1995 PONTIAC FIREBIRD Owners Manual

Then, witho.ut shutting off the engine, follow these
steps:
3.4L Transmission Dipstick Location
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3.8L Transmission Dipstick Location 3.4L and 5.7L Transmission Dipstick
1.
2.
3.
Pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a clean rag or
paper towel.
Push it back in all the way, wait three seconds and
then pull it back out again.
Check both sides
of the dipstick, and read the lower
level.
The fluid level must be in the COLD area for a cold
check or in the HOT area for a cross hatch area for a hot
check.
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3.8L Transmission Dipstick
4. If the fluid level is in the acceptable range, push the
dipstick back . .. in all the way.
How to Add Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of transmission fluid to use. See “Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants”
in the Index.
Add fluid only after checking the transmission fluid
HOT. (A COLD check is used only as a reference.)
If
the fluid level is low, add only .enough of the proper
fluid to bring the level up
to the HOT area for a hot
check. It doesn’t take much fluid, generally less than a
pint.
Don ’t oveflill. We recommend you use only fluid
labeled DEXRON@-III, because fluid with that label is
made especially for your automatic transmission.
Damage caused by fluid other than DEXRON@-111 is
not covered by your new vehicle warranty.
After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as
described under “How to Check.”
When the correct fluid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in all the way.
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Manual Transmission Fluid
How to Check
Because this operation can be difficult, you may choose
to have this done at your Pontiac dealer Service
Department.
If you do
it yourself, be sure to follow all the
instructions here, or you could get a false reading.
NOTICE:
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 parts, starting a fire. Be
sure to get an accurate reading if you check your
transmission fluid.
Check the fluid level only when your engine is off, the
vehicle is parked on a level place and the transmission is
cool enough for you to rest your fingers on the
transmission case.
Then, follow these steps:
1. Remove the filler plug.
2. Check that the lubricant level is up to the bottom of
the filler plug hole.
3. If the fluid level is good, install the plug and be sure
it is fully seated. If the fluid level is low, add more
fluid as described in the next steps.
How to Add Fluid
Here’s how to add fluid. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what kind of fluid to use. See
“Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.
1. Remove the filler plug.
2. Add fluid at the filler plug hole. Add only enough
fluid to bring the fluid level up to the
bottom of the
filler plug hole.
3. Install the filler plug. Be sure the plug is fully seated.
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Hydraulic Clutch
The hydraulic clutch linkage 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.
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How to Check What to Use
The proper fluid should be added if the level is below
the
“STEP” mark on the reservoir. See the instructions Standard Differential
on the reservoir cap.
Rear Axle
When to Check and Change Lubricant
Use Axle Lubricant (GM Part No. 1052271) or
SAE 8OW-90 GL-5 gear lubricant.
Limited-Slir, Differential 1
To add lubricant when the level is low, use Axle
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how Lubricant (GM Part No. 1052271) or SAE SOW-90
often to check the lubricant and when to change it. See GL-5 gear lubricant.
To completely refill after draining,
“Periodic Maintenance Inspections” in the Index. add
4 ounces (1 18 ml) of Limited-Slip Differential
Lubricant Additive (GM Part No. 1052358). Then fill to
How to Check Lubricant the bottom of the filler plug hole with Axle Lubricant
If the level is below the bottom of the filler plug hole, (GM Part No. 12345977) or SAE SOW-90 GL-5 gear
you’ll need to add some lubricant. Add enough lubricant lubr\
icant.
to raise the level to the bottom of the filler plug hole.
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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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