2000 Pontiac Firebird Owner's Manual - Page 98

If your speed drops below 20 mph (32 km/h), or if the engine is not running smoothly, you should downshift to the next lower gear. You may have to downshift two or more gears to keep the engine running smoothly or for good performance. This light helps you get the best possible fuel economy. It will come on under these conditions: NOTICE: If you skip more than one gear when you downshift, or if you race the engine when you downshift, you can damage the clutch or transmission. Skip Shift Light (5.7L V8 Engine) When the SKIP SHIFT light is on, the gearshift lever will let you shift from FIRST (1) to FOURTH (4) instead of shifting from FIRST (1) to SECOND (2). Once you are in FOURTH (4), you can press the clutch again and shift into another gear. D The engine coolant temperature is greater than 170_F (77_C), D you are going 15 to 20 mph (24 to 32 km/h) and D you are at 35 percent throttle or less. Follow the shift speeds listed below when the SKIP SHIFT light is on. Computer-Aided Manual Transmission Shift Speeds D 1st to 4th @ 15 mph (24 km/h) D 4th to 5th @ 25 mph (40 km/h)* D 5th to 6th @ 49 mph (64 km/h)** Each time you come to a stop, the engine's Powertrain Control Module (PCM) determines when to activate the SKIP SHIFT upshift system. The SKIP SHIFT upshift system is bypassed when you accelerate very quickly from a stop. *30 mph (48 km/h) when accelerating to highway speeds. **45 mph (72 km/h) when accelerating to highway speeds. 2-38