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2000 Pontiac Firebird Owner's Manual - Page 101

2000 Pontiac Firebird Manual

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Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running (Automatic Transmission Only) CAUTION: It can be dangerous to leave your vehicle with the engine running. Your vehicle could move suddenly if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake firmly set. And, if you leave the vehicle with the engine running, it could overheat and even catch fire. You or others could be injured. Don't leave your vehicle with the engine running unless you have to. If you have to leave your vehicle with the engine running, be sure your vehicle is in PARK (P) and your parking brake is firmly set before you leave it. After you've moved the shift lever into PARK (P), hold down the regular brake pedal. See if you can move the shift lever away from PARK (P) without first pulling it toward you. If you can, it means that the shift lever wasn't fully locked into PARK (P). 2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) by holding in the button on the lever and pushing the lever all the way toward the front of your vehicle. 3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK. 4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can leave the vehicle with the ignition key in your hand, your vehicle is in PARK (P). 2-41

Section	Page
2000 Pontiac Firebird Owner's Manual	1
	24
Here Are Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts and the Answers	24
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly	25
Adults	25
Driver Position	25
Lap-Shoulder Belt	25
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy	32
Right Front Passenger Position	33
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)	33
How the Air Bag System Works	35
Where are the air bags?	35
When should an air bag inflate? What makes an air bag inflate?	37
How does an air bag restrain?	37
What will you see after an air bag inflates?	38
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle	39
Rear Seat Passengers	40
Lap-Shoulder Belt	40
Children	43
Smaller Children and Babies	43
Child Restraints	46
Where to Put the Restraint	50
Top Strap	51
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat Position	52
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position	54
Larger Children	57
Safety Belt Extender	60
Checking Your Restraint Systems	60
Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash	60
Section 2 Features and Controls	61
Keys	62
Door Locks	64
Power Door Locks (If Equipped) Last Door Closed Locking (If Equipped)	65
Lockout Prevention (If Equipped)	66
Leaving Your Vehicle	66
Keyless Entry System (If Equipped)	66
Operation	68
Alarm/Panic Mode	68
Transmitter Verification (If Equipped)	68
Matching Transmitter(s) To Your Vehicle	69
Battery Replacement	70
Resynchronization	71
Hatch	71
Hatch Release	72
Remote Hatch Release	72
Theft	72
Key in the Ignition	73
Parking at Night	73
Parking Lots	73
Content Theft-Deterrent/Alarm System (Option)	74
Arming the System	74
Turning Off the Alarm	74
Shock Sensor	75
Remote Keyless Entry Transmitter Locking	76
Power Door Lock Switch Locking	76
Passive Arming	76
Disarming the System	76
PASS-Key II	77
Feature Customization (If Equipped)	78
Entering Programming Mode Exit Lighting and Delayed Illumination	79
Programmable Modes	79
Last Door Closed Locking and Lockout Prevention	80
Programmable Modes	80
Remote Keyless Entry Verification	81
Programmable Modes	81
Theft-Deterrent Arming Method	82
Programmable Modes	82
Theft-Deterrent Arming Verification	83
Programmable Modes	83
Driver's Door Alarm Delay and Shock Sensor Enable	84
Programmable Modes	84
Leaving Programming Mode	84
New Vehicle Break-In Ignition Positions	85
Key Release Button	87
Starting Your Engine	87
Automatic Transmission	87
Manual Transmission	87
Starting Your 3800 Series II V6 Engine	88
Starting Your 5.7L V8 Engine	89
Engine Coolant Heater (Canada Only)	90
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater	91
Automatic Transmission Operation	92
Manual Transmission Operation	95
Speed	95
Shift Speeds	97
Skip Shift Light (5.7L V8 Engine)	98
Computer- Aided Manual Transmission Shift Speeds	98
Parking Brake	99
Shifting Into PARK (P) (Automatic Transmission Only)	100
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running (Automatic Transmission Only)	101
Torque Lock (Automatic Transmission)	102
Shifting Out of PARK (P) (Automatic Transmission)	102
Parking Your Vehicle (Manual Transmission)	102
Parking Over Things That Burn Engine Exhaust	103
Running Your Engine While You re Parked (Automatic Transmission)	104
Limited-Slip Rear Axle	104
Windows	105
Manual Windows	105
Power Windows (If Equipped)	105
Horn	105
Tilt Wheel Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever	106
Turn Signal and Lane Change Indicator Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer	107
Windshield Wipers	107
Windshield Washer	108
Cruise Control	108
Setting Cruise Control	109
Resuming a Set Speed	110
Increasing Speed While Using Cruise Control	110
Reducing Speed While Using Cruise Control	110
Passing Another Vehicle While Using Cruise Control	110
Using Cruise Control on Hills	110
Ending Out of Cruise Control	111
Erasing Speed Memory	111
Exterior Lamps	111
Headlamps on Reminder	111
Headlamp Doors Daytime Running Lamps	112
Fog Lamps	113
Interior Lamps	114
Instrument Panel Brightness Control	114
Courtesy Lamps	114
Delayed Illumination	115
Exit Lighting	115
Front Map Lamps	115
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)	115
Mirrors	116
Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror	116
Outside Manual Adjustable Mirror	116
Manual Remote Control Mirror	116
Power Remote Control Mirrors (If Equipped)	116
Convex Outside Mirror	117
Storage Compartments	117
Glove Box	117
Front Console	117
Cassette and Compact Disc Storage	117
Map Pocket	117
Cargo Cover	118
Using the Cargo Cover	118
Removing the Cargo Cover	118
Ashtray and Cigarette Lighter	119
Sun Visors	120
Visor Vanity Mirror	120
Accessory Power Outlet	120
Floor Mats	120
T-Top Roof Panels (If Equipped)	121
Removing the T-Top Roof Panels	121
Storing the T-Top Roof Panels	122
Installing the T-Top Roof Panels	124
T-Top Sunshades	126
Convertible Top (If Equipped)	128
Lowering Your Convertible Top	128
Installing the Boot Cover	130
Removing Your Boot Cover	132
Raising Your Convertible Top	133
The Instrument Panel	136
Your Information System	136
Instrument Panel Cluster	138
Speedometer and Odometer	139
Trip Odometer	139
Tachometer	140
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators	140
Safety Belt Reminder Light	141
Air Bag Readiness Light	141
Voltmeter	142
Brake System Warning Light	143
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light	144
Traction Control System Warning Light	144
Low Traction Light	145
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage	145
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Service Engine Soon Light in the United States or Check Engine Light in Canada)	146
If the Light Is Flashing	147
If the Light Is On Steady	148
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Programs	149
Oil Pressure Gage	149
Low Oil Light	150
Oil Change Light Service Vehicle Light	151
Check Gages Light	152
Hatch Ajar Light	152
Fuel Gage	152
Low Fuel Light	153
Reduced Engine Power Light (V6 Engine Only)	153
Section 3 Comfort Controls and Audio Systems	154
Comfort Controls	155
Fan Control Knob	155
Temperature Control Knob	155
Air Control Knob	155
Cooling	156
Heating	156
Bi- Level Heating	156
Defogging and Defrosting	157
Rear Window Defogger	157
Ventilation System	158
Ventilation Tips	158
Audio Systems	159
Setting the Clock	159
Monsoon	159
AM-FM Stereo with Cassette	159
Tape Player and Equalizer	159
Playing the Radio	160
Finding a Station	160
Setting the Tone	160
Adjusting the Speakers	160
Playing a Cassette Tape	160
CD Adapter Kits	162
AM-FM Stereo with Compact Disc Player and Equalizer (If Equipped)	163
Playing the Radio	163
Finding a Station	163
Setting the Tone	164
Adjusting the Speakers	164
Playing a Compact Disc	164
Trunk-Mounted CD Changer (Option)	165
Compact Disc Errors	167
Playing a Compact Disc	168
Theft-Deterrent Feature	170
Activating the Theft- Deterrent Feature	170
Unlocking the Theft-Deterrent Feature After a Power Loss	171
Disabling the Theft- Deterrent Feature	171
Audio Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped)	172
Understanding Radio Reception	173
AM	173
FM Stereo	173
Tips About Your Audio System	173
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player	174
