1998 PONTIAC FIREBIRD manual transmission

At Least Twice a Year Automatic Transmission Check
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 coverings,
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. Check for leaks. A
fluid loss may indicate a problem. Have the system
inspected and repaired if needed. 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 in
this system could indicate a problem. Have the system
inspected and repaired at once.
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.
7-33

Starter Switch Check
r
Brake-Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) Check
(Automatic Transmission)
When you are doing this check, the vehicle could
move suddenly.
If it does, you or others could be
injured. Follow the steps below.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room around the vehicle.
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake (see “Parking
Brake,’
in the Index if necessary) and the regular brake.
NOTE: Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be
ready to turn
off the engine immediately if it starts.
3. On automatic transmission vehicles, try to start the
engine
in each gear. The starter should work only in
PARK (P) or NEUTRAL
(N). If the starter works in
any other position, your vehicle needs service.
On manual transmission vehicles, put the shift lever
in
NEUTRAL (N), push the clutch down halfway
and
try to start the engine. The starter should work
only when the clutch
is pushed down all the way to
the
floor. If the starter works when the clutch isn’t
pushed all the way down,
your vehicle needs service.
-
A CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, the vehicle could
move suddenly.
If it does, you or others could be
injured. Follow the steps below.
1
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle.
It should be parked on a
level surface.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake (see “Parking Brake”
in the Index if necessary).
NOTE: Be ready to apply the regular brake
immediately if
the vehicle begins to move.
3. With the engine off, turn the key to the RUN
position, but don’t start the engine. Without applying
the regular brake,
try to move the shift lever out of
PARK
(P) with normal effort. If the shift lever
moves out of PARK
(P), your vehicle’s BTSI
needs service.

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

Part D: Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants
NOTE: Fluids and lubricants identified below by name,
part number or specification may be obtained from
your dealer.
USAGE
Engine Oil
Engine Coolant
Hydraulic Brake System
FLUIDLUBRICANT
Engine Oil with the American
Petroleum Institute Certified For
Gasoline Engines “Starburst”
symbol of the proper viscosity. To
determine the preferred viscosity
for your vehicle’s engine, see
“Engine Oil’’
in the Index.
50/50 mixture of clean water
(preferably distilled) and use only
GM Goodwrench@ DEX-COOL@
or Havoline@ DEX-COOL@
Coolant. See “Engine Coolant” in
the Index.
Delco Supreme 11
@ Brake Fluid
(GM Part No. 12377967 or
equivalent DOT-3 Brake Fluid).
USAGE
Hydraulic Clutch
System
Power Steering System
Manual
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Key Lock
Cylinders
Clutch Linkage
Pivot Points
FLUIDLUBRICANT
Hydraulic Clutch Fluid (GM Part
No. 12345347 or equivalent
DOT-3 Brake Fluid).
GM Power Steering Fluid (GM
Part No. 1052884 - 1 pint,
1050017 - 1 quart, or equivalent).
DEXRON@-111 Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
DEXRON@-I11 Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Multi-Purgse Lubricant,
Superlube (GM Part
No. 12346241 or equivalent).
Engine Oil.
7-38

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)

Filter. Air ..................................... 6-18
Filter. Engine Oil ............................... 6-70
Finish Care .................................... 6-58
Finish Damage ................................. 6-60
Flashers. Hazard Warning ......................... 5-2
Flat Tire. Changing ............................. 5-27
RoorMats .................................... 2-62
Fluids and Lubricants ............................ 7-38
FOgLamps .................................... 2-54
Folding Rear Seatback ............................ 1-8
Foreign Countries, Fuel ........................... 6-5
Four-Way Manual Seat ........................... 1-3
French Language Manual ........................... ii
Front Console
.................................. 2-58
Front Seatback Latches ........................... 1-7
FrontTowing .................................. 5-10
Front Tuni Signal Lamp Bulb Replacement .......... 6-39
Fuel .......................................... 6-3
FillingYourTank .............................. 6-6
Gage ....................................... 2-90
In Foreign Countries ........................... 6-5
Fuses and Circuit Breakers ....................... 6-63
Gages Engine Coolant Temperature
.................... 2-84
Fuel ....................................... 2-90
Oil Pressure ................................. 2-88
GAWR ..................................4-30. 4-31
Gear Positions. Automatic Transmission ............. 2-30
Gear Positions. Manual Transmission ............... 2-35
Glove Box .................................... 2-58
Graphic Equalizer ......................... 3.11. 3.12
Gross Axle Weight Rating ................... 4.30. 4.31
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating ................. 4.30, 4.31
Guide en Franqais ................................. ii
GVWR ................................ 4.30. 4.31
Halogen Bulbs ................................ 6-38
Hatch ........................................ 2-11
Hatch Release .................................. 2-11
Hatch Release, Remote .......................... 2-12
Hazard Warning Flashers .......................... 5-2
Head Restraints ................................. 1-7
Headlarnp Bulb Replacement ...................... 6-38
Headlamp Doors ............................... 2-53
High/Low Beam Changer ...................... 2-47
On Reminder ................................ 2-52
Wiring ..................................... 6-63
Hearing Impaired, Customer Assistance .............. 8-5
Headlarnps
Heating
........................................ 3-4
High-Beam Headlamps .......................... 2-47
Highway Hypnosis .............................. 4-23
Hill and Mountain Roads ......................... 4-23
Hitches. Trailer ................................. 4-35
Hood Checking Things Under
......................... 6-8 ~~
Release ...................................... 6-9
Horn ......................................... 2-45
Hydraulic Clutch ............................... 6-26

Locks
Cylinders ................................... 7-33
Key Lock Cylinder Service ..................... 7-33
Low coolant Light .............................. 2-85
Low Oil Light ................................. 2-89
Low Traction Light ......................... 2-84, 4-9
Lubricants and Fluids ............................ 7-38
Lubrication Service, Body ........................ 7-33
........................................ Door 2-4
PowerDoor .................................. 2-5
LossofControl ................................ 4-14
Main Fuse Block .............................. 6-64
Maintenance. Normal Replacement Parts ............ 6-70
Maintenance Record ............................ 7-40
Maintenance Schedule ............................ 7- 1
Long Trip/Highway Definition ................... 7-6
Long TripMghway Intervals ..................... 7-6
Owner Checks and Services ..................... 7-32
Periodic Maintenance Inspections ................ 7-36
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants ............. 7-38
Scheduled Maintenance Services .................. 7-4
Short TripKity Definition ....................... 7-5
Short TripKity Intervals ........................ 7-5
Maintenance. Underbody ......................... 6-60
Maintenance When Trailer Towing ................. 4-38
Malfunction Indicator Lamp ...................... 2-85
Manual Front Seat ............................... 1-2
Manual Remote Control Mirror . . ............. 2-57
Manual Transmission
Check
7-33
Fivespeed .................................. 2-35
Fluid ....................................... 6-24
......................................
Operation ................................... 2-35
Shift Speeds ................................. 2-37
Starting Your Engine .......................... 2-26
Six Speed ...................................
Map Pocket ...................................
2-36
2-58
Methanol ...................................... 6-5
Mirrors
Convex Outside .............................. 2-58
Inside Daymight Rearview ..................... 2-57
Manual Remote Control ........................ 2-57
Outside Manual Adjustable ..................... 2-57
Power Remote Control ......................... 2-57
Multifunction Lever ............................. 2-46
Neutral, Automatic Transmission ................. 2-32
New Vehicle “Break-In” ......................... 2-23
Odometer .................................... 2-79
Odometer, Trip ................................. 2-79
Visorvanity ................................. 2-61
MountainRoads ................................ 4-23
Nightvision ................................... 4-16
Off-RoadRecovery ............................. 4-12
~~ .. 9-7

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