ABS PONTIAC FIREBIRD 1998 Owners Manual

Passive Arming
If the ignition was just turned off and a door was
opened, the system will arm six seconds after both doors
are closed, whether or not you lock them. In all other
cases, the system will wait
30 seconds after both doors
are closed before arming, allowing you time to get into
the vehicle and put the key in the ignition. The parking
lamps will flash when the system
arms. Passive arming
is not enabled from the factory.
Disarming the System
There are two ways to disarm the system:
Press the UNLOCK button on the remote keyless
entry transmitter. If the
horn chqs two or three
times when
you unlock the car, the alarm sounded in
your absence.
Two chirps means that the shock
sensor was set
off and three chqs means that a door
or hatch
was opened.
0 Turn the ignition to RUN with the proper key.
For more information on customizing the features
mentioned here, see “Feature Customization” in
the Index.
’hrning Off the Alarm
If you started the alarm by pressing the panic button on the
remote keyless entry transmitter, you must either push that
button again or
turn the ignition to RUN to stop the alarm.
If the alarm is sounding due to the shock sensor or a
door or hatch opening, it can be turned
off by either
turning the ignition with
a proper key inserted or by
pressing any button on the remote keyless entry
transmitter. If you use your remote keyless entry
transmitter
to silence the alarm, additional things will
happen depending upon which button you press.
Pressing the UNLOCK button will turn the alarm
off, unlock the driver’s door and dism the system.
Pressing the LOCK button will turn the alarm off,
keep the doors locked and keep the system armed.
Pressing the REAR 2X button twice will turn the
alarm off. A second push of the button (within five
seconds) will unlock
and disarm the hatch only.
0 Pressing the panic button will turn the alarm off,
keep the doors locked and keep the system armed.
If the
alarm is sounding because an incorrect ignition
key was used, press
any button on the remote keyless
entry transmitter to
turn the alarm off.
The alarm will stop by itself after two minutes.

Installing the Boot Cover
After lowering the convertible top, you may want to
install the boot cover. The three-piece boot cover is
stored in a bag in the hatch.
3. Install the middle section of the cover by sliding the
tabs into the slots on the right side cover. Lower the
cover and insert the latch.
4. Close the hatch.
1. Open the hatch and remove the two side covers from
the storage bag.
2. Install the two side covers by inserting the tab into the
front seatbelt cover. Lower the covers onto the vehicle.
2-71

Air Bag Readiness Light
There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument
panel, which shows AIR
BAG. The system checks the
air bag’s electrical system for malfunctions. The light
tells you if there is an electrical problem. The system
check includes
the air bag sensors, the air bag modules,
the wiring and the crash sensing and diagnostic module.
For more information on the air bag system, see “Air
Bag” in the Index.
AIR
BAG
This light will come on
when you start your engine,
and it will flash for a few
seconds. Then the light
should
go out. This means
the system is ready.
If the air bag readiness light stays
on after you start the
engine or comes on when you are driving, your air bag
system may not work properly. Have your vehicle
serviced right away.
The air bag readiness light should flash for
a few
seconds when you turn the ignition key to RUN. If the
light doesn’t come on then, have it fixed
so it will be
ready to warn you
if there is a problem.
Voltmeter
You can read battery
voltage on your voltmeter.
If it reads less than 11 volts
or more than 16 volts while
your engine is running, and
it stays there, you may have
a problem with the
electrical charging system.
Have it checked right away. Driving with the voltmeter
reading in a warning zone could drain your battery.
If you idle your engine for a while, the voltmeter
reading might move into
the yellow zone. If the reading
stays in the yellow zone while you are driving, you may
have a problem with the electrical charging system.
Have
it checked. While the voltmeter reads in the yellow
zone, your battery may not be able to power certain electrical accessories, like
ABS. (If this happens, your
ABS INOP light will come on. See “Anti-Lock Brake
System Warning Light” in the Index.
2-81

Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light
ABS
INOP
With the anti-lock brake system, this light will come
on when you start your
engine and
it will stay
on for three seconds.
That’s normal.
If the anti-lock brake system warning light stays on
longer than normal after you’ve started your engine, turn
the ignition
off. Or, if the light comes on and stays on
when you’re driving, stop as soon as possible and turn
the ignition off. Then start the engine again to reset the
system.
If the light still stays on, or comes on again
while you’re driving, your vehicle needs service. If the
light is on and the regular brake system warning light
isn’t on, you still have brakes, but you don’t have
anti-lock brakes. Adjust your driving accordingly.
The anti-lock brake system warning light should come
on briefly when you turn the ignition key to
RUN. If the
light doesn’t come on then, have
it fixed so it will be
ready to warn you if there is a problem.
Traction Control System Warning Light
(Option)
This warning light should
come on briefly
as you start
the engine. If the warning
light doesn’t come on
then,
have it fixed so it will be
ready to warn you if there’s
a problem.
If it stays on, or comes on when you’re driving, there
may be a problem with your traction control system and
your vehicle may need service. When this warning light
is on, the system will not
limit wheel spin. Adjust your
driving accordingly.
The traction control system warning light will come on
if
you turn the system off by pressing the TCS button
located in front
of the console, the warning light will
come on and stay on. To turn the system back on,
press the button again. The warning light should go
off. (See “Traction Control System” in the Index for
more information.)
If
the traction control system warning light comes on
and stays on for an extended period of time when the
system is turned on, your vehicle needs service.
2-83

Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)
Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes (ABS). ABS is an
advanced electronic braking system that
will help
prevent a braking skid.
When you start your engine, or when you begin to drive
away, your anti-lock brake system will check itself. You
may hear a momentary motor or clicking noise
while
this test is going on, and you may even notice that your
brake pedal moves or pulses a little. This is normal.
ABS
INOP
If there’s a problem with the
anti-lock brake system, this
warning light will stay
on.
See “Anti-Lock Brake
System Warning Light”
in
the Index.
Here’s how anti-lock works. Let’s say the road is wet.
You’re driving safely. Suddenly an animal jumps out in
front of you.
You slam on the brakes. Here’s what happens with ABS.
A computer senses that wheels are slowing down. If one
of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer will
separately work the brakes at each
front wheel and at
both rear wheels.
4-7

If you do not have traction control, or if the system is
off, then an acceleration skid is also best handled by
easing your foot
off the accelerator pedal.
If your vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot
off the
accelerator pedal and quickly steer the
way you want the
vehicle to go. If you start steering quickly enough, your
vehicle may straighten out. Always be ready for a
second skid if it occurs.
Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice,
gravel or other material
is on the road. For safety, you’ll
want to slow down and adjust your driving to these
conditions. It is important to slow down on slippery
surfaces because stopping distance will be longer and
vehicle control more limited.
While driving on
a surface with reduced traction, try
your best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration or
braking (including engine braking by shifting to a lower
gear). Any sudden changes could cause the tires to
slide. You may not realize
the surface is slippery until
your vehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize warning
clues
-- such as enough water, ice or packed snow on
the road to make a
“mirrored surface” -- and slow
down when you have any doubt.
Remember: Any anti-lock brake system (ABS) helps
avoid only the braking skid.
Driving at Night
Night driving is more dangerous than day driving.
One reason is that some drivers are likely to be
impaired
-- by alcohol or drugs, with night vision
problems,
or by fatigue.
4-15

0 Shift into a gear; and
0 Release the parking brake.
Parking on Hills
You really should not park your vehicle, with a trailer
attached,
on a hill. If something goes wrong, your rig
could start to move. People can be injured, and both
your vehicle and the trailer can be damaged.
But if you ever have to park your rig on a
hill, here’s
how to do it:
1. Apply your regular brakes, but don’t shift into
PARK (P) yet, or into gear for a manual transmission.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the
regular brakes until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the regular brakes, Then apply your
parking brake, and then shift to
PARK (P) for an
automatic transmission, or
REVERSE (R) for a
manual transmission.
5. Release the regular brakes.
When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on
a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down
while
you:
0 Start your engine;
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service more often when you’re
pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance Schedule for more
on
this. Things that are especially important in trailer
operation
are automatic transmission fluid (don’t
overfill), engine oil, axle lubricant, drive belts, cooling
system and brake adjustment. Each of these is covered
in
this manual, and the Index will help you find them
quickly. If you’re trailering, it’s a good idea to review
this information before you start your trip.
Check periodically to
see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
Your cooling system may temporarily overheat during
severe operating conditions. See “Engine Overheating”
in the Index.
4-38

Attach a separate safety chain around outboard end of
each
lower control arm.
I NOTICE:
~~~~~~~~~~
Take care not to damage the brake pipes and
hoses
or the ABS sensor and wiring.
NOTICE:
Towing a vehicle over rough surfaces could
damage
a vehicle. Damage can occur from
vehicle to ground or vehicle to wheel
lift
equipment contact. To help avoid damage,
install
a towing dolly and raise vehicle until
adequate clearance is obtained between the
ground and/or wheel-lift equipment.
I
5-12

Appearance Care Materials Chart
PART NUMBER USAGE DESCRIPTION
SIZE
994954 Exterior polishing cloth
Polishing Cloth - Wax Treated 23 in. x 25 in.
1050172 Removes tar, road oil and asphalt
Tar and Road Oil Remover 16 oz. (0.473 L)
1050173
Cleans and lightly waxes
Wash Wax Concentrate 16 oz. (0.473 L) 1052870 Removes dirt, grime, smoke and fingerprints
Glass Cleaner
23 oz. (0.680 L) 1050427
Cleans vinyl tops, upholstery and convertible tops Vinyl Cleaner\
32 oz. (0.946 L) 1050214
Removes soil and black marks from whitewalls
White Sidewall Tire Cleaner 16 oz. (0.473 L) 1050174
Use on chrome, stainless steel, nickel, copper and brass Chrome Cleaner and Polish 16 oz. (0.473 L)
~~
1052918”” Armor All Protectant 8 oz. (0.237 L) Protects leather, wood, acrylics, Plexiglas TM , plastic,
rubber and vinyl
1 1052925 I 16 oz. (0.473 L) I Multi-Purpose Interior Cleans carpets, seats, interior trim, door panels
I Cleaner and floor mats _~. ~..~
1052929 16 oz. (0.473 L) Wheel Cleaner
1052930 8 oz. (0.237 L) Capture
Dry Spot Remover
12345002 16 oz. (0.473 L) Armor All TM Cleaner
12345721
2.5 sq. ft. Synthetic Chamois
12345725 12 oz. (0.354 L) Silicone Tire Shine
12377964 16 oz. (0.473 L) Finish Enhancer
12377966 16 oz. (0.473 L) Cleaner Wax
12377984 16 oz. (0.473 L)
Surface Cleaner
See your General Motors
PGS Department for these products.
See “Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index. Spray on and rinse with water
Attracts, absorbs and removes soils
Cleans and shines a variety of surface types
~~
Shines vehicle without scratching
Spray on tire shine
Removes dust, fingerprints and surface contaminants
Removes light scratches and oxidation and protects finish
~ Removes contaminants, blemishes and swirl marks
k* Not recommended for use on instrument panel vinyl.
6-61

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