1997 PONTIAC FIREBIRD instrument panel

If you have an automatic transmission, the ignition
switch can’t be turned to
LOCK unless the shift lever is
in the PARK (P) position.
OFF (C): Unlocks the steering wheel, ignition and
automatic transmission, but does not send electrical
power to any accessories. Use this position if your
vehicle
must be pushed or towed. A warning tone will
sound if you open the driver’s door when the ignition is
in OFF and the key is in the ignition.
RUN (D): Position to which the switch returns after you
start your engine and release the switch. The switch
stays in the
RUN position when the engine is running,
But even when the engine is not running, you can
use RUN to operate your electrical power accessories
and to display some instrument panel warning and
indicator lights.
START (E): Starts the engine. When the engine starts,
release the key. The ignition switch will return to RUN
€or normal driving.
Note that even if the engine is not running, ACC and
RUN allow you to operate your electrical accessories,
such
as the radio and ventilation fan.
Key Release Button
If you have a manual
transmission, your ignition
lock has a key release
button.
You must press the
button before you can take
your key out
of the
ignition
lock.
On manual transmission vehicles, turn g the key
to
LOCK will lock the steering column and result
in a loss
of ability to steer the vehicle. This could
cause
a collision. If you need to turn the engine
off while the vehicle is moving, turn the key only
to OFF. Don’t press the key release button while
the vehicle
is moving.
2-24

Turn Signal and Lane Change Indicator
The turn signal has two upward (for right) and two
downward (for left) positions. These positions allow you
to signal a turn or a lane change.
To signal a turn, move the,lever all the way up or down.
When the turn
is finished, the lever will return
automatically.
An arrow
on the instrument
panel will flash in the
direction of the turn
or
lane change.
To signal a lane change, just raise or lower the lever
until the arrow starts to flash. Hold it there until you
complete your lane change. The lever will return by
itself when you release
it.
As you signal a turn or a lane change, if the arrows don’t
flash but just stay on,
a signal bulb may be burned out
and other drivers won’t see your turn signal.
If a bulb is burned out, replace it to help avoid an
accident. If the arrows don’t go on at all when you
signal a turn, check the
fuse (see “Fuses and Circuit
Breakers” in the Index).
Headlamp High/Low Beam
To change the headlamps
from low beam to high or
high to low, pull the turn
signal lever all the way
toward
you. Then release it.
When the high beams are
on, this light
on the
instrument panel also will
be on.
2-45

Lamps
II
The main lamp control is a knob that works these lamps:
Headlamps
Taillamps
Parking lamps
License lamps
Sidemarker lamps
Instrument panel lights
-'Q- , This setting turns on your headlamps and other
operating lamps.
pi This setting turns on your parking lamps without
your headlamps.
Turn the knob to OFF to turn off the lamps.
0
Headlamps On Reminder
If you turn the ignition off and leave the lamps on, you
will hear
a chime lasting up to 5 seconds. If the lamps
are still on when you open the driver's door, the chime
will sound again.
2-51

Daytime Running Lamps
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier for
others to see the front of your vehicle during the day.
DRL can be helpful in many different driving
conditions, but they can be especially helpful in the
short periods after dawn and before sunset.
In Canada, a light sensor on top of the instrument
panel automatically turns the headlamps on,
so be
sure it isn’t covered.
The DRL system will make your front turn signal lamps
come on when:
The ignition is on,
The headlamp switch is OFF and
0 The parking brake is released.
When
the DRL are on, only your front turn signal lamps
will be on. The taillamps, sidemarker and other lamps
won’t be on.
Your instrument panel won’t be lit up either.
For Canadian vehicles when it’s dark enough outside,
your front turn signal lamps will go out and your
headlamps will come on. The other lamps that come on
with your headlamps will also come on. When it’s bright
enough outside, the regular lamps will go off, and your
front turn signal lamps will come on. On a non-Canadian vehicle the headlamps have
to be
turned on manually when you need them. When the
headlamps are turned
on, the front turn signal lamps
will go out. When you use your turn signals, the front
turn signal lamp and the taillamp on the desired side
will flash.
As with any vehicle, you should turn OM the regular
headlamp system when you need it.
Fog Lamps (If Equipped)
Use your fog lamps for better vision in foggy or misty
conditions. Your parking lamps must be on or your fog
lamps won’t work.
0s To turn the fog lamps on, push the right side of the
fog lamp switch. Push the left side of the switch to turn
the fog lamps
off. A light on the switch will come on
when the fog lamps are on.
Fog lamps will go off whenever your high beams come
on. When the high beams
go off, the fog lamps will
come on again.
If your vehicle is equipped with the Vehicle and Content
Theft-Deterrent System and your fog lamp switch is on,
the fog lamps may flash to indicate operation of the
Vehicle and Content Theft-Deterrent System. See “Vehicle
and Content Theft-Deterrent System” in the Index.
2-53

Interior Lamps
Instrument Panel Brightness Control
This switch controls the brightness of your
instrument panel lights. Turn the switch upward
to
brighten or dim the lights, If you turn the switch all the
way up, your courtesy lamps will come on.
Courtesy Lamps
When any door is opened, several interior lamps go on.
These lamps are courtesy lamps. They make
it easier for
you
to enter and leave your vehicle.
Courtesy lamps include the dome lamp and other lamps
throughout the interior
of your vehicle.
To prevent battery rundown, your interior lamps will be
disabled about
10 minutes after the ignition is turned to
OFF. The 10 minute timer will be restarted if you do any
of the following;
1, Turn the ignition on.
2. Open either door.
3. Press any button on your Remote. Lock
Control transmitter.
4. Turn the int’erior lamp switch from off to on.
5. Open the hatch.
Delayed Illumination
With delayed illumination, the courtesy lamps will stay
on for
25 seconds after you close the doors when
entering the vehicle. They will stay
on for five seconds
after you close the doors when exiting the vehicle. The
times will
be shortened if the ignition is turned to the
RUN position or if the power locks are activated. To
turn this feature on or off, see “Feature Customizatian”
in the Index.
Exit Lighting
With exit lighting, the interior lamps will come on when
you remove the key from the ignition
to help you see
while exiting the vehicle.
To turn this feature on or off,
see “Feature Customization” in the Index,
2-54

Instrument Panel
2-74

Instrument Panel Cluster
Your instrument cluster is designed to let you know at a glance how your vehicle is running. You’ll know how fast you’re
going, about
how much fuel you have lee and many other things you’ll need to know to drive safely and economically.
2-76

Safety Belt Reminder Light
When the key is turned to RUN or START, a chime will
come on for about eight seconds to remind people to
fasten their safety belts.
The safety belt light will
also come on and stay on
for about
70 seconds. If the
driver’s belt is already
buckled, neither the chime
nor the light will come
on.
Air Bag Readiness Light
There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument
panel, which shows
AIR BAG. The system checks the
air bag’s electrical system for malfunctions. The light
tells you if there is an electrical problem. The system
check includes the air bag sensors, the air bag modules,
the wiring and the crash sensing and diagnostic module.
For more information
on the air bag system, see “Air
Bag” in the Index. This light
will come on
when you start your engine,
and
it will flash for a few
seconds. Then the light
should go out. This means
the system
is ready.
If the air bag readiness light stays on after you start the
engine or comes on when you are driving, your air bag
system may not work properly. Have your vehicle
serviced right away.
The air bag readiness light should flash for a few
seconds when
you turn the ignition key to RUN. If the
light doesn’t come
on then, have it fixed so it will be
ready to warn you
if there is a problem.
2-78