2000 PONTIAC FIREBIRD Owners Manual

2-69
NOTICE:
It is not recommended to lower the top if your
vehicle is out in cold weather (0
F /
-18
C or
lower), or you may damage top components.
NOTICE:
Before lowering the convertible top into the
storage area, be sure there are no objects in the
way of the folded, stored top. The weight of a
stored top on items in the storage area will cause
the convertible top back glass to break.
4. Unlock the front of the convertible top by pushing
on the smaller part of the latch, then pulling down
on the larger part of the latch. Be sure the hook
on the latch that attaches into the hole at the
windshield releases.

2-70
5. Make sure there is
nothing or anyone on or
around the top. Push and
hold the down arrow on
the lower part of the
convertible TOP switch.
The switch is located on the console in front of the
gearshift lever. The top will automatically lower into the
storage area.Installing the Boot Cover
After lowering the convertible top, you may want to
install the boot cover. The three
-piece boot cover is
stored in a bag in the trunk area.
1. Flip the two convertible top latches to the
closed position.
2. Open the hatch and remove the two side covers and
middle section from the storage bag.

2-71
3. Install the two side covers by inserting the tab into
the front seatbelt cover. Lower the covers onto
the vehicle.4. Install the middle section of the cover by sliding the
tabs into the slots on the right side cover. Lower the
cover and insert the latch.
5. Close the hatch.

2-72 Removing Your Boot Cover
1. Open the hatch. Remove the middle piece of the
cover by pushing in on the latch and lifting up on
the cover.
2. Remove the two side pieces of the boot cover by
lifting the rear cover and sliding them out of
their slots.

2-73
3. Store each piece of the cover in its separate
compartment according to the graphic printed inside
of the storage bag. Store the bag in the trunk area
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).
2. Turn the ignition to ACC or RUN (or RAP must
be on).
3. Lower both sun visors and lower both windows at
least 3 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.

2-74
4. Push and hold the
up arrow on the top
part of the convertible
TOP switch.
5. Pull down on the center opening and align the hooks
with the holes. Push forward on the larger part of the
latch until it clicks. Do not force the latch. If it is
hard to lock, the top is not properly aligned.

2-75
NOTICE:
The convertible top may be tight when pushing
forward on the latch when your vehicle is new,
but it will loosen up with time. Make sure that
the hooks are properly aligned before using any
kind of force.
If your vehicle has a power loss, such as a dead battery,
you can still raise or lower the top manually by turning
the valve in the driver's side of the trunk area.
Open the hatch and find the tab located along the left
side trim panel. Lift up the tab and turn the valve
counterclockwise to release the hydraulic pressure. Turn
the ignition key to LOCK. You can now raise or lower
your top manually. Be sure to close the valve after
installing your top so you can raise or lower it
electrically later.

2-76
The Instrument Panel -- Your Information System