PONTIAC FIREBIRD 2000 Owners Manual

2-61
T-Top Roof Panels (If Equipped)
Removing the T-Top Roof Panels
CAUTION:
Don't try to remove the T-top panel 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.1. The door key unlocks the t-top panels. The lock is
located over each door window. Turn the key
counterclockwise to unlock the panel.

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2. Then pull on the release handle to unlatch the panel.
Lift the outer edge of the panel and pull it toward
you. Then carry the panel to the rear of the vehicle
for storage.
Storing the T-Top Roof Panels
CAUTION:
If the T-top panel is not stored properly, it could
be thrown about the vehicle in a crash or sudden
maneuver. People in the vehicle could be injured.
Whenever you store the T
-top panel in the
vehicle, always be sure that it is stored securely
in the correct storage slot with the T
-top
handle closed.

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1. Open the cargo cover completely. Place the panel in
the correct slot (DRIVER or PASSENGER) in the
rear area of your vehicle. Make sure the handle is
open and facing you when you put it in the
storage slot.2. Push the handle to close and secure the panel in the
slot. To lock each panel in the storage area, use your
door key.

2-64 Installing the T-Top Roof Panels
CAUTION:
An improperly attached roof panel may fall into
or fly off the vehicle. You or others could be
injured. After installing the roof panel, always
check that it is firmly attached by pushing up on
the underside of the panel. Check now and then
to be sure the roof panel is firmly in place.
1. When installing the panels to the roof, keep the
outboard edge of the panel raised about 3 inches
(8 cm) above the roof while placing the inboard edge
of the panel under the center roof.
2. After the inboard edge of the panel is in position
under the center roof rail, lower the outboard edge of
the panel into position, close the latch and lock
the T
-top.

2-65
NOTICE:
Do not attempt to install the panels by sliding
them horizontally toward the center roof rail.
Doing so may cause the weatherstrips to be
aligned improperly, which may result in leaks
and possible damage to the weatherstrips.
NOTICE:
High pressure car washes may cause water to
enter your vehicle. Never spray water directly at
the roof panel joints. This will cause leaks.

2-66 T-Top Sunshades
1. Start with the panel marked DRIVER FRONT.
Unlatch the driver's side T
-top, raise it halfway and
close the latch handle.
2. With the top raised and resting on the center roof
rail, slide the flat edge of the sunshade panel (with
the vinyl side to the glass) between the glass and
plastic trim, making sure the edge marked DRIVER
FRONT is pointing to the front of the vehicle.
3. Open the latch and close the T-top. Check to see if
there are any gaps showing. Unlatch the T
-top and
adjust the sunshade as required.
4. Once the sunshade is installed properly, you can
stick the Velcro

buttons on the glass for a proper fit
every time you install the sunshades. To do this, first
remove the T
-top with the sunshade installed and
place it upside down on a table or bench. Take care
not to scratch the glass.

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5. Pull the sunshade back a little and remove the
backing paper from the Velcro buttons. Push the
sunshade back into place, sticking the Velcro to
the glass.
6. Install the T
-top, close the latch and lock the
T
-top. Repeat the previous steps for the
passenger
-side sunshade.
You can store the sunshades two different ways:

When the T
-tops are in use, store the sunshades in
their storage area in the rear of the vehicle. Make
sure the cargo cover is in its closed, upright position.

When you have the T
-tops off and in their storage
slots, store the sunshades on the T
-tops, in their
installed position.

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Convertible Top (If Equipped)
The following procedures explain the proper operation
of your convertible top.
Lowering Your Convertible Top
NOTICE:
Don't leave your convertible out with the top
down for any long periods of time. The sun and
the rain can damage your seat material and other
things inside your vehicle.
1. It is recommended that you park on a level surface.
Set the parking brake firmly. Shift an automatic
transmission into PARK (P) or a manual
transmission into REVERSE (R).
2. Turn the ignition to ACC or RUN.
3. Lower both of the sun visors.
NOTICE:
It is not recommended that you raise or lower the
top while the vehicle is moving.
NOTICE:
Don't lower the top if it is damp or wet. When
the top is down, trapped water can cause stains,
mildew and damage to the inside of your vehicle.
Be sure to dry off the top before you lower it.

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NOTICE:
It is not recommended to lower the top if your
vehicle is out in cold weather (0
F /
-18
C or
lower), or you may damage top components.
NOTICE:
Before lowering the convertible top into the
storage area, be sure there are no objects in the
way of the folded, stored top. The weight of a
stored top on items in the storage area will cause
the convertible top back glass to break.
4. Unlock the front of the convertible top by pushing
on the smaller part of the latch, then pulling down
on the larger part of the latch. Be sure the hook
on the latch that attaches into the hole at the
windshield releases.

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5. Make sure there is
nothing or anyone on or
around the top. Push and
hold the down arrow on
the lower part of the
convertible TOP switch.
The switch is located on the console in front of the
gearshift lever. The top will automatically lower into the
storage area.Installing the Boot Cover
After lowering the convertible top, you may want to
install the boot cover. The three
-piece boot cover is
stored in a bag in the trunk area.
1. Flip the two convertible top latches to the
closed position.
2. Open the hatch and remove the two side covers and
middle section from the storage bag.