2000 PONTIAC FIREBIRD Owners Manual

1-45
Larger Children
Children who have outgrown child restraints should
wear the vehicle's safety belts.Accident statistics show that children are safer if they
are restrained in the rear seat. But they need to use the
safety belts properly.

Children who aren't buckled up can be thrown out in
a crash.

Children who aren't buckled up can strike other
people who are.

1-46
CAUTION:
Never do this.
Here two children are wearing the same belt. The
belt can't properly spread the impact forces. In a
crash, the two children can be crushed together
and seriously injured. A belt must be used by
only one person at a time.
Q:What if a child is wearing a lap-shoulder belt,
but the child is so small that the shoulder belt is
very close to the child's face or neck?
A:Move the child toward the center of the vehicle, but
be sure that the shoulder belt still is on the child's
shoulder, so that in a crash the child's upper body
would have the restraint that belts provide.

1-47
CAUTION:
Never do this.
Here a child is sitting in a seat that has a
lap
-shoulder belt, but the shoulder part is behind
the child. If the child wears the belt in this way, in
a crash the child might slide under the belt. The
belt's force would then be applied right on the
child's abdomen. That could cause serious or
fatal injuries.
Wherever the child sits, the lap portion of the belt
should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching
the child's thighs. This applies belt force to the child's
pelvic bones in a crash.

1-48
Safety Belt Extender
If the vehicle's safety belt will fasten around you, you
should use it.
But if a safety belt isn't long enough to fasten, your
dealer will order you an extender. It's free. When you go
in to order it, take the heaviest coat you will wear, so the
extender will be long enough for you. The extender will
be just for you, and just for the seat in your vehicle that
you choose. Don't let someone else use it, and use it
only for the seat it is made to fit. To wear it, just attach it
to the regular safety belt.
Checking Your Restraint Systems
Now and then, make sure the safety belt reminder light
and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and
anchorages are working properly. Look for any other
loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you see
anything that might keep a safety belt system from
doing its job, have it repaired.
Torn or frayed safety belts may not protect you in a
crash. They can rip apart under impact forces.
If a belt is torn or frayed, get a new one right away.
Also look for any opened or broken air bag covers, and
have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag system
does not need regular maintenance.)
Replacing Restraint System Parts
After a Crash
If you've had a crash, do you need new belts?
After a very minor collision, nothing may be necessary.
But if the belts were stretched, as they would be if worn
during a more severe crash, then you need new belts.
If belts are cut or damaged, replace them. Collision
damage also may mean you will need to have safety belt
or seat parts repaired or replaced. New parts and repairs
may be necessary even if the belt wasn't being used at
the time of the collision.
If an air bag inflates, you'll need to replace air bag
system parts. See the part on the air bag system earlier
in this section.

2-
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
2-14 Content Theft-Deterrent/Alarm
System (Option)
2
-17 PASS-Key
II
2-25 New Vehicle ªBreak-Inº
2-25 Ignition Positions
2-27 Starting Your Engine
2-30 Engine Coolant Heater (Canada Only)
2-32 Automatic Transmission Operation
2-35 Manual Transmission Operation
2-39 Parking Brake
2-40 Shifting Into PARK (P)
(Automatic Transmission Only)
2
-42 Shifting Out of PARK (P)
(Automatic Transmission)2
-42 Parking Your Vehicle (Manual Transmission)
2-43 Parking Over Things That Burn
2-43 Engine Exhaust
2-44 Running Your Engine While You're Parked
(Automatic Transmission)
2
-44 Limited-Slip Rear Axle
2-45 Windows
2-46 Tilt Wheel
2-46 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
2-51 Exterior Lamps
2-54 Interior Lamps
2-56 Mirrors
2-57 Storage Compartments
2-61 T-Top Roof Panels (If Equipped)
2-68 Convertible Top (If Equipped)
2-76 The Instrument Panel -- Your
Information System
2
-80 Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators

2-2
Keys
CAUTION:
Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignition
key is dangerous for many reasons. A child or
others could be badly injured or even killed.
They could operate the power windows or other
controls or even make the vehicle move. Don't
leave the keys in a vehicle with children.

2-3
This key is for the
ignition only.
This key is for the doors
and all other locks.
When a new vehicle is delivered, the dealer removes the
bar
-coded plugs from the door keys and gives them to
the first owner.However, the ignition keys don't have plugs. Instead,
they have bar
-coded key tags. These tags may be
removed by your dealer or even before the vehicle is
delivered to your dealer.
Each door key plug has a code on it that tells your dealer
or a qualified locksmith how to make extra door keys.
Keep the plugs in a safe place. If you lose your door
keys, you'll be able to have new ones made using
these plugs.
If you need a new ignition key, contact your dealer who
can obtain the correct key code. Remember to carry the
pre
-cut emergency key that Pontiac sends after delivery
(this service is not available in Canada). In an emergency,
call Pontiac Roadside Assistance at 1
-800-ROADSIDE or
1
-800-762-3743. (In Canada call 1-800-268-6800.)
NOTICE:
Your vehicle has a number of new features that
can help prevent theft. But you can have a lot of
trouble getting into your vehicle if you ever lock
your keys inside. You may even have to damage
your vehicle to get in. So be sure you have
extra keys.

2-4
Door Locks
CAUTION:
Unlocked doors can be dangerous.
Passengers -- especially children -- can easily
open the doors and fall out. When a door is
locked, the inside handle won't open it.
Outsiders can easily enter through an unlocked
door when you slow down or stop your vehicle.
This may not be so obvious: You increase the
chance of being thrown out of the vehicle in a
crash if the doors aren't locked. Wear safety belts
properly, lock your doors, and you will be far
better off whenever you drive your vehicle.
There are several ways to lock and unlock your vehicle.
From the outside, use your door key. If your vehicle has
the content theft
-deterrent/alarm system and it is armed,
unlocking and opening a door this way will set off the
alarm after eight seconds unless the ignition key is
inserted into the ignition. See ªContent
Theft
-Deterrent/Alarm Systemº in the Index.
To lock the door from the inside, slide the lock control
located on the door rearward.
To unlock the door, slide the lock control located on the
door forward.