1998 PONTIAC FIREBIRD overheating

1
If this light comes on, it
means you’re
low on
5.7L Engine
Adding Coolant to the Recovery Tank
If you need more coolant, add the proper DEX-COOL@
coolant mixture at the coolant recovery tank, but only
when your engine is cool. If the tank is very low or
empty,
also add coolant to the radiator. See “Engine
Overheating’’
in the Index for information.
A CAUTION:
Thrning the radiator pressure cap when the
engine and radiator are hot can allow steam
and scalding liquids to blow out and burn you
badly. Never turn the pressure cap
-- even a
little -- when the engine and radiator are hot.
L
Add coolant mixture at the recovery tank, but be careful
not to spill it.
I /1 CAUTION:
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.
I

Radiator Pressure Cap (All Engines)
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, a GM 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, a GM thermostat
is
recommended.
Power Steering Fluid
The power steering fluid
reseivoir is locatei toward
the back
of the engine on
the driver’s side.
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.
How To Check Power Steering Fluid
When the engine compartment is cool, wipe the cap and
the top of the reservoir clean, then unscrew the cap and
wipe the dipstick with a clean rag. Replace
the cap and
completely tighten it. Then remove the cap again and
look at the fluid level on the dipstick.
6-31

Tires
Your new vehicle comes with high-quality tires made by
a leading tire manufacturer. If you ever have questions
about
your tire wmanty and where to obtain service, see
your Pontiac Warranty booklet for details.
I A CAUTION:
Poorly maintained and improperly used tires
are dangerous.
Overloading your tires can cause
overheating as a result
of too much friction.
You could have an air-out
and a serious
accident. See “Loading
Your Vehicle” in
the Index.
Underinflated tires pose the same danger
as overloaded tires. The resulting accident
could cause serious injury. Check all tires
frequently to maintain the recommended
pressure. Tire pressure should be checked
when your tires are cold.
CAUTION: (Continued) CAUTION:
(Continued)
I
Overinflated tires are mo
cut, punctured or broken by a sudden
impact
-- such as when you hit a pothole.
Keep tires at the recommended pressure.
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If your
tread is badly worn, or
if your tires have
been damaged, replace them.
See “Inflation
-- Tire Pressure” in this section
for inflation pressure adjustment for higher
speed driving.
6-44

Driver Position ................................. 1-14
Driver’s Door
Alarm Delay and Shock Sensor Enable . . 2-22
Driving City
........................................ 4-20
Defensive
.................................... 4-2
Drunken
..................................... 4-3
Freeway
.................................... 4-2 1
In a Blizzard ................................. 4-28
In Foreign Countries ........................... 6-5
IntheRain
.................................. 4-17
Night
...................................... 4-15
On Curves
.................................. 4-10
On Grades While Towing a Trailer
............... 4-37
On
Hill and Mountain Roads .................... 4-23
On Snow and Ice ............................. 4-26
Throughwater
............................... 4-19
WetRoads
.................................. 4-17
Winter
...................................... 4-25
With a Trailer
................................ 4-36
DrunkenDriving
................................ 4-3
Electrical Equipment. Adding
..... 2-27.2.28.3-20. 6-62
Electrical System
............................... 6-62
Engine
.................................. 6-10. 6-11
Coolant
..................................... 6-27
Coolant Heater
............................... 2-29
Coolant Level Check .......................... 7-32
Coolant Temperature Gage
..................... 2-84
Exhaust ..................................... 2-42
FuseBlocks
................................. 6-67 Identification
................................ 6-62
OilLevelCheck .............................. 7-32
Overheating
................................. 5-15
Running
While Parked ......................... 2-43
Specifications ................................ 6-68
StartingYour ................................ 2-26
Engineoil
.................................... 6-12
Additives
................................... 6-17
Checking
................................... 6-13
Used
....................................... 6-17
What Kind
Of Oil to Use ....................... 6-14
WhentoAdd
................................ 6-14
When to Change
.............................. 6-17
Ethanol
........................................ 6-5
Exit Lighting
............................. 2-19, 2-55
Exit Lighting and Delayed Illumination
............. 2-19
Fabric Cleaning
............................... 6-54
FanControlKnob
............................... 3-2
FeatureCustomization
........................... 2-18
Driver’s
Door Alarm Delay and
Shock Sensor Enable ....................... 2-22
Exit Lighting
and Delayed Illumination ........... 2-19
Last
Door Closed Locking and Lockout Prevention . . 2-20
Remote Keyless Entry Lock Verification
........... 2-20
Theft-Deterrent Arming Method ................. 2-21
Filling A Portable Fuel Container ................... 6-8
FillingYourTank ................................ 6-6
Theft-Deterrent Arming Verification
.............. 2-22

Oil. Engine .................................... 6- 12
Oil Pressure Gage .............................. 2-88
Overdrive. Automatic Transmission ................ 2-32
Overheating Engine ............................. 5- 15
Owner Checks and Services ....................... 7-32
Owner Publications. Ordering ..................... 8- 12
paint Spotting. Chemical ........................ 6-60
PARK (P)
Automatic Transmission ....................... 2-30
Shifting Into ................................. 2-39
Shifting Out of ............................... 2-41
AtNight .................................... 2-13
Brake ...................................... 2-44
Brake Mechanism Check ....................... 7-35
Lots ....................................... 2-13
OverThingsThatBurn ........................ 2-42
With a Trailer ................................ 4-38
Parking Your Vehicle. Manual Transmission .......... 2-41
Passenger Position ......................... 1-22. 1-28
PASS-Key (8, II ................................. 2-17
Periodic Maintenance Inspections .................. 7-36
Pontiac Cares Information ......................... 8-2
Power
Antenna
Mast Care ............................ 3-22
DoorLocks ................................... 2-5
Option Fuses ................................ 6-63
Remote Control Mirror ........................ 2-57
Parking
Passing
....................................... 4-13
Retained Accessory ........................... 2-56
Six-WaySeat ................................. l-3
Steering .................................... 4-10
SteeringFluid ................................ 6-31
Windows ................................... 2-45
Pregnancy, Use of Safety Belts .................... 1-21
Problems on the Road ............................ 5-1
Publications, Service and Owner ................... 8-12
Radiator ................................ 5.21. 5.24
Radiator Pressure Cap ........................... 6-31
Radio Reception ................................ 3-20
Radios .......................... 3.7.3.8.3.11. 3.12
Rain. DrivingIn ................................ 4-17
Rear
RAP ......................................... 2-56
Axle ....................................... 6-27
Lamp Bulb Replacement ....................... 6-41
Seat Passengers .............................. 1-28
Sidemarker Bulb Replacement ................... 6-42
Towing ..................................... 5-13
Window Defogger ............................. 3-5
Rearview Mirror, Inside Daymight ................. 2-57
Reclining Front Seatbacks ......................... 1-5
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants ............... 7-38
Recovery Tank. Coolant .......................... 5-19
Refrigerants, Air Conditioning .................... 6-70