Page 103 of 386

Front Map Lamps
Your inside rearview mirror includes two map lamps.
Each lamp has its own switch. Use the switch closest to
the lamp
to turn it on, The lamps will also go on when a
door is opened.
Retained Acce,ssory Power (RAP)
Your vehicle is equipped with a Retained Accessory
Power
(RAP) feature which will allow certain features
of your vehicle to continue to work
up to 10 minutes
after the ignition key
is turned to OFF.
Your convertible top, power windows, and audio system
will work when the ignition key is in the
RUN or ACC
positions. Once the key is turned from RUN to OFF,
these features will continue to work for up to 10 minutes
or until either door
is opened.
Your power door unlock and remote hatch release
features will work when the ignition key
is in the RUN
or ACC positions or if either door is open. Once the key
is turned to OFF, these features will continue to work for
up to 10 minutes. If either door is open and the ignition
key is OFF, these features will continue to work until
both doors have been closed for about 30 seconds or
until the theft-deterrent system
arms. At that time, both
the power door unlock and remote hatch release features
will be disabled to enhance the security of the vehicle.
The power door lock function will work at all times
except during Lockout Prevention (if this feature is
enabled). See “Lockout Prevention’’
in the Index.
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Floor Mats
Your Firebird’s floor mats are custom fitted to the
floor wells. Be sure the driver’s floor mat is in place.
If it isn’t, it could interfere with the accelerator or
brake pedal.
lhvin Lift-off Roof Panels (Option)
If you have this option, you can remove one or both
lift-off roof panels.
Don’- __ to remove the T-top panels while the
vehicle is moving. Trying to remotre T-top panel
while the vehicle is moving could cause an
accident. The panel could
fall into the vehicle and
cause you to lose control, or it could fly off and
strike another vehicle.
You or others could be
injured. Remove
T-top panel only when the
vehicle is parked.
The door key unlocks the panels. The lock is over the
front door window. Turn the key to the left to unlock
the panel.
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Page 118 of 386
3. Install the middle section of the cover by sliding
the tabs into the slots on right side cover. Lower
the cover and engage latch.
4. Close the trunk.
Raising Your Convertible Top
1. Park on a level surface. Set the parking brake fdy.
If you have an automatic transmission, shift into
PARK (I?). If you have a manual transmission, shift
into REVERSE (R). The ignition must be in the ACC
or RUN position or RAP must be on. Lower both sun
visors. Lower both windows at least 3 inches (8 cm).
If the boot cover is in place, it must be removed first.
2. Open the trunk. Remove the middle piece of the
cover by pushing in on the latch and lifting up on
the cover.
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Page 122 of 386
1. Fog Lamp Switch (if equipped)
2. Main Lamp Control
3. Side Upper Air Vent
4. Instrument Cluster
5. Horn
6. Center Upper Air Vent
7.
Audio System
8. Glove Box
9. Comfort Controls
10. Cigarette Lighter .
1 1. Parking Brake Lever
12. Cupholder
13. Storage Console
14. Shift Lever
15. Ashtray (Automatic Transmission)
16. Rear Window Defogger Switch
17. Steering Wheel Controls
18. Remote Hatch Release
19. Convertible Top Switch (Option)
20. Traction Control System Switch (Option)
21. Second Gear Start (V6 Automatic only)
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Page 140 of 386

The air conditioner compressor operates in MAX, A/C,
BI-LEVEL, BLEND and DEFROST when the outside
temperature is above freezing. When the air conditioner
is on, you may sometimes notice slight changes
in your
vehicle’s engine speed and power. This is normal because
the system .is designed to cycle the compressor on and off
to keep
the desired cooling and help fuel economy.
Cooling
The air conditioner works best if you keep your
windows closed.
On very hot days, open the windows
just long enough for the hot air to escape.
1. Turn the air control knob to A/C for normal cooling.
2. Turn the temperature control knob to a
3. Move the fan control knob to the desired speed. For faster cooling, move
the knob to
MAX.
comfortable setting. During initial start-up
only, if your vehicle
is equipped
with an optional engine coolant heater, you can use it in
cold weather (around
+20 O F/-8 O C or lower) to improve
heater performance on start up. Because an engine
coolant heater warms the engine coolant, your vehicle’s
‘heating system can more efficiently provide heat for the
passenger area
of your vehicle. See “Engine Coolant
Heater” in the Index.
Bi-Level Heating
You may want to use bi-level heating on cool, but sunny
days. This setting directs cool air toward your body and
warmer air toward your feet.
1. Turn the air control knob to BI-LEVEL.
2. Turn the temperature control knob to a
comfortable setting.
3. Turn the fan control knob to the desired speed.
Heating
The heater works best if you keep your windows closed
while using it.
1. Turn the air control knob to HEATER.
2. Turn the fan control knob to the desired speed.
3. Turn the temperature control knob to a
comfortable setting.
3-3
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Rear Window Defogger (Option) Do not attach anything like a temporary vehicle li 1 cense
or
a decal across the defogger grid on the rear window. -
uses a warming grid to
The rear window defogger
rear window. remove
fog from the NOTICE:
-
Don’t use a razor blade or something else sharp
on the inside of the rear window. If you do, you
could cut or damage the warming grid, and the
repairs
wouldn’t be covered by your warranty.
Press
the switch to turn on the defogger. An indicator
light will come on
to remind you that the defogger is on.
The defogger will turn off automatically after about
10 minutes of use. If you turn it on again, the defogger
will operate for about five
minutes only. You can also
turn the defogger off by pressing the switch again.
3-4
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Ventilation System
Ventilation
For mild outside temperatures when little heating or
cooling is needed, you can still direct outside air through
your vehicle.
1. Turn the air control knob to VENT.
2. Turn the temperature control knob to a
3. Turn the fan control knob to the desired speed. comfortable setting. Your
Pontiac's flow-through ventilation system
supplies outside air into the vehicle when it is moving.
Outside air will also enter the vehicle when the
blower
fan is running.
Ventilation Tips
0 Keep the hood and front air inlet free of ice, snow or
any other obstruction (such
as leaves). The heater
and defroster will work far better, reducing the
chance of fogging the inside of your windows.
0 When you enter a vehicle in cold weather, turn the
fan control knob to the right for a few moments
before driving off. This helps clear the intake ducts
of snow and moisture, an'd reduces the chance of
fogging the inside of your windows.
0 Keep the air path under the front seats clear of
objects. This helps air to circulate throughout
your vehicle.
Defogging and Defrosting
1. Turn the air control knob to DEFROST.
2. Turn the temperature control knob to the
3. Turn the fan control knob to the desired speed.
desired setting.
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. 'The exit speed is usually posted.
, . :Reduce your speed according to your speedometer, not
- : .' :to your sense of motion. After driving for any distance
at higher speeds, you may tend to think you. are going
slower than you actually are.
.pg I*:., :.'-L. :.& .-.(,-.r
Be€ore Leaving on a Long nip'* A
Make sure you're ready. Try to be well rested. If you
must start when you're not fresh -- such 'as after a day's
, work -- don't plan to make too many miles that first part
of the journey. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes you
can easily drive in.
Is your vehicle ready for a long trip?' If you keep it
serviced
md maintained, it's ready to go. If it needs L
service, have it done before starting out. Of course,
you'll find experienced and able service experts in
Pontiac dealerships all across
North America. They'll be
ready and willing to help if you need it.
,' <:. 8
Here are some things you can check before a trip:
Windshield Washer Fluid: Is the reservoir full? Are
all windows clean inside and outside?
Wiper Blades: Are they in goo,d shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: Have you checked
all levels?
Lamps: Are they all working? Are the lenses clean?
Tires: They are vitally important to a safe,
trouble-free
trip. Is the tread good enough for
long-distance driving?
Are the tires all inflated to the
recommended pressure?
Weather Forecasts: What's the weather outlook
along your route? Should .you delay your trip a short
time to avoid a major storm system?
Maps: Do you have up-to-date maps?
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