1994 PONTIAC FIREBIRD engine coolant

I I
Here you will find information
about the care of your Pontiac
.
This part begins with service and fuel information. and then
it
shows how to check important
fluid and lubricant levels
. There
is also technical information
about your vehicle. and a section devoted
to its
appearance care
.
Part b
Service 8t Appearance Care
Service .........................................................
Fuel ...........................................................
Checking Things under the Hood ....................................
HoodRelease ..................................................
184
185
188
188
Engineoil
.................................................... 191
Aircleaner
.................................................... 195
Automatic Transmission Fluid
..................................... 198
Manual Transmission Fluid
....................................... 200
Hydraulic Clutch
............................................... 201
RearAxle
..................................................... 201
Enginecoolant
................................................. 201
Power Steering fluid
............................................ 204
Windshield Washer Fluid
......................................... 205
Brake Master Cylinder
........................................... 206
Bulb Replacement
................................................ 209
Battery
....................................................... 208
LoadingYourVehicle
............................................. 213
Tires
........................................................... 215
Appearance Care
................................................. 221
Appearance Care and Maintenance Materials
.......................... 227
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
................................. 228
Service Parts Identification Label
.................................... 228
Add-on Electrical Equipment
....................................... 228
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
......................................... 228
ReplacementBulbs
............................................... 232
Capacities and Specifications
........................................ 233
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3.4L L32 (Code !
When you open the hood you'll see.
1. Battery
2. Engine Coolant Reservoir
3. Engine Oil Dipstick
4. Automatic Transmission Dipstick
5. Air Cleaner (if equipped)
6. Oil Fill
Cap
7. Brake Fluid Reservoir
8. Power Steering Reservoir
9. Windshield Washer Reservoir
10. Engine Fan
11. Clutch Fluid Reservoir (if equipped)
B
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Service and Appearance Care
5.7L LTl (Code
When you open the hood you'll see:
1. Battery
2. Engine Coolant Reservoir
3. Engine Oil Dipstick
4. Automatic Transmission Dipstick
5. Air Cleaner (if equipped)
6. Oil Fill
Cap
7. Brake Fluid Reservoir
8. Power Steering Reservoir
9. Windshield Washer Reservoir
IO. Engine Fans
11. Clutch Fluid Reservoir (if equippec Before closing the hood,
be sure all the
filler caps are on.
Then just pull the hood down and close it firmly.
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When to Change Engine Oil:
See if any one of these is true for you:
Most trips are less than 4 miles
0 It’s below freezing outside and most
trips are less than
10 miles ( 16 km).
The engine is at low speed most of
the time (as in door-to-door delivery,
or
in stop-and-go traffic).
(6 km).
You tow a trailer often.
Most trips are through dusty places.
If any one of these is true for your
vehicle, then you need to change your
and filter every
3,000 miles (5 000 km) or
3 months - whichever comes first.
If none of them is true, change the oil
every
7,500 miles (12 500 km) or 12
months
- whichever comes first.
Change the filter at the first oil change
and at every other oil change after that.
Engine Coolant Heater (Engine Block
Heater):
An engine coolant heater can be a big
help if you have to park outside in very
cold weather,
0°F (-18°C) or colder. If
your vehicle has this option, see “Engine Coolant Heater” in the Index.
What to Do with Used Oil:
Did you know that used engine oil
:ontains elements that may be unhealthy
:or your skin and could even cause
:ancer? Don’t let used oil stay on your
;kin for very long. Clean your skin and
lails with soap and water, or a good hand
:leaner. Wash or properly throw away
:lothing or rags containing used engine
il. (See the manufacturer’s warnings
ibout the use and disposal of oil
xoducts.)
Used oil can be a real threat to the
mvironment. If you change your own oil,
)e sure to drain all free-flowing oil from
:he filter before disposal. Don’t ever
jispose of oil by putting it in the trash,
2ouring it on the ground, into sewers, or
into streams or bodies
of water. Instead,
recycle it by taking it to a place that
collects used oil. If you have a problem
properly disposing of your used oil, ask
your dealer, a service station or a local
recycling center for help.
3.4L L32 (Code S
Air Cleaner
iefer to the Maintenance Schedule to
letermine when to replace the air filter.
See “Scheduled Maintenance Services”
In the Index.
t
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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 Appearanc’e Care
The proper coolant for your Pontiac will:
0
Give freezing protection down to
-34°F (-37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 262°F
(128°C)
.
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine
temperature.
Let the warning lights work as
they
should.
What to Use:
Use a mixture of one-half clean water
(preferably distilled) and one-half
antifreeze that meets
“GM Specification
1825M,” which won’t damage aluminum
parts. You can also use a recycled coolant
conforming to GM Specification 1825M
with a complete coolant flush and refill. If
you use this mixture, you don’t need to
add anything else.
NOTICE:
If you use an improper coolant mix,
your engine could overheat and be
badly damaged. The repair cost wouldn’t be covered by your war-
ranty. Too much water in the mix can
freeze and crack the engine, radiator,
heater core and other parts.
Adding Coolant
To Check Coolant: When your engine is
cold, check the dipstick on the cap of the
coolant recovery tank. The coolant level should be “COLD,” or a little higher.
When your engine is warm, the level on
the dipstick should be up to
“HOT,” or a
little higher.
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LOW
COOLANT
f you have the 5.7L LTl (Code P) engine
nd this light comes
on, it means you’re
3w on engine coolant.
ro Add Coolant to the Recovery Tank:
f you need more coolant, add the proper
nix at the coolant recovery tank, but only
vhen your engine is cool. If the tank
is
‘ery low or empty, also add coolant to the
adiator, see “Engine Overheating” in the
ndex for information. Add
coolant mix at
the recovery tank, but
be careful not to spill it.
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Service and Appearance Care
Radiator Pressure Cap (All Engines)
NOTICE:
Your radiator cap is a 18 psi (124 kPa)
pressure-type cap and must be tightly
installed to prevent coolant loss and
possible engine damage from over-
heating. Be sure the arrows on the
cap line up with the overflow tube
on the radiator filler neck.
When you replace your radiator pressure
cap,
an AC@ cap is recommended.
Thermostat
Engine coolant temperature is controlled
by a thermostat in the engine coolant
system. The thermostat stops the flow of
coolant through the radiator until the
coolant reaches a preset temperature.
When you replace your thermostat, an
AC@ thermostat is recommended.
3.4L L32 (Code S)
Power Sfeering Fiuid
How to Check Power Steering Fluid:
Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick
with a clean rag. Replace the cap and
completely tighten it. Then remove the
cap again and look at the fluid level on
the dipstick.
0
0
5.7L LT1 (Code P)
When the engine compartment is hot,
the level should be at the
“H” or
“HOT” mark.
When the engine compartment is
cool, the level should be at the
“C”
or “FULL COLD” mark.
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