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2001 Pontiac Firebird Owner's Manual - Page 281

2001 Pontiac Firebird Manual

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Add coolant mixture at the recovery tank, but be careful not to spill it. Radiator Pressure Cap The radiator pressure cap is located toward the front of the engine compartment near the battery. CAUTION: You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol, and it will burn if the engine parts are hot enough. Don't spill coolant on a hot engine. Occasionally check the coolant level in the radiator. For information on how to add coolant to the radiator, see "Cooling System" in the Index. NOTICE: Your radiator cap is an 18 psi (124 kPa) pressure-type cap and must be tightly installed to prevent coolant loss and possible engine damage from overheating. Be sure the arrows on the cap line up with the overflow tube on the radiator filler neck. See "Engine Compartment Overview" in the Index for more information on location. 6-29

Section	Page
2001 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	31
Right Front Passenger Position	32
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)	33
How the Air Bag System Works	35
Where are the air bags?	35
When should an air bag inflate?	37
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
Infants and Young Children	43
Restraint Systems for Children	47
Where to Put the Restraint	50
Top Strap	50
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat Position	52
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position	54
Older 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
Windows	62
Manual Windows	62
Power Windows (If Equipped)	63
Keys	64
Door Locks	66
Power Door Locks (If Equipped)	67
Last Door Closed Locking (If Equipped)	67
Lockout Prevention (If Equipped)	68
Leaving Your Vehicle	68
Keyless Entry System (If Equipped)	68
Operation	70
Alarm/Panic Mode	70
Transmitter Verification (If Equipped)	70
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle	71
Battery Replacement	72
Resynchronization	73
Hatch	73
Hatch Release	74
Remote Hatch Release	74
Trunk Release Handle (If Equipped)	75
Theft	76
Key in the Ignition	76
Parking at Night	76
Parking Lots	76
Content Theft-Deterrent/Alarm System (If Equipped)	77
Arming the System	77
Turning Off the Alarm	77
Shock Sensor	78
Remote Keyless Entry Transmitter Locking	79
Power Door Lock Switch Locking	79
Passive Arming	79
Disarming the System	79
PASS-Key II	80
Feature Customization (If Equipped)	82
Entering Programming Mode	83
Exit Lighting and Delayed Illumination	83
Programmable Modes	83
Last Door Closed Locking and Lockout Prevention	84
Programmable Modes	84
Remote Keyless Entry Verification	85
Programmable Modes	85
Theft-Deterrent Arming Method	86
Programmable Modes	86
Theft-Deterrent Arming Verification	87
Programmable Modes	87
Driver s Door Alarm Delay and Shock Sensor Enable	88
Programmable Modes	88
Exiting Programming Mode	89
New Vehicle Break-In	89
Ignition Positions	90
Key Release Button (If Equipped)	91
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)	92
Starting Your Engine	92
Automatic Transmission	92
Manual Transmission	92
Starting Your 3800 Series II V6 Engine	93
Starting Your 5.7L V8 Engine	94
Engine Coolant Heater (Canada Only)	95
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater	96
Automatic Transmission Operation	97
Manual Transmission Operation	100
Shift Speeds	102
Skip Shift Light (5.7L V8 Engine)	103
Computer- Aided Manual Transmission Shift Speeds	103
Parking Brake	104
Shifting Into PARK (P) (Automatic Transmission Only)	105
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running (Automatic Transmission Only)	106
Torque Lock (Automatic Transmission)	107
Shifting Out of PARK (P) (Automatic Transmission Only)	107
Parking Your Vehicle (Manual Transmission Models Only)	107
Parking Over Things That Burn	108
Engine Exhaust	108
Running Your Engine While You re Parked (Automatic Transmission)	109
Limited-Slip Rear Axle	110
Horn	110
Tilt Wheel	110
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever	111
Turn Signal and Lane Change Indicator	111
