1995 PONTIAC FIREBIRD engine

NOTICE:
In cold weather, water can freeze and crack the
engine, radiator, heater core and other parts. Use the recommended coolant.
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engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene gly
and it will burn if the engine narts arp hnt
When the coolant in the coolant recovery tank is at
WLL COLD, start your vehicle.
If the overheat warning continues, there’s one more
thing you can
try. You can add the proper coolant mix
directly to the radiator, but be sure the cooling system is 1
cool before you do it.
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How to Add Coolant to the Radiator
(V6 Engines)
2. Then keep turning the pressure cap, but now push
down as you turn it. Remove the pressure cap.
1. You can remove the radiator pressure cap when the
cooling system, including the radiator pressure cap
and upper radiator hose, is no longer hot. Turn the
pressure cap slowly to the left until it first stops.
(Don’t press down while turning the pressure cap.)
If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stop. A hiss means
there is still some pressure left.
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5. Put the cap back on the coolant recovery tank, but
leave the radiator pressure cap off.
6.
7.
Start the engine and let it run until you can feel the
upper radiator hose getting hot. Watch out for the
engine fan(
s) .
By this time the coolant level inside the radiator
filler neck may be lower.
If the level is lower, add
more
of the proper mix through the filler neck until
the level reaches the base of the filler neck.
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How to Add Coolant to the Radiator - LTl
(Code P) Engine Only
NOTICE:
The LTl Engine (Code P) has a specific radiator
fill procedure. Failure to follow this procedure
could cause your engine to overheat and be
severely damaged.
8. Then replace the pressure cap. At any time during
this procedure
if coolant begins to flow out of the
filler neck, reinstall the pressure cap. Be sure the
arrows on the pressure cap line up like this.
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1. You can remove the radiator pressure cap when the
cooling system, including the radiator pressure cap and upper radiator hose, is no longer hot.
Turn the
pressure cap slowly to the left until it first stops. (Don’t press down while turning the pressure cap.)
If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stop. A hiss means
there is still some pressure left.
2. Then keep turning the pressure cap, but now push
down as you
turn it. Remove the pressure cap. 3. After the engine cools, open the air bleed valves on
the heater return hose and water pump inlet.
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4. Fill with the proper mix. Add coolant until you see a
steady stream
of coolant coming fiom the bleed
valves.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Close the bleed valves.
Continue to fill the radiator up to the base of the
filler neck.
Rinse or wipe the spilled coolant from the engine
and compartment.
Start the engine and allow it to run in idle for
approximately four minutes. By this time, the
coolant level inside the radiator will be lower. Add
more
of the proper mix through the filler neck until
the level reaches the base
of the filler neck.
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9. Shut the engine off and replace the pressure cap. Be
sure the arrows on the cap line up like this.
10. Then fill the coolant recovery tank to the proper
level.
For a complete drain, flush and refill, see your Pontiac
dealer or a Pontiac Service Manual. To purchase a
service manual, see “Service Publications” in the Index.
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Fuel
3.4L L32 (Code S) and 3.8L L36 (Code K)
The 8th digit of your vehicle identification number
(VIN) shows the code letter for your engine. You will
find the VIN at the top left of your instrument panel.
(See “Vehicle Identification Number” in the Index.)
Use regular unleaded gasoline rated at 87 octane or
higher.
It should meet specifications ASTM D4814 in
the United States and CGSB
3.5-92 in Canada. These
fuels should have the proper additives,
so you should not
have to add anything to the fuel.
In the United States and Canada, it’s easy to be sure you
get the right kind of gasoline (unleaded). You’ll see
UNLEADED right on the pump. And only unleaded
nozzles will fit into your vehicle’s filler neck.
Be sure the posted octane is at least 87. If the octane is
less than 87, you may get a heavy knocking noise when
you drive. If it’s bad enough, it can damage your engine.
If you’re using fuel rated at 87 octane or higher and you
still hear heavy knockmg, your engine needs service.
But don’t
worry if you hear a little pinging noise when
you’re accelerating or driving up a hill. That’s normal,
and you don’t have to buy a higher octane fuel to get rid
of pinging. It’s the heavy, constant knock that means
you have a problem.
What about gasoline with blending materials that
contain oxygen (oxygenates), such as MTBE
or alcohol?
MTBE is “methyl tertiary-butyl ether.” Fuel that is no
more than 15% MTBE is fine for your vehicle.
Ethanol is ethyl or grain alcohol. Properly-blended fuel
that is no more than
10% ethanol is fine for your
vehicle.
Methanol is methyl or wood alcohol.
NOTICE:
Fuel that is more than 5% methanol is bad for
your vehicle. Don’t use it. It can corrode metal
parts in your fuel system and also damage plastic and rubber parts. That damage wouldn’t
be
covered under your warranty. And even at 5% or
less, there must be “cosolvents” and corrosion
preventers in this fuel to help avoid these problems.
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