2000 PONTIAC FIREBIRD radiator cap

6-10
When you open the hood of the 3800 V6 engine, you'll see:
A. Engine Coolant Reservoir
B. Battery
C. Radiator Fill Cap
D. Engine Oil Fill Cap
E. Automatic Transmission Fluid
Dipstick (If Equipped)F. Windshield Washer
Fluid Reservoir
G. Engine Cooling Fans
H. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
I. Power Steering Fluid ReservoirJ. Engine Oil Dipstick
K. Brake Fluid Reservoir
L. Clutch Fluid Reservoir
(If Equipped)

6-28
NOTICE:
If you use an improper coolant mixture, your
engine could overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost wouldn't be covered by your
warranty. Too much water in the mixture can
freeze and crack the engine, radiator, heater core
and other parts.
If you have to add coolant more than four times a year,
have your dealer check your cooling system.
NOTICE:
If you use the proper coolant, you don't have to
add extra inhibitors or additives which claim to
improve the system. These can be harmful.
Checking Coolant
The vehicle must be on a level surface. When your engine
is cold, check the dipstick on the cap of the coolant
recovery tank. The coolant level should be at COLD, or a
little higher. When your engine is warm, the level on the
dipstick should be up to HOT, or a little higher.

6-29
Adding Coolant to the Recovery Tank
If you need more coolant, add the proper DEX
-COOL

coolant mixture at the coolant recovery tank, but only
when your engine is cool. If the tank is very low or
empty, also add coolant to the radiator. See ªEngine
Overheatingº in the Index for information.
CAUTION:
Turning the radiator pressure cap when the
engine and radiator are hot can allow steam and
scalding liquids to blow out and burn you badly.
Never turn the pressure cap
-- even a little --
when the engine and radiator are hot.
Add coolant mixture at the recovery tank, but be careful
not to spill it.
CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol,
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Don't spill coolant on a hot engine.
Occasionally check the coolant level in the radiator.
For information on how to add coolant to the radiator,
see ªCooling Systemº in the Index.
Radiator Pressure Cap
NOTICE:
Your radiator cap is an 18 psi (124 kPa)
pressure
-type cap and must be tightly installed to
prevent coolant loss and possible engine damage
from overheating. Be sure the arrows on the cap
line up with the overflow tube on the radiator
filler neck.

6-71
Normal Maintenance
Replacement Parts
Engine Air Cleaner/FilterA917C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery75
-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil Filter
3800 V6 PF47. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.7L V8 PF44. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel Filter
3800 V6 G627. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.7L V8 GF578. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PCV Valve
3800 V6 CV892C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.7L V8 CV948C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator CapRC24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spark Plug
3800 V6 ´41
-921 (0.060 inch Gap) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.7L V8 ´41
-952 (0.060 inch Gap) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
Type Hook. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Length 24.0 inches (60.1 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle Dimensions
Length
Firebird/Formula 193.3 inches (491.1 cm). . . . . . . .
Trans Am/GT 193.7 inches (491.1 cm). . . . . . . . . .
Width74.4 inches (189.0 cm) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Height
Coupe 52.0 inches (132.2 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Convertible
Firebird/Formula 52.7 inches (134.0 cm). . . . . . .
Trans AM/GT 52.4 inches (133.1 cm). . . . . . . . .
Wheelbase101.1 inches (256.6 cm) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Tread 60.7 inches (154.2 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Tread 60.6 inches (154.0 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Scheduled Maintenance
7-16
150,000 Miles (240 000 km)

Drain, flush and refill cooling system (or every 60 months since last service,
whichever occurs first). See ªEngine Coolantº in the Index for what to use.
Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser, pressure cap and neck. Pressure test
the cooling system and pressure cap.
An Emission Control Service.ACTUAL
SERVICED BY:MILEAGE
DATE

7-21
Part C: Periodic
Maintenance Inspections
Listed in this part are inspections and services which
should be performed at least twice a year (for instance,
each spring and fall). You should let your dealer's
service department or other qualified service center do
these jobs. Make sure any necessary repairs are
completed at once.
Proper procedures to perform these services may be
found in a service manual. See ªService and Owner
Publicationsº in the Index.
Steering and Suspension Inspection
Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering
system for damaged, loose or missing parts, signs of
wear or lack of lubrication. Inspect the power steering
lines and hoses for proper hook
-up, binding, leaks,
cracks, chafing, etc.
Exhaust System Inspection
Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body near
the exhaust system. Look for broken, damaged, missing or
out
-of-position parts as well as open seams, holes, loose
connections or other conditions which could cause a heat
build
-up in the floor pan or could let exhaust fumes into the
vehicle. See ªEngine Exhaustº in the Index.
Engine Cooling System Inspection
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they are
cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes, fittings
and clamps; replace as needed. Clean the outside of the
radiator and air conditioning condenser. To help ensure
proper operation, a pressure test of the cooling system and
pressure cap is recommended at least once a year.