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    PONTIAC

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    Firebird 1994 0wn:ers ManualTable of ContentsIntroductionPart 1Part 2Part 3Part 4

    Part 5Part 6Part 9Part 8Part 9

    How tosehisanual , 3Seats & Restraint Systems 7Features & Controls m 41ComfortCoqtrols & AudioSystems 103Your Drivingnd the Road m 125Probiems on the Road = 151& Appearanceare m = . 183Maintenancechedule A = 239Customerssistancenformation m 259Including Reporting Safety Defects on page261.hdeX s m m m m = m . = = = = m m m m m = = . m m = m m m m m = = m = m m m 269Servi.cetationnformation Last Page

    Printed in U.S.A. Part No. 10260939 A Second Edition

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    How to Use This ManualImportant Notes about ThisManualPlease keep thismanual in your Pontiac, soit will be there if you ever need it whenyoure on the road. If yousell the vehicle,please leave this manual in it so the newowner can use it.This manual includes the latest informationat the time it was printed. We reserve theright to make changes in the product afterthat time without further notice. Forvehicles f i s t sold in Canada, substitute thename General Motors of Canada Limitedfor Pontiac Motor Division wherever itappears in this manual.

    For Canadian OwnersWho Prefer aFrench Language ManualAux proprihires canadiens: Vous pouvezvous procurer un exemplaire de ce guideen frangis chez votre concessionaireou auDG N Marketing Services Ltd., 1500Bonhill Rd., Mississauga, Ontario L5T1C7.

    Published by:Pontiac Motor DivisionGeneral Motors Corporation

    Pontiac Motors, GM and the GMemblem,Pontiac and the Pontiac emblem,and Firebird and the Firebird emblem areregistered trademarksof General MotorsCorporation.@Copyright1993 General MotorsCorporation, Pontiac Motor Division.All Rights Reserved.

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    How to Use ThisManualMany people read their owners manualfrom beginning to end when they irstreceive their new vehicle. This will helpyou learn about the features and controlsfor your vehicle. In this manual, youllfind that pictures and words worktogether to explain things quickly.

    ~ Index: A good place to look for whatyou need is the Index in back of themanual. Its an alphabetical list of allthats in the manual, and the pagenumber where youll find it.Parts 1-8: Each part of this manualbegins with a brief list of its contents,oyou can often find at a glance f a partcontains the information you want.How to Use This Manual: This parttells you how to use your manual andincludes safety and vehicle damagewarnings and symbols.

    Part 1 - Seats & Restraint Systems:This part tells you how to use your seatsand safety belts properly. It alsoexplains the air bag system.Part 2 - Features & Controls: Thispart explains how to start and operateyour Pontiac.Part 3 - Comfort Controls& AudioSystems: This part tells you how toadjust the comfort controls and how tooperate your sound system.Part 4 - Your Driving and the Road:Here youll find helpful informationand tips about the road and howo driveunder different conditions.Part 5 - Problems on the Road:Thispart tells you what to do if you have aproblem while driving, such as a flattire or engine overheating, etc.Part 6 - Service & AppearanceCare: Here the manual tells yo uhow to keep your Pontiac runningproperly and looking good.

    Part 7 - Maintenance Schedule:This part tells when to perform vehiclemaintenance and what fluids andlubricants to use.Part 8 - Customer AssistanceInformation: This part includesimportant information about reportingsafety defects and gives yo u detailsabout the Roadside Assistanceprogram. You will also find customersatisfaction phone numbers (includingcustomer satisfaction numbers for thehearing and speech impaired), as wellas the mediatiodarbitration procedure.Weve also included orderinginformation for service publications inthis part.Service Station Information:This isa quick referenceof serviceinformation. You can find it on the lastpage of this manual.

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    How to Use This Manual

    Safety Warnings andSymbolsYou will find a number of safety cautionsin this book. We use a box with a graybackground and the word CAUTION totell you about things that could hurt you ifyou were to ignore the warning.In the gray caution area, we tell you whatthe hazard is. Then we tell you what to doto help avoid or reduce the hazard. Pleaseread these cautions. If you dont, you orothers could be. hurt.

    You will also find a circle with a slashthrough it in this book. This safety symbameans Dont, Dont do this, or Donlet this happen.

    NOTICE:These mean there s something thatcould damage your vehicle.

    Vehicle Damage WarningsAlso, in this book you will find thesenotices.In the notice area,we tell you aboutsomething thatcan damage your vehicle.Many times, this damage would not becovered by your warranty, and it could becostly. But the notice will tell you what tdo to help avoid the .damage.When you read other manuals, you mightsee CAUTION and NOTICE warnings indifferent colorsor in different words.Youll also see warning labels on yourvehicle. Theyuse yellow for cautions, blufor notices and the words CAUTION orNOTICE.

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    Vehicle SymbolsThese are someof the symbols you willfind on your vehicle. For example,hesesymbols are used onan original battery:

    CautionPossible njury AProtect Eyes by Shielding@Caustic Battery AcidCould Cause Burns

    Avoid Sparks or Flames8Sparks or FlameCould \ \ bExplodeattery m

    These symbols are important for you andyour passengers whenever your vehicle isdriven:

    Fasten Safety BeltsDoor LocWUnlock

    Window Up/Down aThese symbols have to do with your lights:Master Lighting Switch

    Turn Signal Direction

    Hazard Warning Flashers AA

    Headlight High Beam

    Parking Lights

    Courtesy Lights

    Fog Lamps

    These symbols are on some of yourcontrols:

    Windshield Wiper

    Windshield Washer

    Windshield Defroster

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    How to Use This ManualRear Window Defogger YVentilating Fan

    Bi-Le vel

    Vent

    HeaterBlend

    These symbols are used on warning andindicator lights:

    Engine CoolantTemperatureBattery Charging System1-7Fuel

    Engine Oil Pressure w,Brake (Canada) (0) 8)Anti-Lock Brake System(Canada)

    Low Coolant mere are some other symbols ou may see:HatchnrunkRelease aHood Release

    Lighter

    Horn

    SpeakerConvertible Top Switch

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    H e r e youll find informationabout the seats n yourPontiac and how o use yoursafety belts properly.You canalso learn about ome thingsyou shouldnot do with safetybelts.

    Part 1Seats & Restraint Systems..,

    Seats and Seat Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Safety Belts: Theyre or Everyone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Why Safety Belts Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Here Are Questions Many People Ask about Safety Belts- nd the Answers . . 17Safety Belt Reminder Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18How to Wear Safety Belts Properly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..................... 30Child Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..................... 31Larger Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38SafetyBeltExtender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39Checking Your Restraint Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40Replacing Safety Belts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

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    Seats and Restraint SystemsSeats and Seat Controls

    This section tells you about the seats-how to adjust them, and also aboutreclining front seatbacks, seatback latchesand the folding rear seatback.

    Manual Front SeatMove the lever under the passengersfront seat to unlock it. Slide the seat towhere you want it. Then release the leverand try to move the seat with your body,to make sure the seat is locked into place.Be sure the lever returns to its originalposition after moving the seat.

    rour-Way Manual Seat?omove the drivers seat forward rbackward, lift the lever under the leftront of the seat. Slide the seat to whererou want it. Then release the lever andry to move the seat with your body tonake sure the seat s locked into place.:o tilt the entire seat, lift the lever underhe right front of the seat.

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    Six-Way Power Seat (Option)The drivers seat has three controls on thceft side.rhe front control makes the front of the;eat go up and down.The back control makes th e back of the;eat go up and down.The center control makes the whole seat;o up and down or forward andJackward.

    Fully ArticulatingSport Seat(Option)If your Pontiac has these seats, thedrivers seat has the four-way manual seatadjuster. See Four-Way Manual Seatearlier in this part. The passenger seat hasthe two-way manual seat adjuster. SeeManual Front Seat earlier in this part.

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    Seats and Restraint SystemsTo adjust the thigh support, pull up on thefront of your seat cushion and move thesupport to the position you want. Torelease the support, continue pulling up.To engage it again, push down firmly.

    The switch pads on the outer sides of theseats inflate and deflate parts of yourseatback.The two buttons that have dots inflatemd deflate the outer partsf the seatback.To inflate, push the raised button.Toleflate, push the indented button.

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    The two buttons without dots inflateand deflate the lumbar (lowerart of theseatback) support.To inflate, push theraised button.To deflate, push theindented button.

    To adjust the seatback, lift the leveronthe outer side of the seat. Release thelever to lock the seatback where youwant it. Pull up on the lever, and theseat will go o its original uprightposition. But dont have the seatbackreclined if your vehicle is moving.

    If you have fully articulating sport seats,your recliner lever looks like this,,

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    Seats and Restraint Systems

    Head RestraintsSlide the head restraintsp or downsothat the top of the restraints closest tothe top of your ears.This position reduces the chance f aneck injury in a crash.If you have the fully articulating sportseat, you have a six-way head restraint.It can be adjusted up and down, forwardand rearward, or tilted.To adjust it forward, pull the restraintforward. To adjust it rearward, pull therestraint forward all the way to releaseit. Then move it to the position youwant.. . 12

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    The front seatback folds forward to letpeople get into the back seat.To fold aseatback forward, push the seatbacktoward the rear as you lift this latch.Then the s'eatback will fold forward.When you return the seatback to itsoriginal position, make sure the seatbackis locked. The atch must be downfor theseat to work properly.

    Folding Rear SeatbackThe rear seatback in your Pontikc foldsdown to provide more storage Space..To fold the seatback down: , : :1. Pull forward on both levas$2. Fold the seatback down. .To raise the seatback:1. Pull it up to the locked, up6ght2. Be sure both latches hold the seatback

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    position.in place. Have them fixed ititheydon't . \< I

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    Seats and Restraint SystemsSafety Belts: Theyrefor Everyone

    This part of the manual tells you how touse safety belts properly. Italso tells yousome things you should not do with safetybelts. And it explains he SupplementalInflatable Restraint, or air bag system.

    his figure lights up as a reminder ouckle up. (See Safety Belt Reminder.ight in the Index.)n many states and Canadian provinces,he law says to wear safety belts. Heresvhy: They work.

    You never know if youll be in a crash. Ifyou do have a crash, you dont knowf itwill be a bad one.A few crashes are mild, and some crashescan be so serious that even buckled up aperson wouldnt survive. But mostcrashes are in between. In any of them,people who buckle up can survive andsometimes walk away. Without belts theycould have been badly hurt or killed.After more than25 years of safety belts invehicles, the facts are clear.n mostcrashes buckling up does matter ... a lot!

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    Why Safety Belts'WorkWhen you ride inor on anything,you goas fast as it goes.For example, if the bike is going0 mph(16 kmk), so is the child.

    When the bikehits the block, it stops. Butthe child keeps going! Take the simplest vehicle.Suppwe it'sjust aeat on wheels. - .' .

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    Seats and Restraint Systems

    Put someone on it. Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle.The rider doesn't stop. The person keeps going until stopped bysomething.In a real vehicle, it could be thewindshield .

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    or the instrument panel.. x-the safety belts!With safety belts, you slow down as thevehicle does. You get more time:o stop.You stop 'over more distance, and yourgtrongest bones take the forces. That'swhy safety belts make such good sense.

    H&e &e QuestionsMany People Ask aboutSafety Belts- nd theAmswers'Q: Won't I be trapped in tlie vehicleafter an aecidemt ifI'm wearing asafety belt?

    A: You could be- hether you'rewearing a safety belt or not. But youcan easily unbuckle a safety belt,even if you're upside down. And yourchance .of being conscious during andafter an accident, so you canunbuckleand get out, is much greater if yo u arebelted.

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    Seats and Restraint SystemsQ: W hy dont they ust put in air bagsso people wont have o wear safetybelts?A: Air bags, or Supplemental InflatableRestraint systems, are in some

    vehicles today and will be in moreof them in he future. But they aresupplemental systems only- o theywork with safety belts, not instead ofthem. Every air bag system everoffered for sale has required the useof safety belts. Even if youre in avehicle that has air bags, you stillhave to buckle up to get the mostprotection. Thats true not only infrontal collisions, but especially inside and other collisions.

    Q: If Im a good driver, andI neverdrive far from home, why should Iwear safety belts?A: You may be an excellent driver, butif youre in an accident- ven one

    that isnt your fault- ou and yourpassengers can be hurt. Being a gooddriver doesnt protect you from thingsbeyond your control, such as baddrivers.Most accidents occur within 25 miles(40 km) of home. And the greatestnumber of serious injuries and deathsoccur at speeds of less than 40 mph(65 km/h).Safety belts are for everyone.

    Safety BeltReminderLightWhen the key is turned to Run orStart, a chime will come on for abouteight seconds to remind people to fastentheir safety belts, unless the driverssafety belt is already buckled. The safetybelt light will also come on and stay onuntil the drivers belt is buckled.

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    How to Wear SafetyBelts ProperlyAdultsThis section is only or people of adultsize.Be aware that there are special things oknow about safety belts andchildren. Andthere are different rules or smallerchildren and babies. f a child will beriding in your Pontiac, see the sectionafter this one, calledChildren. Followthose rules for everyones protection.

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    First, youll want to know which restraintsystems your vehicle has.Well start with the driver position.Driver PositionThis section describes the driversrestraint system.

    Lap-ShoulderBeltThe driver has a lap-shoulder belt. Hereshow to wear it properly.1. Close and lock the door.2. Adjust the seat (to see how, seeSeats in the Index) so you can sit upstraight.

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    Seats and Restraint Systems

    &e ,,, " &3. Pick up the latch plate and pull thebelt across you. Don't let it gettwisted.4. Push the latch plate into the buckleuntil it clicks.

    Pull up on the latch plate to make sureit is secure. If the belt isn't longenough, see "Safety Belt Extender" atthe endof this section.Make sure the release button on hebuckle is positioned so you would beable to unbuckle the safety beltquickly if you ever had to.

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    5. To make the lap part tight, pull downon the buckle end of the belt as youpull up on the shoulder belt.The lap part of the belt should bewornow and snug on the hips, just touchinghe thighs. In a crash, this applies force tohe strong pelvic bones. And you'd beess likely to slide under the lap belt.frou slid under it, the belt would applyorce at your abdomen. This could cause;erious or even fatal injuries. TheIhoulder belt should go over the shouldertnd across the chest. Thesearts of thelady are best able to take belt restraining.orces.The safety belt locksf there's a sudden;top or crash.

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    Q: Whats wrong with this?A: The shoulder belt s too loose. It wongive nearly as much protection hisway.

    Q: Whats wrong with this?A: The belt is buckled in the wrongplace.

    2: Whats wrong with this? ,k The shoulder belt is worn u&er the

    arm. It should be worn over theshoulder at all times.

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    Seats and Restraint Systems

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    Q: Whats wrong with this?A: The belt is twisted across the body.

    To unlatch the belt, just push the buttonon the buckle. The belt should o backout of the way.Before you close the door, be sure the beltis out of the way. If you lam the door onit, you can damage bott the belt and yourvehicle.

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    This vehicle hasAIR BAGS for front occupants.A AUTION: YOU NEED YOUR SAFETY BELT, EVEN WITH AN AIR BAG.AND HERESW H YAir bags are not designedo inflate in rollovers or in rear, side or low-speed frontal crashes.Air bags inflate with great force, faster than the blinkf an eye. If youre too close to an inflatingair bag, t could seriously injure you. Safety beltselp keep you n position for air bag inflationin a crash.An inflating air bag can seriously injure small children. Follow the instructions on the passengersafety belt Caution label.REGULAR MAINTENANCE OF THE AIR BAG YSTEM IS NOT REQUIRED.If theair bag readiness light comes on while you are driving, oroesnt come on when ou first startyour vehicle, see your dealer for service.

    PRINTED INU S A . SeeyourOwnersManualormorenformation. PART NO C20-30-355

    Supplemental InflatableRestraint System Air Bags)Here are the most important things toknow:

    rhis section explains the Supplemental[nflatable Restraint (SIR), r air bag,system. Your Pontiac has an air bagFor both the driver and the right-frontJassenger.

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    Seats and Restraint Systems

    AIRBAG

    Air Bag Readiness LightThere is an air bag readiness light onthe instrument panel, which showsAIR BAG on it. The system checksfor electrical malfunctions, and th e lighttells you if there is a problem.You will see this light flash for a fewseconds when you turn your ignition toRun or Start. Then the light shouldgo out, which means the system is ready.Remember, if the air bag readiness lightdoesnt come on when you start yourvehicle, or stays on, or comes on whenyou are driving, your air bag system maynot work properly. Have your vehicleserviced right away.

    How the Air Bag System WorksWhere is the air bag?The drivers air bag is n the middlesteering wheel. of th

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    iThe right-front passengers airag islocated in the instrument panel on thepassengers side.

    When is an air bag expectedto inflate?The air bag is designed to inflate inmoderate to severe frontal or near-frontalcrashes. The air bag will only inflate ifthe velocity of the impact is above thedesigned threshold level. When impactingstraight into a wall that does not move ordeform, the threshold level for mostGM vehicles is between 9 and 15mph(14 and 23 km/h). However, this velocitythreshold depends on the vehicle designand may be several miles-per-hour fasteror slower. In addition, this thresholdvelocity will beconsiderably higher if thevehicle strikes an object such as a parkedcar which will move and deform onimpact. The air bag is also not designed toinflate in rollovers, side impacts, or rearimpacts where the inflation would provideno occupant protection benefit.It is possible that in acrash, only one ofthe two air bags in your Firebird willdeploy. This is rare, but can happen in acrash just severe enough to make an airbag inflate.In any particular crash, the determinationof whether the air bag should haveinflated cannot be based solely on thelevel of damage on the vehicle(s).Inflation is determined by the angle of the

    impact and the vehicles deceleration, ofwhich vehicle damage is only oneindication. Repair cost is not a goodindicator of whetheran air bag shouldhave deployed.What makes an air bag inflate? ;[n a frontal or near-frontal impact ofsufficient severity, theair bag sensikgsystem detects that the vehicle is suddenlystopping as a esult of a crash. Thesensing sytem triggers a chemical teactionof the sodium azide sealed in the inflator.The reaction produces nitrogen gas;which inflates a cloth bag. The infktor,210th bag, and related hardware are allp a r t of the air bag inflator modulespacked inside the steering wheel and inthe instrument panel in front of thepassenger.How does an air bag restrain?[n moderate to severe frontal ornear-frontal collisions, even beltedoccupants can contact the steering wheelor the instrument panel. The air bagsupplements the protection provided bysafety belts. Air bags distribute the forceof the impact more evenly over theoccupants upper body, stopping theoccupant more gradually. But air bagswould not provide protection in many

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    Servicing Your Air Bag-EquippedPontiacAir bags affect how your Pontiac sho uldbe serviced. T here are parts of the air bagsystem in several places around yourvehicle. You dont want the systemoinflate wh ile som eone s working on yourvehiele. Your Pontiac dealer and he 1994Firebird Service Manual have informationabout servicing your vehicle and the irbag system. The air bag system doesno tneed regular maintenance. Safety Belt Use duringPregnancy

    Safety belts w ork for everyo ne, includingpregnant women. Like all occupa nts, theyare more likely to be se riously injured ifthey dont wear safety belts.A pregnant woman should wear alap-shoulder belt, and the la p portionshould be worn as low as possiblethroughout the pregnancy.The best way to protect the fetus is toprotect the mother. When a safety belt isworn properly, itsmore likely that thefetus wont be hurt in a crash. Forpregnant wom en, as for anyone, the keyto making safety belts effective is wearingthem properly.

    assenger Positionstight Front Passenger Position:he right front passenge rs safety beltvorks the sam e way as the drivers safetybelt. See Dr iver Pos ition, ea rlier in thisk a r t .

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    Seats and Restraint Systems

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    tear Seat Passengersts very important for rear seatbassengers to buckle up! Accidenttatistics show that unbelted people in theear seat are hurt more often in crasheshan those who are wearing safety belts.tear passengers who arent safety belted:an be thrown out of the vehicle in a:rash.And they can strike others in therehicle who are wearing safety belts.Lap-Shoulder BeltThe rear seats have lap-shoulder belts.leres how to wear one properly.

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    1. Pick up the latch plate and pull thebelt across you. Dont let it gettwisted.2. Push the latch plate into the buckleuntil it clicks.

    If the belt stops beforet reaches thebuckle, tilt the latch plate and keeppulling until you can buckle t.Pull up on the latch plate o make sureit is secure.If the belt is not long enough, seeSafety Belt Extender at the endfthis section.Make sure the release button on thebuckle is positionedso you would beable to unbuckle the safety beltquickly if you ever had to.

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    To unlatch the belt, just push thebutton on the buckle. Everyone. in a vehicle needs protection!That includes infants and all childrensmaller than adult size. In fact, the law inevery state in the United States and inevery Canadian province says children upto some age must be restrained while in avehicle.

    Smaller Children and Babies

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    Child RestraintsBe sure to follow the instructions forthe restraint. You may find theseinstructions on the restraint itself or ina booklet, or both. These restraidi usethe belt system in your vehicle, bkt thechild also has to besecured within therestraint to help reduce the chance ofpersonal injury. The nstructions thatcome with the infant or child estraintwill show you how to do that. I

    Where to Put the Restraint

    4ccident statistics show that childrenare safer if they are restrained in the:ear rather than the front seat. We qt3eneral Motors therefore recommendhat you put your child restraint in the-ear seat.NEVER put a rear-facing:hild restraint in the front passenger;eat. Here's why:

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    Nherever you install it, be sure to securehe child restraint properly.Ceep in mind that an unsecured child-estraintcan move around in acollisionx-sudden stop and injure people in theiehicle. Be sure to properly secure any:hild restraint in your vehicle - evenwhen no child is in it.

    Top StrapIf your child restraint has aop strap, itshould be anchored.If you need to have an anchor installed,you can ask your Pontiac dealero put itin for you. If you want to install an anchoryourself, your dealer can tell you how todo it.[f you have a convertible, dont se arestraint that has a top strapn yourvehicle because the top strap anchorcannot be installed properly.

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    For cars first s0;Id in Cqada, childrestrairits with a top strap must heanchored according o Canadian Law.Your dealer can obtain the hardware kitand install it for you, or you may install ityourself using the nstructions providedwith ule kit.Use the tether hardware kit availableromthe dgaler. The hardware and installationinstructions were spemtcally.a3esigned :.for thi.s vehicle.

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    ieeuring a Chi'ldRestraint in the RearkatCau'll be using the lap-shoulder belt. Seehe earlier section about the top strqp ifhe child restraint has one.. Put the restraint on th e seat. F O ~ ~ O Wthe instructions for the child restraint.I Secure the child in the child restraintas .the instructions say.1 Pick up the latch pl,ate, and run th.e la1

    and shoulder'portionsof.the vehicle'ssaGty Wit thiough &'around there$traint. The child restraintinstructitanswill show you how. Tiltthe latch plate to adjust thebelt ifneeded.

    child's face or neckrput it behind the&ld restraint.

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    4. Buckle the belt. Make sure the releasebutton is positioned so you wnpld beable to unbuckle the safety beltquickly if you ever had o.

    5. To tighten the belt, pull up on theshoulder belt while you push down onthe child restraint.6. Push and pull the child restraint indifferent directions to be sure it issecure.To remove the child restraint, justunbuckle the vehicles safety belt and letit go back all theway. The safety belt willmove freely again and e ready to workfor an adult or larger child passenger.

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    T-ecuring a Child Restraint in the Rightront Seatbur vehicle has a right-front passengersir bag. NEVER put a rear-facing child:straint in this seat. Heres why:

    Youll be using the ap-shoulder belt. Seethe earlier section about the top strap ifthe child restraint has one.Youll need a safety locking clip toproperly secure a child restraint in thisposition. You can get a locking clipwhere child restraints are sold, or fromyour Pontiac dealer (G M Part No .94844571). The locking clip must bethe same as the one shown here.

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    Seats and Restraint Systems

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    Until you have this clip, secure a childrestraint only in the rear seat. See theearlier section about securing a childrestraint in the rear seat. Once you havethe clip, follow these instructions:1. Because your vehicle has a right-frontpassengers air bag, always move theseat as far back as it will go beforesecuring a front-facing child restraint.2. Put the restraint on the seat. Followthe instructions for the child restraint.3. Secure the child in the child restraintas the instructions say.4. Pick up the latch plate, and run the apand shoulder portions of the vehiclessafety belt through or around therestraint. The child restraintinstructions will show you how.

    If the shoulder belt goes in front of thechilds face orneck, put it behind thechild restraint.

    5. Buckle the belt.Make sure the release button ispositioned so you would be able tounbuckle the safety belt quickly if youever had to.

    4. Lap Belt PortionB. Latch PlateC. BuckleD. Shoulder Belt PortionE. Locking Clip6. Then thread both lap and shoulder beltportions through he locking clip.

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    7. Push and pull the child restraint indifferent directions to be sure it ssecure.To remove the child restraint, justunbuckle the vehicle's safety belt andremove the locking clip. Let the safetybelt go back all theway.

    The safety belt will move freely againandbe ready to work for an adult or largerchild passenger.

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    Larger ChildrenChildren who have outgrown childrestraints should wear the vehicles safetybelts.Accident statistics show that children aresafer if they are restrained in the rear eat.But they need to use the safety beltsproperly.

    Children who arent buckled up canbe thrown out in a crash.

    ...38

    Children who arent buckled up canstrike other people who are.

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    Q. What if a childis wearing alap-shoulder belt, but the childs sosmall that the shoulder belt is veryclose to the childs face or neck?A: Move the child toward the center of

    the vehicle, but be ure that theshoulder belt still is on the childsshoulder, so that in a crash the childsupper body would have the restraintthat belts provide.

    Wherever the child sits, the lap portion ofthe belt should be worn low and snug onthe hips, just touching the childs thighs.This applies belt force to the childspelvic bones in a crash.4 Safety Belt ExtenderIf the vehicles safetybelt will fastenaround you, you should use it.But if a safety belt isnt long nough tofasten, your dealer will order you anextender. Its free. When you go i n toorder it, take the heaviest coat you willwear, so the extender will be long enoughfor you. The -extenderwill be just foryou,and just for the seat in your vehicle thatyou choose. Dont let someone else use it,and use it only for the seat it is made tofit. To wear it, just attach it to the regularsafety belt.

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    Checking YourRestraint SystemsNow and then, make sure all yourbelts, buckles, latch plates, retractors,anchorages and reminder systems areworking properly, Look for any looseparts or damage. If you see anything thatmight keep a restraint system from doingits job,have it repaired.

    Replacing Safety Beltsafter a Crash[f youve had a crash, do you need newbelts?After a very minor collision, nothingmay be necessary. But if the belts werestretched, as they would bef worn duringa more severe crash, then you need newbelts.Sf belts are cut or damaged, replace them.Collision damage also may mean youwill need to have safety belt r seat partsrepaired or replaced. New parts andrepairs may be necessary even f the beltwasnt being used at the time of thecollision.

    Q: Whats wrong withthis?A: The belt is torn.Torn or frayed beltsmay not protect youin a crash. They can rip apart underimpact forces.If a belt is torn or frayed,get a new one right away.

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    H e r e you can learn about themany standard and optionalfeatures on your Pontiac.Andinformation on starting. shiftingand braking Also explained arethe instrument panel and hewarning systems that tell ou ifeverything is working properly- nd what to do f you have aproblem

    Keys . . . . . . .Door Locks . .

    Part 2Features & Controls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Theft and Theft Deterrents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ignitionswitch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

    Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ManualTransmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Limited-Slip Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .EngineExhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tiltwheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Turn Signal/Headlight Beam Lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Twin Lift-off Roof Panels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Storage and Compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .SunVisors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AshtrayandLighter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Instrument Panel and Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ConvertibleTop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

    Starting Your Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

    Operation of Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

    4243485051525659626366676869697679SO8385858998

    41 ...

    Features and Controls

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    Keys 'he ignition keys are for the ignition on14 ihe door keys are for the doors andllbther locks.

    ...42

    If you need a ne w ignition key, go to your

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    When a new Firebird is delivered, thedealer removes the plugs from the oorkeys and gives them to the first owner.The ignition keys dont have plugs.Instead they have bar-coded key tags.These tags may be removed by yourdealer or even before the ar is deliveredto your dealer.Each plug hasa code on it that tells yourdealer or a qualified locksmithhow tomake extra door keys. Keep the plugs insafe place. If you lose your door eys,youll be able o have new ones madeusing these plugs.

    Pontiac dealer who can obtain the correctkey code. In an emergency, call PontiacRoadside Assistance at1-800-ROADSIDE.

    1

    NOTICE: IYour Pontiac has a number of newfeatures that can help prevent theft.But you can have a lot of trouble get-ting into your vehicle if you ever lockyour keys inside. You may even haveto damage your vehicle to get in. Sobe sure you have extra keys. Pontiacalso supplies a key card that you canuse if you dont have your keys, sobe sure to keep this key card withyou at all times.

    Door Locks

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

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    Features and Controls

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    - I \From the inside: To lock the door, movethe lock control on the door back.To unlock the door, move he lock controlon the door forward.

    Power Door Locks (Option)Push the power door lock switch to lockor unlock both doors at once.The switch only works when the gnitionswitch is in Run or Acc, or whenRAP is present. (See RetainedAccessory Power in the Index.)Leaving Your VehicleI f you are leaving the vehicle, takeyourkeys, open your door and set the locksfrom inside. Then get out andclose thedoor.

    :emote Lock Control (Option)F your Pontiac has this option,ou canIck and unlock your doors or unlockour hatch from about 0 feet (9 m) usingle key chain transmitter supplied withour vehicle.our Remote Lock Control operates on3dio frequency subject to Federallommunications Commission (FCC)!des .his device complies with Part 5 of theCC Rules. Operation is subjecto theAlowing two conditions: 1) This devicelay not cause harmful interference, and2) This device must accept anylterference received, includinglterference that may cause undesiredperation.... 4

    Should interference o this system occur, is not in Run, and the transmission is You can match a transmitter to as many

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    try this:0 Check to determine if batteryreplacement is necessary.See theinstructions on battery replacement.0 Check the distance. You may be too

    far from your vehicle. This producthas a maximum range.Check the location. Other vehicles orobjects may be blocking the signal.

    0 See your Pontiac dealer or a qualifiedtechnician for service.Changes or modifications o this systemby other than an authorized servicefacility could void authorizationo usethis equipment.OperationThe drivers door will unlockautomatically when UNLOCK ispressed. If UNLOCK is pressed againwithin five seconds, the passengerdoorwill also unlock. All doors will lock whenDOQR is pressed. The hatch willunlock when the opened trunk symbol ispressed, but onlywhen the ignition switch

    in P Park) if you have an automatictransmission. If you have a manualtransmission, the parking brake mustbe set.The system will turnon the interior lightsfor about 40 seconds, or until the ignitionswitch is turned to Run, when youunlock the doors or hatch. The interiorlights will come on for about two secondswhen you lock the doors.Matching Transmitter(s) toYourVehicleEach key chain transmitter is coded toprevent another transmitter fromunlocking your vehicle. If a transmitteris lost or stolen, a replacement can bepurchased through your dealer.Remember to bring any remainingtransmitters with you when you go toyour dealer. When the dealer matches thereplacement transmitter to your vehicle,the remaining transmitter must also bematched. Once the new transmitter iscoded, the lost transmitter will not unlockyour vehicle.

    different vehicles as you own, providedthey are equipped with exactly the samemodel system. (General Motors offersseveral different models of these systemson their vehicles.) Each vehicle can haveonlv two transmitters matched to it.

    45 ...

    Featuresand ControlsNhen matching transmitters, the first Battery Replacement

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    To match transmitters to your vehicle:1. Find the Data Link Connector (DLC).It is in the bottom of the instrumentpanel near the steering column.2. Insert one end of a fused jumper intoterminal G. Terminal G is the topterminal on the far right.

    jumper into terminal A. TerminalA is the bottom terminal on the farleft.

    3. Insert the other end of the fused

    You have grounded the program inputline. You should hear the door locks lockand unlock within one to three seconds.

    ransmitter code matched will be stored inloth memories until a second transmitters matched. This means that the secondransmitter will not workuntil it isnatched in step 5.0.

    5.

    .a.7.

    Press any button on the firsttransmitter. The door locks shouldlock and unlock.Press any button on the secondtransmitter. The door locks shouldlock and unlock.Remove the fused jumper from theDLC. The system will not work unlessthe jumper is removed.Check that all the buttons on bothtransmitters work correctly.

    [f the transmitters dont work, or if youdrather not match the transmitters yourself,see your Pontiac dealer.

    &der normal use, the batteries in yourrey chain transmitter should last about:wo years.You can tell the batteriesre weak if th e:ransmitter wont work at the normal-ange in any location.f you have to get:lose to your vehicle before the:ransmitter works, ts probably time to:hange the batteries.Ioreplace batteries in the Remote LockZontrol:1 . Pop the coveroff by inserting a dime(or similar object) n the slot between

    the covers and twisting.first.2. Lift off the front cover, bottom half

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    -3.

    4.

    Remove and replace the batteries.Use two Duracell@ batteries,ypeDL2016, or a similar type. Put newbatteries in printed side down.Replace the front cover. Make ure thecover is on tightlyso water wont getin.

    latch Release{our door key opens the hatch.

    \

    Remote Hatch Release (Option)ress the switch under he light controlso unlock the hatch from inside yourJehicle. If you have an automaticransmission, your shift lever must ben P (Park) or N (Neutral) to use the;witch. If you have a manual transmissionmd the ignition switch is in Run, younust set the parking brake before you canIse th e switch.The switch only works when the ignition;witch is in Run or Acc, or whenIAP is present. (See Retained4ccessory Power in the Index.)

    47.

    Features and ControlsTheft

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    NOTICE:If you put things in the hatchbackarea, be sure they wont break heglass when you close it. Never slam.the hatch down. You could break theglass or damage the defogger grid(if equipped).

    Vehicle theft is big business, especiallynsome cities. Although your Pontiac hasnumber of theft-deterrent features, weknow that nothingwe put on it can makeit impossible to steal. However, therereways you can help.Key in the ignition: If you walk awayfrom your vehcle with the keys inside,its an easy target for oy riders orprofessional thieves- o dont do it.When you park your Pontiac and openthe drivers door, ydullheai a tonereminding you to remove your key fromthe ignition and take it with you, Alwaysdo this. Your steering wheel will belocked, andso will your ignition. If youhave an automatic transmission, takingyour key out also locks your transmission.And remember to lock the doors.Parking at Night: Park in a lighted spot,close all windows and lock your vehicle.Remember to keep your valuables outfsight. Put them in a storage area, or takethem with you.

    ...48

    Parking Lots: If you park in a lot where When the PASS-Key@II ystem senses

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    someone will be watching your ehicle,it's best to lock t up and take your eys.But what if you have to eave yourignition key? What if you haveo leavesomething valuable in your vehicle?Put your valuables in a storage area,like your glovebox.

    0 Lock the glove box.0 Lock all the doors except the driver's.

    Then take the door key with you.

    I

    GM-I ASS-Key@IZfour vehicle is equipped with the-'ASS-Key@II Personalized Automotiveiecurity System) theft-deterrent system.-'ASS-Key@II s a passive theft-deterrentiystem. This means you don't have to domything different to arm or disarm theiystem. It works when you insert or'emove the key from the ignition.-'ASS-Key@II ses a resistor pellet inhe ignition key that matches a decodern your vehicle.

    that someone is using the wrong key, itshuts down the vehicle's starter and fuelsystems. For about three minutes, thestarter won't work and fuel won't go tothe engine. If someone tries to start yourvehicle again or uses another key -duringthis time, the vehicle will notstart. Thisdiscourages someone from randomlytrying different keys with differentresistor pellets in an attempt to make amatch.

    . ..,.

    49 .

    Features and ControlsFaulty. See your Pontiac dealer or a New Vehicle

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    I r lECUIITYThe ignition key must be clean and drybefore its inserted in he ignition or theengine may not start. If the engine doesnot start and the SECURITY light stayson when you tr y to start the vehicle, thekey may be dirty or wet. Turn theignition off.Clean and dry the key. Wait about threeminutes and try again. The security lightwill remain on during this time. f thestarter still wont work, and the keyappears to be clean and dry, wait aboutthree minutes and try another ignition key.At this time, you may also wanto checkthe fuses (see Fuses and CircuitBreakers in the Index). If he starterwont work with theother key, yourvehicle needs service.If your vehicledoes start, the first ignition key may be... 0

    locksmith who can service thePASS-Key@II.[f you accidentally use a key that has aJamaged or missing resistor pellet, thestarter wont work and the security lightwill flash. But you dont have to waitthree minutes before trying anotherignition key.See your Pontiac dealer or a locksmithwho can service the PASS-Key@II tohave a new keymade.If youre ever driving and theSECURITY light comes on and stayson, you will be able to restart your engineif you turn it off. Your PASS-Key@ I1system, however, is not working properlyand must be serviced by your Pontiacdealer. Your vehicle is not protected bythe PASS-Key% system.If you lose or damage a PASS-Key@1ignition key, see your Pontiacdealer or a locksmith who can servicePASS-Key% to have a new key made.nan emergency, call the Pontiac RoadsideAssistance Program on1-800-ROADSIDEor 1-800-762-3743.

    Break-ZnNOTICE:Your modem Pontiac doesnt eed anelaborate break-in. But it will per-form better in the long runf you fol-low these guidelines:

    Keep your speed at55 mph (88km/h) or less for the first00miles (804 km).Dont drive at any one speed-fast or slow- or the first500miles (804 km). Dont makefull-throttle starts.Avoid malung hard stops for thefirst 200 miles (322 km) oro.During this time your new brakelinings arent yet broken in. Hardstops with new linings can meanpremature wear and earlierreplacement. Follow thisbrealung-in guideline everytime you get new brake linings.

    Off (C): Unlocks the steering wheel,

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    D

    Ignition SwitchWith the ignition key in the ignitionswitch, you can turn the switch to ivepositions:Acc (A): Position in which you canoperate your electrical power accessories.Press in the ignition switch as you ur nthe top of it toward you.LOCK (B): The only position in whichyou can remove the key. This locks yoursteering wheel, ignition and automatictransmission.If you have an automatic transmission, htignition switch cant be turned toLOCKunless the shift lever s in theP Park) position.

    ignition and automatic transmission, butdoes not send electrical power to anyaccessories. Use this position if yourvehicle must be pushed or towed. Awarning tone will sound if you openhedrivers door when the ignition is in Offand the key s in the ignition.Run (D): Position to which the switchreturns after you start your engine andrelease the switch. The switch stays in theRun position when the engine isrunning. But even when the engine is notrunning, you can use Run to operateyour electrical power accessories and todisplay some instrument panel warningand indicator lights.Start (E): Starts the engine. When theengine starts, release the key. The ignitionswitch will return to Run for normaldriving.Note that even if the engine is notrunning, Acc and Run allow you tooperate your electrical accessories, suchas the radio and ventilation fan.: I

    Ley Release Button: If you have alanual transmission, your ignition lockas a key release button. You must pressle button before you can take your keyut of the ignition lock.

    51 . .

    Features and ControlsRetained Accessory PowerRAP) Starting Your Engine

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    If your key seems stuck in Lockand you cant turn t, be sure it is allthe way in. If it is, then turn the steer-ing wheel left and right while youturn the key hard. But turn he keyonly with your hand. Using a tool toforce it could break he key or theignition switch. If none of this works,then your vehicle needs service.

    [f you have powerdoor locks, yourvehicle has a feature called RetainedAccessory Power (RAP). With RAP yourpower door locks, electric mirrors, powerwindows, audio system and remote hatchrelease will continue to work up to 10minutes after the ignition key is turned toOWand neither door is opened.[f a door is opened, the audio system andpower windows will shut off. The powerdoor locks, electric mirrors and remotehatch release will work until you shut thedoor. Once you have shut the door, theseaccessories will continue to work forapproximately 35 seconds. After thistime you will not be ble to use theseaccessories until the next time you opena door or turn on the ignition.

    Automatic Transmission:Move yourshift lever to P Park) or N (Neutral).Your engine wont start in any otherposition- hats a safety feature.Torestart when youre already moving,use N (Neutral) only.

    NOTICE:Dont try to shift toP Park) ifyour Pontiac is moving. f you do,you could damage the transmission.Shift toP Park) only when yourvehicle is stopped.

    Manual Transmission:The gear select01should be in neutral. Hold the clutchpede1 to the floor and start the engine.Your vehicle wont start if the clutchpedal is not all theway down- hatsa safety feature.To start yourV6 engine:1. Without pushing the accelerator pedalturn your ignition key to Start.When the engine starts, let gof thekey. The idle speed will go down asyour engine gets warm.

    ... 2

    To start yourVS engine:

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    NOTICE: NOTICE:Holding your key in Start forlonger than 15seconds at a time willcause your battery to be drainedmuch sooner. And the excessive heatcan damage your starter motor.

    2. If your engine wont start (or starts butthen stops), it could be flooded withtoo much gasoline. Try pushing youraccelerator pedal allhe way to thefloor and holding it there as ou holdthe key in Start for about threeseconds. If the vehicle starts brieflybut then stops again,do the samething, but this time keep the pedaldown for fiveor six seconds.Thisclears the extra gasoline fromheengine

    Your engine is designed to work withthe electronics in your vehicle. If youadd electrical parts or accessories,you could change the way the fuelinjection system operates. Beforeadding electrical equipment, checkwith your dealer. If youdont, yourengine might not perform properly.If you ever have to have your vehicletowed, see the part of this manualthat tells how to do it withoutdamaging your vehicle. See TowingYour Vehicle in the Index.

    1. Without pushing he acceleratorpedal, turn the ignition key o Start.When the engine starts, let go of thekey. The idle speed will go down asyour engine gets warm.

    Holding your key in Start forlonger than 15 seconds at a time willcause your battery to be drainedmuch sooner..And the excessive heat

    2. If it doesnt start within 10 seconds,push the acceleratorpedal all theway to the floor, while you hold theignition key in Start. When theengine starts, let go of the key andlet up on the accelerator pedal. Waitabout 15 seconds between each try tohelp avoid drainingyour battery.

    153. .

    Features and ControlsWhen starting your engine in very coldweather (below 0 F or -18C), do his: Performance Mode Switch

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    1.

    2.

    With your foot off the acceleratorpedal, turn the ignition key to Startand hold it there. When the enginestarts, let go of the key. Use theaccelerator pedal to maintain enginespeed, if you have to, until yourengine has run for a while.If your engine still wont start (orstarts but then stops), it could beflooded with too much gasoline. Trypushing your accelerator pedal all theway to the floor and holding it thereas you hold the key n Start forabout three seconds. If the ehiclestarts briefly but then stops again, dothe same thing, but this time keep thepedal down for five or six seconds.This clears the extra gasoline fromthe engine.

    NOTICE:Your engine is designed to work withthe electronics in your vehicle. f youadd electrical parts or accessories,you could change the way th e fuelinjection system operates. Beforeadding electrical equipment, checkwith your dealer. f you dont, yourengine might not perform properly.If you ever have to have your vehicletowed, see the partof this manualthat tells how to do it withoutdamaging your vehicle. See TowingYour Vehicle in the Index.Driving through DeepStanding WaterNOTICE:If you drive too quickly through deeppuddles or standing water, water cancome in through your engines airintake and badly damage yourengine. If you cant avoid deeppuddles or standing water, drivethrough them very slowly.

    (Option)This switch letsyou change from anormal driving mode to a performancemode. When you start the engine, theswitch will be in normal mode. Forgeneral driving conditions, use thenormal mode. It will remain in normalunless you select the PERFORMfeature.For a firmer shift and increasedperformance, you may choose thePERFORM, mode. The light in thecenter of the switch will light up whenselected. The switch will then remainnPERFORMANCE mode until theengine is shut off, when it will go backonormal mode.

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    CL

    ScVSbtcV

    PnUCSFtl

    TRANSMISSION

    INDEEAR@TART

    Fecond-Gear Startour vehicle may be equipped withecond-Gear Start feature. Press 2ND;EAR START to provide more tractionvhen you are starting on ice or otherlippery surfaces. The transmission willle in second gear when the vehicle egin;3 move. After starting in second gear, thtrehicle will upshift normally.his feature is only for improved tractionthen the road surface is slippery and islot intended for continuous use. Always.se NORMAL or normal roadonditions. You may press 2ND GEAR;TART again to turnoff this feature.Yhenever you start your vehicle, theransmission is in the NORMAL mode.

    Engine Coolant Heater(Engine Block Heater)(OPTION)In very cold weather,0F (- 18 C) orcolder, the engine coolant heater can help.Youll get easier starting and better fueleconomy during engine warm-up.Usually, the coolant heater should beplugged in a minimum of four hours priorto starting your vehicle.

    To use the coolant heater:1. Turn off the engine.2. Open the hood and unwrap theelectrical cord.3. Plug it into a normal, grounded110-volt outlet.

    NOTICE:After youve used thecoolant heater,be sure to store the cord as it wasbefore to keep it away from movingengine parts. If you dont, it could bedamaged.

    55.

    Features and ControlsHow long should you keep he coolant

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    on the weather, the kindof oil you have,and some other things. Insteadof trying tolist everything here, we ask that youcontact a Pontiac dealer in the rea whereyoull be parking your vehicle.The dealercan give you the best advice for thatparticular area.

    AutamaticTransmissionThere are several different positions foryour shift lever.

    P Park)This locks your rear wheels. Its the bestposition to use when you start yourengine because your vehicle cant moveeasily.

    ...56

    Ensure the shift lever s fully in P R Reverse)

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    (Park) range before starting the engine.Your Pontiac has a brake-transmissionshift interlock.You have to fully applyyour regular brakes before you can hiftfrom P (Park) when the ignition key isin the Run position. If you cannothiftout of P (Park), ease pressure onheshift lever- ush the shift lever all heway into P (Park) and also release theshift lever button n floor shift consolemodels as you maintain brake application.Then move the shift lever nto the gearyou wish. (Press the shift lever buttonbefore moving the shift lever onloorshift console models.)See Shifting outof P (Park) n this part.

    Use this gear to back up.

    NOTICE:Shifting to R (Reverse) while yourvehicle is moving forward coulddamage your transmission. Shift toRonly after your vehicle isstopped.

    To rock your vehicle back andorth toget out of snow, ce or sand withoutjamaging your transmission, see Stuck:[n Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow, If YoureIn the Index.@ N (Neutral)[n this position, your engine doesnt:onnect with the wheels. To restart whenYoure already moving, use N (Neutral)mly. Also, use N when your vehicle isJeing towed.

    NOTICE:Damage to your transmission causedby shifting out of P (Park) or N(Neutral) with the engine racing isntcovered by your warranty.

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    Features and Controls@ AutomaticOverdrive 2 (SecondGear)

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    This position is for normal driving. If youneed more power far passing, and youre:- Going less than about 35 mph(56 k d h ) , push your accelerator

    pedal about halfway down.- Going about 35 mph (56 km/h) ormore, push the accelerator all the waydown.Youll shift down to the next gear andhave more power.

    D (ThirdGear)This is like @ ,but you never go intoOverdrive.Here are some times you might chooseD instead of @ :- When driving on hilly, winding roads- When towing a trailer, so there is lessshifting between gears- When going down a steep hill

    This position gives you more power butlower fuel economy. You can use 2onhills. It can help control your speed asyou go down steep mountain roads, butthen you would also want to use yourbrakes off and on.

    NOTICE:Dont drive in 2 (Second Gear)for more than 5 miles (8 km), or atspeeds over 55 mph (88 k m h ) , oryou can damage your transmission.Use (EJ or D as much as possible.Dont shift into 2 unless youare going slower than 65 mph(105km/h), or you can damageyour engine.1 (First Gear)

    This position gives you even more power(but lower fuel economy) than2. Youcan use it on very steep hills, or in deepsnow or mud. If the selector lever is putin I , th e transmission wont shift intofirst gear until fhe vehicle is going slowlyenough.

    NOTICE:If your rear wheels cant rotate, donttry to drive. This might happen if youwere stuck in very deep sand or mudor were up againsta solid object.Youcould damage your transmission.Also, if you stop when going uphill,dont hold your vehicle there withonly the accelerator pedal. Thiscould overheat and damage thetransmission. Use your brakes orshift into P (Park) to hold yourvehicle in position on hill.

    Maximum engine speed is limitedoprotect driveline components fromimproper operation.

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    2 (Second Gear)- ress the clutch

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    1 3 5

    2 4 R

    Manual TransmissionWe-Speedhis is your shift pattern. Heres howoperate your transmission:1 1 (First Gear)- ress the clutchpedal and shift into 1 Then, slowlylet up on the clutch pedal as oupress the accelerator pedal.

    You can shift into 1 when youregoing less than 20 mph (32 km/h). Ifyouve come to a complete stop andits hard to shift into1, put the shiftlever in Neutral and letup on theclutch. Press the clutch pedal backdown. Then shift into1.

    pedal as you let up on the acceleratorpedal and shift into 2. Then, slowlylet upon the clutch pedalas youpress the accelerator pedal.3,4 and 5 (Third, Fourth and FifthGears)- hift into 3, 4 and 5the same way you do for 2. Slowlylet up on the clutch pedal s you pressthe accelerator pedal.To Stop- et up on theacceleratorpedal and press the brake pedal. Justbefore the vehicle stops, press theclutch pedal and the brake pedal, andshift to Neutral.Neutral- se this position whenyou start or idle your engine.R (Reverse)- o back up, pressdown the clutch pedal and shift intoR. Let up on the clutch pedal slowlywhile pressing he accelerator pedal.

    INOTICE:Shift to R (Reverse) only afteryour vehicle is stopped. Shifting toR (Reverse) while your vehicleis moving could damage yourtransmission.

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

    11..I .* i

    59 ...

    Features and Controls2 (Second Gear)- ress the clutchpedal as you let up on theaccelerator Neutral- se this position whenyou start or idle your engine.

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    Six-Speed-This is your shift pattern. Heres how ooperate your transmission:0 1 (First Gear)- ress the clutchpedal and shift into 1. Then, slowlylet up on the clutch pedal as youpress the accelerator pedal.

    You can shift into 1 when youregoing less than20 mph (30 km/h). Ifyouve come to a complete stop andits hard to shift into 1, put the shiftlever in Neutral and let up on theclutch. Press the clutch pedal backdown. Then shift into 1 .

    pedal and shift into 2. Then, slowlylet up on the clutch pedalas youpress the accelerator pedal.3,4,5 and 6 (Third, Fourth, Fifthand Sixth Gears)- hift into 3,4, 5 and 6 the same way you dofor 2. Slowly let up on the clutchpedal as you press the acceleratorpedal.To Stop- et up on the acceleratorpedal and press the brake pedal.ustbefore the vehiclestops, press theclutch pedal and the brake pedal,and shift to Neutral.

    R (Reverse)- o back up, pressdown the clutch pedal and shift intoR. Let up on the clutch pedal slowlywhile pressing the accelerator pedal.

    . . 60

    Your six-speed manual transmissionhas a feature that allowsyou to safely When this light is on, the gear shift leverwill let you shift from 1 (First) gear to

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    shift into R Reverse) while he vehicleis rolling (at less than 3 mph). You will belocked-out if you try to shift into R(Reverse) while your vehicle is movingfaster than3 mph.If you have turned your ignition off ndwish to park your vehicle in Reverse, youwill have to move the shift lever quicklyto the right, crashing through the highload spring and then into gear.

    SKIPSHIFT

    ;kip Shift Light (5.7LLT1 Engine)Yhen this light comes on, you can onlyhift from 1 (First) to 4(Fourth) gearnstead of 1 (First) to 2 (Second)gar. This helps you o get th e bestlossible fuel economy.his light will come on under theseonditions:

    The engine coolant temperature isgreater than 170F (77C),You are going 15-20 mph(24-32 km/h), andYou are at 35% throttle or less.

    4(Fourth) gears only. Once you are in4(Fourth) gear, you can press theclutch again and shift into another gear.Follow the shift speeds in this chart whenthe SKIP SHIFT light is on.Computer Aided Manual TransmissionShift Speeds:1st to 4 th . . , . , . . 15 mph (24km/h)4th to 5th . . . . . . 25 mph (40km/h)*5th to 6th . . . . . . 40 mph (64 km/h)**Each time you come to a stop, theengines Electronic Control Module(EGM) determines when to activate theSKIP SHIFT upshift system. Use 2(Second) gear only whenyou acceleratevery quickly froma stop. You can thenfollow the full gear shift pattern.*30mph (48km/h) when acceleratingto highway speeds.**45 mph (72km/h) when acceleratingto highway speeds.

    61 ., .

    Features and Controlsshift Speeds (MANUAL TRANSMISSION) Limited-Slip Rear Axle

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    This chart shows when to shift to the next higher gear or best fuel economy.MANUAL TRANSMISSION RECOMMENDEDHIFT SPEEDS, IN MPH (km/h)

    Acceleration Shift Speed1 to2 5 to 6to 5to 4 2 to 3Engine

    3.4L L32

    you should downshift to the next lower gear. You may have to downshift two or moreIf your speed drops below 20 mph (30 km/h), or if the engine is not running smoothly,(80)72)64)40)24)Code P)505 4055.7L LTI

    NIA(72-75)51-59)34-35)21-25)Code S) 45-472-371 -283-1 6

    gears to keep the engine running smoothly or for good performance.

    NOTICE:If you skip more than one gear whenyou downshift, or if you race theengine when you downshift, you candamage the clutch or transmission.

    If you have this feature, your rear axlecan give you additional tractiononsnow, mud, ice, sand or gravel. It workslike a standard axle most f the time,but when one of the rear wheels hasno traction and the other does, thelimited-slip feature will allow thewheel with traction o move the vehicle.

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    If you are towing a trailer and areparking on any hill: See Towing a

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    ParkingParking BrakeThe parking brake uses the brakes onherear wheels.To set the parking brake:Hold the brakepedal down and pull up on the parkingbrake lever. If the ignition is on, therakesystem warning light will come on.

    To release the parking brake:Hold thebrake pedal down. Pull the parking brakelever up until you can push in he releasebutton. Hold therelease button in as youmove the brake ever all the way down.

    NOTICE:Driving with the parking brake oncan cause your ear brakes to over-heat. You may have to replace them,and you could also damage otherparts of your vehicle.

    Trailer in the Index. That section showswhat to do first to keep the trailer frommoving.

    63 ...

    Featuresand ControlsShifting intoP (Park)(AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION)

    Leaving Your Vehicle with theEngine Running

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    1. Hold the brake pedal down with yourright foot and set the parking brake.2. Move the shift lever into T (Park)position like this:

    Hold in the button on the lever,and push the lever all the waytoward the front of your vehicle.3. Move the ignition key to LOCK.4. Remove the key and take it with you.If you can walk away from yourvehicle with the ignition key in your

    hand, your vehicle is in P (Park).

    (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION)

    If you have to leave your vehicle with theengine running, be sure your vehicles inPPark) and your parking brake isfirmly set beforeyou leave it. Afteryouve moved the shift lever into theP(Park) position, hold the regular brakepedal down. Then, see f you can movethe shift lever away fromP (Park)without first pushing the button.f youcan, it means that the shift lever wasntfully locked intoP (Park).

    ...64

    Torque Lock(AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION)

    Shifting out of P (Park)(AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION)

    Parking Your Vehicle(MANUAL TRANSMISSION)

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    If you are parking on hill and you dontshift your transmission nto P (Park)properly, the weightof the vehicle mayput too much force on the parking pawl inthe transmission. You may find it difficultto pull the shift lever out f P (Park)This is called torque lock. To preventtorque lock, set the parking brake andthen shift into P7 (Park) properly beforeyou leave the driversSeat. To find outhow, see Shifting Into P (Park) inthe Index.When you are ready to drive, move theshift lever outof P Park) BEFORE yourelease the parking brake.If torque lock does occur, you mayneed to have another vehicle push yoursa little uphill to take some of the pressurefrom the transmission, o you can pull theshift lever outof P (Park).

    Your Pontiac has a brake-transmissionshift interlock. You have to fully applyyour regular brake before you can shiftfrom P (Park) when the ignition is inthe Run position. See AutomaticTransmission in the Index.If you cannot shift out of F (Park), easepressure on the shift lever- ush theshift lever all the way into P (Park) andrelease the shift lever button as youmaintain brake application. Then pressthe shift lever button and move the shiftlever into the gear you wish.If you ever hold the brake pedal down butstill cant shift out of P Park), try this:1. Turn the key to Off.2. Apply and hold the brake until the end3. Shift to N (Neutral).4. Start the vehicle and then shift to the

    drive gear you want.

    of Step 4.

    5. Have the vehicle fixed as soon as youcan.

    Before you get out of your vehicle, putyour manual transmission in R (Reverse) and firmly apply the parkingbrake.If your vehicle is equipped to tow atrailer, see Towing a Trailer in theIndex.

    6 5 . .

    Features and Controls

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    ... 6

    Running Your Engine WhileYoureParked (AUTOMATIC

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    TRANSMISSION)Its betternot to park with the enginerunning. But if you ever have to, here aresome things to know.

    Follow the proper steps to be sure yourvehicle wont move. See Shifting IntoP Park) in the Index.[f you are parlung on a hill and if yourepulling a trailer, also see Towing aTrailer in the Index.

    WindowsManual WindowsUse the window crank to open and closeeach door window.

    ,,-.

    6 7 . .

    Features andControlsThe switch for the drivers window hasan5xpress Down feature. Quickly press andaelease the switch for the drivers window

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    md the window will lower completely.fou can also open the drivers windowmy amount by pressing the switch againwhile the window is in the Express Downnode when it has lowered to the positionIOU want.

    Power Windows (Option)With power windows, switches on thedoor control each window when theignition is on or when RAP is present.(See Retained Accessory Power inthe Index.)You can also open the passenger windowan y amount by pressing the switch andreleasing it when the window haslowered to the position you want.

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    Hornro sound the horn, press eitherorn;ymbol on your steering wheel.

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    I Tilt Wheel1 ilt steering wheel allows you to djusthe steering wheel before you drive.r'ou can also raise it tohe highest level tc$ve your legs more room when youxitmd enter the vehicle.?otilt the wheel, hold the steering wheelmd pull the lever. Move the steeringvheel to a comfortable evel, then releasehe lever to lock the wheeln place.

    I The TurnSignal'Headlight BeamLever'he lever on the left side of the steeringdumn includes your:Turn Signal and Lane ChangeIndicatorHeadlight HigNLow Beam andPassing SignalWindshield WipersWindshield WasherCruise Control (Option)

    rurn Signal and Lane Changendicator'he turn signal has two upward '(forLight) and two downward (for Left)lositions. These positions allow you toignal a turn or a lane change.b signal a turn, move the lever d l heday up or down. When the turn isinished, the lever will returnutomatically.

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    Features andControls

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    A green arrow on the instrument panelwill flash in the direction f the turn orlane change.To signal a lane change, just raise orlower the lever until the green arrowtartto flash. Hold it there until you completeyour lane change. The lever will return b!itself when you release t.As you signal a turn or a lane change,ifthe arrows dont flash but ust stay on, asignal bulb may be burned out and otherdrivers wont see your turnsignal.If a bulb is burned out, replace it to helpavoid an accident. If the green arrowsdont go on at all when you signal a turn,check the fuse (see Fuses in the Index)and for burned-out bulbs.

    feadlight High/Low Beam0change the headlights from low beam3 high or high to low, pull the ur n signal:ver all the way toward you. Then:lease it. When the high beams are on,lis blue light on the instrument panellso will be on.

    Windshield Wipersfou control the windshield wipers byurning the bandwith the wiper symbolIn it.;or a single wiping cycle, turn the band tMIST. Hold it there until the wipers;tart, then letgo. The wipers will stopifter one cycle. f you want more cycles,lold the band on MIST longer.You can set the wiper speed for a long or;hort delay between wipes. This can beiery useful in light rain or snow. Turn the>and to choose the delay time. The closer:o LO, the shorter the delay.

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    For steady wiping at low peed, turn theband away from you to the LO position.For high speed wiping,urn the band

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    further, toHI. To stop the wipers, movethe band toOW.Heavy snow or icecan overload yourwipers. A circuit breaker will stop themuntil the motor cools. Clear away snow orice to preventan overload.

    Windshielei WasherAt the top -of he turn signal lever heresa paddle with .theword PUSHon it. Tospray washer fluid on the windshield,justpush the paddle. The washer will continucto spray until you elease the paddle. Thewipers will clear the window and wipe afew more times before stopping orreturning to the previous setting.

    71 ...

    Features and ControlsNOTICE:

    ..

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    When using concentrated washerfluid, follow the manufacturersinstructions for adding water.Dont mix water withready-to-use washer fluid. Watercan cause the solution to freezeand damage your washer fluidtank and other parts of the washersystem. Also, water doesnt cleanas well as washer fluid.Fill your washer fluid tank only314 full when its very cold. Thisallows for expansion, which coulddamage the tank if it is completelyfull.Dont use radiator antifreeze inyour windshield washer. It candamage your washer system andpaint.

    h i s e Control (opnoN)Vith Cruise Control, you can maintain apeed of about 25 mph (40km/h)r morerrithout keeping your foot on theccelerator. This can really help on long:ips. Cruise Control does not work atpeeds below about 25 mph (40 km/h).Vhen you apply your brakes, or push thelutch pedal, if you have a manualransmission, the Cruise Control shuts off

    To Set Cruise Control1. Move the Cruise Control switch oON.

