2002 PONTIAC FIREBIRD service manual

6-73
Cooling System
3800 V6
With Manual Transmission 11.6 quarts (11.0 L). . . .
With Automatic
Transmission 11.4 quarts (10.8 L). . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.7L V8
With Manual Transmission 11.9 quarts (11.3 L). . . .
With Automatic
Transmission 11.8 quarts (11.2 L). . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil with Filter
3800 V6 4.5 quarts (4.3 L). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.7L V8 5.5 quarts (5.2 L). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel Tank16.8 U.S. gallons (63 L) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel Nut Torque100 lb
-ft (140 N´m) . . . . . . . . . .
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure
to fill to the appropriate level, as recommended in this
manual. Recheck fluid level after filling.
Engine Specifications
Type
VIN Engine Code K 3800 V6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VIN Engine Code G 5.7L V8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Conditioning Refrigerant Capacity
If you do your own service work, you'll need the proper
service manual. See ªDoing Your Own Service Workº in
the Index for additional information. It is recommended
that service work on your air conditioning system be
performed by a qualified technician.
Air Conditioning R
-134a 1.5 lbs (0.68 kg) . . . . . . . .
Use Refrigerant Oil, R134a Systems
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
Engine Air Cleaner/FilterA917C* . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil Filter
3800 V6 PF47*. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.7L V8 PF44*. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel Filter
3800 V6 G627*. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.7L V8 GF578*. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spark Plug
3800 V6 ´41
-921 (0.060 inch Gap)* . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.7L V8 ´41
-974 (0.060 inch Gap)* . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
Type Hook. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Length 24.0 inches (60.3 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
*ACDelco

part number.

Scheduled Maintenance
7-12
50,000 Miles (83 000 km)
If you haven't used your vehicle under severe conditions listed previously
and, therefore, haven't changed your automatic transmission fluid, change
both the fluid and filter. Manual transmission fluid doesn't require change.
52,500 Miles (87 500 km)
Rotate tires. See ªTire Inspection and Rotationº in the Index for proper
rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote +.)
60,000 Miles (100 000 km)
Change automatic transmission fluid and filter if the vehicle is mainly
driven under one or more of these conditions:
± In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature regularly
reaches 90
F (32
C) or higher.
± In hilly or mountainous terrain.
± When doing frequent trailer towing.
± Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these conditions, change the fluid
and filter every 50,000 miles (83 000 km).
ACTUAL
SERVICED BY:MILEAGE
DATE
ACTUAL
SERVICED BY:MILEAGE
DATE
ACTUAL
SERVICED BY:MILEAGE
DATE

Scheduled Maintenance
7-16
100,000 Miles (166 000 km)

Inspect spark plug wires.
An Emission Control Service.

Replace spark plugs.
An Emission Control Service.

If you haven't used your vehicle under severe service conditions listed
previously and, therefore, haven't changed your automatic transmission
fluid, change both the fluid and filter. Manual transmission fluid doesn't
require change.
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
ACTUAL
SERVICED BY:MILEAGE
DATE

7-18
Wiper Blade Check
Inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking. Replace blade
inserts that appear worn or damaged or that streak or
miss areas of the windshield. Also see ªWiper Blades,
Cleaningº in the Index.
Weatherstrip Lubrication
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply
silicone grease with a clean cloth. During very cold,
damp weather more frequent application may be
required. See ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº
in the Index.
Manual Transmission Check
Check the transmission fluid level; add if needed.
See ªManual Transmission Fluidº in the Index.
Check for leaks. A fluid leak is the only reason for fluid
loss. Have the system inspected and repaired if needed.Automatic Transmission Check
Check the transmission fluid level; add if needed.
See ªAutomatic Transmission Fluidº in the Index.
A fluid loss may indicate a problem. Check the system
and repair if needed.
Hydraulic Clutch System Check
Check the fluid level in the clutch reservoir. See
ªHydraulic Clutch Fluidº in the Index. A fluid loss in
this system could indicate a problem. Have the system
inspected and repaired at once.
At Least Once a Year
Key Lock Cylinders Service
Lubricate the key lock cylinders with the lubricant
specified in Part D.
Body Lubrication Service
Lubricate all body door hinges. Also lubricate all hinges
and latches, including those for the hood, headlamp door
assemblies, rear compartment, console doors and any
folding seat hardware. Part D tells you what to use.
More frequent lubrication may be required when
exposed to a corrosive environment.

7-19
Starter Switch Check
CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, the vehicle could
move suddenly. If it does, you or others could be
injured. Follow the steps below.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle.
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake and the regular
brake. See ªParking Brakeº in the Index if necessary.
Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to turn
off the engine immediately if it starts.
3. On automatic transmission vehicles, try to start the
engine in each gear. The starter should work only in
PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). If the starter works in
any other position, your vehicle needs service.
On manual transmission vehicles, put the shift lever
in NEUTRAL (N), push the clutch down halfway
and try to start the engine. The starter should work
only when the clutch is pushed down all the way to
the floor. If the starter works when the clutch isn't
pushed all the way down, your vehicle needs service.Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control
System Check
CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, the vehicle could
move suddenly. If it does, you or others could be
injured. Follow the steps below.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough
room around the vehicle. It should be parked on
a level surface.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake. See ªParking Brakeº
in the Index if necessary.
Be ready to apply the regular brake immediately if
the vehicle begins to move.
3. With the engine off, turn the key to the RUN
position, but don't start the engine. Without applying
the regular brake, try to move the shift lever out of
PARK (P) with normal effort. If the shift lever
moves out of PARK (P), your vehicle needs service.

7-20
Ignition Transmission Lock Check
While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn
the ignition key to LOCK in each shift lever position.

With an automatic transmission, the key should turn
to LOCK only when the shift lever is in PARK (P).

With a manual transmission, the key should turn to
LOCK only when you press the key release button.
On all vehicles, the key should come out only in LOCK.
Parking Brake and Automatic Transmission
PARK (P) Mechanism Check
CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, your vehicle
could begin to move. You or others could be
injured and property could be damaged. Make
sure there is room in front of your vehicle in case
it begins to roll. Be ready to apply the regular
brake at once should the vehicle begin to move.
Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing
downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake,
set the parking brake.

To check the parking brake's holding ability:
With the engine running and transmission in
NEUTRAL (N), slowly remove foot pressure from
the regular brake pedal. Do this until the vehicle is
held by the parking brake only.

To check the PARK (P) mechanism's holding
ability: With the engine running, shift to PARK (P).
Then release the parking brake followed by the
regular brake.
Underbody Flushing Service
At least every spring, use plain water to flush any
corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to
clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris
can collect.

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.
Fuel System Inspection
Inspect the complete fuel system for damage or leaks.

8-2
Pontiac Cares
With PONTIAC CARES, you are never more than
a phone call away from having your concern taken
care of.The PONTIAC CARES philosophy and elements are
designed to make you realize that Pontiac recognizes
you as a valuable customer, appreciates your purchase
decision, and is dedicated to taking care of the most
important person ... YOU! PONTIAC CARES is:
A valuable feature that comes with every Pontiac,
a feature that offers a multitude of benefits that can
give you safety, security, comfort and convenience.
What Makes Up Pontiac Cares?

A 3 year/36,000 mile (60 000 km)
Bumper
-to-Bumper Warranty

Customer Assistance

Roadside Assistance

Courtesy Transportation
All of these elements combine to make your driving
experience an enjoyable one and are discussed in greater
detail in your owner's manual. Pontiac is focusing on
the changing needs of our customers and is committed
to giving you an exceptional level of customer care
throughout your ownership experience. Our goal is
to create total customer enthusiasm in our product and
our services and make you the most satisfied customer
in the world.