weight PONTIAC FIREBIRD 1999 User Guide

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4-35
You can ask your dealer for our trailering information or
advice, or you can write us at:
Pontiac Division
Customer Assistance Center
One Pontiac Plaza
Pontiac, MI 48340
-2952
In Canada, write to:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Communication Centre
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
Weight of the Trailer Tongue
The tongue load (A) of any trailer is an important
weight to measure because it affects the total or gross
weight of your vehicle. The Gross Vehicle Weight
(GVW) includes the curb weight of the vehicle, any
cargo you may carry in it, and the people who will be
riding in the vehicle. And if you tow a trailer, you must
add the tongue load to the GVW because your vehicle
will be carrying that weight, too. See ªLoading Your
Vehicleº in the Index for more information about your
vehicle's maximum load capacity.If you're using a weight-carrying hitch, the trailer
tongue (A) should weigh 10 percent of the total loaded
trailer weight (B). If you have a weight
-distributing
hitch, the trailer tongue (A) should weigh 12 percent
of the total loaded trailer weight (B).
After you've loaded your trailer, weigh the trailer and
then the tongue, separately, to see if the weights are
proper. If they aren't, you may be able to get them right
simply by moving some items around in the trailer.

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4-36 Total Weight on Your Vehicle's Tires
Be sure your vehicle's tires are inflated to the upper
limit for cold tires. You'll find these numbers on the
Tire-Loading label at the rear edge of the driver's door
or see ªLoading Your Vehicleº in the Index. Then be
sure you don't go over the GVW limit for your vehicle,
including the weight of the trailer tongue.
Hitches
It's important to have the correct hitch equipment.
Crosswinds, large trucks going by and rough roads are a
few reasons why you'll need the right hitch. Here are
some rules to follow:

The rear bumper on your vehicle is not intended for
hitches. Do not attach rental hitches or other
bumper
-type hitches to it. Use only a frame-mounted
hitch that does not attach to the bumper.

Will you have to make any holes in the body of your
vehicle when you install a trailer hitch? If you do,
then be sure to seal the holes later when you remove
the hitch. If you don't seal them, deadly carbon
monoxide (CO) from your exhaust can get into your
vehicle (see ªCarbon Monoxideº in the Index). Dirt
and water can, too.
Safety Chains
You should always attach chains between your vehicle
and your trailer. Cross the safety chains under the tongue
of the trailer so that the tongue will not drop to the road
if it becomes separated from the hitch. Instructions
about safety chains may be provided by the hitch
manufacturer or by the trailer manufacturer. Follow the
manufacturer's recommendation for attaching safety
chains and do not attach them to the bumper. Always
leave just enough slack so you can turn with your rig.
And, never allow safety chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
If your trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs. (450 kg)
loaded, then it needs its own brakes
-- and they must be
adequate. Be sure to read and follow the instructions for
the trailer brakes so you'll be able to install, adjust and
maintain them properly. Because you have anti
-lock
brakes, do not try to tap into your vehicle's brake
system. If you do, both brake systems won't work well,
or at all.

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4-37 Driving with a Trailer
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Before setting out for the open road, you'll want to get
to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel of
handling and braking with the added weight of the
trailer. And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are
driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly as
responsive as your vehicle is by itself.
Before you start, check the trailer hitch and platform
(and attachments), safety chains, electrical connector,
lamps, tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and
then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure
the brakes are working. This lets you check your
electrical connection at the same time.
During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer brakes
are still working.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as you
would when driving your vehicle without a trailer. This
can help you avoid situations that require heavy braking
and sudden turns.
Passing
You'll need more passing distance up ahead when
you're towing a trailer. And, because you're a good deal
longer, you'll need to go much farther beyond the
passed vehicle before you can return to your lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand.
Then, to move the trailer to the left, just move that hand
to the left. To move the trailer to the right, move your
hand to the right. Always back up slowly and, if
possible, have someone guide you.

