fuel type PONTIAC FIREBIRD 1998 Owners Manual

Be sure the posted octane for premium is at least 91 (at
least
89 for middle grade and 87 for regular). If the
octane
is less than 87, you may get a heavy knocking
noise when you drive. If it's bad enough, it can damage
your engine.
If you're using fuel rated at the recommended octane or
higher and you hear heavy knocking, your engine needs service. But don't
worry if you hear a little pinging
noise when you're accelerating or driving up a
hill.
That's normal, and you don't have to buy a higher
octane
fuel to get rid of pinging. It's the heavy, constant
knock that means you have a problem.
If your vehicle is certified to meet California Emission
Standards (indicated on the underhood emission control
label),
it is designed to operate on fuels that meet
California specifications. If such fuels are not available
in states adopting California emissions standards, your
vehicle will operate satisfactorily on fuels meeting
federal specifications, but emission control system performance
may be affected. The malfunction indicator
lamp on your instrument panel may turn on and/or
your vehicle may fail a smog-check test. If this occurs,
return to
your authorized Pontiac dealer for diagnosis
to determine the cause of failure. In the event it is
determined that
the cause of the condition is the type of
fuels used, repairs may not be covered by your warranty.
Some gasolines that are not reformulated for
low
emissions contain an octane-enhancing additive called
methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT);
ask your service station operator whether or not his fuel
contains
MMT. General Motors does not recommend the
use of such gasolines.
If fuels containing "'I' are used,
spark plug life may be reduced and your emission
control system performance may be affected. The
malfunction indicator lamp on your instrument panel
may
turn on. If this occurs, return to your authorized
Pontiac dealer for service.
6-4

To remove the cap, turn it slowly to the left
(counterclockwise). The cap has a spring in it; if you let
go of the cap too soon, it will spring back to the right.
L
If you get gasoline on yourself and then
something ignites
it, you could be badly burned.
Gasoline can spray out on you
if you open the
fuel filler cap too quickly. This spray can happen
if your tank is nearly full, and is more likely in
hot weather. Open the fuel filler cap slowly and
wait for any “hiss” noise to stop. Then unscrew
the cap all the way.
Be careful not to spill gasoline. Clean gasoline from
painted surfaces
as soon as possible. See “Cleaning
the Outside of Your Vehicle” in the Index. When you put the
cap back on, turn it to the right
(clockwise) until you hear
a clicking sound. Make
sure
you fully install the cap. The diagnostic system
can determine if the fuel cap has been left
off or
improperly installed. This would allow fuel to
evaporate into the atmosphere. See “Malfunction
Indicator Lamp” in the Index.
NOTICE:
If you need a new cap, be sure to get the right
type. Your dealer can get one for you.
If you get
the wrong type, it may not fit properly. This may
cause your malfunction indicator lamp to light
and your fuel tank and emissions system may be
damaged. See “Malfunction Indicator Lamp” in
the Index.
6-7

Replacement Bulbs
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp ............. 921
Front Parking and Turn Signal
.......... 3 157NAK
Headlamp
(Low Beam) ................... 4703
Back-up
............................... 3155
Headlamp (High Beam)
................... 4701
Sidemarker .............................. 194
Tail Only
............................. 194
Tail/Stop/Turn ........................ 3057
Capacities and Specifications
Engine
Type VIN Engine Code
K ............. . . 3800 V6
VIN Engine Code
G .................. 5.7L V8
Fuel Delivery
.................... Fuel Injection
Valve Arrangement
.................... In-Head
VIN Engine Code
K ......... 231 CID (3791 cc)
VIN Engine Code
G ......... 350 CID (5735 cc)
VIN Engine Code
K .............. 1-6-5-4-3-2
Piston Displacement
Firing Order VIN Engine Code
G ........... 1-8-7-2-6-5-4-3
Wheel Nut Torque
........... 100 lb-ft (140 N-m)
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement Type
................................. hook
Length .................... 24 inches (603 cm)
6-68