battery PONTIAC FIREBIRD 1999 Owners Manual

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For example,
these symbols
are used on an
original battery:
CAUTION
POSSIBLE
INJURY
PROTECT
EYES BY
SHIELDING
CAUSTIC
BATTERY
ACID COULD
CAUSE
BURNS
AVOID
SPARKS OR
FLAMES
SPARK OR
FLAME
COULD
EXPLODE
BATTERY
These symbols
are important
for you and
your passengers
whenever your
vehicle is
driven:
DOOR LOCK
UNLOCK
FASTEN
SEAT
BELTS
POWER
WINDOW
AIR BAG
These symbols
have to do with
your lamps:
MASTER
LIGHTING
SWITCH
TURN
SIGNALS
PARKING
LAMPS
HAZARD
WARNING
FLASHER
DAYTIME
RUNNING
LAMPS
FOG LAMPS
These symbols
are on some of
your controls:
WINDSHIELD
WIPER
WINDSHIELD
WASHER
WINDSHIELD
DEFROSTER
REAR
WINDOW
DEFOGGER
VENTILATING
FAN
These symbols
are used on
warning and
indicator lights:
ENGINE
COOLANT
TEMP
BATTERY
CHARGING
SYSTEM
BRAKE
COOLANT
ENGINE OIL
PRESSURE
ANTI-LOCK
BRAKES
Here are some
other symbols
you may see:
FUSE
LIGHTER
HORN
SPEAKER
FUEL
Vehicle Symbols
These are some of the symbols you may find on your vehicle.

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Your vehicle is equipped with a crash sensing
and diagnostic module, which records information
about the air bag system. The module records
information about the readiness of the system, when
the system commands air bag inflation and driver's
safety belt usage at deployment.

Let only qualified technicians work on your air bag
system. Improper service can mean that your air bag
system won't work properly. See your dealer
for service.
Some modules also record speed, engine RPM, brake
and throttle data.
NOTICE:
If you damage the covering for the driver's or the
right front passenger's air bag, the bag may not
work properly. You may have to replace the air
bag module in the steering wheel or both the air
bag module and the instrument panel for the
right front passenger's air bag. Do not open or
break the air bag coverings.
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle
Air bags affect how your vehicle should be serviced.
There are parts of the air bag system in several places
around your vehicle. You don't want the system to
inflate while someone is working on your vehicle. Your
dealer and the service manual have information about
servicing your vehicle and the air bag system.
To purchase a service manual, see ªService and Owner
Publicationsº in the Index.
CAUTION:
For up to 10 minutes after the ignition key is
turned off and the battery is disconnected, an air
bag can still inflate during improper service. You
can be injured if you are close to an air bag when
it inflates. Avoid wires wrapped with yellow tape
or yellow connectors. They are probably part of
the air bag system. Be sure to follow proper
service procedures, and make sure the person
performing work for you is qualified to do so.
The air bag system does not need regular maintenance.

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This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.
This device complies with RSS
-210 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this
device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation of
the device.
Changes or modifications to this system by other than an
authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.This system has a range of about 3 feet (1 m) up to
30 feet (9 m). At times you may notice a decrease in
range. This is normal for any remote keyless entry
system. If the transmitter does not work or if you have
to stand closer to your vehicle for the transmitter to
work, try this:

Check to determine if battery replacement is
necessary. See the instructions that follow.

Check the distance. You may be too far from your
vehicle. You may need to stand closer during rainy
or snowy weather.

Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may be
blocking the signal. Take a few steps to the left or
right, hold the transmitter higher, and try again.

If you're still having trouble, see your dealer or a
qualified technician for service.

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2-10 Battery Replacement
Under normal use, the battery in your remote keyless
entry transmitter should last about two years.
You can tell the battery is weak if the transmitter won't
work at the normal range in any location. If you have to
get close to your vehicle before the transmitter works,
it's probably time to change the battery.
Use one battery, type CR2032, or a similar type.NOTICE:
When replacing the battery, use care not to touch
any of the circuitry. Static from your body
transferred to these surfaces may damage
the transmitter.
To replace the battery in the remote keyless
entry transmitter:
1. Carefully pry off the cover by inserting a dime
(or similar object) in the slot between the covers
and twist.
2. Lift off the back cover.
3. Remove and replace the battery. Use one battery,
type CR2032, or a similar type. Put the new battery
in printed side down.
4. Replace the cover. Make sure the cover is on tightly
so water won't get in.
5. Check the transmitter operation. If the transmitter
does not work after battery replacement, it may need
to be resynchronized or matched to your vehicle. See
ªResynchronizationº in the Index.

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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.

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Starting Your Engine
Automatic Transmission
Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
Your engine won't start in any other position
-- that's a
safety feature. To restart when you're already moving,
use NEUTRAL (N) only.
NOTICE:
Don't try to shift to PARK (P) if your Pontiac
is moving. If you do, you could damage the
transmission. Shift to PARK (P) only when your
vehicle is stopped.
Manual Transmission
The gear selector should be in NEUTRAL and the
parking brake engaged. Hold the clutch pedal to the
floor and start the engine. Your vehicle won't start if
the clutch pedal is not all the way down
-- that's a
safety feature.
Starting Your 3800 Series II V6 Engine
1. Without pushing the accelerator pedal, turn your
ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let
go of the key. The idle speed will go down as your
engine gets warm.
NOTICE:
Holding your key in START for longer than
15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to
be drained much sooner. And the excessive heat
can damage your starter motor. Wait about
15 seconds between each try to help avoid
draining your battery or damaging your starter.
2. If it doesn't start right away, hold your key in
START for about three to five seconds at a time until
your engine starts. Wait about 15 seconds between
each try to help avoid draining your battery or
damaging your starter.

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3. If your engine still won't start (or starts but then stops),
it could be flooded with too much gasoline. Try
pushing your accelerator pedal all the way to the floor
and holding it there as you hold the key in START for
about three seconds. If the vehicle starts briefly but
then stops again, do the same thing, but this time keep
the pedal down for five or six seconds. This clears the
extra gasoline from the engine. After waiting about
15 seconds, repeat the normal starting procedure.
NOTICE:
Your engine is designed to work with the
electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical
parts or accessories, you could change the way
the engine operates. Before adding electrical
equipment, check with your dealer. If you don't,
your engine might not perform properly.
If you ever have to have your vehicle towed, see
the part of this manual that tells how to do it
without damaging your vehicle. See ªTowing
Your Vehicleº in the Index.
Starting Your 5.7L V8 Engine
1. Without pushing the accelerator pedal, turn the
ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let
go of the key. The idle speed will go down as your
engine gets warm.
NOTICE:
Holding your key in START for longer than
15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to
be drained much sooner. And the excessive heat
can damage your starter motor. Wait about
15 seconds between each try to help avoid
draining your battery or damaging your starter.
2. If it doesn't start within 10 seconds, push the
accelerator pedal all the way to the floor, while you
hold the ignition key in START. When the engine
starts, let go of the key and let up on the accelerator
pedal. Wait about 15 seconds between each try to help
avoid draining your battery or damaging your starter.

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Interior Lamps
Instrument Panel Brightness Control
The thumbwheel controls the brightness of your
instrument panel lights. Move the thumbwheel to
brighten or dim the lights. If you move the thumbwheel
all the way up, your courtesy lamps will come on.
Courtesy Lamps
When either door is opened, several interior lamps go
on. These lamps are courtesy lamps. They make it easier
for you to enter and leave your vehicle.
Courtesy lamps include two map lamps on the inside
rearview mirror and other lamps throughout the interior
of your vehicle.
To prevent battery rundown, your interior lamps will be
disabled about 10 minutes after the ignition is turned to
OFF. The 10
-minute timer will be restarted if you do
any of the following:

Turn the ignition on.

Open either door.

Press any button on your remote keyless entry
transmitter (if equipped).

Turn the interior lamp switch from off to on.

Open the hatch.

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NOTICE:
When using the accessory plug:

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 pedal, brake
pedal or with the clutch pedal on manual transmissions.
Twin Lift-Off Roof Panels
(If Equipped)
Removing the Twin-Lift Off Roof Panels
CAUTION:
Don't 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
injured. Remove the T
-top panel only when the
vehicle is parked.

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3. Pull down on the center opening and align the hooks
with the holes. Push forward on the larger part of the
latch until it clicks. Do not force the latch. If it is
hard to lock, the top is not properly aligned.
NOTICE:
The convertible top may be tight when pushing
forward on the latch when your vehicle is new,
but it will loosen up with time. Make sure that
the hooks are properly aligned before using any
kind of force.
If your vehicle has a power loss, such as a dead battery,
you can still raise or lower the top manually by turning
the valve in the driver's side of the hatch.