1997 PONTIAC FIREBIRD wiper blades

Windshield Wipers
You control the windshield wipers by turning the band
with the wiper
symbol on it.
For a single wiping cycle, turn the band to MIST. Hold
it there until
the wipers start, then let go. The wipers will
stop
after one cycle. If you want more cycles, hold the
band
on MIST longer.
You can set the wiper speed for a long or short delay
between wipes. This can be very useful in light rain or
snow. Turn the band
to choose the delay time. The
closer to LO, the shorter the delay.
For steady wiping at low speed, turn the
band away
from
you to the LO position, For high-speed wiping,
turn the band further, to
HI, To stop the wipers, move
the band
to OFF.
Damaged wiper blades may prevent you from seeing
well enough to drive safely.
To avoid damage, be sure to
clear ice and snow from the wiper blades before using
them.
If they’re frozen to the windshield, carefully
loosen
or thaw them. If your blades do become
damaged, get new blades
or blade inserts,
Heavy
snow or ice can overload your wipers. A circuit
breaker will
stop them until the motor cools. Clear away
snow or ice to prevent an overload.
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Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads
c
I
Rain and wet roads can mean driving trouble. On a wet
road, you can’t stop, accelerate or turn
as well because your tire-to-road traction isn’t
as good as on dry roads.
And, if your tires don’t have much tread left, you’ll get
even less traction. It’s always wise to
go slower and be
cautious if rain starts to fall while you are driving. The
surface may get wet suddenly when your reflexes are
tuned for driving on dry pavement.
The heavier th’e rain, the harder it is to see. Even if your
windshield wiper blades are in good shape, a heavy rain
can make it harder to see road signs and traffic signals,
pavement markings, the edge of the road and even
people walking.
It’s wise to keep your windshield wiping equipment in
good shape and keep your windshield washer tank filled
with washer fluid. Replace your windshield wiper
inserts when they show signs of streaking or missing
areas on the windshield, or when strips of rubber start
to separate from the inserts.
4-17

Once you are moving on the freeway, make certain you
allow a reasonable following distance. Expect to move
slightly slower at night.
When you want to leave
the freeway, move to the proper
lane well in advance.
If you miss your exit, do not,
under any circumstances, stop
and back up. Drive on to
the next exit.
The exit ramp can
be curved, sometimes quite sharply.
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,
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
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 and maintained, it’s ready
to go. If it needs
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.
Here are
some things you can check before a trip:
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a
a
a
a
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Windshield Washer Fluid: Is the reservoir full? Are
all windows clean inside and outside?
Wiper Blades: Are they in good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: Have you checked
all levels?
Lamps: Are they all worlung? Are the lenses clean?
Tires: Th’ey 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
recomended pressure?
Weather Fureecasts: 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?
4-22

Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement Wiper Blade Element Replacement
Replacement
blades come in different types and are
removed in different ways.
To remove the wiper blade assembly:
1. Lift the wiper arm until it locks into
an
2. Press the locking tab down while sliding the blade
upright
position.
assembly down.
To replace the wiper blade element, refer to the wiper
blade assembly replacement instructions.
To replace the
element, follow these steps:
'. . Locate the heel end of the wiper blade assembly that
has the two notches held by the wiper blade claw.
6-47

Cleaning the Outside of the
Windshield
an’d Wiper B’lades
If the windshield is not clear after using the windshield
washer, or if the wiper blade chatters when running,
wax, sap or other material may be on the blade
or
windshield.
Clean the outside
of the windshield with GM Windshield
Cleaner, Bon Ami’ Powder (non-scratching glass
cleaning powder),
GM Part No. 105001 1. The
windshield is clean if beads
do not form when you
rinse it with water.
Grime from the windshield will stick to the wiper blades
and affect their performance. Clean the blade by wiping
vigorously with a
cloth soaked in full-strength
windshield washer solvent. Then rinse the blade with
water.
Check the wiper blades and clean them
as necessary;
replace blades that look worn.
Weatherstrips
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or
squeak. Apply
silicone grease with a clean cloth at least every six
months. During very cold, damp weather more frequent
application may be required. (See “Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.)
Cleaning a Removable Roof Panel
Special care is necessary when cleaning, removing
and/or storing the
roof panel.
Flush with water to remove dust and dirt, then dry
the panel.
Clean the panel with GM Glass Cleaner. Leave the
cleaner on the panel for
one minute, then wipe the
panel with
a soft, lint-free cloth.
Don’t use abrasive cleaning materials.
6-62

At Least Twice a Year
Restraint System Check
Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your
belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages are
working properly. Look for any other loose or damaged
safety belt system parts. If you see anything that might
keep a safety belt system from doing its
job, have it
repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts replaced.
Also look for any opened or broken air bag covers, and
have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag system
does not need regular maintenance.)
Wiper Blade Check
Inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking. Replace blade
inserts that appear worn
or damaged or that streak or
miss areas
of the windshield. Also see “Wiper Blades,
Cleaning” in
the Index.
Manual Transmission Check
Check the transmission fluid level; add if needed. See
“Manual Transmission” in the Index.
A fluid loss may
indicate
a problem. Check the system and repair
if needed.
Automatic Transmission Check
Check the transmission fluid level; add if needed. See
“Automatic Transmission” in the Index.
A fluid loss
may indicate a problem. Check the system and repair
if needed.
Hydraulic Clutch System Check
Check the fluid level in the clutch reservoir. See
“Hydraulic Clutch Fluid” in the Index. A fluid loss
may indicate a problem. Check the system and repair
if needed.
At Least Once a Year
Key Lock Cylinders Service
Lubricate the key lock cylinders with the lubricant
specified in
Part D.
Body Lubrication Service
Lubricate all body door hinges. Also lubricate all hinges
and latches, including those
for the hood, headlamp door
assemblies, rear compartment, console doors and any
folding seat hardware. Part
D tells you what to use.
More frequent lubrication may
be required when
exposed to a corrosive environment.

Brake
Adjustment .................................. 6-39
Master Cylinder .............................. 6-36
Replacing System Parts
........................ 6-40
System Warning Light
......................... 2-79
Transmission Shift Interlock
.................... 2-40
Brakes, Anti-Lock
............................... 4-7
Braking
........................................ 4-6
Braking in Emergencies.
.......................... 4- 10
Break-In, New Vehicle .......................... 2-23
Brightness Control
.............................. 2-54
BTSI ......................................... 2-40
Bulb Replacement
.............................. 6-4 1
Fluid ....................................... 6-36
Parking
..................................... 2-37
PedalTravel
................................. 6-39
Trailer
...................................... 4-35
Wear
....................................... 6-38
BTSICheck
................................... 7-46
CalipedKnuckle Maintenance Inspections .......... 7-49
Canadian Roadside Assistance
...................... 8-8
Capacities and Specifications ...................... 6-73
Carbon Monoxide
.......... 2- 10.2-41.2-42.4-29. 4-35
Cassette Deck Service
........................... 7-44
Cassette Tape Player ............ ......... 3-7. 3-10
Errors .................................. 3-8. 3-12
CD Player Theft-Deterrent Feature ................. 3 - 19
Certification Label .............................. 4-30
Care
....................................... 3-23
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp Bulb Replacement
.... 6-44
Chains. Safety ................................. 4-35
Chains. Tire ................................... 6-57
Changing
a Flat Tire ............................. 5-26
Check Gauges Light
............................. 2-89
Checking Your Restraint Systems
.................. 1-41
Chemical Paint Spotting .......................... 6-66
Child Restraints'
................................ 1-32
Securing in a Rear Seat Position
................. 1-34
Securing
in the Right Front Seat Position .......... 1-36
Cigarette Lighter ............................... 2-59
Circuit Breakers and Fuses
....................... 6-69
Aluminum Wheels
............................ 4-64
Convertible Top .............................. 6-64
Glass
....................................... 6-61
Inside of Your Pontiac
......................... 6-58
Instrument Panel ............................. 6-61
Outside of Your Pontiac ........................ 6-63
Removable
Roof Panel ......................... 6-62
Special Problems ............................. 6'-59
Vinyl
....................................... 6-60
Windshield and Wiper Blades ................... 6-62
Climate Control System ........................... 3-2
Clock. Setting the ................................ 3-6
TopStrap ................................... l-33
WheretoPut ................................ 1-32
Cleaner. Air
................................... 6-18
Cleaning Fabric
...................................... 6-59
Leather ..................................... 6-60
Stains
...................................... 6-59
Tires ....................................... 6-65
Wheels ..................................... 6-64
9-2