1994 Pontiac Firebird Owners Manual

the phone or making arrangements to tow your vehicle to the nearest Pontiac dealer. We will provide the following services for 3 years/36,000 miles, at no expense to you:

Vehicle out of fuel Keys locked in car Tow to the nearest dealer for warranty Change a flat tire

0 Jump starts We have quick easy access to telephone numbers of the following services depending on your needs:

Hotels Glass replacement Rental vehicles or taxis Police, fire department or hospitals

In many instances, mechanical failures are covered under Pontiac’s comprehensive warranty. However, when other services are utilized, our advisors will explain any payment obligations you might incur. Pontiac reserves the right to limit services or reimbursement to an owner or driver when in Pontiac’s judgment the claims become obsessive in frequency or type of occurrence. While we hope you never have the occasion to use our service, it is added security while traveling for you and your family. Remember, we’re only ,a phone call away. Pontiac Roadside Assistance-1 -800-ROADSIDE or 1-800-762-3743.

Canadian Roadside Assistance

Vehicles purchased in CANADA have an extensive ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE Program accessible from anywhere in Canada or the U.S.A. Please refer to the separate brochure provided by the dealer or call 1-800-268-6800 for emergency services.

263 . .

Customer Assistance Information w Pontiac Courtesy

Transportation

For warranty repairs during the BUMPER TO BUMPER coverage period, interim transportation may be available under the Pontiac Courtesy Transportation Program. Please consult your dealer for details. In Canada, please consult your GM Dealer for information on courtesy transportation.

Service Publications Information on how to obtain Product Service Publications and Indexes as described below is applicable only in the fifty U S . states (and the District of Columbia) and only for cars and light trucks with GVWR less than 10,000 pounds (4 536 kg). In Canada, information pertaining to Product Service Bulletins and Indexes can be obtained by writing to: General Motors of Canada Limited Service Publications Department 1908 Colonel Sam Dr. Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7

. . .264

Pontiac regularly sends its dealers useful service bulletins about Pontiac products. Pontiac monitors product performance in the field. We then prepare bulletins for servicing our products better. Now, you can get these bulletins too. Bulletins cover various subjects. Some pertain to the proper use and care of your vehicle. Some describe costly repairs. Others describe inexpensive repairs which, if done on time with the latest parts, may avoid future costly repairs. Some bulletins tell a technician how to repair a new or unexpected condition. Others describe a quicker way to fix your vehicle. They can help a technician service your vehicle better. Most bulletins apply to conditions affecting a small number of cars or trucks. Your Pontiac dealer or a qualified technician may have to determine if a specific bulletin applies to your vehicle.

Individual PSP’s If you don’t want to buy all the PSP’s issued by Pontiac for all car or truck models in the model year, you can buy individual PSP’s, such as those which may pertain to a particular model. To do this, you will first need to see our index

of PSP’s. It provides a variety of information. Here’s what you’ll find in the index and how you can get one:

What You’ll Find in the Index: A list of all PSP’s published by Pontiac in a model year (1 990 or later). PSP’s covering all models of Pontiac vehicles are listed in the same index. Ordering information so you can buy the specific PSP’s you may want. Price information for the PSP’s you may want to buy.

How You Can Get an Index: Indexes are published periodically. Most of the PSP’s which could potentially apply to the most recent Pontiac models will be listed in the most recent publication for that model year. This means you may want to wait until the end of the model year before ordering an index, if you are interested in buying PSP’s pertaining to a current model year car or truck.

Some PSP’s pertaining to a particular model year vehicle may be published in later years, and these would be listed in the later year’s index. When you order an index for a model year that is not over yet, we’ll send you the most recently published issue. Check the ordering form for indexes for earlier model years. Cut out the ordering form, fill it out, and mail it in. We will then see to it that an index is mailed to you. There is no charge for indexes for the 1990- 1994 model years.

roll-Free Telephone Number [f you want an additional ordering form For an index, just call toll-free and we’ll Je happy to send you one. Automated :ecording equipment will take your name and mailing address. The number to call IS 1-800-551-4123. 4 VERY IMPORTANT REMINDER: rhese PSP’s are meant for technicians. rhey are not meant for the “do-it- yourselfer.’’ Technicians have the :quipment, tools, safety instructions, and mow-how to do a job quickly and safely.

Pontiac Service Publications You can get these by using the order form. Pontiac Division Service Manuals are intended for use by professional qualified technicians. Attempting repairs or service without the appropriate training, tools, and equipment could cause injury to you or others and damage to your vehicle that may cause it not to operate properly.

265 .

. .

Customer Assistance Information

PONTIAC SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ORDER FORM

NOTE: Please complete form below (Print or Type) and MAIL TO:

Post Office Box 07130, Detroit, Michigan 48207

ORDER TOLL FREE

1-800-782-4356

(Monday-Friday 8:OO A.M.-6:00 P.M. EST)

NOTE: Dealers and Companies please provide dealer or company name, and also the name of the person to whose attention the shipment should be sent. For purchases outside U.S.A. please write to the above address for quotation.

NAME)

(CUSTOMER

(ATENTION)

(STREET ADDRESS-NO

P.O. BOX NUMBERS)

(APT.

NO.)

(STATE)

(CITY)

DAYTIME TELEPHONE NO. CODE

- TOTAL MATERIAL

Check or Money to (USA

Order payable Helm, Inc.

funds only - do not cash.) send

0 MasterCard [7 VISA [7 Card

Number: m Expiration m l

Account

Discover

Date molyr:

Michigan Purchasers

add 4% sales tax Handling Charge

$4.00

Postage

Canadian

(See Note Below) GRAND TOTAL

Check here if your billing

address is different from your shipping address shown.

(CUSTOMER SIGNATURE)

*Prices are subject to change without notice and without incurring obligation.

**Price to be announced at a later date. Call ,-800=182-4356 for further Orders cannot be returned without prior authorization. A restocking fee may apply. Please allow adequate time for postal service.

NOTE TO CANADIAN CUSTOMERS: All listed prices are quoted in U.S. funds. Canadian residents are to make checks payable in U.S. funds. To cover Canadian postage, add $11.50 plus the U.S. Handling Charge. Requests for manuals printed in French should be directed to Canadian General Motors dealerships.

. . .266

1994 PONTIAC SERVICE PUBLtCATIONS ORDERING INFORMATION

The following publications covering the operation in this book and mailing it with your check, money order or credit card information to Helm, Incorporated (address listed below).

and servicing of your vehicle can be purchased by filling out the Service Publications Order Form

CURRENT PUBLICATIONS FOR 1994 PONTIAC FIREBIRD

SERVICE

MANUALS

PUBLICATIONS

SERVICE PRODUCT

Product Service Publications(PSP’s), are bulletins, letters Service Manuals have the diagnosis, repair and overhaul information published for trained dealer service personnel. See Service Publica- on engines, transmission, axle, suspension, brakes, electrical, steer- tions listed previously in this section. A cumulative index is published quarterly during the current model year. The indexes list all PSP’s published by Pontiac in the model year.

ing, body, etc. Model 1994 Pontiac Firebird . . . . . . . . .

Form Number S-9410-F

and articles

PSP

NOTE: Index

PSPI-94-P

Number Price

Form Year 1994

1993 PSPI-93-P 1992 PSPI-92-P . . . . . . . 1991 PSPI-91-P . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Convertible.

Free Free Free Free

Price

PSP Bound Bulletin Book (Complete Form

Number Year Description S-92-PSP-4 1992 All PSP’S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1991 All PSP’S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S-91-PSP-4 For subscription information call Helm, Incorporated.

Year Bulletins)

Price TBA* form.

Please specify

special

body or engine types on order

Write information in the Form

Number

column.

For example: Turbo,

‘Price to

for at be announced

date. later Call 1-800-782-4356 further

information.

OWNER’S INFORMATION

Owner publications are written directly for owners and intended to pro: vide basic operational information about the vehicle. The Ownerk Manual includes the Maintenance Schedule for all models.

,; .

15.00 15.00

1994 Pontiac Firebird Owner’s Manual

In Portfolio: Includes Portfolio, Owner’s Manualand Warranty Booklet 1994 Pontiac .lo260930 $15.00 Without Portfolio: Includes Owner’s Manual. 1994 Pontiac Firebird Without Portfolio . . . . . .lo260939 $10.00

Firebird ln-Portfolio

. . . . . . . . . .

