transmission PONTIAC FIREBIRD 1998 Service Manual

Checking Transmission Fluid Cold
A cold check is made after the vehicle has been sitting
for eight
hours or more with the engine off and is used
only as a reference. Let the engine run at idle for
five
minutes if outside temperatures are 50°F (1 0°C) or
more. If it's colder than 50°F (lO°C), you may have to
idle the engine longer. Should the fluid level be low
during a cold check,
you must perform a hot check
before adding fluid. This will give
you a more accurate
reading
of the fluid level.
Checking the Fluid Hot or Cold
0 Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the
0 With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever
0 With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift
engine
running.
in
PARK (P).
lever through each gear range, pausing for about
three seconds in each range, Then, position the shift
lever
in PARK (P).
Let the engine run at idle for three minutes or more. ~nen,
without shutting
off the engine, follow these steps:
k 'rll
3800 V6 Engine Transmission Dipstick

5.7L V8 Engine Transmission Dipstick
The Transmission fluid handle is the red loop near the
back
of the engine.
1. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a clean rag or
paper towel.
2. Push it back in all the way, wait three seconds and then pull it back out again.
5.7L V8 Engine llransmission Dipstick
3800 V6 Engine Transmission Dipstick
6-23

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

000
INJ INJ ENG SEN
STRTR ABS IGN PCM ION
000 ENG CTRL NC CRUISE
j 1:
15305530 A
Fuse
INJ
INJ
Fuse and Relay Center 2
Usage
Fuel Injectors (Not used for V6) (LH
injectors for V8 Ignition Module)
Fuel Injectors (All for
V6) (RH
injectors for V8 and Ignition Module)
ENG SEN Mass Air Flow, Heated Oxygen
Sensor,
Skip Shift Solenoid (V8
Only), Reverse Lockout Solenoid,
Brake Switch
STRTR
Powertrain Control Module and
Clutch Pedal Switch
Fuse
ABS IGN
PCM IGN
ENG CTRL
NC CRUISE
ENG CTRL
I/P- 1
IGN
m-2
Relay
AIR SOL
AIR PUMP
AIC COMP
FUELPUMP STARTER
IGN
Usage
Anti-Lock Brake System Module
Powertrain Control Module
Ignition Module
(V6 Only),
Automatic Transmission and
Charcoal
Canister Purge Solenoid
Air Conditioning Compressor Relay, Cruise Control Switches and Module
Engine Controls, Fuel
Pump, PCM,
A.I.R. and Cooling
Fans
HVAC Blower Control and Relay
Ignition Switch, Relay and Starter
Enable Relay
Instrument Panel
Fuse Center
6-67

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

Maintenance Schedule
Short Trip/City Definition
Follow the Short TripKity Maintenance Schedule if any
one of these conditions is true for your vehicle:
Most trips are less than 5 to 10 miles (8 to 16 km).
This is particularly important when outside
temperatures are below freezing.
0 Most trips include extensive idling (such as frequent
driving in stop-and-go traffic).
0 Most trips are through dusty areas.
0 You frequently tow a trailer or use a carrier on top of
0 If the vehicle is used for delivery service, police, taxi
One of the reasons you should follow this schedule if
you operate your vehicle under any of these conditions
is that these conditions cause engine oil to break
down soonez
your vehicle.
or other commercial application.
Short TripKity Intervals
Every 3,000 Miles (5 000 km): Engine Oil and Filter
Change (or
3 months, whichever occurs first).
Every 6,000 Miles (10 000 km): Tire Rotation.
Every 6,000 Miles (10 000 km) of Trailering: Rear
Axle Fluid Change (Vehicles Towing Trailers).
At the First 6,000 Miles (10 000 km): Rear Axle Fluid
Change (Limited-Slip Differential).
Every 15,000 Miles (25 000 km): Air Cleaner Filter
Inspection,
if driving in dusty conditions. Automatic
Transmission Service (severe conditions only).
Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km): Air Cleaner Filter
Replacement. Fuel Tank, Cap and Lines Inspection.
Every 50,000 Miles (83 000 km): Automatic
Transmission Service (normal conditions).
Every 60,000 Miles (100 000 km): Engine Accessory
Drive Belt Inspection.
7-5

Maintenance Schedule
1 Short fip/City Intervals I 11 Long TripMighway Intervals
Every 100,000 Miles (166 000 km): Spark Plug Wire
Inspection. Spark Plug Replacement.
Every 150,000 Miles (240 000 km): Cooling System
Service (or every
60 months, whichever occurs first).
These intervals only summarize maintenance services.
Be sure to
follow the complete maintenance schedule on
the following pages.
I Long Trip/Highway Definition I
Follow this maintenance schedule only if none of the
conditions from the Short Trip/City Maintenance
Schedule is true.
Do not use this schedule if the vehicle
is used for trailer towing,
driven in a dusty area or used
off paved roads. Use the Short Trip/City schedule for
these conditions.
Driving a vehicle with a filly warmed engine under
highway conditions causes engine
oil to break
down slowel:
Every 7,500 Miles (12 500 km): Engine Oil and Filter
Change (or
every 12 months, whichever occurs first).
Tire Rotation.
At the First 7,500 Miles (12 500 km): Rear Axle Fluid
Change (Limited-Slip Differential).
Every 15,000 Miles (25 000 km): Automatic
Transmission Service (severe conditions only).
Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km): Air Cleaner Filter
Replacement. Fuel
Tank, Cap and Lines Inspection.
Every 50,000 Miles (83 000 km): Automatic
Transmission Service (normal conditions).
Every 60,000 Miles (100 000 km): Engine Accessory
Drive Belt Inspection.
Every 100,000 Miles (166 000 km): Spark Plug Wire
Inspection. Spark
Plug Replacement.
Every 150,000 Miles (240 000 km): Cooling System
Service (or every
60 months, whichever occurs first).
These intervals only summarize maintenance services.
Be sure
to follow the complete maintenance schedule on
the following pages.
7-6

I Short TripKity Maintenance Schedule I
0 Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper
rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote
+.)
15,000 Miles (25 000 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
0 Inspect air cleaner filter if you are driving in dusty conditions.
Replace filter if necessary.
An Emission Control Service. (See footnote?.)
under one
or more of these conditions:
- In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature regularly r\
eaches
- In hilly or mountainous terrain.
- When doing frequent trailer towing.
- Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.
0 Change automatic transmission fluid and filter if the vehicle is mainly driven
90°F (32°C) or higher.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these conditions, change the fluid
andfilter every
50,000 miles (83 000 krn).
DATE I
MILEAGE
7-9

I Short TripKity Maintenance Schedule I
30,000 Miles (50 000 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
0 Change the rear axle gear lubricant if vehicle is used to pull a trailer,
0 Replace air cleaner filter.
0 Inspect fuel tank, cap and lines for damage or leaks. Inspect fuel cap gasket
An Emission Control Sewice.
for any damage. Replace parts as needed.
An Emission Control Service. (See footnote?.)
under one or more of these conditions:
- In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature regularly r\
eaches
- In hilly or mountainous terrain.
- When doing frequent trailer towing.
- Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these conditions, change the fluid
andfilter
every 50,000 miles (83 000 km).
rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote +.)
0 Change automatic transmission fluid and filter if the vehicle is mainly driven
90°F (32°C) or higher.
Cl Rotate tires, See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper
I DATE
7-11