key battery PONTIAC FIREBIRD 1999 Owners Manual

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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.

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2-7
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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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.

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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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2-79 Air Bag Readiness Light
There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument
panel, which shows AIR BAG. The system checks the
air bag's electrical system for malfunctions. The light
tells you if there is an electrical problem. The system
check includes the air bag sensors, the air bag modules,
the wiring and the crash sensing and diagnostic module.
For more information on the air bag system, see ªAir
Bagº in the Index.
This light will come on
when you start your engine,
and it will flash for a few
seconds. Then the light
should go out. This means
the system is ready.
If the air bag readiness light stays on after you start the
engine or comes on when you are driving, your air bag
system may not work properly. Have your vehicle
serviced right away.
The air bag readiness light should flash for a few
seconds when you turn the ignition key to RUN. If the
light doesn't come on then, have it fixed so it will be
ready to warn you if there is a problem.
Voltmeter
You can read battery
voltage on your voltmeter.
If it reads less than 11 volts
or more than 16 volts while
your engine is running, and
it stays there, you may have
a problem with the
electrical charging system.
Have it checked right away. Driving with the voltmeter
reading in a warning zone could drain your battery.
If you idle your engine for a while, the voltmeter
reading might move into the yellow zone. If the reading
stays in the yellow zone while you are driving, you may
have a problem with the electrical charging system.
Have it checked. While the voltmeter reads in the yellow
zone, your battery may not be able to power certain
electrical accessories, like ABS. (If this happens, your
ABS INOP light will come on. See ªAnti
-Lock Brake
System Warning Lightº in the Index.)
If you must drive a short distance with the voltmeter
reading in a warning zone, turn off all your accessories,
including your air conditioning and audio system.

9-
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9-1
Section 9 Index
A
ccessory Plug 2-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Bag 1-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How Does it Restrain 1-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How it Works 1-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Location 1-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Readiness Light 1-24, 2-79 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Servicing 1-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What Makes it Inflate 1-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What Will You See After it Inflates 1-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When Should it Inflate 1-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Cleaner/Filter 6-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Conditioning 3-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Conditioning Refrigerants 6-72 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alarm 2-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Arming the System 2-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Disarming the System 2-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passive Arming 2-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Door Lock Switch Locking 2-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shock Sensor 2-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alignment and Balance, Tire 6-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aluminum Wheels, Cleaning 6-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antenna, Power Mast Care 3-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antifreeze 6-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-Lock
Brake System Warning Light 2-81, 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appearance Care 6-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Appearance Care Materials 6
-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Arbitration Program 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ashtrays 2-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio Controls, Steering Wheel 3-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio Equipment, Adding 3-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio Systems 3-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic Transmission
Check 7
-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid 6-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Leaving Your Vehicle with the Engine Running 2-38 . . . . .
Operation 2-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Park Mechanism Check 7-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Running Engine While Parked 2-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting Into PARK (P) 2-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting Out of PARK (P) 2-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting Your Engine 2-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Torque Lock 2-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Axle, Rear 6-27, 7-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery 6-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump Starting 5-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement, Remote Keyless Entry 2-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warnings 5-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BBB Auto Line 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before Leaving On A Long Trip 4-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Better Business Bureau Mediation 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Blizzard 4-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .