convertible PONTIAC FIREBIRD 2002 User Guide

2-74
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 ACCESSORY or RUN.
3. Lower both of the sun visors.
NOTICE:
Raising or lowering the top while the vehicle
is in motion can cause damage to the top or
top mechanism.
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.

2-75
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.

2-76
5. The switch is located on
the console in front of
the gearshift lever.
Make sure nothing or anyone is on or around the top.
Push and hold the down arrow on the lower part of the
convertible TOP switch.
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 hatch 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.

2-79
4. Store each piece of the cover in its separate
compartment according to the graphic printed
inside of the storage bag. Store the bag in the
hatch and close the hatch.
5. Unlock the two convertible top latches.
Raising Your Convertible Top
1. Park on a level surface and set the parking brake
firmly. If you have an automatic transmission, shift
into PARK (P). If you have a manual transmission,
shift into REVERSE (R).
2. Turn the ignition to ACCESSORY or RUN
(or RAP must be active).
3. Lower both sun visors and lower both windows at
least 3 inches (8 cm). If the boot cover is in place,
it must be removed first.
NOTICE:
Raising or lowering the top while the vehicle is
in motion can cause serious damage to the top
to top mechanism.

2-80
4. Push and hold the up
arrow on the top part
of the convertible
TOP switch.
5. Pull down on the latches and align the top so the pins
are aligned with the holes in the windshield header.
Push forward on the larger part of the latch until it
clicks. Do not force the latch. If it is hard to lock,
the top is not properly aligned.

2-81
NOTICE:
The convertible top may be tight when pushing
forward on the latch when your vehicle is new,
but it will loosen up with time. Make sure that
the hooks are properly aligned before using any
kind of force.
If your vehicle has a power loss, such as a dead battery,
you can still raise or lower the top manually by turning
the valve in the driver's side of the trunk area.
1. Open the hatch and find the tab located along the
driver's side trim panel.
2. Lift up the tab and turn the valve clockwise to
release the hydraulic pressure.
3. Make sure the ignition key is in LOCK.
You can now raise or lower your top manually. Be sure
to close the valve after installing your top so you can
raise or lower it electrically later.

2-83
The main components of your instrument panel are the following:
A. Fog Lamp Switch
B. Exterior Lamp Control
C. Air Vents
D. Instrument Panel Cluster
E. Horn
F. Audio System
G. Glove Box
H. Remote Hatch Release
I. Audio Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped)
J. Rear Window Defogger ButtonK. Convertible Top Switch (If Equipped)
L. Traction Control System Switch (Option)
M. Ashtray
N. Shift Lever (Automatic Transmission Shown)
O. Cupholders
P. Front Console
Q. Parking Brake Lever
R. Cigarette Lighter
S. Accessory Power Outlet
T. Comfort Controls

3-6
Audio Systems
Your audio system has been designed to operate easily
and give years of listening pleasure. You will get the
most enjoyment out of it if you acquaint yourself with it
first. Find out what your audio system can do and how
to operate all of its controls to be sure you're getting the
most out of the advanced engineering that went into it.
Your vehicle has a feature called Retained Accessory
Power (RAP). With RAP, you can play your audio
system even after the ignition is turned off. See
ªRetained Accessory Power (RAP)º in the Index.
Setting the Clock
Press and hold HR or MIN for two seconds. Then press
and hold HR until the correct hour appears. AM or PM
will appear on the display. Press and hold MIN until the
correct minute appears. The clock may be set with the
ignition on or off.
AM-FM Stereo with Compact Disc Player
and Equalizer
Standard radio --- Monsoon not shown
If your vehicle is equipped with the Monsoon audio
system (not shown), included are 8 (convertibles only)
or 10 speakers and an eight channel amplifier. See your
dealer for details.

5-23
The following steps will tell you how to use the jack and
change a tire.
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools
The equipment you'll need is located in the rear area
behind the trim panel on the passenger's side.
1. First you must remove the cargo cover.
See ªCargo Coverº in the Index.
On convertible models, you must also remove
the trunk access panel. It's at the upper back of
the trunk. Turn the two wing fasteners under the
trunk edge a quarter turn counterclockwise to remove
the panel.

5-25
4. Remove the wing nut and adapter and pull out the
compact spare tire. If your vehicle is a convertible,
you will also need to remove the taillamp wing nut
before removing the compact spare tire.The tools you'll be using include the jack (A) and
wheel wrench (B).