2002 Pontiac Firebird Owner's Manual - Page 96

Manual Transmission Operation Five-Speed This is the shift pattern for the five-speed manual transmission. Here's how to operate your transmission: FIRST (1): Press the clutch and shift into FIRST (1). Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal. You can shift into FIRST (1) when you're going less than 20 mph (32 km/h). If you've come to a complete stop and it's hard to shift into FIRST (1), put the shift lever in NEUTRAL and let up on the clutch. Press the clutch pedal back down. Then shift into FIRST (1). SECOND (2): Press the clutch pedal to the floor as you let up on the accelerator pedal and shift into SECOND (2). Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal. THIRD (3), FOURTH (4) and FIFTH (5): Shift into THIRD (3), FOURTH (4) and FIFTH (5) the same way you do for SECOND (2). Slowly let up on the clutch as you press the accelerator pedal. To stop, let up on the accelerator pedal and press the brake pedal. Just before the vehicle stops, press the clutch pedal and brake pedal, and shift into NEUTRAL. NEUTRAL: Use this position when you start or idle your engine. REVERSE (R): To back up, press the clutch pedal and shift into REVERSE (R). Let up on the clutch pedal slowly while pressing the accelerator pedal. NOTICE: Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is stopped. Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle is moving could damage your transmission. Also use REVERSE (R), along with the parking brake, for parking your vehicle. 2-40