Owner's Manual
Page 2
... This section tells you how to adjustthe ventilation and comfortcontrols and how to operate your Pontiac. The1996'PontiacFirebirdOwner's Manual ...This section tells you how to use your Pontiac running properly and looking good. . Comfort Controls and Audio Systems...Seats and Restraint Systems...seats and safety belts properly. get It also gives you have a problem while driving, such as a flat tire or if overheated engine, etc. CustomerAssistanceInformation ...This section tells you how to contact Pontiac for assistance and h'ow to do you information on "Reporting SafetyDefects"...
... This section tells you how to adjustthe ventilation and comfortcontrols and how to operate your Pontiac. The1996'PontiacFirebirdOwner's Manual ...This section tells you how to use your Pontiac running properly and looking good. . Comfort Controls and Audio Systems...Seats and Restraint Systems...seats and safety belts properly. get It also gives you have a problem while driving, such as a flat tire or if overheated engine, etc. CustomerAssistanceInformation ...This section tells you how to contact Pontiac for assistance and h'ow to do you information on "Reporting SafetyDefects"...
Owner's Manual
Page 125
...eight seconds to do about 70 seconds. Often gages m d warning lights work together to let you should not be a problem, check the section that tells you start the engine just to do repairs can becostly -- when you are familiar with this happens. The safety belt light will see in the... details on the next f a y pages, some warning lights come on Safety Belt Reminder Light When the key is a problem with your vehicle's functions...
...eight seconds to do about 70 seconds. Often gages m d warning lights work together to let you should not be a problem, check the section that tells you start the engine just to do repairs can becostly -- when you are familiar with this happens. The safety belt light will see in the... details on the next f a y pages, some warning lights come on Safety Belt Reminder Light When the key is a problem with your vehicle's functions...
Owner's Manual
Page 126
...running, and it stays there, you may have a problem with the voltmeter reading in awarning zone could drain your battery. Voltmeter You can read battery I p4 voltage on . Have it checked right away. For more than 16 volts while your engine is an air bag readiness light on the instrument panel... the voltmeter reading in the Index. Have it checked. The system checks the air bag's electrical system for a few seconds when you idle your engine for a while, the voltmeter reading might move into the yellow zone, If the reading stays in the yellow zone, your comfort control and audio...
...running, and it stays there, you may have a problem with the voltmeter reading in awarning zone could drain your battery. Voltmeter You can read battery I p4 voltage on . Have it checked right away. For more than 16 volts while your engine is an air bag readiness light on the instrument panel... the voltmeter reading in the Index. Have it checked. The system checks the air bag's electrical system for a few seconds when you idle your engine for a while, the voltmeter reading might move into the yellow zone, If the reading stays in the yellow zone, your comfort control and audio...
Owner's Manual
Page 128
... hefight flashes when driving, fbu ~ :._ :< ~ anti-lock brakes and there could be a problem with the anti-lock brake system warning light flashing can lead off . It may go closer to an accident. Driving with your Pontiac needs service. Or, the pedal may take longer to warnyou if there is flashing... than normal after you don't have it fixed so it will be working properly if the anti-lock brake system warning light is a problem. 2-79 Then start your engine and it will stay on for service. (See "Towing Your Vehicle" in the Index.) , 4 The anti-lock brake system warning...
... hefight flashes when driving, fbu ~ :._ :< ~ anti-lock brakes and there could be a problem with the anti-lock brake system warning light flashing can lead off . It may go closer to an accident. Driving with your Pontiac needs service. Or, the pedal may take longer to warnyou if there is flashing... than normal after you don't have it fixed so it will be working properly if the anti-lock brake system warning light is a problem. 2-79 Then start your engine and it will stay on for service. (See "Towing Your Vehicle" in the Index.) , 4 The anti-lock brake system warning...
Owner's Manual
Page 129
... located on , your vehicle needs service. The warninglight should come on and stay on until the system cools down , but the throttle and engine spark control wiil continue to work. If your vehicle may need service. The system,does this warning light spin. When this to prevent damagefrom ...OW, the system will come on , or comes'0n''when you turn the system back on when thishappens. The warning light will be a problem with your traction control system and your brakes begin to overheat, the brake portion of the traction control system will come on for the following...
... located on , your vehicle needs service. The warninglight should come on and stay on until the system cools down , but the throttle and engine spark control wiil continue to work. If your vehicle may need service. The system,does this warning light spin. When this to prevent damagefrom ...OW, the system will come on , or comes'0n''when you turn the system back on when thishappens. The warning light will be a problem with your traction control system and your brakes begin to overheat, the brake portion of the traction control system will come on for the following...
Owner's Manual
Page 130
..., you when the anti-lock brake system or traction control system is active. If 'the gage pointer moves into the red area, your engine is too hot! The light will stayon for a few seconds after the anti-lock system stops adjusting brake pressure the traction or control system... has overheated. ' LOW TRAC If you turn the ignition key to RUN. In "Problems on , so adjust your driving accordingly. Engine Coolant Temperature Gage This gage shows the engine coolant temperature. Slippery road conditions may existif the low traction light comes on the Road", section shows what to this do. ...
..., you when the anti-lock brake system or traction control system is active. If 'the gage pointer moves into the red area, your engine is too hot! The light will stayon for a few seconds after the anti-lock system stops adjusting brake pressure the traction or control system... has overheated. ' LOW TRAC If you turn the ignition key to RUN. In "Problems on , so adjust your driving accordingly. Engine Coolant Temperature Gage This gage shows the engine coolant temperature. Slippery road conditions may existif the low traction light comes on the Road", section shows what to this do. ...
Owner's Manual
Page 132
...A misfire condition has been detected. Malfunctions often willbe indicated by 1 Enhanced Diagnostics.) The SERVICE ENGINE SOON light comes on during a malfunction in correctly diagnosing any problem is apparent, which monitors operation of the fuel, ignition and emission control systems. , NOTICE:... the ignition is on and the engine is not running:If the light doesn't come on to assure that there is a problem and service is required. 0 SERVICE ENGINE SOON , 'G I - .. Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Service Engine Soon Light) Your Pontiac is equipped with this light on,...
...A misfire condition has been detected. Malfunctions often willbe indicated by 1 Enhanced Diagnostics.) The SERVICE ENGINE SOON light comes on during a malfunction in correctly diagnosing any problem is apparent, which monitors operation of the fuel, ignition and emission control systems. , NOTICE:... the ignition is on and the engine is not running:If the light doesn't come on to assure that there is a problem and service is required. 0 SERVICE ENGINE SOON , 'G I - .. Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Service Engine Soon Light) Your Pontiac is equipped with this light on,...
Owner's Manual
Page 134
...and 120 psi (140 to turn on acceleration. (These conditijons may go away once the engine is warmed up.) This will cause your engine oil pressure. It may have some other oil problem. Oil pressure should be a problem with quality fuel (see "Fuel" in the Index. 2-85 Have you recently changed ...brands of the above the red area show the normal operating range. If none of fuel? On the 3800 engine the oil pressure should be detected...
...and 120 psi (140 to turn on acceleration. (These conditijons may go away once the engine is warmed up.) This will cause your engine oil pressure. It may have some other oil problem. Oil pressure should be a problem with quality fuel (see "Fuel" in the Index. 2-85 Have you recently changed ...brands of the above the red area show the normal operating range. If none of fuel? On the 3800 engine the oil pressure should be detected...
Owner's Manual
Page 135
... light will come on, have vehicle serviced. If the light stays on briefly. your engine from neglected oil problems can become hot that it repaired. If the light doesn't come on after starting your engine, your engine oil Level may need to your Check youroil as soon as possible and have it catches... fire.You or others could be burned. LOW OIL NOTICE: I Damage to add oil. You may be costly and is covered by not your engine can be too low. Your vehicle is low. Low Oil Light Don't keep driving if the pressure is equipped with an oil level monitoring system....
... light will come on, have vehicle serviced. If the light stays on briefly. your engine from neglected oil problems can become hot that it repaired. If the light doesn't come on after starting your engine, your engine oil Level may need to your Check youroil as soon as possible and have it catches... fire.You or others could be burned. LOW OIL NOTICE: I Damage to add oil. You may be costly and is covered by not your engine can be too low. Your vehicle is low. Low Oil Light Don't keep driving if the pressure is equipped with an oil level monitoring system....
Owner's Manual
Page 167
... when you will check itself. If you ,may not have some power brake assist. If your engine ever stops while you're driving, brake normally but don'tpump your engine stops, you will stay on , and you do a lot of unnecessary braking. If your brakes. rather than keeping pace wt ...traffic. Your brakes will eliminate a lot of heavy braking. That means better braking and longer brake life. If there's a problem with the traffic and ...
... when you will check itself. If you ,may not have some power brake assist. If your engine ever stops while you're driving, brake normally but don'tpump your engine stops, you will stay on , and you do a lot of unnecessary braking. If your brakes. rather than keeping pace wt ...traffic. Your brakes will eliminate a lot of heavy braking. That means better braking and longer brake life. If there's a problem with the traffic and ...
Owner's Manual
Page 169
...you won't have time to apply your anti-lock system is normal. Examples of you, you . This is normal and doesn't mean there's a problem with your vehicle. See"Low Traction Light" in See ''L'owTraction Light" in the Index LOW TRAC The traction control system may notice reduction in a... control system is normal. LOW TRAC When your brakes if that limits wheel spin. Whenthis happens, the system works the rear brakes and reduces engine,power (by closing the throttle and managingengine spark) to the vehicle in front of fhese conditions include a hard acceleration a turn, or an ...
...you won't have time to apply your anti-lock system is normal. Examples of you, you . This is normal and doesn't mean there's a problem with your vehicle. See"Low Traction Light" in See ''L'owTraction Light" in the Index LOW TRAC The traction control system may notice reduction in a... control system is normal. LOW TRAC When your brakes if that limits wheel spin. Whenthis happens, the system works the rear brakes and reduces engine,power (by closing the throttle and managingengine spark) to the vehicle in front of fhese conditions include a hard acceleration a turn, or an ...
Owner's Manual
Page 170
... will go off if your vehicle is on the center of the console behind the shift lever (Automatic Transmission) or infront of driving after each engine start your traction control system. To limit wheel spin, To turn the systemoff, press the button located on the rear axle, traction control system will... you to let you start . abrupt upshift ordownshft. The traction control system automatically comes on , this warning light is on whenever you know if there's a problem with your vehicle.
... will go off if your vehicle is on the center of the console behind the shift lever (Automatic Transmission) or infront of driving after each engine start your traction control system. To limit wheel spin, To turn the systemoff, press the button located on the rear axle, traction control system will... you to let you start . abrupt upshift ordownshft. The traction control system automatically comes on , this warning light is on whenever you know if there's a problem with your vehicle.
Owner's Manual
Page 176
...when have you 'll want to slow down and adjustyour driving to make a on the road. try While driving ona surface with night vision problems, by shifting to impaired -- You to may not realize the surface is slippery until your best to avoid sudden steering, accelerationor braking (including... engine braking by fatigue. 4-15 Any sudden changes could cause the tires slide. One reason is skidding. by be longer and vehicle control more ...
...when have you 'll want to slow down and adjustyour driving to make a on the road. try While driving ona surface with night vision problems, by shifting to impaired -- You to may not realize the surface is slippery until your best to avoid sudden steering, accelerationor braking (including... engine braking by fatigue. 4-15 Any sudden changes could cause the tires slide. One reason is skidding. by be longer and vehicle control more ...
Owner's Manual
Page 213
...have an air conditioner, turn oflthe engine and get the overheat warning with no sign of steam, you can idle the engine for twoor three minutes while you're parked, see or hear no steam, the problem may decide not to lift the ...If you get everyone out o the f vehicle until it off. 2. help right away. If No Ste~ n Is C Jminp From Your Engine If you get alittle too hot when you: Climb a long hill on a hot day. 0 0 0 If you no longer have the ... otherwise, shift to NEUTRAL (N); If the warning doesn't come back on, you 're in traffic. Sometimes the engine can drive normally.
...have an air conditioner, turn oflthe engine and get the overheat warning with no sign of steam, you can idle the engine for twoor three minutes while you're parked, see or hear no steam, the problem may decide not to lift the ...If you get everyone out o the f vehicle until it off. 2. help right away. If No Ste~ n Is C Jminp From Your Engine If you get alittle too hot when you: Climb a long hill on a hot day. 0 0 0 If you no longer have the ... otherwise, shift to NEUTRAL (N); If the warning doesn't come back on, you 're in traffic. Sometimes the engine can drive normally.
Owner's Manual
Page 216
...Get any leak fixed before you drive the vehicle. \ If you haven't found a problem yet, but you can be dangerous. Your vehicle's coolant warning system isset forthe proper coolant mix. Don't run If the engine, it isn't, your warranty. you couldbe burned. With plain water or the wrong mix...free) antifreeze at the coolant recovery tank. (See "EngineCoolant" in the Index for more information.) TM I A CAUTION: Adding onlyplain water to your engine could loseall coolant. If it could get toohot but the coolant level isn't at FULL COLD, add a 50/50 mixture of clean water and DEX...
...Get any leak fixed before you drive the vehicle. \ If you haven't found a problem yet, but you can be dangerous. Your vehicle's coolant warning system isset forthe proper coolant mix. Don't run If the engine, it isn't, your warranty. you couldbe burned. With plain water or the wrong mix...free) antifreeze at the coolant recovery tank. (See "EngineCoolant" in the Index for more information.) TM I A CAUTION: Adding onlyplain water to your engine could loseall coolant. If it could get toohot but the coolant level isn't at FULL COLD, add a 50/50 mixture of clean water and DEX...
Owner's Manual
Page 243
...It's the heavy, constant of your instrument panel. (See "Vehicle Identification Number" in Index.) the If YQU don't havethe 5.7L Code P engine, use should meet spe'cificationsASTM D4814 in the United States and CGSB 3.5-M93 in Canada. L If you have been develope'd the American for ...regular). If it's bad enough, it . 0 Be sure you have problem. a Fuel The 8th digitof your vehicle identification number (VIN) shows the code letter your engine.You will for find theVIN at for (at the recommended octaneor higher and you don't haveto buy ...
...It's the heavy, constant of your instrument panel. (See "Vehicle Identification Number" in Index.) the If YQU don't havethe 5.7L Code P engine, use should meet spe'cificationsASTM D4814 in the United States and CGSB 3.5-M93 in Canada. L If you have been develope'd the American for ...regular). If it's bad enough, it . 0 Be sure you have problem. a Fuel The 8th digitof your vehicle identification number (VIN) shows the code letter your engine.You will for find theVIN at for (at the recommended octaneor higher and you don't haveto buy ...
Owner's Manual
Page 256
... to break down sooner.If any one of these is true, change your car. Driving a vehicle with a fully warmed engine under these conditions causes engine oil to break down slower. zf Most trips are through dusty areas. You frequently tow a trailer or use and disposal of them is true ... (such as frequent driving in stop-and-go traffic). 0 What to Do with Used Oil Did you know that used engine oil contains certain elements that collects used oil. you have a problem properly disposing of water. Instead, recycle it by putting it inthe trash, pouring it to a place that may be a ...
... to break down sooner.If any one of these is true, change your car. Driving a vehicle with a fully warmed engine under these conditions causes engine oil to break down slower. zf Most trips are through dusty areas. You frequently tow a trailer or use and disposal of them is true ... (such as frequent driving in stop-and-go traffic). 0 What to Do with Used Oil Did you know that used engine oil contains certain elements that collects used oil. you have a problem properly disposing of water. Instead, recycle it by putting it inthe trash, pouring it to a place that may be a ...
Owner's Manual
Page 267
...designed to 265 O ( 129°C). F Protect against rust and corrosion. Engine Coolant The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with Axle Lubricant (GM,PartNo. 12345977). O Give boiling protection up to remain in your vehicle for your Pontiac will: 0 0 0 How to Check Lubricant If the level is below the... bottom of the filler plug hole, you need to add some lubricant..Add enough lubricant to raise the level to your cooling system and how to change it is low. If you have a problem with engine ...
...designed to 265 O ( 129°C). F Protect against rust and corrosion. Engine Coolant The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with Axle Lubricant (GM,PartNo. 12345977). O Give boiling protection up to remain in your vehicle for your Pontiac will: 0 0 0 How to Check Lubricant If the level is below the... bottom of the filler plug hole, you need to add some lubricant..Add enough lubricant to raise the level to your cooling system and how to change it is low. If you have a problem with engine ...
Owner's Manual
Page 271
... the radiator until the coolant reaches a preset temperature. Radiator Precsure Cap (All Engines) Power Steering Fluid NOTICE: Your radiator cap is controlled by a thermostat in the engine coolant system. Thermostat Engine coolant temperature is an psi (124 kPa) 18 pressure-type cap and must ...be tightly installed to regularly check power steering fluid unless you suspect thereis a leak in this system could indicate a problem. Have the system inspectedand...
... the radiator until the coolant reaches a preset temperature. Radiator Precsure Cap (All Engines) Power Steering Fluid NOTICE: Your radiator cap is controlled by a thermostat in the engine coolant system. Thermostat Engine coolant temperature is an psi (124 kPa) 18 pressure-type cap and must ...be tightly installed to regularly check power steering fluid unless you suspect thereis a leak in this system could indicate a problem. Have the system inspectedand...
Owner's Manual
Page 305
...your vehicle are two fuse centerson your carthat you can . 6-64 If you ever havea problem on eitherof the boxes to expose the fuses. Just picksome 'feature of fires causedby .klectrical problems. Look at the silver-colored band inside the fuse. This greatly reduces the chance of your... vehicle. Fuses and Circuit Breakers The other is the size you need. The wiring circuits in the engine compartment,Open the cover on the road...
...your vehicle are two fuse centerson your carthat you can . 6-64 If you ever havea problem on eitherof the boxes to expose the fuses. Just picksome 'feature of fires causedby .klectrical problems. Look at the silver-colored band inside the fuse. This greatly reduces the chance of your... vehicle. Fuses and Circuit Breakers The other is the size you need. The wiring circuits in the engine compartment,Open the cover on the road...