2001 PONTIAC FIREBIRD engine coolant

ix
For example,
these symbols
are used on an
original battery:
CAUTION
POSSIBLE
INJURY
PROTECT
EYES BY
SHIELDING
CAUSTIC
BATTERY
ACID COULD
CAUSE
BURNS
AVOID
SPARKS OR
FLAMES
SPARK OR
FLAME
COULD
EXPLODE
BATTERY
These symbols
are important for
you and your
passengers
whenever your
vehicle is driven:
CHILD
RESTRAINT
TOP STRAP
ANCHOR
DOOR LOCK
UNLOCK
FASTEN
SEAT
BELTS
POWER
WINDOW
AIR BAG
These symbols
have to do with
your lamps:
MASTER
LIGHTING
SWITCH
TURN
SIGNALS
PARKING
LAMPS
HAZARD
WARNING
FLASHER
DAYTIME
RUNNING
LAMPS
FOG LAMPS
These symbols
are on some of
your controls:
WINDSHIELD
WIPER
WINDSHIELD
WASHER
WINDSHIELD
DEFROSTER
REAR
WINDOW
DEFOGGER
VENTILATING
FAN
These symbols
are used on
warning and
indicator lights:
ENGINE
COOLANT
TEMP
BATTERY
CHARGING
SYSTEM
BRAKE
COOLANT
ENGINE OIL
PRESSURE
ANTI-LOCK
BRAKES
Here are some
other symbols
you may see:
FUSE
LIGHTER
HORN
FUEL
Vehicle Symbols
These are some of the symbols you may find on your vehicle. Also see ªWarning Lights and Gagesº in the Index.

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 Windows
2
-4 Keys
2
-6 Door Locks
2
-8 Keyless Entry System (If Equipped)
2
-13 Hatch
2
-16 Theft
2
-17 Content Theft-Deterrent/Alarm System
(If Equipped)
2
-20 PASS-Key
II
2
-29 New Vehicle ªBreak-Inº
2
-30 Ignition Positions
2
-32 Starting Your Engine
2
-35 Engine Coolant Heater (Canada Only)
2
-37 Automatic Transmission Operation
2
-40 Manual Transmission Operation
2
-44 Parking Brake
2
-45 Shifting Into PARK (P)
(Automatic Transmission Only)2
-47 Shifting Out of PARK (P)
(Automatic Transmission Only)
2
-47 Parking Your Vehicle (Manual Transmission
Models Only)
2
-48 Parking Over Things That Burn
2
-48 Engine Exhaust
2
-49 Running Your Engine While You're Parked
(Automatic Transmission)
2
-50 Limited-Slip Rear Axle
2
-50 Tilt Wheel
2
-51 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
2
-56 Exterior Lamps
2
-59 Interior Lamps
2
-60 Mirrors
2
-62 Storage Compartments
2
-65 T-Top Roof Panels (If Equipped)
2
-72 Convertible Top (If Equipped)
2
-80 The Instrument Panel -- Your Information System
2
-84 Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators

2-35
NOTICE:
Your engine is designed to work with the
electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical
parts or accessories, you could change the way
the engine operates. Before adding electrical
equipment, check with your dealer. If you don't,
your engine might not perform properly.
Engine Coolant Heater
(Canada Only)
In very cold weather, 0
F (-18
C) or colder, the
engine coolant heater can help. You'll get easier starting
and better fuel economy during engine warm
-up.
Usually, the coolant heater should be plugged in a
minimum of four hours prior to starting your vehicle.

2-36 To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.
The cord is attached to the outside of the underhood
fuse box.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110
-volt AC outlet.
CAUTION:
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet
could cause an electrical shock. Also, the wrong
kind of extension cord could overheat and cause
a fire. You could be seriously injured. Plug the
cord into a properly grounded three
-prong
11 0
-volt AC outlet. If the cord won't reach,
use a heavy
-duty three-prong extension cord
rated for at least 15 amps.
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.

2-43
If your speed drops below 20 mph (32 km/h), or if the
engine is not running smoothly, you should downshift to
the next lower gear. You may have to downshift two or
more gears to keep the engine running smoothly or for
good performance.
NOTICE:
If you skip more than one gear when you
downshift, or if you race the engine when
you downshift, you can damage the clutch
or transmission.
Skip Shift Light (5.7L V8 Engine)
When the SKIP SHIFT light
is on, the gearshift lever
will let you shift from
FIRST (1) to FOURTH (4)
instead of shifting from
FIRST (1) to SECOND (2).
Once you are in FOURTH (4), you can press the clutch
again and shift into another gear.
This feature helps you get the best possible fuel economy.It will come on under these conditions:

The engine coolant temperature is greater than
170F (77C),

you are going 15 to 20 mph (24 to 32 km/h) and

you are at 35 percent throttle or less.
Follow the shift speeds listed below when the SKIP
SHIFT light is on.
Computer
-Aided Manual Transmission Shift Speeds

1st to 4th @ 15 mph (24 km/h)

4th to 5th @ 25 mph (40 km/h)*

5th to 6th @ 49 mph (64 km/h)**
Each time you come to a stop, the engine's Powertrain
Control Module (PCM) determines when to activate the
skip shift upshift system. The skip shift upshift system is
bypassed when you accelerate very quickly from a stop.
*30 mph (48 km/h) when accelerating to
highway speeds.
**45 mph (72 km/h) when accelerating to
highway speeds.

2-89
If the traction control system warning light comes on
and stays on for an extended period of time when the
system is turned on, your vehicle needs service.
Low Traction Light
When your anti-lock system
is adjusting brake pressure
to help avoid a braking skid,
this light will come on.
If you have the traction control system, this light will
also come on when the system is limiting wheel spin.
You may feel or hear the system working, but this is
normal. Slippery road conditions may exist if the
low traction light comes on, so adjust your driving
accordingly. The light will stay on for a few seconds
after the traction control system stops limiting
wheel spin.
The low traction light also comes on briefly when you
turn the ignition key to RUN. If the light doesn't come
on then, have it fixed so it will be there to tell you when
the anti
-lock brake system or traction control system
is active.
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
This gage shows the engine
coolant temperature. If the
gage pointer moves into
the red area, your engine
is approaching an
overheating condition.
If you have been operating your vehicle under normal
driving conditions, you should pull off the road, stop
your vehicle and turn off the engine as soon as possible.
See ªEngine Overheatingº in the Index.

3-3
BI-LEVEL: This setting directs air through the
upper air vents and the heater ducts.
VENT: This setting directs air through the upper
air vents.
HEATER: This setting directs most of the air
through the heater ducts and some of the air through the
windshield defroster vents.
BLEND: This setting directs air through the
windshield defroster vents and the heater ducts.
DEFROST: This setting directs most of the air
through the windshield defroster vents and some of the
air through the heater ducts.
Cooling
The air conditioner works best if you keep your
windows closed. On very hot days, open the windows
just long enough for the hot air to escape.
1. Turn the air control knob to A/C for normal cooling.
For faster cooling, turn the knob to MAX.
2. Turn the temperature control knob to a
comfortable setting.
3. Turn the fan control knob to the desired speed.
Heating
The heater works best if you keep your windows closed
while using it.
1. Turn the air control knob to HEATER.
2. Turn the fan control knob to the desired speed.
3. Turn the temperature control knob to a
comfortable setting.
During initial start
-up only, if your vehicle is equipped
with an optional engine coolant heater, you can use it in
cold weather (around +20
F/
-8
C or lower) to improve
heater performance on initial start up. See ªEngine
Coolant Heaterº in the Index.
Bi
-Level
You may want to use bi
-level on cool, but sunny days.
This setting directs cool air toward your body and
warmer air toward your feet.
1. Turn the air control knob to BI
-LEVEL.
2. Turn the temperature control knob to a
comfortable setting.
3. Turn the fan control knob to the desired speed.

5-8
Engine Overheating
You will find a coolant temperature gage on your
instrument panel cluster. See ªEngine Coolant
Temperature Gageº in the Index.
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
This emergency operating mode allows your vehicle to
be driven to a safe place in an emergency situation.
Should an overheated engine condition exist, an
overheat protection mode which alternates firing groups
of cylinders helps prevent engine damage. In this mode,
you will notice a significant loss in power and engine
performance. The low coolant light may come on and
the temperature gage will indicate an overheat condition
exists. Towing a trailer in the overheat protection mode
should be avoided.
NOTICE:
After driving in the overheated engine protection
operating mode, to avoid engine damage, allow
the engine to cool before attempting any repair.
The engine oil will be severely degraded. Repair
the cause of coolant loss, change the oil and reset
the oil life system. See ªEngine Oilº in the Index.
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine