
1988 
SER 
This manual  applies to the  1988  Pontiac Firebird Models. 
It contains  the latest  product information  available at the 
time  of  publication  approval. lnformation  pertaining to 
the operation  of the  vehicle  is contained  in the  Owner's 
Manual  which accompanies  each vehicle.  The right  is 
reserved  to make changes  at any  time  without  notice. 
Any  references  to brand  names  in this manual  is intended 
merely  as an  example  of the  types  of 
lubricant% tools, 
materials, etc, recommended  for use  in servicing  1988 
Pontiac  Models. In all  cases, an equivalent  may be used. 
PONTIAC DIVISION 
GENERAL 
MOTORS CORPORATION 
PONTIAC,  MICHIGAN 48053 
1987 General  Motors Corp. All Rights  Reserved. 
No  part  of  this publication  may be reproduced,  stored in any 
retrieval  system  or transmitted  in any  form  or by  any  means, 
including  but  not  limited  to electronic,  mechanical, 
photocopying,  recording or otherwise,  without the prior written 
permission  of General  Motors Corp. This  includes  all  text, 
illustrations, tables  and charts. 
S-881  OF  9-87 Printed in Canada 
TABLE  OF CONTENTS 
SECTION  NAME 
GENERAL  INFORMATION 
OA. General  lnformation 
OB.  Maintenance & Lubrication 
1 SECT. 
HEATING  AND AIR CONDITIONING 
1A. Heating  and Ventilation 
1  B.  Air  Conditioning 
1D1. R-4 AIC Com~ressor Overhaul 
FRAME  AND BUMPERS 
2B.  Bumpers 2C. Chassis  Sheet Metal 
STEERING,  SUSPENSION,  WHEELS 
AND  TIRES 
3.  Diagnosis 
3A.  Wheel  Alignment 
3B5. Steering Wheels and Columns 3B6. Steering  Linkage 3B7. Power Steering  Gear and Pump 
3C.  Front Suspension 
3D.  Rear Suspension 
3E.  Tires  and Wheels 
FINAL  DRIVE 
4A.  Propeller  Shaft 
4B.  Rear  Axle 
4B1. Bora-Warner Axle 
BRAKES 5. Brakes 5A3. Comoosite Master Cvlinder 5B1. Disc  r rake Caliper ~ssembly - 300013100  Series 5B6. Disc Brake  Caliper  Assembly - 3548 
Series 
5C3. Direct  Torque  Drum Brake Assembly 5D2. Power  Head Assembly - Tandem Diaohraam 5F. ~~ecifications and Special  Tools 
ENGINE 6. Engine  General lnformation 6A2. 2.8L 6A3. 5.OL & 5.7L 6B. Engine Cooling 
6C. En~ine Fuel 
6D. ~ngine Electrical 6D1. Battery 6D2. Cranking  System 6D3. Charging System 6D4. Ignition System 6D5. Engine Wiring 
6E.  Driveabilitv  and Emissions 
6E2. ~missions' 6E3. Emissions - PFI 
6F.  Engine  Exhaust 
TRANSMISSION 7A. Automatic  Transmission - General 
lnformation 
7A1. Automatic  Transmission - On-Car 
Service 
700R4. Automatic  Transmission  Hydraulic Diagnosis 
700R4. Automatic  Transmission Unit  Repair 
76. 5-Speed  Manual Transmission 
7C.  Clutch 
CHASSIS  ELECTRICAL 8A. Electrical  Diagnosis 
8B.  Lighting  and Horns 
8C.  Instrument 
Panel, Gages 
& Console 
8E.  Windshield  Wiper  &Washer System 
ACCESSORIES 9A. Radio Systems  and Antennas 9B. Cruise Control 9G. Miscellaneous  Accessories 
I BODY SERVICE  MANUAL  END 
OF 
MANUAL   

GENERAL INFORMATION OA-5 
- THM 700-R4  TRANSMISSION I.D. LOCATION 
1-1 IOU DAY OF THE YEAR1 
I SHIFT BUILT 1 1 A & B = FIRST  SHIFT 1 C 5 H - SECOND  SHIFT 
THM 700-R4  TRANSMISSION  IDENTIFICATION  NUMBER 
VIN  LOCATION 
I OPTIONAL  VIN LOCATION --I I 
Fig. OA-6 --Transmission VIN Location 
LUBRICATION  POINTS 
CHASSIS - SEE 
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE 
ENGINE OIL  AND  FILTER 
COOLING  SYSTEM  WHEEL  BEARINGS 
AUTO  TRANSMISSION  FLUID 
LOWER  CONTROL ARM  BALL JOINTS 
I I 
ENGINE  COMPARTMENT 
STEERING  LINKAGE 
Fig. OA-7 Typical  Lubrication  Points   

MAINTENANCE AND LUBRICATION OB-1 
SECTION OB 
NTENANCE AND LUBR 
CONTENTS 
Maintenance  Schedule, Gasoline .............................................. OB-l 
Maintenance  Schedules I and 11 .............................................. OB-2 
Owner  Inspections 
......................................................... OB-3 
Recommended  Fluids  and  Lubricants ......................................... OB-6 
PASSENGER  CAR MAINTENANCE  SCHEDULE 
VEHICLES 
WITH GASOLINE  ENGINE 
NORMAL CAR USE  ITEM 4 
The maintenance  services contained  in Schedules I Carburetor  or  Throttle Body Mounting Bolt 
and 11 are  based  on the  assumption  that your  car will  be Torque* used  as designed: 
Check  torque of mounting  bolts and/or nuts. @ To carry  passengers  and  cargo within  the limits 
shown on  the Tire  Placard  located  on the  edge  of the ITEM 5 driver's  door. 
@ On reasonable  road surfaces  within legal driving Engine Idle Speed  Adjustment* 
limits.  (Engines 
without Idle Speed  Control  or Idle  Air 
Control) - Adjust  to  specifications shown  on  the under- @ On unleaded  gasoline. 
hood label.  If no  specifications are shown  on  the label, no 
adjustment  is necessary.  Calibrated  test equipment  must 
EXPLANATION OF SCHEDULED  MAINTENANCE be used. SERVICES 
The services  listed in Maintenance  Scheduies I and ITEM 6 
11 are  further  explained  below. When the following main- ~i~~ and wheel aotation tenance  services  are  performed,  make sure all  parts  are 
replaced  and all necessary  repairs are done  before driving To equalize  wear  and  obtain maximum tire life, 
your car. Be sure to use the proper fluid and lubricants as rotate  in accordance  with patterns  shown in Owner's 
shown in Figure  OB-2.  Manual. 
ITEM 1 
Engine Oil and  Oil Filter  Change* 
ALWAYS  USE SFICC OR SF/CD ENERGY CON- 
SERVING  OILS OF PROPER  VISCOSITY 
- Also. 
always  change  oil and  filter  as soon  as possible  after 
driving  in a  dust  storm.  See  your Owner's  Manual for 
further  details. 
ITEM 2 
Chassis  Lubrication 
Lubricate  all  grease fittings  in suspension  and steer- 
ing  linkage.  Lubricate 
transmissionltransaxle shift 
linkage,  parking  brake  cable  guides, underbody  contact 
points and  linkage. Also lubricate clutch cross  shaft  lever 
every 
30,000 miles (50 000  km)  on rear-wheel-drive  cars 
only. 
ITEM 3 
Carburetor Choke  and Hoses* 
If your  car is equipped  with a carburetor,  verify  that 
choke  and  vacuum  break  work properly and are within 
specifications. Correct  any binding  caused by damage or 
gum  on the  choke shaft.  Inspect hoses for proper  hookup, 
cracks,  chafing  or decay.  Correct  as  necessary. 
Vacuum  or  A.I.R. Pump  Drive  Belt Inspection* 
When  a separate  belt is used  to  drive the vacuum or 
A.I.R. 
pump, inspect it for  cracks,  fraying,  wear and 
proper  tension.  Adjust or replace  as needed. 
ITEM 8 
Cooling  System  Service* 
Drain, flush and  refill  system with  new  coolant. See 
your  Owner's  Manual 
for further details. 
ITEM 9 
Wheel  Bearing  Repack (Rear-Wheel-Drive  Cars 
Only  Except  Corvette) 
Clean and  repack  front wheel  bearings  at each brake 
relining  or 15,000  miles 
(25 000 km), whichever  comes 
first,  when  car is used  in such  service  as police,  taxi or 
door-to-door delivery.  If you  do not  use  your car  in such 
service,  clean  and  repack  bearings  at each  brake  relining 
or  30,000  miles 
(50 000 km), whichever  comes first. 
Corvette  models do not  require  wheel bearing  repack.   

OB-2 MAINTENANCE AND LUBRICATION 
Select and follow  Schedule I  or Schedule I1 based  on how  you use your  car: 
SCHEDULE I 
Follow  Schedule  I if  your  car is mainly  operated  under one or moreof the following  Idling andlor low 
speed  operation  in stop-and-go  traffic. 
conditions:  Towing a trailer. 
@ When most trips are  less  than 4 miles (6 kilometers). 
Operating in dusty  areas. 
When  most trips are less  than 10 miles (16 kilometers) and outside  temperatures 
Schedule I should also be followed  if  the car is used  for delivery  service, 
remain  below freezing. 
police, taxi or  other  commercial  applications. 
TO BE SERVICED 
Every 
30.000 miles I50 000 km) 
Every 30,000 miles I50 000 km) or 36 months 
Every 
30,000 miles 150  000 km) 
SCHEDULE ll 
Follow  Schedule II only if none  of the  driving  conditions  specified in Schedule I apply. 
TO BE  SERVICED 
At 
7 500 miles 12 500 km on1 
FOOTNOTES: 
I 
*An Emission  Control Service ttThe U.S. Environmental  Protection  Agency  has determined  that  the  failure  to perform this 
maintenance  item will not nullifv the emission  warrantv  or limit  recall  liabilitv orior to  the 
completion of  vehicle useful life.  General Motors, however,  urges that all recommended main- 
tenance  services  be performed  at the indicated  intervals and the maintenance  be recorded  in 
section  C of the owner's 
ma~ntenance schedule. 
Figure OB-1 Maintenance  Schedules I and I1 - Gasoline Vehicles   

F CARLINE 
ITEM 10 
TransmissionRransaxle Service 
The manual  transmission  or transaxle fluid  does not 
require  changing. (Corvette  only.) Change  fluid in over- 
drive  unit every  30,000  miles (50 000  km). 
For  automatic  transmissions  or transaxles,  change 
both the  fluid and filter  every 15,000  miles (25 000  km)  if 
the  car  is  mainly  driven  under  one or more  of these 
conditions: 
@ In  heavy  city  traffic  where  the outside  temperature 
regularly  reaches 90°F (32°C)  or  higher. 
@ In hilly  or mountainous  terrain. 
@ Frequent  trailer  pulling. 
@ Uses such as  found  in taxi,  police  car or delivery 
service. 
If  you  do not  use your  car under any  of these condi- 
tions,  change  both the fluid and filter  every 100,000 miles 
(160  000  km).  See  you Owner's  Manual for further 
details. 
ITEM 11 
Spark  Plug Service* 
Replace  spark  plugs  with  type  listed  in your  Owner's 
Manual. 
ITEM 12 
Spark Plug Wire  Inspection* 
Clean wires  and inspect  for burns, cracks or  other dam- 
age.  Check the wire boot fit  at distributor  and at spark  plugs. 
Replace  wires  as  needed. 
ITEM 13 
Positive Crankcase  Ventilation (PCV) Valve 
Inspection* 
Inspect  valve  for proper function.  Replace  valve if 
necessary  as well  as  any  worn, plugged  or collapsed 
hoses. 
