ESP PONTIAC FIREBIRD 1999 Owners Manual

yellowblue
1-13
or the safety belts!
With safety belts, you slow down as the vehicle does.
You get more time to stop. You stop over more distance,
and your strongest bones take the forces. That's why
safety belts make such good sense.
Here Are Questions Many People Ask
About Safety Belts
-- and the Answers
Q:
Won't I be trapped in the vehicle after an
accident if I'm wearing a safety belt?
A:You could be -- whether you're wearing a safety
belt or not. But you can unbuckle a safety belt,
even if you're upside down. And your chance of
being conscious during and after an accident, so
you can unbuckle and get out, is much greater if
you are belted.
Q:If my vehicle has air bags, why should I have to
wear safety belts?
A:Air bags are in many vehicles today and will be in
most of them in the future. But they are
supplemental systems only; so they work with
safety belts
-- not instead of them. Every air bag
system ever offered for sale has required the use of
safety belts. Even if you're in a vehicle that has air
bags, you still have to buckle up to get the most
protection. That's true not only in frontal collisions,
but especially in side and other collisions.

yellowblue
2-4
Door Locks
CAUTION:
Unlocked doors can be dangerous.
Passengers -- especially children -- can easily
open the doors and fall out. When a door is
locked, the inside handle won't open it.
Outsiders can easily enter through an unlocked
door when you slow down or stop your vehicle.
This may not be so obvious: You increase the
chance of being thrown out of the vehicle in a
crash if the doors aren't locked. Wear safety belts
properly, lock your doors, and you will be far
better off whenever you drive your vehicle.
There are several ways to lock and unlock your vehicle.
From the outside, use your door key. If your vehicle has
the Content Theft
-Deterrent System and it is armed,
unlocking and opening a door this way will set off the
alarm after seven seconds unless the ignition key is
inserted into the ignition. See ªContent Theft
-Deterrent
Systemº in the Index.
To lock the door from the inside, slide the lock control
on the door rearward.
To unlock the door, slide the lock control on the
door forward.

yellowblue
2-9 Matching Transmitter(s) To Your Vehicle
Each remote keyless entry transmitter is coded to
prevent another transmitter from unlocking your vehicle.
If a transmitter is lost or stolen, a replacement can be
purchased through your dealer. Remember to bring any
remaining transmitters with you when you go to your
dealer. When the dealer matches the replacement
transmitter to your vehicle, any remaining transmitters
must also be matched. Once your dealer has coded the
new transmitter, the lost transmitter will not unlock your
vehicle. Each vehicle can have only four transmitters
matched to it.
Have each transmitter you intend to match ready for the
next steps. To match transmitters to your vehicle:
1. Turn the ignition to RUN, then to OFF. This will
disarm the Content Theft
-Deterrent System (if your
vehicle has this option).
2. Remove the RADIO fuse. This fuse is located in the
main fuse block, which is located on the left side of
your instrument panel. The RADIO fuse is located
on the lower right
-hand corner of the panel. See
ªFuses and Circuit Breakersº in the Index.3. Turn the ignition from OFF to RUN three times
quickly (within five seconds). The vehicle will
respond by locking the doors, unlocking the driver's
door and releasing the hatch. Your transmitter is now
ready to match your vehicle. Leave the ignition
in RUN.
4. Press and hold the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons on
the first transmitter for up to 15 seconds. The vehicle
will respond as in Step 3.
5. Repeat Step 4 for the remaining transmitters.
6. When you have finished matching all of your
transmitters, replace the RADIO fuse.
7. Check that all transmitters work by pressing
their buttons.
If the transmitters don't work, or if you'd rather not
match the transmitters yourself, see your Pontiac dealer.

yellowblue
2-11 Resynchronization
Resynchronization may be necessary due to the security
method used by the remote keyless entry system. The
transmitter does not send the same signal twice to the
receiver. The receiver will not respond to a signal it has
been sent previously. This prevents anyone from recording
and playing back the signal from the transmitter.
To resynchronize the transmitter with the receiver, stand
close to your vehicle, and at the same time press and
hold the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons on the
transmitter for about eight seconds. The door locks
should cycle and the parking lamps should flash to
confirm synchronization. If this does not happen, you
may need to replace the battery in your transmitter or
match the transmitter to your vehicle.
Hatch
CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to drive with the hatch open
because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can come into
your vehicle. You can't see or smell CO. It can
cause unconsciousness and even death.
If you must drive with the hatch open or if
electrical wiring or other cable connections must
pass through the seal between the body and
the hatch:

Make sure all other windows are shut.

Turn the fan on your heating or cooling
system to its highest speed with the setting
on VENT. That will force outside air into
your vehicle. See ªComfort Controlsº in
the Index.

If you have air outlets on or under the
instrument panel, open them all the way.
See ªEngine Exhaustº in the Index.

yellowblue
2-12 Hatch Release
Your door key opens the hatch from the outside. If your
vehicle has the Content Theft
-Deterrent System and the
system is armed, opening the hatch this way will trigger
the alarm. First disarm the system or use the remote
keyless entry transmitter to open the hatch.
Remote Hatch Release
Press the button under the
lamp control on the driver's
side below the instrument
panel to unlock the hatch
from inside your vehicle.
If you have an automatic transmission, your shift lever
must be in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) to use the
remote hatch release. If you have a manual transmission
and the ignition is in RUN, you must set the parking
brake before you can use the remote hatch release.This button only works when the ignition is in RUN,
ACC or when RAP is present. (See ªRetained Accessory
Powerº in the Index.)
NOTICE:
If you put things in the hatchback area, be sure
they won't break the glass when you close it.
Never slam the hatch down. You could break the
glass or damage the defogger grid (if equipped).
On vehicles with the Content Theft-Deterrent System,
the remote hatch release button will not work while the
system is armed. See ªContent Theft
-Deterrent Systemº
in the Index.
Theft
Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities.
Although your vehicle has a number of theft
-deterrent
features, we know that nothing we put on it can make it
impossible to steal. However, there are ways you can help.

yellowblue
2-19
Exit Lighting and Delayed Illumination
With Exit Lighting, your interior lamps will come on
for up to 25 seconds when the key is removed from
the ignition.
With Delayed Illumination, your interior lamps will come
on and stay on for up to 25 seconds when entering your
vehicle and up to 5 seconds when leaving your vehicle.
Your vehicle comes with both features enabled
(Mode 4). To change the factory setting, do
the following:
1. Turn the courtesy lamps on by turning the instrument
panel brightness control knob all the way up.
2. Count the number of chimes you hear. The number of
chimes tells you which mode your vehicle is set for.
3. Turn the courtesy lamp switch off.
4. Turn the courtesy lamp switch from on to off until
you hear the number of chimes that correspond to the
mode selection you want.
Mode 1: Both Off
Mode 2: Delayed Illumination Only
Mode 3: Exit Lighting Only
Mode 4: Both OnLast Door Closed Locking and Lockout Prevention
Your vehicle comes with this feature set in Mode 2.
To change the factory setting, do the following:
1. Press the LOCK switch on the door.
2. Count the number of chimes you hear. The number of
chimes tells you which mode your vehicle is set for.
3. Press the LOCK switch on the door until you hear
the number of chimes that correspond to the mode
selection you want.
These features are designed to help prevent your keys
from being locked in your vehicle.
Mode 1: Both Off (Doors will lock and unlock when
you press the power door lock switch.)
Mode 2: Lockout Prevention Only (If you leave your
keys in the ignition and leave through the driver's door,
you won't be able to lock the doors with the power door
lock switch.)
Mode 3: Last Door Closed Locking Only (If the power
door lock switch is used to lock the vehicle while any
door is open, you will hear three chimes. The doors will
not lock until after all doors are closed.)
Mode 4: Both On (This combines Mode 2 and 3.)

yellowblue
2-20
Remote Keyless Entry Verification
Your vehicle comes with this feature set in Mode 5.
To change the factory setting, do the following:
1. Press the UNLOCK button on the remote keyless
entry transmitter.
2. Count the number of chimes you hear. The number of
chimes tells you which mode your vehicle is set for.
3. Press the UNLOCK button on the remote keyless entry
transmitter until you hear the number of chimes that
corresponds to the mode selection you want.
This feature provides feedback when the vehicle receives a
command from the remote keyless entry transmitter.
Mode 1: All Off (The headlamps will not flash and the
horn will not sound to provide you feedback that a
lock/unlock command has been received by the remote
keyless entry transmitter.)
Mode 2: Horn and Lamps/Lamps (Your horn will sound
briefly and your parking lamps will flash when you press
LOCK on the remote keyless entry transmitter. Only your
parking lamps will flash when you press UNLOCK.)
Mode 3: Horn and Lamps (Your horn will sound briefly
and your parking lamps will flash every time you press
LOCK or UNLOCK.)Mode 4: Lamps (Your parking lamps will flash every
time you press LOCK or UNLOCK.)
Mode 5: Lamps/Horn and Lamps/Lamps (Your lamps will
flash upon the first press on LOCK, your lamps will flash
and your horn will sound upon the second press on LOCK
and your lamps will flash upon any press on UNLOCK.)
Theft
-Deterrent Arming Verification
Your vehicle comes with this feature set in Mode 3.
To change the factory setting, do the following:
1. Press the LOCK button on the remote keyless
entry transmitter.
2. Count the number of chimes you hear. The number of
chimes tells you which mode your vehicle is set for.
3. Press the LOCK button on the remote keyless entry
transmitter until you hear the number of chimes that
corresponds to the mode selection you want.
Mode 1: All Off (No horn chirps or parking lamp flash.)
Mode 2: Horn and Lamps (Your parking lamps will
flash and your horn will chirp twice to verify the system
is armed using any arming method.)

yellowblue
2-21
Mode 3: Horn and Lamps/Lamps (If you use the remote
keyless entry transmitter to arm the system, your
parking lamps will flash and your horn will chirp twice
to verify that the system is armed. If it only chirps once,
the hatch is open or unlatched. If you use either the
power door lock switch or passive arming, only your
lamps will flash for verification.)
Mode 4: Lamps (When your vehicle arms, only your
parking lamps will flash for verification.)
Theft
-Deterrent Arming Method
Your vehicle comes with this feature set in Mode 3.
To change the factory setting, do the following:
1. Press the UNLOCK switch on the door.
2. Count the number of chimes you hear. The number of
chimes tells you which mode your vehicle is set for.
3. Press the UNLOCK switch on the door until you
hear the number of chimes that correspond to the
mode selection you want.
Mode 1: Alarm System Off (The system will not arm.)
Mode 2: Remote Keyless Entry Transmitter Lock
(When you lock your doors using the remote keyless
entry transmitter, the system will arm itself.)Mode 3:Remote Keyless Entry Transmitter/Power Door
Lock Switch (If you use either the remote keyless entry
transmitter or the power door lock switch to lock the
doors, the system will arm itself.)
Mode 4: Passive Arming and Remote Keyless Entry
Transmitter/Power Door Lock Switch Arming (The
system will arm itself after all doors are closed plus
arming per Mode 3).
Driver's Door Alarm Delay and Shock Sensor Enable
Your vehicle comes with this feature set in Mode 4.
To change the factory setting, do the following:
1. Turn the parking lamps on and off.
2. Count the number of chimes you hear. The number of
chimes tells you which mode your vehicle is set for.
3. Turn the parking lamps on and off until you hear the
number of chimes that corresponds to the mode
selection you want.
Mode 1: Zero Delay and Shock Sensor Disabled (The
alarm will sound immediately if the driver's door is
opened with your key and the shock sensor will not be
available to measure sharp blows to your vehicle.)

yellowblue
2-50 Headlamp Doors
The headlamp doors are designed to open when you turn
the headlamps on and close when you turn the
headlamps off. The headlamp doors can be opened
without turning on the headlamps by turning the
headlamps on, then turning the switch back to the
parking lamps position.
The headlamp doors should be open when driving in icy
or snowy conditions to prevent the doors from freezing
closed, and when washing the vehicle to help clean
the headlamps.
To open the headlamp doors manually:
1. Open the hood.
2. Remove the plastic cover from the retractor
motor knob.
3. Turn the retractor motor knob counterclockwise until the
headlamp door is fully open. The knob will get harder
to turn when the headlamp door is all the way up.
4. Replace the plastic cover on the retractor motor knob.
To manually close the headlamp doors, turn the lamps
off and turn the retractor motor knob clockwise. If the
headlamp doors aren't working properly, see your dealer
for help.
Daytime Running Lamps
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier for
others to see the front of your vehicle during the day.
DRL can be helpful in many different driving
conditions, but they can be especially helpful in the
short periods after dawn and before sunset.
For Canadian vehicles, a light sensor on top of the
instrument panel automatically turns the headlamps on,
so be sure it isn't covered.
The DRL system will not activate if the park brake is
engaged prior to turning the ignition on.
The DRL system will make your front turn signal lamps
come on when:

the ignition is on,

the headlamp switch is OFF,

the parking brake is released and

it is bright enough outside (on Canadian vehicles).
When the DRL are on, only your front turn signal lamps
will be on. The taillamps, sidemarker and other lamps
won't be on. Your instrument panel won't be lit up
either. When you use your turn signals, the front turn
signal and the taillamp of the desired side will flash.

yellowblue
3-20 Understanding Radio Reception
AM
The range for most AM stations is greater than for FM,
especially at night. The longer range, however, can
cause stations to interfere with each other. AM can pick
up noise from things like storms and power lines. Try
reducing the treble to reduce this noise if you ever get it.
FM Stereo
FM stereo will give you the best sound, but FM signals
will reach only about 10 to 40 miles (16 to 65 km). Tall
buildings or hills can interfere with FM signals, causing
the sound to come and go.
Tips About Your Audio System
Hearing damage from loud noise is almost undetectable
until it is too late. Your hearing can adapt to higher
volumes of sound. Sound that seems normal can be loud
and harmful to your hearing. Take precautions by
adjusting the volume control on your radio to a safe
sound level before your hearing adapts to it.To help avoid hearing loss or damage:

Adjust the volume control to the lowest setting.

Increase volume slowly until you hear comfortably
and clearly.
NOTICE:
Before you add any sound equipment to your
vehicle
-- like a tape player, CB radio, mobile
telephone or two
-way radio -- be sure you can
add what you want. If you can, it's very
important to do it properly. Added sound
equipment may interfere with the operation of
your vehicle's engine, Delco Electronics radio or
other systems, and even damage them. Your
vehicle's systems may interfere with the
operation of sound equipment that has been
added improperly.
So, before adding sound equipment, check with
your dealer and be sure to check Federal rules
covering mobile radio and telephone units.