1999 Pontiac Firebird Owners Manual

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The 1999 Pontiac Firebird Owner’s Manual yellowblue 1-1 2-1 3-1 4-1 5-1 6-1 7-1 8-1 9-1 Seats and Restraint Systems This section tells you how to use your seats and safety belts properly. It also explains the “SRS” system. Features and Controls This section explains how to start and operate your vehicle. Comfort Controls and Audio Systems This section tells you how to adjust the ventilation and comfort controls and how to operate your audio system. Your Driving and the Road Here you’ll find helpful information and tips about the road and how to drive under different conditions. Problems on the Road This section tells you what to do if you have a problem while driving, such as a flat tire or overheated engine, etc. Service and Appearance Care Here the manual tells you how to keep your vehicle running properly and looking good. Maintenance Schedule This section tells you when to perform vehicle maintenance and what fluids and lubricants to use. Customer Assistance Information This section tells you how to contact Pontiac for assistance and how to get service and owner publications. It also gives you information on “Reporting Safety Defects” on page 8-12. Index Here’s an alphabetical listing of almost every subject in this manual. You can use it to quickly find something you want to read. yellowblue We support voluntary technician certification. GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem, PONTIAC, the PONTIAC Emblem and the name FIREBIRD are registered trademarks of General Motors Corporation. 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 first sold in Canada, substitute the name “General Motors of Canada Limited” for Pontiac Division whenever it appears in this manual. Please keep this manual in your vehicle, 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. For Canadian Owners Who Prefer a French Language Manual: Aux propriétaires canadiens: Vous pouvez vous procurer un exemplaire de ce guide en français chez votre concessionaire ou au: DGN Marketing Services Ltd. 1577 Meyerside Dr. Mississauga, Ontario L5T 1B9 Litho in U.S.A. Part No. 10298129 B First Edition ii ECopyright General Motors Corporation 1998 All Rights Reserved yellowblue How to Use this Manual Many people read their owner’s manual from beginning to end when they first receive their new vehicle. If you do this, it 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 what’s in the manual, and the page number where you’ll find it. Safety Warnings and Symbols You will find a number of safety cautions in this book. We use a box and the word CAUTION to tell you about things that could hurt you if you were to ignore the warning. CAUTION: These mean there is something that could hurt you or other people. In the 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. You will also find a circle with a slash through it in this book. This safety symbol means “Don’t,” “Don’t do this” or “Don’t let this happen.” iii yellowblue Vehicle Damage Warnings Also, in this book you will find these notices: NOTICE: These mean there is something that could damage your vehicle. 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 the same words, CAUTION or NOTICE. iv Vehicle Symbols These are some of the symbols you may find on your vehicle. yellowblue These symbols have to do with your lamps: These symbols are on some of your controls: These symbols are used on warning and indicator lights: Here are some other symbols you may see: For example, these symbols are used on an original battery: CAUTION POSSIBLE INJURY PROTECT EYES BY SHIELDING CAUSTIC BATTERY ACID COULD CAUSE BURNS AVOID SPARKS OR FLAMES SPARK OR FLAME COULD EXPLODE BATTERY These symbols are important for you and your passengers whenever your vehicle is driven: DOOR LOCK UNLOCK FASTEN SEAT BELTS POWER WINDOW MASTER LIGHTING SWITCH TURN SIGNALS PARKING LAMPS HAZARD WARNING FLASHER DAYTIME RUNNING LAMPS AIR BAG FOG LAMPS WINDSHIELD WIPER WINDSHIELD WASHER WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER VENTILATING FAN ENGINE COOLANT TEMP BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM BRAKE FUSE LIGHTER HORN COOLANT SPEAKER ENGINE OIL PRESSURE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES FUEL - NOTES yellowblue vi Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems yellowblue Here you’ll find information about the seats in your vehicle and how to use your safety belts properly. You can also learn about some things you should not do with air bags and safety belts. 1-2 1-9 1-13 1-14 1-15 1-22 1-23 1-23 Seats and Seat Controls Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone Here Are Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts -- and the Answers How to Wear Safety Belts Properly Driver Position Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy Right Front Passenger Position Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) 1-29 1-32 1-35 1-47 1-50 1-50 1-50 Rear Seat Passengers Children Child Restraints Larger Children Safety Belt Extender Checking Your Restraint Systems Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash 1- 1-1 yellowblue 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. 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 CAUTION: You can lose control of the vehicle if you try to adjust a manual driver’s seat while the vehicle is moving. The sudden movement could startle and confuse you, or make you push a pedal when you don’t want to. Adjust the driver’s seat only when the vehicle is not moving. 1-2 4-Way Manual Seat 6-Way Power Seat (If Equipped) yellowblue There are two levers at the front of the seat. The left lever adjusts the seat forward and rearward. The right lever adjusts the angle of the front of the seat. To adjust the seats forward and rearward, lift the lever under the left front of the seat. 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. To raise or lower the seat, lift the lever under the right front of the seat and lean forward or backward. The driver’s seat has three controls on the left side. A: The front control makes the front of the seat go up and down. B: The center control makes the whole seat go up and down or forward and backward. C: The back control makes the rear of the seat go up and down. 1-3 6-Way Power Seat with Lumbar/Lateral Control (AQ9) (If Equipped) This switch is designed to imitate the movements of your seat cushion. It is located on the left side of the driver’s or the right side of the passenger’s seat cushion. yellowblue In addition to the power seat control there are two other switches that help you change the shape of your seat. To move the seat forward or rearward, push the switch forward or rearward. To raise or lower the seat, push the switch up or down. To raise or lower the front portion of your seat, push the front of the switch up or down. To raise or lower the rear portion of your seat, push the rear of the switch up or down. There is one lumbar support (the front switch) for the lower back. There is also a side bolster switch (the rear switch) that adjusts the sides of the seat around you to give you lateral support. For lumbar support, push the front switch down to inflate and up to deflate. For lateral support, push the rear switch down to inflate and up to deflate. 1-4 Fully Articulating Sport Seat (If Equipped) If your vehicle has these seats, the driver’s seat has the four-way manual seat adjuster. See “4-Way Manual Seat” earlier in this section. The passenger seat has the two-way manual seat adjuster. See “Manual Front Seat” earlier in this section. yellowblue The switch pads on the outer side of the seats “inflate” and “deflate” parts of your seatback. The two buttons that have “dots” inflate and deflate the side bolster of the seatback. To inflate, press the raised button. To deflate, press the indented button. The two buttons without dots inflate and deflate the lumbar (lower back area of the seatback) support. To inflate, press the raised button. To deflate, press the indented button. 1-5 Reclining Front Seatbacks yellowblue 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. If you have fully articulating sport seats, your recliner lever looks like this. 1-6 yellowblue CAUTION: Sitting in a reclined position when your vehicle is in motion can be dangerous. Even if you buckle up, your safety belts can’t do their job when you’re reclined like this. The shoulder belt can’t do its job. In a crash you could go into it, receiving neck or other injuries. The lap belt can’t do its job either. In a crash the belt could go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not at your pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal injuries. For proper protection when the vehicle is in motion, have the seatback upright. Then sit well back in the seat and wear your safety belt properly. Head Restraints Head restraints are fixed on some models and adjustable on others. Slide an adjustable head restraint 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. 1-7 But don’t have a seatback reclined if your vehicle is moving. Front Seatback Latches Folding Rear Seatback yellowblue The front seatbacks fold forward to let people get into the back seat. To fold a seatback forward, lift the latch located on the lower backside of the seatback. 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. CAUTION: If the seatback isn’t locked, it could move forward in a sudden stop or crash. That could cause injury to the person sitting there. Always press rearward on the seatback to be sure it is locked. 1-8 The rear seatback in your vehicle folds down to provide more storage space. To fold the seatback down: 1. Pull forward on both levers. 2. Fold the seatback down. To raise the seatback: 1. Pull it up to the locked, upright position. 2. Be sure both latches hold the seatback in place. Have them fixed if they don’t. 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 Restraint System (SRS), or air bag system. CAUTION: Don’t let anyone ride where he or she can’t wear a safety belt properly. If you are in a crash and you’re not wearing a safety belt, your injuries can be much worse. You can hit things inside the vehicle or be ejected from it. You can be seriously injured or killed. In the same crash, you might not be if you are buckled up. Always fasten your safety belt, and check that your passengers’ belts are fastened properly too. yellowblue CAUTION: It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people riding in these areas are more likely to be seriously injured or killed. Do not allow people to ride in any area of your vehicle that is not equipped with seats and safety belts. Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and using a safety belt properly. Your vehicle has a light that comes on as a reminder to buckle up. (See “Safety Belt Reminder Light” in the Index.) In most states and Canadian provinces, the law says to wear safety belts. Here’s why: They work. 1-9 yellowblue Why Safety Belts Work When you ride in or on anything, you go as fast as it goes. You never know if you’ll be in a crash. If you do have a crash, you don’t know if it 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 30 years of safety belts in vehicles, the facts are clear. In most crashes buckling up does matter ... a lot! Take the simplest vehicle. Suppose it’s just a seat on wheels. 1-10 yellowblue Put someone on it. Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle. The rider doesn’t stop. 1-11 yellowblue The person keeps going until stopped by something. In a real vehicle, it could be the windshield ... or the instrument panel ... 1-12 yellowblue Here Are Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts -- and the Answers Q: Won’t I be trapped in the vehicle after an accident if I’m wearing a safety belt? A: You could be -- whether you’re wearing a safety belt or not. But you can 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. Q: If my vehicle has air bags, why should I have to wear safety belts? A: Air bags are in many vehicles today and will be in most 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. 1-13 or 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 strongest bones take the forces. That’s why safety belts make such good sense. yellowblue Q: If I’m a good driver, and I never drive far from home, why should I wear safety belts? 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. How to Wear Safety Belts Properly Adults This part 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 vehicle, see the part of this manual 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. 1-14 yellowblue Driver Position This part 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. 3. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you. Don’t let it get twisted. On convertible models, the shoulder belt may lock if you pull the belt across you very quickly. If this happens, let the belt go back slightly to unlock it. Then pull the belt across you more slowly. 4. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks. 1-15 yellowblue 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. If the belt stops before it reaches the buckle, tilt the latch plate and keep pulling until you can buckle the belt. 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. 5. To make the lap part tight, pull down on the buckle end of the belt as you pull up on the shoulder belt. 1-16 yellowblue The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies force to 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 shoulder 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 crash. On convertible models, the safety belt also locks if you pull the belt very quickly out of the retractor. 1-17 Q: What’s wrong with this? yellowblue CAUTION: You can be seriously hurt if your shoulder belt is too loose. In a crash, you would move forward too much, which could increase injury. The shoulder belt should fit against your body. A: The shoulder belt is too loose. It won’t give nearly as much protection this way. 1-18 Q: What’s wrong with this? yellowblue CAUTION: You can be seriously injured if your belt is buckled in the wrong place like this. In a crash, the belt would go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not at the pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal injuries. Always buckle your belt into the buckle nearest you. A: The belt is buckled in the wrong place. 1-19 Q: What’s wrong with this? yellowblue CAUTION: You can be seriously injured if you wear the shoulder belt under your arm. In a crash, your body would move too far forward, which would increase the chance of head and neck injury. Also, the belt would apply too much force to the ribs, which aren’t as strong as shoulder bones. You could also severely injure internal organs like your liver or spleen. A: The shoulder belt is worn under the arm. It should be worn over the shoulder at all times. 1-20 Q: What’s wrong with this? yellowblue CAUTION: You can be seriously injured by a twisted belt. In a crash, you wouldn’t have the full width of the belt to spread impact forces. If a belt is twisted, make it straight so it can work properly, or ask your dealer to fix it. A: The belt is twisted across the body. 1-21 yellowblue 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. 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 both the belt and your vehicle. 1-22 A pregnant woman should wear a lap-shoulder belt, and the lap portion should be worn as low as possible, below the rounding, 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. Right Front Passenger Position The right front passenger’s safety belt works the same way as the driver’s safety belt. See “Driver Position” earlier in this section. Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) This part explains the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) or air bag system. Your vehicle has “Next Generation” frontal air bags -- one air bag for the driver and another air bag for the right front passenger. Next Generation frontal air bags are designed to help reduce the risk of injury from the force of an inflating air bag. But even these air bags must inflate very quickly if they are to do their job and comply with federal regulations. yellowblue Here are the most important things to know about the air bag system: CAUTION: You can be severely injured or killed in a crash if you aren’t wearing your safety belt -- even if you have air bags. Wearing your safety belt during a crash helps reduce your chance of hitting things inside the vehicle or being ejected from it. Air bags are “supplemental restraints” to the safety belts. All air bags -- even Next Generation air bags -- are designed to work with safety belts, but don’t replace them. Air bags are designed to work only in moderate to severe crashes where the front of your vehicle hits something. They aren’t designed to inflate at all in rollover, rear, side or low-speed frontal crashes. And, for unrestrained occupants, Next Generation air bags may provide less protection in frontal crashes than more forceful air bags have provided in the past. Everyone in your vehicle should wear a safety belt properly -- whether or not there’s an air bag for that person. 1-23 yellowblue CAUTION: Air bags inflate with great force, faster than the blink of an eye. If you’re too close to an inflating air bag, as you would be if you were leaning forward, it could seriously injure you. This is true even with Next Generation frontal air bags. Safety belts help keep you in position before and during a crash. Always wear your safety belt, even with Next Generation air bags. The driver should sit as far back as possible while still maintaining control of the vehicle. CAUTION: Children who are up against, or very close to, any air bag when it inflates can be seriously injured or killed. This is true even though your vehicle has Next Generation frontal air bags. Air bags plus lap-shoulder belts offer the best protection for adults, but not for young children and infants. CAUTION: (Continued) 1-24 CAUTION: (Continued) Neither the vehicle’s safety belt system nor its air bag system is designed for them. Young children and infants need the protection that a child restraint system can provide. Always secure children properly in your vehicle. To read how, see the part of this manual called “Children” and see the caution labels on the sunvisors and the right front passenger’s safety belt. There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument panel, which shows AIR BAG. The system checks the air bag electrical system for malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical problem. See “Air Bag Readiness Light” in the Index for more information. How the Air Bag System Works yellowblue Where are the air bags? The driver’s air bag is in the middle of the steering wheel. The right front passenger’s air bag is in the instrument panel on the passenger’s side. 1-25 yellowblue vehicle strikes something that will move or deform, such as a parked car, the threshold level will be higher. The air bag is not designed to inflate in rollovers, side impacts or rear impacts, because inflation would not help the occupant. In any particular crash, no one can say whether an air bag should have inflated simply because of the damage to a vehicle or because of what the repair costs were. Inflation is determined by the angle of the impact and how quickly the vehicle slows down in frontal or near-frontal impacts. What makes an air bag inflate? In an impact of sufficient severity, the air bag sensing system detects that the vehicle is in a crash. The sensing system triggers a release of gas from the inflator, which inflates the air bag. The inflator, air bag and related hardware are all part of the air bag modules inside the steering wheel and in the instrument panel in front of the right front passenger. CAUTION: If something is between an occupant and an air bag, the bag might not inflate properly or it might force the object into that person. The path of an inflating air bag must be kept clear. Don’t put anything between an occupant and an air bag, and don’t attach or put anything on the steering wheel hub or on or near any other air bag covering. When should an air bag inflate? An air bag is designed to inflate in a moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal crash. The air bag will inflate only if the impact speed is above the system’s designed “threshold level.” If your vehicle goes straight into a wall that doesn’t move or deform, the threshold level is about 12 to 18 mph (19 to 29 km/h). The threshold level can vary, however, with specific vehicle design, so that it can be somewhat above or below this range. If your 1-26 How does an air bag restrain? In moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal collisions, even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel or the instrument panel. Air bags supplement 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 help you in many types of collisions, including rollovers, rear impacts and side impacts, primarily because an occupant’s motion is not toward those air bags. Air bags should never be regarded as anything more than a supplement to safety belts, and then only in moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal collisions. What will you see after an air bag inflates? After an air bag inflates, it quickly deflates, so quickly that some people may not even realize the air bag inflated. Some components of the air bag module -- the steering wheel hub for the driver’s air bag, or the instrument panel for the right front passenger’s bag -- will be hot for a short time. The parts of the bag that come into contact with you may be warm, but not too hot to touch. There will be some smoke and dust coming from vents in the deflated air bags. Air bag inflation doesn’t prevent the driver from seeing or from being able to steer the vehicle, nor does it stop people from leaving the vehicle. yellowblue CAUTION: When an air bag inflates, there is dust in the air. This dust could cause breathing problems for people with a history of asthma or other breathing trouble. To avoid this, everyone in the vehicle should get out as soon as it is safe to do so. If you have breathing problems but can’t get out of the vehicle after an air bag inflates, then get fresh air by opening a window or door. In many crashes severe enough to inflate an air bag, windshields are broken by vehicle deformation. Additional windshield breakage may also occur from the right front passenger air bag. D 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 for your vehicle covers the need to replace other parts. 1-27 yellowblue D Your vehicle is equipped with a crash sensing and diagnostic module, which records information about the air bag system. The module records information about the readiness of the system, when the system commands air bag inflation and driver’s safety belt usage at deployment. D 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. Some modules also record speed, engine RPM, brake and throttle data. NOTICE: If you damage the covering for the driver’s or the right front passenger’s air bag, the bag may not work properly. You may have to replace the air bag module in the steering wheel or both the air bag module and the instrument panel for the right front passenger’s air bag. Do not open or break the air bag coverings. Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle Air bags affect how your vehicle 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 vehicle. Your dealer and the service manual have information about servicing your vehicle and the air bag system. To purchase a service manual, see “Service and Owner Publications” in the Index. CAUTION: For up to 10 minutes after the ignition key is turned off and the battery is disconnected, an air bag can still inflate during improper service. You can be injured if you are close to an air bag when it inflates. Avoid wires wrapped with yellow tape or yellow connectors. They are probably part of the air bag system. Be sure to follow proper service procedures, and make sure the person performing work for you is qualified to do so. The air bag system does not need regular maintenance. 1-28 Rear Seat Passengers It’s very important for rear seat passengers to buckle up! Accident statistics show that unbelted people in the rear seat are hurt more often in crashes than those who are wearing safety belts. Rear passengers who aren’t safety belted can be thrown out of the vehicle in a crash. And they can strike others in the vehicle who are wearing safety belts. Lap-Shoulder Belt The rear seats have lap-shoulder belts. Here’s how to wear one properly. yellowblue 1. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you. Don’t let it get twisted. On convertible models, the shoulder belt may lock if you pull the belt across you very quickly. If this happens, let the belt go back slightly to unlock it. Then pull the belt across you more slowly. 2. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks. 1-29 yellowblue 3. To make the lap part tight, pull down on the buckle end of the belt as you pull up on the shoulder part. 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. 1-30 yellowblue On convertible models, the safety belt also locks if you pull the belt very quickly out of the retractor. CAUTION: You can be seriously hurt if your shoulder belt is too loose. In a crash, you would move forward too much, which could increase injury. The shoulder belt should fit against your body. The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies force to 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 shoulder 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. 1-31 yellowblue Children Everyone in a vehicle needs protection! That includes infants and all children smaller than adult size. Neither the distance traveled nor the age and size of the traveler changes the need, for everyone, to use safety restraints. 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. Smaller Children and Babies CAUTION: Children who are up against, or very close to, any air bag when it inflates can be seriously injured or killed. This is true even though your vehicle has Next Generation frontal air bags. Air bags plus lap-shoulder belts offer the best protection for adults, but not for young children and infants. Neither the vehicle’s safety belt system nor its air bag system is designed for them. Young children and infants need the protection that a child restraint system can provide. Always secure children properly in your vehicle. To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle. 1-32 yellowblue Infants need complete support, including support for the head and neck. This is necessary because an infant’s neck is weak and its head weighs so much compared with the rest of its body. In a frontal crash, an infant in a rear-facing restraint settles into the restraint, so the crash forces can be distributed across the strongest part of the infant’s body, the back and shoulders. A baby should be secured in an appropriate infant restraint. This is so important that many hospitals today won’t release a newborn infant to its parents unless there is an infant restraint available for the baby’s first trip in a motor vehicle. CAUTION: Smaller children and babies should always be restrained in a child or infant restraint. The instructions for the restraint will say whether it is the right type and size for your child. A very young child’s hip bones are so small that a regular belt might not stay low on the hips, as it should. Instead, the belt will likely be over the child’s abdomen. In a crash, the belt would apply force right on the child’s abdomen, which could cause serious or fatal injuries. So, be sure that any child small enough for one is always properly restrained in a child or infant restraint. 1-33 yellowblue CAUTION: (Continued) at only 25 mph (40 km/h), a 12-lb. (5.5 kg) baby will suddenly become a 240-lb. (110 kg) force on your arms. The baby would be almost impossible to hold. Secure the baby in an infant restraint. CAUTION: Never hold a baby in your arms while riding in a vehicle. A baby doesn’t weigh much -- until a crash. During a crash a baby will become so heavy you can’t hold it. For example, in a crash CAUTION: (Continued) 1-34 Child Restraints Every time infants and young children ride in vehicles, they should have protection provided by appropriate restraints. Q: What are the different types of add-on child restraints? A: Add-on child restraints are available in four basic types. When selecting a child restraint, take into consideration not only the child’s weight and size, but also whether or not the restraint will be compatible with the motor vehicle in which it will be used. yellowblue An infant car bed (A) is a special bed made for use in a motor vehicle. It’s an infant restraint system designed to restrain or position a child on a continuous flat surface. With an infant car bed, make sure that the infant’s head rests toward the center of the vehicle. 1-35 yellowblue A rear-facing infant restraint (B) positions an infant to face the rear of the vehicle. Rear-facing infant restraints are designed for infants of up to about 20 lbs. (9 kg) and about one year of age. This type of restraint faces the rear so that the infant’s head, neck and body can have the support they need in a frontal crash. Some infant seats come in two parts -- the base stays secured in the vehicle and the seat part is removable. 1-36 yellowblue A forward-facing child restraint (C-E) positions a child upright to face forward in the vehicle. These forward-facing restraints are designed to help protect children who are from 20 to 40 lbs. (9 to 18 kg) and about 26 to 40 inches (66 to 102 cm) in height, or up to around four years of age. One type, a convertible restraint, is designed to be used either as a rear-facing infant seat or a forward-facing child seat. 1-37 yellowblue A booster seat (F, G) is designed for children who are about 40 to 60 lbs., or even up to 80 lbs. (18 to 27 kg, or even up to 36 kg), and about four to eight years of age. A booster seat is designed to improve the fit of the vehicle’s safety belt system. Booster seats with shields use lap-only belts; however, booster seats without shields use lap-shoulder belts. Booster seats can also help a child to see out the window. 1-38 When choosing a child restraint, be sure the child restraint is designed to be used in a vehicle. If it is, it will have a label saying that it meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Then follow the instructions for the restraint. You may find these instructions on the restraint itself or in a booklet, or both. These restraints use the belt system in your vehicle, but 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. Both the owner’s manual and the child restraint instructions are important, so if either one of these is not available, obtain a replacement copy from the manufacturer. Where to Put the Restraint Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear rather than the front seat. We at General Motors therefore recommend that you put your child restraint in the rear seat. Never put a rear-facing child restraint in the front passenger seat. Here’s why: yellowblue CAUTION: A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger’s air bag inflates, even though your vehicle has Next Generation frontal air bags. This is because the back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating air bag. Always secure a rear-facing child restraint in a rear seat. You may secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat, but before you do, always move the front passenger seat as far back as it will go. It’s better to secure the child restraint in a rear seat. Wherever you install it, be sure to secure the child restraint properly. Keep in mind that an unsecured child restraint can move around in a collision or sudden stop and injure people in the vehicle. Be sure to properly secure any child restraint in your vehicle -- even when no child is in it. 1-39 yellowblue If your vehicle was first sold in the United States, don’t use a top strap child restraint in a convertible, because the anchor can’t be installed properly. If your vehicle is not a convertible, ask your dealer to install the top strap anchor, using a special kit the dealer can obtain that has the correct anchor hardware and installation instructions for vehicles built for sale in the United States. The hardware, and the cost of installation is free. You can install the anchor yourself, using the instructions provided in the kit, but: CAUTION: The place where the anchor has to go is quite close to your fuel tank. If the anchor isn’t installed correctly, it can make a hole in the fuel tank -- either then, or in a later collision. Gasoline could leak out and be ignited, and people in the vehicle or outside it could be badly burned. Don’t install the anchor yourself unless you know you can do it correctly. Top Strap If your child restraint has a top strap, it should be anchored. Vehicles First Sold in the United States: Was your vehicle first sold in the United States? If so, the label on the rear edge of the driver’s door will say that the vehicle meets “all U.S. safety standards.” 1-40 Vehicles First Sold in Canada: If your vehicle was first sold in Canada, the label on the rear edge of the driver’s door will say that the vehicle meets “all Canada safety standards.” Canadian law requires that forward-facing child restraints have a top strap, and that the strap be anchored. Cars first sold in Canada are built to accept a top strap anchor, unless the vehicle is a convertible. Don’t use a top strap child restraint in a convertible, because the anchor can’t be installed properly. If your vehicle is not a convertible, ask your dealer to install the top strap anchor, using a special kit the dealer can obtain that has the correct anchor hardware and installation instructions. The hardware, and the cost of installation, is free. You can install the anchor yourself, using the instructions provided in the kit, but: yellowblue CAUTION: The place where the anchor has to go is quite close to your fuel tank. If the anchor isn’t installed correctly, it can make a hole in the fuel tank -- either then, or in a later collision. Gasoline could leak out and be ignited, and people in the vehicle or outside it could be badly burned. Don’t install the anchor yourself unless you know you can do it correctly. Canadian law requires that child restraints have a top strap, and that the strap be anchored. If your child restraint has a top strap, your dealer can obtain a kit with anchor hardware and installation instructions specifically designed for this vehicle. The dealer can then install the anchor for you. This work will be done for you free of charge. Or, you may install the anchor yourself using the instructions provided in the kit. 1-41 Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat Position yellowblue You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt. See the earlier part about the top strap if the child restraint has one. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say. 1. Put the restraint on the seat. 2. 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. 1-42 Tilt the latch plate to adjust the belt if needed. If the shoulder belt goes in front of the child’s face or neck, put it behind the child restraint. yellowblue 3. 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. To tighten the belt, pull up on the shoulder belt while you push down on the child restraint. If you’re using a forward-facing child restraint, you may find it helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt. 5. 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. 1-43 yellowblue Although a rear seat is a safer place, you can secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat. You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt. See the earlier part about the top strap if the child restraint has one. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say. 1. Because your vehicle has a right front passenger air bag, always move the seat as far back as it will go before securing a forward-facing child restraint. (See “Seats” in the Index.) 2. Put the restraint on the seat. 3. 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. Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position Your vehicle has a right front passenger air bag. Never put a rear-facing child restraint in this seat. Here’s why: CAUTION: A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger’s air bag inflates, even though your vehicle has Next Generation frontal air bags. This is because the back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating air bag. Always secure a rear-facing child restraint in the rear seat. 1-44 yellowblue Tilt the latch plate to adjust the belt if needed. If the shoulder belt goes in front of the child’s face or neck, put it behind the child restraint. 4. 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. 1-45 yellowblue 5. To tighten the belt, pull up on the shoulder belt while you push down on the child restraint. You may find it helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt. 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. 1-46 Larger Children yellowblue 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. D Children who aren’t buckled up can be thrown out in a crash. D Children who aren’t buckled up can strike other people who are. 1-47 yellowblue CAUTION: Never do this. Here two children are wearing the same belt. The belt can’t properly spread the impact forces. In a crash, the two children can be crushed together and seriously injured. A belt must be used by only one person at a time. 1-48 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. yellowblue CAUTION: Never do this. Here a child is sitting in a seat that has a lap-shoulder belt, but the shoulder part is behind the child. If the child wears the belt in this way, in a crash the child might slide under the belt. The belt’s force would then be applied right on the child’s abdomen. That could cause serious or fatal injuries. 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. 1-49 yellowblue Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash If 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. If 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. If an air bag inflates, you’ll need to replace air bag system parts. See the part on the air bag system earlier in this section. 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. Checking Your Restraint Systems Now and then, make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages are working properly. Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything that might keep a safety belt system from doing its job, have it repaired. Torn or frayed safety 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. Also look for any opened or broken air bag covers, and have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag system does not need regular maintenance.) 1-50 Section 2 Features and Controls yellowblue Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your vehicle, 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. 2-2 2-4 2-6 2-11 2-12 2-13 2-16 2-22 2-23 2-25 2-28 2-29 2-32 2-36 2-37 2-39 Keys Door Locks Keyless Entry System (If Equipped) Hatch Theft Content Theft-Deterrent System (Option) PASS-KeyR II New Vehicle “Break-In” Ignition Positions Starting Your Engine Engine Coolant Heater (Canada Only) Automatic Transmission Operation Manual Transmission Operation Parking Brake Shifting Into PARK (P) (Automatic Transmission Only) Shifting Out of PARK (P) (Automatic Transmission) 2- 2-40 2-40 2-41 2-41 2-42 2-43 2-44 2-49 2-52 2-54 2-55 2-59 2-66 2-74 2-78 Parking Your Vehicle (Manual Transmission) Parking Over Things That Burn Engine Exhaust Running Your Engine While You’re Parked (Automatic Transmission) Windows Tilt Wheel Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever Exterior Lamps Interior Lamps Mirrors Storage Compartments Twin Lift-Off Roof Panels (If Equipped) Convertible Top (If Equipped) The Instrument Panel--Your Information System Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators 2-1 yellowblue Keys CAUTION: Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignition key is dangerous for many reasons. A child or others could be badly injured or even killed. They could operate power windows or other controls or even make the vehicle move. Don’t leave the keys in a vehicle with children. 2-2 This key is for the ignition only. This key is for the doors and all other locks. When a new vehicle is delivered, the dealer removes the bar-coded plugs from the keys and gives them to the first owner. yellowblue 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 vehicle is delivered to your dealer. Each door key 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. If you need a new ignition key, contact your dealer who can obtain the correct key code. Remember to carry the pre-cut emergency key that Pontiac sends after delivery (this service is not available in Canada). In an emergency, call Pontiac Roadside Assistance at 1-800-ROADSIDE or 1-800-762-3743. (In Canada call 1-800-268-6800.) NOTICE: Your vehicle has a number of new features that can help prevent theft. But you can have a lot of trouble getting 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. 2-3 yellowblue To lock the door from the inside, slide the lock control on the door rearward. To unlock the door, slide the lock control on the door forward. Door Locks CAUTION: Unlocked doors can be dangerous. Passengers -- especially children -- can easily open the doors and fall out. When a door is locked, the inside handle won’t open it. Outsiders can easily enter through an unlocked door when you slow down or stop your vehicle. This may not be so obvious: You increase the chance of being thrown out of the vehicle in a crash if the doors aren’t locked. Wear safety belts properly, lock your doors, and you will be far better off whenever you drive your vehicle. There are several ways to lock and unlock your vehicle. From the outside, use your door key. If your vehicle has the Content Theft-Deterrent System and it is armed, unlocking and opening a door this way will set off the alarm after seven seconds unless the ignition key is inserted into the ignition. See “Content Theft-Deterrent System” in the Index. 2-4 Power Door Locks (If Equipped) Press the power door lock switch located on the driver’s door to lock or unlock both doors at once. Operating the power door locks may affect the Content Theft-Deterrent System (if you have this option). See “Content Theft-Deterrent System” in the Index. The lock switch works at all times, except when Lockout Prevention (if equipped) is programmed. The unlock switch only works when the ignition is in RUN, ACC or Retained Accessory Power (RAP). (See “Retained Accessory Power” in the Index.) yellowblue Last Door Closed Locking (If Equipped) If you have power door locks, you can program your vehicle to have a delayed locking of the doors. This lets you and your passengers exit the vehicle after you’ve pressed the power door lock switch. All of the doors will lock once everyone has gotten out of the vehicle and closed their doors. When the power door lock switch is pressed, a chime will sound three times, indicating that the Last Door Closed Locking feature has been activated. Pressing the LOCK switch again will lock the doors immediately. Pressing the UNLOCK switch will cancel a previously requested Last Door Closed Locking. The vehicle is shipped from the factory with this feature turned off. To turn this feature on, see “Feature Customization” in the Index. 2-5 yellowblue Keyless Entry System (If Equipped) If your vehicle is equipped, you can lock and unlock your doors or unlock your trunk from about 3 feet (1 m) up to 30 feet (9 m) away using the remote keyless entry transmitter supplied with your vehicle. Lockout Prevention (If Equipped) To protect you from locking your keys in the vehicle, this feature stops the power door locks from locking when the keys are in the ignition and a door is open. If the power lock switch is pressed when a door is open, a chime will sound five times as a reminder to take the keys out of the ignition before locking the door. The vehicle is shipped from the factory with this feature turned on. If you would like to turn this feature off, see “Feature Customization” 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. Your keyless entry system operates on a radio frequency subject to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry Canada. 2-6 This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device. Changes or modifications to this system by other than an authorized service facility could void authorization to use this equipment. yellowblue This system has a range of about 3 feet (1 m) up to 30 feet (9 m). At times you may notice a decrease in range. This is normal for any remote keyless entry system. If the transmitter does not work or if you have to stand closer to your vehicle for the transmitter to work, try this: D Check to determine if battery replacement is necessary. See the instructions that follow. D Check the distance. You may be too far from your vehicle. You may need to stand closer during rainy or snowy weather. D Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may be blocking the signal. Take a few steps to the left or right, hold the transmitter higher, and try again. D If you’re still having trouble, see your dealer or a qualified technician for service. 2-7 yellowblue Operation The driver’s door will unlock automatically when UNLOCK is pressed. If UNLOCK is pressed again within five seconds, the passenger’s door will also unlock. All doors will lock when LOCK is pressed. The hatch will unlock when the REAR 2X button is pressed twice within five seconds, as long as the ignition is turned to OFF. If the ignition is on, the REAR 2X button will only work if the transmission is in PARK (P) for an automatic transmission, or if the parking brake is set on a manual transmission. The system will turn on the interior lamps for about 40 seconds (or until the ignition is turned to RUN), when you unlock the doors or hatch. The interior lamps will go off when you lock the doors. Operating the remote keyless entry transmitter may interact with the Content Theft-Deterrent System (if you have this option). See “Content Theft-Deterrent System” in the Index. Alarm/Panic Mode If you are involved in a panic situation, press the horn symbol button on your remote keyless entry transmitter and your vehicle’s horn will sound and the parking lamps will flash. This will draw needed attention to you and your vehicle. To turn this feature off, either push the horn symbol button again or turn the ignition to ON. This feature will not work if your ignition is on or if the transmitter is 30 feet (9 m) or more away from your vehicle. Transmitter Verification (If Equipped) This feature provides feedback to the holder of the remote keyless entry transmitter that a command has been received by the keyless entry receiver. The parking lamps will flash on every lock and unlock command and the horn will sound only if the LOCK button is pressed twice within five seconds. This allows for silent operation of locking and unlocking unless a confirming horn chirp is desired. Other options may be selected for this feature (see “Feature Customization” in the Index). 