1997 PONTIAC FIREBIRD engine

NOTICE:
In cold weather, water can freeze and crack the
engine, radiator, heater core
and other parts.
Use the recommended coolant and the proper
coolant
mix.
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene
glycol
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Don’t spill coolant on a hot engine. 1
When the coolant in the coolant recovery tank is at
FULL 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
cool before you do it.
~
1 A CAUTION:
Steam and sc’alding liquids from a hot cooling
system can
blow out and burn you badly. They
are under pressure, and
if you turn the pressure
cap
-- even a little I- they can come out at high
speed. Never turn the cap when the cooling
system, including the pressure cap, is hot. Wait
for the cooling system and pressure cap to
cool if
you ever have to turn the pressure cap.
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How to Add Coolant to the Radiator
(V6 Engine Only)
I NOTICE:
Your engine has a specific radiator fill procedure.
Failure to follow this procedure could cause your
engine to overheat and be severely damaged.
1. You can remove the pressure cap when the cooling
system, including the pressure cap and upper radiator
hose,
is no longer hot. Turn the pressure cap slowly
counterclockwise 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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2. Then keep turning the pressure cap, but now push
down as you turn it. Remove the pressure cap.
You can be burnet 'you spimm 2oolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant
contains ethylene glycol
and it will burn
if the engine parts are hot
enough. Don't spill coolant on a
hot engine.
3. After the engine cools, open the coolant air
bleed valve.
3800 V6 (VIN Code M): There is one bleed valve. It
is located on the thermostat housing.
4. Fill.the radiatorwith the proper DEX-COOL@
coolant mixture, up to the base of the filler neck.
If you see a! stream of coolant coming from an air
bleed valve, close the valve. Otherwise,
close the
valve after the radiator is filled.
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5. Then fill the coolant recovery tank to FULL HOT
6. Put the cap back on the coolant recovery tank, but
leave the radiator pressure cap
off.
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).
8. By this time, the coolant level inside the radiator
filler neck
may be lower. If the level is lower, add
more of the proper DEX-COOL@ coolant mixture
through the filler neck until the level reaches the
base
of the filler neck.
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9. 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.
How to Add Coolant to the Radiator
(V8 Engine Only)
NOTICE:
~~ ~
The LT1 Engine (Code P) has a specific radiator
fill procedure. Failure to follow this procedure
could cause your engine to overheat
and be
severely damaged.
~~
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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 counterclockwise 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.
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene
glycol,
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Don’t
spill coolant on a hot engine.
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3. After the engine cools, open the air bleed valves on
the heater return hose and water pump inlet.
4. Fill with the proper DEX-COOL' coolant mixture.
Add
coolant until you see a steady stream of coolant
coming from the bleed valves.
5. Close the bleed valves.
6. Continue to fill the radiator up to the base of the
7. Rinse or wipe the spilled coolant from the engine
filler neck.
and compartment.
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8. 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.
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
For a complete drain,
flush and refill, see your Pontiac
dealer or a Pontiac Firebird Service Manual.
To
purchase a service manual, see “Service and Owner
Publications” in the Index.
proper
level.
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