PONTIAC FIREBIRD 1998 User Guide

Driving with a Trailer
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Befm setting out for the open road, you’ll want to get
to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel of
handling and braking with the added weight of the
trailer. And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are
driving
is now a good deal longer and not nearly as
responsive as your vehicle is by itself.
Before you start, check the trailer hitch and platform
(and attachments), safety chains, electrical connector,
lamps, tires and mirror adjustment.
If the trailer has
electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and
then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure
the brakes are working. This lets
you check your
electrical connection at the
same time.
During
your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load is secure,
and that the lamps and any trailer brakes
are still working.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as you
would when driving your vehicle without a trailer. This
can help you avoid situations that require heavy braking
and sudden
turns.
Passing
You’ll need more passing distance up ahead when
you’re towing
a trailer. And, because you’re a good deal
longer, you’ll need to go much farther beyond
the
passed vehicle before you can return to your lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand.
Then,
to move the trailer to the left, just move that hand
to the left. To move the trailer to the right, move your
hand to
the right. Always back up slowly and, if
possible, have someone guide you.
4-36

TAIL LPS HVAC
PWR ACCY
COURTESY
GAUGES
Fuse Usage
RADIO ACCY Delco Monsoon Radio Amplifier, Power Antenna, Remote CD
Player (trunk)
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
Module, Headlamp Switch
HVAC Selector Switch, Rear
Defogger Switch/Timer
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
AIR BAG Air Bag, Dual Pole Arming Sensor
CIGAFUACCY Cigar Lighter, Data Link
Connector (DLC), Auxiliary
Accessory Wire
Defogger Timermelay, Power Seats
DEFOGBEATS Rear Defogger Switch/Timer, Rear WINDOWS
I/p DIMMER
RADIO
Usage
Steering Wheel Controls
Fuse
STG WHEEL
CNTRL
WIPEWASH Wiper Motor Assembly,
Wiper/Washer 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
6-65

Fabric ...................................... 6-54
Glass
....................................... 6-56
Inside
of Your Pontiac ......................... 6-54
Instrument Panel
............................. 6-55
Interior Plastic Components
..................... 6-55
Leather
..................................... 6-55
Outside of Your Pontiac
........................ 6-57
Removable Roof Panel
......................... 6-57
Special Problems
............................. 6-54
Stains
...................................... 6-54
Tires
....................................... 6-59
Vinyl
....................................... 6-55
Wheels
..................................... 6-59
Windshield
and Wiper Blades ................... 6-56
Clock. Setting the
................................ 3-7
Close-Out Panel
................................ 2-59
Clutch. Hydraulic
............................... 6-26
Comfort Controls
................................ 3-2
Compact Disc
............................. 3.11. 3.12
CareofYour
................................. 3-22
Player
................................. 3.11. 3.12
Player Errors
........................... 3.13. 3.15
Trunk Mounted Player
......................... 3-14
CareofYour
................................. 3-22
Compact Spare Tire
............................. 5-40
Alarm/PanicMode
............................. 2-8
Feature Customization
......................... 2- 18
Content Theft-Deterrent System
................... 2- 14
Control of a Vehicle .............................. 4-5
Convertible Top
................................ 2-69 Convex Outside Mirror
.......................... 2-58
Coolant
....................................... 6-27
Bleed Valves
................................. 5-22
Heater. Engine
............................... 2-29
RecoveryTank
............................... 5-19
Cooling
........................................ 3-3
Cooling System
................................ 5-17
Courtesy Lamps
................................ 2-55
Courtesy Transportation
........................... 8-8
Cruise Control
................................. 2-49
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone Users ......... 8-5
Customer Assistance Information ................... 8-1
Customer Satisfaction Procedure .................... 8-3
Damage. Finish
............................... 6-60
Damage. Sheet Metal
............................ 6-59
Daytime Running Lamps ......................... 2-53
DeadBattery ................................... 5-3
Defects. Reporting Safety
........................ 8-10
Defensive Driving
............................... 4-2
Defogger. Rear Window
.......................... 3-5
Defogging
..................................... 3-4
Defrosting
..................................... 3-4
Delayed Illumination
............................ 2-55
Dimensions. Vehicle ............................ 6-70
Dolby@
B Noise Reduction ....................... 3-10
Door Last Door Closed Locking
.................. 2-5. 2-19
Lockout Prevention ....................... 2-6. 2-19
Locks
....................................... 2-4
9-3

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

Locks
Cylinders ................................... 7-33
Key Lock Cylinder Service ..................... 7-33
Low coolant Light .............................. 2-85
Low Oil Light ................................. 2-89
Low Traction Light ......................... 2-84, 4-9
Lubricants and Fluids ............................ 7-38
Lubrication Service, Body ........................ 7-33
........................................ Door 2-4
PowerDoor .................................. 2-5
LossofControl ................................ 4-14
Main Fuse Block .............................. 6-64
Maintenance. Normal Replacement Parts ............ 6-70
Maintenance Record ............................ 7-40
Maintenance Schedule ............................ 7- 1
Long Trip/Highway Definition ................... 7-6
Long TripMghway Intervals ..................... 7-6
Owner Checks and Services ..................... 7-32
Periodic Maintenance Inspections ................ 7-36
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants ............. 7-38
Scheduled Maintenance Services .................. 7-4
Short TripKity Definition ....................... 7-5
Short TripKity Intervals ........................ 7-5
Maintenance. Underbody ......................... 6-60
Maintenance When Trailer Towing ................. 4-38
Malfunction Indicator Lamp ...................... 2-85
Manual Front Seat ............................... 1-2
Manual Remote Control Mirror . . ............. 2-57
Manual Transmission
Check
7-33
Fivespeed .................................. 2-35
Fluid ....................................... 6-24
......................................
Operation ................................... 2-35
Shift Speeds ................................. 2-37
Starting Your Engine .......................... 2-26
Six Speed ...................................
Map Pocket ...................................
2-36
2-58
Methanol ...................................... 6-5
Mirrors
Convex Outside .............................. 2-58
Inside Daymight Rearview ..................... 2-57
Manual Remote Control ........................ 2-57
Outside Manual Adjustable ..................... 2-57
Power Remote Control ......................... 2-57
Multifunction Lever ............................. 2-46
Neutral, Automatic Transmission ................. 2-32
New Vehicle “Break-In” ......................... 2-23
Odometer .................................... 2-79
Odometer, Trip ................................. 2-79
Visorvanity ................................. 2-61
MountainRoads ................................ 4-23
Nightvision ................................... 4-16
Off-RoadRecovery ............................. 4-12
~~ .. 9-7

Oil. Engine .................................... 6- 12
Oil Pressure Gage .............................. 2-88
Overdrive. Automatic Transmission ................ 2-32
Overheating Engine ............................. 5- 15
Owner Checks and Services ....................... 7-32
Owner Publications. Ordering ..................... 8- 12
paint Spotting. Chemical ........................ 6-60
PARK (P)
Automatic Transmission ....................... 2-30
Shifting Into ................................. 2-39
Shifting Out of ............................... 2-41
AtNight .................................... 2-13
Brake ...................................... 2-44
Brake Mechanism Check ....................... 7-35
Lots ....................................... 2-13
OverThingsThatBurn ........................ 2-42
With a Trailer ................................ 4-38
Parking Your Vehicle. Manual Transmission .......... 2-41
Passenger Position ......................... 1-22. 1-28
PASS-Key (8, II ................................. 2-17
Periodic Maintenance Inspections .................. 7-36
Pontiac Cares Information ......................... 8-2
Power
Antenna
Mast Care ............................ 3-22
DoorLocks ................................... 2-5
Option Fuses ................................ 6-63
Remote Control Mirror ........................ 2-57
Parking
Passing
....................................... 4-13
Retained Accessory ........................... 2-56
Six-WaySeat ................................. l-3
Steering .................................... 4-10
SteeringFluid ................................ 6-31
Windows ................................... 2-45
Pregnancy, Use of Safety Belts .................... 1-21
Problems on the Road ............................ 5-1
Publications, Service and Owner ................... 8-12
Radiator ................................ 5.21. 5.24
Radiator Pressure Cap ........................... 6-31
Radio Reception ................................ 3-20
Radios .......................... 3.7.3.8.3.11. 3.12
Rain. DrivingIn ................................ 4-17
Rear
RAP ......................................... 2-56
Axle ....................................... 6-27
Lamp Bulb Replacement ....................... 6-41
Seat Passengers .............................. 1-28
Sidemarker Bulb Replacement ................... 6-42
Towing ..................................... 5-13
Window Defogger ............................. 3-5
Rearview Mirror, Inside Daymight ................. 2-57
Reclining Front Seatbacks ......................... 1-5
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants ............... 7-38
Recovery Tank. Coolant .......................... 5-19
Refrigerants, Air Conditioning .................... 6-70

Transmitters. Matching to Your Vehicle .............. 2-9
Transmitters. Synchronization ...................... 2-8
Transportation. Courtesy .......................... 8-8
T-Top Sunshades ............................... 2-67
lTYUsers ..................................... 8-5
Turn Signal and Lane Change Indicators ............. 2-47
Turn SignaVMultifunction Lever ................... 2-46
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer ................ 4-37
Twin Lift-off Roof Panels ........................ 2-62
Tripodometer ................................. 2-79
underbody Flushing Service ..................... 7-35
Underbody Maintenance ......................... 6-60
Underhood Electrical Center ...................... 6-66
Vehicle
Controlofa
.................................. 4-5
Damagewarnings .............................. iv
Dimensions
................................. 6-70
Identification Number ......................... 6-62
Loading .................................... 4-30
Storage ..................................... 6-37
Ventilation System ............................... 3-6
Visor Vanity Mirror ............................. 2-61
Visors. Sun .................................... 2-61
Voltmeter ..................................... 2-8 1 warning
Devices
............................... 5-3
Warning Lights. Gages and Indicators ............... 2-79
Warranty Information ............................ 8-10
Washer Fluid. Windshield .................. 2-49. 6-32
Washing Your Vehicle ........................... 6-57
Weatherstrips .................................. 6-57
wheel
Alignment .................................. 6-51
Nut Torque ............................. 5.37. 6.68
Replacement ................................. 6-51
Wrench ..................................... 5-30
Windows ..................................... 2-45
Manual ..................................... 2-45
Power ...................................... 2-45
Windshield Washer ............................. 2-49
Fluid .................................. 2.49. 6.32
Fluid Level Check ............................ 7-32
Windshield Wipers .............................. 2-48
Blade Replacement ........................... 6-42
Fuses ...................................... 6-63
Winter Driving ................................. 4-25
Wiper Blade Check ............................. 7-33
Wiring. Headlamp .............................. 6-63
WreckerTowing ................................. 5-8
Wrench. Wheel. ................................ 5-30
9-12