1997 PONTIAC FIREBIRD radiator

Radiator Pressure Cap (All Engines) Power Steering Fluid
I NOTICE:
Your radiator cap is an 18 psi (124 kPa)
pressure-type cap and must be tightly installed
to
prevent coolant loss and possible engine damage
from overheating.
Be sure the arrows on the cap
line up with the overflow tube on the radiator
filler neck.
When you replace your radiator pressure cap, an AC@
cap is recommended.
Thermostat
Engine coolant temperature is controlled by a thermostat
in the engine coolant system. The thermostat stops the
flow of coolant through the radiator until the coolant
reaches
a preset temperature.
When
you replace your thermostat, an AC@ thermostat
is recommended.
-
3800 Engine
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering
fluid unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
6-33

Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When you need windshield washer fluid, be sure to read
the manufacturer’s instructions before use.
If you will be
operating your vehicle in an area where the temperature
may fall below freezing, use a fluid that has sufficient
protection against freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap labeled WASHER FLUID ONLY. Add
washer fluid until the tank
is full.
NOTICE:
When using concentrated washer fluid,
follow the manufacturer’s instructions for
adding water.
Don’t mix water with ready-to-use washer
fluid. Water can cause the solution to freeze
and damage your washer fluid tank and
other parts of the washer system.
Also,
water doesn’t clean as well as washer fluid.
three-quarters full when it’s very cold.
This
allows for expansion if freezing occurs,
which could damage the tank if it is
completely full.
windshield washer.
It can damage your
washer system and paint.
Fill your washer fluid tank only
Don’t use radiator antifreeze in your
6-35

I Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule 1
lO0,OOO Miles (166 000 km) (Continued)
If you do not use your vehicle under any of
these conditions, the fluid and filter do not
require changing.
17 If you haven’t used your vehicle under
severe service conditions
listed previously
and, therefore, haven’t changed your
automatic transmission fluid, change both
the fluid and filter.
DATE SERVICED BE ACTUAL MILEAGE -
150,000 Miles (240 000 km)
0 Drain, flush and refill cooling system
(or every
60 months since last service,
whichever
OCCU~S first). See “Engine
Coolant’’
in the Index for what to use.
Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser,
pressure cap and neck. Pressure test
cooling system and pressure cap.
An Emission Control Service.
ACTUAL MILEAGE
7-30

I Long Tripmighway Maintenance Schedule I
100,000 Miles (1 66 000 km)
Inspect spark plug wires.
An Emission Control Sewice.
17 Replace spark plugs.
An Emission Control Service.
If you haven’t used your vehicle under
severe service conditions listed previously
and, therefore, haven’t changed your
automatic transmission fluid, change
both
the fluid and filter.
150,000 Miles (240 000 km)
Drain, flush and refill cooling system
(or every
60 months since last service,
whichever occurs first). See “Engine
Coolant” in the Index
for what to use.
Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser,
pressure cap and neck. Pressure test
the cooling system and pressure cap.
An Emission Control Service.
I DATE I ACTUAL MILEAGE (SERVICED BY:(

Part C: Periodic Maintenance
Inspections
Listed below are inspections and services which should be
performed at least twice a year (for instance, each spring
and fall).
You should let your GM dealer’s service
department
or other qualified service center do these jobs.
Make sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Proper procedures to perform these services may be
found in a GM service manual. See “Service and Owner
Publications” in the Index.
Steering and Suspension Inspection
Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering
system for damaged, loose or missing
parts, signs of
wear or lack of lubrication. Inspect the power steering
lines and hoses for proper
hook-up, binding, leaks,
cracks, chafing, etc.
Exhaust System Inspection
Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body near
the exhaust system. Look for broken, damaged, missing
or
out-of-position parts as well as open seams, holes, loose
connections or other conditions which could cause a heat
build-up in the
floor pan or could let exhaust fumes into
the vehicle. See “Engine Exhaust”
in the Index.
Radiator and Heater Hose Inspection
Inspect the hoses and have them replalced if they are
cracked, swollen
or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
fittings and clamps; replace as needed.
Throttle Linkage Inspection
Inspect the throttle linkage for interference or binding, and
for damaged or missing parts. Replace parts as needed.
Replace any cables that have
high effort or excessive wear.
Do not lubricate accelerator and cruise conbd cables.
Wear Axle Service
Check the gear lubricant level in the rear axle and add if
needed. See “Rear Axle” in
the Index. A fluid loss may
indicate
a problem. Check the axle and repair it if needed.
Brake System Inspection
Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and
hoses
for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks,
chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors
for surface condition.
Also inspect drum brake linings
for wear and cracks. Inspect other
brake parts, including
drums, wheel cylinders, calipers, parking brake, etc. The
parking brake is self-adjusting and no manual
adjustment
is required. You may need to have your
brakes inspected more often if
your driving habits or
conditions result in frequent braking.

