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2002 Pontiac Firebird Owner's Manual - Page 281

2002 Pontiac Firebird Manual

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Checking Brake Fluid CAUTION: If you have too much brake fluid, it can spill on the engine. The fluid will burn if the engine is hot enough. You or others could be burned, and your vehicle could be damaged. Add brake fluid only when work is done on the brake hydraulic system. See "Checking Brake Fluid" in this section. When your brake fluid falls to a low level, your brake warning light will come on. See "Brake System Warning Light" in the Index. You can check the brake fluid without taking off the cap. Just look at the brake fluid reservoir. The fluid level should be above the plastic seam in the reservoir (A). If it isn't, have your brake system checked to see if there is a leak. After work is done on the brake hydraulic system, make sure the level is above the plastic seam (B), near the base of the filler neck. 6-35

Section	Page
2002 Pontiac Firebird Owner's Manual	1
Copyright General Motors Corp. 2001	2
For Canadian Owners Who Prefer a French Language Manual	3
How to Use this Manual	4
Safety Warnings and Symbols	4
Vehicle Damage Warnings	5
Vehicle Symbols	5
Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems	7
Seats and Seat Controls	8
Manual Front Seats	8
Four-Way Manual Seats	9
Six-Way Power Seat (If Equipped)	9
Reclining Front Seatbacks	10
Head Restraints	12
Front Seatback Latches	12
Folding Rear Seatback	13
Safety Belts: They're for Everyone	14
Why Safety Belts Work	15
Here Are Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts -- and the Answers	18
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly	19
Adults	19
Driver Position	20
Lap-Shoulder Belt	20
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy	26
Right Front Passenger Position	27
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)	28
How the Air Bag System Works	30
Where are the air bags?	30
When should an air bag inflate?	31
What makes an air bag inflate?	32
How does an air bag restrain?	32
What will you see after an air bag inflates?	32
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle	34
Rear Seat Passengers	34
Lap-Shoulder Belt	35
Children	38
Infants and Young Children	38
Restraint Systems for Children	42
Where to Put the Restraint	45
Top Strap	46
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat Position	48
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position	50
Older Children	53
Safety Belt Extender	56
Checking Your Restraint Systems	56
Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash	56
Section 2 Features and Controls	57
Windows	58
Power Windows	59
Keys	60
Door Locks	62
Power Door Locks Last Door Closed Locking	63
Lockout Prevention	64
Leaving Your Vehicle	64
Keyless Entry System (If Equipped)	64
Operation	66
Alarm/Panic Mode	66
Transmitter Verification	66
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle	67
Battery Replacement	68
Resynchronization	69
Hatch	69
Hatch Release	70
Remote Hatch Release	70
Trunk Release Handle (Convertible Only)	71
Theft	72
Key in the Ignition	72
Parking at Night	72
Parking Lots	72
Content Theft-Deterrent/Alarm System (If Equipped)	73
Arming the System	73
Turning Off the Alarm	73
Shock Sensor	74
Remote Keyless Entry Transmitter Locking	75
Power Door Lock Switch Locking	75
Passive Arming	75
Disarming the System	75
Feature Customization (If Equipped)	76
Entering Programming Mode Exit Lighting and Delayed Illumination	77
Last Door Closed Locking and Lockout Prevention	78
Remote Keyless Entry Verification	79
Theft- Deterrent Arming Verification	80
Theft- Deterrent Arming Method	81
Driver's Door Alarm Delay and Shock Sensor Enable	82
Exiting Programming Mode	83
PASS-Key II	83
New Vehicle "Break-In"	85
Ignition Positions	85
Key Release Button (If Equipped)	87
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)	87
Starting Your Engine	88
Automatic Transmission	88
Manual Transmission	88
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	96
Five-Speed	96
Six-Speed	97
Shift Speeds	98
Skip Shift Light (5.7L V8 Engine)	98
Computer- Aided Manual Transmission Shift Speeds	99
Parking Brake	99
Shifting Into PARK (P) (Automatic Transmission Only)	101
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running (Automatic Transmission Only)	102
Torque Lock (Automatic Transmission)	102
Shifting Out of PARK (P) (Automatic Transmission Only)	103
Parking Your Vehicle (Manual Transmission Models Only)	103
Parking Over Things That Burn Engine Exhaust	104
Running Your Engine While You're Parked (Automatic Transmission)	105
Limited-Slip Rear Axle	106
Horn	106
Tilt Wheel	106
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever	107
Turn and Lane-Change Signals	107
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer	108
Windshield Wipers	108
Windshield Washer	108
Cruise Control	109
Setting Cruise Control Resuming a Set Speed	110
Increasing Speed While Using Cruise Control	110
Reducing Speed While Using Cruise Control	111
Passing Another Vehicle While Using Cruise Control	111
Using Cruise Control on Hills	111
Ending Out of Cruise Control	111
Erasing Speed Memory	111
Exterior Lamps	112
Headlamps on Reminder	113
Headlamp Doors	113
Daytime Running Lamps	114
Fog Lamps	115
Interior Lamps	115
Instrument Panel Brightness Control	115
Courtesy Lamps Delayed Illumination	116
Exit Lighting	116
Front Map Lamps	116
Mirrors	117
Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror	117
Power Remote Control Mirrors	117
Convex Outside Mirror	117
Storage Compartments	118
Glove Box	118
Front Console	118
Map Pocket	118
Compact Disc Storage	118
Cargo Cover	118
Using the Cargo Cover	118
Removing the Cargo Cover	119
Ashtray and Cigarette Lighter	120
Sun Visors	121
Visor Vanity Mirror	121
Accessory Power Outlet	121
Floor Mats	122
T-Top Roof Panels (If Equipped)	123
Removing the T-Top Roof Panels	123
Storing the T-Top Roof Panels	124
Installing the T-Top Roof Panels	126
T-Top Sunshades	128
Convertible Top (If Equipped)	130
Lowering Your Convertible Top	130
Installing the Boot Cover	132
Removing the Boot Cover	134
Raising Your Convertible Top	135
The Instrument Panel -- Your Information System	138
Instrument Panel Cluster	140
Speedometer and Odometer	141
Trip Odometer	141
Tachometer	141
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators	142
Safety Belt Reminder Light	142
Air Bag Readiness Light	143
Voltmeter	144
Brake System Warning Light	144
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light	145
Traction Control System Warning Light (Option)	146
Low Traction Light	146
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage	147
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Service Engine Soon Light in the United States or Check Engine Light in Canada)	147
If the Light Is Flashing	149
If the Light Is On Steady	149
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Programs	150
Oil Pressure Gage	151
Low Oil Light	152
Oil Change Light	152
Service Vehicle Light	153
Check Gages Light	153
Hatch Ajar Light	153
Fuel Gage	153
Low Fuel Light	154
Reduced Engine Power Light (V6 Engine Only)	154
Section 3 Comfort Controls and Audio Systems	155
Comfort Controls	156
Fan Knob	156
Temperature Knob	156
Mode Knob	156
Cooling	157
Heating	157
Bi- Level	157
Defogging and Defrosting	158
Rear Window Defogger	158
Ventilation System	159
Ventilation Tips	159
Audio Systems	160
Setting the Clock	160
AM-FM Stereo with Compact Disc Player and Equalizer	160
Playing the Radio	161
Finding a Station	161
Setting Preset Stations	161
Setting the Tone (Bass/Treble)	161
Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade)	162
Playing a Compact Disc	162
Compact Disc Messages	163
Trunk-Mounted CD Changer (Option)	164
Playing a Compact Disc	166
Compact Disc Messages	167
Theft-Deterrent Feature	167
Activating the Theft- Deterrent Feature	168
Unlocking the Theft- Deterrent Feature After a Power Loss	168
Disabling the Theft- Deterrent Feature	169
Audio Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped)	170
Understanding Radio Reception	171
AM	171
FM Stereo	171
Tips About Your Audio System	171
Care of Your Compact Discs	172
Care of Your Compact Disc Player	172
Power Antenna Mast Care	172
Section 4 Your Driving and the Road	173
Defensive Driving	174
Drunken Driving	175
Control of a Vehicle	178
Braking	178
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)	179
Using Anti- Lock	181
Braking in Emergencies	181
Traction Control System (Option)	181
Steering	183
Power Steering	183
Steering Tips	183
Driving on Curves	183
Steering in Emergencies	184
Off-Road Recovery	185
Passing	185
Loss of Control	187
Skidding	187
Driving at Night	188
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads	190
Hydroplaning	191
Driving Through Deep Standing Water	192
Driving Through Flowing Water	192
Some Other Rainy Weather Tips	192
City Driving	193
Freeway Driving	194
Before Leaving on a Long Trip	195
Highway Hypnosis	196
Hill and Mountain Roads	196
Winter Driving	198
Driving on Snow or Ice	199
If You're Caught in a Blizzard	200
Recreational Vehicle Towing	202
Loading Your Vehicle	202
Towing a Trailer	204
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer	205
Weight of the Trailer	206
Weight of the Trailer Tongue	206
Total Weight on Your Vehicle's Tires	207
Hitches	207
Safety Chains	208
Trailer Brakes	208
Driving with a Trailer	208
Following Distance	209
Passing	209
Backing Up	209
Making Turns	209
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer	210
Driving On Grades	210
Parking on Hills	211
When You Are Ready to Leave After Parking on a Hill	212
Maintenance When Trailer Towing	212
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing	212
Section 5 Problems on the Road	213
Hazard Warning Flashers	214
Other Warning Devices	215
Jump Starting	215
Towing Your Vehicle	220
Engine Overheating	221
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode	221
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine	222
