1994 PONTIAC FIREBIRD cooling

Problems on the Road
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Recovery Tank
If you haven’t found a problem yet, but
the coolant level isn’t at or above the
“FULL COLD’ mark, add a 50/50
mixture of clean water (preferably
distilled) and a proper antifreeze at the
coolant recovery tank. (See “Engine
Coolant” in the Index for more
information about the proper coolant
mix.)
NOTICE:
I
In cold weather, water can freeze
and crack the engine, radiator,
heater core and other parts. Use the
recommended coolant. When the coolant
in the coolant recovery
tank is at or above the “FULL COLD’
mark, start your vehicle.
If the overheat warning continues, there’s
one more thing
you can try. You can add
the proper coolant mix directly to the
radiator, but be sure the cooling system is
cool before
you do it.
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How to Add Coolant to the Radiator
:3.4L L32 (Code S) Engine)
I. You can remove the radiator pressure
cap when the cooling system,
including the radiator pressure cap
and upper radiator hose, is no longer
hot. Turn the pressure cap slowly to
the left until it first stops. (Don't pres:
down while turning the pressure cap.)
If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stor
A hiss means there is still some
pressure left.
2. Then keep turning the pressure cap,
but
now push down as you tum it.
Remove the pressure cap.
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Problems on the Road
1. You can remove the radiator
pressure cap when the cooling system
including the radiator pressure cap
and upper radiator hose, is
no longer
hot.
Turn the pressure cap slowly to
the left until it first stops. (Don? pres5
down while turning
the pressure cap.)
If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stop
A hiss means there is still some
pressure left.
2. Then keeb turning the pressure cap,
but now push down
as you turn it.
Remove the pressure cap.
5. After the engine cools, open the air
bleed valves on the heater return hose
and water pump inlet.
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Hydraulic Clutch
The hydraulic clutch in your vehicle is
self-adjusting. The clutch master cylinder
reservoir is filled with hydraulic clutch
fluid.
It isn’t a good idea to “top
off’ your
clutch fluid. Adding fluid won’t correct a
leak.
A fluid loss in this system could indicate
a problem. Have the system inspected and
repaired.
When to Check and What to Use:
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to
determine how often you should check
the fluid level in your clutch master
cylinder reservoir and for the proper fluid.
See “Owner Checks and Services” and
“Recommended Fluids and Lubricants”
in the Index.
How to Check:
The proper fluid should be added if the
level
is below the “STEP’ mark on the
reservoir. See the instructions on the
reservoir cap.
Rear Axle
When to Check and Change Lubricant:
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to
determine how often to check the
lubricant and when to change
it. See
“Periodic Maintenance Inspections” in
the Index.
How to Check Lubricant:
If the level is below the bottom of the
filler plug hole, you’ll need to add some
lubricant. Add enough lubricant to raise
the level to the bottom of the filler plug
hole.
What to Use
Standard Differential
Use Axle Lubricant (GM Part No.
1052271) or SAE 80W-90 GL-5 gear
lubricant.
Limited-Slip Differential
To add lubricant when the.leve1 is
low, use Axle Lubricant (GM Part
No.
105227 1) or SAE 8OW-90 GL-5 gear
lubricant. To completely refill after
draining, add
4 ounces ( 1 18 ml) of
Limited-Slip Differential Lubricant
Additive (GM
Part No. 1052358). Then
fill to the bottom of the filler plug hole
with Axle Lubricant (GM
Part No.
12345977) or SAE 8OW-90 GL-5 gear
lubricant.
Engine Coolant
The following explains your cooling system and how to add coolant when
it is low. If you have a problem with
engine overheating or if you need to add
coolant to your radiator, see “Engine Overheating” in the Index.
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Service and Appearance Care
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.
In most cases, you will not need to have
your wheels aligned again. 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. If wheel nuts keep coming
loose, the wheel, wheel bolts, and wheel
nuts should be replaced. If the wheel
leaks air out, replace it (except some
aluminum wheels, which can sometimes
be repaired). See your Pontiac 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.
[f you need to replace any of your wheels,
wheel bolts, or wheel nuts, replace them
mly with new
GM original equipment
sarts. This way, you will be sure to have
:he right wheel, wheel bolts, and wheel
nuts for your Pontiac model.
NOTICE:
The wrong wheel can also cause
problems with bearing life, brake
cooling, speedometer/odometer
calibration, headlight aim, bumper height, vehicle ground clearance, and tire or tire chain clearance to
the body and chassis.
Used Replacement Wheels
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Finish Care
Occasional waxing or mild polishing of
your Pontiac may be necessary to remove
residue from the paint finish.
You can get
GM approved cleaning products from
your dealer. (See “Appearance Care and
Maintenance Materials” in the Index.)
Your Pontiac has
a “basecoatjclearcoat”
paint finish. The clearcoat gives more depth and gloss to the colored
basecoat.Always use waxes and polishes
that are non-abrasive and made for a
basecoatklearcoat paint finish.
NOTICE:
Machine compounding or aggressive
polishing
on a basecoatjclearcoat
paint finish may dull the finish or
leave swirl marks.
Cleaning Your Convertible Top
NOTICE:
When using an automatic car wash,
set your heating or cooling system to
“VENT” with the fan speed set to
the second highest speed. This will
prevent high pressure water from
entering around your top.
Your convertible top should be cleaned
often. Use a mild soap, lukewarm water
and a soft brush. Don’t use any harsh
cleaners or bleaching agents on the top.
They can damage the material.
When the top is really dirty, use a mild
foam-type cleaner. Use a cloth or sponge
to remove the dirt.
Thoroughly rinse the top and dry
it before
lowering it.
A damp top causes wrinkles.
Aluminum Wheels (If So Equipped)
Your aluminum wheels have a protective
coating similar to the painted surface of
your vehicle. Don’t use strong soaps,
chemicals, chrome polish, abrasive
cleaners,
or abrasive cleaning brushes
on them because you could damage this coating. After
rinsing thoroughly, a wax
may be applied.
NOTICE:
If you have aluminum wheels, don’t
use an automatic car wash that has
hard silicon carbide cleaning brushes.
These brushes can take off the
protective coating.
Tires
Your Pontiac dealer has a GM White
Sidewall Tire Cleaner.
You can use a stiff
brush with the cleaner.
When applying a tire dressing always take
care to wipe
off any overspray or splash
from painted surfaces. Petroleum-based
products may damage the paint finish.
Weatherstrips
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will
make them last longer, seal better, and not
stick or squeak. Apply silicone grease
with a clean cloth at least every six
months. During
very cold, damp weather
more frequent application may be
required. (See “Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants’’ in the Index.)
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Maintenance Schedule
C L Section A: Scheduled Maintenance Services
Schedule I
Follow Schedule I if your vehicle is
MAINLY driven under one or more of
the following conditions:
When most trips are less than
4 miles
(6 km).
When most trips are less than
10 miles
(16 km) and outside temperatures
remain below freezing.
When most trips include extended
idling and/or frequent low-speed
operation, as in stop-and-go traffic.
When towing a trailer.
When operating in dusty areas.
Schedule
I should also be followed if the
vehicle is used for delivery service. police,
taxi or other commercial aqdications.
* An Emission Control Service.
t 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 vehicle useful life. General
Motors, however, urges that all recommended
maintenance services be performed at the
indicated intervals and the maintenance be
recorded in “Section
E: Maintenance Record.”
ITEM NO.
-
1
3
-
4
6
-
7
9
11
WHAT TO SERVICE
See “Explanation of Scheduled
Maintenance Services” following
Schedules
I and II.
~
Engine Oil & Oil Filter Change*
Chassis Lubrication
Tire and Wheel Rotation
& Inspection
Engine Accessory Drive Belt Inspection*
Cooling System Service*
Transmission Service
Spark Plug Replacement
(3.4L L32 (Code
S) Engine)*
Spark Plug Replacement
(5.7L LTl (Code P) Engine)*
Spark Plug Wire Inspection*?’
Air Cleaner Filter Replacement*
Fuel Tank, Cap
& Lines Inspeclion*t
Rear Axle Fluid Change (For Vehicles
Towing Trailers or for Vehicles with
Limited-Slip Differentials)
WHEN TO PERFORM
Miles (kilometers) or Months
(whichever occursfirst).
Every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months.
Every other oil change.
At
6,000 miles (10 000 km) and every
15,000 miles (25 000 km) or as necessary.
Every
30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months.
See “Explanation of Scheduled Maintenance
Services” following Schedules I and
II.
Every 30,000 miles (50 000 km).
Every 100,000 miles (166 000 km).
Every 30,000 miles (50 000 km).
See “Explanation of Scheduled Maintenance
Services” following Schedules I and 11.
Every 30,000 miles
(50 000 km).
~ ~~ ~~~
See “Explanation of Scheduled Maintenance
Services” following Schedules
I and 11.
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Maintenance Schedule
Section A: Scheduled Maintenance Services (Cont.)
Schedule lI
Follow Schedule II ONLY if none of
the driving. conditions specified in
Schedule
I apply.
* An Emission Control Service.
t The US. Environmental Protection Agency
or the California Air Resources Board has
determined that the failure to pedorm this
maintenance item will not nullify the emission
warranty or limit recall liability prior to the
completion
of vehicle useful life. General
Motors, however, urges that all recommended
maintenance services be performed at the
indicated intervals and the maintenance be
recorded in “Section
E: Maintenance Record.”
WHAT TO SERVICE WHEN TO PERFORM
“Explanation of Scheduled Miles (kilometers) or Months ITEM NO. Maintenance Services” following (whichever occursfirst).
Schedules
I and I?.
Engine Oil Change* Every 7,500 miles (12 500 km) or 12 months.
Oil Filter Change* At
first and every other oil change. 1
2 Chassis Lubrication Every 7,500 miles (12 500 km) or 12 months. ~~~
3 I Tire and Wheel Rotation & Inspection I
At 7,500 miles (12 500 km) and then every
15,000 miles (25
000 km) or as necessarv.
4 I Engine Accessory Drive Belt Inspection* ~ Every 30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months.
5 I Cooling System Service* !
6 I Transmission Service I
See “Explanation of Scheduled Maintenance
Services” following Schedules
I and 11.
Spark Plug Replacement
(3.4L L32 (Code
S) Engine)* Every 30,000 miles (50 000 km).
7
I
Spark Plug Replacement
(5.7L LTl (Code P) Ennine)* I Every 100,000 miles (166 000 km). \- I I, I
8 Spark Plug Wire Inspection*? Every 30,000 miles (50 000 km).
9 Air Cleaner Filter Replacement* I I
See “Explanation of Scheduled Maintenance
Services” following Schedules
I and II.
10 Fuel Tank, Cap & Lines Inspection”? Every 30,000 miles (50 000 km).
, , Rear Axle Fluid Change (For Vehicles See “Explanation
of Scheduled Maintenance
with Limited-Slip Differentials) Services” following Schedules I and
11.
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