1998 PONTIAC FIREBIRD brakes

’ A CAUTION:
The brake wear warning sound means that soon
your brakes won’t work well. That could lead to
an accident. When you hear the brake wear
warning sound, have your vehicle serviced.
I NOTICE:
I I
Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads
could result in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean something is wrong with
your brakes.
When you have
the front brake pads replaced, have the
rear brakes inspected, too. Brake linings should always
be replaced as complete
axle sets.
See “Brake System Inspection” in Section
7 of
this manual under Part C “Periodic Maintenance
Inspections.”
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return to
normal height, or
if there is a rapid increase in pedal
travel.
This could be a sign of brake trouble.
Brake Adjustment
Every time you make a moderate brake stop, your
disc brakes adjust for wear. If you rarely make a
moderate or heavier stop, then your brakes might not
adjust correctly.
If you drive in that way, then -- very
carefully
-- make a few moderate brake stops about
every
1,000 miles (1 600 km), so your brakes will
adjust properly.
The park brake system has separate brake linings that
do not self adjust for wear. If the park brake lever pulls
up more than the normal eighteen clicks, the parking
brakes may need adjustment. See your dealer.
6-36

Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a modem vehicle is complex.
Its many parts have to be
of top quality and work well
together
if the vehicle is to have really good braking.
Your vehicle was designed and tested with top-quality
GM brake parts. When you replace parts of your braking
system
-- for example, when your brake linings wear
down and you have to have new ones put in
-- be sure
you get new approved GM replacement parts. If you
don’t, your brakes may no longer work properly. For
example,
if someone puts in brake linings that are wrong
for your vehicle, the balance between your front and
rear brakes can change
-- for the worse. The braking
performance you’ve come
to expect can change in many
other ways if someone puts in the wrong replacement
brake parts.
Battery
Every new Pontiac has an ACDelco Freedom@ battery.
You never have to add water to one
of these. When it’s
time
for a new battery, we recommend an ACDelco
Freedom battery. Get one that has the replacement
number shown
on the original battery’s label.
Vehicle Storage
If you’re not going to drive your vehicle for 25 days
or more, remove the black, negative
(-) cable from
the battery. This will help keep your battery from
running down.
~ A CAUTION:
rn -
Batteries have acid that can burn you and gas
that can explode.
You can be badly hurt if you
aren’t careful. See “Jump Starting” in the Index
for tips on working around
a battery without
getting hurt.
Contact your dealer to learn how to prepare your vehicle
for longer storage periods.
Also, for your audio system, see “Theft-Deterrent
Feature” in the Index.
6-37

I Short TripKity Maintenance Schedule I
The services shown in this schedule up to 100,000 miles
(166 OOO km) should be performed after 100,000 miles
(166 000 km) at the same intervals. The services shown
at
150,000 miles (240 000 km) should be performed at
the same interval after
150,000 miles (240 000 km).
See “Owner Checks and Services” and “Periodic
Maintenance Inspections” following.
Footnotes
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the
California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify
the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior
to the
completion of the vehicle’s useful life. We, however,
urge that all recommended maintenance services be
performed at the indicated intervals and the maintenance
be recorded.
+ A good time to check your brakes is during tire
rotation. See “Brake System Inspection” under
“Periodic Maintenance Inspections” in Part
C of
this schedule.
7-7

I - Long Tkipmighway Maintenance Schedule,
The services shown in this schedule up to 100,000 miles
( 166 000 km) should be performed after 100,000 miles
(166
000 km) at the same intervals. The services shown
at
150,000 miles (240 000 km) should be performed at
the same interval after 150,000 miles
(240 000 km).
See “Owner Checks and Services” and “Periodic
Maintenance Inspections’’ following.
Footnotes
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the
California Air Resources
Board has determined that the
failure to
perform this maintenance item will not nullify
the emission warranty
or limit recall liability prior to the
completion of the vehicle’s useful life. We, however,
urge that all recommended maintenance services be
performed
at the indicated intervals and the maintenance
be recorded.
+ A good time to check your brakes is during tire
rotation. See “Brake System Inspection” under
“Periodic Maintenance Inspections” in Part
C of
this schedule.
7-22

Ignition Transmission Lock Check
While parked, and with the
parking brake set, try to turn
the ignition key to LOCK in each shift lever position.
With an automatic transmission, the key should turn
to LOCK only when the shift lever is in PARK (P).
With a manual transmission, the key should turn to
On vehicles with a key release button, try to turn the key
to LOCK without pressing the button. The key should
turn to LOCK only when you press the key button. LOCK only when the
shift lever is in REVERSE (R).
On
all vehicles, the key should come out only in LOCK.
Parking Brake and Automatic Transmission
PA-” :P) M ’nanisl k
Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing
downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake,
set the parking brake.
To check the parking brake’s holding ability:
With the engine running and transmission in
NEUTRAL (N), slowly remove foot pressure from
the regular brake pedal. Do this until the vehicle is
held by the parking brake only.
0 To check the PARK (P) mechanism’s holding ability:
With the engine running, shift to PARK
(P). Then
release all brakes.
Underbody Flushing Service At least every spring, use plain water to flush any
corrosive materials from the underbody. Take
care to
clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris
can collect.
When you are doing this check, your vehicle
could begin to move. You or others could be
injured and property could be damaged. Make
sure there
is room in front of your vehicle in case
it begins to roll. Be ready to apply the regular
brake
at once should the vehicle begin to move.
7-35

Throttle System Inspection
Inspect the throttle system for interference or binding,
and for damaged or missing parts. Replace parts as
needed. Replace any components that have high effort
or excessive wear.
Do not lubricate accelerator and
cruise control cables.
Rear Axle Service
Check the gear lubricant level in the rear axle and add if
needed. See “Rear Axle” in the Index. A fluid loss
may indicate
a problem. Check the axle and repair it
if needed.
Brake System Inspection
Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks,
chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors
for surface condition. Inspect other brake parts, including calipers, parking brake, etc. Check parking
brake adjustment. You may need to have your brakes
inspected more often if your driving habits or conditions
result in frequent braking.
7-37

1998 PONTIAC SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ORDERING INFORMATION
The following publications covering the operation and servicing of your vehicle can be purchased by filling out
the Service Publication Order Form in this book and mailing it in with your check, money order,
or credit card information to Helm, Incorporated (address below.)
CURRENT PUBLICATIONS FOR 1998 PONTIAC
SERVICE MANUALS
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair information
on engines, transmission, axle, suspension, brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $90.00
TRANSMISSION, TRANSAXLE, TRANSFER CASE
UNIT REPAIR MANUAL
This manual provides information on unit repair service
procedures, adjustments and specifications for the
1998 GM transmissions, transaxles and transfer cases.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $40.00
SERVICE BULLETINS
Service Bulletins give technical service information needed
to knowledgeably service General Motors cars and trucks.
Each bulletin contains instructions to assist in the
diagnosis and service of your vehicle.
PLEASE COMPLETE THE ORDER FORM SHOWN ON
THE FOLLOWING PAGE AND MAIL TO:
Helm, Incorporated RO. Box 07130 Detroit, MI 48207
OWNER’S INFORMATION
Owner publications are written directly for Owners and
intended to provide basic operational information about the
vehicle. The owner’s manual
will include the Maintenance
Schedule for
all models.
In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio, Owner’s Manual and
Warranty Booklet. RETAIL SELL PRICE:
$1 5.00
Without Portfolio: Owner’s Manual only.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $1
0.00
CURRENT & PAST MODEL ORDER FORMS
Service Publications are available for current and past
model
GM vehicles. To request an order form, please
specify year and model name of the vehicle.
OR ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-782-4356
Monday-Friday 8:OO AM - 6:OO PM Eastern Time
For Credit Card Orders Only (VISA-MasterCarcCDisr)

Section 9 Index
Accessory Plug ............................... 2-62
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle ...... 6-3
Air Bag ....................................... 1-22
How Does it Restrain .......................... 1-26
How it Works ................................ 1-24
Location .................................... 1-24
Readiness Light ......................... 1.23. 2.81
Servicing ................................... 1-27
What Makes it Inflate .......................... 1-25
What Will You See After it Inflates ............... 1-26
When Should it Inflate ......................... 1-25
Aircleaner .................................... 6-18
Air Conditioning ................................ 3-3
Air Conditioning Refrigerants ..................... 6-70
Aircontrol ..................................... 3-2
Air Filter Replacement ........................... 6- 19
Alarm. Content Theft-Deterrent System ............. 2- 14
AlarmPanicMode ............................... 2-8
Alignment and Balance. Tire ...................... 6-51
Aluminum Wheels. Cleaning ...................... 6-59
Antenna. Power ................................ 3-22
Antifreeze ..................................... 6-27
Anti-Lock
Brake System Warning Light
................ 2.82. 4.7
Anti-Theft, Radio .............................. 3-17
Appearance Care ............................... 6-53
Appearance Care Materials Chart .................. 6-61
Arbitration Program .............. ............ 8-9
Ashtray and Lighter ........................... 2-60
Audio Equipment, Adding ........................ 3-20
Audio Steering Wheel Controls .................... 3-19
Audio Systems .................................. 3-7
Auto-Down Window ............................ 2-45
Automatic Overdrive ............................ 2-32
Automatic Transmission
Check
...................................... 7-33
Fluid ....................................... 6-20
Operation ................................... 2-30
Park Mechanism Check ........................ 7-35
Shifting ..................................... 2-30
StartingYourEngine .......................... 2-26
Brakes ...................................... 4-7
Axle, Limited-Slip Rear ......................... 2-44
Axle, Rear .................................... 6-27
9-1