key PONTIAC FIREBIRD 1998 Workshop Manual

Ignition Transmission Lock Check
While parked, and with the
parking brake set, try to turn
the ignition key to LOCK in each shift lever position.
With an automatic transmission, the key should turn
to LOCK only when the shift lever is in PARK (P).
With a manual transmission, the key should turn to
On vehicles with a key release button, try to turn the key
to LOCK without pressing the button. The key should
turn to LOCK only when you press the key button. LOCK only when the
shift lever is in REVERSE (R).
On
all vehicles, the key should come out only in LOCK.
Parking Brake and Automatic Transmission
PA-” :P) M ’nanisl k
Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing
downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake,
set the parking brake.
To check the parking brake’s holding ability:
With the engine running and transmission in
NEUTRAL (N), slowly remove foot pressure from
the regular brake pedal. Do this until the vehicle is
held by the parking brake only.
0 To check the PARK (P) mechanism’s holding ability:
With the engine running, shift to PARK
(P). Then
release all brakes.
Underbody Flushing Service At least every spring, use plain water to flush any
corrosive materials from the underbody. Take
care to
clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris
can collect.
When you are doing this check, your vehicle
could begin to move. You or others could be
injured and property could be damaged. Make
sure there
is room in front of your vehicle in case
it begins to roll. Be ready to apply the regular
brake
at once should the vehicle begin to move.
7-35

Part D: Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants
NOTE: Fluids and lubricants identified below by name,
part number or specification may be obtained from
your dealer.
USAGE
Engine Oil
Engine Coolant
Hydraulic Brake System
FLUIDLUBRICANT
Engine Oil with the American
Petroleum Institute Certified For
Gasoline Engines “Starburst”
symbol of the proper viscosity. To
determine the preferred viscosity
for your vehicle’s engine, see
“Engine Oil’’
in the Index.
50/50 mixture of clean water
(preferably distilled) and use only
GM Goodwrench@ DEX-COOL@
or Havoline@ DEX-COOL@
Coolant. See “Engine Coolant” in
the Index.
Delco Supreme 11
@ Brake Fluid
(GM Part No. 12377967 or
equivalent DOT-3 Brake Fluid).
USAGE
Hydraulic Clutch
System
Power Steering System
Manual
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Key Lock
Cylinders
Clutch Linkage
Pivot Points
FLUIDLUBRICANT
Hydraulic Clutch Fluid (GM Part
No. 12345347 or equivalent
DOT-3 Brake Fluid).
GM Power Steering Fluid (GM
Part No. 1052884 - 1 pint,
1050017 - 1 quart, or equivalent).
DEXRON@-111 Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
DEXRON@-I11 Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Multi-Purgse Lubricant,
Superlube (GM Part
No. 12346241 or equivalent).
Engine Oil.
7-38

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

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

Driver Position ................................. 1-14
Driver’s Door
Alarm Delay and Shock Sensor Enable . . 2-22
Driving City
........................................ 4-20
Defensive
.................................... 4-2
Drunken
..................................... 4-3
Freeway
.................................... 4-2 1
In a Blizzard ................................. 4-28
In Foreign Countries ........................... 6-5
IntheRain
.................................. 4-17
Night
...................................... 4-15
On Curves
.................................. 4-10
On Grades While Towing a Trailer
............... 4-37
On
Hill and Mountain Roads .................... 4-23
On Snow and Ice ............................. 4-26
Throughwater
............................... 4-19
WetRoads
.................................. 4-17
Winter
...................................... 4-25
With a Trailer
................................ 4-36
DrunkenDriving
................................ 4-3
Electrical Equipment. Adding
..... 2-27.2.28.3-20. 6-62
Electrical System
............................... 6-62
Engine
.................................. 6-10. 6-11
Coolant
..................................... 6-27
Coolant Heater
............................... 2-29
Coolant Level Check .......................... 7-32
Coolant Temperature Gage
..................... 2-84
Exhaust ..................................... 2-42
FuseBlocks
................................. 6-67 Identification
................................ 6-62
OilLevelCheck .............................. 7-32
Overheating
................................. 5-15
Running
While Parked ......................... 2-43
Specifications ................................ 6-68
StartingYour ................................ 2-26
Engineoil
.................................... 6-12
Additives
................................... 6-17
Checking
................................... 6-13
Used
....................................... 6-17
What Kind
Of Oil to Use ....................... 6-14
WhentoAdd
................................ 6-14
When to Change
.............................. 6-17
Ethanol
........................................ 6-5
Exit Lighting
............................. 2-19, 2-55
Exit Lighting and Delayed Illumination
............. 2-19
Fabric Cleaning
............................... 6-54
FanControlKnob
............................... 3-2
FeatureCustomization
........................... 2-18
Driver’s
Door Alarm Delay and
Shock Sensor Enable ....................... 2-22
Exit Lighting
and Delayed Illumination ........... 2-19
Last
Door Closed Locking and Lockout Prevention . . 2-20
Remote Keyless Entry Lock Verification
........... 2-20
Theft-Deterrent Arming Method ................. 2-21
Filling A Portable Fuel Container ................... 6-8
FillingYourTank ................................ 6-6
Theft-Deterrent Arming Verification
.............. 2-22

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

Remote
Hatch Release ..................
Keyless Entry Lock Verification ...
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools ...
........... 2-12
........... 2-20
........... 5-28
Replacement Bulbs
...................... ........... 6-68
Wheel
.................................... 6-51
Replacing Safety Belts
....................... 1-47
Parts
....................................... 6-70
Reporting Safety Defects ........... ......... 8-10
Restraints Checking
. . ............................. 1-47
Head
........................................ l-7
Child ....................................... 1-34
Replacing Parts After a Crash
................... 1-47
System Check
................................ 7-33
Reverse, Automatic Transmission
.................. 2-3 1
Right Front Passenger Position .................... 1-22
Roadside Assistance
.............................. 8-6
Rocking Your Vehicle
........................... 5-42
Roof Panels. Twin Lift-off
....................... 2-59
WheretoPut
................................ 1-38
................................. Rotation, Tires 6-46
Safety Belt Extender
............................ 1-47
.................................... Safety Belts 1-8
Care
....................................... 6-56
Children
.................................... 1-31
Driver Position
1 - 14
Adults
...................................... 1-14
...............................
.................................. Extender
1-47
How to Wear Properly
......................... 1 . 14
Incorrect Usage
.................... 1.17. 1.45. 1-46
Lap-Shoulder
........................... 1.14. 1-28
Larger Children
.............................. 1-44
Questions and Answers
........................ 1 . 13
Rear Seat Positions
............................ 1-28
Reminder Light .......................... 1.9. 2.80
Replacing After a Crash
........................ 1-47
Right Front Passenger Position .................. 1-22
Smaller Children and Babies
.................... 1-31
They’re for Everyone
........................... 1-8
Use During Pregnancy
......................... 1-21
Safety Defects, Reporting
........................ 8-10
Scheduled Maintenance Services
.................... 7-4
WhyTheyWork
.............................. 1-10
Safety Chains 4-35
Safety Warnings and Symbols
....................... 111
Seatback
..................................
...
..................................
.................................
Folding Rear 1-8
Front Latches 1-7
Reclining Front
............................... 1-5
Seats Four-Way Manual
... .....,............ l-3
Fully Articulating Sport . . ................ l-4
Restraint Systems ....... ,.................. l-1 Seat Controls ................................. 1-2
Six-Way Power 1-3 Manual Front
............ , .................. 1-2
Securing a Child Restraint
...................... 1-38
...............................
9-9

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