2-8 yellowblue 3. Turn the ignition from OFF to RUN three times quickly (within five seconds). The vehicle will respond by locking the doors, unlocking the driver’s door and releasing the hatch. Your transmitter is now ready to match your vehicle. Leave the ignition in RUN. 4. Press and hold the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons on the first transmitter for up to 15 seconds. The vehicle will respond as in Step 3. 5. Repeat Step 4 for the remaining transmitters. 6. When you have finished matching all of your transmitters, replace the RADIO fuse. 7. Check that all transmitters work by pressing their buttons. If the transmitters don’t work, or if you’d rather not match the transmitters yourself, see your Pontiac dealer. Matching Transmitter(s) To Your Vehicle Each remote keyless entry 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, any remaining transmitters must also be matched. Once your dealer has coded the new transmitter, the lost transmitter will not unlock your vehicle. Each vehicle can have only four transmitters matched to it. Have each transmitter you intend to match ready for the next steps. To match transmitters to your vehicle: 1. Turn the ignition to RUN, then to OFF. This will disarm the Content Theft-Deterrent System (if your vehicle has this option). 2. Remove the RADIO fuse. This fuse is located in the main fuse block, which is located on the left side of your instrument panel. The RADIO fuse is located on the lower right-hand corner of the panel. See “Fuses and Circuit Breakers” in the Index. 2-9 Battery Replacement Under normal use, the battery in your remote keyless entry transmitter should last about two years. You can tell the battery is weak if the transmitter won’t work at the normal range in any location. If you have to get close to your vehicle before the transmitter works, it’s probably time to change the battery. Use one battery, type CR2032, or a similar type. 2-10 yellowblue NOTICE: When replacing the battery, use care not to touch any of the circuitry. Static from your body transferred to these surfaces may damage the transmitter. To replace the battery in the remote keyless entry transmitter: 1. Carefully pry off the cover by inserting a dime (or similar object) in the slot between the covers and twist. 2. Lift off the back cover. 3. Remove and replace the battery. Use one battery, type CR2032, or a similar type. Put the new battery in printed side down. 4. Replace the cover. Make sure the cover is on tightly so water won’t get in. 5. Check the transmitter operation. If the transmitter does not work after battery replacement, it may need to be resynchronized or matched to your vehicle. See “Resynchronization” in the Index. Resynchronization Resynchronization may be necessary due to the security method used by the remote keyless entry system. The transmitter does not send the same signal twice to the receiver. The receiver will not respond to a signal it has been sent previously. This prevents anyone from recording and playing back the signal from the transmitter. To resynchronize the transmitter with the receiver, stand close to your vehicle, and at the same time press and hold the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons on the transmitter for about eight seconds. The door locks should cycle and the parking lamps should flash to confirm synchronization. If this does not happen, you may need to replace the battery in your transmitter or match the transmitter to your vehicle. yellowblue Hatch CAUTION: It can be dangerous to drive with the hatch open because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can come into your vehicle. You can’t see or smell CO. It can cause unconsciousness and even death. If you must drive with the hatch open or if electrical wiring or other cable connections must pass through the seal between the body and the hatch: D Make sure all other windows are shut. D Turn the fan on your heating or cooling system to its highest speed with the setting on VENT. That will force outside air into your vehicle. See “Comfort Controls” in the Index. D If you have air outlets on or under the instrument panel, open them all the way. See “Engine Exhaust” in the Index. 2-11 yellowblue This button only works when the ignition is in RUN, ACC or when RAP is present. (See “Retained Accessory Power” in the Index.) 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). On vehicles with the Content Theft-Deterrent System, the remote hatch release button will not work while the system is armed. See “Content Theft-Deterrent System” in the Index. Theft Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities. Although your vehicle 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. Hatch Release Your door key opens the hatch from the outside. If your vehicle has the Content Theft-Deterrent System and the system is armed, opening the hatch this way will trigger the alarm. First disarm the system or use the remote keyless entry transmitter to open the hatch. Remote Hatch Release Press the button under the lamp control on the driver’s side below the instrument panel to unlock the hatch from inside your vehicle. If you have an automatic transmission, your shift lever must be in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) to use the remote hatch release. If you have a manual transmission and the ignition is in RUN, you must set the parking brake before you can use the remote hatch release. 2-12 yellowblue Key in the Ignition If you leave your vehicle with the keys inside, it’s an easy target for joy riders or professional thieves -- so don’t do it. When you park your vehicle and open the driver’s door, you’ll hear a chime 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 take the key with you, and you have an automatic transmission, it will be locked. 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? D If possible, park in a busy, well lit area. D Put your valuables in a storage area, like your trunk or glove box. Be sure to close and lock the storage area. D Close all windows. D Lock the glove box. D Lock all the doors except the driver’s. D Then take the door key and remote keyless entry transmitter with you. Content Theft-Deterrent System (Option) If your vehicle has this option, it has a theft-deterrent alarm system. Once armed, the system will sound the horn and flash the parking lamps if the vehicle is broken into. Turning Off the Alarm If you started the alarm by pressing the panic button on the remote keyless entry transmitter, you must either push that button again or turn the ignition to RUN to stop the alarm. 2-13 If the alarm is sounding due to the shock sensor or a door or hatch opening, it can be turned off by either turning the ignition with a proper key inserted or by pressing any button on the remote keyless entry transmitter. If you use your remote keyless entry transmitter to silence the alarm, additional things will happen depending upon which button you press. D Pressing the UNLOCK button will turn the alarm off, unlock the driver’s door and disarm the system. D Pressing the LOCK button will turn the alarm off, keep the doors locked and keep the system armed. D Pressing the REAR 2X button will turn the alarm off and keep the system armed. A second push of the button (within five seconds) will unlock and disarm the hatch only. D Pressing the panic button will turn the alarm off, keep the doors locked and keep the system armed. If the alarm is sounding because an incorrect ignition key was used, press any button on the remote keyless entry transmitter to turn the alarm off. The alarm will stop by itself after two minutes. 2-14 Shock Sensor yellowblue Coupe Convertible The shock sensor is what triggers the alarm when it detects a blow to your vehicle. It is located over the right rear wheelhouse near the spare tire in the hatch area. There are two levels of alarms via the shock sensor: Two horn blasts and parking lamp flashes for non-threatening blows to the vehicle and a full two-minute alarm for harder blows to the vehicle. Its sensitivity can be adjusted if more or less sensitivity is desired. If sensitivity is increased too much, it may give false alarms caused by gusts of wind or other natural events that may shake the vehicle. To adjust, remove the label covering the adjustment knob and adjust as desired. Turn the knob clockwise to increase sensitivity and counterclockwise to decrease sensitivity. The shock sensor is ignored by the alarm system when the ignition is on, when the hatch is open, when the alarm is disarmed or when it is customized to be ignored and for five seconds after the horn sounds an alarm or chirp. The shock sensor is ignored after triggering three full alarms until the system is rearmed. Arming the System The alarm system can be armed to detect break-ins by locking your vehicle using the remote keyless entry transmitter or by locking the doors with the power door lock switch. Passive arming is also available, if you would like the system to arm all by itself after the doors have been closed for a short time. When the system is armed, a red light on the top of the instrument panel will flash briefly once every two seconds. If you return to your vehicle and the red light is flashing two brief flashes every two seconds, the system is armed and the shock sensor had triggered a two-minute alarm. If the red light is flashing three times every two seconds, the system is armed and there was an intrusion that sounded the alarm. Horn chirps and parking lamp flashes can be set to your choice. See “Feature Customization” in the Index. yellowblue Remote Keyless Entry Transmitter Locking If all the doors are closed, locking the vehicle with the remote keyless entry transmitter will immediately arm the system. The horn will chirp twice and the parking lamps will flash, confirming that the system is armed. If any door is open when the transmitter LOCK button is pressed, the system goes into an armed wait mode, waiting for the doors to close. Once they are closed, the system will arm, the horn chirps twice and the parking lamps will flash. If the hatch is open or ajar at the time the system is arming, the horn will only chirp once. Power Door Lock Switch Locking If any door is open when the power door lock switch is pressed, the system goes into an armed wait mode, waiting for the doors to close. Once they are closed, the system will arm and the parking lamps will flash. If both doors are closed when the lock switch is pressed, the system assumes you are inside the vehicle, so it will not arm. Locking the doors by using the manual door locks will not arm the system. 2-15 Passive Arming If the ignition was just turned off and a door was opened, the system will arm six seconds after both doors are closed, whether or not you lock them. In all other cases, the system will wait 30 seconds after both doors are closed before arming, allowing you time to get into the vehicle and put the key in the ignition. The parking lamps will flash when the system arms. Passive arming is not enabled from the factory. Disarming the System There are two ways to disarm the system: D Press the UNLOCK button on the remote keyless entry transmitter. If the horn chirps two or three times when you unlock the car, the alarm sounded in your absence. Two chirps means that the shock sensor was set off and three chirps means that a door or hatch was opened. D Turn the ignition to RUN. For more information on customizing the features mentioned here, see “Feature Customization” in the Index. 2-16 PASS-KeyR II yellowblue Your vehicle is equipped with the PASS-Key II (Personalized Automotive Security System) theft-deterrent system. PASS-Key II is a passive theft-deterrent system. It works when you insert or remove the key from the ignition. PASS-Key II uses a resistor pellet in the ignition key that matches a decoder in 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. 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 may 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 faulty. See your dealer or a locksmith who can service the PASS-Key II. If you accidentally use a key that has a damaged or missing resistor pellet, the starter won’t work. The SECURITY light will flash. But you don’t have to wait three minutes before trying another ignition key. yellowblue See your 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 II system, however, is not working properly and must be serviced by your dealer. Your vehicle is not protected by the PASS-Key II system. If you lose or damage a PASS-Key II ignition key, see your dealer or a locksmith who can service PASS-Key II to have a new key made. In an emergency, call the Pontiac Roadside Assistance Center at 1-800-ROADSIDE or 1-800-762-3743. (In Canada call 1-800-268-6800.) 2-17 yellowblue Feature Customization (If Equipped) Your vehicle’s locks and lighting systems can be programmed with several different features. The features you can program depend upon the options that came with your vehicle. The following list tells you the features that can be programmed. Listed next to each feature is the option you need to have on your vehicle in order to be able to program that particular feature. D Exit Lighting (available for all) D Delayed Illumination (available for all) D Last Door Closed Locking (if equipped with power door locks) D Lockout Prevention (if equipped with power door locks) D Remote Keyless Entry Verification (if equipped with Content Theft-Deterrent System) D Theft-Deterrent Arming Method (if equipped with Content Theft-Deterrent System) D Theft-Deterrent Arming Verification (if equipped with Content Theft-Deterrent System) D Driver’s Door Alarm Delay (if equipped with Content Theft-Deterrent System) D Shock Sensor Enable (if equipped with Content Theft-Deterrent System) 2-18 Entering Programming Mode To program features, your vehicle must be in the programming mode. Follow these steps: 1. Put your key in the ignition. 2. Turn the ignition to RUN to disarm the Content Theft-Deterrent System. 3. Turn the ignition to OFF. 4. Remove the RADIO fuse. This fuse is in the main fuse block, located on the left side of your instrument panel. See “Fuses and Circuit Breakers” in the Index. 5. Turn the ignition to ACC. You should hear a chime to verify that the system is in the programming mode. If the chime sounds once, you will be able to program Exit Lighting, Delayed Illumination, Last Door Closed Locking and Lockout Prevention only. If the chime sounds twice and your vehicle is equipped with the Content Theft-Deterrent System, you will also be able to program Remote Keyless Entry Verification, Arming Method, Arming Verification, Driver’s Door Delay and Shock Sensor Enable. yellowblue Exit Lighting and Delayed Illumination With Exit Lighting, your interior lamps will come on for up to 25 seconds when the key is removed from the ignition. With Delayed Illumination, your interior lamps will come on and stay on for up to 25 seconds when entering your vehicle and up to 5 seconds when leaving your vehicle. Your vehicle comes with both features enabled (Mode 4). To change the factory setting, do the following: 1. Turn the courtesy lamps on by turning the instrument panel brightness control knob all the way up. 2. Count the number of chimes you hear. The number of chimes tells you which mode your vehicle is set for. 3. Turn the courtesy lamp switch off.

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1999 Pontiac Firebird Owners Manual