1998 Pontiac Firebird Owner's Manual - Page 81

Starting Your Engine Automatic Transmission Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). Your engine won't start inany other position-- that's a safety feature.To restart when you're already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Starting Your 3800 Series I1 Engine 1. Without pushing the accelerator pedal,turn your ignition key toSTART. When the engine starts, let go of the key. The idle speed will down as your go engine gets warm. I NOTICE: ~~ NOTICE: Don't try to shift PARK (P) your Pontiac is to if moving. If you do, you could damage the transmission. Shiftto PARK (P) only when your vehicle is stopped. Holding your keyin START for longer than 15 seconds ata time will cause your battery be to drained much sooner. And the excessive heat can damage your starter motor. 2. If it doesn'tstart right away, hold your key in START for about threeto five seconds at a time until your engine starts. Wait about 15 seconds between each try to help avoid draining your battery or damaging your starter. Manual Transmission The gear selector shouldbe in NEUTRAL (N) and the parking brake engaged. Hold clutch pedal to the the floor andstart the engine.Your vehicle won't start if the clutch pedal not all the way down-- that's a is safety feature.