traction control PONTIAC FIREBIRD 1998 User Guide

What’s the worst time for this? “Wet ice.” Very cold
snow or ice can be slick and hard to drive on. But wet
ice can be even more trouble because it may offer the
least traction of all. You can get wet ice when it’s about
freezing
(32°F; 0” C) and freezing rain begins to fall.
Try to avoid driving on wet ice until salt and sand crews
can get there.
Whatever the condition
-- smooth ice, packed, blowing
or loose snow
-- drive with caution.
If you have traction control, keep the system on. It will
improve your ability to accelerate when driving on a slippery road. Even though your vehicle has a traction
control system, you’ll want to slow down and adjust
your driving to the road conditions. See “Traction
Control System”
in the Index.
If you don’t have the traction control system, accelerate
gently. Try not to break the fragile traction. If you
accelerate too fast, the drive wheels
will spin and polish
the surface under the tires even more. Your
anti-lock brakes improve your vehicle’s stability
when you make a hard stop on a slippery road. Even
though you have the anti-lock braking system, you’ll
want to begin stopping sooner than you would
on dry
pavement. See “Anti-Lock” in the Index.
0 Allow greater following distance on any
slippery road.
Watch for slippery spots. The road might be fine
until you hit a spot that’s covered with ice. On
an
otherwise clear road, ice patches may appear in
shaded areas where the sun can’t reach: around
clumps of trees, behind buildings
or under bridges.
Sometimes the surface of a curve or an overpass may
remain icy when the surrounding roads are clear. If
you see a patch of ice ahead of you, brake before you
are on it. Try not to brake while you’re actually on
the ice, and avoid sudden steering maneuvers.
4-27

I NOTICE:
Spinning your wheels can destroy parts of your
vehicle as
well as the tires. If you spin the wheels
too fast while shifting your transmission back and forth, you can destroy your transmission.
For information about using tire chains on your vehicle,
see “Tire Chains” in the Index.
~ Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out
~ First, turn your steering wheel left and right. That will
clear
the area around your front wheels. If your vehicle
has traction control, you should turn the system
off.
(See “Traction Control System’’ in the Index.) Then shift
back and
forth between REVERSE (R) and a forward
gear (or with a manual transmission, between
FIRST (1)
or SECOND (2) and REVERSE (R)), spinning the
wheels as little as possible. Release the accelerator pedal
while you shift, and press lightly on the accelerator
pedal when the transmission
is in gear. If that doesn’t
get
you out after a few tries, you may need to be towed
out. If you do need to be towed out, see “Towing Your
Vehicle” in the Index.
5-42

Buying New Tires
To find out what kind and size of tires you need, look at
the Tire-Loading Information label.
The tires installed on your vehicle when it was new had
a Tire Performance Criteria Specification (TPC Spec) number on each tire’s sidewall. When you get new tires,
get ones with that same TPC Spec number. That way
your vehicle will continue to have tires that
are designed
to
give proper endurance, handling, speed rating,
traction, ride and other things during normal service on
your vehicle.
If your tires have an all-season tread
design, the TPC number will be followed by an
“MS”
(for mud and snow).
If you ever replace your tires with those not having a
TPC Spec number, make sure they are the same size,
load range, speed rating and construction type (bias,
bias-belted
or radial) as your original tires.
A CAUTION:
Mixing tires could cause you to lose control while
driving.
If you mix tires of different sizes or types
(radial and bias-belted tires), the vehicle may
not handle properly, and you could have a crash.
Using tires
of different sizes may also cause
damage to your vehicle. Be sure to use the same
size and type tires on all wheels.
It’s all right to drive with your compact spare,
though.
It was developed for use on your vehicle.
’ A, CAUTION:
If you use bias-ply tires on your vehicle, the
wheel rim flanges could develop cracks after
many miles of driving.
A tire and/or wheel could
fail suddenly, causing a crash. Use only radial-ply
tires
with the wheels on your vehicle.
6-49

Uniform Tire Quality Grading
The following information relates to the system
developed
by the United States National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration, which grades tires by
treadwear, traction and temperature performance.
(This
applies only to vehicles sold in the United States.) The
grades are molded on the sidewalls
of most passenger
car tires. The Uniform Tire Quality Grading system
does not apply to deep tread, winter-type snow tires,
space-saver or temporary
use spare tires, tires with
nominal
rim diameters of 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm),
or
to some limited-production tires.
While the tires available on General Motors passenger
cars and light trucks may
vary with respect to these
grades,
they must also conform to Federal safety
requirements and additional General Motors Tire
Performance Criteria (TPC) standards.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on
the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified government test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and a
half (1 1/2) times as well on the government course
as a tire graded
100. The relative performance of tires
depends upon the actual conditions of their use,
however,
and may depart significantly from the norm
due to variations in driving habits, service practices and
differences in road characteristics and climate.
%action -- A, B, C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are A, B,
and C, and they represent the tire’s ability to stop
on wet pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test surfaces
of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor
traction performance.
Warning: The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on braking (straight ahead) traction tests and
does not include cornering (turning) traction.
6-50

