brake PONTIAC FIREBIRD 1999 Owners Manual

yellowblue
v
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.

yellowblue
1-28

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.

2-
yellowblue
2-1
Section 2 Features and Controls
Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your vehicle, and information on starting,
shifting and braking. Also explained are the instrument panel and the warning systems that tell you if everything is
working properly
-- and what to do if you have a problem.
2
-2 Keys
2
-4 Door Locks
2
-6 Keyless Entry System (If Equipped)
2
-11 Hatch
2
-12 Theft
2
-13 Content Theft-Deterrent System (Option)
2
-16 PASS-Key
II
2
-22 New Vehicle ªBreak-Inº
2
-23 Ignition Positions
2
-25 Starting Your Engine
2
-28 Engine Coolant Heater (Canada Only)
2
-29 Automatic Transmission Operation
2
-32 Manual Transmission Operation
2
-36 Parking Brake
2
-37 Shifting Into PARK (P) (Automatic
Transmission Only)
2
-39 Shifting Out of PARK (P)
(Automatic Transmission)2
-40 Parking Your Vehicle (Manual Transmission)
2
-40 Parking Over Things That Burn
2
-41 Engine Exhaust
2
-41 Running Your Engine While You're Parked
(Automatic Transmission)
2
-42 Windows
2
-43 Tilt Wheel
2
-44 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
2
-49 Exterior Lamps
2
-52 Interior Lamps
2
-54 Mirrors
2
-55 Storage Compartments
2
-59 Twin Lift-Off Roof Panels (If Equipped)
2
-66 Convertible Top (If Equipped)
2
-74 The Instrument Panel--Your
Information System
2
-78 Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators

yellowblue
2-8 Operation
The driver's door will unlock automatically when
UNLOCK is pressed. If UNLOCK is pressed again
within five seconds, the passenger's door will also
unlock. All doors will lock when LOCK is pressed.
The hatch will unlock when the REAR 2X button is
pressed twice within five seconds, as long as the ignition
is turned to OFF. If the ignition is on, the REAR 2X
button will only work if the transmission is in PARK (P)
for an automatic transmission, or if the parking brake is
set on a manual transmission.
The system will turn on the interior lamps for about 40
seconds (or until the ignition is turned to RUN), when
you unlock the doors or hatch. The interior lamps will
go off when you lock the doors.
Operating the remote keyless entry transmitter may
interact with the Content Theft
-Deterrent System (if you
have this option). See ªContent Theft
-Deterrent Systemº
in the Index.Alarm/Panic Mode
If you are involved in a panic situation, press the horn
symbol button on your remote keyless entry transmitter
and your vehicle's horn will sound and the parking
lamps will flash. This will draw needed attention to you
and your vehicle. To turn this feature off, either push the
horn symbol button again or turn the ignition to ON.
This feature will not work if your ignition is on or if the
transmitter is 30 feet (9 m) or more away from
your vehicle.
Transmitter Verification (If Equipped)
This feature provides feedback to the holder of the
remote keyless entry transmitter that a command has
been received by the keyless entry receiver. The parking
lamps will flash on every lock and unlock command and
the horn will sound only if the LOCK button is pressed
twice within five seconds. This allows for silent
operation of locking and unlocking unless a confirming
horn chirp is desired. Other options may be selected for
this feature (see ªFeature Customizationº 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
2-22
Mode 2: Eight-Second Delay and Shock Sensor
Disabled (The alarm will sound eight seconds after the
driver's door is opened with your key and the shock
sensor will not be available to measure sharp blows to
your vehicle.)
Mode 3: Zero Delay and Shock Sensor Enabled (The
alarm will sound immediately after the driver's door is
opened with your key and the shock sensor will be
available to measure sharp blows to your vehicle.)
Mode 4: Eight
-Second Delay and Shock Sensor Enabled
(The alarm will sound eight seconds after the driver's door
is opened with your key and the shock sensor will be
available to measure sharp blows to your vehicle.)
Leaving Programming Mode
When programming is done, turn the ignition to OFF
and replace the RADIO fuse.
New Vehicle ªBreak-Inº
NOTICE:
Your vehicle doesn't need an elaborate
ªbreak
-in.º But it will perform better in the long
run if you follow these guidelines:

Keep your speed at 55 mph (88 km/h) or
less for the first 500 miles (805 km).

Don't drive at any one speed
-- fast or
slow
-- for the first 500 miles (805 km).
Don't make full
-throttle starts.

Avoid making hard stops for the first
200 miles (322 km) or so. During this time
your new brake linings aren't yet broken
in. Hard stops with new linings can mean
premature wear and earlier replacement.
Follow this breaking
-in guideline every
time you get new brake linings.

Don't tow a trailer during break
-in.
See ªTowing a Trailerº in the Index for
more information.

yellowblue
2-25
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.

yellowblue
2-29
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and store
the cord as it was before to keep it away from moving
engine parts. If you don't, it could be damaged.
How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged
in? The answer depends on the outside temperature, the
kind of oil you have, and some other things. Instead of
trying to list everything here, we ask that you contact
your dealer in the area where you'll be parking your
vehicle. The dealer can give you the best advice for that
particular area.
Automatic Transmission Operation
There are several different positions for your shift lever.
PARK (P): This locks your rear wheels. It's the best
position to use when you start your engine because your
vehicle can't move easily.
CAUTION:
It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the
shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
Don't leave your vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. If you have left the
engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be sure your
vehicle won't move, even when you're on fairly
level ground, always set your parking brake and
move the shift lever to PARK (P).
See ªShifting Into PARK (P)º in the Index. If
you're pulling a trailer, see ªTowing a Trailerº
in the Index.
Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before
starting the engine. Your vehicle has a

yellowblue
2-30
Brake-Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI). You have
to fully apply your regular brakes before you can shift
from PARK (P) when the ignition key is in RUN. If you
cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift
lever. Push the shift lever all the way into PARK (P) and
also release the shift lever button on floor shift console
models as you maintain brake application. Then move
the shift lever into the gear you wish. See ªShifting Out
of PARK (P)º in this section.
REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up.
NOTICE:
Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle is
moving forward could damage your transmission.
Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle
is stopped.
To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow,
ice or sand without damaging your transmission, see
ªStuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snowº in the Index.NEUTRAL (N): In this position, your engine doesn't
connect with the wheels. To restart when you're already
moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Also, use
NEUTRAL (N) when your vehicle is being towed.
CAUTION:
Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) while
your engine is ªracingº (running at high speed) is
dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on the
brake pedal, your vehicle could move very
rapidly. You could lose control and hit people or
objects. Don't shift out of PARK (P) or
NEUTRAL (N) while your engine is racing.
NOTICE:
Damage to your transmission caused by shifting
out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) with the
engine racing isn't covered by your warranty.

yellowblue
2-31
AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D): This position is
for normal driving. If you need more power for passing,
and you're:

Going less than about 35 mph (55 km/h), push your
accelerator pedal about halfway down.

Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the
accelerator all the way down.
You'll shift down to the next gear and have more power.
THIRD (3): This position is also used for normal
driving, however, it offers more power and lower fuel
economy than AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D).
Here are some times you might choose THIRD (3)
instead of AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D):

When driving on hilly, winding roads.

When towing a trailer, so there is less shifting
between gears.

When going down a steep hill.
SECOND (2): This position gives you more power but
lower fuel economy. You can use SECOND (2) on hills.
It can help control your speed as you go down steep
mountain roads, but then you would also want to use
your brakes off and on.
NOTICE:
Don't drive in SECOND (2) for more than
25 miles (40 km), or at speeds over 55 mph
(88 km/h), or you can damage your transmission.
Use AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D) or
THIRD (3) as much as possible.
Don't shift into SECOND (2) unless you are
going slower than 65 mph (105 km/h), or you can
damage your engine.
FIRST (1): This position (if equipped) gives you
even more power (but lower fuel economy) than
SECOND (2). You can use it on very steep hills, or in
deep snow or mud. If the gearshift lever is put in first
gear, the transmission won't shift into FIRST (1) until
the vehicle is going slowly enough.