I ,

Publications available

CURRENT 81 PAST MODEL ORDER FORMS are

for

past model Pontiac Service Detroit, vehicles. To request an order form, please specify year and model name of vehicle.

current

and

Address all inquiries to: HELM, INCORPORATED

PO. Box 07130 MI 48207

For information and inquiries call: 1-800-782-4356

267. ..

Notes

. . .268

Readiness Light

How the System Works Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped

A B S ........................ 129 ....... 52 Accessory Power. Retained Add-on Electrical Equipment ..... 228 Adding Coolant ................ 202 Additives. Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . 194 AirBags ...................... 23 ........ 24 Pontiac ................... 27 .............. 24 Air Cleaner .................... 195 Air Conditioner Controls . . . . . . . . . 106 Air Control Knob ............... 104 Air Filter Replacement ........... 196 Alignment and Tire Balance. 220 Aluminum Wheels .............. 225 A " M Stereo With Cassette Tape Player ...... 109 With Cassette Tape Player and Graphic Equalizer .......... 1 12 With Compact Disc Player ...... 115 With Compact Disc Player and Graphic Equalizer .......... 1 18 ............ 123 .............. 129 . . . . . . . . . 91 130 ............... 221 Appearance Care Appearance Care and Materials .... 227

System Warning Light To Use .....................

Wheel ......................

Antenna. Fixed Mast Anti-Lock Brakes

Appearance Care. Service and . . . . . 183 Ashtray and Lighter ............. 85 ................. 85 Ashtray. Front Audio Systems ................. 108 Audio Systems. Comfort Controls and . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 Transmission ................ 56 Transmission Fluid ............ 198 Axle. Limited-Slip Rear .......... 62 201 Axle. Rear

....................

Automatic

Babies. Smaller Children

and Tire

and (Safety Belts) ............. 30 .................... 220 208

Balance. Wheel Alignment Battery ....................... Battery Replacement. Remote Lock Control .....................

45

BBB Auto Line - Alternative Dispute

Resolution Program.

GM Participation in ......... 261 Before Leaving on a Long Trip . . . . 140 Belt Routing ................... 237 .............. 19 Belt. Lap-Shoulder Bi-Level Heating ............... 105 Blizzard. If You're Caught in a ... 143 Box. Glove .................... 83 Brakes Adjustment .................. 208 Anti-Lock (ABS) ............. 129

Brakes

......................

"Break.In, .. New Vehicle

Fluid ....................... 207 Master Cylinder .............. 206 Parking ..................... 63 Pedal Travel ................. 207 System Parts. Replacing . . . . . . . . 208 System Warning Light ......... 90 Trailer ...................... 147 207 Wear Braking (Control of a Vehicle) . . . . . 128 Braking in Emergencies ........... 132 ........ 50 Brightness Control .............. 76 Bulb Replacement .............. 209 Center High-Mounted Stoplight .................. 210 Front Turn Signal ............. 211 Headlights ............. .' .... 209 Rear Lights .................. 211 Rear Sidemarker .............. 212 Bulbs, Halogen ................. 209 Bulbs. Replacement ............. 232 Canadian Roadside Assistance ... 263 Capacities and Specifications ...... 233 .............. 48 Carbon Monoxide Care Appearance ................. 221 .......... 122 Cassette Tape Player Compact Discs ............... 122 Safety Belts ................. 224

269 ...

Index Cassette Tape Player and Graphic

Cassette Tape Player. AM/FM

Equalizer. AM/FM Stereo with . . 1 12 Stereo with . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109 Cassette Tape Player. Care of Your . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122 Chains. Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221 Changing a Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171 Check Gages Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 Checlung Things under the Hood . . 18 . . 40 Checlung Your Restraint Systems Chemical Paint Spotting . . . . . . . . . . 226 Child Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Rear Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Right Front Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Top Strap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Where to Put the . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Children (Safety Belts) . . . . . . . . . . . 30 . . . . 38 Children. Larger (Safety Belts) Cigarette Lighter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 Circuit Breakers. Fuses and . . . . . . . 229 City Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138 Cleaner. Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195 Cleaning Aluminum Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . 225 Convertible Top . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225 Fabric ...................... 222 Glass ....................... 224 Inside of Your Pontiac . . . . . . . . . 222 Instrument Panel. Top of . . . . . . . 223 ... 270

Cleaning

Systems ....................

Leather ..................... 223 Outside of Your Pontiac . . . . . . . . 224 Problems. Special . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223 Twin Lift-off Roof Panels ...... 224 Vinyl ...................... 223 . . . 224 Windshield and Wiper Blades Clock. Setting the . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Close-Out Panel Clutch. Hydraulic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 1 Comfort Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104 Comfort Controls and Audio 103 Compact Disc. To Play a . . . . . . 116. 1 19 Compact Disc Player and Graphic Equalizer. AM/FM Stereo with . . 118 Stereo with . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 Compact Discs. Care of Your . . . . . . 122 Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180 . . . . . . . 83 Compartments. Storage and . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Console. Front Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128 Control. Loss of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135 Controls Air Conditioner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106 Brightness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Comfort .................... 104 Features and . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Heater ...................... 104 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Main Light

Compact Disc Player. AM/FM

Controls

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Remote Lock Seat ........................ Convertible Top . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98 Installing the Boot Cover . . . . . . . 99 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98 To Lower To Raise .................... 100 . . . . . . . . . . 79

Convex Outside Mirror Coolant

Adding ..................... 202 Engine ..................... 201 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Heater. Engine How to Add to the Coolant Recovery Tank ............. 164 How to Add to the Radiator . . 165. 167 Temperature Gage. Engine ...... 94 Cooling ....................... 106 ................ 162 Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Courtesy Lights Courtesy Transportation .......... 263 ...... 85 Covered Visor Vanity Mirror ................. 72 Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 . . . . . . . 75 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 . . 74 . . 74 . . . . . . . . 73 72 .... 75

To Erase Speed Memory To Get Out of To Increase Speed While Using To Reduce Speed While Using To Resume a Set Speed ToSet ...................... Traction Control System and

Passing Another Vehicle

While Using

Defects. Safety

or Speech Impaired (TDD)

D a y t i m e Running Lights Deep Standing Water.

Cruise Control Using on Hills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Curves. Driving on .............. 132 Customer Assistance for the Hearing . . . . . 260 Customer Assistance Information . . 259 Customer Satisfaction Procedure . . . 260 . . . . . . . 77 .............. 54 Driving through Reporting to General Motors .... 262 Reporting to the Canadian Government ............... 262 Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 1 Defensive Driving .............. 126 ......... 107 Defogger. Rear Window Defogging and Defrosting Windows ................... 105 . . . . . . . . . . . . 236 Dimensions. Vehicle Doing Your Own Service Work .... 184 Door Locks .................... 43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Door Locks. Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Doors. Headlight . . . . . 19 Driver Position (Safety Belts) Driving

Reporting to the United States

AtNight .................... 136 City ........................ 138 Defensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126 .

Driving

Drunken .................... 126 Freeway .................... 139 In the Rain .................. 137 On Curves .................. 132 On Snow or Ice .............. 142 Through Deep Standing Water ... 54 Winter ...................... 142 With a Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147 Drunken Driving ............... 126 Electrical Center. Underhood .... 231 Electrical Equipment. Add-on ..... 228 Electric Mirror Control .......... 80 Emergencies. Braking in . . . . . . . . . 132 Emergencies. Steering in . . . . . . . . . 133 Engine

Coolant ..................... 20 1 Coolant (Block) Heater ........ 55 . . . . . 93 Coolant Temperature Gage Exhaust ..................... 66 Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228 Oil ........................ 191 Oil Pressure Gage . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95 Overheating ................. 1 6 1 Specifications ................ 233 Starting Your ................ 52 andthe .....................

Environment, Your Vehicle 240 Exhaust, Engine ................ 66 Extender, Safety Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Fan Control Knob ............. 104 Features and Controls ........... 41 Filling Your Tank ............... 187 Filter. Air. Replacement .......... 196 Finish Care (Paint) .............. 225 Finish Damage (Paint) ........... 226 Fixed Mast Antenna ............. 123 Flashers. Hazard Warning ........ 152 Flat Tire. Changing a ............ 171 Flat. If a Tire Goes .............. 170 Floormats ..................... 79 Flow-Through Ventilation System . . 107 Fluid Automatic Transmission ....... 198 Brake ....................... 207 Manual Transmission .......... 200 Recommended ................ 253 ............. 205 Windshield Washer Fog Lights ..................... 78 Folding Rear Seatback . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Foreign Countries. Fuels in ....... 186 Foreign Material Paint Damage .... 226 Four-Way Manual Seat .......... 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139 Freeway Driving Front

Power Steering ............ .I .. 204

Ashtray ..................... 85 Console .................... 84 Map Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Seat. Manual ................ 8 271 . .

Front Towing Hook-ups . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158 Fuel ......................... 185 Fuel Gage ..................... 90 Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . 186 Fully Articulating Sport Seat . . . . . . 9 Fuse Block. Main . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230 Fuse Block. Underhood . . . . . . . . . . 231 Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . 229

G a g e s

Engine Coolant Temperature .... 93 Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . 95 Fuel ....................... 90 Indicators . . . 89 Warning Lights and Gasolines for Cleaner Air ........ 186 Glass ......................... 224 GloveBox .................... 83 GM Participation in BBB Auto Line -

Alternative Dispute Resolution

Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261 H a l o g e n Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209 Hatch Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Hatch Release. Remote . . . . . . . . . . 47 Hazard Warning Flashers . . . . . . . . . 152 Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Headlight Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 . . . . . . . 70 Headlight High/Low Beam Headlights .................... 209 Heater Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104 ... 272

. .

Heater. Engine Coolant (Block) . . . . 56 Heating ....................... 104 Highway Hypnosis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140 Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . . 141 Hitches ....................... 147 Hood Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188 Hood. Checking Things under the . . 188 Kook.Ups. Front Towing ......... 158 Kook.Ups. Rear Towing ......... 160 Horn ......................... 68 How to Add Coolant to the . . 164 Coolant Recovery Tank How to Add Coolant to the Radiator ................ .165. 167 Hydraulic Clutch ............... 201 Hydroplaning .................. 138 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140 Hypnosis. Highway Identification Number. Vehicle .... 228 Identification. Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . 228 If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170 If You’re Stuck: In Sand. Mud. Ice or Snow .................... 180 Ignition Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Inflatable Restraint System. Supplemental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Inflation - Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . 216 Inside Daymight Rearview 79 Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Mirror ......................

Topof

Instrument Panel. Cleaning the .....................

223 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 [nterior Lights J u m p Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153

K e y Release Button . . Keys .............

. . . 51 42

Label. Service Parts

Turn Signal and

Engine Running

Lane Change Indicator.

Identification ...........

. . . 228 .............. 69 . 19 Lap-Shoulder Belt (Safety Belts) . Larger Children (Safety Belts) . . . 38 Leaving Your Vehicle ............ 44 Leaving Your Vehicle with the .............. 64 Lighter. Ashtray and ............. 85 Lighter. Cigarette ............... 85 Lights ..... 24 . . . . Air Bag Readiness Anti-Lock Brake System Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 Brake System Warning . . . . . . . . . 90 . . . . . . . . . . 232 Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . 96 Check Gages Courtesy ............ 78 ............. 77 Daytime Running Fog ........................ 78 Front Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Lights

. . 90 Gages and Indicators. Warning Interior ..................... 78 Low Coolant ................. 98 .................... Low Oil 97 Low Traction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94 ................ 76 Main Control .... 95 Malfunction Indicator Lamp ................. 76 Operation of Safety Belt Reminder .......... 18 Service Engine Soon .......... 95 ................... 61 Skip Shift Traction Control System Warning .................. 93 Lights On Reminder ............. 76 . . . . . . . . . . 62 Limited-Slip Rear Axle ........... 2 13 Loading Your Vehicle ........... 44 Lock Control. Remote ................... 43 Locks. Door ............. 44 Locks. Power Door Loss of Control ................ 135 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98 Low Coolant Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 Low Oil Light ............. 94 Low Traction Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 201 Lubricant. Rear Axle . . . . . . . 253 Lubricants. Recommended . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230 ............. 76

M a i n Fuse Block Main Light Control Maintenance

Inspections. Periodic

. . . . . . . . . . 25 1

Maintenance

...............

Record ..................... 255 Schedule .................... 239 . Services, Scheduled . . . . . . . . . . . 242 Underbody . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226 When Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . 149 Malfunction Indicator tamp . . . . . . 95 Manual ............... 79 Adjust Mirrors Front Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Remote Control Mirror ........ 79 Seat. Four-Way Transmission (Five-Speed) ..... 59 Transmission (Six-Speed) ...... 60 Transmission Fluid ............ 200 Windows ................... 67 .............. 79 Map Lights. Front Map Pocket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 . . . . . . . . . . 206 Master Cylinder. Brake Mirrors Control. Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Convex Outside .............. 79 Inside Daymight Rearview ..... 79 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Manual Adjust Manual Remote Control . . . . . . . . 79 Visor Vanity. Covered . . . . . . . . . 85 Mode Switch. Performance . . . . . . . 54 ... ; . . . . 14 Mountain Roads. Hill and N e w Vehicle “Break-In” ....... 50 Night Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136

Night Vision ................... 136 Nuts. Wheel ................... 234 Odometer. Speedometer and . . . . . 89 Odometer. Trip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 ............. 133 Off-Road Recovery Oil. Engine .................... 191 Operation of Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Overheating. Engine ............ 161 Owner Checks and Services ....... 248 P (Park) Shifting into .......... 64 P (Park). Shifting out of .......... 65 Paint Chemical Spotting ............ 226 Finish Care .................... 225 Finish Damage ................ 226 Foreign Material ............... 226 Brake ...................... 63 On Hills (Trailer Towing) ....... 148 Over Things That Burn . . . . . . . . 66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Your Vehicle Parts. Replacement .............. 234 PASS-Key I1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Passenger Positions (Safety Belts) . . 27 Rear Seat ................... 28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Right Front (Safety Belts) ................ 28 134

Passengers. Rear Seat Passing .......................

Parking

. .

273 ...

Power

Index Pedal Travel. Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207 Performance Mode Switch ........ 54 Periodic Maintenance Inspections . . 251 Pontiac Roadside Assistance ...... 262 Pontiac Service Publications (Ordering Information) ........ 265 Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Retained Accessory . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Seat. Six-Way ................ 9 Steering .................... 132 Steering Fluid ................ 204 Windows ................... 68 during ......................

Pregnancy. Safety Belt Use 27 Pressure Cap. Radiator ........... 204 Problems on we Road ........... 15 1 Publications. Service ............ 263

Questions Many People Ask about

Safety Belts - and the Answers.

Here are . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Radiator Pressure Cap .......... 204 Radiator. How to Add Coolant to the ................... .165. 167 Radio Reception. Understanding ... 121 Radio. To Play the

A"

Stereo with Cassette

Tape Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

... 274

Radio. To Play the

AM/FM Stereo with Cassette

Tape Player and Graphic

AM/FM Stereo with Compact

Equalizer ............... 1 12 Disc Player ................ 115

A" Stereo with Compact

Disc Player and Graphic

Equalizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 18 Rain. Driving in the ............. 137 Rainy Weather Tips. Some Other ... 138 Rear

Axle ....................... 201 Axle. Limited-Slip ............ 62 Seat Passengers (Safety Belts) ... 28 Seat. Securing a Child Restraint in the ..................... 33 Seatback. Folding . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Towing Hook-Ups ............ 160 Window Defogger . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 Daymight ................... 79 Recommended Fluids and Lubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253 Recovery. Off-Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133 Release

Rearview Mirror. Inside

Hatch ...................... 47 Hatch. Remote . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Hood ....................... 188 . . . . . . 18 Reminder Light. Safety Belt Reminder. Lights On ............ 76

a Crash .....................

Remote Hatch Release Remote Lock Control Replacement

........... 47 ............ 44 Air Filter .................... 196 . . . 44 Battery. Remote Lock Control Bulbs (Part Numbers) . . . . . . . . . . 232 Bulbs (Service) ............... 209 Parts ....................... 234 Wheel ...................... 220 ................ 220 Wheels. Used Replacing Brake System Parts . . . . . 208 Replacing Safety Belts after 40 Reporting Safety Defects ......... 261 Restraint Systems. Seats and ...... 7 Restraints Checking Your System ......... 40 Child ....................... 31 Head ....................... 12 Where to Put the .............. 31 Retained Accessory Power ........ 52 Right Front Passenger Position ................ 27 (Safety Belts) Right Front Seat. Securing a Child Restraint in the . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Road. Problems on the ........... 151 ....... 125 Road. Your Driving and the . . . . . . . . 141 Roads. Hill and Mountain Roadside Assistance. Canadian .... 263 Roadside Assistance. Pontiac ...... 262

It Out ......................

Rocking Your Vehicle to Get 181 Roof Panels. Twin Lift-off ....... 80 Rotation. Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217 ......... 77 Running Lights. Daytime Running Your Engine while You're Parked ................ 67

Safety Belts

Adults ...................... 19 .............. 23 Air Bag System Care of ..................... 224 Children .................... 30 Extender .................... 39 How to Wear Properly ......... 19 Lap-Shoulder ................ 19 .............. 38 Larger Children . . . . . . . . . 17 Questions People Ask . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Reminder Light Replacing after a Crash ........ 40 Smaller Children and Babies .... 30 They're for Everyone .......... 14 ......... 27 Use during Pregnancy .............. 15 Why They Work Reporting to General Motors .... 262 Reporting to the Canadian Government ............... 262 Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 1 ..... 4

Reporting to the United States

Safety Warnings and Symbols

Safety Defects

Seats

..

Schedule. Maintenance .......... 239 Scheduled Maintenance Services ... 242 Scheduled Maintenance Services. Explanation of ............... 246 And Restraint Systems ......... 7 And Seat Controls ............ 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Four-Way Manual Fully Articulating Sport ........ 9 Manual Front ................ 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Six-Way Power Seatback. Folding Rear .......... 13 Second-Gear Start .............. 55 Securing a Child Restraint Rear Seat ................... 33 Right Front Seat .............. 35 184 ..... 183 and Appearance Care . . . . Engine Soon Light ............ 94- Parts Identification.Labe1 ....... 228 Publications ................. 263 Publications Ordering Information. Pontiac ................... 265 Work. Doing Your Own . . . . . . . . 184 Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Pontiac ..................... 27 Setting the Clock ............... 109 Sheet Metal Damage . . . . . . . . . . . . 226 Shift Speeds ................... 62 Shifting into P (Park) . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Shifting out of P (Park) .......... 65

Service .......................

Six-Way Power Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Skidding ...................... 135 Skip Shift Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Smaller Children and Babies (Safety Belts) ................ 30 Snow or Ice. Driving on .......... 142 Spare Tire. Compact ............. 180 Speakers. Adjusting the

Tape Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

A W M Stereo with Cassette AM&" Stereo with Cassette

Tape Player and Graphic

Equalizer ............... 113 Disc Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116

Stereo with Compact

A"

A" Stereo with Compact

Disc Player and Graphic

C*' .

Equalizer ................. 119 Specifications. Capacities and ..... 233 Speedometer and Odometer ....... 88 Sport Seat. Fully Articulating ...... 9 Start. Second-Gear .............. 55 Starting Your Engine ............ 52 Starting. Jump ................. 153 S t m Coming from Your Engine. If There Is ................... 161 Steam. If There Is No ............ 162 Steering ...................... 132 Fluid. Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204 In Emergencies ............... 133 Power ...................... 132

.$.

275 ...

Index Steering

Storage

Tips ........................ 132 Compartments ............... 83 Vehicle ..................... 208 Stuck: In Sand. Mud. Ice or Snow . . 180 Sun Visors .................... 85 Sunshades. T-Top ............... 82 Supplemental Inflatable Restraint System (Air Bags) . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Switch. Ignition ................ 51 . . . . . . . 54 Switch. Performance Mode .... 4 Symbols. Safety Warnings and Symbols. Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 T T o p Sunshades .............. 82 Tachometer .................... 89 Tank. Filling Your .............. 187 Temperature Control Knob . . . . . . . 104 Theft ......................... 48 Theft Deterrent Feature/

THEFTLOCK ............... 120 ..... 49 Theft.Deterrent. PASS-Key I1 Thermostat .................... 204 Tilt Wheel ..................... 69 Tips. Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132 Tips. Ventilation ................ 108 Tire Loading ................... 2 13 Tires ......................... 215 Balance. Wheel Alignment and . . 220 Buying New . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 18 ... 276

Tires

Chains ..................... 221 Changing a Flat .............. 17 1 Inflation Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 16 Inspection and Rotation . . . . . . . . 217 Temperature Grades . . . . . . . . . . . 2 1 9 Traction Grades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219 Treadwear ................... 2 19 Uniform Quality Grading . . . . . . . 219 When It's Time for New ....... 2 18

Tone. Setting the

AM/F" Stereo with Cassette Tape

Player ....................