The other two are in the engine compartment. Open the
cover on either
of the boxes to expose the fuses.
Look at the silver-colored band inside the fuse. If the
band is broken or melted, replace
the fuse. Be sure you
replace a bad fuse with a new one of the correct size.
If you ever have a problem on the road and don't have a
spare fuse, you can borrow one. Just pick some feature
of your car that you
can get along without -- like the
radio or cigarette lighter
-- and use its fuse, if it is the
size
you need. Replace it as soon as you can.
Main Fuse Block
III 20 30 40
FUSE USAGE CHART
STOPIHAZARD TURN BIU STG WHL CNTRL RADIO ACCY
--
5u 4--l 7u 8U TAIL LPS HVAC PWR ACCY COURTESY
9-1 lin 121-1
GAUGES AIR BAG CIGIACCY DEFOGISEATS
IP DIMMER ACCY RADIO
SEE OWNER'S MANUAL FOR MORE INFORMATION PRINTED IN U.S.A
Fuse Usage
STOP/HAZARD Hazard Flasher, Brake
Switch Assembly
TURN B/U Traction ControVSecond Gear
Start Switch, Back/Up Lamp
Switch, Turn Flasher, Daytime
Running Lamps
(DRL) Module
Steering Wheel Controls
STG WHEEL
CNTFU
6-64

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

Underhood Electrical Center
PCM BAT FUEL PUMP AIR WMP
000 LnHDLPDR RH HDLPDR HORN
u-
4
11 r;
15305529 A
Fuse and Relay Center 1
Fuse Usage
ABS BAT SOL Anti-Lock Brake System
TCS
BAT Traction Control System
COOL FAN
PCM BAT
Cooling Fan Control
Powertrain Control Module
Fuse
FUEL PUMP
AIRPUMP
LH HDLP DR
RH HDLP DR
HORN
ABS BAT-1
WL DR HORN
ABS BAT-2
COOL FAN
Relay
FOG LAMP
HORN
FAN #3
FAN #2
FAN #1
Usage
Fuel Pump
AIR Pump Relay and Bleed Valve
Headlamp
Door Module
Headlamp
Door Module
Horn Relay
Anti-Lock Brake System Module
Horn and
Headlamp Doors
Anti-Lock Brake and Traction
Control System
Cooling
Fan Relays
6-66

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

THEFTLOCK TM (Theft-Deterrent Feature) ........... 3- 17
Thermostat .................................... 6-3 1
Third Gear. Automatic Transmission ................ 2-32
Tilt Steering Wheel
............................. 2-46
Tire. Storing Tire and Tools
....................... 5-38
Tire Chains
.................................... 6-52
TireLoading ................................... 4-30
Tire-Loading Information Label
................... 4-30
Tires
......................................... 6-44
Alignment and Balance
........................ 6-51
Buying New ................................. 6-49
Chains
..................................... 6-52
Changing a Flat
.............................. 5-27
Cleaning
.................................... 6-59
Compact Spare
............................... 5-40
Inflation
.................................... 6-45
Inflation Check
............................... 7-32
Inspection and Rotation
........................ 6-46
Loading
.................................... 4-30
Pressure
.................................... 6-45
Temperature
................................. 6-5 1
Traction .................................... 6-50
Treadwear
................................... 6-50
Uniform Quality Grading
....................... 6-50
Wear Indicators
.............................. 6-48
Wheel Replacement
........................... 6-5 1
When It’s Time for New ....................... 6-48
TopStrap
..................................... 1-39
TorqueLock
................................... 2-40 Torque. Wheel Nut
....................... 5.37. 6.68
TowingaTrailer
................................ 4-32
Towing Your Vehicle
............................. 5-8
Control System ................................ 4-8
Backing Up with
............................. 4-36
Driving on Grades
............................ 4-37
Engine Cooling When Towing
................... 4-38
Following Distance
........................... 4-36
Hitches ..................................... 4-35
If You Do Decide To Pull
A ..................... 4-33
Maintenance When Towing
..................... 4-38
MakingTurns
................................ 4-37
ParkingonHills
.............................. 4-38
Traction
Control
Off Button ............................. 4-10
Control System Warning Light
.............. 2.83. 4.9
Trailer
Brakes
..................................... 4-35
Drivingwith
................................. 4-36
Passing with
................................. 4-36
Safety Chains
................................ 4-35
Total Weight on Tires
.......................... 4-35
Tongueweight
............................... 4-34
Towing
..................................... 4-32
Turnsignals
................................. 4-37
Weight
..................................... 4-33
Automatic ................................... 6-20
Manual
..................................... 6-24
Transmitters, Remote Keyless Entry
................. 2-6
9-11