1996 PONTIAC FIREBIRD automatic transmission

Starter Switch Check When
you are doing this check, the vehicle could
move suddenly.
If it does, you or others could be
injured. Follow the steps below.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake (see “Parking
Brake’’ in
the Index if necessary) and the regular brake.
NOTE: Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be
ready to turn
off the engine immediately if it starts.
3. On automatic transmission vehicles, try to start the
engine in each gear. The starter should work only in
PARK
(P) or NEUTRAL (N). If the starter works in
any other position, your vehicle needs service.
around
the vehicle.
On manual transmission vehicles, put the shift lever
in NEUTRAL
(N), push the clutch down halfway
and
try to start the engine. The starter should work
only when
the clutch is pushed down all the way to
the floor. If the starter works when the clutch isn’t
pushed all the way down, your vehicle needs service.
Brake-Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) Check
(Automatic Transmission)
When you are doing this check, the vehicle could move suddenly. If it does, you or others could be
injured. Follow the steps below.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
arouqd the vehicle. It should be parked on
a
level surface.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake (see “Parking Brake”
in the Index
if necessary).
NOTE: Be ready to apply the regular brake
immediately if the vehicle begins to move.
3. With the engine off, turn the key to the RUN
position,
but don’t start the engine. Without applying
the regular brake,
try to move the shift lever out of
PARK (P) with normal effort. If the shift lever
moves out
of PARK (P). vour vehicle’s BTSI
needs service.
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Steering Column Lock Check
While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn
the key to LOCK 11 each shift lever position.
With an automatic transmission, the key should turn
to LOCK only when the shift lever is in PARK (P).
With a manual transmission, the key should
turn
to LOCK only when the shift lever is in
REVERSE (R).
On vehicles with a key release button, try to turn the key
to
LOCK without pressing the button. The key should
turn to LOCK only when you press the key button.
On all vehicles, the key should come out only in
LOCK.
Parking Brake and Automatic Transmission
PARK (P) Mechanism Check
A CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, your vehicle
could begin to move. You or others could be
injured and property could be damaged. Make
sure there is room in front of your vehicle in case
it begins to roll.
Be ready to apply the regular
brake at once should the vehicle begin to move.
Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing
downhill. Keeping your
foot on the regular brake, set the
parking brake.
To check the parking brake: With the engine running
and transmission
in NEUTRAL (N), slowly remove
foot pressure from the regular brake pedal.
Do this
until the vehicle
is held by the parking brake only.
To check the PARK (P) mechanism’s holding ability:
With the engine running, shift to
PARK (P). Then
release all brakes.
Underbody Flushing Service
At least every spring, use plain water to flush any
corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to
clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris
can collect.
I -4L
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Part D: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
NOTE: Fluids and lubricants identified below by name,
part number or specification may be obtained from
your
GM dealer.
USAGE
Engine Oil
Engine Coolant
FLUIDLUBRICANT
Engine oil with the American
Petroleum Institute Certified
FOP
Gasoline Engines “Starburst”
symbol
of the proper viscosity. To
determine the preferred viscosity
for your vehicle’s engine, see
“Engine Oil” in the Index.
50/50 mixture of clean water
(preferably distilled) and
GM
Goodwrench@ DEX-COOL TM or
Havoline@
DEX-COOL TM
(orange-colored, silicate-free)
antifreeze conforming
to GM
Specification
6277M. See “Engine
Coolant”
in the Index.
USAGE
Coolant
Supplement
Sealer
Hydraulic Brake
System
Hydraulic Clutch System
Power Steering
System
Manual
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Key Lock
Cylinders
FLUIDLUBRICANT
GM Part No. 3634621 or
equivalent with a complete flush
and refill.
Delco Supreme
I1 @ Brake Fluid
(GM Part No. 10852535 or
equivalent
DOT-3 brake fluid).
Hydraulic Clutch
Fluid (GM Part
No. 12345347
or equivalent).
GM Power Steering Fluid
1050017 - 1 qt., or equivalent).
DEXRON@-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
DEXRON@-LII Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Multi-Pur
ose Lubricant,
Superlube
?& (GM Part
No. 12346241 or equivalent).
(GM
Part
NO. 1052884 - 1 Pt.,
7-44
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Air ~ag ...................................... 1-21
How Does it Restrain .... ............. 1-23
How it Works .............................. 1-21
Location ............................... 1.21. 1.22
Readiness Light ......................... 1.21. 2.77
Servicing ................................... 1-25
What Makes it Inflate .......................... 1-23
What Will You See.After it Inflates ............... 1-24
When Should it Inflate ......................... 1-23
Aircleaner .................................... 6-16
Air Conditioning ................................ 3-2
Air Conditioning Refrigerants ..................... 6-7 1
Air Control. Climate Control System ................. 3-2
Alarm. Content Theft-Deterrent ................... 2- 12
Alarm/Panic Mode ............................... 2-6
Alignment and Balance. Tire ...................... 6-51
Aluminum Wheels. Cleaning ...................... 6-59
Antenna. Power .............................. : . 3-23
Antifreeze ..................................... 6-26
Anti-Lock
Brake System Warning Light
................ 2-78. 4-6
Brakes ....................................... 4-6
Anti-Theft. Radio .............................. 3-18
Appearance Care ............................... 6-53
Appearance Care Materials ....................... 6-61
Arbitration Program .............................. 8-8
Audio Controls. Steering Wheel Touch Control 3-20
Audio Systems .................................. 3-6
Automatic Overdrive ............................ 2-29
Automatic Transmission
Check
...................................... 7-40
Fluid ....................................... 6-20
Operation ................................... 2-27
Park Mechanism Check ........................ 7-42
Starting Your Engine .......................... 2-23
Axle, Limited-Slip Rear ......................... 2-35
Axle, Rear .................................... 6-26
Ashtrays .................................... 2-59
Audio Equipment. Adding ........................ 3-21
' * .......
Shifting ..................................... 2-28
Battery ....................... .............. 6-37
Jump Starting ................................. 5-2
Replacement. Remote Lock Control ............... 2-8
Warnings ................................ 5.2. 5.4
BBB Auto Line ................................. 8-8
Better Business Bureau Mediation ................... 8-8
Blizzard ....................................... 4-27
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Engine Coolant
...................................... 6-26
CoolantHeater ............................... 2-26
Coolant Level Check .......................... 7-39
Coolant Temperature Gage ..................... 2~81
Exhaust ..................................... 2-40
FuseBlocks ................................. 6-64
I'dentification ................................ 6-62
OilLevelCheck
.............................. 7- 39
Overheating ................................. 5- 13
Running While Parked
......................... 2-41
Specifications
................................ 6-69
Starting Your
...................... 2-23,2-24, 2-25
Engine Oil
..................................... 6-10
Additives
................................... 6-14
Checking ................................... 6-11
Used
....................................... 6-15
Adding
..................................... 6-12
Pressure Gage
................................ 2-85
When to Change ............................... 6- 15
Exhaust, Engine
................................ 2-40
Exit Lighting
.............................. 2-17. 2-53
Express-Down Window
.......................... 2-42
Ethan01
......................................... 6-3
Exit Lightingmelayed Illumination
.................. 2- 17
Fabric Cleaning ................................ 6-54
Fan Control, Climate Control System ................ 3-1
Feature Customization ........................... 2- 16
Delayed Illumination
.......................... 2- 17
Driver's Door
Alarm Delay/Shock.Sensor Enable .... 2-20
Exit Lighting ................................ 2-17
Last Door Closed Locking ...................... 2- 17
Lockout Prevention ........................... 2-17
Remote Lock
Control Verification ................ 2-18
Theft-Deterrent Arming Method
................. 2-19
Theft-Deterrent Arming Verification .............. 2-19
Fifth Gear. Manual Transmission
.............. 2-32. 2.33
FillingYourTa
nk ................................ 64
Filter, Engine Oil ............................... 6-15
First Gear, Automatic 'Transmission
................ 2-30
First Gear, Manual Transmission
.............. 2-3 1 , 2-33 '
Flashers, Hazard Warning ......................... 5-1
Flat Tire. Changing ............................. 5-27
Floor Mats .................................... 2-61
Fluids and Lubricants ............................ 7-44
FogLamps
.................................... 2-52
Folding
Rear Seatback ............................ 1-6
Foreign
Countries, Fuel ........................... 6-4
Fourth Gear, Manual Transmission ............ 2-33. 2-34
Four-Way Mmal Seat
........................... 1-2 ......
Filter, Air ..................................... 6-17
.Finishcare
.................................... 6-58
Finish Damage
................................... 6-60
French Language Manual ........................... ii~ i' T.!
Front Console ................................... 2-57
FrontTowing
................................... 5-9
Front
Turn Signal Lamp Bulb Replacement .......... 6-39
F~el
.......................................... 6-2
FillingYourTank .............................. 6-4
Gage ........................................ 2-87
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
....................... 6-64
In Foreign Countries ........................... 6-4
9-4
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Gages Engine Coolant Temperature
. . ....... ... 2-81
Engine Oil Pressure
......... ............... 2-85
Fuel
....................................... 2-87
GAWR
....................................... 4-30
Gear Positions. Automatic Transmission
............. 2-28
Gear Positions. Manual Transmission
.......... 2.32. 2.33
GloveBox
.................................... 2-56
Graphic Equalizer
......................... 3.10. 3.15
Gross Axle Weight Rating ........................ 4-30
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
...................... 4-30
Guide en Franqais
11
GVWR ....................................... 4-30
.. .................................
Halogen Bulbs ................................ 6-37
Hatch Release
.................................. 2- 10
Hatch Release. Remote
.......................... 2- 10
Hazard Warning Flashers
.......................... 5-1
Head Restraints
................................. 1-5
Headlamp Bulb Replacement
...................... 6-38
Headlamp
Doors ............................... 2-51
Headlamps
.................................... 2-50
HighLow Beam Changer
...................... 2-44
OnReminder
................................ 2-50
Wiring
..................................... 6-63
Hearing Impaired. Customer Assistance
.............. 8-4
Heating
........................................ 3-3
High-Beam Headlamps
.......................... 2-44
Highway Hypnosis
.............................. 4-23
Hill and Mountain Roads ......................... 4-23
Hitches, Trailer
................................. 4-35
Hood
Checking Things Under .......... ............ 6-6
Release ...................................... 6-7
Horn
......................................... 2-42
Hydraulic Clutch
............................... 6-25
Hydraulic Clutch System Check
................... 7-40
Hydroplaning
.................................. 4-19
Ignition Switch
................................ 2-21
Inflation. Tire
.................................. 6-46
Inside Daymight Rearview Mirror
................. 2-55
Inspections
.................................... 7-43
Brakesystem
................................ 7-43
Exhaust Systems
............................. 7-43
Radiator and Heater Hose
...................... 7-43
RearAxle
................................... 7-43
Steering
.................................... 7-43
Suspension .................................. 7-43
Throttle Linkage
........ : ..................... 7-43
Instrument Panel
............................... 2-72
Brightness Control
............................ 2-53
Cleaning
.................................... 6-56
Cluster
............ ......... 2-74
Interior Lamps
. . ....... 2-53
Jack. Tire
.................................. 5-28
Jump Starting
................................... 5-2
Key Lock Cylinders Service
...................... 7-40
Key Release Button
............................. 2-22
Keys
.......................................... 2-1
9-5
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Methanol ...................................... 6-3
Mirrors
....................................... 2-55
Convex Outside
.............................. 2-56
Inside Daymight Rearview
..................... 2-55
Manual
..................................... 2-55
Manual Remote Control
........................ 2-55
Power Remote Control
......................... 2-56
Visor Vanity
.................................. 2-60
MountainRoads
................................ 4-23
Multifunction Lever
. . ............... 2-43
Neutral. Automatic Transmission
................. 2-28
Neutral. Manual Transmission
................ 2.32. 2.33
New Vehicle “Break-In”
......................... 2-21
Nightvision
................................... 4-16
Odometer
.................................... 2-75
Odometer. Trip .................................. 2-75
Off-Road Recovery ............................. 4- 12
Oil. Engine
.................................... 6-10
.... Overheating Engine ............................. 5- 13
.... ................ .. Overdrive. Automatic Transmission 2-29
... .. L ... Owner Checks and Services ....................... 7-39
.. Owner Publications, Ordering ..................... 8- 11 .- . ..
Paint Spotting. Chemical . . ................. 6-60
Park Automatic Transmission
........................ 2-27
Shifting
Into ................................. 2-37
Shifting Out of
................................ 2-39 Parking
At Night
.... .... 2-11
Brake
....................... ......... 2-36
Brake Mechanism Check
....................... 7-42
Lots
....................................... 2-11
Over Things That Burn
........................ 2-40
WithaTrailer
................................ 4-37
Parking Your Vehicle, Manual Transmission
.......... 2-39
Passenger Position
......................... 1-26. 1-27
Passing
....................................... 4-13
PASS-Key
II ................................. 2-14
Periodic Maintenance Inspections
.................. 7-43
Pontiac Cares Information
......................... 8-1
Power Antenna Mast Care
............................ 3-23
DoorLocks
................................... 2-4
Option Fuses
................................ 6-63
Remote Control Mirror
........................ 2-56
Retained Accessory
........................... 2-54
Seat
......................................... 1-2
Steering
.................................... 4-10
Steering Fluid
................................ 6-30
Windows
................................... 2-42
Pregnancy. Use of Safety Belts
.................... 1-26
Problems
on the Road ............................ 5-1
Publications, Service and Owner
................... 8-11
Radiator
................................ 5.20. 5.23
Radiator Pressure Cap
........................... 6-30
Radio Reception ................................ 3-20
Radios
........................................ 3-6
9-7
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Rain. Driving In ................................ 4- 17
ReadingLamps
................................ 2-54
Rear Axle
........................................ 6-26
Lamp Bulb Replacement
.................. .... 6-41
Seat Passengers
............................... 1-27
Sidemarker Bulb Replacement
................... 6-42
Storage
..................................... 2-57 .
Towing ..................................... 5-11
Win'dow Defogger
............................. 3-4
Rearview Mirror, Inside Daymight
................. 2-55
Reclining Front Seatbacks
......................... 1-4
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
............... 7-44
Recovery Tank, Coolant
.......................... 5-17
Refrigerants,
Air Conditioning .................... 6-7 1
Remote
Hatch Release ................................ 2-10
Lock Control
................................. 2-5
Lock Control Verifkation
...................... 2-18
RAP ......................................... 2-54
Replacement Bulbs
...................................... 6-68
Parts
....................................... 6-71
. Wheel ...................................... 6-51
Replacing Safety Belts
........................... 1-4 1
Reporting Safety Defects
..................... 8-9, 8-10
Restraints Checking
................................... 1-41
Child
........................................ 1-32
Head
........................................ 1-5
Replacing
Puts After a Crash ................... 1-4 1
System Check
................................ 7-40
Retained Accessory Power
........................ 2-54 Reverse. Automatic Transmission
.................. 2-28
Reverse. Manual Transmission
............... 2-32. 2-33
Right Front Passenger Position
.................... 1-26
Roadside Assistance
....................... : ...... 8-5
Roadside Assistance. Canadian ..................... 8-6
Rocking Your Vehicle
........................... 5-42
Roof Panels. %in Lift-off
....................... 2-61
Rotation. Tires
.................................. 6-47 ... ... . --,.-, ... ..... . . ..
Safety Belt Extender ... ; .............. ...... 1-41
Safety Belts
.................................... 1-7
Adults
............................. ...... 1-12
Care
....................................... 6-56
Children
.................................... 1-30
DriverPosition ............................... 1-12
Extender ..................................... 1-41
How to Wear Properly .......... .) .............. 1-12
Lap-Should&
.............. I ............ 1- 12. 1-27
LargerChildren
.............................. 1-38
Questions
and Answers ........................ 1-11
Rear Seat Positions ............................ 1-27
Reminder Light
.......................... 1-7. 2-76
Replacing After a Crash
........................ 1-41
Right Front Passenger Position .................. 1-26
Smaller Children and Babies
.................... 1-30
Why They Work ........... .................... 1-8
SafetyChains
.................................. 4-35
Safety
Warnings and Symbols ....................... iii
Scheduled Maintenance Services .................... 7-3
Incorrect Usage .................... 1-15. 1-39. 1-40
Use During Pregnancy
......................... 1-26
Safety Defects. Reporting
.................... 8-9. 8-10
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