1998 PONTIAC FIREBIRD radiator cap

When you open the hood of the 3800 V6 engine you’ll see:
F a
A. Engine Coolant Reservoir
B. Battery
C. Radiator Cap
D. Oil Fill Cap
E. Automatic Transmission
Dipstick (If Equipped)
E Windshield Washer Reservoir
G. Engine Cooling Fan
H. Air Filter
I. Power Steering Reservoir
J. Engine Oil Dipstick
IS. Brake Fluid Reservoir
L. Clutch fluid Reservoir
(If Equipped)
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How to Check Limited-Slip Differential
The proper fluid should be added if the level is below
the
STEP mark on the reservoir. See the instructions on
the reservoir cap.
Rear Axle
When to Check and Change Lubricant
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how
often to check the lubricant and when to change it. See
“Scheduled Maintenance Services” in the Index.
How to Check Lubricant
If the level is below the bottom of the filler plug hole,
you’ll need to add some lubricant. Add enough lubricant
to raise the level to the bottom of the filler plug hole.
What to Use
Standard Differential
Use SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Lubricant (GM Part
No. 12378261) or equivalent meeting GM
Specification
9986 1 15.
To add lubricant when the level is low, use SAE 75W-90
Synthetic Gear Lubricant (GM Part No. 12378261) or
equivalent meeting
GM Specification 99861 15. To
completely refill after draining, add
4 ounces (1 18 ml)
of Limited-Slip Differential Lubricant Additive (GM
Part No. 1052358) or equivalent. Then fill to the bottom
of the filler plug hole with Synthetic Gear Lubricant.
Engine Coolant
The cooling s stem in your vehicle is filled with
DEX-COOL
8 engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for
5 years or 150,000 miles
(240
000 kmb whichever occurs first, if you add only
DEX-COOL extended life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and
how
to add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem
with engine overheating or if you need to add coolant to
your radiator, see “Engine Overheating” in the Index.
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NOTICE:
If you use an improper coolant mixture, your
engine could overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost wouldn’t be covered by your
warranty.
Too much water in the mixture can
freeze and crack the engine, radiator, heater
core and other parts.
If you have to add coolant more than four times a year,
have your dealer check your cooling system.
I NOTICE:
If you use the proper coolant, you don’t have to
add extra inhibitors or additives which claim to
improve the system. These can be harmful.
Checking Coolant
When your engine is cold, check the dipstick on the cap
of the coolant recovery tank. The coolant level should
be at
COLD, or a little higher. When your engine is
warm, the level on the dipstick should be up to HOT, or
a little higher.
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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.
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Vehicle Dimensions
Wheelbase ............ 101.1 inches (256.6 cm)
Front Tread
............. 60.7 inches (154.1 cm)
RearTread
............. 60.7inches(154.1 cm)
Length Firebird
/ Formula . . 193.5 inches (491.5 cm)
Length Trans Am ....... 193.9 inches (492.1 cm)
Width
............... 74.5 inches (1 89.3 cm)
Height.
.................. 52 inches (132.1cm)
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
Air Cleaner Filter VIN Engine Code
K .................. A1163C
VIN Engine Code G .................. A1163C
VIN Engine Code G
(with WS6 Option) .................. A1097C
Battery
................................ 75-60 Engine
Oil Filter
VIN Engine
Code K .................... PF47
VIN Engine Code
G .................... PF44
Fuel Filter
............................. GF578
PCV Valve
VIN Engine Code
K ............... CV892C
VIN Engine Code G ................. CV895C
Radiator Cap ......................... RC24
Spark Plug
VIN Engine Code
K .... 41-921 (0.060 inch Gap)
VIN Engine Code G .... 41-931 (0.060 inch Gap)
Air Conditioning Refrigerants
Not all air conditioning refrigerants are the same. If the
air conditioning system in your vehicle needs
refrigerant, be sure the proper refrigerant
is used. If
you’re not sure
ask your dealer.
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I Short TripKity Maintenance Schedule I
150,000 Miles (240 000 km)
0 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
cooling system and pressure cap.
An Emission Control Service.
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150,000 Miles (240 000 km)
0 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.
DATE 1
MILEAGE ACTUAL I SERVICED BY:
Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser, pressure cap and neck.\
Pressure test I I I
the cooling system and pressure cap.
An Emission Control Service.
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