checking oil PONTIAC FIREBIRD 1999 Owners Manual

6-
yellowblue
6-1
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
Here you will find information about the care of your vehicle. This section begins with service and fuel information,
and then it shows how to check important fluid and lubricant levels. There is also technical information about your
vehicle, and a part devoted to its appearance care.
6
-2 Service
6
-3 Fuel
6
-5 Fuels in Foreign Countries
6
-6 Filling Your Tank
6
-8 Filling a Portable Fuel Container
6
-9 Checking Things Under the Hood
6
-12 Engine Oil
6
-18 Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
6
-20 Automatic Transmission Fluid
6
-24 Manual Transmission Fluid
6
-26 Hydraulic Clutch
6
-27 Rear Axle
6
-27 Thermostat
6
-28 Engine Coolant
6
-31 Power Steering Fluid
6
-32 Windshield Washer Fluid
6
-34 Brakes
6
-37 Battery6
-38 Bulb Replacement
6
-46 Tires
6
-55 Appearance Care
6
-55 Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
6
-57 Care of Safety Belts
6
-58 Cleaning Glass Surfaces
6
-59 Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
6
-61 Cleaning Aluminum or Chrome-Plated
Wheels (If Equipped)
6
-62 Underbody Maintenance
6
-63 GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
6
-64 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
6
-64 Service Parts Identification Label
6
-65 Electrical System
6
-71 Replacement Bulbs
6
-71 Capacities and Specifications
6
-72 Air Conditioning Refrigerants
6
-73 Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts

yellowblue
6-8
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
CAUTION:
Never fill a portable fuel container while it is in
your vehicle. Static electricity discharge from the
container can ignite the gasoline vapor. You can
be badly burned and your vehicle damaged if this
occurs. To help avoid injury to you and others:

Dispense gasoline only into
approved containers.

Do not fill a container while it is inside a
vehicle, in a vehicle's trunk, pickup bed or
on any surface other than the ground.

Bring the fill nozzle in contact with the
inside of the fill opening before operating
the nozzle. Contact should be maintained
until the filling is complete.

Don't smoke while pumping gasoline.
Checking Things Under the Hood
CAUTION:
An electric fan under the hood can start up and
injure you even when the engine is not running.
Keep hands, clothing and tools away from any
underhood electric fan.
CAUTION:
Things that burn can get on hot engine parts and
start a fire. These include liquids like gasoline,
oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer and
other fluids, and plastic or rubber. You or others
could be burned. Be careful not to drop or spill
things that will burn onto a hot engine.

yellowblue
6-13 Checking Engine Oil
Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or
cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it again,
keeping the tip down, and check the level.
3800 V6 Engine
5.7L V8 Engine
When to Add Engine Oil
If the oil is at or below the ADD line, then you'll need
to add at least one quart of oil. But you must use the
right kind. This part explains what kind of oil to use. For
crankcase capacity, see ªCapacities and Specificationsº
in the Index.

yellowblue
6-24
3. Check both sides of the dipstick, and read the lower
level. The fluid level must be in the COLD area,
below the cross
-hatched area for a cold check or in
the HOT area or cross
-hatched area for a hot check.
4. If the fluid level is in the acceptable range, push the
dipstick back in all the way; then flip the handle
down to lock in place.
How to Add Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of transmission fluid to use. See ªRecommended
Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Index.
Add fluid only after checking the transmission fluid
while it is hot. (A cold check is used only as a
reference.) If the fluid level is low, add only enough of
the proper fluid to bring the level up to the HOT area for
a hot check. It doesn't take much fluid, generally less
than one pint (0.5 L). Don't overfill.
NOTICE:
We recommend you use only fluid labeled
DEXRON-III, because fluid with that label is
made especially for your automatic transmission.
Damage caused by fluid other than
DEXRON
-III is not covered by your new
vehicle warranty.

After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as
described under ªHow to Check.º

When the correct fluid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in all the way.
Manual Transmission Fluid
When to Check
A good time to have it checked is when the engine oil is
changed. However, the fluid in your manual
transmission doesn't require changing.

yellowblue
9-2
Brake
Adjustment 6-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid 6-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Master Cylinder 6-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking 2-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pedal Travel 6-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing System Parts 6-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Warning Light 2-80 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer 4-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transmission Shift Interlock Check 2-30, 7-19 . . . . . . . . . .
Wear 6-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes, Anti-Lock 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Braking 4-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Braking in Emergencies 4-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Break-In, New Vehicle 2-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brightness Control 2-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BTSI Check 2-30, 7-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulb Replacement 6-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp 6-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Parking/Turn Signal 6-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlamps 6-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Lamps 6-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Sidemarker 6-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Canada, Ordering Service and Owner Publications 8-14 . . .
Canadian Roadside Assistance 8-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capacities and Specifications 6-71 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Carbon Monoxide 2-11, 2-41, 4-30, 4-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cargo Cover 2-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cassette Deck Service 7-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cassette Tape Player 3
-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care 3-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Errors 3-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CD Adapter Kits 3-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp Bulb Replacement 6-41 . . . .
Certification/Tire Label 4-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chains, Safety 4-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chains, Tire 6-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing a Flat Tire 5-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check
Automatic Transmission 7
-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake Transmission Shift Interlock 2-30, 7-19 . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Coolant Level 7-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil Level 7-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hydraulic Clutch 7-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition Transmission Lock 7-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual Transmission 7-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking Brake Mechanism 7-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Restraints System 7-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starter Switch 7-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tires Inflation 7-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield Washer Fluid Level 7-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wiper Blade 7-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Gages Light 2-89 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking Your Restraint Systems 1-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chemical Paint Spotting 6-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child Restraints 1-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in a Rear Seat Position 1-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in the Right Front Seat Position 1-44 . . . . . . . . . .
Where to Put 1-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chrome-Plated Wheels, Cleaning 6-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cigarette Lighter 2-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Circuit Breakers and Fuses 6-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

yellowblue
9-4
Door
Keys 2-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Last Closed Locking 2-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Locks 2-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Locks 2-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drive, Automatic Transmission 2-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driver Position 1-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving
City 4
-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defensive 4-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drunken 4-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Freeway 4-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In Foreign Countries 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In the Rain 4-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Night 4-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Curves 4-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Grades While Towing a Trailer 4-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Hill and Mountain Roads 4-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Snow and Ice 4-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Through Water 4-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wet Roads 4-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter 4-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
With a Trailer 4-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DRL 2-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drunken Driving 4-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrical Equipment, Adding 3-20, 6-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrical System 6-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine 6-10, 6-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Cleaner/Filter 6-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Gages Light 2-89 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant 6-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Heater 2-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Coolant Level Check 7
-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Temperature Gage 2-82 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust 2-11, 2-41, 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse Block 6-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identification 6-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Level Check 7-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheated Protection Operating Mode 5-9 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating 5-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reduced Power Light 2-90 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Running While Parked 2-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Specifications 6-72 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting Your 2-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing 4-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil 6-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adding 6-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additives 6-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking 6-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Used 6-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What Kind to Use 6-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When to Change 6-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ethanol 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust, Engine 2-11, 2-41, 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exterior Lamps 2-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fabric/Carpet Cleaning 6-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Feature Customization 2-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driver's Door Alarm Delay/Shock Sensor Enable 2-21 . . .
Entering Programming Mode 2-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exit Lighting/Delayed Illumination 2-19, 2-53 . . . . . . . . . .
Last Door Closed Locking/Lockout Prevention 2-19 . . . . .
Leaving Programming Mode 2-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote Keyless Entry Verification 2-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Theft-Deterrent Arming Method 2-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Theft-Deterrent Arming Verification 2-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

yellowblue
9-6
Hitches, Trailer 4-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hood
Checking Things Under 6
-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Release 6-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Horn 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to Reset the Oil Change Light 6-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hydraulic Clutch 6-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hydraulic Clutch Check 7-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hydroplaning 4-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition Positions 2-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition Transmission Lock Check 7-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inflation, Tire 6-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror 2-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inspections
Brake System 7
-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Cooling System 7-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust Systems 7-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Axle 7-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering 7-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Suspension 7-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Throttle System 7-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument Panel 2-74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brightness Control 2-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning 6-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cluster 2-76 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse Block 6-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior Lamps 2-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jack, Tire 5-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump Starting 5-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Key in the Ignition 2-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Key Lock Cylinders Service 7-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Key Release Button 2-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keyless Entry
Battery Replacement 2
-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle 2-9 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation 2-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Resynchronization 2-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keys 2-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Labels
Certification/Tire 4-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service Parts Identification 6-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire-Loading Information 4-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle Identification Number 6-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lamps
Courtesy 2
-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Daytime Running 2-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Delayed Illumination 2-19, 2-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exit Lighting 2-19, 2-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exterior 2-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fog 2-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Map 2-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior 2-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Latches, Seatback 1-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Leaving Your Vehicle 2-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Leaving Your Vehicle with the Engine Running 2-38 . . . . . . .
Lighter 2-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lights
Air Bag Readiness 1
-24, 2-79 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning 2-81, 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake System Warning 2-80 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .