1994 Pontiac Firebird Owners Manual

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PONTIAC ... - ..._ . . . . .. . . . . . .. . . .'i ~,.,. Firebird Introduction Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 9 Part 8 Part 9 ,, Systems How to Use This Manual Seats & Restraint Features & Controls Comfort Coqtrols & Audio Systems Your Driving and Probiems on the Road the Road & Appearance Care Schedule Maintenance Customer Assistance Information Including “Reporting Safety Defects” on page 261. hdeX s m m m m = m . Servi.ce Station Information = m m m m m = 1994 0wn:er’s Manual Table of Contents m 41 103 m 125 151 183 = 239 259 = m = m m m 269 Last Page = . . m m = m m m m m = Printed in U.S.A. Part No. 10260939 A Second Edition 1 ... How to Use This Manual Important Notes about This Manual Please keep this manual in your Pontiac, so it will be there if you ever need it when you’re on the road. If you sell the vehicle, please leave this manual in it so the new owner can use it. This manual includes the latest information at the time it was printed. We reserve the right to make changes in the product after that time without further notice. For vehicles fist sold in Canada, substitute the name “General Motors of Canada Limited” for Pontiac Motor Division wherever it appears in this manual. For Canadian Owners Who Prefer a French Language Manual Aux proprihires canadiens: Vous pouvez vous procurer un exemplaire de ce guide en frangis chez votre concessionaire ou au DGN Marketing Services Ltd., 1500 Bonhill Rd., Mississauga, Ontario L5T 1C7. Published by: Pontiac Motor Division General Motors Corporation Pontiac Motors, GM and the GM emblem, Pontiac and the Pontiac emblem, and Firebird and the Firebird emblem are registered trademarks of General Motors Corporation. @Copyright 1993 General Motors Corporation, Pontiac Motor Division. All Rights Reserved. ... 2 How to Use This Manual Many people read their owner’s manual from beginning to end when they first receive their new vehicle. This will help you learn about the features and controls for your vehicle. In this manual, you’ll find that pictures and words work together to explain things quickly. Index: A good place to look for what you need is the Index in back of the manual. It’s an alphabetical list of all that’s in the manual, and the page number where you’ll find it. Parts 1-8: Each part of this manual begins with a brief list of its contents, so you can often find at a glance if a part contains the information you want. How to Use This Manual: This part tells you how to use your manual and includes safety and vehicle damage warnings and symbols. Part 1 - Seats & Restraint Systems: This part tells you how to use your seats and safety belts properly. It also explains the air bag system. Part 2 - Features & Controls: This part explains how to start and operate your Pontiac. Part 3 - Comfort Controls & Audio Systems: This part tells you how to adjust the comfort controls and how to operate your sound system. Part 4 - Your Driving and the Road: Here you’ll find helpful information and tips about the road and how under different conditions. Part 5 - Problems on the Road: This part tells you what to do if you have a problem while driving, such as a flat tire or engine overheating, etc. Part 6 - Service & Appearance Care: Here the manual tells you how to keep your Pontiac running properly and looking good. to drive Part 7 - Maintenance Schedule: This part tells when to perform vehicle maintenance and what fluids and lubricants to use. Part 8 - Customer Assistance Information: This part includes important information about reporting safety defects and gives you details about the “Roadside Assistance” program. You will also find customer satisfaction phone numbers (including customer satisfaction numbers for the hearing and speech impaired), as well as the mediatiodarbitration procedure. We’ve also included ordering information for service publications in this part. Service Station Information: This is a quick reference of service information. You can find it on the last page of this manual. 3... How to Use This Manual You will also find a circle with a slash through it in this book. This safety symba means “Don’t,’’ “Don’t do this,’’ or “Don’ let this happen.” Safety Warnings and Symbols You will find a number of safety cautions in this book. We use a box with a gray background and the word CAUTION to tell you about things that could hurt you if you were to ignore the warning. In the gray caution area, we tell you what the hazard is. Then we tell you what to do to help avoid or reduce the hazard. Please read these cautions. If you don’t, you or others could be. hurt. ... 4 NOTICE: These mean there is something that could damage your vehicle. Vehicle Damage Warnings Also, in this book you will find these notices. In the notice area, we tell you about something that can damage your vehicle. Many times, this damage would not be covered by your warranty, and it could be costly. But the notice will tell you what to do to help avoid the .damage. When you read other manuals, you might see CAUTION and NOTICE warnings in different colors or in different words. You’ll also see warning labels on your vehicle. They use yellow for cautions, blue for notices and the words CAUTION or NOTICE. Vehicle Symbols These are some of the symbols you will find on your vehicle. For example, these symbols are used on an original battery: Caution Possible Injury A Protect Eyes by Shielding @ Avoid Sparks or Flames 8 Caustic Battery Acid Could Cause Burns Sparks or Flame Could Explode Battery \ \ b These symbols are important for you and your passengers whenever your vehicle is driven: Headlight High Beam Parking Lights Fasten Safety Belts Window Up/Down a Door LocWUnlock Courtesy Lights Fog Lamps These symbols have to do with your lights: These symbols are on some of your controls: Master Lighting Switch Turn Signal Direction Hazard Warning Flashers A A Windshield Wiper Windshield Washer Windshield Defroster 5 . . How to Use This Manual Rear Window Defogger Y These symbols are used on warning and indicator lights: Ventilating Fan Engine Coolant Temperature Low Coolant m Here are some other symbols you may see: Battery Charging System 1-7 Hatchnrunk Release Hood Release Fuel Engine Oil Pressure w, Brake (Canada) (0) (8) Horn Lighter Anti-Lock Brake System (Canada) Speaker Convertible Top Switch Bi- L e vel Vent Heater Blend ... 6 Part 1 Seats & Restraint Systems ..’, H e r e you’ll find information about the seats in your Pontiac and how to use your safety belts properly. You can also learn about some things you should not do with safety belts. Seats and Seat Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Why Safety Belts Work ............................................. 15 Here Are Questions Many People Ask about Safety Belts - and the Answers . . 17 Safety Belt Reminder Light .......................................... 18 How to Wear Safety Belts Properly .................................... 19 Children ................................. ..................... 30 Child Restraints . . . . . . ..................... 31 Larger Children ........................... ..................... 38 SafetyBeltExtender ............................................... 39 Checking Your Restraint Systems ..................................... 40 Replacing Safety Belts after a Crash ................................... 40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ? . . - Seats and Restraint Systems Seats and Seat Controls This section tells you about the seats - how to adjust them, and also about reclining front seatbacks, seatback latches and the folding rear seatback. Manual Front Seat Move the lever under the passenger’s front seat to unlock it. Slide the seat to where you want it. Then release the lever and try to move the seat with your body, to make sure the seat is locked into place. Be sure the lever returns to its original position after moving the seat. rour-Way Manual Seat ?o move the driver’s seat forward or backward, lift the lever under the left ront of the seat. Slide the seat to where rou want it. Then release the lever and ry to move the seat with your body to nake sure the seat is locked into place. :o tilt the entire seat, lift the lever under he right front of the seat. . . . a Six-Way Power Seat (Option) The driver’s seat has three controls on thc eft side. rhe front control makes the front of the ;eat go up and down. The back control makes the back of the ;eat go up and down. The center control makes the whole seat ;o up and down or forward and Jackward. Fully Articulating Sport Seat (Option) If your Pontiac has these seats, the driver’s seat has the four-way manual seat adjuster. See “Four-Way Manual Seat” earlier in this part. The passenger seat has the two-way manual seat adjuster. See “Manual Front Seat” earlier in this part. 9 . . . Seats and Restraint Systems To adjust the thigh support, pull up on the front of your seat cushion and move the support to the position you want. To release the support, continue pulling up. To engage it again, push down firmly. The switch pads on the outer sides of the seats “inflate” and “deflate” parts of your seatback. The two buttons that have “dots” inflate md deflate the outer parts of the seatback. To inflate, push the raised button. To leflate, push the indented button. . . . I O The two buttons without “dots” inflate and deflate the lumbar (lower part of the seatback) support. To inflate, push the raised button. To deflate, push the indented button. To adjust the seatback, lift the lever on the outer side of the seat. Release the lever to lock the seatback where you want it. Pull up on the lever, and the seat will -go to its original upright position. But don’t have the seatback reclined if your vehicle is moving. If you have fully articulating sport seats, your recliner lever looks like this,, I I ... I1 Seats and Restraint Systems Head Restraints Slide the head restraints up or down so that the top of the restraint is closest to the top of your ears. This position reduces the chance of a neck injury in a crash. If you have the fully articulating sport seat, you have a six-way head restraint. It can be adjusted up and down, forward and rearward, or tilted. To adjust it forward, pull the restraint forward. To adjust it rearward, pull the restraint forward all the way to release it. Then move it to the position you want. . . .12 The front seatback folds forward to let people get into the back seat. To fold a seatback forward, push the seatback toward the rear as you lift this latch. Then the s'eatback will fold forward. When you return the seatback to its original position, make sure the seatback is locked. The latch must be down for the seat to work properly. Folding Rear Seatback The rear seatback in your Pontikc folds :. down to provide more storage Space. :i To fold the seatback down: 1. Pull forward on both levas$ 2. Fold the seatback down. To raise the seatback: 1. Pull it up to the locked, up6ght ..!! . - / 1 position. 2. Be sure both latches hold the seatback in place. Have them fixed itithey don't . \< I d . . . Seats and Restraint Systems Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone This part of the manual tells you how to use safety belts properly. It also tells you some things you should not do with safety belts. And it explains the Supplemental Inflatable Restraint, or “air bag” system. ’his figure lights up as a reminder to uckle up. (See “Safety Belt Reminder .ight” in the Index.) n many states and Canadian provinces, he law says to wear safety belts. Here’s vhy: They work. You never know if you’ll be in a crash. If if it you do have a crash, you don’t know will be a bad one. A few crashes are mild, and some crashes can be so serious that even buckled up a person wouldn’t survive. But most crashes are in between. In many of them, people who buckle up can survive and sometimes walk away. Without belts they could have been badly hurt or killed. After more than 25 years of safety belts in vehicles, the facts are clear. In most crashes buckling up does matter ... a lot! . . . I 4 Why Safety Belts' Work When you ride in or on anything, you go as fast as it goes. For example, if the bike is going 10 mph (16 kmk), so is the child. When the bike hits the block, it stops. But the child keeps going! Take the simplest vehicle. Suppwe it's just a seat on wheels. - . I ' Seats and Restraint Systems Put someone on it. Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle. The rider doesn't stop. The person keeps going until stopped by something. In a real vehicle, it could be the windshield . . . . . .I6 or the instrument panel ... x- the safety belts! With safety belts, you slow down as the vehicle does. You get more time: to stop. You stop 'over more distance, and your gtrongest bones take the forces. That's why safety belts make such good sense. H&e &e Questions Many People Ask about Safety Belts - and the Amswers 'Q: Won't I be trapped in tlie vehicle after an aecidemt if I'm wearing a safety belt? A: You could be - whether you're wearing a safety belt or not. But you can easily unbuckle a safety belt, even if you're upside down. And your chance .of being conscious during and after an accident, so you can unbuckle and get out, is much greater if you are belted. 17.. . Seats and Restraint Systems Q: Why don’t they just put in air bags so people won’t have to wear safety belts? Q: If I’m a good driver, and I never drive far from home, why should I wear safety belts? A: Air bags, or Supplemental Inflatable Restraint systems, are in some vehicles today and will be in more of them in the future. But they are supplemental systems only - so they work with safety belts, not instead of them. Every air bag system ever offered for sale has required the use of safety belts. Even if you’re in a vehicle that has air bags, you still have to buckle up to get the most protection. That’s true not only in frontal collisions, but especially in side and other collisions. A: You may be an excellent driver, but if you’re in an accident - even one that isn’t your fault - you and your passengers can be hurt. Being a good driver doesn’t protect you from things beyond your control, such as bad drivers. Most accidents occur within 25 miles (40 km) of home. And the greatest number of serious injuries and deaths occur at speeds of less than 40 mph (65 km/h). Safety belts are for everyone. Safety Belt Reminder Light When the key is turned to “Run” or “Start,” a chime will come on for about eight seconds to remind people to fasten their safety belts, unless the driver’s safety belt is already buckled. The safety belt light will also come on and stay on until the driver’s belt is buckled. . . . I 8 How to Wear Safety Belts Properly Adults This section is only for people of adult size. Be aware that there are special things to know about safety belts and children. And there are different rules for smaller children and babies. If a child will be riding in your Pontiac, see the section after this one, called “Children.” Follow those rules for everyone’s protection. First, you’ll want to know which restraint systems your vehicle has. We’ll start with the driver position. Driver Position This section describes the driver’s restraint system. Lap-Shoulder Belt The driver has a lap-shoulder belt. Here’s how to wear it properly. 1. Close and lock the door. 2. Adjust the seat (to see how, see “Seats” in the Index) so you can sit up straight. 19 ... Seats and Restraint Systems &e ,,, " & 3. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you. Don't let it get twisted. I L-> I' 5. To make the lap part tight, pull down on the buckle end of the belt as you pull up on the shoulder belt. 4. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks. Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure. If the belt isn't long enough, see "Safety Belt Extender" at the end of this section. Make sure the release button on the buckle is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to. ... 20 The lap part of the belt should be worn ow and snug on the hips, just touching he thighs. In a crash, this applies force to he strong pelvic bones. And you'd be ess likely to slide under the lap belt. If rou slid under it, the belt would apply orce at your abdomen. This could cause ;erious or even fatal injuries. The Ihoulder belt should go over the shoulder tnd across the chest. These parts of the lady are best able to take belt restraining .orces. The safety belt locks if there's a sudden ;top or crash. Q: What’s wrong with this? Q: What’s wrong with this? A: The shoulder belt is too loose. It won’ give nearly as much protection this way. A: The belt is buckled in the wrong place. 2: What’s wrong with this? k The shoulder belt is worn u&er the ,’., arm. It should be worn over the shoulder at all times. 21 ... Seats and Restraint Systems ~~ Q: What’s wrong with this? A: The belt is twisted across the body. To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle. The belt should go back out of the way. Before you close the door, be sure the belt is out of the way. If you slam the door on it, you can damage bott the belt and your vehicle. ... 22 This vehicle has AIR BAGS for front occupants. A CAUTION: YOU NEED YOUR SAFETY BELT, EVEN WITH AN AIR BAG. AND HERE’S WHY Air bags are not designed to inflate in rollovers or in rear, side or low-speed frontal crashes. Air bags inflate with great force, faster than the blink of an eye. If you’re too close to an inflating air bag, it could seriously injure you. Safety belts help keep you in position for air bag inflation in a crash. An inflating air bag can seriously injure small children. Follow the instructions on the passenger safety belt Caution label. REGULAR MAINTENANCE OF THE AIR BAG SYSTEM IS NOT REQUIRED. If the air bag readiness light comes on while you are driving, or your vehicle, see your dealer for service. PRINTED IN U S A . See your Owner’s Manual for more information. doesn’t come on when you first start PART NO C20-30-355 Here are the most important things to know: Supplemental Inflatable Restraint System (Air Bags) rhis section explains the Supplemental [nflatable Restraint (SIR), or “air bag,” system. Your Pontiac has an air bag For both the driver and the right-front Jassenger. 23 ... Seats and Restraint Systems AIR BAG Air Bag Readiness Light There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument panel, which shows “AIR BAG” on it. The system checks for electrical malfunctions, and the light tells you if there is a problem. You will see this light flash for a few seconds when you turn your ignition to “Run” or “Start.” Then the light should go out, which means the system is ready. Remember, if the air bag readiness light doesn’t come on when you start your vehicle, or stays on, or comes on when you are driving, your air bag system may not work properly. Have your vehicle serviced right away. How the Air Bag System Works Where is the air bag? The driver’s air bag is in the middle steering wheel. of th ... 24 i The right-front passenger’s air bag is located in the instrument panel on the passenger’s side. When is an air bag expected to inflate? The air bag is designed to inflate in moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal crashes. The air bag will only inflate if the velocity of the impact is above the designed threshold level. When impacting straight into a wall that does not move or deform, the threshold level for most GM vehicles is between 9 and 15 mph (14 and 23 km/h). However, this velocity threshold depends on the vehicle design and may be several miles-per-hour faster or slower. In addition, this threshold velocity will be considerably higher if the vehicle strikes an object such as a parked car which will move and deform on impact. The air bag is also not designed to inflate in rollovers, side impacts, or rear impacts where the inflation would provide no occupant protection benefit. It is possible that in a crash, only one of the two air bags in your Firebird will deploy. This is rare, but can happen in a crash just severe enough to make an air bag inflate. In any particular crash, the determination of whether the air bag should have inflated cannot be based solely on the level of damage on the vehicle(s). Inflation is determined by the angle of the ~. impact and the vehicle’s deceleration, of which vehicle damage is only one indication. Repair cost is not a good indicator of whether an air bag should have deployed. What makes an air bag inflate? ;, [n a frontal or near-frontal impact of sufficient severity, the air bag sensikg system detects that the vehicle is suddenly stopping as a result of a crash. The sensing sytem triggers a chemical teaction of the sodium azide sealed in the inflator. The reaction produces nitrogen gas; which inflates a cloth bag. The infktor, 210th bag, and related hardware are all part of the air bag inflator modules packed inside the steering wheel and in the instrument panel in front of the passenger. How does an air bag restrain? [n moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal collisions, even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel or the instrument panel. The air bag supplements the protection provided by safety belts. Air bags distribute the force of the impact more evenly over the occupant’s upper body, stopping the occupant more gradually. But air bags would not provide protection in many 25 . windshield breakage may occur in vehicles with passenger air bags because the windshield acts as a reaction surface for the inflating air bag. The air bags are designed to inflate only once. After they inflate you’ll need some new parts for your air bag system. If you don’t get them, the air bag system won’t be there to help protect you in another crash. A new system will include air bag modules and possibly other parts. The service manual has information about the need to replace other parts. 0 Your vehicle is equipped with a diagnostic module, which records information about the air bag system if the air bag deploys in a crash. The module records information about the readiness of the system, which sensors activated the deployment, and whether the driver’s safety belt was in use. Seats and Restraint Systems types of collisions, including rollovers and rear and side impacts, primarily because an occupant’s motion is not toward the air bag. Air bags should never be regarded as anything more than a supplement to safety belt protection in moderate to severe frontal and near-frontal collisions. What will you see after an air bag inflation? After the air bag has inflated, it will then quickly deflate. This occurs so quickly that some people may not even realize that the air bag inflated. Some components of the air bag module in the steering wheel hub for the driver’s air bag or the instrument panel for the passenger’s bag may be hot for a short time, but the portion of the bag that comes into contact with you will not be hot to the touch. There will be small amounts of smoke and dust coming from vents in the deflated air bags. The air bag will not impede the driver’s vision or ability to steer the vehicle, nor will it hinder the occupants from exiting the vehicle. In many crashes severe enough to inflate an air bag, windshields are broken by vehicle deformation. Additional ... 26 Let only qualified technicians work on your air bag system. Improper service can mean that your air bag system won’t work properly. See your dealer for service. NOTICE: If you damage the cover for the driver’s or the right-front passenger’s air bag, they may not work properly. You may have to replace the air bag on the steering wheel or both the air bag and the instrument panel for the passenger’s air bag. Do not open or break the air bag covers. 1s the smoke from an air bag inflation harmful? The particles emitted during air bag inflation are not harmful to most people. Some people with respiratory ailments may experience difficulty breathing if they stay in the vehicle with the windows closed after air bag inflation. So, if your air bag inflates, you and any passengers should exit the vehicle if and when it is safe to do so. If you or your passengers can’t get out of the vehicle, try to get fresh air by opening a window, turning on the fan, or opening a door. Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Pontiac Air bags affect how your Pontiac should be serviced. There are parts of the air bag system in several places around your vehicle. You don’t want the system to inflate while someone is working on your vehiele. Your Pontiac dealer and the 1994 Firebird Service Manual have information about servicing your vehicle and the air bag system. The air bag system does not need regular maintenance. Safety Belt Use during Pregnancy Safety belts work for everyone, including pregnant women. Like all occupants, they are more likely to be seriously injured if they don’t wear safety belts. A pregnant woman should wear a lap-shoulder belt, and the lap portion should be worn as low as possible throughout the pregnancy. The best way to protect the fetus is to protect the mother. When a safety belt is worn properly, it’s more likely that the fetus won’t be hurt in a crash. For pregnant women, as for anyone, the key to making safety belts effective is wearing them properly. ’assenger Positions tight Front Passenger Position :he right front passenger’s safety belt vorks the same way as the driver’s safety belt. See “Driver Position,” earlier in this k a r 2 7 . . Seats and Restraint Systems I L tear Seat Passengers t’s very important for rear seat bassengers to buckle up! Accident tatistics show that unbelted people in the ear seat are hurt more often in crashes han those who are wearing safety belts. tl tear passengers who aren’t safety belted :an be thrown out of the vehicle in a :rash. And they can strike others in the rehicle who are wearing safety belts. Lap-Shoulder Belt The rear seats have lap-shoulder belts. lere’s how to wear one properly. . .28 1. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you. Don’t let it get twisted. 2. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks. If the belt stops before it reaches the buckle, tilt the latch plate and keep pulling until you can buckle it. Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure. If the belt is not long enough, see “Safety Belt Extender” at the end of this section. Make sure the release button on the buckle is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to. r 3. To make the lap part tight, pull down on the buckle end of the belt as you pull up on the shoulder part. The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hps, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies force tc the strong pelvic bones. And you'd be less likely to slide under the lap belt. If you slid under it, the belt would apply force at your abdomen. This could cause serious or even fatal injuries. The shoulder belt should go over the shoulde: and across the chest. These parts of the body are best able to take belt restraining forces. The safety belt locks if there's a sudden stop or a crash. 29. . Seats and Restraint Systems Smaller Children and Babies To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle. Everyone. in a vehicle needs protection! That includes infants and all children smaller than adult size. In fact, the law in every state in the United States and in every Canadian province says children up to some age must be restrained while in a vehicle. ... 30 Child Restraints Be sure to follow the instructions for the restraint. You may find these instructions on the restraint itself or in a booklet, or both. These restraidi use the belt system in your vehicle, bkt the child also has to be secured within the restraint to help reduce the chance of personal injury. The instructions that come with the infant or child restraint will show you how to do that. Where to Put the Restraint 4ccident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the :ear rather than the front seat. We qt 3eneral Motors therefore recommend hat you put your child restraint in the -ear seat. NEVER put a rear-facing :hild restraint in the front passenger ;eat. Here's why: 31 ... Seats and Restraint Systems Nherever you install it, be sure to secure he child restraint properly. Ceep in mind that an unsecured child -estraint can move around in a collision x- sudden stop and injure people in the iehicle. Be sure to properly secure any :hild restraint in your vehicle - even when no child is in it. ... 32 Top Strap If your child restraint has a top strap, it should be anchored. If you need to have an anchor installed, you can ask your Pontiac dealer to put it in for you. If you want to install an anchor yourself, your dealer can tell you how to do it. [f you have a convertible, don’t use a restraint that has a top strap in your vehicle because the top strap anchor cannot be installed properly. .! , ' y child's face or neckrput it behind the &ld restraint. For cars first s0;Id in Cqada, child restrairits with a top strap must he anchored according to Canadian Law. Your dealer can obtain the hardware kit and install it for you, or you may install it yourself using the instructions provided with ule kit. Use the tether hardware kit available from the dgaler. The hardware and installation instructions were spem€tcally.a3esigned :. for thi.s vehicle. ieeuring a Chi'ld Restraint in the Rear kat Cau'll be using the lap-shoulder belt. See he earlier section about the top strqp if he child restraint has one. . Put the restraint on the seat. F O ~ ~ O W the instructions for the child restraint. I. Secure the child in the child restraint as .the instructions say. 1. Pick up the latch pl,ate, and run th.e la1 and shoulder'portions of. the vehicle's saGty Wit thiough &'around the re$traint. The child restraint instructitans will show you how. Tilt the latch plate to adjust the belt if needed. 33 ... Seats and Restraint Systems 4. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you wnpld be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to. 5. To tighten the belt, pull up on the shoulder belt while you push down on the child restraint. 6. Push and pull the child restraint in different directions to be sure it is secure. To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt and let it go back all the way. The safety belt will move freely again and be ready to work for an adult or larger child passenger. ... 34 TI- ecuring a Child Restraint in the Right ‘ront Seat bur vehicle has a right-front passenger’s ir bag. NEVER put a rear-facing child :straint in this seat. Here’s why: You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt. See the earlier section about the top strap if the child restraint has one. You’ll need a safety locking clip to properly secure a child restraint in this position. You can get a locking clip where child restraints are sold, or from your Pontiac dealer (GM Part No. 94844571). The locking clip must be the same as the one shown here. 35 ... Seats and Restraint Systems Until you have this clip, secure a child restraint only in the rear seat. See the earlier section about securing a child restraint in the rear seat. Once you have the clip, follow these instructions: 1. Because your vehicle has a right-front passenger’s air bag, always move the seat as far back as it will go before securing a front-facing child restraint. 5. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to. 4. Lap Belt Portion B. Latch Plate C. Buckle D. Shoulder Belt Portion E. Locking Clip 6. Then thread both lap and shoulder belt portions through the locking clip. 2. Put the restraint on the seat. Follow the instructions for the child restraint. 3. Secure the child in the child restraint as the instructions say. 4. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder portions of the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how. If the shoulder belt goes in front of the child’s face or neck, put it behind the child restraint. ... 36 The safety belt will move freely again and be ready to work for an adult or larger child passenger. 7. Push and pull the child restraint in different directions to be sure it is secure. To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle's safety belt and remove the locking clip. Let the safety belt go back all the way. 37. . Seats and Restraint Systems Children who aren’t buckled up can strike other people who are. Larger Children Children who have outgrown child restraints should wear the vehicle’s safety belts. Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear seat. But they need to use the safety belts properly. Children who aren’t buckled up can be thrown out in a crash. ... 38 Q. What if a child is wearing a lap-shoulder belt, but the child is so small that the shoulder belt is very close to the child’s face or neck? A: Move the child toward the center of the vehicle, but be sure that the shoulder belt still is on the child’s shoulder, so that in a crash the child’s upper body would have the restraint that belts provide. Wherever the child sits, the lap portion of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the child’s thighs. This applies belt force to the child’s pelvic bones in a crash. 4 Safety Belt Extender If the vehicle’s safety belt will fasten around you, you should use it. But if a safety belt isn’t long enough to fasten, your dealer will order you an extender. It’s free. When you go in to order it, take the heaviest coat you will wear, so the extender will be long enough for you. The -extender will be just for you, and just for the seat in your vehicle that you choose. Don’t let someone else use it, and use it only for the seat it is made to fit. To wear it, just attach it to the regular safety belt. 39 ... Seats and Restraint Systems Checking Your Restraint Systems Now and then, make sure all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors, anchorages and reminder systems are working properly, Look for any loose parts or damage. If you see anything that might keep a restraint system from doing its job, have it repaired. Replacing Safety Belts after a Crash [f you’ve had a crash, do you need new belts? After a very minor collision, nothing may be necessary. But if the belts were stretched, as they would be if worn during a more severe crash, then you need new belts. Sf belts are cut or damaged, replace them. Collision damage also may mean you will need to have safety belt or seat parts repaired or replaced. New parts and repairs may be necessary even if the belt wasn’t being used at the time of the collision. Q: What’s wrong with this? A: The belt is torn. Torn or frayed belts may not protect you in a crash. They can rip apart under impact forces. If a belt is torn or frayed, get a new one right away. ... 40 H e r e you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your Pontiac. And information on starting. shifting and braking . Also explained are the instrument panel and the warning systems that tell you if everything is working properly - and what to do if you have a problem . Part 2 Features & Controls Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Door Locks . . Theft and Theft Deterrents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . New Vehicle “Break-In” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ignitionswitch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Starting Your Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ManualTransmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Limited-Slip Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EngineExhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tiltwheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Turn Signal/Headlight Beam Lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Operation of Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Twin Lift-off Roof Panels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Storage and Compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SunVisors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AshtrayandLighter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Instrument Panel and Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ConvertibleTop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 43 48 50 51 52 56 59 62 63 66 67 68 69 69 76 79 SO 83 85 85 89 98 41 ... Features and Controls Keys 'he ignition keys are for the ignition on14 ihe door keys are for the doors and all bther locks. ... 42 If you need a new ignition key, go to your Pontiac dealer who can obtain the correct key code. In an emergency, call Pontiac Roadside Assistance at 1 -800-ROADSIDE. Door Locks NOTICE: Your Pontiac has a number of new features that can help prevent theft. But you can have a lot of trouble get- ting into your vehicle if you ever lock your keys inside. You may even have to damage your vehicle to get in. So be sure you have extra keys. Pontiac also supplies a key card that you can use if you don’t have your keys, so be sure to keep this key card with you at all times. When a new Firebird is delivered, the dealer removes the plugs from the door keys and gives them to the first owner. The ignition keys don’t have plugs. Instead they have bar-coded key tags. These tags may be removed by your dealer or even before the car is delivered to your dealer. Each plug has a code on it that tells your dealer or a qualified locksmith how to make extra door keys. Keep the plugs in a safe place. If you lose your door keys, you’ll be able to have new ones made using these plugs. There are several ways to lock and unlock your vehicle: From the outside: Use your door key. 43 ... Features and Controls - - From the inside: To lock the door, move the lock control on the door back. To unlock the door, move the lock control on the door forward. ... 44 Power Door Locks (Option) Push the power door lock switch to lock or unlock both doors at once. The switch only works when the ignition switch is in “Run” or “Acc”, or when RAP is present. (See “Retained Accessory Power” in the Index.) Leaving Your Vehicle If you are leaving the vehicle, take your keys, open your door and set the locks from inside. Then get out and close the door. :emote Lock Control (Option) F your Pontiac has this option, you can Ick and unlock your doors or unlock our hatch from about 30 feet (9 m) using le key chain transmitter supplied with our vehicle. ‘our Remote Lock Control operates on a 3dio frequency subject to Federal lommunications Commission (FCC) !des . ’his device complies with Part 15 of the ‘CC Rules. Operation is subject to the Alowing two conditions: (1) This device lay not cause harmful interference, and 2) This device must accept any lterference received, including lterference that may cause undesired peration. You can match a transmitter to as many different vehicles as you own, provided they are equipped with exactly the same model system. (General Motors offers several different models of these systems on their vehicles.) Each vehicle can have onlv two transmitters matched to it. Should interference to this system occur, try this: 0 Check to determine if battery replacement is necessary. See the instructions on battery replacement. 0 Check the distance. You may be too far from your vehicle. This product has a maximum range. Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may be blocking the signal. 0 See your Pontiac dealer or a qualified technician for service. Changes or modifications to this system by other than an authorized service facility could void authorization to use this equipment. Operation The driver’s door will unlock automatically when “UNLOCK’ is pressed. If “UNLOCK” is pressed again within five seconds, the passenger door will also unl‘ock. All doors will lock when “DOQR’ is pressed. The hatch will unlock when the opened trunk symbol is pressed, but only when the ignition switch is not in “Run”, and the transmission is in “P” (Park) if you have an automatic transmission. If you have a manual transmission, the parking brake must be set. The system will turn on the interior lights for about 40 seconds, or until the ignition switch is turned to “Run”, when you unlock the doors or hatch. The interior lights will come on for about two seconds when you lock the doors. Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle Each key chain transmitter is coded to prevent another transmitter from unlocking your vehicle. If a transmitter is lost or stolen, a replacement can be purchased through your dealer. Remember to bring any remaining transmitters with you when you go to your dealer. When the dealer matches the replacement transmitter to your vehicle, the remaining transmitter must also be matched. Once the new transmitter is coded, the lost transmitter will not unlock your vehicle. 45 ... Features and Controls Nhen matching transmitters, the first ransmitter code matched will be stored in loth memories until a second transmitter s matched. This means that the second ransmitter will not work until it is natched in step 5. 0. Press any button on the first transmitter. The door locks should lock and unlock. Press any button on the second transmitter. The door locks should lock and unlock. Remove the fused jumper from the DLC. The system will not work unless the jumper is removed. Check that all the buttons on both transmitters work correctly. 5. a. 7. [f the transmitters don’t work, or if you’d rather not match the transmitters yourself, see your Pontiac dealer. Battery Replacement &der normal use, the batteries in your rey chain transmitter should last about :wo years. You can tell the batteries are weak if the :ransmitter won’t work at the normal -ange in any location. If you have to get :lose to your vehicle before the :ransmitter works, it’s probably time to :hange the batteries. I‘o replace batteries in the Remote Lock Zontrol: 1. Pop the cover off by inserting a dime (or similar object) in the slot between the covers and twisting. 2. Lift off the front cover, bottom half first. To match transmitters to your vehicle: 1. Find the Data Link Connector (DLC). It is in the bottom of the instrument panel near the steering column. 2. Insert one end of a fused jumper into terminal “G.” Terminal “G” is the top terminal on the far right. 3. Insert the other end of the fused jumper into terminal “A.” Terminal “A” is the bottom terminal on the far left. You have grounded the program input line. You should hear the door locks lock and unlock within one to three seconds. ... 46 - . . . . . . 3. 4. Remove and replace the batteries. Use two Duracell@ batteries, type DL2016, or a similar type. Put new batteries in printed side down. Replace the front cover. Make sure the cover is on tightly so water won’t get in. latch Release {our door key opens the hatch. Remote Hatch Release (Option) ’ress the switch under the light controls o unlock the hatch from inside your Jehicle. If you have an automatic ransmission, your shift lever must be n “P” (Park) or “N” (Neutral) to use the ;witch. If you have a manual transmission md the ignition switch is in “Run”, you nust set the parking brake before you can Ise the switch. The switch only works when the ignition ;witch is in “Run” or “Acc”, or when IAP is present. (See “Retained 4ccessory Power” in the Index.) 47. . Features and Controls NOTICE: If you put things in the hatchback area, be sure they won’t break the glass when you close it. Never slam .the hatch down. You could break the glass or damage the defogger grid (if equipped). ... 48 Theft Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities. Although your Pontiac has a number of theft-deterrent features, we know that nothing we put on it can make it impossible to steal. However, there are ways you can help. Key in the ignition: If you walk away from your vehcle with the keys inside, it’s an easy target for joy riders or professional thieves - so don’t do it. When you park your Pontiac and open the driver’s door, ydu’ll heai a tone reminding you to remove your key from the ignition and take it with you, Always do this. Your steering wheel will be locked, and so will your ignition. If you have an automatic transmission, taking your key out also locks your transmission. And remember to lock the doors. Parking at Night: Park in a lighted spot, close all windows and lock your vehicle. Remember to keep your valuables out of sight. Put them in a storage area, or take them with you. Parking Lots: If you park in a lot where someone will be watching your vehicle, it's best to lock it up and take your keys. But what if you have to leave your ignition key? What if you have to leave something valuable in your vehicle? Put your valuables in a storage area, like your glove box. 0 Lock the glove box. 0 Lock all the doors except the driver's. Then take the door key with you. I GM - I PASS-Key@IZ four vehicle is equipped with the -'ASS-Key@II (Personalized Automotive iecurity System) theft-deterrent system. -'ASS-Key@II is a passive theft-deterrent iystem. This means you don't have to do mything different to arm or disarm the iystem. It works when you insert or 'emove the key from the ignition. -'ASS-Key@II uses a resistor pellet in he ignition key that matches a decoder n your vehicle. When the PASS-Key@II system senses that someone is using the wrong key, it shuts down the vehicle's starter and fuel systems. For about three minutes, the starter won't work and fuel won't go to the engine. If someone tries to start your vehicle again or uses another key -during this time, the vehicle will not start. This discourages someone from randomly trying different keys with different resistor pellets in an attempt to make a match. . ..,. 