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9-5
Features and Controls 2-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fifth Gear, Manual Transmission 2-33, 2-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling a Portable Fuel Container 6-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling Your Tank 6-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filter, Air 6-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Finish Care 6-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Finish Damage 6-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
First Gear, Automatic Transmission 2-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
First Gear, Manual Transmission 2-32, 2-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flashers, Hazard Warning 5-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flat Tire, Changing 5-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Floor Mats 2-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid Capacities 6-71 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluids and Lubricants 7-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fog Lamps 2-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Folding Rear Seatbacks 1-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign Countries, Fuel 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fourth Gear, Manual Transmission 2-33, 2-34 . . . . . . . . . . . .
French Language Manual ii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Console 2
-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Map Lamps 2-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Parking/Turn Signal Bulb Replacement 6-41 . . . . . . . . .
Fuel 6-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Canada 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling a Portable Container 6-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling Your Tank 6-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gage 2-89 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In Foreign Countries 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Light 2-90 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses and Circuit Breakers 6-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine 6-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument Panel 6-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gages
Engine Coolant Temperature 2-82 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel 2-89 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Pressure 2-86 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GAWR 4-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gear Positions, Automatic Transmission 2-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gear Positions, Manual Transmission 2-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Glove Box 2-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GM Mobility Program for Persons with Disabilities 8-7 . . . . .
Graphic Equalizer 3-7, 3-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross Axle Weight Rating 4-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 4-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Guide en Fran†ais ii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GVWR 4
-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Halogen Bulbs 6-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hatch 2-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ajar Light 2-89 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Release, Remote 2-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hazard Warning Flashers 5-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Head Restraints 1-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlamps 2-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulb Replacement 6-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High/Low Beam Changer 2-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wiring 6-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hearing Impaired, Customer Assistance 8-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heating 3-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heating, Bi-Level 3-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High-Beam Headlamps 2-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Highway Hypnosis 4-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hill and Mountain Roads 4-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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9-11
Storage Compartments 2-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cassette/Compact Disc 2-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Console 2-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Glove Box 2-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Map Pocket 2-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storage, Vehicle 6-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow 5-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sun Visors 2-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Supplemental Restraint System 1-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Symbols, Vehicle v. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tachometer 2-77 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tape Player Care 3-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Theft 2-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Theft-Deterrent Alarm System 2-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Theft-Deterrent Feature 3-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
THEFTLOCK
3-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Thermostat 6-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Third Gear, Manual Transmission 2-33, 2-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Third Position, Automatic Transmission 2-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tilt Wheel 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Time, Setting the 3-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire Chains 6-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire Loading 4-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire-Loading Information Label 4-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tires 6-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alignment and Balance 6-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Buying New 6-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chains 6-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing a Flat 5-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning 6-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compact Spare 5-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inflation 6-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inflation Check 7
-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inspection and Rotation 6-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loading 4-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pressure 6-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Temperature 6-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Traction 6-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Treadwear 6-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Uniform Quality Grading 6-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wear Indicators 6-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel Replacement 6-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When It's Time for New 6-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Top Strap 1-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Torque Lock 2-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Torque, Wheel Nut 6-72 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing
Recreational Vehicle 4
-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer 4-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Your Vehicle 5-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Traction
Control System 4
-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Control System Off Warning Light 2-83, 4-9 . . . . . . . . . . .
Limited-Slip Rear Axle 2-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Light 2-82, 4-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer
Brakes 4
-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving on Grades 4-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving with 4-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Cooling When Towing 4-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hitches 4-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance When Towing 4-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking on Hills 4-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety Chains 4-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tongue Weight 4-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total Weight on Tires 4-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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9-12
Trailer (Continued)
Towing 4-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn Signals 4-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Weight 4-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transmission Fluid, Automatic 6-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transmission Fluid, Manual 6-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transmitters, Matching to Your Vehicle 2-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transmitters, Remote Keyless Entry 2-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transportation, Courtesy 8-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trip
Before Leaving On A Long 4
-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Odometer 2-77 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Reset 2-77 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trunk-Mounted CD Changer 3-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TTY Users 8-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn Signal and Lane Change Indicator 2-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever 2-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer 4-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Twin Lift-Off Roof Panels 2-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing 2-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removing 2-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storing 2-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
T-Top Sunshades 2-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Underbody Flushing Service 7-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Underbody Maintenance 6-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Underhood Electrical Center 6-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle
Control 4-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Damage Warnings iv. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimensions 6
-73 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Identification Number 6
-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loading 4-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recreational Towing 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storage 6-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ventilation System 3-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Visor
Sun 2
-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vanity Mirrors 2-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Voltmeter 2-79 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warning Devices 5-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators 2-78 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warranty Information 8-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Washer Fluid, Windshield 6-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Washing Your Vehicle 6-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Weatherstrips 6-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel
Alignment 6
-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Nut Torque 6-72 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement 6-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wrench 5-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windows 2-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield Washer 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid 6-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid Level Check 7-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield Wipers 2-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Blade Replacement 6-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses 6-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter Driving 4-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wiper Blade Check 7-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wiper Blades, Cleaning 6-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wiring, Headlamp 6-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wrench, Wheel 5-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .