2001 PONTIAC FIREBIRD maintenance

6-35
Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean something is wrong with
your brakes.
When you have the front or rear brake pads replaced,
have the other brakes inspected, too.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
See ªBrake System Inspectionº in Section 7 of this
manual under Part C ªPeriodic Maintenance Inspections.º
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return to
normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in pedal
travel. This could be a sign of brake trouble.
Brake Adjustment
Every time you make a moderate brake stop, your disc
brakes adjust for wear. If you rarely make a moderate or
heavier stop, then your brakes might not adjust correctly.
If you drive in that way, then
-- very carefully -- make
a few moderate brake stops about every 1,000 miles
(1 600 km), so your brakes will adjust properly.The parking brake system has separate brake linings that
do not self adjust for wear. If the parking brake lever
pulls up more than eighteen clicks, the parking brakes
need adjustment. See your dealer.
Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a vehicle is complex. Its many
parts have to be of top quality and work well together if
the vehicle is to have really good braking. Your vehicle
was designed and tested with top
-quality GM brake
parts. When you replace parts of your braking
system
-- for example, when your brake linings wear
down and you have to have new ones put in
-- be sure
you get new approved GM replacement parts. If you
don't, your brakes may no longer work properly.
For example, if someone puts in brake linings that are
wrong for your vehicle, the balance between your
front and rear brakes can change
-- for the worse.
The braking performance you've come to expect can
change in many other ways if someone puts in the
wrong replacement brake parts.

6-36
Battery
Your new vehicle comes with a maintenance free
ACDelco
battery. When it's time for a new battery,
get one that has the replacement number shown on the
original battery's label. We recommend an ACDelco
battery. See ªEngine Compartment Overviewº in the
Index for battery location.
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.
Vehicle Storage
If you're not going to drive your vehicle for 25 days
or more, remove the black, negative (
-) cable from
the battery. This will help keep your battery from
running down.
CAUTION:
Batteries have acid that can burn you and gas
that can explode. You can be badly hurt if you
aren't careful. See ªJump Startingº in the Index
for tips on working around a battery without
getting hurt.
Contact your dealer to learn how to prepare your vehicle
for longer storage periods.
Also, for your audio system, see ªTheft
-Deterrent
Featureº in the Index.

6-42
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected at least
twice a year for wear or cracking. See ªWiper Blade
Checkº in the Index.
Replacement blades come in different types and are
removed in different ways. For the proper type and
length, see ªNormal Maintenance Replacement Partsº
in the Index.
1. Pull the windshield wiper arm away from
the windshield.
2. Push the release lever and slide the wiper assembly
toward the driver's side of the vehicle.
3. Install a new blade by reversing Steps 1 and 2.

6-43 Wiper Blade Element Replacement
To replace the wiper blade element, follow these steps:
1. Locate the heel end of the wiper blade assembly that
has the two notches held by the wiper blade claw.
2. Hold the wiper blade assembly with one hand
and pull the element gently with the other hand.
(Replacement blade elements have three plastic caps
which retain two metal strips. Do not remove these
caps before the element is installed.)3. At the heel end of the wiper blade assembly, notched
end of blade element last, slide the blade element
into the blade claw sets. The plastic retainer caps
will be forced off as the element is fully inserted.
Make sure that all the claw sets are properly engaged
in the slots of the blade element.
4. Install the wiper blade assembly on the wiper arm.
For information on wiper blade replacement length and
type, see ªNormal Maintenance Replacement Partsº in
the Index.
NOTICE:
Never open your hood with the wiper arms in
the ªService Up Positionº (wiper arms pulled
away from the windshield) because the hood will
deflect the wiper arms into the windshield and
may cause the windshield to crack.

6-46
When to Check
Check your tires once a month or more.
Don't forget your compact spare tire. It should be
at 60 psi (420 kPa).
How to Check
Use a good quality pocket
-type gage to check tire
pressure. You can't tell if your tires are properly inflated
simply by looking at them. Radial tires may look
properly inflated even when they're underinflated.
Be sure to put the valve caps back on the valve stems.
They help prevent leaks by keeping out dirt and moisture.
Tire Inspection and Rotation
Tires should be rotated every 6,000 to 8,000 miles
(10 000 to 13 000 km). Any time you notice unusual
wear, rotate your tires as soon as possible and check
wheel alignment. Also check for damaged tires or wheels.
See ªWhen It's Time for New Tiresº and ªWheel
Replacementº later in this section for more information.The purpose of regular rotation is to achieve more
uniform wear for all tires on the vehicle. The first
rotation is the most important. See ªScheduled
Maintenance Servicesº in the Index for scheduled
rotation intervals.
If you don't have P245/50ZR16 Goodyear Eagle GS-C
tires or P275/40ZR17 Goodyear Eagle F1
-GS tires,
use the rotation pattern shown above for your tires.

6-60
Finish Damage
Any stone chips, fractures or deep scratches in the finish
should be repaired right away. Bare metal will corrode
quickly and may develop into a major repair expense.
Minor chips and scratches can be repaired with touch
-up
materials available from your dealer or other service
outlets. Larger areas of finish damage can be corrected
in your dealer's body and paint shop.
Underbody Maintenance
Chemicals used for ice and snow removal and dust
control can collect on the underbody. If these are not
removed, accelerated corrosion (rust) can occur on
the underbody parts such as fuel lines, frame,
floor pan and exhaust system even though they
have corrosion protection.At least every spring, flush these materials from the
underbody with plain water. Clean any areas where mud
and other debris can collect. Dirt packed in closed areas
of the frame should be loosened before being flushed.
Your dealer or an underbody car washing system can do
this for you.
Chemical Paint Spotting
Some weather and atmospheric conditions can create
a chemical fallout. Airborne pollutants can fall upon
and attack painted surfaces on your vehicle. This
damage can take two forms: blotchy, ringlet
-shaped
discolorations, and small irregular dark spots etched
into the paint surface.
Although no defect in the paint job causes this, Pontiac
will repair, at no charge to the owner, the surfaces of
new vehicles damaged by this fallout condition within
12 months or 12,000 miles (20 000 km) of purchase,
whichever occurs first.

6-71
Firing Order
3800 V6 1
-6-5-4-3-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.7L V8 1
-8-7-2-6-5-4-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Thermostat Temperature Specification
3800 V6 195
F (91
C) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.7L V8 180
F (82
C) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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 ´PTJ16R15 (0.060 inch Gap). . . . . . . . . . . .
Denso Type Number
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
Type Hook. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Length 24.0 inches (60.3 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
*ACDelco

part number.
Vehicle Dimensions
Length
Firebird/Formula 193.3 inches (491.1 cm). . . . . . . . .
Trans Am/GT 193.7 inches (491.9 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). . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7-
7-1
Section 7 Maintenance Schedule
This section covers the maintenance required for your vehicle. Your vehicle needs these services to retain its safety,
dependability and emission control performance.
7
-2 Introduction
7
-4 Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services
7
-17 Part B: Owner Checks and Services7
-22 Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections
7
-24 Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
7
-26 Part E: Maintenance Record