1999 PONTIAC FIREBIRD automatic transmission

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NOTICE:
Driving with the parking brake on can cause
your parking brakes to overheat. You may have
to replace them, and you could also damage other
parts of your vehicle.
If you are towing a trailer and are parking on any hill,
see ªTowing a Trailerº in the Index. That section shows
what to do first to keep the trailer from moving.
Shifting Into PARK (P)
(Automatic Transmission Only)
CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if
the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
If you have left the engine running, the vehicle
can move suddenly. You or others could be
injured. To be sure your vehicle won't move, even
when you're on fairly level ground, use the steps
that follow. If you're pulling a trailer, see
ªTowing a Trailerº in the Index.
1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot and
set the parking brake.

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2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) by holding in the
button on the lever and pushing the lever all the way
toward the front of your vehicle.
3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK.
4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can
leave the vehicle with the ignition key in your hand,
your vehicle is in PARK (P).
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine
Running (Automatic Transmission Only)
CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to leave your vehicle with
the engine running. Your vehicle could move
suddenly if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P)
with the parking brake firmly set. And, if you
leave the vehicle with the engine running, it could
overheat and even catch fire. You or others could
be injured. Don't leave your vehicle with the
engine running unless you have to.

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2-39 Torque Lock (Automatic Transmission)
If you are parking on a hill and you don't shift your
transmission into PARK (P) properly, the weight of the
vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl in
the transmission. You may find it difficult to pull the
shift lever out of PARK (P). This is called ªtorque lock.º
To prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and then
shift into PARK (P) properly before you leave the
driver's seat. To find out how, see ªShifting Into
PARK (P)º in the Index.
When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out of
PARK (P) before you release the parking brake.
If torque lock does occur, you may need to have another
vehicle push yours a little uphill to take some of the
pressure from the parking pawl in the transmission, so
you can pull the shift lever out of PARK (P).
Shifting Out of PARK (P)
(Automatic Transmission Only)
CAUTION:
Before shifting out of PARK (P) you must fully
apply your regular brakes. Your vehicle can roll.
If you have left the engine running, the vehicle
can move suddenly. You or others could be
injured. If you're pulling a trailer, see ªTowing a
Trailerº in the Index.
Your vehicle has a Brake-Transmission Shift Interlock
(BTSI). You have to fully apply your regular brake
before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition is
in RUN. See ªAutomatic Transmissionº in the Index.

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Engine Exhaust
CAUTION:
Engine exhaust can kill. It contains the gas
carbon monoxide (CO), which you can't see or
smell. It can cause unconsciousness and death.
You might have exhaust coming in if:

Your exhaust system sounds strange
or different.

Your vehicle gets rusty underneath.

Your vehicle was damaged in a collision.

Your vehicle was damaged when driving over
high points on the road or over road debris.

Repairs weren't done correctly.

Your vehicle or exhaust system had been
modified improperly.
If you ever suspect exhaust is coming into
your vehicle:

Drive it only with all the windows down to
blow out any CO; and

Have your vehicle fixed immediately.
Running Your Engine While You're
Parked (Automatic Transmission)
It's better not to park with the engine running. But if you
ever have to, here are some things to know.
CAUTION:
Idling the engine with the climate control system
off could allow dangerous exhaust into your
vehicle (see the earlier Caution under
ªEngine Exhaustº).
Also, idling in a closed-in place can let deadly
carbon monoxide (CO) into your vehicle even if
the fan switch is at the highest setting. One place
this can happen is a garage. Exhaust
-- with
CO
-- can come in easily. NEVER park in a
garage with the engine running.
Another closed-in place can be a blizzard.
(See ªBlizzardº in the Index.)

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When carrying large or heavy items, it is a good idea to
open the panel and place the items in the rear area.
CAUTION:
An improperly stored cargo cover could be
thrown about the vehicle during a collision or
sudden maneuver. You or others could be
injured. If you remove the cover, always store it
outside the vehicle. When you put it back, always
be sure that it is securely reattached.
Ashtray and Cigarette Lighter
Lift up the cover to open the ashtray. To remove it, lift
up on either side of the ashtray. If you have an automatic
transmission, the ashtray is near the front of your
console. If you have a manual transmission, the ashtray
is near your cupholder.
NOTICE:
Don't put papers and other things that burn into
your ashtray. If you do, cigarettes or other smoking
materials could set them on fire, causing damage.

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You can store the sunshades two different ways:

When the T
-tops are in use, store the sunshades in
their storage area in the rear of the vehicle, and make
sure the cargo cover is in its closed, upright position.

When you have the T
-tops off and in their storage
slots, store the sunshades on the T
-tops, in their
installed position.
Convertible Top (If Equipped)
The following procedures explain the proper operation
of your convertible top.
Lowering Your Convertible Top
NOTICE:
Don't leave your convertible out with the top
down for any long periods of time. The sun and
the rain can damage your seat material and other
things inside your vehicle.
1. It is recommended that you park on a level surface.
Set the parking brake firmly. Shift an automatic
transmission into PARK (P) or a manual
transmission into REVERSE (R). The ignition must
be in ACC or RUN. Lower both sun visors.

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3. Store each piece of the cover in its separate
compartment per graphic printed inside of the storage
bag. Store the bag in the hatch and close the hatch.
4. Disengage the two convertible top latches.
Raising Your Convertible Top
1. It is recommended that you park on a level surface.
Set the parking brake firmly. If you have an
automatic transmission, shift into PARK (P).
If you have a manual transmission, shift into
REVERSE (R). The ignition must be in ACC,
RUN or RAP must be on. Lower both sun visors
and lower both windows at least three inches (8 cm).
If the boot cover is in place, it must be removed first.
NOTICE:
It is not recommended that you raise or lower the
top while the vehicle is moving.
2. Push and hold the up
arrow (

) on the
convertible TOP switch.

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A. Fog Lamp Switch
B. Main Lamp Control
C. Air Vents
D. Instrument Panel Cluster
E. Horn
F. Audio System
G. Glove Box
H. Comfort Controls
I. Cupholders
J. Parking Brake LeverK. Storage Console
L. Rear Window Defogger Button
M. Convertible Top Switch (If Equipped)
N. Traction Control System Switch
O. Cigarette Lighter
P. Shift Lever
Q. Ashtray (Automatic Transmission)
R. Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped)
S. Remote Hatch Release
T. Accessory Power Outlet