check engine PONTIAC FIREBIRD 1998 Owner's Guide

3. Check both sides of the dipstick, and read the lower
level.
The fluid level must be in the COLD area for a
cold check or in the
HOT area or cross-hatched area
for a hot check.
4. If the fluid level is in the acceptable range, push the
dipstick back in all the way.
How to Add Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind
of transmission fluid to use. See “Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.
Add fluid only after checking the transmission fluid
while it is hot. (A cold check is used only as a
reference.) If the fluid level
is low, add only enough of
the proper fluid to bring the level up to the
HOT area
for a hot check. It doesn’t take much fluid, generally less than one pint
(0.5 L). Don’t ove@ZZ.
I NOTICE:
We recommend you use only fluid labeled
DEXRON@-111, because fluid with that label is
made especially for your automatic transmission.
Damage caused
by fluid other than DEXRON-I11
is not covered by your new vehicle warranty.
After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as
described under “How to Check.”
When the correct fluid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in all the
way.
Manual Transmission Fluid
When to Check
A good time to have it checked is when the engine
oil is changed. However, the fluid in your manual
transmission doesn’t require changing.
6-24

How to Check
Because this operation can be difficult, you may
choose to have this done at your Pontiac dealership Service Department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the
instructions here, or you could get a false reading.
NOTICE:
Too much or too little fluid can damage your
transmission.
Too much can mean that some of
the fluid could come out and fall on hot engine
parts or exhaust system parts, starting a fire. Be
sure to get an accurate reading if you check your
transmission fluid.
Check the fluid level only when your engine is off, the
vehicle
is parked on a level place and the transmission is
cool enough for you to rest your fingers on the
transmission case. Then,
follow these steps:
c
5-Speed (6-Speed Similar)
1. Remove the filler plug.
2. Check that the lubricant level is up to the bottom of
the filler plug hole.
3. If the fluid level is good, install the plug and be sure
it is fully seated.
If the fluid level is low, add more
fluid as described
in the next steps.
6-25

How to Check Limited-Slip Differential
The proper fluid should be added if the level is below
the
STEP mark on the reservoir. See the instructions on
the reservoir cap.
Rear Axle
When to Check and Change Lubricant
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how
often to check the lubricant and when to change it. See
“Scheduled Maintenance Services” in the Index.
How to Check Lubricant
If the level is below the bottom of the filler plug hole,
you’ll need to add some lubricant. Add enough lubricant
to raise the level to the bottom of the filler plug hole.
What to Use
Standard Differential
Use SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Lubricant (GM Part
No. 12378261) or equivalent meeting GM
Specification
9986 1 15.
To add lubricant when the level is low, use SAE 75W-90
Synthetic Gear Lubricant (GM Part No. 12378261) or
equivalent meeting
GM Specification 99861 15. To
completely refill after draining, add
4 ounces (1 18 ml)
of Limited-Slip Differential Lubricant Additive (GM
Part No. 1052358) or equivalent. Then fill to the bottom
of the filler plug hole with Synthetic Gear Lubricant.
Engine Coolant
The cooling s stem in your vehicle is filled with
DEX-COOL
8 engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for
5 years or 150,000 miles
(240
000 kmb whichever occurs first, if you add only
DEX-COOL extended life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and
how
to add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem
with engine overheating or if you need to add coolant to
your radiator, see “Engine Overheating” in the Index.
6-27

NOTICE:
If you use an improper coolant mixture, your
engine could overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost wouldn’t be covered by your
warranty.
Too much water in the mixture can
freeze and crack the engine, radiator, heater
core and other parts.
If you have to add coolant more than four times a year,
have your dealer check your cooling system.
I NOTICE:
If you use the proper coolant, you don’t have to
add extra inhibitors or additives which claim to
improve the system. These can be harmful.
Checking Coolant
When your engine is cold, check the dipstick on the cap
of the coolant recovery tank. The coolant level should
be at
COLD, or a little higher. When your engine is
warm, the level on the dipstick should be up to HOT, or
a little higher.
6-29

Radiator Pressure Cap (All Engines)
I NOTICE:
Your radiator cap is an 18 psi (124 kPa)
pressure-type cap and must be tightly installed to
prevent coolant loss and possible engine damage
from overheating. Be sure the arrows on the cap
line up with the overflow tube on the radiator
filler neck.
When you replace your radiator pressure cap, a GM cap
is recommended.
Thermostat
Engine coolant temperature is controlled by a thermostat
in the engine coolant system. The thermostat stops the
flow of coolant through the radiator until the coolant
reaches a preset temperature.
When you replace your thermostat, a GM thermostat
is
recommended.
Power Steering Fluid
The power steering fluid
reseivoir is locatei toward
the back
of the engine on
the driver’s side.
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering fluid
unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or you hear
an unusual noise. A fluid loss in this system could indicate
a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
How To Check Power Steering Fluid
When the engine compartment is cool, wipe the cap and
the top of the reservoir clean, then unscrew the cap and
wipe the dipstick with a clean rag. Replace
the cap and
completely tighten it. Then remove the cap again and
look at the fluid level on the dipstick.
6-31

There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level in the
reservoir might
go down. The first is that the brake fluid
goes down
to an acceptable level during normal brake
lining wear. When new linings are put in, the fluid level
goes back up. The other reason is that fluid is leaking out
of the brake system.
If it is, you should have your brake
system
fixed, since a leak means that sooner or later your
brakes won’t work well, or won’t work at
all.
So, it isn’t a good idea to “top off’ your brake fluid.
Adding brake fluid won’t correct a leak. If you add fluid
when your linings are worn, then you’ll have too much
fluid when
you get new brake linings. You should add
(or remove) brake fluid, as necessary, only when work
is
done on the brake hydraulic system.
A CAUTION:
If you have too much brake fluid, it can spill on the
engine. The
fluid will burn if the engine is hot
enough. You or others could be burned, and your
vehicle could be damaged. Add brake fluid only
when work is done on the brake hydraulic system.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to
check your brake fluid. See “Periodic Maintenance
Inspections”
in the Index.
Checking Brake Fluid
You can check the brake fluid without taking off the cap.
Just look
at the brake fluid reservoir. The fluid level
should be above the plastic
seam in the reservoir. If it
isn’t, have your brake system checked
to see if there
is
a leak.
After work is done on the brake hydraulic system,
make
sure the level is above the plastic seam, near the base of
the filler neck.

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
0, -111 11111111 1111 111 111111 111 11111111 111111111111 111111111 11- 0
SAMPLE4UXWM072675 t
ENGINE A98 f 1 ASSEMBLY
CODE- MODEL YEAR PLANT
-
This is the legal identifier for your vehicle. It appears on
a plate in the front corner of the instrument panel, on the
driver’s side. You can see it if you look through the
windshield from outside your vehicle. The
VIN also
appears on the Vehicle Certification and Service Parts
labels and the certificates of title and registration.
Engine Identification
The 8th character in your VIN is the engine code. This
code will help you identify your engine, specifications
and replacement
parts.
Service Parts Identification Label
You’ll find this label located on the driver’s side door.
It’s
very helpful if you ever need to order parts. On this
label is:
yourvm,
the model designation,
paint information and
0 a list of all production options and special
Be sure that this label is not removed from the vehicle.
equipment.
Electrical System
Add-on
Electrical Equipment
I NOTICE:
Don’t add anything electrical to your vehicle
unless you check with your dealer first. Some
electrical equipment can damage your vehicle
and the damage wouldn’t be covered by your
warranty.
Some add-on electrical equipment
can keep other components from
working as
they should.
Your vehicle has an air bag system. Before attempting to
add anything electrical to your vehicle, see “Servicing
Your Air Bag-Equipped Pontiac” in the Index.
6-62

Capacities (Approximate)
Air Conditioning? ............. See the refrigerant
Automatic Transmission information label under the hood.
Drain and
Refill ......
Overhaul
VIN Engine Code K .
VIN Engine Code G .
Cooling System
VIN Engine Code K
....... 5 quarts (4.7 L)*
... 8.8 quarts (8.3 L)*
. 10.8 quarts (10.2 L)*
With Manual
With Automatic
VIN Engine Code G
Transmission ............ 12.5 quarts (1 1.8 L)
Transmission ............ 12.3 quarts (1 1.6 L)
With Manual
Transmission
...
With Automatic Transmission
.....
. . 15.3 quarts (14.5 L)
. . 15.1 quarts (14.3 L)
Crankcase
Oil and Filter Change
3800 V6 (VIN K) ......... 4.5 quarts (4.3 L)**
5.7L V8 (VIN G) ......... 5.5 quarts (5.2 L)**
Fuel Tank ................ 15.5 gallons (58.7 L)
Manual Transmission
Five-Speed
................ 3.4 quarts (3.2 L)*
Six-Speed ................... 4 quarts (3.8L)*
Rear Axle Lubricant ............ 1.75 quarts (1.7L)
Not all air conditioning refrigerants are the same.
If the air conditioning system in your vehicle needs
refrigerant, be sure the proper refrigerant is used. If
you’re not sure, ask your Pontiac dealer.
* Recheck fluid level after filling. See “Automatic
Transmission
Fluid” or “Manual Transmission Fluid”
in the Index.
** Recheck the oil level after filling. See “Engine Oil”
in the Index.
6-69

Part B: Owner Checks and Services
Listed below are owner checks and services which
should be performed at the intervals specified to help
ensure the safety, dependability and emission control
performance
of your vehicle.
Be sure
any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any fluids or lubricants
are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
in Part D.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important for you or a service station attendant to
pe$orm these underhood
checks at each fuel fill.
Engine Oil Level Check
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. See “Engine Oil” in the Index for
further details.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add DEX-COOL@
coolant mixture if necessary. See “Engine Coolant” in
the Index for further details.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer fluid level in the
windshield washer
tank and add the proper fluid if
necessary. See “Windshield Washer Fluid” in the
Index for further details.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Inflation Check
Make sure tires are inflated to the correct pressures.
See “Tires”
in the Index for further details.
Cassette Deck Service
Clean cassette deck. Cleaning should be done every
50 hours of tape play. See “Audio Systems” in the
Index for further details.
7-32

Starter Switch Check
r
Brake-Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) Check
(Automatic Transmission)
When you are doing this check, the vehicle could
move suddenly.
If it does, you or others could be
injured. Follow the steps below.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room around the vehicle.
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake (see “Parking
Brake,’
in the Index if necessary) and the regular brake.
NOTE: Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be
ready to turn
off the engine immediately if it starts.
3. On automatic transmission vehicles, try to start the
engine
in each gear. The starter should work only in
PARK (P) or NEUTRAL
(N). If the starter works in
any other position, your vehicle needs service.
On manual transmission vehicles, put the shift lever
in
NEUTRAL (N), push the clutch down halfway
and
try to start the engine. The starter should work
only when the clutch
is pushed down all the way to
the
floor. If the starter works when the clutch isn’t
pushed all the way down,
your vehicle needs service.
-
A CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, the vehicle could
move suddenly.
If it does, you or others could be
injured. Follow the steps below.
1
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle.
It should be parked on a
level surface.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake (see “Parking Brake”
in the Index if necessary).
NOTE: Be ready to apply the regular brake
immediately if
the vehicle begins to move.
3. With the engine off, turn the key to the RUN
position, but don’t start the engine. Without applying
the regular brake,
try to move the shift lever out of
PARK
(P) with normal effort. If the shift lever
moves out of PARK
(P), your vehicle’s BTSI
needs service.