1999 PONTIAC FIREBIRD radiator cap

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6-10
When you open the hood of the 3800 V6 engine you'll see:
A. Engine Coolant Reservoir
B. Battery
C. Radiator Cap
D. Engine Oil Fill CapE. Automatic Transmission Fluid
Dipstick (If Equipped)
F. Windshield Washer
Fluid Reservoir
G. Engine Cooling FansH. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
I. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
J. Engine Oil Dipstick
K. Brake Fluid Reservoir
L. Clutch Fluid Reservoir
(If Equipped)

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6-27
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
ªScheduled Maintenance Servicesº 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 9986115.
Limited
-Slip Differential
To add lubricant when the level is low, use SAE 75W
-90
Synthetic Gear Lubricant (GM Part No. 12378261) or
equivalent meeting GM Specification 9986115. To
completely refill after draining, add 4 ounces (118 ml)
of Limited
-Slip Differential Lubricant Additive (GM
Part No. 1052358) or equivalent. Then fill to the bottom
of the filler plug hole with the Synthetic Gear Lubricant.
Radiator Pressure Cap
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.

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6-30 Checking Coolant
The vehicle must be on a level surface. 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.
5.7L V8 Engine Only
If this light comes on and stays on, it means you're low
on engine coolant.
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 ªEngine
Overheatingº in the Index for information.

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6-31
CAUTION:
Turning 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.
Add coolant mixture at the recovery tank, but be careful
not to spill it.
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.
Power Steering Fluid
The power steering fluid
reservoir is located toward
the rear 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.

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6-73
Normal Maintenance
Replacement Parts
Air Cleaner Filter A1163C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery 75
-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil Filter
3800 V6 PF47. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.7L V8 PF44. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel Filter
3800 V6 G627. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.7L V8 GF578. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PCV Valve
3800 V6 CV892C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.7L V8 CV895C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator Cap RC24. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spark Plug
3800 V6 41
-921 (0.060 inch gap) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.7L V8 41
-931 (0.060 inch gap) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
Type Hook. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Length 24 inches (610 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle Dimensions
Length
Firebird/Formula 193.3 (491.1). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trans AM/GT 193.7 (491.3). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Width 74.4 inches (189.0 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Height
Coupe 52.0 inches (131.2 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Convertible
Firebird/Formula 52.7 inches (134.0 cm). . . . . . .
Trans Am/GT 52.4 inches (133.1 cm). . . . . . . . . .
Wheelbase 101.1 inches (256.6 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Tread 60.7 inches (154.2 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Tread 60.6 inches (154.0 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Scheduled Maintenance
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7-16
150,000 Miles (240 000 km)

Drain, flush and refill cooling system (or every 60 months since last service,
whichever occurs first). See ªEngine Coolantº in the Index for what to use.
Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser, pressure cap and neck. Pressure test
the cooling system and pressure cap.
An Emission Control Service.ACTUAL
SERVICED BY:MILEAGE
DATE

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7-21
Part C: Periodic Maintenance
Inspections
Listed in this part are inspections and services which
should be performed at least twice a year (for instance,
each spring and fall). You should let your dealer's
service department or other qualified service center
do these jobs. Make sure any necessary repairs are
completed at once.
Proper procedures to perform these services may be
found in a service manual. See ªService and Owner
Publicationsº in the Index.
Steering and Suspension Inspection
Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering
system for damaged, loose or missing parts, signs of
wear or lack of lubrication. Inspect the power steering
lines and hoses for proper hook
-up, binding, leaks,
cracks, chafing, etc.
Exhaust System Inspection
Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body
near the exhaust system. Look for broken, damaged,
missing or out
-of-position parts as well as open seams,
holes, loose connections or other conditions which could
cause a heat build
-up in the floor pan or could let
exhaust fumes into the vehicle. See ªEngine Exhaustº
in the Index.
Engine Cooling System Inspection
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they are
cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes, fittings
and clamps; replace as needed. Clean the outside of the
radiator and air conditioning condenser. To help ensure
proper operation, a pressure test of the cooling system
and pressure cap is recommended at least once a year.

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9-9
Radiator 5-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator Pressure Cap 6-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radio Reception 3-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radios 3-6, 3-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rain, Driving In 4-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear
Axle Service 7
-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cargo Cover 2-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat Passengers 1-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat Position 1-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Window Defogger 3-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Axle 6-27, 7-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Lamps Bulb Replacement 6-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Sidemarker Bulb Replacement 6-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rearview, Inside Day/Night Mirror 2-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reclining Front Seatbacks 1-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 7-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recovery Tank, Coolant 5-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recreational Vehicle Towing 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reduced Engine Power Light 2-90 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Refrigerants, Air Conditioning 6-72 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote
Hatch Release 2
-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keyless Entry 2-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keyless Entry Transmitter Locking 2-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement
Bulbs 6
-71 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parts 6-73 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel 6-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash 1-50 . . . . . . .
Replacing Safety Belts 1-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reporting Safety Defects 8-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Restraints
Checking 1
-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child 1-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Head 1-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing Parts After a Crash 1-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Check 7-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Top Strap 1-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Retained Accessory Power 2-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reverse, Automatic Transmission 2-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reverse, Manual Transmission 2-33, 2-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Right Front Passenger Position 1-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Roadside Assistance 8-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Roadside Assistance, Canadian 8-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rocking Your Vehicle 5-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rotation, Tires 6-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety Belt Extender 1-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety Belts 1-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adults 1-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care 6-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Children 1-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driver Position 1-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Extender 1-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to Wear Properly 1-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Incorrect Usage 1-18, 1-19, 1-20, 1-21, 1-48, 1-49 . . . . .
Lap-Shoulder 1-15, 1-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Larger Children 1-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Questions and Answers 1-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Seat Passenger Positions 1-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reminder Light 1-9, 2-78 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing After a Crash 1-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Right Front Passenger Position 1-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .