1995 PONTIAC FIREBIRD heating

Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
When you tow a trailer, your vehicle has to have a
different turn signal flasher and extra wiring. The green
arrows on your instrument panel will flash whenever
you signal a turn or lane change. Properly hooked up,
the trailer lamps will also flash, telling other drivers
you’re about to turn, change lanes or stop.
When towing a trailer, the green arrows on your
instrument panel will flash for turns even if the bulbs on
the trailer are burned out. Thus, you may think drivers
behind you are seeing your signal when they are not. It’s
important to check occasionally to be sure the trailer
bulbs are still working.
Driving On Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear before you start
down a long or steep downgrade.
If you don’t shift
down, you might have to use your brakes
so much that
they would get hot and no longer work well.
On a long uphill grade, shift down and reduce your
speed to around
45 mph (70 km/h) to reduce the
possibility of engine and transmission overheating.
If you are towing a trailer and you have an automatic
transmission with Overdrive, you may prefer
to driving
in THIRD
(D) instead of OVERDRIVE (or, as you need
to, a lower gear). Or, if you have
a manual transmission
with FIFTH (or SIXTH) gear and you are towing a
trailer, it’s better not to use FIFTH (or
SIXTH) gear.
Just drive in FOURTH (drive in FIFTH if you have a
six-speed manual transmission) or, as you need to, a
lower gear.
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Engine Overheating
You will find a coolant temperature gage on your
Pontiac’s instrument panel. You may also find
a low
coolant warning light on your Pontiac instrument panel.
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
NOTICE:
If your engine catches fire because you keep
driving with
no coolant, your vehicle can be
badly damaged. The costly repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
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r
NOTICE:
Engine damage from running your engine without coolant isn’t covered by your warranty.
If there seems to be no leak, check to see if the electric
engine fans are running.
If the engine is overheating,
both fans should be running.
If they aren’t, your vehicle
needs service.
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Recovery Tank
If you haven’t found a problem yet, but the coolant level
isn’t at
FWLL COLD, 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.)
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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.
The proper coolant for your Pontiac will:
Give freezing protection down to -34°F (-37 O 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
1825-M,” which won’t damage aluminum
parts.
You can also use a recycled coolant conforming to
GM Specification 1825-M 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 warranty.
Too much water in the mix can freeze
and crack the engine, radiator, heater core and
other parts.
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Adding Coolant 5.7L LTl Engine Only
r ----
If this light comes on, it means you’re low on engine
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 at
COLD, or a little higher. When your engine is
warm, the level on the dipstick should be up to the HOT,
or a little higher.
To Add Coolant to the Recovery Tank
If you need more coolant, add the proper mix at the
coolant
recovery tank, but only when your engine is
cool. If the tank is very low or empty, also add coolant
to the radiator, see “Engine Overheating” in the Index
for information.
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Radiator Pressure Cap (All Engines)
NOTICE:
Your radiator cap is a 18 psi (124 Ea)
pressure-type cap and must be tightly installed to
prevent coolant loss and possible engine damage
from overheating. 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.
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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 darnage 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 car. 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 the
protective coating
off your aluminum wheels.
Tires
To clean your tires, use a stiff brush with a tire 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.
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When to Change ............................. 6-18
Overheating
................................. 5-16
Running
it While you’re Parked ................. 2-38
Specifications
............................... 6-72
Starting
.................................... 2-17
Ethanol (In Fuel) ................................ 6-3
Exhaust. Engine
................................ 2-37
Expectant Mothers. Use
of Safety Belts ............. 1-25
Express Down Window
.......................... 2-39
Extender. Safety Belt
............................ 1-40
Fabric Cleaning ............................... 6-57
Fifth Gear (5). Manual Transmission (Five Speed) ..... 2-27
Fifth Gear (5). Manual Transmission (Six Speed)
...... 2-29
Filter
Filling Your Tank ................................ 6-6
Engine Oil .................................. 6-18
Finish Damage
................................. 6-63
First Gear (1). Manual Transmission (Five Speed)
..... 2-27
First Gear (1). Manual Transmission (Six Speed) ...... 2-28
Five Speed Manual Transmission
.................. 2-27
Fixed Mast Antenna
............................. 3- 16
Flashers. Hazard Warning
......................... 5-1
Flat Tire. Changing
............................. 5-30
Flow-Through Ventilation System
................... 3-4
Aircleaner ................................. 6-20
Finishcare
.................................... 6-61
First Gear. Automatic Transmission ................ 2-26
Fluids and Lubricants ............................ 6-73
Floor Mats .................................... 2-54
FogLmps
.................................... 2-52
Folding Rear Seatback
......... , .................. 1-7
Foreign Countries, Fuel ........................... 6-5
Four-Way Manual Seat
........................... 1-2
Fourth Gear (4), Manual Transmission (Five Speed)
... 2-27
Fourth Gear (4), Manual Transmission (Six Speed) .... 2-29
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Front Ashtray .................................. 2-62
FrontConsole
.................................. 2-60
Front Map Lamps
............................... 2-52
Front Seatback Latches
........................... 1-6
FrontTowing Hookups
.......................... 5-10
Front Turn Signal Lamps, Replacement
............. 6-43
Fuel
.. ...........................
5.7L Engine .................................. 6-4
Filling Your
Tank ............................. 6-6
Gauge
..................................... 2-79
3.4L and 3.8L Engines ......................... 6-3
Fully Articulating Sport Seat
....................... 1-3
In Foreign Countries ........................... 6-5
Fuse Block, Engine Compartment ............. 6-66, 6-69
Fuse Block, Main
.......................... 6-66, 6-67
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
....................... 6-66
Gauge. Engine Coolant Temperature .............. 2-72
Gauge. Fuel ................................... 2-79
Gasolines for Cleaner Air ......................... 6-5
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) ................ 4-30
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