Fuel ................. ........... 6-3
Filling Your Tank .............................. 6-6
Gage ....................................... 2-89
In Foreign Countries ........................... 6-5
Fuses and Circuit Breakers ....................... 6-69 Headlamps
................................ 2-5 1
HighLow Beam Changer
...................... 2-45
On Reminder ................................ 2-51
Wiring
..................................... 6-69
Hearing Impaired. Customer Assistance .............. 8-5
High-Beam Headlamps 2-45
Highway Hypnosis
.............................. 4-23
Heating
........................................ 3-4
Engine
(khnt Temperature .................... 2-83 Hill and Mountain Roads ......................... 4-23
Engine oil Pra~re
........................... 2-87 Hitches. Trailer ................................. 4-35
..........................
Gages
Fuel
....................................... 2-89 Hood
GAWR
....................................... 4-30 Checking Things Under ......................... 6-8
Gear Positions. Automatic Transmission ............. 2-28 ......................................
Gear Positions. Manual Transmission 2-32.2-33. 2-34 Horn 2-43
Release 6-9
Graphic Equalizer
......................... 3-10? 3-14 Hydraulic Clutch System Check ................... 7-45
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating ...................... 4-30
Guide en Frangais
. . ' * all
..... .........................................
Glove Box .................................... 2-58 Hydraulic Clutch ............................... 6-28
Gross Axle Weight Rating
........................ 4-30 Hydroplaning .................................. 4-19
.. ....................
GVWR ................................ .. 4-30 Ignition Switch ................................ 2-23
Inflation. Tire
.................................. 6-50
Inside Daymight Rearview Mirror
................. 2-56
Halogen Bulbs .......... ............ 6-41 Inspections .................................... 7-48
Hatch
........................................ 2-10 Brakesystem ................................ 7-48
Hatch Release .................................. 2- 11 Caliper/Knuckle .............................. 7-49
Hatch Release. Remote .......................... 2- 11 Exhaust Systems ............................. 7-48
Hazard Warning Flashers .......................... 5-2 Radiator and Heater Hose ...................... 7-48
Head Restraints
................................. 1-6 RearAxle 7-48
Headlamp
Bulb Replacement ...................... 6-4 1 Steering .................................... 7-48
Headlamp
Doors ............................... 2-52 Suspension .................................. 7-48
Throttle Linkage .............................. 7-48
...................................
9-5

Passing .................................. 4-13
PASS-Key
I1 ................................. 2-16 ' -49' *
Periodic Maintenance Inspections .................. 7-48
Pontiac Cares Information ......................... 8-2
Antenna Mast Care ............................ 3-24
Option Fuses ................................ 6-69
Remote Control Mirror
........................ 2-57
Retain'ed Accessory ........................... 2-55
Steering Fluid ................................ 6-33
Pregnancy. Use of Safety Belts .................... 1-20
Problems on the Road ............................ 5-1
Publications, Service and Owner ................... 8- 12
Power
DoorLocks ................................... 2-5
Seat ..................,...........,.......... l-3
Steering .................................... 4-10
Windows
................................... 2-43
Radiator
................................ 5.19. 5.22
Radiator Pressure
Cap ........................... 6-33
Radio Reception
................................ 3-22
Radios .............................. 3-7.3-10. 3-14
Rain. Driving In ................................ 4-17
UP ......................................... 2-55
ReadingLamps ................................ 2-55
Rear
Axle ....................................... 6-29
Lamp Bulb Replacement ....................... 6-45
Sidemarker Bulb Replacement ................... 6-46
Storage ..................................... 2-58
Seatpassengers ..,.........,,,...........,... l-27
Towing ..................................... 5-12
Window Defogger
............................. 3-5
Reclining Front Seatbacks ......................... 1-4
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants ............... 7-50
Recovery
Tank, Coolant .......................... 5-17
Refrigerants, Air Conditioning
.................... 6-74
Hatch Release
................................ 2-11
Keyless
Entry ................................. 2-6
Rearview Mirror, Inside Daymight
2-56 .................
Remote
Keyless Lock Control Verification
......... . . 2-19
Replacement
Bulbs
...................................... 6-73
Parts ....................................... 6-75
Wheel ...................................... 6-56
Replacing Safety Belts
........................... 1-41
Reporting Sa€ety Defects ......................... 8-10
Restraints
Checking
................................... 1-41
Child
......,....,...........,+.............. l-32
Head ........................................ 1-6
Replacing Pats After a Crash ................... 1-41
SystemCheck
................................ 7-44
Retained Accessory Power ........................ 2-55
Reverse, Automatic Transmission .................. 2-29
Reverse, Manual Transmission ............... 2-33. 2-34
Right Front Passenger Position .................... 1-21
Roadside Assistance .............................. 8-6
Roadside Assistance, Canadian ..................... 8-8
Rocking Your Vehicle ........................... 5-40
Roof Panels, Twin Lift-off ....................... 2-61
Rotation, Tires ................................. 6-51
9-8 .