1999 PONTIAC FIREBIRD change time

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6-20
4. Close the cover without overlap (the clamp will not
latch with overlap) and latch the clamps.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
When to Check and Change
A good time to check your automatic transmission fluid
level is when the engine oil is changed.
Change both the fluid and filter every 15,000 miles
(25 000 km) if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or
more of these conditions:

In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90F (32C) or higher.

In hilly or mountainous terrain.

Uses such as high performance operation.

When doing frequent trailer towing.

Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, change the fluid and filter every
50,000 miles (83 000 km).
See ªScheduled Maintenance Servicesº in the Index.

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6-24
3. Check both sides of the dipstick, and read the lower
level. The fluid level must be in the COLD area,
below the cross
-hatched area for a cold check or in
the HOT area or cross
-hatched area for a hot check.
4. If the fluid level is in the acceptable range, push the
dipstick back in all the way; then flip the handle
down to lock in place.
How to Add Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of transmission fluid to use. See ªRecommended
Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Index.
Add fluid only after checking the transmission fluid
while it is hot. (A cold check is used only as a
reference.) If the fluid level is low, add only enough of
the proper fluid to bring the level up to the HOT area for
a hot check. It doesn't take much fluid, generally less
than one pint (0.5 L). Don't overfill.
NOTICE:
We recommend you use only fluid labeled
DEXRON-III, because fluid with that label is
made especially for your automatic transmission.
Damage caused by fluid other than
DEXRON
-III is not covered by your new
vehicle warranty.

After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as
described under ªHow to Check.º

When the correct fluid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in all the way.
Manual Transmission Fluid
When to Check
A good time to have it checked is when the engine oil is
changed. However, the fluid in your manual
transmission doesn't require changing.

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6-37
See ªBrake System Inspectionº in Section 7 of this
manual under Part C ªPeriodic Maintenance
Inspections.º
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 eighteen clicks, the parking brakes need
adjustment. See your dealer.
Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a 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
Your new vehicle comes with an ACDelco Freedom

battery. 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.

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6-49
If you have P245/50ZR16 Goodyear Eagle GS-C tires
or P275/40ZR17 Goodyear Eagle F1
-GS tires, they
must roll in a certain direction for the best overall
performance. The direction is shown by an arrow on the
sidewall. Because these tires are directional, they should
be rotated as shown here. These tires should only be
moved from front to rear and rear to front on the same
side of the vehicle.
Don't include the compact spare tire in your
tire rotation.After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front and
rear inflation pressures as shown on the Tire
-Loading
Information label. Make certain that all wheelnuts are
properly tightened. See ªWheel Nut Torqueº in
the Index.
CAUTION:
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to which
it is fastened, can make wheel nuts become loose
after a time. The wheel could come off and cause
an accident. When you change a wheel, remove
any rust or dirt from places where the wheel
attaches to the vehicle. In an emergency, you can
use a cloth or a paper towel to do this; but be
sure to use a scraper or wire brush later, if you
need to, to get all the rust or dirt off. (See
ªChanging a Flat Tireº in the Index.)

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Scheduled Maintenance
7-5
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 ªOwner Checks and Servicesº and ªPeriodic
Maintenance Inspectionsº 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.* Your vehicle has an Engine Oil Life Monitor. This
monitor will show you when to change the engine oil
and filter
-- usually between 3,000 miles (5 000 km)
and 7,500 miles (12 500 km) since your last oil change.
Under severe conditions, the indicator may come on
before 3,000 miles (5 000 km). Never drive your vehicle
more than 7,500 miles (12 500 km) or 12 months
without an oil and filter change.
The system won't detect dust in the oil. So if you drive
in a dusty area, be sure to change your oil and filter
every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or sooner if the
OIL CHANGE light comes on. Remember to reset
the Oil Life Monitor whenever the oil is changed. For
more information, see ªOil Change Lightº in the Index.
+ A good time to check your brakes is during tire
rotation. See ªBrake System Inspectionº under ªPeriodic
Maintenance Inspectionsº in Part C of this schedule.

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8-11
Courtesy Rental Vehicle
When your vehicle is unavailable due to overnight
warranty repairs, your dealer may arrange to provide you
with a courtesy rental vehicle or reimburse you for a rental
vehicle you obtained, at actual cost, up to a maximum of
$30.00 per day supported by receipts. This requires that
you sign and complete a rental agreement and meet state,
local and rental vehicle provider requirements.
Requirements vary and may include minimum age
requirements, insurance coverage, credit card, etc. You are
responsible for fuel usage charges and may also be
responsible for taxes, levies, usage fees, excessive mileage
or rental usage beyond the completion of the repair.
Generally it is not possible to provide a like
-vehicle as a
courtesy rental.
Additional Program Information
Courtesy Transportation is available during the
Bumper
-to-Bumper warranty coverage period, but it is not
part of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. A separate
booklet entitled ªWarranty and Owner Assistance
Informationº furnished with each new vehicle provides
detailed warranty coverage information.
Courtesy Transportation is available only at
participating dealerships and all program options, such
as shuttle service, may not be available at every dealer.Please contact your dealer for specific information about
availability. All Courtesy Transportation arrangements
will be administered by appropriate dealer personnel.
Canadian Vehicles: For warranty repairs during the
Complete Vehicle Coverage period of the General
Motors of Canada New Vehicle Limited Warranty,
alternative transportation may be available under the
Courtesy Transportation Program. Please consult your
dealer for details.
General Motors reserves the right to unilaterally modify,
change or discontinue Courtesy Transportation at any
time and to resolve all questions of claim eligibility
pursuant to the terms and conditions described herein at
its sole discretion.
General Motors and participating dealerships reserve
the right to deny a rental vehicle to anyone not
possessing a valid motor vehicle operators license in
their name, anyone who is under the influence of alcohol
or drugs, or anyone whose mental or physical abilities
are impaired so as to be unable to operate a motor
vehicle safely.
Warranty Information
Your vehicle comes with a separate warranty booklet
that contains detailed warranty information.

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8-15
PUBLICATION FORM
NUMBEROrders will be mailed within 10 days of receipt. Please allow adequate time for postal
service. If further information is needed, write to the address shown below or call
1-800-551-4123. Material cannot be returned for credit without packing slip with return
information within 30 days of delivery. On returns, a re-stocking fee may be applied
against the original order. ORDER TOLL FREE
(NOTE: For Credit Card Holders Only)1-800-551-4123(Monday-Friday 8:00 AM ± 6:00 PM EST)
FAX Orders Only 1-313-865-5927
Service Manual
NOTE: Dealers and Companies please provide dealer or company name, and also the
name of the person to whose attention the shipment should be sent.
Mail completed order form to:
HELM, INCORPORATED
P.O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207
For purchases outside U.S.A. please write to the above address for quotation.
1999$90.00
1999
$50.00
1999
$20.00
1999
$15.00
TOTAL MATERIAL
Michigan Purchasers
U.S. Order Processing$6.00
Canadian Postage
GRAND TOTAL
add 6% sales tax
(See Note Below)
GM-PON-ORD99 *(Prices are subject to change without notice and without incurring
obligation. Allow ample time for delivery.)Note to Canadian Customers: All listed prices are quoted in U.S. funds. Canadian residents
are to make checks payable in U.S. funds. To cover Canadian postage, add $11.50 plus the
U.S. order processing.
(CUSTOMER'S NAME) (ATTENTION)
(STREET ADDRESSÐNO P.O. BOX NUMBERS)
(CITY) (ZIP CODE)
DAYTIME TELEPHONE NO.(STATE)
AREA CODE
( )P
Check or Money
Order payable to
Helm, Inc. (USA funds
only Ð
do not send cash.)
VISA
Discover
Account
Number:
Expiration
Date mo/yr:
CUSTOMER SIGNATURE
S
ITEM DESCRIPTIONNAME YEAR VEHICLE MODEL
QTY.PRICE
EACH*TOTAL
PRICE1
9
9
9
G
M
H
I
P

T
OA
Y
M
E
N
T
Owner's Manual Without Portfolio Owner's Manual In Portfolio Car & Light Truck
Transmission Unit Repair
MasterCard
Check here if your billing address
is different from your shipping
address shown.
PUBLICATION FORM
NUMBER

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9-3
Cleaner, Air 6-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning
Aluminum Wheels 6
-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chrome-Plated Wheels 6-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Convertible Top 6-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exterior Lamps/Lenses 6-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fabric/Carpet 6-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Glass Surfaces 6-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inside of Your Vehicle 6-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument Panel 6-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior Plastic Components 6-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Leather 6-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outside of Your Vehicle 6-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removable Roof Panel 6-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Special Problems 6-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stains 6-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tires 6-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vinyl 6-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels 6-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield and Wiper Blades 6-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning, Wiper Blades 6-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clock, Setting the 3-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Comfort Controls 3-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compact Disc Care 3-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compact Disc Player 3-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care 3-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Errors 3-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trunk-Mounted CD Changer 3-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compact Spare Tire 5-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Content Theft-Deterrent System 2-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Control
Loss Of 4
-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle 4-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Convertible Top 2
-66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning 6-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing the Boot Cover 2-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lowering 2-66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Raising 2-71 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removing the Boot Cover 2-70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Convex Outside Mirror 2-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant 6-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adding 6-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking 6-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heater, Engine 2-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recovery Tank 5-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Temperature Gage 2-82 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What to Use 6-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling System 5-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Courtesy Lamps 2-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Courtesy Transportation 8-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise Control 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone Users 8-5 . . . . . . . . .
Customer Assistance Information 8-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Customer Satisfaction Procedure 8-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Damage, Finish 6-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Damage, Sheet Metal 6-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Daytime Running Lamps 2-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dead Battery 5-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defects, Reporting Safety 8-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defensive Driving 4-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defogger, Rear Window 3-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defogging 3-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defrosting 3-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimensions, Vehicle 6-73 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dolby B Noise Reduction 3-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .