1999 PONTIAC FIREBIRD steering wheel

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4-37 Driving with a Trailer
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Before setting out for the open road, you'll want to get
to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel of
handling and braking with the added weight of the
trailer. And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are
driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly as
responsive as your vehicle is by itself.
Before you start, check the trailer hitch and platform
(and attachments), safety chains, electrical connector,
lamps, tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and
then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure
the brakes are working. This lets you check your
electrical connection at the same time.
During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer brakes
are still working.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as you
would when driving your vehicle without a trailer. This
can help you avoid situations that require heavy braking
and sudden turns.
Passing
You'll need more passing distance up ahead when
you're towing a trailer. And, because you're a good deal
longer, you'll need to go much farther beyond the
passed vehicle before you can return to your lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand.
Then, to move the trailer to the left, just move that hand
to the left. To move the trailer to the right, move your
hand to the right. Always back up slowly and, if
possible, have someone guide you.

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5-24
8. Then fill the coolant recovery tank to the proper level.
If a Tire Goes Flat
It's unusual for a tire to ªblow outº while you're driving,
especially if you maintain your tires properly. If air goes
out of a tire, it's much more likely to leak out slowly.
But if you should ever have a ªblowout,º here are a few
tips about what to expect and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the flat tire will create a drag that
pulls the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off the
accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel firmly.
Steer to maintain lane position, and then gently brake to
a stop well out of the traffic lane.
A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts much like a
skid and may require the same correction you'd use in a
skid. In any rear blowout, remove your foot from the
accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle under control by
steering the way you want the vehicle to go. It may be
very bumpy and noisy, but you can still steer. Gently
brake to a stop
-- well off the road if possible.
If a tire goes flat, the next part shows how to use your
jacking equipment to change a flat tire safely.

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5-37
If You're Stuck: In Sand, Mud,
Ice or Snow
In order to free your vehicle when it is stuck, you will
need to spin the wheels, but you don't want to spin your
wheels too fast. The method known as ªrockingº can
help you get out when you're stuck, but you must
use caution.
CAUTION:
If you let your tires spin at high speed, they can
explode, and you or others could be injured. And,
the transmission or other parts of the vehicle can
overheat. That could cause an engine
compartment fire or other damage. When you're
stuck, spin the wheels as little as possible. Don't
spin the wheels above 35 mph (55 km/h) as shown
on the speedometer.
NOTICE:
Spinning your wheels can destroy parts of your
vehicle as well as the tires. If you spin the wheels
too fast while shifting your transmission back
and forth, you can destroy your transmission.
For information about using tire chains on your vehicle,
see ªTire Chainsº in the Index.
Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out
First, turn your steering wheel left and right. That will
clear the area around your front wheels. If your vehicle has
traction control, you should turn the system off. (See
ªTraction Control Systemº in the Index.) Then shift back
and forth between REVERSE (R) and a forward gear
(or with a manual transmission, between FIRST (1) or
SECOND (2) and REVERSE (R)), spinning the wheels as
little as possible. Release the accelerator pedal while you
shift, and press lightly on the accelerator pedal when the
transmission is in gear. By slowly spinning your wheels in
the forward and reverse directions, you will cause a
rocking motion that may free your vehicle. If that doesn't
get you out after a few tries, you may need to be towed
out. If you do need to be towed out, see ªTowing Your
Vehicleº in the Index.

6-
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6-1
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
Here you will find information about the care of your vehicle. This section begins with service and fuel information,
and then it shows how to check important fluid and lubricant levels. There is also technical information about your
vehicle, and a part devoted to its appearance care.
6
-2 Service
6
-3 Fuel
6
-5 Fuels in Foreign Countries
6
-6 Filling Your Tank
6
-8 Filling a Portable Fuel Container
6
-9 Checking Things Under the Hood
6
-12 Engine Oil
6
-18 Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
6
-20 Automatic Transmission Fluid
6
-24 Manual Transmission Fluid
6
-26 Hydraulic Clutch
6
-27 Rear Axle
6
-27 Thermostat
6
-28 Engine Coolant
6
-31 Power Steering Fluid
6
-32 Windshield Washer Fluid
6
-34 Brakes
6
-37 Battery6
-38 Bulb Replacement
6
-46 Tires
6
-55 Appearance Care
6
-55 Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
6
-57 Care of Safety Belts
6
-58 Cleaning Glass Surfaces
6
-59 Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
6
-61 Cleaning Aluminum or Chrome-Plated
Wheels (If Equipped)
6
-62 Underbody Maintenance
6
-63 GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
6
-64 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
6
-64 Service Parts Identification Label
6
-65 Electrical System
6
-71 Replacement Bulbs
6
-71 Capacities and Specifications
6
-72 Air Conditioning Refrigerants
6
-73 Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts

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6-67
Main Fuse Block
Fuse Usage
STOP/HAZARD Hazard Flashers, Brake Switch
Assembly
TURN B/U Traction Control Switch, Back/Up
Lamp Switch, Turn Flasher,
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
ModuleFuse Usage
STG WHEEL
CNTRLSteering Wheel Controls
RADIO ACCY Delco Monsoon Radio Amplifier,
Power Antenna, Remote CD
Player (Hatch)
TAIL LPS Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
Module, Headlamp Switch
HVAC HVAC Selector Switch, Rear
Defogger Switch/Timer
PWR ACCY Parking Lamp Relay, Hatch
Release Relay, Power Mirror
Switch, Radio, Shock Sensor,
Instrument Cluster
COURTESY Body Control Module (BCM)
GAUGES Body Control Module (BCM),
Brake
-Transmission Shift
Interlock (BTSI), Instrument
Cluster, Daytime Running Lamps
(DRL) Module
AIR BAG Air Bag

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6-68
Fuse Usage
CIG/ACCY Cigarette Lighter, Data Link
Connector (DLC), Auxiliary
Accessory Wire
DEFOG/SEATS Rear Defogger Switch/Timer,
Rear Defogger Timer/Relay,
Power Seats
IGN Aftermarket Use Only
STG WHEEL
CNTRLSteering Wheel Controls
WIPER/WASH Wiper Motor Assembly,
Wiper/Washer Switch
BATT Aftermarket Use Only
WINDOWS Power Windows Switch
(Right
-Hand, Left-Hand),
Express
-Down Module,
Convertible Top SwitchFuse Usage
IP DIMMER Door Illumination Lamp
(Right
-Hand, Left-Hand),
Headlamp Switch, Fog Lamp
Switch, Instrument Cluster, HVAC
Control Assembly, PRNDL
Illumination Lamp, Ashtray Lamp,
Radio, Rear Window Defogger
Switch/Timer, Traction Control
Switch (TCS), Convertible
Top Switch
ACCY Aftermarket Use Only
RADIO Body Control Module (BCM),
Radio, Amplifier, Steering Wheel
Controls
-Radio

9-
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9-1
Section 9 Index
A
ccessory Plug 2-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Bag 1-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How Does it Restrain 1-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How it Works 1-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Location 1-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Readiness Light 1-24, 2-79 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Servicing 1-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What Makes it Inflate 1-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What Will You See After it Inflates 1-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When Should it Inflate 1-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Cleaner/Filter 6-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Conditioning 3-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Conditioning Refrigerants 6-72 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alarm 2-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Arming the System 2-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Disarming the System 2-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passive Arming 2-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Door Lock Switch Locking 2-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shock Sensor 2-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alignment and Balance, Tire 6-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aluminum Wheels, Cleaning 6-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antenna, Power Mast Care 3-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antifreeze 6-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-Lock
Brake System Warning Light 2-81, 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appearance Care 6-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Appearance Care Materials 6
-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Arbitration Program 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ashtrays 2-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio Controls, Steering Wheel 3-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio Equipment, Adding 3-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio Systems 3-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic Transmission
Check 7
-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid 6-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Leaving Your Vehicle with the Engine Running 2-38 . . . . .
Operation 2-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Park Mechanism Check 7-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Running Engine While Parked 2-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting Into PARK (P) 2-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting Out of PARK (P) 2-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting Your Engine 2-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Torque Lock 2-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Axle, Rear 6-27, 7-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery 6-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump Starting 5-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement, Remote Keyless Entry 2-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warnings 5-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BBB Auto Line 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before Leaving On A Long Trip 4-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Better Business Bureau Mediation 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Blizzard 4-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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9-10
Safety Belts (Continued)
Smaller Children and Babies 1-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Use During Pregnancy 1-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warning Light 1-9, 2-78 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Why They Work 1-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety Chains 4-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety Defects, Reporting 8-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety Warnings and Symbols iii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Scheduled Maintenance 7
-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Scheduled Maintenance Services 7-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seatback Latches 1-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seatback, Reclining Front 1-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seats
Folding Rear 1
-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Four-Way Manual 1-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fully Articulating Sport 1-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual Front 1-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Four-Way Lumbar, Driver's 1-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Restraint Systems 1-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat Controls 1-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Securing a Child Restraint 1-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Six-Way Power 1-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Six-Way Power with Lumbar/Lateral Control 1-4 . . . . . . . .
Second Gear, Automatic Transmission 2-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Second Gear, Manual Transmission 2-32, 2-33 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service 6-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appearance Care 6-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulletins, Ordering 8-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Soon Light 2-84 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manuals, Ordering 8-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Owner Publications 8-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parts Identification Label 6-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Publications, Ordering 8-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vehicle Light 2
-88 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Work, Doing Your Own 6-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service Publications 8-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle 1-28 . . . . . . . . . . .
Sheet Metal Damage 6-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shift Speeds 2-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting
Automatic Transmission 2
-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Into PARK (P) 2-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual Transmission 2-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Out of PARK (P) 2-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shock Sensor 2-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Signaling Turns 2-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sixth Gear, Manual Transmission 2-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Skidding 4-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Skip Shift Light 2-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sound Equipment, Adding 3-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spare Tire, Compact 5-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Specifications and Capacities 6-71 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Specifications, Engine 6-72 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Speech Impaired, Customer Assistance 8-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Speedometer 2-77 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SRS 1-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stains, Cleaning 6-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starter Switch Check 7-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting Your Engine 2-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steam 5-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering 4-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio Wheel Controls 3-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In Emergencies 4-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power 4-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tips 4-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel, Tilt 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .