1995 Pontiac Firebird Owners Manual

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The 1995 Pontiac Firebird Owner’s Manual

This section explains how to start and operate your Pontiac.

This section tells you how to use your seats and safety belts properly. It also explains the “SIR’ system.

This section tells you how to adjust the ventilation and comfort controls and how audio system.

... How to Use This Manual .............................................................. .m .’ ....... 1-1 Seats and Restraint Systems .................................................. This section tells you how to use your manual and includes safety and vehicle damage warnings and symbols. Features and Controls ............................................................... 2-1 Comfort Controls and Audio Systems .................................................. Your Driving and the Road ........................................................... ProblemsontheRoad ............................................................... Service and Appearance Care ......................................................... Maintenanceschedule ............................................................... Customer Assistance Information ..................................................... Index .............................................................................

4-1 Here you’ll find helpful information and tips about the road and how to drive under different conditions. 5-1

This section tells you what to do if you have a problem while driving, such as a overheating, etc.

This section tells you how to contact Pontiac for assistance and how It also gives you information on “Reporting Safety Defects” on page 8-4.

This section tells you when to perform vehicle maintenance and what fluids and lubricants to use.

Here the manual tells you how to keep your Pontiac running properly and looking good.

to get service publications.

flat tire or engine

to operate your

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8-1

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Here’s an alphabetical listing of almost every subject in this manual. You can use it to quickly find something you want to read.

I PONTIAC I

GENERAL MOTORS, GM and the GM Emblem, PONTIAC and the PONTIAC Emblem, Firebird and the Firebird Emblem 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 Motor Division whenever it appears in 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.

k We support voluntary

I technician certification.

WE SUPPORT

VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION THROUGH

National Institute for

AUTQMOTIVE

SERVICE

EXCELLENCE

For Canadian Owners Who Prefer a French Language Manual: Aux propri6taires canadiens: Vous pouvez vous procurer un exemplaire de ce guide en fransais chez votre / concessionaire ou au DGN Marketing Services Ltd., 1500 Bonhill Rd., Mississauga, Ontario L5T 1C7.

Litho in U.S.A. Part No. 10254416 A First Edition ii

@Copyright General Motors Corporation 1994 All Rights Reserved

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:*:

How to Use This Manual Many people read their owner’s manual fitom beginning to end when they first receive their riew vehiql?~.~ ,ms will help you learn about the features and controis for I .: ; ’ your vehicle. In this manual, you’ll find that pictures and words work together to explain things quickly. Index A goad place to look for what you need is the Index in the 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. Safety Warnings and Symbols You will find a number of safety cautions in this book. We use a box with 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?, you or others could be hurt. You will also find a circle with a slash book.

through it in this

This safety symbol me’ans “Don’t,’’ “Don’t do this,’’ m. “Don’t let this happen.”

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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 Damage Warnings Also, in this book you will fiid these notices:

NOTICE:

These mean there is something that

could damage your vehicle.

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Vehicle Symbols These are some of the symbols you may find on your vehicle.

For example, these symbols are used on an original battery:

These symbols are important for you and your passengers whenever your vehicle is driven:

These symbols have to do with your lights:

These symbols are on some of your controls:

SEAT

TURN SIGNALS

pAE: p f

WINDSHIELD WIPER

i ‘t’ i WINDSHIELD Q

WASHER

WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER

CAUTION POSSIBLE INJURY

PROTECT EYES BY SHIELDING

CAUSTIC

BURNS

AVOID SPARKS OR FLAMES

SPARK OR FLAME COULD EXPLODE BAllERY

FASTEN

BELTS

POWER WINDOW

,\I/,

WINDOW DEFOGGER

BEAM = =o $0

VENTILATING FAN

LAMPSoR HIGH

FOG LAMPS

Here are some other symbols you may see:

FUSE

These symbols are used on warning and indicator lights:

ENGINE COOLANT TEMP

F* -- CHARGING 1-1 BRAKE ( 0 )

BATTERY

SYSTEM

RADIATOR COOLANT

FUEL

VOLUME

RAM0 h 43

RELEASE

CONDITIONING AIR

LIGHTER m

ENGINE OIL

PRESSURE 9% (a) OIL &

TEMP

ANTI-LOCK BRAKE

SPEAKER b

NOTES

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Section 1 Seats And Restraint Systems

Here 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 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 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.

it. Then release the

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Four-Way Manual Seat

To Raise or Lower the Front of the Seats:To tilt the entire seat, lift the lever under the right front of the seat, and lean forward or backward. Six-Way Power Seat (Option)

There are two levers at the front of the seat. The left lever adjusts the seat forward and back. 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.

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The driver's seat has three controls on the left side. go up and down. The front control makes the front of the seat go up and down. The back control makes the back of the seat The center control makes the whole seat go up and down or forward and backward.

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. 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 side of the sea~~%~€late” and “deflate” parts of your seatback. The two buttons that have “dots” inflate and deflate the outer parts of the seatback. To inflate, push the raised button. To deflate, push the indented button. 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.

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Seatback Recliner

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.

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Don’t have the seatback reclined if your vehicle is moving.

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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 reward, pull the restraint forward all the way to release it. Then move it to the position you want. Front Seatback Latches

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 seatback 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 Pontiac 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 1. Pull it up to the locked, upright position. 2. Be sure both latches hold the seatback in pace. Have

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they don't.

seatback: the

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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.

Your car has a light that comes on as a reminder to buckle up. (See “Safety Belt Reminder Light” in the Index.) In many states and Canadian provinces, the law says to wear safety belts. Here’s why: They work. 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 25 years of safety belts in vehicles, the facts are clear. In most crashes buckling up does matter ... a lot!

Why Safety Belts Work When you ride in or on anything, you go as fast as it goes.

Put someone on it.

Take the simplest vehicle. Suppose it's just a seat on wheels.

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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 ...

or the instrument panel ...

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.

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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.

Here Are Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts -- and the Answers

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 y ~ u are belted.

@ Why don’t they just put in air bags so people

won’t - hawe

to wear safety belts?

A: Air bags are in many 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 prc$ection. That’s true not only in frontal collisions, but especially in side apd other collisions.

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 Pontiac, 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. 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 happas, kt 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.

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Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure. If the belt isn’t long enough, see “Safety Belt Extender” at the end of this section. Make sure the release button on the buckle is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.

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.

5. To make the lap part tight, pull down on the buckle end of the belt as you pull up on the shoulder belt.

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. Q: What’s wrong with this?

A: The shoulder belt is too loose. It won’t give nearly

as much protection this way.

.....

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@' What's wrong with this?

A: The belt is buckled in the wrong place.

&.' What's wrong with this?

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A: The shoulder belt is worn under the arm. It should

be worn over the shoulder at all times.

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A: The belt is twisted across the body.

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To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle. The belt should go back oubof the way.

system:

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.

Supplemental Inflatable Restraint System (SIR) Air Bag System This part explains the Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR), or akj bag,' system. Your Pontiac has two &r bags -- one air bag for the driver and another &r bag for the right front passenger. Here are the most important things to know about the air bag

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1 There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument panel, which shows “AIR BAG” on it.

AIR

How the Air Bag System Works

The system checks the air bag’s 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.

I

Where is the air bag? The driver’s air bag is in the middle of the steering wheel. Thie right front passenger’s air bag is in the instrument panel on the passenger’s side.

When should an air bag inflate? The air bag is designed to inflate in moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal crashes. 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 9 to 15 mph (14 to 24 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 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. It is possible that in a crash only one of the two air ,bags ,, _.. . .> . .~ in your Pontiac will deploy. This ishare, but can happen in a crash just severe enough to make an air bag inflate. 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 the vehicle’s deceleration. Vehicle damage is only one indication of this. What makes an air bag inflate? In a frontal or near-frontal impact of sufficient severity, the air bag sensing system detects that the vehicle is suddenly stopping as a result of a crash. The sensing system triggers a chemical reaction of the sodium azide sealed in the inflator. The reaction produces nitrogen gas, which inflates the air bag. The inflator, air bag, and related hardware are all part of the air bag modules packed inside the steering wheel and in the instrument panel in front of the right front passenger.

How does an air bag restrain? In moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal collisions, ,‘.\.,, evep belted occqymts can contact the steering wheel or the instrument panel. The air bag supplements the protection provided by safety belts. Air bags distribute the force of the impact more evenly over the occupant’s upper body, stopping the occupant more gradhdly. But in many types of kollisions, air bags would not help you including rollovers and rear and side impacts, primarily because an occupant’s motion is not toward the air bag. Air bags should never be regarded as anythingmore than a supplement to safety belts, and then od$ in moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal colliiions. What will you see after an air bag inflates?:.: After the air bag inflates, it quickly deflates. &is occurs so quickly that some people may not even realize the air bag inflated. Some components of the air bag module in the steering wheel hub for the driver’s air bag, or the instrument panel for the right front passenger’s bag, will be hot for a short time, but the part of the bag that comes into contact with you will not be hot to the touch. There will be some smoke and dust corning from vents in the deflated air bags. Air bag inflation will not prevent the driver from seeing or from being able to steer the vehicle, nor will it stop people from leaving the vehicle.

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Your vehicle is equipped with a diagnostic module, which records information about the air bag system. The module records information about the readiness of the system, when the sensors are activated and driver’s safety belt usage at deployment. Let only qualified technicians work on your air bag system. Improper service can mean that your air bag system won’t work properly. See your dealer for service.

NOTICE: If you damage the cover for the driver’s or the right front passenger’s air bag, they may not work properly. You may have to replace the air bag 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 covers.

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.

The air bags are designed to inflate only once. After they inflate, you’ll need some new parts for your air bag system. If you don’t get them, the air bag system won’t be there to help protect you in another crash. A new system will include air bag modules and possibly other parts. The service manual for your vehicle covers the need to replace other parts.

Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Pontiac Air bags affect how your Pontiac should be serviced. There are parts of the air bag system in several places around your vehicle. You don’t want the system to inflate while someone is working on your vehicle. Your Pontiac dealer and the 1995 Service Manual have information about servicing your vehicle and the air bag system. To purchase a service manual, see “Service Publications” in the Index. The air bag system does not need regular maintenance.

Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy Safety belts work for everyone, including pregnant women. Like all occupants, they are more likely to be seriously injured if they don’t wear safety belts. A pregnant woman should wear a lap-shoulder belt, and the lap portion should be worn as low as possible throughout the pregnancy.

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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 PQsition The right front passenger’s safety belt works the same way as the driver’s safety belt. See “Driver Position,” earlier in this section. 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 out of the vehicle in a crash. And they can strike in the vehicle who are wearing safety belts.

thrown others

Lap-Shoulder Belt The rear seats have lap-shoulder belts. Here’s how to wear one properly.

1. Pick uu the latch plate and pull the belt across you.

Don’t let it get twisted. On convertible models, the shoulder belt may lock if If this you pull the belt across you very quickly. 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.

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3. To make the

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.

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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, On convertible m&dels, the safety belt also locks if you pull the belt very quickly out of the retractor.

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

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To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle.

Children Everyone in a vehicle needs protection! That includes infants and all children smaller than adult size. In fact, the law in every state in the United States and in every Canadian province says children up to some age must be restrained while in a vehicle. Smaller Children and Babies

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., ,

Child Restraints Be sure to follow the instructions for the restraiDt. You may find these instructions on the restraint itself or hi a in booklet, or both. These restraints use the belt system 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 restraint will show you how to do that. Where to Put the Restraint Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear rather than the fi-ont 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 tie front passenger seat. Here's why:

infant or child

.. .. ' .

. i

Wherever you install it, be sure to secure the 63;lild restraint properly. Keep in mind that an unsecured child restraint ;can move around in a collision or sudden stop and injurepeople in the vehicle. Be sure to properly secure any child restraint in your vehicle -- even when no childis in it.

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'Top Strap

If you have a convertible, don't use a restraint that has a top strap in your vehicle because the top strap anchor cannot be installed properly.

If your child restraint has a top strap, it should be anchored. If you need to have an anchor installed, you can ask your Pontiac dealer to put it in for you. If you want to install an anchor yourself, your dealer can tell you how to do it.

For cars first sold in Canada, child restraints with a top strap must be anchored according to Canadian Law. Your dealer can obtain the hardware kit and install it for you, or you may install it yourself using the instructions provided in the kit. Use the tether hardware kit available from the dealer. The hardware and installation instructions were specifically designed for this vehicle.

Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat Position

You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt. See the earlier part about the top strap if the chld restraint has one. 1. Put the restraint on the seat. Follow the instructions

for the child restraint.

2. Secure the child in the child restraint as the

instructions say.

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. Tilt the latch plate to adjust the belt if needed. If the shoulder belt goes in front of the child’s neck, put it behind the child restraint.

face or

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.

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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:

5. To tighten the belt, pull up on the shoulder belt while

you push down on the child restraint.

6. Push and pull the child restraint in different

directions to be sure it is secure.

To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt and let it go back all the way. The safety belt will move freely again and be ready to work for an adult or larger child passenger.

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You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt. See the earlier part about the top strap if the child restraint has one. You’ll need a safety locking clip to properly secure a child restraint in this position. You can get a locking clip where child restraints are sold, or from you Pontiac dealer (GM Part No. 94844571). The locking clip must be the same as the one shown here.

3.

4.

Secure the child in the child restraint as the instructions say. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder portions of the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how. If the shoulder belt goes in front of the child’s face or neck, put it behind the child restraint.

Until you have this clip, secure a child restraint only in the rear seat. See the earlier part about securing a child restraint in the rear seat. Once you have the clip, follow these instructions: 1. Because your vehicle has a right front passenger air

bag, always move the seat as far back as before securing a forward-facing child restraint. (See “Seats’’ in the Index.)

it will go

2. Put the restraint on the seat. Follow the instructions

for the child restraint.

5. Buckle the belt.

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Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.

6. Then thread both lap and shoulder belt portions

through the locking clip.

A. Lap Belt portion B. Latch Plate C . Buckle D. Shoulder Belt portion E. Locking Clip 7. Push and pull the child restraint in different

directions to be sure it is secure.

To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt and remove the locking clip. Let the safety belt go back all the way.

Larger Children

The safety belt will move freely again and be ready to work for an adult or larger child passenger.

Children who have outgrown child restraints should wear the vehicle’s safety belts.

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Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear seat. But they need to use the safety belts properly.

Children who aren’t buckled up can be thrown out in a crash.

a Children who aren’t buckled up can strike other

people who are.

@ What if a child is wearing a lap-shoulder belt, but the child is so small that the shoulder belt is very close to the child’s face or neck?

A: Move the child toward the center of the vehicle, but be sure that the shoulder belt still is on the child’s shoulder, so that in a crash the child’s upper body would have the restraint that belts provide.

Wherever the child sits, the lap portion of thekelt 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.

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Replacing Seat and 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. if worn But if the belts were stretched, as they would be 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.

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 all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors, anchorages and reminder systems are working properly. Look for any other loose or damaged restraint system parts. If you see anything that might keep a restraint system from doing its job, have it repaired. Torn or frayed belts may not protect you They can rip apart under impact foices. If a belt is torn or frayed, get a new one right away.

in a crash.

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Section 2 Features & Controls

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When a new Firebird is delivered, the dealer removes the plugs from the door keys and gives them to the first owner.

The ignition keys are for the ignition only.

The door keys are for the doors and all other locks.

The ignition keys don’t have plugs. Instead they have bar-coded key tags. These tags may be removed by your dealer or even before the car is delivered to your dealer. Each plug has a code on it that tells your dealer or a qualified locksmith how to mike 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, go to your Pontiac dealer who can obtain the correct key code. In ab emergency, call Pontiac Roadside Assistance at 1-800-ROADSIDD.

2-2

Door Locks

NOTICE: Your Pontiac 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. Pontiac also supplies a key card that you can use if you don’t have your keys, so be sure to keep this key card with you at all times.

2-3

There qre several ways to lock and unlock your vehicle: From the outside: Use your door key.

Power Door Locks (Option)

Push the power door lock switch to lock or unlock both doors at once.

From the inside: To lock the door, move the lock control on the door back.

The switch only works when the ignition switch is in RUN or ACC or when RAP is present. (See “Retained Accessory Power” in the Index.) Leaving Your Vehicle If you are leaving the vehicle, take your keys, open your door and set the locks from inside. Then get out and close the door.

2-4

Remote Lock Control (Option)

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. Should interference to this system occur, try this:

If your Pontiac has this option, you can lock and unlock your doors or unlock your hatch up to about 30 feet (9 m) using the key chain transmitter supplied with your C X . Your Remote Lock Control operates on a radio frequency subject to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Rules.

. ; 32 .<

-'%, - .

on battery

Check to determine if battery replacement is necessary. See the instructions replacement. , . . Check the distance. You may be too far from your vehicle. This product has a maximum range. Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may be blocking the signal. See your Pontiac dealer or a qualified technician for service.

-2

.I

Changes or modifications to this system by other than an authorized service facility could void authorization to use this equipment.

2-5

Operation The driver’s door will unlock automatically when UNLOCK is pressed. If UNLOCK is pressed again within five seconds, the passenger door will also unlock. All doors will lock when DOOR is pressed. The hatch will unlock when the opened trunk symbol is pressed, but only when the ignition switch is not in RUN, and the transmission is in PARK (P) if you have an automatic transmission. If you have a manual transmission, the parking brake must be set. The system will turn on the interior lamps for about 40 seconds, or until the ignition switch is turned to RUN, or if you unlock the doors or hatch. The interior lamps will come on for about two seconds when you lock the doors.

Matching Transmitter(s) To Your Vehicle Each key chain transmitter is coded to prevent another transmitter from unlocking your vehicle. If a transmitter is lost or stolen, a replacement can be purchased through your dealer. Remember to bring any remaining transmitters with you when you go to your dealer. When the dealer matches the replacement transmitter to your vehicle, the remaining transmitters must also be matched. Once the new transmitter is coded, the lost transmitter will not unlock your vehicle. You can match a transmitter to as many different vehicles as you own, provided they are equipped with exactly the same model system. (General Motors offers several different models of these systems on their vehicles.) Each vehicle can have only two transmitters matched to it.

2-6

4

To match transmitters to your vehicle: 1. Find the Data Link Connector (DLC). It is in the bottom of the instrument panel near the steering column.

2. Insert one end of a fused jumper into terminal 8.

Terminal 8 is the top terminal on the far right.

2-7

in your key chain

Battery Replacement Under normal use, the batteries transmitter should last about two years. You can tell the batteries are 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 batteries. Use two batteries, type DL2016, or similar type. To replace batteries in the Remote Lock Control: 1. Pop the cover off by inserting a dime (or similar

object) in the slot between the covers and twisting.

2. Lift off the front cover, bottom half first.

3. Insert the other end of the fused jumper into terminal

4. Terminal 4 is the fourth terminal from the left in the top row. You have grounded the program input line. You should hear the door locks lock and unlock within one to three seconds. When matching transmitters, the fiist transmitter code matched will be stored in both memories until a second transmitter is matched. This means that the second transmitter will not work until it is matched in step 5.

4. Press any button on the first transmitter. The door

locks should lock and unlock.

5. Press any button on the second transmitter. The door

locks should lock and unlock.

6. Remove the fused jumper from the DLC. The system

will not ‘work unless the jumper is removed.

7. Check that all the buttons on both transmitters work

correctly. If the transmitters don’t work, or if you’d rather not match the transmitters yourself, see your Pontiac dealer.

2-8

Hatch Release

3. Remove and replace the batteries. Use two batteries,

type DL2016, or a similar type. Put new batteries in printed side down.

4. Replace the front cover. Make sure the cover is on

tightly so water won’t get in.

5. Check the transmitter’s operation.

Your door key opens the hatch.

’

,.

2-9

..

, .

in 1;, The switch only works when the ignition switch is , . . . 2 ' ' . kUN or ACC, or when RAP is present. (See "Retained

1 . 1

Remote Hatch Release (Option)

.:

Press the svitch under the lamp controls to unlock the hatch from h i d e your vehicle. If you have an automatic trahrhission, your shift lever must be in PARK (P) or NEUTRqL (N) to use the switch. If you have a manual and the ignition switch is in RUN, you transn&on must sit [email protected] brake befor9 you.:can use the

.; .;:. :. - . . :;:: . ''i.

. I

- , . , ' , . ' .' , _L . j , ' ,. ,-' ...... . . :! . . .i: .: .. .,:,,. , ~ .

:. . .:.:

2-11

parking at Night Park in a lighted spot, close all windows and lock your vehicle. Remember to keep y o u valuables out of sight. Put them in a Storage area, or take them with you. Parking Lots If you park id a lot where someone will be watching your vehicle, it's best to lock it up and take your keys. But what if you have to leave your ignition key? What if you have to leave something valuable in your vehicle? h t your valdables in a storage area, like your glove bbx

6 Lock the glove box. 0 Lock id1 the doors except the driver's.

Then &e the door key with you.

PASS-Key@II r

Your vehicle is equipped with the PASS-Key@% (Personalized Automotive Security System) theft deterrent system. PASS-Key% is a passive theft deterrent system. This means you don't have to do anything different to arm or disarm the system. It works when you insert or remove the key from the ignition. PASS-Key% uses a resistor pellet in the ignition key that matches a decoder in your vehicle.

When the PASS-Key(% 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 car, 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 Pontiac dealer or a locksmith who can service the PASS-Key%.

If you accidentally use a key that has a damaged or missing resistor pellet, the starter won’t work and the security light will flash. But you don’t have to wait three minutes before trying another ignition key. See your Pontiac dealer or a locksmith who can service the PASS-Key% 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% system, however, is not working properly and must be serviced by your Pontiac dealer. Your vehicle is not protected by the PASS-Key% system. If you lose or damage a PASS-Key@II ignition key, see your Pontiac dealer or a locksmith who can service PASS-Key’II emergency, call the Pontiac Roadside Assistance Program at 1-800-ROADSIm or 1-800-762-3743.

to have a new key made. In an

2-13

New Vehicle “Break-In”

Ignition Switch

NOTICE: Your modern Pontiac doesn’t need an elaborate %break-in.” But it will perform better in the long run if you follow these guidelines: Keep your speed at 55 mph (88 km@) or Don’t drive at any one speed -- fast or slow less for the first 500 miles (804 km). -- for the first 500 miles (804 km). Don’t make full-throttle starts. Ayoid making hard stops for the first 2a0: miles (322 kni) or so. During this time your new brake linings aren’t yet broken in. Hard stops with new linings can mean premature wear and earlier replacement. Follow this “breaking-in” guideline every time you get new brake linings. Don’t tow a trailer during “break-in.” See “Towing a Trailer” in the Index for more information.

2-14

With the ignition key in the ignition switch, you can turn the switch to five positions: ACC (A): Position in which you can operate your electrical power accessories. Press in the ignition switch as you turn the top of it toward you. LOCK (B): The only position in which you can remove the key. This locks your steering wheel, ignition and automatic transmission.

If you have an automatic transmission, the ignition switch can’t be turned to LOCK unless the shift lever is in the PARK (P) position. OFF (C): Unlocks the steering wheel, ignition and automatic transmission, but does not send electrical power to any accessories. Use this position if your vehicle must be pushed or towed. A warning tone will sound if you open the driver’s door when the ignition is OFF and the key is in the ignition. RUN (D): Position to which the switch returns after you start your engine and release the switch. The switch stays in the RUN position when the engine is running. But even when the engine is not running, you can use RUN to operate your electrical power accessories and to display some instrument panel warning and indicator lights. START (E): Starts the engine. When the engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch will return to RUN for normal driving. Note that even if the engine is not running, ACC and RUN allow you to operate your electrical accessories, such as the radio and ventilation fan.

Key Release Button: If you have a manual transmission, your ignition lock has a key release button. You must press the button before you can take: your key out of the ignition lock.

2-15

Retained Accessory Power (RAP) If you have power door locks, your vehicle has a feature called Retained Accessory Power (RAP). With RAP your power door locks, electric mirrors, power windows, audio system and remote hatch release will continue to work up to 10 minutes after the ignition key is turned to OW and neither door is opened. If a door is opened, the audio system and power windows will shut off. The power door locks, electric mirrors and remote hatch release work until you shut the door. Once you have shut the door, these accessories will continue to work for approximately 35 seconds. After this time you will not be able to use these accessories until the next time you open a door or turn the ignition.

NOTICE: If your key seems stuck in LOCK and you can’t turn it, be sure it is all the way in. If it is, then turn the steering wheel left and right while you turn the key hard. But turn the key only with your hand. Using a tool to force it could break the key or the ignition switch. If none of this works, then your vehicle needs service.

Starting Your Engine Engines start differently. The 8th digit of your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) shows the code letter or number for your engine. You will fiid the VIN at the top left of your instrument panel. (See “Vehicle Identification Number” in the Index.) Follow the proper steps to start the engine. Automatic transmission: Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). Your engine won’t start in any other position -- that’s a safety feature. To restart when you’re already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.

NOTICE: Don’t try to shift to PARK (P) if your Pontiac is moving. If you do, you could damage the transmission. Shift to PARK (P) only when your vehicle is stopped.

Manual transmission: The gear selector should be in neutral. Hold the clutch pedal to the floor and start the engine. Your vehicle won’t start if the clutch pedal is not all the way down -- that’s a safety feature. To start your V6 engine: 1. Without pushing the accelerator pedal, turn your

ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let go of the key. The idle speed will go down as your‘ engine gets warm.

NOTICE: Holding your key in START for longer t h h 15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to be drained much sooner. And the excessive. heat can damage your starter motor.

’ 2-17

2. If your engine won’t start (or starts but then stops), it

could be flooded with too much gasoline. Try pushing your accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and holding it there as you hold the key in START for about three seconds. If the car starts briefly but then stops again, do the same thing, but this time keep the pedal down for five or six seconds. This clears the extra gasoline from the engine.

NOTICE: Your engine is designed to work with the electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical parts or accessories9 you could change the way the fuel in&tion system operates. Before adding electrical equipment, check with your dealer. you don’t, your engine might not perform properly. If you ever have to have your vehicle towed, see the part of this manual that tells how to do it without damaging your vehicle. See “Towing Your Car” in the ‘Index.

If

To start your 5.7 Liter LT1 engine: 1. Without pushing the accelerator pedal, turn the

ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let go of the key. The idle speed will go down as your engine gets warm.

NOTICE: Holding your key in START for longer than 15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to be drained much sooner. And the excessive heat can damage your starter motor.

2. If it doesn’t start within 10 seconds, push the

accelerator pedal all the way to the floor, while you hold the ignition key in START. When the engine starts, let go of the key and let up on the accelerator pedal. Wait about 15 seconds between each try to help avoid draining your battery.

2-18

When starting your engine in very cold weather (below 0°F or -18"C), do this: 1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the

ignition key to START and hold it there. When the engine starts, let go of the key. Use the accelerator pedal to maintaiq engine speed, if you have to, until your engine has run for a while.

2. If your engine still won't start (or starts but then stops), it could be flooded with too much gasoline. Try pushing your accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and holding it there as you hold the key in START for about three seconds. If the car starts briefly but then stops again, do the same thing, but this time keep the pedal down for five or six seconds. This clears the extra gasoline

from the engine.

' NOTICE:

Ir

4+

Your engine is designed to work with the electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical parts or accessories, you could change the way the fuel injection system operates. Before adding electrical equipment, check with your dealer. If you don't, your engine might not perform properly. If you ever have to have your vehicle towed, see the part of this manual that tells how to do it without damaging your vehicle. See "Towing Your Car" in the Index.

2-19

Driving Through Deep Standing Water

,*

NOTICE: If you drive too quickly through deep puddles or standing water, water can come in through your engine’s air intake and badly damage your engine. Never drive through water that is slightly lower than the underbody of your vehicle. If you can’t avoid deep puddles or standing waiter, drive through them very slowly.

Performance Mode Switch This switch lets you change from a normal driving mode to a performance mode. When you start the engine, the switch will be in normal mode. For general driving conditions, use the normal mode. It will remain in normal unless you select the PERFORM feature. For a firmer shift and increased performance, you may choose the PERFORM mode. The light in the center of the switch will light up when selected. The switch will is then remain in performance mode until the engine shut off, when it will go back to normal mode.

Second-Gear Start

Engine Coolant Heater (Option)

TRANSMISSION

2NDGEAR@ START

Your vehicle may be equipped with a Second-Gear Start feature. Press 2ND GEAR START to provide more traction when you are starting on ice or other slippery surfaces. The transmission will be in second gear when the vehicle begins to move. After starting in second gear, the vehicle will upshift normally. This feature is only for improved traction when surface is slippery and is not intended for continuous use. Always use NORMAL for normal road conditions. You may press 2ND GEAR START again to turn off this feature. Whenever you start your vehicle, the transmission is in the NORMAL mode.

the road

In very cold weather, 0 "F (- 18 O C) or colder, the engine coolant heater can help. You'll get easier better fuel economy during engine warm-up. Usually, the coolant heater should be plugged in a minimum of four hours prior to starting your vehicle.

starting and

2-21

To use the coolant heater: 1. Turn off the engine. 2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord. 3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt outlet.

damaged.

NOTICE: After you’ve used the coolant heater, be sure to store the cord as it was before to keep it away from moving engine parts. If you don’t, it could be

How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged in? The answer depends on the weather, the kind of oil you have, and some other things. Instead of trying to list everything here, we ask that you contact your Pontiac dealer in the area where you’ll be parking your vehicle. The dealer can give you the best advice for that particular area.

2-22

Automatic Transmission

There are several different positions for your shift lever. PARK (P): This locks your rear wheels. It’s the best position to use when you start your engine because your vehicle can’t move easily.

2-23

out of snow, To rock your vehicle back and forth to get ice or sand without damaging your transmission, see “Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow, If You’re” in the Index. NEUTRAL (N): In this position, your engine doesn’t connect with the wheels. To restart when you’re already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Also, use NEUTRAL, (N) when your vehicle is being towed.

Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) range before starting the engine. Your Pontiac has a brake-transmission shift interlock. You have to fully apply your regular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition key is in the RUN position. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever -- push the shift lever all the way into PARK (P) and also release the shift lever button on floor shift console models as you maintain brake application. Then move the shift lever into the gear you wish. (Press the shift lever button before moving the shift lever on floor shift console models.) See “Shifting Out of PARK (P) in this part. REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up.

NOTICE: Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle is moving forward could damage your transmission. Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is stopped.

NOTICE: Damage to your transmission caused by shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL [N) with the engine racing isn’t covered by your warranty.

AUTOMATIC OVERDWE (D) This position is for normal driving. If you need more power for passing, and you’re: - Going less than about 35 mph (56 kmk), push your accelerator pedal about halfway down.

- Going about 35 mph (56 kmk) or more, push the

accelerator all the way down. You’ll shift down to the next gear and have more power.

THIRD (3): This is like D, but you never go into Overdrive. Here are some times you might choose THIRD instead of OVERDRIVE: - When driving on hilly, winding roads. - When towing a trailer, so there is less shifting

gears.

between

- When going down a steep hill. SECOND (2): This position gives you more power but lower fuel economy. You can use SECOND (2) on hills. It can help control your speed as you go dowri-:.steep mountain roads, but then you would also want-to use your brakes off and on.

’,

NOTICE: If your rear wheels can’t rotate, don’t try to drive. This might happen if you were stuck in very deep sand or mud or were up against a solid object.’ You could damage your transmission. Also, if you stop when going uphill, don’t hold your vehicle there with only the acceleratw pedal. This could overheat and damage the transmission. Use your brakes or shift into BARK (P) to hold your vehicle in position on.‘ a hill. .-

e 1Y

Maximum engine speed is limited to protect driveline Lomponents from improper operation.

NOTICE: Don’t drive in SECOND for more than 5 miles (8 km), or at speeds over 55 mph (88 km/h), or you can damage your transmission. Use OVERDRIVE or THIRD as much as possible. Don’t shift into SECOND unless you are going slower than 65 mph (105 km/h), or you can damage’your engine.

FIRST (1): This position gives you even more power (but lower fuel economy) than SECOND (2). You can use it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or. mud. If the selector lever is put in FIRST (l), the transmission won’t shift into first gear until the vehicle is going slowly enough.

2-26

Manual Tradsmission Five-Speed

This is your shift pattern. Here’s how to operate your transmission:

FIRST (1): Press the clutch pedal and shi€t into FIRST (1). Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal. You can shift into FIRST (1) whed you’re going less than 20 mph (32 M). If you’ve cowe to a compiete stop and it’s hard to‘shift into FIRST (1) put the shift lever in NEUTkAL and let up on the clutch. Press the clutch pedal back down. Then shift into FIRST (1). SECOND (2): Press the clutch pedal 10 fhe floor as you let up on the accelerator pedal and s&ft into SECOND (2). Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal. THIRD, FOURTH, FIFTH (3,4,5, Gears): Shift into THIRD (3)’ FOURTH t4) and FIFTH (5) the same way you do for SECOND (2). Slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal.

2-27

0 To Stop: Let up on the accelerator pedal and press the brake pedal. Just before the vehicle stops, press the clutch pedal and the brake pedal, and shift to NEUTRAL. NEUTRAL (N): Use this position when you start or idle your engine. REVERSE (R): To back up, press down the clutch pedal and shift ipto REVERSE (R). Let up on the clutch pedal slowly while pressing the accelerator pedal.

NOTICE: Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is stopped. Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle is moving could damage your transmission.

Also, use Reverse, along with the parking brake, for parking your vehicle.

Six-Speed

This is your shift pattern. Here’s how to operate your transmission:

FIRST (1): Press the clutch pedal and shift into FIRST (1). Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal.

2-28

You can shift into FIRST (1) when you’re going less than 20 mph (32 kmk). If you’ve come to a complete stop and it’s hard to shift into FIRST (1) put the shift lever in NEUTRAL and let up on the clutch. Press the clutch pedal back down. Then shift into FIRST (1).

0 SECOND (2): Press the clutch pedal as you let up

on the accelerator pedal and shift into SECOND (2). Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal. THIRD, FOURTH, FIFTH, and SIXTH (3,4,5, and 6 Gears): Shift into THIRD (3), FOURTH (4), FIFTH (5) and SIXTH (6) the same way you do for SECOND (2). Slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal.

0 To Stop: Let up on the accelerator pedal and press

the brake pedal. Just before the vehicle stops, press the clutch pedal and the brake pedal, and shift to“Neutra1.”

NEUTRAL (N): Use this position when you start or idle your engine. REVERSE (R): To back up, press down the clutch pedal and shift into REVERSE (R). Let up on the clutch pedal slowly while pressing the accelerator pedal. If you shift from SIXTH (6) into REVERSE (R) the shift lever must be first placed in the NEUTRAL position centered between SECOND (2) and THIRD (3) prior to shfting into REVERSE (R).

Your six-speed manual transmission has a feature that allows you to safely shift into REVERSE (R) while the vehicle is rolling (at less than 5 mph). You will be locked-out if you try to shift into REVERSE (FQ while your vehicle is moving faster than 5 mph. If you have turned your ignition off and wish to park your vehicle in Reverse, you will have to move the shift lever quickly to the right, “crashing” through the high load spring and then into gear.

/ I

2-29

Skip Shift Light (5.7L LTl Engine)

When this light comes on, you can only shift from FIRST (1) to FOURTH (4) gear instead of FIRST (1) to SECOND (2) gear. This helps you to get the best possible fuel economy. This light will come on under these conditions: 0 The engine coolant temperature is greater than

170°F (77"C),

0 You are going 15-20 mph (24-32.'km/h), and 0 You are at 35% throttle or less.

2-30

When this light is on, the gear shift lever will let you shift from FIRST (1) to FOURTH (4) gears only. Once you are in FOURTH (4) gear, you can press the clutch again and shift into another gear. Follow the shift speeds in this chart when the SKIP SHIFT light is on. Computer Aided Manual Transmission Shift Speeds: 1st to 4th 15 mph (24 km/h) 4th to 5th 25 mph (40 km/h)* 5th to 6th 40 mph (64 km/h)** Each time you come to a stop, the engine's Electronic Control Module (ECM) determines when to activate the SKIP SHIFT upshift system. Use SECOND (2) gear only when you accelerate very quickly from a stop. You can then follow the full gear shift pattern. "30 mph (48 km/h) when accelerating to highway speeds. **45 mph (72 krn/h) when accelerating to highway speeds.

Shift Speeds (Manual Transmission) This chart shows when to shift to the next higher gear .for best fuel economy.

MANUAL TRANSMISSION RECOMMENDED SHIFT SPEEDS, IN MPH ( k m h )

Engine

3.4L L32 (Code S)

1 to 2 13-16

(21-25)

(51-59)

(34-35)

Acceleration Shifi Speed

2 to 3 21-28

3 to 4 32-37

4 t 0 5 45-47 (72-75)

5 to 6

NIA

If your speed drops below 20 mph (30 kmk), or if the engine is not running smoothly, you should downshift to the next lower gear. You may have to downshift two or more gears to keep the engine running smoothly or for good performance.

NOTICE: If you skip more than one gear when you) downshift, or if you race the engine wheaiyou downshift, you can damage the clutch or" transmission.

2-31

To set the parking brake:

Limited-Slip Rear Axle If you have this feature, your rear axle can give you additional traction on snow, mud, ice, sand or gravel. It works like a standard axle most of the time, but when one of the rear wheels has no traction and the other does, the limited-slip feature will allow the wheel with traction to move the vehicle.

Parking Brake The parking brake uses the brakes on the rear wheels.

Hold the brake pedal down and pull up on the parking brake lever. If the ignition is on, the brake system warning light will come on.

To release the parking brake:

NOTICE: Driving with the parking brake on can cause your rear brakes to overheat. You may have to replace them, and you could also damage other parts of your vehicle.

If you are towing a trailer and are parking on any hill: See“Towing a Trailer” in the Index. That section shows what to do first to keep the trailer from moving.

Hold the brake pedal down. Pull the parking brake lever up until you can push in the release button. Hold the release button in as you move the brake lever down.

all the way

2-33

Shifting Into PARK (P) (Automatic lhnsmission Models Only)

2-34

1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot and

set the parking brake.

2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) position like

this:

Hold in the button on the lever, and push the lever all the way toward the front of your car.

3. Move the ignition key to LOCK. 4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can

walk away from your car with the ignition key in your hand, your car is in PARK (P).

Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running (Automatic Transmission Models Only)

If you have to leave your vehicle with the engine running, be sure your vehicle is in PARK (P) and your parking brake is firmly set before you leave it. After you’ve moved the shift lever into the PARK (P) position, hold the regular brake pedal down. Then, see if you can move the shift lever away from PARK (P) without first pushing the button. If you can, it means into PARK (P). that the shift lever wasn’t fully locked Torque Lock (Automatic Transmission) If you are parking on a hill and you don’t shift your transmission into PARK (P) properly, the weight of the vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl in the transmission. You may find it difficult to pull the shift lever out of PARK (P). This is called “torque lock.” To prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and then shift into PARK (P) properly before you leave the driver’s seat. To find out how, see “Shifting Into PARK (P)” in the Index. When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out of PARK (P) before you release the parking brake. If “torque lock” does occur, you may need to have another vehicle push yours a little uphill to take some of the pressure from the transmission, so you can pull the shift lever out of PARK (P).

2-35

Parking Your Vehicle (Manual Transmission)

out of your vehicle, put your manual REVERSE (R) and firmly apply the

parking brake. If your vehicle is equipped to tow a trailer, see “Towing a Trailer” in the Index.

is in the

Shiftiqg out of PARK (P) (Authmatic