1 10

AM/FM Stereo with Cassette

Tape Player and Graphic

Equalizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 13

Stereo with Compact Disc

Player .................... Stereo with Compact

Disc Player and Graphic

I 16

A"

A"

Equalizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 19 Top Strap (Child Restraints) . . . . . . . 32 Torque Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Towing

A Trailer .................... 144 Front Hook-Ups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158 Rear Hook-Ups .............. 160 Your Vehicle ................. 156 . . . . . . . . . 130 And Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . 75 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 Warning Light

Traction Control System

Trailer Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147 Trailer. Towing a . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144 Transmission Automatic ................... 56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198 Fluid. Automatic Fluid. Manual ................ 200 ........... 59 Manual. Five-Speed ............ 60 Manual. Six-Speed

Transmitters. Matching to Your Vehicle (Remote Lock Control)

. . 45 ......... 263 Transportation. Courtesy Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 Trip. Before Leaving on a Long .... 140 Turn Signal and Lane Change

Indicator ....................

69 Turn Signaweadlight ................. 69 Twin Lift-off Roof Panels ........ 80 Underbody Maintenance . . . . . . . 226 Underhood Electrical Center ...... 231 . . . 121 Understanding Radio Reception Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . 219 Used Oil. What to Do With . . . . . . . 195 Used Replacement Wheels ........ 220

Beam Lever

Vehicle

Control of a ................. 128 . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Damage Warnings Dimensions ................. 236 Environment and Your . . . . . . . . . 240

Vehicle

Identification Number (VIN) .... 228 Leaving Your ................ 44 Loading Your . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213 Parking Your ................ 65 Rocking .................... 181 Storage ..................... 208 Symbols .................... Towing Your ................. 156 Washing Your ................ 224 105 FloW-Through ............... 107 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108 .................. 136 ...... 85 85 94

Ventilation Tips Vision. Night Visor Vanity Mirror. Covered .................... Visors. Sun Voltmeter .....................

Ventilation .................... Ventilation System.

Devices. Other ............... 152 .............. 152 Hazard Flashers Indicators .... 89 Lights. Gages and Safety ...................... .............. 4 Vehicle Damage ........ 205 Washer Fluid. Windshield Washers. Windshield ............ 7 1 ........... 224 Washing Your Vehicle , Water. Driving Through ............... 54

1 Weatherstrips .................. 225

Deep Standing

Veight of the Trailer ............ 145 Yheel Nut Torque .............. 234 Vheels Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . 220 Aluminum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225 Replacement ................. 220 Tilt ........................ 69 Used Replacement ............ 220 Where to Put the Restraint (Child Restraints) ............. 31 Vhy Safety Belts Work . . . . . . . . . . 15 Windows ..................... 67 Defogging and Defrosting ...... 105 Manual ..................... 67 Power ...................... 68 Rear Defogger ............... 107 windshield Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224 Washers .................... 71 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205 Washer Fluid Wipers ..................... 70 Winter Driving ................. 142 Wipers. Windshield ............. 70 E u r Driving and the Road . . . . . . 125

277 ...

Notes

. . .278

279. . .

Notes

. . .280

281 . . .

Notes

. . .282

283. . .

Notes

285. . .

Notes

. . ,286

287. . .

Service Station Information

188 ---G A-

See Page

Hood Release

Oil Dipstick and Fill Cap. J32 (Code S) Engine) See Page 192

Engine

(3.4L I

Engine

Oil Dipstick and Fill Cap (5.7L LT1 (Code P) Engine) See Page 192 Cold Tire Pressure See Tire-Loading Information label on the inside of the rear edge of the driver’s door. See Page 213

Fuel Capacity 15.5 U.S. Gal. (58.7 L). Use unleaded gas only, 87 octane or higher for the 3.4L L32 (Code S) engine, 91 octane or higher for the 5.7L LT1 (Code P) engine. See Page 185

Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir See Page 205

Battery The Delco Freedom@ battery needs no water. See Page 208

Cooling system Reservoir Check coolant at the coolant recovery tank by using the dipstick. Add coolant at the coolant recovery tank. The fluid should be at or a little above the “FULL HOT’’ mark on the dipstick when the engine is warm. If the.engine is cool, the level should be at “FULL COLD’’ on the dipstick. See Page 202

Spare Tire Pressure Compact Spare: 60 psi (420 kPa). See Page 180

t

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