2002 PONTIAC FIREBIRD window

1-26
What makes an air bag inflate?
In an impact of sufficient severity, the air bag sensing
system detects that the vehicle is in a crash. The sensing
system triggers a release of gas from the inflator, which
inflates the air bag. The inflator, air bag and related
hardware are all part of the air bag modules inside the
steering wheel and in the instrument panel in front of
the right front passenger.
How does an air bag restrain?
In moderate to severe frontal or near
-frontal collisions,
even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel or
the instrument panel. Air bags supplement the protection
provided by safety belts. Air bags distribute the force of
the impact more evenly over the occupant's upper body,
stopping the occupant more gradually. But air bags
would not help you in many types of collisions,
including rollovers, rear impacts and many side impacts,
primarily because an occupant's motion is not toward
those air bags. Air bags should never be regarded as
anything more than a supplement to safety belts,
and then only in moderate to severe frontal or
near
-frontal collisions.What will you see after an air bag inflates?
After an air bag inflates, it quickly deflates, so quickly that
some people may not even realize the air bag inflated.
Some components of the air bag module
-- the steering
wheel hub for the driver's air bag, or the instrument panel
for the right front passenger's bag
-- will be hot for a short
time. The parts of the bag that come into contact with you
may be warm, but not too hot to touch. There will be
some smoke and dust coming from vents in the deflated
air bags. Air bag inflation doesn't prevent the driver from
seeing or from being able to steer the vehicle, nor does it
stop people from leaving the vehicle.
CAUTION:
When an air bag inflates, there is dust in the air.
This dust could cause breathing problems for
people with a history of asthma or other
breathing trouble. To avoid this, everyone in the
vehicle should get out as soon as it is safe to do so.
If you have breathing problems but can't get out
of the vehicle after an air bag inflates, then get
fresh air by opening a window or door.

1-37
A forward-facing child seat (C-E) provides restraint for
the child's body with the harness and also sometimes
with surfaces such as T
-shaped or shelf-like shields.
A booster seat (F-G) is a child restraint designed to
improve the fit of the vehicle's safety belt system. Some
booster seats have a shoulder belt positioner, and some
high
-back booster seats have a five-point harness. A
booster seat can also help a child to see out the window.

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
-27 PASS-Key
II
2
-29 New Vehicle ªBreak-Inº
2
-29 Ignition Positions
2
-32 Starting Your Engine
2
-34 Engine Coolant Heater (Canada Only)
2
-36 Automatic Transmission Operation
2
-40 Manual Transmission Operation
2
-43 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
-61 Mirrors
2
-62 Storage Compartments
2
-67 T-Top Roof Panels (If Equipped)
2
-74 Convertible Top (If Equipped)
2
-82 The Instrument Panel -- Your
Information System
2
-86 Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators

2-2
Windows
CAUTION:
Leaving children in a vehicle with the windows
closed is dangerous. A child can be overcome by
the extreme heat and can suffer permanent
injuries or even death from heat stroke.
Never leave a child alone in a vehicle, especially
with the windows closed in warm or hot weather.

2-3 Power Windows
Switches on the driver's door control each window
when the ignition is on or when Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) is active. See ªRetained Accessory
Power (RAP)º in the Index.The switch for the driver's window has an express
-down
feature and is labeled AUTO. To lower the driver's
window completely, press the bottom of the switch
briefly and release it. To open the window partially,
activate the express
-down feature and press the top
of the switch when the window has lowered to the
position you want.
You can open the passenger's window any amount by
pressing the bottom of the switch for the passenger's
window and releasing it when the window has lowered
to the position you want.
To raise the window, press and hold the top of
the switch.

2-4
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.

2-13 Resynchronization
Resynchronization may be necessary due to the security
method used by the remote keyless entry system.
The transmitter does not send the same signal twice to
the receiver. The receiver will not respond to a signal
that has been sent previously. This prevents anyone
from recording and playing back the signal from
the transmitter.
To resynchronize the transmitter with the receiver,
do the following:
1. Stand close to the vehicle.
2. Press and hold the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons
on the transmitter at the same time for about
eight seconds.
The door locks should cycle and the interior lamps
should flash to confirm resynchronization.
If this does not happen, you may need to replace the
battery in your transmitter or match the transmitter to
your vehicle. See ªMatching Transmitter(s) to Your
Vehicleº in the Index.
Hatch
CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to drive with the hatch open
because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can come
into your vehicle. You can't see or smell CO.
It can cause unconsciousness and even death.
If you must drive with the hatch open or if
electrical wiring or other cable connections
must pass through the seal between the body
and the hatch:

Make sure all other windows are shut.

Turn the fan on your heating or cooling
system to its highest speed with the setting
on vent. That will force outside air into
your vehicle. See ªComfort Controlsº in
the Index.

If you have air outlets on or under the
instrument panel, open them all the way.
See ªEngine Exhaustº in the Index.

2-16
Theft
Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities.
Although your vehicle has a number of theft
-deterrent
features, we know that nothing we put on it can make
it impossible to steal. However, there are ways you
can help.
Key in the Ignition
If you leave your vehicle with the keys inside, it's an
easy target for joy riders or professional thieves
-- so
don't do it.
When you park your vehicle and open the driver's door,
you'll hear a chime reminding you to remove your key
from the ignition and take it with you. Always do this.
Your steering wheel will be locked, and so will your
ignition. If you take the key with you, and you have an
automatic transmission, it will be locked. And remember
to lock the doors.
Parking at Night
Park in a lighted spot, close all windows and lock your
vehicle. Remember to keep your valuables out of sight.
Put them in a storage area, or take them with you.
Parking Lots
Even if you park in a lot where someone will be
watching your vehicle, it's still best to lock it up and
take your keys. But what if you have to leave your
ignition key?

If possible, park in a busy, well
-lit area.

Put your valuables in a storage area, like your
trunk or glove box.

Be sure to close and lock the storage area.

Close all windows.

Lock the glove box.

Lock all the doors except the driver's.

Then take the door key and remote keyless entry
transmitter with you.