1997 Pontiac Firebird Owner's Manual - Page 80

FIRST (1): This position (if equipped) gives you even more power (but lower fuel economy) than SECOND (2). You can use it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud. If the selector lever is put in first gear, the transmission won't shift into FIRST (1) until the vehicle is going slowly enough. Second-Gear Start(If Equipped) (3800 Engine) NOTICE: If your rear wheels can't rotate, don't try to drive. Thismight happen if you were stuck in very deep sand or mud or were up against a solid object. You could damage your transmission. Also, if you stop when going uphill, don't hold your vehicle there with only the accelerator pedal. This could overheat and damage the transmission. Use your brakesor shift intoPARK (P) to hold your vehicle in position on hill. a Maximum enginespeed is limited to protect driveline components from improper operation. Your vehicle may be equipped with a second-gear start feature. Press 2ND GEAR START to provide more traction when you are starting on ice other slippery or surfaces. A light on the switch will illuminate when the 2nd gear start is selected. The transmission will be in SECOND (2) gear when the vehicle begins tomove. After starting in SECOND (2) gear, the vehicle will upshift normally. 2-31