Care of Your Compact Discs	175
Care of Your Compact Disc Player	175
Power Antenna Mast Care	176
Section 4 Your Driving and the Road	177
Defensive Driving	178
Drunken Driving	179
Control of a Vehicle Braking	182
Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)	183
Using Anti- Lock	185
Braking in Emergencies	185
Traction Control System (Option)	185
Steering	187
Power Steering	187
Steering Tips	187
Driving on Curves	187
Steering in Emergencies	188
Off-Road Recovery Passing	189
Loss of Control	191
Skidding	191
Driving at Night	192
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads	194
Hydroplaning	195
Driving Through Deep Standing Water	196
Driving Through Flowing Water	196
Some Other Rainy Weather Tips	196
City Driving	197
Freeway Driving	198
Before Leaving on a Long Trip	199
Highway Hypnosis Hill and Mountain Roads	200
Winter Driving	202
Driving on Snow or Ice	203
If You re Caught in a Blizzard	204
Recreational Vehicle Towing	206
Loading Your Vehicle	206
Towing a Trailer	208
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer	209
Weight of the Trailer	209
Weight of the Trailer Tongue	210
Total Weight on Your Vehicle s Tires	211
Hitches	211
Safety Chains	211
Trailer Brakes	211
Driving with a Trailer	212
Following Distance	212
Passing	212
Backing Up	212
Making Turns	212
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer	213
Driving On Grades	213
Parking on Hills	213
When You Are Ready to Leave After Parking on a Hill	214
Maintenance When Trailer Towing	214
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing	214
Section 5 Problems on the Road	215
Hazard Warning Flashers	216
Other Warning Devices	217
Jump Starting	217
Towing Your Vehicle	221
Engine Overheating	222
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode	222
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine	223
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine	224
Cooling System	225
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Recovery Tank	227
How to Add Coolant to the Radiator (3800 V6 Engine Only)	230
How to Add Coolant to the Radiator (V8 Engine Only)	234
If a Tire Goes Flat	236
Changing a Flat Tire	237
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools	237
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire	240
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools	245
Compact Spare Tire	247
If You re Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow	247
Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out	248
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care	249
Service	250
Doing Your Own Service Work	250
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle	251
Fuel	251
Fuels in Foreign Countries	253
Filling Your Tank	254
Filling a Portable Fuel Container Checking Things Under the Hood	256
Hood Release	257
Engine Oil	260
Checking Engine Oil	260
When to Add Engine Oil	261
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use	262
Engine Oil Additives	265
When to Change Engine Oil	265
How to Reset the Oil Change Light	265
What to Do with Used Oil	265
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter	266
Air Cleaner/Filter Replacement	267
Automatic Transmission Fluid	268
When to Check and Change	268
How to Check	269
Checking Transmission Fluid Cold	269
Checking the Fluid Level	270
How to Add Fluid	271
Manual Transmission Fluid	272
When to Check	272
How to Check	272
How to Add Fluid	273
Hydraulic Clutch	273
When to Check and What to Use	273
How to Check and Add Fluid	273
Rear Axle	274
When to Check and Change Lubricant	274
How to Check Lubricant	274
What to Use	274
Standard Differential	274
Limited- Slip Differential	274
Engine Coolant	274
What to Use	275
Checking Coolant	276
Adding Coolant to the Recovery Tank	277
Radiator Pressure Cap	277
Power Steering Fluid	278
When to Check Power Steering Fluid	278
How to Check Power Steering Fluid	278
What to Use	278
Windshield Washer Fluid	279
What to Use	279
Adding Washer Fluid	279
Brakes	280
Brake Fluid	280
Checking Brake Fluid	281
What to Add	281
Brake Wear	282
Brake Pedal Travel	283
Brake Adjustment	283
Replacing Brake System Parts	283
Battery	283
Vehicle Storage	284
Bulb Replacement	284
Halogen Bulbs	284
Headlamps	285
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp	287
Rear Lamps	288
Sidemarker	289
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement	290
Wiper Blade Element Replacement	291
Tires	292
Inflation -- Tire Pressure	293
When to Check	294
How to Check	294
Tire Inspection and Rotation	294
When It s Time for New Tires	296
Buying New Tires	296
Uniform Tire Quality Grading	297
Treadwear	298
Traction -- AA, A, B, C	298
Temperature --A, B, C	298
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance	299
Wheel Replacement	299
Used Replacement Wheels	300
Tire Chains	300
Appearance Care	301
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle	301
Cleaning of Fabric/Carpet	301
Using Multi-Purpose Interior Cleaner on Fabric	302
Special Fabric Cleaning Problems	302
Cleaning Vinyl	303
Cleaning Leather	303
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel	303
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components	303
Care of Safety Belts	303
Cleaning Glass Surfaces	304
Cleaning the Outside of the Windshield and Wiper Blades	304
Weatherstrips	304
Cleaning a Removable Roof Panel	304
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle	305
Washing Your Vehicle	305
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses	305
Finish Care	305
Cleaning Your Convertible Top	306
Cleaning Aluminum or Chrome- Plated Wheels (If Equipped)	307
Cleaning Tires	307
Sheet Metal Damage	307
Finish Damage	308
Underbody Maintenance	308
Chemical Paint Spotting	308
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials	309
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)	310
Engine Identification	310
Service Parts Identification Label	310
Electrical System	311
Add-On Electrical Equipment	311
Headlamps	311
Windshield Wipers	311
Power Windows and Other Power Options	311
Fuses and Circuit Breakers	312
Main Fuse Block	313
Underhood Electrical Center	315
Replacement Bulbs	317
Capacities and Specifications	317
Engine Specifications	318
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts	319
Vehicle Dimensions	319
Section 7 Maintenance Schedule	320
Introduction	321
Your Vehicle and the Environment	321
Maintenance Requirements	321
How This Section is Organized	322
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services	323
Using Your Maintenance Schedule	323
Scheduled Maintenance	324
Footnotes	324
Scheduled Maintenance	325
Engine Oil Scheduled Maintenance	325
Scheduled Maintenance	326
Part B: Owner Checks and Services	336
At Each Fuel Fill	336
Engine Oil Level Check	336
Engine Coolant Level Check	336
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check	336
At Least Once a Month	336
Tire Inflation Check	336
Cassette Deck Service	336
At Least Twice a Year	336
Restraint System Check	336
Wiper Blade Check	337
Weatherstrip Lubrication	337
Manual Transmission Check	337
Automatic Transmission Check	337
Hydraulic Clutch System Check	337
At Least Once a Year	337
Key Lock Cylinders Service	337
Body Lubrication Service	337
Starter Switch Check Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control System Check	338
Ignition Transmission Lock Check	339
Parking Brake and Automatic Transmission PARK (P) Mechanism Check	339
Underbody Flushing Service	339
Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections	340
Steering and Suspension Inspection	340
Exhaust System Inspection	340
Engine Cooling System Inspection	340
Throttle System Inspection (Except 3800 Series V6 Engine)	341
Rear Axle Service	341
Brake System Inspection	341
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants	342
Part E: Maintenance Record	344
Section 8 Customer Assistance Information	346
Pontiac Cares	347
What Makes Up Pontiac Cares?	348
Customer Satisfaction Procedure	348
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users	350
Customer Assistance Offices	350
United States	350
Canada	351
All Overseas Locations	351
Caribbean Numbers	351
GM Mobility Program for Persons with Disabilities	352
Pontiac Roadside Assistance Program	353
Security While You Travel	353
Canadian Roadside Assistance	354
Courtesy Transportation	355
Plan Ahead When Possible	355
Transportation Options	355
Shuttle Service	355
Public Transportation or Fuel Reimbursement	355
Courtesy Rental Vehicle	356
Additional Program Information	356
Warranty Information	356
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT	357