1999 PONTIAC FIREBIRD transmission oil

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4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and store
the cord as it was before to keep it away from moving
engine parts. If you don't, it could be damaged.
How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged
in? The answer depends on the outside temperature, the
kind of oil you have, and some other things. Instead of
trying to list everything here, we ask that you contact
your dealer in the area where you'll be parking your
vehicle. The dealer can give you the best advice for that
particular area.
Automatic Transmission Operation
There are several different positions for your shift lever.
PARK (P): This locks your rear wheels. It's the best
position to use when you start your engine because your
vehicle can't move easily.
CAUTION:
It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the
shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
Don't leave your vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. If you have left the
engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be sure your
vehicle won't move, even when you're on fairly
level ground, always set your parking brake and
move the shift lever to PARK (P).
See ªShifting Into PARK (P)º in the Index. If
you're pulling a trailer, see ªTowing a Trailerº
in the Index.
Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before
starting the engine. Your vehicle has a

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4-40 Maintenance When Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service more often when you're
pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance Schedule for more
on this. Things that are especially important in trailer
operation are automatic transmission fluid (don't
overfill), engine oil, axle lubricant, drive belts, cooling
system and brake system. Each of these is covered in
this manual, and the Index will help you find them
quickly. If you're trailering, it's a good idea to review
this information before you start your trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
Your cooling system may temporarily overheat during
severe operating conditions. See ªEngine Overheatingº
in the Index.

6-
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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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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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When you open the hood of the 5.7L V8 engine you'll see:
A. Engine Coolant Reservoir
B. Battery
C. Engine Oil Dipstick
D. Engine Oil Fill CapE. Windshield Washer
Fluid Reservoir
F. Engine Cooling Fans
G. Automatic Transmission Fluid
Dipstick (If Equipped)H. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
I. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
J. Brake Fluid Reservoir
K. Clutch Fluid Reservoir
(If Equipped)

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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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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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Cooling System
3800 V6
With Manual Transmission 11.6 quarts (11.0 L). . . .
With Automatic Transmission 11.4 quarts (10.8 L). . .
5.7L V8
With Manual Transmission 11.9 quarts (11.3 L). . . .
With Automatic Transmission 11.8 quarts (11.2 L). .
Crankcase
Oil and
Filter Change 3800 V6 (VIN K) 4.5 quarts (4.3 L). . .
5.7L V8 (VIN G) 5.5 quarts (5.2 L)
Fuel Tank 16.8 gallons (63.6 L). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual Transmission
Five
-Speed 3.4 quarts (3.2 L). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Six
-Speed 4 quarts (3.8 L). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Axle Lubricant 1.75 quarts (1.7 L). . . . . . . . . . .
NOTE: All capacities are approximate. When adding, be
sure to fill to the appropriate level, as recommended in
this manual. Recheck fluid level after filling.
Engine Specifications
Type
VIN Engine Code K 3800 V6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VIN Engine Code G 5.7L V8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel Delivery Fuel Injection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Valve Arrangement In
-Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Displacement
3800 V6 231 cubic inches (3791 cc). . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.7L V8 350 cubic inches (5662 cc). . . . . . . . . . . . .
Firing Order
3800 V6 1
-6-5-4-3-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.7L V8 1
-8-7-2-6-5-4-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel Nut Torque 100 lb
-ft (140 N´m) . . . . . . . . . . .
Thermostat Starts
to Open 177
-184
F (81

-85
C) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Conditioning Refrigerants
Not all air conditioning refrigerants are the same.
If the air conditioning system in your vehicle needs
refrigerant, be sure the proper refrigerant is used.
If you're not sure, ask your dealer.