roof PONTIAC FIREBIRD 1998 Owners Manual

Section 2 Features and Controls
Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your vehicle, and inform\
ation on starting,
shifting and braking. Also explained are the instrument panel a\
nd the warning systems that tell you if everything
is
working properly -- and what to do if you have a problem.
2-2
2-4
2-6
2-11
2-13
2- 14
2-17
2-18
2-23
2-24
2-26 2-29
2-30
2-35
2-39
2-4 1
Keys
Door Locks
Remote Keyless Entry System
Hatch Theft
Content Theft-Deterrent System
(If Equipped)
PASS-Key@
I1
Feature Customization (If Equipped)
New Vehicle “Break-In”
Ignition Positions Starting Your Engine
Engine Coolant Heater (Canada Only)
Automatic Transmission Operation
Manual Transmission Operation
Shifting Into PARK (P)
(Automatic Transmission Only)
Shifting Out of PARK (P)
(Automatic Transmission)
2-4 1
2-42
2-42
2-43
2-44
2-45
2-46
2-46 2-52
2-55
2-57
2-58
2-62
2-69
2-76
2-79
Parking Your Vehicle (Manual Transmission)
Parking Over Things That Burn
Engine Exhaust
Running Your Engine While You’re Parked
(Automatic Transmission)
Parking Brake
Windows
Tilt Steering Wheel
Turn SignalMultifunction Lever
Exterior Lamps Interior Lamps
Mirrors Storage Compartments
%in Lift-off Roof Panels
(If Equipped)
Convertible
Top
Instrument Panel
Waming Lights, Gages and Indicators
2-1

Accessory Plug
This plug is located inside the front section ahead of the
shift lever in the console. The plug can be used to
connect electrical equipment such
as a cellular phone or
CB radio. Be sure to follow the installation instructions
included with the equipment.
I NOTICE:
When using the accessory plug:
0 The maximum load of any electrical
equipment should not exceed
3 amps.
Be sure to turn off any electrical equipment
when not
in use. Leaving electrical
equipment on
for extended periods can
drain your battery.
We recommend that you see a qualified technician or your
dealer for the proper installation of your equipment.
Floor Mats
Your vehicle’s floor mats are custom-fitted to the floor
wells. Be sure the driver’s floor
mat is in place. If it
isn’t, it could interfere with the accelerator, clutch or
brake pedal.
Twin Lift-off Roof Panels
(If Equipped)
Don’t try try to remove the T-top panels while
the vehicle
is moving. Trying to remove the T-top
panel while the vehicle is moving could cause an
accident. The panel could fall into the
vehicle and
cause you to lose control, or it could
fly off and
strike another vehicle. You or others could be
iqjured. Remove
T-top panels only when the
vehicle is parked.
2-62

Push the handle closed to secure the panel in the slot. To
lock each panel in the storage area, use your door key.
' /5 CAUTION:
An improperly installed panel may fall into or fly
off the vehicle. You or others could be injured.
After
installing a T-top panel, always check that
it is firmly attached by pushing up on the
underside
of the panel.
Reverse the steps to install the T-top panels.
When installing the panels to the roof, keep the outboard
edge
of the panel raised about three inches (8 cm) above
the roof while placing the inboard edge of the panel
under the center roof.
2-65

After the inboard edge of the panel is in position under
the center roof rail, lower the outboard edge of the panel
into position, close the latch and lock the T-top.
NOTICE:
Do not attempt to install the panels by sliding
them horizontally toward the center roof rail.
Doing
so may cause the weatherstrips to be
aligned improperly, which may result
in leaks
and possible damage to the weatherstrips.
NOTICE:
High pressure car washes may cause water to
enter your vehicle. Never
spray water directly at
the roof panel joints. This will cause leaks.
2-66

T-Top Sunshades
1. Start with the panel marked DRIVER FRONT.
Unlatch the driver’s side T-top, raise it halfway and
close the latch handle.
2. With the top raised and resting on the center roof
rail, slide the flat edge
of the sunshade panel (with
the vinyl side to the glass) between the glass and
plastic trim, making sure the edge marked DRIVER
FRONT is pointing to
the front of the vehicle.
3. Open the latch and close the T-top. Check to see if
there are any gaps showing. Unlatch the T-top and
adjust the sunshade as required.
stick the VelcroB buttons on the glass for a proper fit
every time you install the sunshades. To do this, first
remove the T-top with the sunshade installed and
place
it upside down on a table or bench. Take care
not to scratch the glass.
4. Once the sunshade is installed properly, you can
2-67

Weatherstrips
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply silicone grease with a clean cloth at least every six months. During
very cold, damp weather
more frequent application may be required. (See
“Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.)
Cleaning a Removable Roof Panel
Special care is necessary when cleaning, removing
and/or storing the roof panel.
Flush with water to remove dust and dirt, then dry
the panel.
Clean the panel with GM Glass Cleaner. Leave the
cleaner on the panel for one minute, then wipe the
panel with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Don’t use abrasive cleaning materials.
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
The paint finish on your vehicle provides beauty, depth
of color, gloss retention and durability.
Washing Your Vehicle
The best way to preserve your vehicle’s finish is to
keep it clean by washing it often with lukewarm or
cold water.
Don’t wash your vehicle in the direct rays of the sun.
Don’t use strong soaps or chemical detergents. Use
liquid hand, dish or car washing (mild detergent) soaps.
You can get GM-approved cleaning products from your
dealer. (See “Appearance Care and Materials” in the
Index.) Don’t use cleaning agents that are petroleum
based, or that contain acid or abrasives. All cleaning
agents should be flushed promptly and not allowed to
dry on the surface, or they could stain. Dry the finish
with a soft, clean chamois or an all-cotton towel to
avoid surface scratches and water spotting.
High pressure car washes may cause water to enter
your vehicle.
Cleaning Exterior LampsLenses
Use lukewarm or cold water, a soft cloth and a liquid
hand, dish or car washing (mild detergent) soap to clean
exterior lamps and lenses. Follow instructions under
“Washing Your Vehicle.”

Fabric ...................................... 6-54
Glass
....................................... 6-56
Inside
of Your Pontiac ......................... 6-54
Instrument Panel
............................. 6-55
Interior Plastic Components
..................... 6-55
Leather
..................................... 6-55
Outside of Your Pontiac
........................ 6-57
Removable Roof Panel
......................... 6-57
Special Problems
............................. 6-54
Stains
...................................... 6-54
Tires
....................................... 6-59
Vinyl
....................................... 6-55
Wheels
..................................... 6-59
Windshield
and Wiper Blades ................... 6-56
Clock. Setting the
................................ 3-7
Close-Out Panel
................................ 2-59
Clutch. Hydraulic
............................... 6-26
Comfort Controls
................................ 3-2
Compact Disc
............................. 3.11. 3.12
CareofYour
................................. 3-22
Player
................................. 3.11. 3.12
Player Errors
........................... 3.13. 3.15
Trunk Mounted Player
......................... 3-14
CareofYour
................................. 3-22
Compact Spare Tire
............................. 5-40
Alarm/PanicMode
............................. 2-8
Feature Customization
......................... 2- 18
Content Theft-Deterrent System
................... 2- 14
Control of a Vehicle .............................. 4-5
Convertible Top
................................ 2-69 Convex Outside Mirror
.......................... 2-58
Coolant
....................................... 6-27
Bleed Valves
................................. 5-22
Heater. Engine
............................... 2-29
RecoveryTank
............................... 5-19
Cooling
........................................ 3-3
Cooling System
................................ 5-17
Courtesy Lamps
................................ 2-55
Courtesy Transportation
........................... 8-8
Cruise Control
................................. 2-49
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone Users ......... 8-5
Customer Assistance Information ................... 8-1
Customer Satisfaction Procedure .................... 8-3
Damage. Finish
............................... 6-60
Damage. Sheet Metal
............................ 6-59
Daytime Running Lamps ......................... 2-53
DeadBattery ................................... 5-3
Defects. Reporting Safety
........................ 8-10
Defensive Driving
............................... 4-2
Defogger. Rear Window
.......................... 3-5
Defogging
..................................... 3-4
Defrosting
..................................... 3-4
Delayed Illumination
............................ 2-55
Dimensions. Vehicle ............................ 6-70
Dolby@
B Noise Reduction ....................... 3-10
Door Last Door Closed Locking
.................. 2-5. 2-19
Lockout Prevention ....................... 2-6. 2-19
Locks
....................................... 2-4
9-3

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

Transmitters. Matching to Your Vehicle .............. 2-9
Transmitters. Synchronization ...................... 2-8
Transportation. Courtesy .......................... 8-8
T-Top Sunshades ............................... 2-67
lTYUsers ..................................... 8-5
Turn Signal and Lane Change Indicators ............. 2-47
Turn SignaVMultifunction Lever ................... 2-46
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer ................ 4-37
Twin Lift-off Roof Panels ........................ 2-62
Tripodometer ................................. 2-79
underbody Flushing Service ..................... 7-35
Underbody Maintenance ......................... 6-60
Underhood Electrical Center ...................... 6-66
Vehicle
Controlofa
.................................. 4-5
Damagewarnings .............................. iv
Dimensions
................................. 6-70
Identification Number ......................... 6-62
Loading .................................... 4-30
Storage ..................................... 6-37
Ventilation System ............................... 3-6
Visor Vanity Mirror ............................. 2-61
Visors. Sun .................................... 2-61
Voltmeter ..................................... 2-8 1 warning
Devices
............................... 5-3
Warning Lights. Gages and Indicators ............... 2-79
Warranty Information ............................ 8-10
Washer Fluid. Windshield .................. 2-49. 6-32
Washing Your Vehicle ........................... 6-57
Weatherstrips .................................. 6-57
wheel
Alignment .................................. 6-51
Nut Torque ............................. 5.37. 6.68
Replacement ................................. 6-51
Wrench ..................................... 5-30
Windows ..................................... 2-45
Manual ..................................... 2-45
Power ...................................... 2-45
Windshield Washer ............................. 2-49
Fluid .................................. 2.49. 6.32
Fluid Level Check ............................ 7-32
Windshield Wipers .............................. 2-48
Blade Replacement ........................... 6-42
Fuses ...................................... 6-63
Winter Driving ................................. 4-25
Wiper Blade Check ............................. 7-33
Wiring. Headlamp .............................. 6-63
WreckerTowing ................................. 5-8
Wrench. Wheel. ................................ 5-30
9-12