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    2. Get up to the speed you want.3. Push in the set button at the end of the

    4. Take your foot off the acceleratorlever and release it.pedal.

    ro Resume a Set Speed;uppose you set your Cruise Contrd atdesired speed and then you apply therake. This,of course, shuts off thelruise Control. But you dont need toeset it. Once youre going about 25 mph40 km/h) or more, you can move thelruise Control switch from O N tbWA (Resume/Accelerate) for aboutlalf a second.loull go right back up to your chosenpeed and stay there.

    73.

    Q

    Features and Controls

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    To Increase Speed While Using CruiseControlThere are two ways to go to a higherspeed. Heres the first:1. Use the accelerator pedal to get to thehigher speed.2. Push the button at the end of the lever,then release the button and theaccelerator pedal. Youll now cruise aithe higher speed.

    I I

    Heres the second way to go to a higherspeed:1.

    0

    Move the Cruise switch from ON toWA.Hold it there until you get upto the speed you want, and thenrelease the switch.To increase your speed in verysmallamounts, move the switch to WAfor less han half a second and thenrelease it. Each time you do this,your vehicle will go about 1 mph(1.6km/h)aster.

    ro Reduce Speed While Using CruiseZontrolihere are two ways to reduce your speedvhile using cruise control:Push in the button at the endf thelever until you reach the lower speedyou want, then release t.

    To slow down in very small amounts,push the button for less than halfsecond. Each time you do this, youllgo 1 mph (1.6 km/h) slower.

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    Passing Another Vehicle WhileUsingCruise ControlUse the accelerator pedal o increase your

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    speed. When you take youroot off thepedal, your vehicle will slow downo theCruise Control speed you set earlier.Using Cruise Control on HillsHow well your Cruise Control will workon hills depends upon your speed, oad,and the steepnessof the hills. When goingup steep hills, you may haveo step onthe accelerator pedal o maintain yourspeed. When going downhill, you mayhave to brake or shift to a lowergear tokeep your speed down. f course,applying the brake takes you outfCruise Control. Many rivers find this tobe too much trouble nd dont use CruiseControl on steep hills.

    ro Get Outof Cruise Control:here are several ways to turn off the3ruise Control:I. Step lightly on the brake pedal or pus1the clutch pedal, if you have amanualtransmission;OR

    !. Move the Cruise switch to OFF.:o Erase Speed MemoryYhen you turnoff the Cruise Control orhe ignition, your Cruise Control set speecnemory is erased.kaction Control System and Cruiselontrolf your traction control system engagesvhile your Cruise Control is set, Cruiselontrol will disengage. Your speed willle set in memory, though. When Cruiselontrol engages again, use WAResume/Accelerate) to go back to youret speed.

    12. 4

    f a . . .

    Features and ControlsOperation of LightsAlthough your vehicles lighting system(headlights, parking lights, fog lamps,

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    side marker lights and taillights) meets alapplicable federal lighting requirements,certain states and provinces may applytheir own lighting regulations that mayrequire special attention before youoperate these lights.For example, some jurisdictions mayrequire that you operate your fog lampsonly when your lower beam headlightsare also on, or that headlights be turnedon whenever yo u must use yourwindshield wipers. In addition, mostjurisdictions prohibit driving solely withparking lights, especially at dawn or dusk.It is recommended that you check withyour own state or provincial highwayauthority for applicable lightingregulations.

    Main Light ControlThe main light control is a knob thatworks these lights:

    HeadlightsTaillightsParking lightsLicense lightsSidemarker lightsInstrument panel lights

    Turn the knob to -v o turn on yourheadlights and okbpoperating lights.Turn the knob to p$ to turn on yourparking lights without your headlights.Turn the knob to OFF to turnoff thelights.

    II I

    Crightness Controlhis switch controls the brightness four instrument panel lights.urn thewitch to brighten or dim the lights. If you~ r nhe switchal l the way up to.wour courtesy lights will come on.Lights On Reminderf you turn the ignition Off and leavehe lights on, you will hear a chime whenIOU open the drivers door.ieadlight DoorsThe headlight doors are designedo openvhen yo u turn the headlights on and closevhen you turn the headlightsoff. Theleadlight doors can be opened without

    . 76

    turning on he headlights by turning theheadlights on, then turninghe switchback to the parking lights position.working properly, see your Pontiac dealerfor help.Daytime Running Lights (Canada)

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    The headlight doors should be open whendriving in icy or snowy conditions oprevent the doors rom freezing whenclosed and when washing the vehicle tohelp clean the headlights.

    You can open the headlight doorsnanually:1. Turn on the headlights.2. Open the hood.3. Remove the plastic cover from the#. urn the retractor motor knobretractor motor knob.counterclockwise until the headlightdoor is fully open. The knob will getharder to turn when the headlight do01is all the way up.

    retractor motor knob.5. Replace the plastic cover on thero manually close the headlight doors,:urn the lightsoff and turn the knob:lockwise. If the headlight doors arent

    The Canadian Federal Government hasdecided that Daytime Running Lights(DRL) are a useful feature, in that DIUcan make your vehicle more visible topedestrians and other drivers duringdaylight hours. DRL are requiredon newvehicles sold in Canada.Your DRL work witha light sensor on topof the instrument panel. Dont cover itup.The front turn signal lights will come onin daylight when:0 The ignition is on

    The headlight switch is off, &dThe parking brake is released.

    At dusk, the exterior lights will come onautomatically and the front turn signallights will go out. At dawn, the exteriorlights will go out and the front urn signallights will come on (if the headlightswitch is off).Of course, you may still turn on theheadlights any time you need to.

    77 ...

    Features and ControlsTo idle your vehicle with the DRL off, setthe parking brake while the ignition is inthe "Off" or "LOCK" position. Then start

    Fog Lights (Option)Jse your fog lights for better vision in!'oggy or misty conditions. Your parking

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    the vehicle. The DRL will stay off untilyou release the parking brake.

    .. 78

    ights must be on or your fog lights won'work.ro turn the fog lights on, push the right;ide of the switch. Push $0 to turn theFog lights off. A light on the switch will:ome on when the fog lights are on.

    't

    Fog lights will go off whenever your highbeams come on. When the high beams goDff, the fog lights will comeon again. Znterior LightsCourtesy LightsWhen an y door is opened, several interiorlights go on. These lights are courtesylights. They make it asier for you toenter and leave your vehicle.Courtesy lights include the dome lightand other lights throughout the interior fyour vehicle.

    Convex Outside MirrorYour right side mirror is convex.A convex mirrors surface is curved so

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    Front Map LightsYour inside rearview mirror includes womap lights. Each light has itswn switch.Use the switch closest o the light o turnit on. The lights will lso go on when adoor is opened.

    Floor MatsYour Firebirds floor mats arecustom-fitted to the foot wells.Be surethe drivers floor mats in place. If tisnt, it could interfere with theaccelerator or brake pedals.

    IMirrorsnside Daymight Rearview Mirrorin inside rearview mirror is attached toour windshield. The mirror has pivots sahat you can adjust it up and down or sideo side.lou can adjust the mirror for day or nightIriving. Pull the tab for night driving toeduce glare. Push the tab for daytimeIriving.vlanual Adjust Mirroridjust the passenger side outside mirrory hand so that you can just see he sidef your vehicle when you are sitting in a:omfortable driving position.

    you can see more from the drivers seat.

    Manual Remote Control MirrorAdjust the driver side outside mirror withthe lever on the door. Adjust the mirror sothat you can ust see he side of yourvehicle when youare sitting in acomfortable driving position.

    f Y . . .

    Features and ControlsI E3 Twin Lift-offRoofPanels (OPTION)If you have this option, you can remove \

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    Electric Mirror Control (Option)The electric mirror control is on thedrivers door. To adjust either mirror,move the center switch to LEFT orRIGHT. Then use the touch pad oadjust the mirror.The control only works when the ignitionswitch is in Run or Acc, or whenRAP is present. (See RetainedAccessory Power in the Index.)

    one or both lift-off roof panels.

    rhe door key unlocks the panels.Theock is over the front door window.urn:he key to the left to unlock the panel.

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    Then push on the release handle ounlatch the panel. Lift the outer edge ofthe panel and pull it toward you.Open the close-out panel completely.Place the panel in the correct slot(DRIVERor PASSENGER) n therear area of your vehicle. Makesure thehandle is open and facing you when youput it in the storage slot.

    lush the handle closed to secui-e the panelI the slot. To lock each panel in thetoragearea, use your door key.

    81 . . .

    Features and ControlsReverse the steps above to install theT-top panels.When installing panels, be sure to alignweatherstrips properly. Panels incorrectly

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    installed may leak.

    NOTICE:High pressure car washes may causewater to enter your vehicle. Neverspray water directly at the roof paneljoints. This will cause leaks. r-Top SunshadesI .

    2.

    Start with the panel marked DRIVEEFRONT. Unlatch the driver-sideT-top, raise it halfway and close thelatch handle.With the top raised and resting on thecenter toof rail, slide the flat edge ofthe sunshade panel (with the vinylside to the glass) between th