fuel type PONTIAC FIREBIRD 2000 Owners Manual

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.
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.

6-7
CAUTION:
If you get gasoline on yourself and then
something ignites it, you could be badly burned.
Gasoline can spray out on you if you open the
fuel filler cap too quickly. This spray can happen
if your tank is nearly full, and is more likely in
hot weather. Open the fuel filler cap slowly and
wait for any ªhissº noise to stop. Then unscrew
the cap all the way.
Be careful not to spill gasoline. Clean gasoline from
painted surfaces as soon as possible. See ªCleaning the
Outside of Your Vehicleº in the Index.When you put the cap back on, turn it to the right
(clockwise) until you hear a clicking sound. Make sure
you fully install the cap. The diagnostic system can
determine if the fuel cap has been left off or improperly
installed. This would allow fuel to evaporate into the
atmosphere. See ªMalfunction Indicator Lampº in
the Index.
NOTICE:
If you need a new cap, be sure to get the right
type. Your dealer can get one for you. If you get
the wrong type, it may not fit properly. This may
cause your malfunction indicator lamp to light
and your fuel tank and emissions system may be
damaged. See ªMalfunction Indicator Lampº in
the Index.

6-70
Cooling System
3800 V6
With Manual Transmission 11.6 quarts (11.0 L). . . .
With Automatic Transmission 11.4 quarts (10.8 L). .
5.7L V8
With Manual Transmission 11.9 quarts (11.3 L). . . .
With Automatic Transmission 11.8 quarts (11.2 L). .
Crankcase
Oil and Filter Change
3800 V6 4.5 quarts (4.3 L). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.7L V8 5.5 quarts (5.2 L). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel Tank16.8 gallons (63.6 L) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual Transmission
Five
-Speed 3.4 quarts (3.2 L). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Six
-Speed 4.0 quarts (3.8 L). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Axle Lubricant1.75 quarts (1.7 L) . . . . . . . . .
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to
fill to the appropriate level, as recommended in this
manual. Recheck fluid level after filling.
Engine Specifications
Type
VIN Engine Code K 3800 V6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VIN Engine Code G 5.7L V8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel DeliveryFuel Injection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Valve ArrangementIn
-Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Displacement
3800 V6 231 cubic inches (3791 cc). . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.7L V8 350 cubic inches (5662 cc). . . . . . . . . . . . .
Firing Order
3800 V6 1
-6-5-4-3-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.7L V8 1
-8-7-2-6-5-4-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel Nut Torque100 lb
-ft (140 N´m) . . . . . . . . . .
Thermostat Temperature Specification
3800 V6 195
F (91
C) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.7L V8 180
F (82
C) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

6-71
Normal Maintenance
Replacement Parts
Engine Air Cleaner/FilterA917C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery75
-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil Filter
3800 V6 PF47. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.7L V8 PF44. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel Filter
3800 V6 G627. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.7L V8 GF578. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PCV Valve
3800 V6 CV892C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.7L V8 CV948C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator CapRC24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spark Plug
3800 V6 ´41
-921 (0.060 inch Gap) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.7L V8 ´41
-952 (0.060 inch Gap) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
Type Hook. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Length 24.0 inches (60.1 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle Dimensions
Length
Firebird/Formula 193.3 inches (491.1 cm). . . . . . . .
Trans Am/GT 193.7 inches (491.1 cm). . . . . . . . . .
Width74.4 inches (189.0 cm) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Height
Coupe 52.0 inches (132.2 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Convertible
Firebird/Formula 52.7 inches (134.0 cm). . . . . . .
Trans AM/GT 52.4 inches (133.1 cm). . . . . . . . .
Wheelbase101.1 inches (256.6 cm) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Tread 60.7 inches (154.2 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Tread 60.6 inches (154.0 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . .