1995 PONTIAC FIREBIRD Owners Manual

6. Check that the jumper cables don’t have loose or
missing insulation. If they do, you could get a shock.
The vehicles could be damaged, too.
Before you connect the cables, here are some basic
things you should know. Positive
(+) will go to
positive
(+) and negative (-) will go to negative (-)
or a metal engine part. Don’t connect (+) to (-) or
you’ll get a
short that would damage the battery and
maybe other parts,
too.
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7. Connect the red positive (+) cable to the positive (+)
terminal of the vehicle with the dead battery. Use a
remote positive
(+) terminal if the vehicle has one.
8. Don’t let the other end touch metal. Connect it to the
positive
(+) terminal of the good battery. Use a
remote positive
(+) terrnind if the vehicle has one.
But don’t use the junction block on your Pontiac.
9. Now connect the black negative (-) cable to the good
battery’s negative (-) terminal.
Don’t let the other end touch anything until the next
step. The other end
of the negative cable doesn’t go
to the dead battery. It goes to a heavy unpainted
metal
part on the engine of the vehicle with the dead
battery.
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10.
11.
12.
Attach the cable at least 18 inches (45 cm) away
from the dead battery, but not near engine parts that
move. The electrical connection is just as good there,
but the chance
of sparks getting back to the battery is
much less.
Now start the vehicle with the good battery and run the engine for a while.
Try to start the vehicle with the dead battery.
If it won’t start after a few tries, it probably needs
service.
13. Remove the cables in reverse order to prevent
electrical shorting. Take care that they don’t touch
each other or any other metal.
A. Heavy Metal Engine Part
B. Good Battery
C. Dead Battery
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Towing Your Car
Try to have a GM dealer or a professional towing
service tow your Pontiac. The usual towing equipment is
a sling-type
(A) or a wheel-lift (B) or car carrier (C) tow
truck.
If your vehicle has been changed or modified since it
was factory-new
by adding aftermarket items like fog
lamps, aero skirting, or special tires and wheels, these
instructions and illustrations may not be correct.
Before you do anything, turn on the hazard warning
flashers.
When you call, tell the towing service:
0
0
0
0
0
That your vehicle cannot be towed from the front or
rear with sling-type equipment.
That your vehicle has rear-wheel drive.
The make, model, and year of your vehicle.
Whether you can still move the shift lever.
If there was an accident, what was damaged.
When the towing service arrives, let the tow'operator.
know that this manual contains detailed towing
instructions and illustrations. The operator may want to
see them.
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When your vehicle is being towed, have the ignition key
off. The steering wheel should be clamped in a
straight-ahead position, with a clamping device
designed for towing service. Do not use the car’s
steering column lock for this. The transmission should
be in “Neutral” and the parking brake released.
Don’t have your vehicle towed on the rear wheels,
unless you must. If the vehicle must be towed on the
rear wheels, don’t go more than
35 mph (55 km/h) or
farther than
50 miles (80 km) or your transmission will
be damaged. If these limits must be exceeded, then the
rear wheels have to be supported on a dolly.
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Front Towing Hook-Ups
Attach T-hook chains to slots in frame rearward of front
wheels on both sides.
NOTICE:
Do not attach winch cables or “J” hooks to
suspension components when using car carrier equipment. Always use T-hooks inserted in the
T-hook slots.
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NOTICE:
Do not tow with sling-type equipment or
fascidfog light damage will occur.
Use wheel lift or car carrier equipment.
Additional ramping may be required for car carrier equipment.
Use safety chains and wheel straps.
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