1999 PONTIAC FIREBIRD roof

2-
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2-1
Section 2 Features and Controls
Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your vehicle, and information on starting,
shifting and braking. Also explained are the instrument panel and the warning systems that tell you if everything is
working properly
-- and what to do if you have a problem.
2
-2 Keys
2
-4 Door Locks
2
-6 Keyless Entry System (If Equipped)
2
-11 Hatch
2
-12 Theft
2
-13 Content Theft-Deterrent System (Option)
2
-16 PASS-Key
II
2
-22 New Vehicle ªBreak-Inº
2
-23 Ignition Positions
2
-25 Starting Your Engine
2
-28 Engine Coolant Heater (Canada Only)
2
-29 Automatic Transmission Operation
2
-32 Manual Transmission Operation
2
-36 Parking Brake
2
-37 Shifting Into PARK (P) (Automatic
Transmission Only)
2
-39 Shifting Out of PARK (P)
(Automatic Transmission)2
-40 Parking Your Vehicle (Manual Transmission)
2
-40 Parking Over Things That Burn
2
-41 Engine Exhaust
2
-41 Running Your Engine While You're Parked
(Automatic Transmission)
2
-42 Windows
2
-43 Tilt Wheel
2
-44 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
2
-49 Exterior Lamps
2
-52 Interior Lamps
2
-54 Mirrors
2
-55 Storage Compartments
2
-59 Twin Lift-Off Roof Panels (If Equipped)
2
-66 Convertible Top (If Equipped)
2
-74 The Instrument Panel--Your
Information System
2
-78 Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators

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2-59
NOTICE:
When using the accessory plug:

The maximum load of any electrical
equipment should not exceed 3 amps.

Be sure to turn off any electrical equipment
when not in use. Leaving electrical
equipment on for extended periods can
drain your battery.
We recommend that you see a qualified technician or
your dealer for the proper installation of your equipment.
Floor Mats
Your vehicle's floor mats are custom-fitted to the floor
wells. Be sure the driver's floor mat is in place. If it
isn't, it could interfere with the accelerator pedal, brake
pedal or with the clutch pedal on manual transmissions.
Twin Lift-Off Roof Panels
(If Equipped)
Removing the Twin-Lift Off Roof Panels
CAUTION:
Don't try to remove the T-top panels while the
vehicle is moving. Trying to remove the T
-top
panel while the vehicle is moving could cause an
accident. The panel could fall into the vehicle and
cause you to lose control, or it could fly off and
strike another vehicle. You or others could be
injured. Remove the T
-top panel only when the
vehicle is parked.

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2-61 Storing the Twin Lift-Off Roof Panels
CAUTION:
If the T-top panel is not stored properly, it could
be thrown about the vehicle in a crash or sudden
maneuver. People in the vehicle could be injured.
Whenever you store the T
-top panel in the vehicle,
always be sure that it is stored securely in the
correct storage slot with the T
-top handle closed.
1. Open the cargo cover completely. Place the panel in
the correct slot (DRIVER or PASSENGER) in the rear
area of your vehicle. Make sure the handle is open and
facing you when you put it in the storage slot.

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2-62
2. Push the handle closed to secure the panel in the slot.
To lock each panel in the storage area, use your
door key.
Installing the Twin Lift-Off Roof Panels
CAUTION:
An improperly attached roof panel may fall into
or fly off the vehicle. You or others could be
injured. After installing the roof panel, always
check that it is firmly attached by pushing up on
the underside of the panel. Check now and then
to be sure the roof panel is firmly in place.
Reverse the steps to install the T-top panels.

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2-63
1. When installing the panels to the roof, keep the
outboard edge of the panel raised about three inches
(8 cm) above the roof while placing the inboard edge
of the panel under the center roof.2. After the inboard edge of the panel is in position under
the center roof rail, lower the outboard edge of the
panel into position, close the latch and lock the T
-top.

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2-64
NOTICE:
Do not attempt to install the panels by sliding
them horizontally toward the center roof rail.
Doing so may cause the weatherstrips to be
aligned improperly, which may result in leaks
and possible damage to the weatherstrips.
NOTICE:
High pressure car washes may cause water to
enter your vehicle. Never spray water directly at
the roof panel joints. This will cause leaks.
T-Top Sunshades
1. Start with the panel marked DRIVER FRONT.
Unlatch the driver's side T
-top, raise it halfway and
close the latch handle.
2. With the top raised and resting on the center roof
rail, slide the flat edge of the sunshade panel (with
the vinyl side to the glass) between the glass and
plastic trim, making sure the edge marked DRIVER
FRONT is pointing to the front of the vehicle.

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6-58
Cleaning Glass Surfaces
Glass should be cleaned often. GM Glass Cleaner or a
liquid household glass cleaner will remove normal
tobacco smoke and dust films on interior glass. (See
ªAppearance Care and Materialsº in the Index.)
Don't use abrasive cleaners on glass, because they may
cause scratches. Avoid placing decals on the inside rear
window, since they may have to be scraped off later. If
abrasive cleaners are used on the inside of the rear
window, an electric defogger element may be damaged.
Any temporary license should not be attached across the
defogger grid.
Cleaning the Outside of the
Windshield and Wiper Blades
If the windshield is not clear after using the windshield
washer, or if the wiper blade chatters when running,
wax, sap or other material may be on the blade
or windshield.
Clean the outside of the windshield with GM
Windshield Cleaner, Bon Ami

Powder (non-scratching
glass cleaning powder), GM Part No. 1050011. The
windshield is clean if beads do not form when you rinse
it with water.Grime from the windshield will stick to the wiper blades
and affect their performance. Clean the blade by wiping
vigorously with a cloth soaked in full
-strength
windshield washer solvent. Then rinse the blade
with water.
Check the wiper blades and clean them as necessary;
replace blades that look worn.
Weatherstrips
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply
silicone grease with a clean cloth at least every six
months. During very cold, damp weather more frequent
application may be required. (See ªRecommended
Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Index.)
Cleaning a Removable Roof Panel
Special care is necessary when cleaning, removing
and/or storing the roof panel.

Flush with water to remove dust and dirt, then dry
the panel.

Clean the panel with GM Glass Cleaner. Leave the
cleaner on the panel for one minute, then wipe the
panel with a soft, lint
-free cloth.

Don't use abrasive cleaning materials.

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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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .