1996 Pontiac Firebird Owner's Manual - Page 258

Air Filter Replacement To remove the air filter: Operating the engine withthe air cleaner off can cause youor others to be burned. The air cleaner not only cleansthe air, it stops flame if the engine f backfires. I it isn't there, and the engine backfires, you could beburned. Don't drive with it off, and be careful working onthe engine with the air cleaner off. I NOTICE: i I I 1. Remove the plastic pin by pulling it straight up. L I f t h e e a n e r isoff,a backfire can causea damaging engine fire. And, can easily get dirt it. into your engine, which will damage Always have the air cleaner in place when you'redriving.