1994 PONTIAC FIREBIRD oil change

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
195 ...
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Service and Appearance Care
Automatic Transmission Fluid
When to Check and Change:
A good time to check your automatic
transmission fluid level
is when the
engine oil is changed. Refer to the
Maintenance Schedule to determine when
to change your fluid. See “Scheduled
Maintenance Services” in the Index.
How to Check:
Because this operation can be a little
difficult, you may choose to have this
done at a Pontiac dealership Service
Department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all
the instructions here, or
you could get a
false reading on the dipstick.
Too much or too little fluid can
damage your transmission. Too much
can mean that some of the fluid could
come out and fall on hot engine parts
or exhaust system, starting a fire. Be
sure to get an accurate reading
if you
check your transmission fluid. Wait
at least 30 minutes before checking
the transmission fluid level if you have
been driving:
When outside temperatures are above
At high speed for quite a while.
In heavy traffic - especially in hot
90°F (32°C).
weather.
While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading, the fluid should
be at normal operating temperature,
which is 180°F to 200°F (82°C to 93°C).
To check transmission fluid hot: Get
the vehicle warmed up by driving
about
15 miles (24 km) when outside
temperatures
are above 50°F ( 10°C).
If it’s colder than 50°F ( lO”C), drive
the vehicle in
“D’ (Third Gear) until the
engine temperature gage moves and then
remains steady for
ten minutes. Then
follow the hot check procedures.
To check transmission fluid cold: A cold
check is made after the vehicle has been
sitting for eight hours or more with the
engine
off and is used only as a reference.
Let the engine run at idle for five minutes
if outside temperatures are 50°F
(10°C)
or more. If it’s colder than 50°F (lO°C),
you may have to idle the engine longer.
Should the fluid level be low during a
cold check, you must perform a hot check
before adding fluid. This will give you a
more accurate reading of the fluid level.
To check the fluid hot or cold:
0
Park your vehicle on a level place.
With the parking brake applied, place
the shift lever
in “P” (Park).
With your foot on the brake pedal,
move the shift lever through each gear
range, pausing for about three seconds
in each range. Then, position the shift
lever in “P” (Park).
Let the engine
run at idle for three
minutes or more.
. . .I98
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Service and Appearance Care
Don’t use any of these unless this manual
says you can. In many uses, these will
damage your vehicle:
0 Alcohol
Laundry Soap
0 Bleach
0 Reducing Agents
Cleaning the Inside of Your
Pontiac
Use a vacuum cleaner often to get rid of
dust and loose dirt. Wipe vinyl or leather
with a clean, damp cloth.
Your Pontiac dealer has two
GM cleaners,
a solvent-type spot lifter and a foam-type
powdered cleaner. They will clean normal
spots and stains very well. Do not use
them on vinyl or leather.
Here are some cleaning tips:
Always read the instructions on the
Clean up stains as soon as you can -
Use a clean cloth or sponge, and
cleaner
label.
before they set.
change to a clean area often. A soft
brush may be used
if stains are
stubborn.
D Use solvent-type cleaners in a
well-ventilated area only. If you use
them, don’t saturate
the stained area.
clean the entire area immediately or it
will set.
If a ring forms after spot cleaning,
Using Foam-Type Cleaner on Fabric
Vacuum and brush the area to remove
any loose dirt.
Always clean a whole trim panel or
section. Mask surrounding trim along stitch or welt lines.
Mix Multi-Purpose Powdered Cleaner
following the directions on the
container label.
Use suds only and apply with a clean
sponge.
Don’t saturate the material.
Don’t rub it roughly.
As soon as you’ve cleaned the section,
use a sponge to remove the suds.
Rinse the section with a clean, wet
sponge.
Wipe off what’s left with a slightly
damp paper towel or cloth.
Then dry it immediately with a blow
dryer or a heat lamp.
NOTICE:
Be careful with a hair dryer or heat
lamp.
You could scorch the fabric.
0 Wipe with a clean cloth.
Using Solvent-Type Cleaner on Fabric
First, see if you have to use solvent-type
cleaner at all. Some spots and stains will
clean
off better with just water and mild
soap.
If you need to use a solvent:
Gently scrape excess soil from the
trim material with a clean, dull knife
or scraper. Use very little cleaner, light
pressure and clean cloths (preferably cheesecloth). Cleaning should start at
the outside of the stain, “feathering”
toward the center. Keep changing to
a
clean section of the cloth.
. . .222
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Service and Appearance Care
Crankcase
VIN Engine Code S .................................... 4.0 qt. (3.8 L)**
Without Filter Change
................................ 4.0 qt. (3.8 L)**
With Filter Change ................................... 5.0 qt. (4.7 L)**
Fuel Tank ........................................... 15.5 gal. (58.7 L)
Five-Speed
........................................... 5.9 pt. (2.8 L)*
Six-Speed
............................................ 8.0 pt. (3.8 L)*
Rear Axle Lubricant
...................................... 3.5 pt. (1.7L)
VIN Engine Code
P
Manual
Transmission
Vehicle Dimensions
Tread Wheelbase
........................................... 101.1 I‘ (2 566 mm)
Front
.............................................. .60.7“ ( 1 542 mm)
Rear
.............................................. .60.6” (1 540 mm)
Length
............................................... 193.2“ (4 908 mm)
Firebird and Formula
................................. 195.6” (4 968 mm)
Trans Am .......................................... 197.0” (5 005 mm)
Width
............................................... 74.5” (1 893 mm)
Coupe
........................................... 52.0” (1 322 mm)
Convertible ....................................... .52.7” ( 1 340 mm)
Coupe
........................................... .51.7” (1 312 mm)
Convertible
....................................... .52.4“ (1 331 mm)
Height
Firebird and Formula
Trans Am
*Recheck fluid level after filling. See “ManualTransmission Fluid” in the Index.
**Recheck oil level after filling. See “Engine Oil” in the Index.
. . -236
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I IMPORTANT
I
KEEP THE ENGINE OIL
AT THE PROPER
LEVEL AND CHANGE AS
RECOMMENDED
This part covers the
maintenance required for your
Pontiac. Your vehicle needs
these services
to retain its
safety, dependability and
emission control performance.
Part 7
Maintenance Schedule
Section
Introduction: A Word about Maintenance ... . . 240
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
..
Your Vehicle and the Environment ...... .......... 240
How This Part
Is Organized .......... ....... . . 240
Scheduled Maintenance Services .... ................. 242
Using
Your Maintenance Schedules ....................... 241
Selecting the Right Schedule
................ ..... 241
Schedule1
............................... . . 242
Schedule11
................................. . . 244
Explanation
of Scheduled Maintenance Services .......... 246
Owner Checksand Services ................................ 248
AtEachFuelFill
....................................... 248
At Least Once
a Month .................................. 248
At Least Twice a Year
................... ......... 248
At Least Once
a Year ............... .., . . 249
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants ... ................ 253
Maintenance Record ...................................... 255
Periodic Maintenance Inspections .... ... ..... 251
I-
I- -
Have you purchased the GM Protection Plan? The Plan
supplements
your new car warranties.
See
your GM dealer for details.
239. ..
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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.
. . .242
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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.
. . .244
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Maintenance Schedule
Section A: Scheduled Maintenance Services (Cont.)
Explanation of Scheduled
Maintenance Services
Following are explanations of the services
listed in Schedule I and Schedule
II.
The proper fluids and lubricants to use are
listed in Section
D. Make sure whoever
services your vehicle uses these. All parts
should be replaced and all necessary
repairs done before you or anyone else
drives the vehicle.
NOTE: To determine your engine’s
displacement and code, see
“Engine Identification” in the
Index.
ITEM
NO. SERVICE
1 Engine Oil and Filter Change* -
Always use SH or SG Energy
Conserving
I1 oils of proper
viscosity. The “SH” or “SG”
designation may be shown alone
or in combination with others,
such as “SH/CD,”
“SH, SG,
CD,” “SG/CD,” etc. To deter-
mine the preferred viscosity for
your vehicle’s engine (e.g., SAE
ITEM
NO.
2
3
4
SERVICE
5W-30 or SAE 10W-30), see
“Engine Oil” in the Index.
Chassis Lubrication
- Lubricate
the suspension and steering
linkage. Lubricate the
transmission
shift linkage.
Tire and Wheel Rotation and
InsDection
- For proper wear
and maximum tire life, rotate
your tires following the
instructions in this manual. See
“Tires, Inspection and Rotation”
in the Index. Check the tires for
uneven wear or damage. If you
see irregular or premature wear,
check the wheel alignment.
Check for damaged wheels also.
Engine Accessorv Drive Belt!s)
InsDection
- Inspect the belt(s)
for cracks, fraying, wear and
proper tension. Replace as
needed. (Belts can have many small cracks in individual ribs
without affecting performance.)
ITEM
NO. SERVICE
5 Cooling: System Service* -
Drain, flush and refill the system
with new or approved recycled
coolant conforming to GM
Specification 1825M. Keep
coolant at the proper mixture as specified. See “Coolant”
in the
Index. This provides proper
freeze and boil protection, corrosion inhibitor level and
maintains proper engine operating temperature.
Inspect hoses and replace if they
are cracked, swollen or deterior-
ated. Tighten screw-type hose
clamps. Clean the outside of the
radiator and air conditioning
condenser. Wash the pressure cap and neck.
To help ensure proper operation,
we recommend a pressure test of
both the cooling system and the
pressure cap.
* An Emission Control Service.
. . .246
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