1998 PONTIAC FIREBIRD coolant level

Low Coolant Light (5.7L V8 Engine)
This warning light should
come on while you are
starting your engine.
If the
light doesn’t come on, have
it repaired.
~
Your vehicle is equipped with a low coolant indicator
which is designed to detect when the coolant level drops
below set limits.
If the low coolant level sensor (on the
radiator) drops while the engine is running, the low
coolant indicator will light and remain lit until the
ignition
is turned to OFF. Check coolant level and add
coolant as needed. The low coolant light might stay on
after filling the radiator. Turn the ignition to
OFF, then
restart
the engine to verify that the low coolant light
goes out. See “Engine Coolant” in the Index.
NOTICE:
Driving with the low coolant light on could cause
your vehicle to overheat. See “Engine Overheating”
in the Index. Your vehicle could be damaged and it
wouldn’t be covered by your warranty.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Service Engine
Soon Light)
SERVICE
ENGINE
SOON
Your vehicle is equipped
with a computer which
monitors operation of the
fuel, ignition and emission
control systems.
2-85

Heating Ventilation
The heater works best if you keep your windows closed
while using it.
1. Turn the air control knob to heater.
2. Turn the fan control knob to the desired speed.
3. Turn the temperature control knob to a
comfortable setting.
During initial start-up only, if your vehicle
is equipped
with
an optional engine coolant heater, you can use it in
cold weather (around
2OoF/-8 “C or lower) to improve
heater performance
on start up. See “Engine Coolant
Heater” in the Index.
Bi-Level Heating
You may want to use bi-level heating on cool, but sunny
days. This setting directs cool air toward your body and
warmer air toward your feet.
1. Turn the air control knob to bi-level.
2. Turn the temperature control knob to a
comfortable setting.
3. Turn the fan control knob to the desired speed. For mild outside temperatures when little heating
or
cooling is needed,
you can still direct outside air through
your vehicle.
1. Turn the air control knob to vent.
2. Turn the temperature control knob to a
comfortable setting.
3. Turn the fan control knob to the desired speed.
Defogging and Defrosting
1. Turn the air control knob to defrost.
2. Turn the temperature control knob to the
desired setting.
3. Turn the fan control knob to the desired speed.
3-4

When it is cool, remove the coolant recovery tank cap
and look at the dipstick.
The coolant level should be at
FULL COLD.
If it isn't, you may have a leak in the radiator hoses,
heater hoses, radiator, water
pump or somewhere else in
the cooling system.
A CAUTION:
Heater and radiator hoses, and other engine
parts, can be very hot. Don't touch them.
If you
do, you can be burned.
Don't run the engine
if there is a leak. If you run
the engine, it could lose all coolant. That could
cause an engine
fire, and you could be burned.
Get any leak fixed before you drive the vehicle.
I NOTICE:
I
Engine damage from running your engine
without coolant isn't covered
by your warranty.
5-18

If there seems to be no leak, with the engine on, check to
see if the electric engine cooling fans
are running. If the
engine is overheating, both fans should be running.
If
they aren’t, your vehicle needs service.
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Recovery Tank
If you haven’t found a problem yet, but the coolant level
isn’t at
FULL COLD add a 50150 mixture of clean water
(preferably distilled) and DEX-COOL@ engine coolant
at the coolant recovery tank. (See “Engine Coolant” in
the Index for more information.)
a CAUTION:
-1
Adding only plain water to your cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water,
or some other
liquid like alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant mixture will. Your vehicle’s coolant
warning system is set for the proper coolant
mixture. With plain water or the wrong mixture,
your engine could get too hot but you wouldn’t
get the overheat warning. Your engine could
catch
fire and you or others could be burned.
Use
a 50/50 mixture of clean water and
DEX-COOL@ coolant.
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 mixture.
5-19

5. Then fill the coolant recovery tank to FULL COLD.
6. Put the cap back on the coolant recovery tank, but
leave the radiator pressure cap off.
I
7.
8.
Start the engine and let it run until you can feel the
upper radiator hose getting hot. Watch out for
the
engine cooling fans.
By
this time, the coolant level inside the filler neck may
he 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.
r
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.

2. Then keep turning the pressure cap, but now push
down as you turn it. Remove the pressure cap.
I A CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol,
aud it will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Don’t spill coolant on a hot engine.
3. Fill with the proper DEX-COOL@ coolant mixture.
4. Continue to fill the radiator up to the base of the
filler neck.
5. Rinse or wipe the spilled coolant from the engine
and compartment.
6. 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 mixture through the filler neck
until the level reaches the base of the filler neck.
5-25

7. Shut the engine off and replace the pressure cap. Be
sure the arrows on the cap line up like this.
8. 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.
5-26

Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
Here you will find information about the care of your vehicle. This section begins with service and fuel information,
and then it shows how to check important fluid and lubricant levels. There is also technical information about
your
vehicle, and a part devoted to its appearance care.
6-2
6-3
6-5
6-6
6-8
6-8
6-12
6-18
6-19
6-20
6-24
6-26
6-27
6-3 1
6-32
6-33
Service
Fuel
Fuels
in Foreign Countries
Filling
Your Tank
Filling a Portable Fuel Container Checking Things Under the Hood
Engine Oil
Air Cleaner
Air Filter Replacement
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Manual Transmission Fluid Hydraulic Clutch
Engine Coolant
Power Steering Fluid
Windshield Washer Fluid Brakes 6-37
6-38
6-44
6-53
6-56
6-56
6-57
6-59
6-60
6-6
1
6-62
6-62
6-68
6-68
6-70 Battery
Bulb
Replacement
Tires
Appearance Care
Care of Safety Belts
Cleaning Glass Surfaces
Cleaning the Outside
of Your Vehicle
Cleaning Aluminum
or Chrome Wheels
(If Equipped)
Underbody Maintenance
Appearance Care Materials Chart
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Electrical System
Replacement Bulbs
Capacities and Specifications
Air Conditioning Refrigerants