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine	223
Cooling System	224
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Recovery Tank	226
How to Add Coolant to the Radiator (3800 V6 Engine Only)	228
How to Add Coolant to the Radiator (V8 Engine Only)	231
If a Tire Goes Flat	234
Changing a Flat Tire	234
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools	235
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire	238
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools	243
Compact Spare Tire	245
If You're Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow	246
Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out	246
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care	247
Service	248
Doing Your Own Service Work	248
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle	249
Fuel	249
Gasoline Octane	249
Gasoline Specifications	250
California Fuel	250
Additives	250
Fuels in Foreign Countries	251
Filling Your Tank	251
Filling a Portable Fuel Container	254
Checking Things Under the Hood	254
Hood Release	255
Engine Compartment Overview	256
Engine Oil	258
Checking Engine Oil	258
When to Add Engine Oil	259
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use	260
Engine Oil Additives	262
When to Change Engine Oil (GM Oil Life System)	262
How to Reset the Oil Change Light	263
What to Do with Used Oil	263
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter	264
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter Replacement	265
Automatic Transmission Fluid	266
When to Check and Change	266
How to Check	267
Checking the Fluid Level	268
How to Add Fluid	269
Manual Transmission Fluid	270
When to Check	270
How to Check	270
How to Add Fluid	271
Hydraulic Clutch	272
When to Check and What to Use	272
How to Check and Add Fluid	272
Rear Axle	273
When to Check and Change Lubricant	273
How to Check Lubricant	273
What to Use	273
Standard Differential	273
Limited- Slip Differential	273
Engine Coolant	274
What to Use	275
Checking Coolant	276
Adding Coolant to the Recovery Tank	276
Radiator Pressure Cap	277
Power Steering Fluid	277
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	282
Brake Wear	283
Brake Pedal Travel	284
Brake Adjustment	284
Replacing Brake System Parts	284
Battery	284
Vehicle Storage	285
Bulb Replacement	285
Halogen Bulbs	285
Headlamps	286
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp	288
Rear Lamps	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	302
Cleaning of Fabric/Carpet	302
Using Cleaner on Fabric	302
Special Fabric Cleaning Problems	303
Cleaning Vinyl	303
Cleaning Leather	303
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel	304
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components	304
Care of Safety Belts	304
Cleaning Glass Surfaces	304
Cleaning the Outside of the Windshield and Wiper Blades	305
Weatherstrips	305
Cleaning a Removable Roof Panel	305
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle	306
Washing Your Vehicle	306
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses	306
Finish Care	306
Cleaning Your Convertible Top	307
Cleaning Aluminum or Chrome- Plated Wheels (If Equipped)	308
Cleaning Tires	308
Sheet Metal Damage	308
Finish Damage	309
Underbody Maintenance	309
Chemical Paint Spotting	309
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials	310
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)	311
Engine Identification	311
Service Parts Identification Label	311
Electrical System	312
Add-On Electrical Equipment	312
Headlamps	312
Windshield Wipers	312
Power Windows and Other Power Options	312
Fuses and Circuit Breakers	313
Instrument Panel Fuse Block	314
Engine Compartment Fuse Block	316
Replacement Bulbs	318
Capacities and Specifications	318
Engine Specifications	319
Air Conditioning Refrigerant Capacity	319
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts	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
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	338
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
Fuel System Inspection	340
Engine Cooling System Inspection	341
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	348
Pontiac Cares	349
What Makes Up Pontiac Cares?	349
Customer Satisfaction Procedure	350
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users	352
Customer Assistance Offices	352
United States	352
Canada	352
All Overseas Locations	352
Mexico, Central America and Caribbean Islands/ Countries (Except Puerto Rico and U. S. Virgin Islands)	352
GM Mobility Program for Persons with Disabilities	353
Pontiac Roadside Assistance Program	353
Security While You Travel	353
Canadian Roadside Assistance	355
Courtesy Transportation	355
Plan Ahead When Possible	355
Transportation Options	356
Shuttle Service	356
Public Transportation or Fuel Reimbursement	356
Courtesy Rental Vehicle	356
Additional Program Information	356
Warranty Information	357
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT	357
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT	358