ITEM 14 
EGR  System  Service* 
Conduct  EGR System  Service  as referenced  in  the 
EGR  System  Chart shown  in the appropriate  6E Section. 
Also,  refer to  your GM maintenance  schedule booklet for 
specific  applications. 
ITEM 15 
Air Cleaner  and PCV Filter Replacement* 
On 1.6 and 2.0 liter  engines,  replace  every  50,000 
miles  (80 000  km).  On all other  engines,  replace every 
30,000  miles (50 000  km).  Replace  more  often  under 
dusty conditions.  Ask your dealer for  the proper replace- 
ment  interval  for your  driving  conditions. 
MAINTENANCE  AND LUBRICATION 08-3 
ITEM 16 
Engine  Timing  Check* 
Adjust  timing  to underhood  label specifications.  If 
no  specifications  are  shown, no adjustment  is  needed. 
ITEM 17 
Fuel Tank,  Cap and  Lines Inspection* 
Inspect  fuel  tank, cap and lines (including  fuel  rails 
and  injection  assembly, if so  equipped)  for  damage  or 
leaks.  Inspect  fuel cap gasket  for  an  even  filler neck 
imprint  or any  damage.  Replace  parts  as needed. 
ITEM 18 
Thermostatically  Controlled  Air Cleaner 
Inspection* 
If  your  car is equipped,  inspect all hoses  and ducts 
for  proper  hookup.  Make  sure  valve works  properly. 
OWNER  INSPECTIONS  AND SERVICES 
Listed  below are  inspections  and  services  which 
should  be made  by either  you or a qualified technician  at 
the  intervals  shown to help  ensure proper safety, emission 
performance  and  dependability  of your  car. Take  any 
problems  promptly  to your  dealer  or another  qualified 
technician  for service  advice. Whenever  repairs are neces- 
sary,  have  them  completed  at once.  For  your  safety and 
that  of  others,  any  safety-related  parts  that could  have 
been  damaged  in an  accident should  be inspected  and  all 
needed  repairs should be done  before  operating your  car. 
Be  sure  to use  the proper fluids and lubricants  as shown in 
Figure  OB-2. 
WHILE  OPERATING YOUR  VEHICLE 
Automatic transmissionltransaxle  shift indi- 
cator operation - Make sure the indicator points  to the 
gear  chosen. 
Horn operation - Blow  the horn  occasionally to 
make  sure it works.  Check  all  button locations. 
I 
Brake system  operation -- Be alert  to abnormal 
sounds,  increased  brake pedal travel  or repeated  pulling to 
one  side  when  braking.  Also, if a brake  warning  light 
comes  on or  flashes,  or the  anti-lock  warning light  (if 
equipped)  comes  on or remains  on, something  may be 
wrong with  part of the  brake  system.  Have it inspected and 
repaired  at  once. 
Exhaust  system  operation - Be alert  to  any 
changes  in the  sound  of the system  or any smell  of fumes. 
These  are signs  the system may  be leaking  or overheating. 
. 
Have  it inspected  and repaired  at  once. Also see "Engine 
Exhaust  Gas Caution (Carbon Monoxide)" and  "Catalytic 
Converter"  in your  Owner's  Manual. 
*An Emission  Control Service   

OB-4 MAINTENANCE AND LUBRICATION 
Tire and  wheel operation - Be alert to  a vibra- 
tion  of  the steering  wheel  or seat  at  normal  highway 
speeds. This may mean a  wheel balance  is needed. Also,  a 
pull  right  or left  on a straight,  level  road  may show  the 
need  for 
a tire pressure  adjustment  or wheel  alignment. 
Steering  system  operation - Be alert  to 
changes  in steering  action. An  inspection is needed  when 
the  steering  wheel  is harder  to turn  or has  too  much  free 
play  or if unusual  sounds are noted  when turning  or 
parking. 
Headlight  aim operation - Take  note of  light 
pattern  occasionally.  If beam  aim  doesn't  look right, 
headlights  should be adjusted. 
AT  EACH  FUEL FILL 
Engine  oil level  check - Check engine  oil  level 
and  add  if necessary.  See your  Owner's 
Manual for further 
details. 
NOTICE: A  large loss  in this  system  may indicate a 
problem.  Have  it inspected  and  repaired  at once. 
Engine  coolant  level and condition - Check 
engine  coolant  level  in coolant  reservoir  tank and  add  if 
necessary.  Replace if dirty  or  rusty.  See  your Owner's 
Manual  for  further  details. 
NOTICE: A large loss in this system  may indicate  a 
problem.  Have  it inspected  and repaired  at once. 
Windshield washer  fluid level check -- Check 
washer  fluid  level in container  and  add if necessary. 
Hood latch  operation - When opening  hood on 
cars equipped  with  hoods that open  from  the front,  note 
the  operation  of secondary  latch. It should  keep hood  from 
opening  all the way  when primary  latch is released.  Make 
sure  that  hood  closes firmly. 
AT LEAST MONTI-ILY 
Tire  and  wheel inspection  and  pressure 
check-- 
Check  tires for abnormal wear  or damage. Also, 
check  for damaged  wheels. Keep pressures  as shown on 
Tire Placard  on the  driver's door  (include spare unless  it is 
a stowaway). Pressure  should b\: checked when tires  are 
"cold".  See "Tires"  in  Owner's Manual for further 
infomation. 
Light  operation  check - Check  operation  of 
license  plate  light,  side-marker  lights,  headlights  includ- 
ing  high  beams,  parking  lights, taillights,  brake lights. 
turn  signals,  backup lights,  instrument  panel and interior 
lights  and  hazard  warning flashers. 
Fluid leak check - After  the car  has  been  parked 
for  a while,  inspect the surface  beneath  the car  for water, 
oil,  fuel  or  other  fluids.  Water  dripping  from  the air 
conditioning  system after use  is normal.  If you  notice fuel 
leaks  or fumes,  the cause should  be found and  corrected  at 
once. 
AT  LEAST  TWICE A  YEAR (FOR EXAMPLE, 
EVERY  SPRING  AND FALL) 
Power  steering  pump fluid level check -- 
Check power steering  pump fluid level  in accordance  with 
Owner's  Manual  instructions  and  keep at proper  level. 
NOTICE: A large loss in this  system  may indicate a 
problem.  Have it inspected  and  repaired  at once. 
Brake  master  cylinder  reservoir  fluid level 
check ---- Check fluid and keep  at proper level. Note:  It is 
normal  for the brake  fluid  level to  go down  slightly  as the 
brake  pads  wear 
- so be  sure  to keep  reservoir  filled. 
NOTICE: A large  loss  in this  system  may indicate a 
problem.  Have 
it inspected  and  repaired  at  once. 
Clutch  system service --- manual transmis- 
sionltransaxle --- For cars  equipped  with hydraulic 
clutch  system,  check the reservoir  fluid level and  add fluid 
as  required.  All others,  check clutch pedal free  travel and 
adjust  as necessary.  See your  Owner's  Manual for further 
details. 
~ 
NOTICE: A large loss  in this  system  may indicate  a 
problem.  Have  it inspected  and repaired  at  once. 
Weatherstrip  Lubrication - Clean  surface and 
then  apply a  thin film  of silicone grease  with a clean  cloth. 
EACH TIME OIL IS CHANGED 
Automatic  and manual transmissionltrans- 
axle fluid level  check - Check transmission/transaxle 
fluid level and add  as required.  (Corvette  only) if equipped 
with  manual  transmission 
- check fluid in the  overdrive 
unit  and  add  as  required. 
NOTICE: A large loss  in this  system  may  indicate  a 
problem.  Have 
it inspected  and  repaired  at once. 
Brake systems inspection - For  convenience, 
the  following  should be done  when  wheels  are removed 
for  rotation:  Inspect  lines  and hoses  for proper  hookup, 
binding,  leaks,  cracks,  chafing,  etc. Inspect  disc brake 
pads  for  wear  and  rotors  for  surface  condition. Also in- 
spect  drum  brake  linings  for  wear  and cracks. Inspect 
other  brake  parts, including  drums, wheel cylinders,  park- 
ing  brake,  etc. at the  same  time.  Check parking  brake 
adjustment. 
INSPECT  BRAKES MORE OFTEN  IF DRIVING 
HABITS OR CONDITIONS  RESULT IN FREQUENT 
BRAKING. 
Steering,  suspension  and front  drive axle 
boot  and  seal inspection 
- Inspect  front  and  rear 
suspension  and steering  system  for damaged,  loose or 
missing  parts, signs  of wear  or lack of  lubrication.  Inspect 
power  steering  lines  and  hoses for  proper  hookup, bind- 
ing,  leaks,  cracks, chafing,  etc. (On cars  equipped  with 
manual  steering  gear, check  for  seal leakage.)  On 
front- 
wheel-drive  cars, clean  then inspect  drive axle  boot seals 
for  damage,  tears or leakage.  Replace seals if necessary. 
Exhaust system inspection - Inspect  complete 
system.  Inspect  body  near  the exhaust  system.  Look for 
broken,  damaged,  missing or out-of-position  parts  as well 
as  open  seams,  holes, loose connections  or other  condi- 
tions which  could  cause a heat buildup  in the  tloor  pan or 
could  let exhaust  fumes  seep into the trunk  or passenger 
compartment.   

MAINTENANCE AND LUBRICATION  OB-5 
Throttle linkage inspection -- Inspect for inter- 
ference,  binding,  damaged  or missing  parts. 
Engine  drive  belts  inspection - Inspect all 
belts  for  cracks,  fraying  and  wear. Adjust  or replace  as 
needed. 
Rear  axle service  (if equipped) - Check  gear 
lubricant  level and add  if needed.  For cars  equipped with a 
limited  slip rear  axle,  fluid does not require  changing 
(except  Caprice and Corvette 
- change fluid and required 
additive  at first 
7,500 miles  (12 500 km). See your 
Owner's  Manual  or  "Recommended  Fluids 
& Lubricants 
Chart"  in  this section. 
IF YOU  USE  YOUR GAR TO PULL A TRAILER, 
CHANGE GEAR  LUBRICANT EVERY 7,500 MILES 
(12 500 KM). 
NOTICE: A large  loss in this  system may indicate a 
problem.  Have it inspected  and  repaired  at once. 
Power  antenna - Clean and then  lubricate power 
antenna  mast. The proper  lubricant  as  shown  in Figure 
OB-2  should  be  used. 
AT LEAST ONCE A  YEAR 
Lap  and  shoulder  belts condition  and opera- 
tion 
- Inspect  belt system,  including  webbing,  buckles, 
latch  plates,  retractors,  guide  loops  and  anchors. 
Moveable head restraint operation - On cars 
with  moveable  restraints,  make sure restraints  stay in the 
desired  position.  (See adjustment  instructions  in your 
Owner's  Manual.) 
Seatback latch and  recliner operation  on 
cars  equipped 
with recliner seat --- Be  sure seat- 
backs  latch on those  cars with  folding seats  using mechan- 
ical  latches.  Make sure the recliner  is holding  by pushing 
and  pulling  on the  top  of the 
seatback while  it is reclined. 
See your  Owner's  Manual for seat operating information. 
Spare tire and  jack  storage- Be alert to rattles 
in  rear of  car. Make  sure the space tire,  all jacking  equip- 
ment, any  tire inflator and  any covers or doors  are securely 
stowed  at  all times.  Oil  jack  ratchet  or screw mechanism 
after  each  use. 
Key lock  service - Lubricate  key lock  cylinder  at 
least  annually. 
Body lubrication  service - Lubricate all body 
door  hinges  including  the  tailgate  or hatchback  lid (if 
equipped).  Also  lubricate  the  body hood,  fuel door  and 
rear  compartment  hinges  and  latches  including  interior 
glove  box and counsel  doors, and any folding  seat 
hardware. 
"Fansmissionltransaxle neutral  or clutch 
starl switch  operation 
CAUnON: Before pedorming the follow- 
ing  safety  switch  check, be sure  to have 
enough  room around  the car.  Then,  firmly 
apply  both the  parking brake (see your 
Owner's  Manual for procedure)  and the 
regular  brakes.  Do not  use  the accelerator  pedal. 
If the  engine 
starls, be ready  to turn 
off the  ignition promptly.  Take these pre- 
cautions  because the car could  move 
without  warning  and possibly  cause per- 
sonal  injury or properly  damage. On auto- 
matic  transmissionltransaxle  cars, try to 
starl the  engine in each  gear.  The starler 
should  crank only in "Park"  or "Neutral." 
On  manual  transmissionltransaxle  cars, 
place  the 
shiR lever in "Neutral,"  push the 
clutch halfway  and try to starl.  The starler 
should  crank only when the  clutch is fully 
depressed. 
Steering  column lock operation 
- While 
parked,  try  to turn  key to "Lock"  in each gear range.  The 
key  should  turn to "Lock"  only when  gear is in  "Park"  on 
automatic  or "Reverse"  on manual 
transmissionltransax- 
le. On  cars  with key  release lever, try to turn  key toULock" 
without  depressing  the lever.  The key  should  turn  to 
"Lock"  only with the key  lever depressed. On  all vehicles, 
the  key  should  come out  only  in "Lock." 
Parking  brake and transmissionltransaxle 
"Park"  mechanism  operation 
CAUT1ON:Before checking the holding 
ability of  the parking  brake and automatic 
transmissionltransaxle  "Park" mecha- 
nism,  park on a fairly  steep  hill with 
enough  room for movement  in the  down- 
hill  direction.  To reduce  the risk  of person- 
al  injury or  property  damage,  be prepared 
to  apply  the regular brakes  promptly if the 
car  begins  to move. 
To  check  the parking  brake, with  the  engine running  and 
transmission/transaxle in "Neutral."  slowly remove  foot 
pressure  from the regular  brake  pedal (until the car  is held 
by  only  the parking  brake). 
To  check  the automatic transmissionltransaxle  "Park" 
mechanism  holding  ability, release all brakes  after  shift- 
ing  the  transmissionltransaxle  to "Park." 
ljnderbody flushing - At  least  every  spring, 
tlush from the underbody  with  plain water  any corrosive 
materials  used for ice and  snow  removal  and dust  control. 
Take  care to thoroughly  clean any areas  where  mud and 
other  debris  can collect. 
Sediment packed  in closed  areas 
of  the  vehicle  should  be loosened  before  being  flushed. 
Engine cooling  system  service - Inspect 
coolant and freeze  protection. If dirty or  rusty, drain,  flush 
and  refill  with  new  coolant. Keep  coolant 
at the proper 
mixture  as specified  in your  Owner's  Manual. This pro- 
vides  proper  freeze  protection.  corrosion  inhibitor level 
and  engine  operating  temperature.  Inspect  hoses and  re- 
place  if cracked.  swollen  or deteriorated.  Tighten  hose 
clamps.  Clean outside  of radiator  and air conditioning 
condensor.  Wash  radiator  filler  cap and  neck. 
To help 
ensure  proper operation. a  pressure test of both the  cooling 
system  and  cap is also  recommended.  (See maintenance 
schedule  charts in Figure 
OB-l for  the  recommended 
coolant  change  interval.)   

18-12 AIR CONDITIONING 
ELEGTRICAWACUUM SYSTEM 
DIAGNOSIS 
When diagnosing problems in the electrical sys- 
tems  of the  air  conditioning  system, consult  section 
8A. 
LEAK TESTING  THE REFRIGERANT 
SYSTEM 
Whenever  a refrigerant  leak  is suspected  in  the 
system  or a service operation performed which results 
in  disturbing  lines  or connections,  it is  advisable  to 
test  for  leaks. 
Liquid Leak Detectors 
There are a number  of locations  (fittings, 
valves,  etc.)  on  the  air  conditioning  system  where  a 
liquid leak detector  solution  may  be used  to  pinpoint 
refrigerant  leaks. 
By  applying test solution to  the area  in question 
with  the  swab  that  is attached  to  the  bottle  cap, bub- 
bles  will  form within  seconds  if there  is a leak. 
For  restricted  access  areas, such  as  sections  of 
the  evaporator  and  condenser, an electronic  leak 
detector, such as 
5-29547 or  equivalent, is  more prac- 
tical  for  determining  and  locating  leaks. 
3-LOW BATTERY 
INDICATOR 
2-HI-LOW  SWITCH 
4-BALANCE CONTROL 
Figure 12 Electronic Leak Detector J-29547 
ELECTRONIC LEAK TESTERS 
(Figure 12) 
Electronic leak testers  can accurately  determine 
leaks in areas that  are difficult  to test  with liquid  leak 
detectors  due to poor  visibility  or inaccessibility. 
The  H-10  Leak  Detector  5-26934  is a  110-volt, 
A/C powered tester while the Refrigerant Leak Detec- 
tor  J-29547  is a portable,  battery  operated model. 
Both  models  provide  visual 
and/or audible  signals  to 
indicate  leak  detection. 
The  successful  use  of electronic  leak detectors 
depends  upon  carefully  following  the  manufacturer's  
instructions  regarding calibration,  operation and 
maintenance.  Battery  condition  is especially  impor- 
tant  to  the  accuracy  of the  portable  battery  powered 
model 
5-29547 and  is  monitored  by  a low  battery 
indicator. 
SERVICE PROCEDURES 
Before  attempting  any  service  which  requires 
opening  of refrigerant lines  or components,  the person 
doing the work should be thoroughly familiar with the 
information under HANDLING REFRIGERANT-  12, 
HANDLING  REFRIGERANT  LINES AND  FIT- 
TINGS  AND  MAINTAINING  CHEMICAL  STA- 
BILITY  IN THE REFRIGERATION  SYSTEM. Very 
carefully follow the DISCHARGING,  ADDING  OIL, 
EVACUATING  AND CHARGING  PROCEDURES 
FOR 
A/C SYSTEMS  instructions  given  on the  fol- 
lowing  pages  for  the  unit  being  serviced. 
Sealing  caps  should  be removed  from sub- 
assemblies just  prior  to making  connections  for final 
assembly.  Use  a  small  amount  of clean  525 viscosity 
refrigerant oil on all tube  and hose joints.  Always  use 
new  O-rings  dipped  in the  clean  525 viscosity  refrig- 
erant  oil  when  assembling joints.  The oil  will  aid  in 
assembly  and  help  provide  a  leak-proof  joint.  When 
tightening  joints, use a second wrench to hold station- 
ary  part  of connection  so that 
a solid  feel  can  be 
attained.  This  will  indicate  proper  assembly. 
Tighten  all  tubing  connections  as  shown  in 
torque  chart (Figure 
13). Insufficient  or excessive 
torque  when  tightening  can  result  in loose  joints  or 
deformed  joint  parts. Either  condition  can  result  in 
refrigerant  leakage. 
O-RING REPWCEMENT 
Install new G. M. approved service replacement 
air conditioning 
"0" rings  whenever  a joint  or fitting 
is  disassembled,  except  when provided  on  new com- 
ponents. Even though  an 
"0" ring may look the same, 
it  is  extremely  important  that  only recommended  ser- 
vice replacement air conditioning 
"0" rings be  used or 
excessive  leakage  of Refrigerant  12  may occur.