49 . Features and Controls Faulty. See your Pontiac dealer or a locksmith who can service the PASS-Key@II. [f you accidentally use a key that has a Jamaged or missing resistor pellet, the starter won’t work and the security light will flash. But you don’t have to wait three minutes before trying another ignition key. See your Pontiac dealer or a locksmith who can service the PASS-Key@II to have a new key made. If you’re ever driving and the “SECURITY’’ light comes on and stays on, you will be able to restart your engine if you turn it off. Your PASS-Key@ I1 system, however, is not working properly and must be serviced by your Pontiac dealer. Your vehicle is not protected by the PASS-Key% system. If you lose or damage a PASS-Key@ I1 ignition key, see your Pontiac dealer or a locksmith who can service PASS-Key% to have a new key made. In an emergency, call the Pontiac Roadside Assistance Program on 1-800-ROADSIDE or 1-800-762-3743. New Vehicle “Break-Zn” NOTICE: Your modem Pontiac doesn’t need an elaborate “break-in.” But it will per- form better in the long run if you fol- low these guidelines: Keep your speed at 55 mph (88 km/h) or less for the first 500 miles (804 km). Don’t drive at any one speed - fast or slow - for the first 500 miles (804 km). Don’t make full-throttle starts. Avoid malung hard stops for the first 200 miles (322 km) or so. During this time your new brake linings aren’t yet broken in. Hard stops with new linings can mean premature wear and earlier replacement. Follow this “brealung-in” guideline every time you get new brake linings. SECUIITY I r l The ignition key must be clean and dry before it’s inserted in the ignition or the engine may not start. If the engine does not start and the “SECURITY” light stays on when you try to start the vehicle, the key may be dirty or wet. Turn the ignition off. Clean and dry the key. Wait about three minutes and try again. The security light will remain on during this time. If the starter still won’t work, and the key appears to be clean and dry, wait about three minutes and try another ignition key. At this time, you may also want to check the fuses (see “Fuses and Circuit Breakers” in the Index). If the starter won’t work with the other key, your vehicle needs service. If your vehicle does start, the first ignition key may be ... 50 D Ignition Switch With the ignition key in the ignition switch, you can turn the switch to five positions: Acc (A): Position in which you can operate your electrical power accessories. Press in the ignition switch as you turn the top of it toward you. LOCK (B): The only position in which you can remove the key. This locks your steering wheel, ignition and automatic transmission. If you have an automatic transmission, tht ignition switch can’t be turned to “LOCK’ unless the shift lever is in the “P’ (Park) position. : I Off (C): Unlocks the steering wheel, ignition and automatic transmission, but does not send electrical power to any accessories. Use this position if your vehicle must be pushed or towed. A warning tone will sound if you open the driver’s door when the ignition is in “Off” and the key is in the ignition. Run (D): Position to which the switch returns after you start your engine and release the switch. The switch stays in the “Run” position when the engine is running. But even when the engine is not running, you can use “Run” to operate your electrical power accessories and to display some instrument panel warning and indicator lights. Start (E): Starts the engine. When the engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch will return to “Run” for normal driving. Note that even if the engine is not running, “Acc” and “Run” allow you to operate your electrical accessories, such as the radio and ventilation fan. Ley Release Button: If you have a lanual transmission, your ignition lock as a key release button. You must press le button before you can take your key ut of the ignition lock. 51 . . Features and Controls Retained Accessory Power (RAP) [f you have power door locks, your vehicle has a feature called Retained Accessory Power (RAP). With RAP your power door locks, electric mirrors, power windows, audio system and remote hatch release will continue to work up to 10 minutes after the ignition key is turned to “OW’ and neither door is opened. [f a door is opened, the audio system and power windows will shut off. The power door locks, electric mirrors and remote hatch release will work until you shut the door. Once you have shut the door, these accessories will continue to work for approximately 35 seconds. After this time you will not be able to use these accessories until the next time you open a door or turn on the ignition. Starting Your Engine Automatic Transmission: Move your shift lever to “P” (Park) or “N’ (Neutral). Your engine won’t start in any other position - that’s a safety feature. To restart when you’re already moving, use “ N ’ (Neutral) only. NOTICE: Don’t try to shift to “P” (Park) if your Pontiac is moving. If you do, you could damage the transmission. Shift to “P” (Park) only when your vehicle is stopped. Manual Transmission: The gear select01 should be in neutral. Hold the clutch pede1 to the floor and start the engine. Your vehicle won’t start if the clutch pedal is not all the way down - that’s a safety feature. To start your V6 engine: 1. Without pushing the accelerator pedal turn your ignition key to “Start.” When the engine starts, let go of the key. The idle speed will go down as your engine gets warm. If your key seems stuck in “Lock” and you can’t turn it, be sure it is all the way in. If it is, then turn the steer- ing wheel left and right while you turn the key hard. But turn the key only with your hand. Using a tool to force it could break the key or the ignition switch. If none of this works, then your vehicle needs service. ... 52 NOTICE: Holding your key in “Start” for longer than 15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to be drained much sooner. And the excessive heat can damage your starter motor. 2. If your engine won’t start (or starts but then stops), it could be flooded with too much gasoline. Try pushing your accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and holding it there as you hold the key in “Start” for about three seconds. If the vehicle starts briefly but then stops again, do the same thing, but this time keep the pedal down for five or six seconds. This clears the extra gasoline from the engine NOTICE: Your engine is designed to work with the electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical parts or accessories, you could change the way the fuel injection system operates. Before adding electrical equipment, check with your dealer. If you don’t, your engine might not perform properly. If you ever have to have your vehicle towed, see the part of this manual that tells how to do it without damaging your vehicle. See “Towing Your Vehicle” in the Index. To start your VS engine: 1. Without pushing the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition key to “Start.” When the engine starts, let go of the key. The idle speed will go down as your engine gets warm. Holding your key in “Start” for longer than 15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to be drained much sooner.. And the excessive heat 2. If it doesn’t start within 10 seconds, push the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor, while you hold the ignition key in “Start.” When the engine starts, let go of the key and let up on the accelerator pedal. Wait about 15 seconds between each try to help avoid draining your battery. 53. . Performance Mode Switch (Option) This switch lets you change from a normal driving mode to a performance mode. When you start the engine, the switch will be in normal mode. For general driving conditions, use the normal mode. It will remain in normal unless you select the “PERFORM” feature. For a firmer shift and increased performance, you may choose the “PERFORM, mode. The light in the center of the switch will light up when selected. The switch will then remain in “PERFORMANCE’ mode until the engine is shut off, when it will go back to normal mode. Features and Controls When starting your engine in very cold weather (below 0°F or - 18”C), do this: 1. 2. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition key to “Start” and hold it there. When the engine starts, let go of the key. Use the accelerator pedal to maintain engine speed, if you have to, until your engine has run for a while. If your engine still won’t start (or starts but then stops), it could be flooded with too much gasoline. Try pushing your accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and holding it there as you hold the key in “Start” for about three seconds. If the vehicle starts briefly but then stops again, do the same thing, but this time keep the pedal down for five or six seconds. This clears the extra gasoline from the engine. NOTICE: Your engine is designed to work with the electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical parts or accessories, you could change the way the fuel injection system operates. Before adding electrical equipment, check with your dealer. If you don’t, your engine might not perform properly. If you ever have to have your vehicle towed, see the part of this manual that tells how to do it without damaging your vehicle. See “Towing Your Vehicle” in the Index. Driving through Deep Standing Water NOTICE: If you drive too quickly through deep puddles or standing water, water can come in through your engine’s air intake and badly damage your engine. If you can’t avoid deep puddles or standing water, drive through them very slowly. ... 54 TRANSMISSION INDEEAR@ START Fecond-Gear Start ‘our vehicle may be equipped with a econd-Gear Start feature. Press “2ND ;EAR START” to provide more traction vhen you are starting on ice or other lippery surfaces. The transmission will le in second gear when the vehicle begin; 3 move. After starting in second gear, tht tc rehicle will upshift normally. ’his feature is only for improved traction then the road surface is slippery and is lot intended for continuous use. Always .se “NORMAL” for normal road onditions. You may press “2ND GEAR ;TART’’ again to turn off this feature. Yhenever you start your vehicle, the ransmission is in the “NORMAL” mode. tl Engine Coolant Heater (Engine Block Heater) (OPTION) In very cold weather, 0°F (- 18 “C) or colder, the engine coolant heater can help. You’ll get easier starting and better fuel economy during engine warm-up. Usually, the coolant heater should be plugged in a minimum of four hours prior to starting your vehicle. To use the coolant heater: 1. Turn off the engine. 2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord. 3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt outlet. NOTICE: After you’ve used the coolant heater, be sure to store the cord as it was before to keep it away from moving engine parts. If you don’t, it could be damaged. 55. Features and Controls How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged in? The answer depends on the weather, the kind of oil you have, and some other things. Instead of trying to list everything here, we ask that you contact a Pontiac dealer in the area where you’ll be parking your vehicle. The dealer can give you the best advice for that particular area. Autamatic Transmission There are several different positions for your shift lever. P (Park) This locks your rear wheels. It’s the best position to use when you start your engine because your vehicle can’t move easily. ... 56 Ensure the shift lever is fully in “P” (Park) range before starting the engine. Your Pontiac has a brake-transmission shift interlock. You have to fully apply your regular brakes before you can shift from “P” (Park) when the ignition key is in the “Run” position. If you cannot shift out of “P’ (Park), ease pressure on the shift lever - push the shift lever all the way into “P” (Park) and also release the shift lever button on floor shift console models as you maintain brake application. Then move the shift lever into the gear you wish. (Press the shift lever button before moving the shift lever on floor shift console models.) See “Shifting out of “P” (Park)” in this part. R (Reverse) Use this gear to back up. NOTICE: Shifting to “R” (Reverse) while your vehicle is moving forward could damage your transmission. Shift to “R’ only after your vehicle is stopped. To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow, ice or sand without jamaging your transmission, see “Stuck: [n Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow, If You’re” In the Index. @ N (Neutral) [n this position, your engine doesn’t :onnect with the wheels. To restart when You’re already moving, use “N” (Neutral) mly. Also, use “ N ’ when your vehicle is Jeing towed. NOTICE: Damage to your transmission caused by shifting out of “P” (Park) or “N” (Neutral) with the engine racing isn’t covered by your warranty. 57 ... Features and Controls @ Automatic Overdrive 2 (Second Gear) This position is for normal driving. If you need more power far passing, and you’re: - Going less than about 35 mph (56 k d h ) , push your accelerator pedal about halfway down. This position gives you more power but lower fuel economy. You can use “2” on hills. It can help control your speed as you go down steep mountain roads, but then you would also want to use your brakes off and on. - Going about 35 mph (56 km/h) or more, push the accelerator all the way down. You’ll shift down to the next gear and have more power. D (Third Gear) This is like @ , but you never go into Overdrive. Here are some times you might choose “D’ instead of @ : - When driving on hilly, winding roads - When towing a trailer, so there is less shifting between gears - When going down a steep hill ... 58 NOTICE: Don’t drive in “2” (Second Gear) for more than 5 miles (8 km), or at speeds over 55 mph (88 kmh), or you can damage your transmission. Use (EJ or “D” as much as possible. Don’t shift into “2” unless you are going slower than 65 mph ( 105 km/h), or you can damage your engine. 1 (First Gear) This position gives you even more power (but lower fuel economy) than “2.” You can use it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud. If the selector lever is put in “I,” the transmission won’t shift into first gear until fhe vehicle is going slowly enough. NOTICE: If your rear wheels can’t rotate, don’t try to drive. This might 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

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1994 Pontiac Firebird Owners Manual