2002 PONTIAC FIREBIRD transmission

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.

7-23
Part D: Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identified below by name,
part number or specification may be obtained from
your dealer.
USAGE
FLUID/LUBRICANT
Engine OilEngine oil with the American
Petroleum Institute Certified for
Gasoline Engines starburst symbol
of the proper viscosity. To
determine the preferred viscosity
for your vehicle's engine, see
ªEngine Oilº in the Index.
Engine Coolant50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and use only
GM Goodwrench

DEX-COOL

or Havoline
DEX-COOL

Coolant. See ªEngine Coolantº in
the Index.
USAGEFLUID/LUBRICANT
Hydraulic
Brake SystemDelco Supreme 11
Brake Fluid
(GM Part No. 12377967 or
equivalent DOT
-3 brake fluid).
Windshield
Washer SolventGM Optikleen
Washer
Solvent (GM Part No. 1051515)
or equivalent.
Hydraulic
Clutch SystemHydraulic Clutch Fluid
(GM Part No. 12345347 or
equivalent DOT
-3 brake fluid).
Power
Steering SystemGM Power Steering Fluid
(GM Part No. 1052884
- 1 pint,
1050017
- 1 quart, or equivalent).
Manual
TransmissionDEXRON
-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Automatic
TransmissionDEXRON
-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.

8-12
SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ORDERING INFORMATION
Service Manuals
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair
information on engines, transmission, axle, suspension,
brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc.
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer Case
Unit Repair Manual
This manual provides information on unit repair
service procedures, adjustments and specifications
for GM transmissions, transaxles and transfer cases.
Service Bulletins
Service Bulletins give technical service information
needed to knowledgeably service General Motors cars
and trucks. Each bulletin contains instructions to assist
in the diagnosis and service of your vehicle.
Owner's Information
Owner publications are written specifically for owners
and intended to provide basic operational information
about the vehicle. The owner's manual will include the
Maintenance Schedule for all models.
Current and Past Model Order Forms
Service Publications are available for current and
past model GM vehicles. To request an order form,
please specify year and model name of the vehicle.
ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-551-4123Visit Helm, Inc. on the World Wide Web at: www.helminc.com
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM ± 6:00 PM Eastern Time For Credit Card Orders Only (VISA-MasterCard-Discover)
Helm, Incorporated
P.O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207