1994 PONTIAC FIREBIRD Owners Manual

Features and Controls
NOTICE:
If you put things in the hatchback
area, be sure they won’t break the
glass when you close it. Never slam
.the hatch down. You could break the
glass or damage the defogger grid
(if equipped).
Theft
Vehicle theft is big business, especially in
some cities. Although your Pontiac has a
number of theft-deterrent features, we
know that nothing we put on it can make
it impossible to steal. However, there are
ways you can help.
Key in the ignition: If you walk away
from your vehcle with the keys inside,
it’s an easy target for joy riders or
professional thieves
- so don’t do it.
When you park your Pontiac and open
the driver’s door, ydu’ll heai a tone
reminding you to remove your key from
the ignition and take it with you, Always
do this. Your steering wheel will be
locked, and
so will your ignition. If you
have an automatic transmission, taking your key out also locks your transmission.
And remember to lock the doors.
Parking at Night: Park in a lighted spot,
close all windows and lock your vehicle.
Remember to keep your valuables out of
sight. Put
them in a storage area, or take
them with you.
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Parking Lots: If you park in a lot where
someone will be watching your vehicle,
it's best to lock it up and take your keys.
But what if you have to leave your
ignition key? What if you have to leave
something valuable in your vehicle?
Put your valuables in a storage area,
like your glove
box.
0 Lock the glove box.
0 Lock all the doors except the driver's.
Then take the door key with you.
I
GM -
I PASS-Key@IZ
four vehicle is equipped with the
-'ASS-Key@II (Personalized Automotive
iecurity System) theft-deterrent system.
-'ASS-Key@II is a passive theft-deterrent
iystem.
This means you don't have to do
mything different to
arm or disarm the
iystem. It works when you insert or
'emove the key from the ignition.
-'ASS-Key@II uses a resistor pellet in
he ignition key that matches a decoder
n your vehicle. When
the PASS-Key@II system senses
that someone is using the wrong key, it
shuts down the vehicle's starter and fuel
systems. For about three minutes, the
starter won't work and fuel won't
go to
the engine. If someone tries to start your
vehicle again or uses another key -during
this time, the vehicle will not start. This
discourages someone from randomly
trying different keys with different
resistor pellets in an attempt to make a
match.
. ..,.
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Features and Controls
I rl SECUIITY
The ignition key must be clean and dry
before it’s inserted in the ignition or the
engine may not start. If the engine does
not start and the “SECURITY” light stays on when you
try to start the vehicle, the
key may be dirty or wet. Turn the
ignition
off.
Clean and dry the key. Wait about three
minutes and try again. The security light
will remain on during this time. If the
starter still won’t work, and the key
appears to be clean and
dry, wait about
three minutes and try another ignition key.
At this time, you may also want
to check
the fuses (see “Fuses and Circuit
Breakers” in the Index). If the starter
won’t work with the other key, your
vehicle needs service.
If your vehicle
does start, the first ignition key may be
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Faulty. See your Pontiac dealer or a
locksmith who can service the
PASS-Key@II.
[f you accidentally use a key that has a
Jamaged or missing resistor pellet, the
starter won’t work and the security light
will flash. But you don’t have to wait
three minutes before trying another
ignition key.
See your Pontiac dealer or a locksmith
who can service the PASS-Key@II to
have a new key made.
If you’re ever driving and the
“SECURITY’’ light comes on and stays
on, you will be able to restart your engine
if you turn it
off. Your PASS-Key@ I1
system, however, is not working properly
and must be serviced by your Pontiac
dealer. Your vehicle is not protected by
the PASS-Key% system.
If you lose or damage a PASS-Key@ I1
ignition key, see your Pontiac
dealer or a locksmith who can service
PASS-Key% to have a new key made.
In
an emergency, call the Pontiac Roadside
Assistance Program on
1-800-ROADSIDE
or 1-800-762-3743.
New Vehicle
“Break-Zn”
NOTICE:
Your modem Pontiac doesn’t need an
elaborate “break-in.” But it will per-
form better in the long run if you fol-
low these guidelines:
Keep your speed at
55 mph (88
km/h) or less for the first 500
miles (804 km).
Don’t drive at any one speed
-
fast or slow - for the first 500
miles (804 km). Don’t make
full-throttle starts.
Avoid malung hard stops for the
first 200 miles (322 km) or
so.
During this time your new brake linings aren’t yet broken in. Hard
stops with new linings can mean
premature wear and earlier
replacement. Follow this
“brealung-in” guideline every
time you get new brake linings.
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D
Ignition Switch
With the ignition key in the ignition
switch, you can
turn the switch to five
positions:
Acc (A): Position in which you can
operate your electrical power accessories.
Press in the ignition switch as you
turn
the top of it toward you.
LOCK (B): The only position in which
you can remove the key. This locks your
steering wheel, ignition and automatic
transmission.
If you have an automatic transmission,
tht
ignition switch can’t be turned to
“LOCK’ unless the shift lever is in the
“P’ (Park) position.
Off (C): Unlocks the steering wheel,
ignition and automatic transmission, but
does not send electrical power to any
accessories. Use this position if your
vehicle must be pushed or towed. A
warning tone will sound if you open the
driver’s door when the ignition is in
“Off”
and the key is in the ignition.
Run (D): Position to which the switch
returns after you start your engine and
release the switch. The switch stays in the
“Run” position when the engine is
running. But even when the engine is not
running, you can use “Run” to operate
your electrical power accessories and to
display some instrument panel warning
and indicator lights.
Start (E): Starts the engine. When the
engine starts, release the key. The ignition
switch will return to “Run” for normal
driving.
Note that even if the engine is not
running, “Acc” and “Run” allow you to
operate your electrical accessories, such
as the radio and ventilation fan.
:I
Ley Release Button: If you have a
lanual transmission, your ignition lock
as a key release button.
You must press
le button before you can take your key
ut of the ignition lock.
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Features and Controls
If your key seems stuck in “Lock”
and you can’t turn it, be sure it is all
the way in. If
it is, then turn the steer-
ing wheel left and right while you
turn the key hard. But turn the key
only with your hand. Using a tool to
force it could break the key or the
ignition switch.
If none of this works,
then your vehicle needs service.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
[f you have power door locks, your
vehicle has a feature called Retained
Accessory Power (RAP). With
RAP your
power door locks, electric mirrors, power
windows, audio system and remote hatch
release will continue to work up to 10
minutes after the ignition key is turned to
“OW’ and neither door is opened.
[f a door is opened, the audio system and
power windows will shut
off. The power
door locks, electric mirrors and remote
hatch release will work until you shut the
door. Once you have shut the door, these
accessories will continue to work for
approximately
35 seconds. After this
time you will not be able to use these
accessories until the next time you open
a door or turn on the ignition.
Starting Your Engine
Automatic Transmission: Move your
shift lever to
“P” (Park) or “N’ (Neutral).
Your engine won’t start in any other
position
- that’s a safety feature. To
restart when you’re already moving,
use
“N’ (Neutral) only.
NOTICE:
Don’t try to shift to “P” (Park) if
your Pontiac is moving. If you do,
you could damage the transmission.
Shift to
“P” (Park) only when your
vehicle is stopped.
Manual Transmission: The gear select01
should be in neutral. Hold the clutch
pede1 to the floor and start the engine.
Your vehicle won’t start if the clutch
pedal is not all the way down
- that’s
a safety feature.
To start your V6 engine:
1. Without pushing the accelerator pedal
turn your ignition key to “Start.”
When the engine starts, let go of the
key. The idle speed will go down as
your engine gets warm.
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NOTICE: NOTICE:
Holding your key in “Start” for
longer than
15 seconds at a time will
cause your battery to be drained
much sooner. And the excessive heat
can damage your starter motor.
2. If your engine won’t start (or starts but
then stops), it could be flooded with
too much gasoline. Try pushing your
accelerator pedal all
the way to the
floor and holding it there as you hold
the key in “Start” for about three
seconds. If the vehicle starts briefly
but then stops again, do
the same
thing, but this time keep the pedal
down for five or six seconds. This
clears the extra gasoline from
the
engine Your
engine is designed to work with
the electronics in your vehicle. If you
add electrical parts or accessories,
you could change the way the fuel
injection system operates. Before
adding electrical equipment, check
with your dealer. If you don’t, your
engine might not perform properly.
If you ever have to have your vehicle
towed, see the part of this manual
that tells how to do
it without
damaging your vehicle. See “Towing
Your Vehicle” in
the Index.
To start your VS engine:
1. Without pushing the accelerator
pedal, turn the ignition key to “Start.”
When the engine starts, let go of the
key. The idle speed will go down as
your engine gets warm.
Holding your key in “Start” for
longer than
15 seconds at a time will
cause your battery
to be drained
much sooner.. And the excessive heat
2. If it doesn’t start within 10 seconds,
push the accelerator pedal all the
way to the floor, while
you hold the
ignition key in “Start.” When the
engine starts, let go of the key and
let up on the accelerator pedal. Wait
about
15 seconds between each try to
help avoid draining your battery.
1
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Features and Controls
When starting your engine in very cold
weather (below 0°F or
- 18”C), do this:
1.
2.
With your foot off the accelerator
pedal, turn the ignition key to “Start”
and hold it there. When the engine
starts, let go of the key. Use the
accelerator pedal to maintain engine
speed, if you have to, until your
engine has
run for a while.
If your engine still won’t start (or
starts but then stops), it could be
flooded with too much gasoline.
Try
pushing your accelerator pedal all the
way to the floor and holding it there
as you hold the key
in “Start” for
about three seconds. If the vehicle
starts briefly but then stops again, do
the same thing, but this time keep the
pedal down for five or six seconds.
This clears
the extra gasoline from
the engine.
NOTICE:
Your engine is designed to work with
the electronics in your vehicle. If you
add electrical parts or accessories,
you could change the way
the fuel
injection system operates. Before
adding electrical equipment, check
with your dealer. If you don’t, your
engine might not perform properly.
If you
ever have to have your vehicle
towed, see the part of this manual
that tells how to do it without
damaging your vehicle. See “Towing
Your Vehicle” in the Index.
Driving through Deep
Standing Water
NOTICE:
If you drive too quickly through deep
puddles or standing water, water can
come in through your engine’s air
intake and badly damage your
engine. If you can’t avoid deep
puddles or standing water, drive
through them very slowly.
Performance Mode Switch
(Option)
This switch lets you change from a
normal driving mode to a performance
mode. When you start the engine, the switch will be in normal mode. For
general driving conditions, use the
normal mode. It will remain
in normal
unless you select the “PERFORM”
feature.
For a firmer shift and increased
performance, you may choose the
“PERFORM, mode. The light in the
center
of the switch will light up when
selected. The switch will then remain in
“PERFORMANCE’ mode until the
engine is shut off, when it will go back to
normal mode.
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TRANSMISSION
INDEEAR@ START
Fecond-Gear Start
‘our vehicle may be equipped with a
econd-Gear Start feature. Press
“2ND
;EAR START” to provide more traction
vhen you are starting on ice or other
lippery surfaces. The transmission will
le in second gear when the vehicle begin;
3 move. After starting in second gear, tht
rehicle will upshift normally.
’his feature
is only for improved traction
then the road surface is slippery and is
lot intended for continuous use. Always
.se “NORMAL” for normal road
onditions.
You may press “2ND GEAR
;TART’’ again to turn off this feature.
Yhenever you start your vehicle, the
ransmission is in the “NORMAL” mode.
Engine Coolant Heater (Engine
Block Heater)
(OPTION)
In very cold weather, 0°F (- 18 “C) or
colder,
the engine coolant heater can help.
You’ll get easier starting and better fuel
economy during engine warm-up.
Usually, the coolant heater should be
plugged in a minimum of four hours prior
to starting your vehicle.
To use the coolant heater:
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the
electrical cord.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt outlet.
NOTICE:
After you’ve used the coolant heater,
be sure to store the cord
as it was
before to keep it away from moving
engine parts. If
you don’t, it could be
damaged.
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