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer	112
Windshield Wipers	112
Windshield Washer	112
Cruise Control	113
Setting Cruise Control	114
Resuming a Set Speed	114
Increasing Speed While Using Cruise Control	114
Reducing Speed While Using Cruise Control	115
Passing Another Vehicle While Using Cruise Control	115
Using Cruise Control on Hills	115
Ending Out of Cruise Control	115
Erasing Speed Memory	115
Exterior Lamps	116
Headlamps on Reminder	116
Headlamp Doors	117
Daytime Running Lamps	117
Fog Lamps	118
Interior Lamps	119
Instrument Panel Brightness Control	119
Courtesy Lamps	119
Delayed Illumination	120
Exit Lighting	120
Front Map Lamps	120
Mirrors	120
Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror	120
Outside Manual Adjustable Mirror	120
Manual Remote Control Mirror	120
Power Remote Control Mirrors (If Equipped)	121
Convex Outside Mirror	121
Storage Compartments	122
Glove Box	122
Front Console	122
Map Pocket	122
Cassette and Compact Disc Storage	122
Cargo Cover	122
Using the Cargo Cover	122
Removing the Cargo Cover	123
Ashtray and Cigarette Lighter	124
Sun Visors	124
Visor Vanity Mirror	124
Accessory Power Outlet	125
Floor Mats	125
T-Top Roof Panels (If Equipped)	125
Removing the T-Top Roof Panels	125
Storing the T-Top Roof Panels	127
Installing the T-Top Roof Panels	128
T-Top Sunshades	130
Convertible Top (If Equipped)	132
Lowering Your Convertible Top	132
Installing the Boot Cover	134
Removing Your Boot Cover	136
Raising Your Convertible Top	137
The Instrument Panel Your Information System	140
Instrument Panel Cluster	142
Speedometer and Odometer	143
Trip Odometer	143
Tachometer	144
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators	144
Safety Belt Reminder Light	145
Air Bag Readiness Light	145
Voltmeter	146
Brake System Warning Light	147
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light	148
Traction Control System Warning Light (Option)	148
Low Traction Light	149
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage	149
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Service Engine Soon Light in the United States or Check Engine Light in Canada)	150
If the Light Is Flashing	151
If the Light Is On Steady	151
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Programs	152
Oil Pressure Gage	153
Low Oil Light	154
Oil Change Light	154
Service Vehicle Light	155
Check Gages Light	155
Hatch Ajar Light	155
Fuel Gage	155
Low Fuel Light	156
Reduced Engine Power Light (V6 Engine Only)	156
Section 3 Comfort Controls and Audio Systems	157
Comfort Controls	158
Fan Control Knob	158
Temperature Control Knob	158
Air Control Knob	158
Cooling	159
Heating	159
Bi- Level	159
Defogging and Defrosting	160
Rear Window Defogger	160
Ventilation System	161
Ventilation Tips	161
Audio Systems	162
Setting the Clock	162
Monsoon AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player and Equalizer	162
Playing the Radio	163
Finding a Station	163
Setting the Tone	163
Adjusting the Speakers	164
Playing a Cassette Tape	164
CD Adapter Kits	166
AM-FM Stereo with Compact Disc Player and Equalizer (If Equipped)	166
Playing the Radio	167
Finding a Station	167
Setting the Tone	167
Adjusting the Speakers	167
Playing a Compact Disc	168
Trunk-Mounted CD Changer (Option)	169
Compact Disc Errors	171
Playing a Compact Disc	172
Theft-Deterrent Feature	174
Activating the Theft- Deterrent Feature	174
Unlocking the Theft-Deterrent Feature After a Power Loss	175
Disabling the Theft- Deterrent Feature	175
Audio Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped)	176
Understanding Radio Reception	177
AM	177
FM Stereo	177
Tips About Your Audio System	177
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player	178
Care of Your Compact Discs	179
Care of Your Compact Disc Player	179
Fixed Mast Antenna	179
Power Antenna Mast Care	180
Section 4 Your Driving and the Road	181
Defensive Driving	182
Drunken Driving	183
Control of a Vehicle	186
Braking	186
Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)	187
Using Anti- Lock	189
Braking in Emergencies	189
Traction Control System (Option)	189
Steering	191
Power Steering	191
Steering Tips	191
Driving on Curves	191
Steering in Emergencies	192
Off-Road Recovery	193
Passing	193
Loss of Control	195
Skidding	195
Driving at Night	196
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads	198
Hydroplaning	199
Driving Through Deep Standing Water	200
Driving Through Flowing Water	200
Some Other Rainy Weather Tips	200
City Driving	201
Freeway Driving	202
Before Leaving on a Long Trip	203
Highway Hypnosis	204
Hill and Mountain Roads	204
Winter Driving	206
Driving on Snow or Ice	207
If You re Caught in a Blizzard	208
Recreational Vehicle Towing	210
Loading Your Vehicle	210
Towing a Trailer	212
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer	213
Weight of the Trailer	213
Weight of the Trailer Tongue	214
Total Weight on Your Vehicle s Tires	215
Hitches	215
Safety Chains	215
Trailer Brakes	215
Driving with a Trailer	216
Following Distance	216
Passing	216
Backing Up	216
Making Turns	217
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer	217
Driving On Grades	218
Parking on Hills	218
When You Are Ready to Leave After Parking on a Hill	219
Maintenance When Trailer Towing	219
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing	219
Section 5 Problems on the Road	220
Hazard Warning Flashers	221
Other Warning Devices	222
Jump Starting	222
Towing Your Vehicle	226
Engine Overheating	227
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode	227
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine	227
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine	228
Cooling System	229
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Recovery Tank	231
How to Add Coolant to the Radiator (3800 V6 Engine Only)	234
How to Add Coolant to the Radiator (V8 Engine Only)	237
If a Tire Goes Flat	240
Changing a Flat Tire	240
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools	241
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire	244
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools	249
Compact Spare Tire	251
If You re Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow	252
Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out	252
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care	253
Service	254
Doing Your Own Service Work	254
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle	255
Fuel	255
Fuels in Foreign Countries	257
Filling Your Tank	257
Filling a Portable Fuel Container	260
Checking Things Under the Hood	260
Hood Release	261
Engine Compartment Overview	262
Engine Oil	264
Checking Engine Oil	264
When to Add Engine Oil	265
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use	266
Engine Oil Additives	268
When to Change Engine Oil	268
How to Reset the Oil Change Light	269
What to Do with Used Oil	269
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter	269
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter Replacement	270
Automatic Transmission Fluid	272
When to Check and Change	272
How to Check	272
Checking the Fluid Level	273
How to Add Fluid	275
Manual Transmission Fluid	275
When to Check	275
How to Check	275
How to Add Fluid	276
Hydraulic Clutch	276
When to Check and What to Use	277
How to Check and Add Fluid	277
Rear Axle	277
When to Check and Change Lubricant	277
How to Check Lubricant	277
What to Use	277
Standard Differential	277
Limited- Slip Differential	277
Engine Coolant	278
What to Use	279
Checking Coolant	280
Adding Coolant to the Recovery Tank	280
Radiator Pressure Cap	281
Power Steering Fluid	282
When to Check Power Steering Fluid	282
How to Check Power Steering Fluid	282
What to Use	282
Windshield Washer Fluid	283
What to Use	283
Adding Washer Fluid	283
Brakes	284
Brake Fluid	284
Checking Brake Fluid	285
What to Add	285
Brake Wear	286
Brake Pedal Travel	287
Brake Adjustment	287
Replacing Brake System Parts	287
Battery	288
Vehicle Storage	288
Bulb Replacement	289
Halogen Bulbs	289
Headlamps	289
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp	291
Rear Lamps	292
Sidemarker	293
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement	294
Wiper Blade Element Replacement	295
Tires	296
Inflation -- Tire Pressure	297
When to Check	298
How to Check	298
Tire Inspection and Rotation	298
When It s Time for New Tires	300
Buying New Tires	300
Uniform Tire Quality Grading	301
Treadwear	302
Traction AA, A, B, C	302
Temperature A, B, C	302
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance	303
Wheel Replacement	303
Used Replacement Wheels	304
Tire Chains	304
Appearance Care	305
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle	305
Cleaning of Fabric/Carpet	305
Using Multi-Purpose Interior Cleaner on Fabric	306
Special Fabric Cleaning Problems	306
Cleaning Vinyl	307
Cleaning Leather	307
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel	307
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components	307
Care of Safety Belts	307
Cleaning Glass Surfaces	308
Cleaning the Outside of the Windshield and Wiper Blades	308
Weatherstrips	308
Cleaning a Removable Roof Panel	309
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle	309
Washing Your Vehicle	309
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses	309
Finish Care	309
Cleaning Your Convertible Top	310
Cleaning Aluminum or Chrome- Plated Wheels (If Equipped)	311
Cleaning Tires	311
Sheet Metal Damage	311
Finish Damage	312
Underbody Maintenance	312
Chemical Paint Spotting	312
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials	313
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)	314
Engine Identification	314
Service Parts Identification Label	314
Electrical System	315
Add-On Electrical Equipment	315
Headlamps	315
Windshield Wipers	315
Power Windows and Other Power Options	315
Fuses and Circuit Breakers	316
Main Fuse Block	317
Underhood Electrical Center	319
Replacement Bulbs	321
Capacities and Specifications	322
Engine Specifications	322
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts	323
Vehicle Dimensions	323
Section 7 Maintenance Schedule	324
Introduction	325
Your Vehicle and the Environment	325
Maintenance Requirements	325
How This Section is Organized	326
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services	327
Using Your Maintenance Schedule	327
Scheduled Maintenance	328
Footnotes	328
Scheduled Maintenance	329
Engine Oil Scheduled Maintenance	329
Scheduled Maintenance	330
Part B: Owner Checks and Services	340
At Each Fuel Fill	340
Engine Oil Level Check	340
Engine Coolant Level Check	340
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check	340
At Least Once a Month	340
Tire Inflation Check	340
Cassette Deck Service	340
At Least Twice a Year	341
Restraint System Check	341
Wiper Blade Check	341
Weatherstrip Lubrication	341
Manual Transmission Check	341
Automatic Transmission Check	341
Hydraulic Clutch System Check	341
At Least Once a Year	342
Key Lock Cylinders Service	342
Body Lubrication Service	342
Starter Switch Check	342
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control System Check	343
Ignition Transmission Lock Check	343
Parking Brake and Automatic Transmission PARK (P) Mechanism Check	344
Underbody Flushing Service	344
Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections	345
Steering and Suspension Inspection	345
Exhaust System Inspection	345
Engine Cooling System Inspection	345
Throttle System Inspection (Except 3800 Series V6 Engine)	346
Rear Axle Service	346
Brake System Inspection	346
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants	347
Part E: Maintenance Record	349
Section 8 Customer Assistance Information	352
Pontiac Cares	353
What Makes Up Pontiac Cares?	354
Customer Satisfaction Procedure	354
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users	356
Customer Assistance Offices	356
United States	356
Canada	357
Mexico, Central America and Caribbean Islands/Countries (Except Puerto Rico and U. S. Virgin Islands)	357
GM Mobility Program for Persons with Disabilities	358
Pontiac Roadside Assistance Program	359
Security While You Travel	359
Canadian Roadside Assistance	360
Courtesy Transportation	361
Plan Ahead When Possible	361
Transportation Options	361
Shuttle Service	361
Public Transportation or Fuel Reimbursement	361
Courtesy Rental Vehicle	362
Additional Program Information	362
Warranty Information	362
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT	363
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT	363