1999 PONTIAC FIREBIRD parking brake

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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

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2-80 Brake System Warning Light
Your vehicle's hydraulic brake system is divided into
two parts. If one part isn't working, the other part can
still work and stop you. For good braking, though, you
need both parts working well.
If the warning light comes on, there is a brake problem.
Have your brake system inspected right away.
This light should come on
briefly when you turn the
ignition key to RUN. If it
doesn't come on then, have
it fixed so it will be ready
to warn you if there's
a problem.
If the light comes on while you are driving, pull off the
road and stop carefully. You may notice that the pedal is
harder to push. Or, the pedal may go closer to the floor.
It may take longer to stop. If the light is still on, have the
vehicle towed for service. (See ªTowing Your Vehicleº
in the Index.)
CAUTION:
Your brake system may not be working properly
if the brake system warning light is on. Driving
with the brake system warning light on can lead
to an accident. If the light is still on after you've
pulled off the road and stopped carefully, have
the vehicle towed for service.
When the ignition is on, the brake system warning light
will also come on when you set your parking brake. The
light will stay on if your parking brake doesn't release
fully. If it stays on after your parking brake is fully
released, it means you have a brake problem.

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4-39 Parking on Hills
CAUTION:
You really should not park your vehicle, with a
trailer attached, on a hill. If something goes
wrong, your rig could start to move. People can
be injured, and both your vehicle and the trailer
can be damaged.
But if you ever have to park your rig on a hill, here's
how to do it:
1. Apply your regular brakes, but don't shift into
PARK (P) yet, or into gear for a manual transmission.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the
regular brakes until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the regular brakes. Then apply your parking
brake, and then shift to PARK (P), or REVERSE (R)
for a manual transmission.
5. Release the regular brakes.
When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down
while you:

Start your engine;

Shift into a gear; and

Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.

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2. Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper cables
can reach, but be sure the vehicles aren't touching
each other. If they are, it could cause a ground
connection you don't want. You wouldn't be able to
start your vehicle, and the bad grounding could
damage the electrical systems.
To avoid the possibility of the vehicles rolling, set the
parking brake firmly on both vehicles involved in the
jump starting procedure. Put an automatic
transmission in PARK (P) before setting the
parking brake.
3. Turn off the ignition on both vehicles. Unplug
unnecessary accessories plugged into the cigarette
lighter. Turn off all lamps that aren't needed as well
as radios. This will avoid sparks and help save both
batteries. In addition, it could save your radio!
NOTICE:
If you leave your radio on, it could be badly
damaged. The repairs wouldn't be covered by
your warranty.
4. Open the hoods and locate the batteries.
CAUTION:
An electric fan can start up even when the engine
is not running and can injure you. Keep hands,
clothing and tools away from any underhood
electric fan.
Find the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals on
each battery.

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Changing a Flat Tire
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire and wheel damage
by driving slowly to a level place. Turn on your hazard
warning flashers.
CAUTION:
Changing a tire can cause an injury. The vehicle
can slip off the jack and roll over you or other
people. You and they could be badly injured.
Find a level place to change your tire. To help
prevent the vehicle from moving:
1. Set the parking brake firmly.
2. Put an automatic transmission shift
lever in PARK (P), or shift a manual
transmission to FIRST (1) or
REVERSE (R).
3. Turn off the engine.
To be even more certain the vehicle won't move,
you can put blocks at the front and rear of the
tire farthest away from the one being changed.
That would be the tire on the other side of the
vehicle, at the opposite end.
The following steps will tell you how to use the jack and
change a tire.
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools
The equipment you'll need is in the rear area behind the
trim panel on the passenger's side.
First you must remove the cargo cover. See ªCargo
Coverº in the Index.

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Checking the Fluid Level

Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the
engine running.

With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever
in PARK (P).

With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift
lever through each gear range, pausing for about
three seconds in each range. Then, position the shift
lever in PARK (P).

Let the engine run at idle for three minutes or more.Then, without shutting off the engine, follow
these steps:
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