brake PONTIAC FIREBIRD 2000 Repair Manual

6-35
See ªBrake System Inspectionº in Section 7 of this manual
under Part C ªPeriodic Maintenance Inspections.º
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return to
normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in pedal
travel. This could be a sign of brake trouble.
Brake Adjustment
Every time you make a moderate brake stop, your disc
brakes adjust for wear. If you rarely make a moderate or
heavier stop, then your brakes might not adjust correctly.
If you drive in that way, then
-- very carefully -- make
a few moderate brake stops about every 1,000 miles
(1 600 km), so your brakes will adjust properly.
The park brake system has separate brake linings that do
not self adjust for wear. If the park brake lever pulls up
more than eighteen clicks, the parking brakes need
adjustment. See your dealer.
Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a vehicle is complex. Its many
parts have to be of top quality and work well together if
the vehicle is to have really good braking. Your vehicle
was designed and tested with top
-quality GM brake
parts. When you replace parts of your braking
system
-- for example, when your brake linings wear
down and you have to have new ones put in
-- be sure
you get new approved GM replacement parts. If you
don't, your brakes may no longer work properly. For
example, if someone puts in brake linings that are wrong
for your vehicle, the balance between your front and
rear brakes can change
-- for the worse. The braking
performance you've come to expect can change in many
other ways if someone puts in the wrong replacement
brake parts.
Battery
Your new vehicle comes with a maintenance free
ACDelco
battery. When it's time for a new battery, get
one that has the replacement number shown on the original
battery's label. We recommend an ACDelco battery.

6-51 Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
The wheels on your vehicle were aligned and balanced
carefully at the factory to give you the longest tire life
and best overall performance.
Scheduled wheel alignment and wheel balancing are not
needed. However, if you notice unusual tire wear or
your vehicle pulling one way or the other, the alignment
may need to be reset. If you notice your vehicle
vibrating when driving on a smooth road, your wheels
may need to be rebalanced.
Wheel Replacement
Replace any wheel that is bent, cracked, or badly rusted
or corroded. If wheel nuts keep coming loose, the wheel,
wheel bolts and wheel nuts should be replaced. If the
wheel leaks air, replace it (except some aluminum
wheels, which can sometimes be repaired). See your
dealer if any of these conditions exist.
Your dealer will know the kind of wheel you need.
Each new wheel should have the same load
-carrying
capacity, diameter, width, offset and be mounted the
same way as the one it replaces.
If you need to replace any of your wheels, wheel bolts
or wheel nuts, replace them only with new GM original
equipment parts. This way, you will be sure to have the
right wheel, wheel bolts and wheel nuts for your vehicle.
CAUTION:
Using the wrong replacement wheels, wheel bolts
or wheel nuts on your vehicle can be dangerous.
It could affect the braking and handling of your
vehicle, make your tires lose air and make you
lose control. You could have a collision in which
you or others could be injured. Always use the
correct wheel, wheel bolts and wheel nuts
for replacement.
NOTICE:
The wrong wheel can also cause problems with
bearing life, brake cooling, speedometer or
odometer calibration, headlamp aim, bumper
height, vehicle ground clearance and tire or tire
chain clearance to the body and chassis.
See ªChanging a Flat Tireº in the Index for
more information.

6-65
Main Fuse Block
Fuse Usage
STOP/HAZARD Hazard Flashers, Brake
Switch Assembly
TURN B/U Traction Control Switch, Back/Up
Lamp Switch, Turn Flasher,
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
ModuleFuse Usage
STG WHEEL
CNTRLSteering Wheel Controls
RADIO ACCY Delco Monsoon Radio Amplifier,
Power Antenna, Remote CD
Player (Hatch)
TAIL LPS Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
Module, Headlamp Switch
HVAC HVAC Selector Switch, Rear
Defogger Switch/Timer
PWR ACCY Parking Lamp Relay, Hatch
Release Relay, Power Mirror
Switch, Radio, Shock Sensor,
Instrument Cluster
COURTESY Body Control Module (BCM)
GAUGES Body Control Module (BCM),
Brake
-Transmission Shift
Interlock (BTSI), Instrument
Cluster, Daytime Running Lamps
(DRL) Module
AIR BAG Air Bag

6-67
Underhood Electrical Center
Fuse and Relay Center 1
Fuse Usage
ABS BAT SOL Anti
-Lock Brake System
TCS BAT Traction Control System
COOL FAN Cooling Fan ControlFuse Usage
PCM BAT Powertrain Control Module
(PCM)
FUEL PUMP Fuel Pump
AIR PUMP A.I.R. Pump Relay and
Bleed Valve
LH HDLP DR Left Headlamp Door Module
RH HDLP DR Right Headlamp Door Module
HORN Horn Relay
ABS BAT
-1 Anti-Lock Brake System Module
H/L DR HORN Horn and Headlamp Doors
ABS BAT
-2 Anti-Lock Brake and Traction
Control System
COOL FAN Cooling Fan Relays
Relay Description
FOG LAMP Fog Lamps
HORN Horn
FAN #3 Cooling Fans
FAN #2 Cooling Fans
FAN #1 Cooling Fans

6-68
Fuse and Relay Center 2
Fuse Usage
INJ
-2 Fuel Injectors (Not used for V6)
(LH Injectors for V8 and
Ignition Module)
INJ
-1 Fuel Injectors (All for V6)
(RH Injectors for V8 and
Ignition Module)Fuse Usage
ENG SEN Mass Air Flow Sensor, Heated
Oxygen Sensor, Skip Shift
Solenoid (V8 Only), Reverse
Lockout Solenoid, Brake Switch
STRTR Powertrain Control Module
(PCM), Clutch Pedal Switch
ABS IGN Anti
-Lock Brake System Module
PCM IGN Powertrain Control Module
(PCM)
ETC Electronic Throttle Control
(V6 Only)
ENG CTRL Ignition Module (V6 Only),
Automatic Transmission, Charcoal
Canister Purge Solenoid
A/C CRUISE Air Conditioning Compressor
Relay, Cruise Control Switches
and Module
ENG CTRL Engine Controls, Fuel Pump,
Powertrain Control Module
(PCM), A.I.R. Pump and
Cooling Fans

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.
+ 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.

7-19
Starter Switch Check
CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, the vehicle could
move suddenly. If it does, you or others could be
injured. Follow the steps below.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle.
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake (see ªParking
Brakeº in the Index if necessary) and the regular brake.
NOTE: Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be
ready to turn off the engine immediately if it starts.
3. On automatic transmission vehicles, try to start the
engine in each gear. The starter should work only in
PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). If the starter works in
any other position, your vehicle needs service.
On manual transmission vehicles, put the shift lever
in NEUTRAL (N), push the clutch down halfway
and try to start the engine. The starter should work
only when the clutch is pushed down all the way to
the floor. If the starter works when the clutch isn't
pushed all the way down, your vehicle needs service.Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control
System Check
CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, the vehicle could
move suddenly. If it does, you or others could be
injured. Follow the steps below.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room around
the vehicle. It should be parked on a level surface.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake (see ªParking Brakeº
in the Index if necessary).
NOTE: Be ready to apply the regular brake
immediately if the vehicle begins to move.
3. With the engine off, turn the key to the RUN
position, but don't start the engine. Without applying
the regular brake, try to move the shift lever out of
PARK (P) with normal effort. If the shift lever
moves out of PARK (P), your vehicle needs service.

7-20
Ignition Transmission Lock Check
While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn
the ignition key to LOCK in each shift lever position.

With an automatic transmission, the key should turn
to LOCK only when the shift lever is in PARK (P).

With a manual transmission, the key should turn to
LOCK only when you press the key release button.
On all vehicles, the key should come out only in LOCK.
Parking Brake and Automatic Transmission
PARK (P) Mechanism Check
CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, your vehicle
could begin to move. You or others could be
injured and property could be damaged. Make
sure there is room in front of your vehicle in case
it begins to roll. Be ready to apply the regular
brake at once should the vehicle begin to move.
Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing
downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake, set the
parking brake.

To check the parking brake's holding ability:
With the engine running and transmission in
NEUTRAL (N), slowly remove foot pressure from
the regular brake pedal. Do this until the vehicle is
held by the parking brake only.

To check the PARK (P) mechanism's holding ability:
With the engine running, shift to PARK (P).
Then release the parking brake followed by the
regular brake.
Underbody Flushing Service
At least every spring, use plain water to flush any
corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to
clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris
can collect.

7-22 Throttle System Inspection
(Except 3800 Series V6 Engine)
Inspect the throttle system for interference or binding,
and for damaged or missing parts. Replace parts as
needed. Replace any components that have high effort
or excessive wear. Do not lubricate accelerator and
cruise control cables.
Rear Axle Service
Check the gear lubricant level in the rear axle and add if
needed. See ªRear Axleº in the Index. A fluid loss may
indicate a problem. Check the axle and repair it if needed.
Brake System Inspection
Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and
hoses for proper hook
-up, binding, leaks, cracks,
chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors
for surface condition. Inspect other brake parts,
including calipers, parking brake, etc. Check parking
brake adjustment. You may need to have your brakes
inspected more often if your driving habits or conditions
result in frequent braking.

7-23
Part D: Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants
NOTE: Fluids and lubricants identified below by name,
part number or specification may be obtained from
your dealer.
USAGE
FLUID/LUBRICANT
Engine OilEngine Oil with the American
Petroleum Institute Certified
For Gasoline Engines starburst
symbol of the proper viscosity.
To determine the preferred
viscosity for your vehicle's engine,
see ªEngine Oilº in the Index.
Engine Coolant50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and use only GM
Goodwrench

DEX-COOL
or
Havoline
DEX-COOL
Coolant.
See ªEngine Coolantº in the Index.
Hydraulic
Brake SystemDelco Supreme 11
Brake Fluid
(GM Part No. 12377967 or
equivalent DOT
-3 Brake Fluid).
USAGEFLUID/LUBRICANT
Windshield
Washer SolventGM Optikleen
Washer Solvent
(GM Part No. 1051515)
or equivalent.
Hydraulic
Clutch SystemHydraulic Clutch Fluid
(GM Part No. 12345347 or
equivalent DOT
-3 Brake Fluid).
Power Steering
SystemGM Power Steering Fluid
(GM Part No. 1052884
- 1 pint,
1050017
- 1 quart, or equivalent).
Manual
TransmissionDEXRON
-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Automatic
TransmissionDEXRON
-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Key Lock
CylindersMulti-Purpose Lubricant,
Superlube
(GM Part
No. 12346241 or equivalent).
Clutch Linkage
Pivot PointsEngine Oil.