service indicator PONTIAC FIREBIRD 1999 Owners Manual

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2-83 Low Coolant Light (5.7L V8 Engine)
This warning light should
come on briefly while you
are starting your engine.
If the light doesn't come
on, have it repaired.
Your vehicle is equipped with a low coolant indicator
that is designed to detect when the coolant level drops
below a set limit. If the coolant level sensor (on the
radiator) detects that the level drops while the engine is
running, the low coolant indicator will light and remain
lit until the ignition is turned to OFF. Check coolant
level and add coolant as needed. The low coolant light
might stay on after filling the radiator. Turn the ignition
to OFF, then restart the engine to verify that the low
coolant light goes out. See ªEngine Coolantº in
the Index.NOTICE:
Driving with the low coolant light on could cause
your vehicle to overheat. See ªEngine Overheatingº
in the Index. Your vehicle could be damaged and
it wouldn't be covered by your warranty.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Service Engine Soon Light)
Your vehicle is equipped
with a computer which
monitors operation of the
fuel, ignition and emission
control systems.

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2-90
When the indicator nears E (empty), you still have a
little fuel left, but you should get more soon.
Here are four things that some owners ask about. All
these things are normal and do not indicate that anything
is wrong with the fuel gage.

At the gas station, the gas pump shuts off before the
gage reads F (full).

It takes more (or less) fuel to fill up than the gage
reads. For example, the gage reads half full, but it
took more (or less) than half of the tank's capacity
to fill it.

The gage pointer may move while cornering, braking
or speeding up.

The gage may not indicate E (empty) when the
ignition is turned off.
Low Fuel Light
If your fuel is low, your vehicle's CHECK GAGES light
on your instrument panel cluster will come on.
Reduced Engine Power Light
(V6 Engine Only)
The REDUCED ENG PWR
warning light should come
on in your instrument panel
for a three
-second bulb
check when you first start
your vehicle.
If the light doesn't come on, have it serviced.
If the REDUCED ENG PWR warning light comes on, a
noticeable reduction in the vehicle's performance may
occur. The vehicle may be driven at a reduced speed
while the REDUCED ENGINE PWR light is on, but
acceleration and speed may be reduced. Anytime this
warning light stays on, the vehicle should be taken to an
authorized dealer as soon as possible for diagnosis
and repair.

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3-22
You may also choose a non-scrubbing action, wet-type
cleaner which uses a cassette with a fabric belt to clean
the tape head. This type of cleaning cassette will not
eject on its own. A non
-scrubbing action cleaner may
not clean as thoroughly as the scrubbing type cleaner.
The use of a non
-scrubbing action, dry-type cleaning
cassette is not recommended.
After you clean the player, press and hold EJECT for
five seconds to reset the CLN indicator. The radio will
display
--- to show the indicator was reset.
Cassettes are subject to wear and the sound quality
may degrade over time. Always make sure the cassette
tape is in good condition before you have your tape
player serviced.
Care of Your Compact Discs
Handle discs carefully. Store them in their original cases
or other protective cases and away from direct sunlight
and dust. If the surface of a disc is soiled, dampen a
clean, soft cloth in a mild, neutral detergent solution and
clean it, wiping from the center to the edge.
Be sure never to touch the signal surface when handling
discs. Pick up discs by grasping the outer edges or the
edge of the hole and the outer edge.
Care of Your Compact Disc Player
The use of CD lens cleaner discs is not advised, due to
the risk of contaminating the lens of the CD optics with
lubricants internal to the CD mechanism.

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6-4
It is recommended that the gasoline meet specifications
which have been developed by the American
Automobile Manufacturers Association (AAMA) and
endorsed by the Canadian Motor Vehicle Manufacturers
Association for better vehicle performance and engine
protection. Gasolines meeting the AAMA specification
could provide improved driveability and emission
control system performance compared to other
gasolines. For more information, write to:
American Automobile Manufacturer's Association,
7430 Second Ave, Suite 300, Detroit MI 48202.
Be sure the posted octane for premium is at least 91
(at least 89 for middle grade and 87 for regular). If the
octane is less than 87, you may get a heavy knocking
noise when you drive. If it's bad enough, it can damage
your engine.
If you're using fuel rated at the recommended octane or
higher and you hear heavy knocking, your engine needs
service. But don't worry if you hear a little pinging
noise when you're accelerating or driving up a hill.
That's normal, and you don't have to buy a higher
octane fuel to get rid of pinging. It's the heavy, constant
knock that means you have a problem.If your vehicle is certified to meet California Emission
Standards (indicated on the underhood emission control
label), it is designed to operate on fuels that meet
California specifications. If such fuels are not available
in states adopting California emissions standards, your
vehicle will operate satisfactorily on fuels meeting
federal specifications, but emission control system
performance may be affected. The malfunction indicator
lamp on your instrument panel may turn on and/or your
vehicle may fail a smog
-check test. (See ªMalfunction
Indicator Lampº in the Index.) If this occurs, return to
your authorized Pontiac dealer for diagnosis to
determine the cause of failure. In the event it is
determined that the cause of the condition is the type of
fuels used, repairs may not be covered by your warranty.
Some gasolines that are not reformulated for low
emissions may contain an octane
-enhancing additive
called methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl
(MMT); ask your service station operator whether or not
the fuel contains MMT. General Motors does not
recommend the use of such gasolines. If fuels containing
MMT are used, spark plug life may be reduced and your
emission control system performance may be affected.
The malfunction indicator lamp on your instrument
panel may turn on. If this occurs, return to your
authorized Pontiac dealer for service.

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6-17 Engine Oil Additives
Don't add anything to your oil. Your dealer is ready to
advise if you think something should be added.
When to Change Engine Oil
Your vehicle has a computer that lets you know when to
change your engine oil. This is not based on mileage,
but on engine revolutions and engine operating
temperature. When the computer has calculated that the
oil needs changing, the Oil Life Monitor will indicate
that a change is necessary. The mileage between oil
changes will vary depending on how you drive your
vehicle
-- usually between 3,000 miles (5 000 km) and
7,500 miles (12 500 km) since your last oil change.
Under severe conditions, the indicator may come on
before 3,000 miles (5 000 km). Never drive your vehicle
more than 7,500 miles (12 500 km) or 12 months
(whichever occurs first) without an oil change.
The system won't detect dust in the oil. So, if you
drive in a dusty area, be sure to change your oil every
3,000 miles (5 000 km) or sooner. Remember to reset
the OIL CHANGE Light whenever the oil is changed.How to Reset the Oil Change Light
After changing the engine oil, the system must be reset.
With the ignition key in RUN with the engine turned off,
push the TRIP/OIL RESET button located on the
instrument panel for 12 seconds. The OIL CHANGE light
will start to flash to confirm that the system is reset. The
reset is complete when the OIL CHANGE light goes out.
What to Do with Used Oil
Did you know that used engine oil contains certain
elements that may be unhealthy for your skin and could
even cause cancer? Don't let used oil stay on your skin
for very long. Clean your skin and nails with soap and
water, or a good hand cleaner. Wash or properly throw
away clothing or rags containing used engine oil. (See
the manufacturer's warnings about the use and disposal
of oil products.)
Used oil can be a real threat to the environment. If you
change your own oil, be sure to drain all free
-flowing oil
from the filter before disposal. Don't ever dispose of oil
by putting it in the trash, pouring it on the ground, into
sewers, or into streams or bodies of water. Instead,
recycle it by taking it to a place that collects used oil. If
you have a problem properly disposing of your used oil,
ask your dealer, a service station or a local recycling
center for help.

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6-36
NOTICE:

Using the wrong fluid can badly damage
brake system parts. For example, just a few
drops of mineral
-based oil, such as engine
oil, in your brake system can damage brake
system parts so badly that they'll have to be
replaced. Don't let someone put in the
wrong kind of fluid.

If you spill brake fluid on your vehicle's
painted surfaces, the paint finish can be
damaged. Be careful not to spill brake fluid
on your vehicle. If you do, wash it off
immediately. See ªAppearance Careº in
the Index.
Brake Wear
Your vehicle has four-wheel disc brakes.
Disc brake pads have built
-in wear indicators that make a
high
-pitched warning sound when the brake pads are worn
and new pads are needed. The sound may come and go or
be heard all the time your vehicle is moving (except when
you are pushing on the brake pedal firmly).
CAUTION:
The brake wear warning sound means that soon
your brakes won't work well. That could lead to
an accident. When you hear the brake wear
warning sound, have your vehicle serviced.
NOTICE:
Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads
could result in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean something is wrong with
your brakes.
When you have the front or rear brake pads replaced,
have the other brakes inspected, too.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.

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6-50
When It's Time for New Tires
One way to tell when it's
time for new tires is to
check the treadwear
indicators, which will
appear when your tires have
only 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) or
less of tread remaining.
You need a new tire if any of the following statements
are true:

You can see the indicators at three or more places
around the tire.

You can see cord or fabric showing through the
tire's rubber.

The tread or sidewall is cracked, cut or snagged deep
enough to show cord or fabric.
The tire has a bump, bulge or split.

The tire has a puncture, cut or other damage that
can't be repaired well because of the size or location
of the damage.
Buying New Tires
To find out what kind and size of tires you need, look at
the Tire
-Loading Information label.
The tires installed on your vehicle when it was new had
a Tire Performance Criteria Specification (TPC Spec)
number on each tire's sidewall. When you get new tires,
get ones with that same TPC Spec number. That way
your vehicle will continue to have tires that are designed
to give proper endurance, handling, speed rating,
traction, ride and other things during normal service on
your vehicle. If your tires have an all
-season tread
design, the TPC number will be followed by an ªMSº
(for mud and snow).
If you ever replace your tires with those not having a
TPC Spec number, make sure they are the same size,
load range, speed rating and construction type (bias,
bias
-belted or radial) as your original tires.

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Scheduled Maintenance
7-5
The services shown in this schedule up to 100,000 miles
(166 000 km) should be performed after 100,000 miles
(166 000 km) at the same intervals. The services shown
at 150,000 miles (240 000 km) should be performed at
the same interval after 150,000 miles (240 000 km).
See ªOwner Checks and Servicesº and ªPeriodic
Maintenance Inspectionsº following.
Footnotes

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the
California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify
the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to the
completion of the vehicle's useful life. We, however,
urge that all recommended maintenance services be
performed at the indicated intervals and the maintenance
be recorded.* Your vehicle has an Engine Oil Life Monitor. This
monitor will show you when to change the engine oil
and filter
-- usually between 3,000 miles (5 000 km)
and 7,500 miles (12 500 km) since your last oil change.
Under severe conditions, the indicator may come on
before 3,000 miles (5 000 km). Never drive your vehicle
more than 7,500 miles (12 500 km) or 12 months
without an oil and filter change.
The system won't detect dust in the oil. So if you drive
in a dusty area, be sure to change your oil and filter
every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or sooner if the
OIL CHANGE light comes on. Remember to reset
the Oil Life Monitor whenever the oil is changed. For
more information, see ªOil Change Lightº in the Index.
+ A good time to check your brakes is during tire
rotation. See ªBrake System Inspectionº under ªPeriodic
Maintenance Inspectionsº in Part C of this schedule.

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9-7
Check Gages 2-89 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hatch Ajar 2-89 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior 2-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Coolant Warning 2-83 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Fuel 2-90 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Oil 2-87 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Traction 2-82, 4-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Change 2-88 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reduced Engine Power 2-90 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety Belt Reminder 1-9, 2-78 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service Engine Soon 2-84 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service Vehicle 2-88 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Skip Shift 2-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Traction Control System Off Warning 2-81, 4-9 . . . . . . . . .
Limited-Slip Rear Axle 2-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loading Your Vehicle 4-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Locks 2-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door 2-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition Transmission Lock Check 7-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Key Lock Cylinder Service 7-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Last Door Closed 2-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lockout Prevention 2-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Door 2-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Coolant Warning Light 2-83 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Oil Light 2-87 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lubricants and Fluids 7-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lubrication Service, Body 7-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Main, Fuse Block 6-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance, Normal Replacement Parts 6-73 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance Record 7-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance Schedule 7-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Owner Checks and Services 7-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Periodic Maintenance Inspections 7-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 7
-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Scheduled Maintenance Services 7-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance, Underbody 6-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance When Trailer Towing 4-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Malfunction Indicator Lamp 2-84 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual
Control, Climate System 3
-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Four-Way Seat 1-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Seat 1-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fully Articulating Sport Seat 1-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lumbar 1-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual Transmission
Check 7
-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Five-Speed 2-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid 6-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation 2-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking Your Vehicle 2-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shift Speeds 2-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Six-Speed 2-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Skip Shift Light 2-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting 2-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Map Pocket 2-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Methanol 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mirrors 2-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Convex Outside 2-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inside Day/Night Rearview 2-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual Remote Control 2-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outside Manual Adjustable 2-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Remote Control 2-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Visor Vanity 2-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MMT 6-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mountain Roads 4-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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9-12
Trailer (Continued)
Towing 4-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn Signals 4-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Weight 4-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transmission Fluid, Automatic 6-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transmission Fluid, Manual 6-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transmitters, Matching to Your Vehicle 2-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transmitters, Remote Keyless Entry 2-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transportation, Courtesy 8-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trip
Before Leaving On A Long 4
-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Odometer 2-77 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Reset 2-77 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trunk-Mounted CD Changer 3-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TTY Users 8-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn Signal and Lane Change Indicator 2-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever 2-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer 4-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Twin Lift-Off Roof Panels 2-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing 2-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removing 2-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storing 2-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
T-Top Sunshades 2-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Underbody Flushing Service 7-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Underbody Maintenance 6-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Underhood Electrical Center 6-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle
Control 4-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Damage Warnings iv. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimensions 6
-73 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Identification Number 6
-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loading 4-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recreational Towing 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storage 6-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ventilation System 3-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Visor
Sun 2
-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vanity Mirrors 2-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Voltmeter 2-79 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warning Devices 5-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators 2-78 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warranty Information 8-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Washer Fluid, Windshield 6-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Washing Your Vehicle 6-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Weatherstrips 6-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel
Alignment 6
-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Nut Torque 6-72 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement 6-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wrench 5-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windows 2-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield Washer 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid 6-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid Level Check 7-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield Wipers 2-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Blade Replacement 6-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses 6-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter Driving 4-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wiper Blade Check 7-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wiper Blades, Cleaning 6-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wiring, Headlamp 6-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wrench, Wheel 5-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .