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2001 Pontiac Firebird
Owner's Manual
Litho in U.S.A.
© Copyright General Motors Corporation 2000
Part Number 10421947 A First Edition
All Rights Reserved
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Table of Contents
Seats and Restraint Systems
Seats and Seat Controls
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)
Section 1
Safety Belts
Restraint Systems for Children
Features and Controls
Section
Windows
Windshield Wipers
2
Keys and Door Locks
Cruise Control
Keyless Entry System (If Equipped)
Exterior and Interior Lamps
Hatch
Mirrors
Automatic Transmission
Storage Compartments
Manual Transmission
Cargo Cover
Parking Brake
Accessory Power Outlet
Tilt Wheel
Instrument Panel, Warning Lights and Gages
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
ii

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Table of Contents (cont'd)
Comfort Controls and Audio Systems
Section
Heating and Air Conditioning
Radio Theft-Deterrent Feature
3
Setting the Radio Clock
Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped)
Radio/Cassette Player/CD Player
Your Driving and the Road
Defensive Driving
Driving Tips for Various Road Conditions
Section 4
Drunken Driving
Recreational Vehicle Towing
Control of a Vehicle
Loading Your Vehicle
Braking
Towing a Trailer
Steering
Problems on the Road
Section
Hazard Warning Flashers
Engine Overheating
5
Jump Starting
Changing a Flat Tire
Towing Your Vehicle
If You're Stuck
iii

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Table of Contents (cont'd)
Service and Appearance Care
Section 6
Fuel
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
Checking Fluids and Lubricants
Tires and Wheels
GM Oil Life System™
Appearance Care
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
Electrical System/Fuses and Circuit Breakers
Brakes
Capacities and Specifications
Bulb Replacement
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
Maintenance Schedule
Section 7
Scheduled Maintenance
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
Owner Checks and Services
Maintenance Records
Periodic Maintenance Inspections
iv

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Table of Contents (cont'd)
Customer Assistance Information
Section 8
Customer Satisfaction Procedures
Warranty Information (See Warranty Manual)
Customer Assistance Offices
Reporting Safety Defects on page 8-12
Roadside Assistance and Courtesy Transportation
Service Publications
Index
Section
In the Index you will find an alphabetical listing of almost every subject in this manual.
9
You can use it to quickly find something you want to read.
Please refer to the last page of this manual for your Service Station Guide
v

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We support voluntary
technician certification.
GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem,
PONTIAC, the PONTIAC Emblem and the name
FIREBIRD are registered trademarks of General
Motors Corporation.
This manual includes the latest information at the time
it was printed. We reserve the right to make changes
after that time without further notice. For vehicles first
sold in Canada, substitute the name “General Motors of
For Canadian Owners Who Prefer a
Canada Limited” for Pontiac Division whenever it
appears in this manual.
French Language Manual:
Please keep this manual in your vehicle, so it will be
Aux propriétaires canadiens: Vous pouvez vous
there if you ever need it when you’re on the road. If you
procurer un exemplaire de ce guide en français chez
sell the vehicle, please leave this manual in it so the new
votre concessionaire ou au:
owner can use it.
Helm, Incorporated
P.O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207
vi

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How to Use this Manual
Many people read their owner’s manual from beginning
CAUTION:
to end when they first receive their new vehicle. If you
do this, it will help you learn about the features and
These mean there is something that could hurt
controls for your vehicle. In this manual, you’ll find
you or other people.
that pictures and words work together to explain
things quickly.
In the caution area, we tell you what the hazard is.
Then we tell you what to do to help avoid or reduce the
hazard. Please read these cautions. If you don’t, you or
others could be hurt.
You will also find a circle
Safety Warnings and Symbols
with a slash through it in
this book. This safety
You will find a number of safety cautions in this book.
symbol means “Don’t,”
We use a box and the word CAUTION to tell you
“Don’t do this” or “Don’t
about things that could hurt you if you were to ignore
let this happen.”
the warning.
vii

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Vehicle Damage Warnings
In the notice area, we tell you about something that can
damage your vehicle. Many times, this damage would
Also, in this book you will find these notices:
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.
NOTICE:
When you read other manuals, you might see CAUTION
These mean there is something that could
and NOTICE warnings in different colors or in
different words.
damage your vehicle.
You’ll also see warning labels on your vehicle. They use
the same words, CAUTION or NOTICE.
viii

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Document Outline

• 2001 Pontiac Firebird Owner's Manual
  • 24-hour Roadside Assistance
  • Copyright General Motors Corp. 2000
  • Table of Contents:
    • 1. Seats and Restraint Systems
    • 2. Features and Controls
    • 3. Comfort Controls and Audio Systems
    • 4. Your Driving and the Road
    • 5. Problems on the Road
    • 6. Service and Appearance Care
    • 7. Maintenance Schedule
    • 8. Customer Assistance Information
  • For Canadian Owners Who Prefer a French Language Manual:
  • How to Use this Manual
  • Safety Warnings and Symbols
  • Vehicle Damage Warnings
    • Vehicle Symbols
  • Service Station Guide
• Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems
  • Seats and Seat Controls
    • Manual Front Seats
    • 4-Way Manual Seats
    • 6-Way Power Seat (If Equipped)
    • Reclining Front Seatbacks
    • Head Restraints
    • Front Seatback Latches
    • Folding Rear Seatback
  • Safety Belts: They re for Everyone
    • Why Safety Belts Work
  • Here Are Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts and the Answers
  • How to Wear Safety Belts Properly
    • Adults
  • Driver Position
    • Lap-Shoulder Belt
  • Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy
  • Right Front Passenger Position
  • Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)
    • How the Air Bag System Works
      • Where are the air bags?
      • When should an air bag inflate?
      • What makes an air bag inflate?
      • How does an air bag restrain?
      • What will you see after an air bag inflates?
    • Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle
  • Rear Seat Passengers
    • Lap-Shoulder Belt
  • Children
    • Infants and Young Children
  • Restraint Systems for Children
    • Where to Put the Restraint
    • Top Strap
    • Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat Position
    • Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position
  • Older Children
  • Safety Belt Extender
  • Checking Your Restraint Systems
  • Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash
• Section 2 Features and Controls
  • Windows
    • Manual Windows
    • Power Windows (If Equipped)
  • Keys
  • Door Locks
    • Power Door Locks (If Equipped)
    • Last Door Closed Locking (If Equipped)
    • Lockout Prevention (If Equipped)
    • Leaving Your Vehicle
  • Keyless Entry System (If Equipped)
    • Operation
      • Alarm/Panic Mode
      • Transmitter Verification (If Equipped)
    • Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle
    • Battery Replacement
    • Resynchronization
  • Hatch
    • Hatch Release
      • Remote Hatch Release
    • Trunk Release Handle (If Equipped)
  • Theft
    • Key in the Ignition
    • Parking at Night
    • Parking Lots
  • Content Theft-Deterrent/Alarm System (If Equipped)
    • Arming the System
    • Turning Off the Alarm
    • Shock Sensor
    • Remote Keyless Entry Transmitter Locking
    • Power Door Lock Switch Locking
    • Passive Arming
    • Disarming the System
  • PASS-Key II
  • Feature Customization (If Equipped)
    • Entering Programming Mode
    • Exit Lighting and Delayed Illumination
      • Programmable Modes
    • Last Door Closed Locking and Lockout Prevention
      • Programmable Modes
    • Remote Keyless Entry Verification
      • Programmable Modes
    • Theft-Deterrent Arming Method
      • Programmable Modes
    • Theft-Deterrent Arming Verification
      • Programmable Modes
    • Driver s Door Alarm Delay and Shock Sensor Enable
      • Programmable Modes
    • Exiting Programming Mode
  • New Vehicle Break-In
  • Ignition Positions
    • Key Release Button (If Equipped)
    • Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
  • Starting Your Engine
    • Automatic Transmission
    • Manual Transmission
    • Starting Your 3800 Series II V6 Engine
    • Starting Your 5.7L V8 Engine
  • Engine Coolant Heater (Canada Only)
    • To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
  • Automatic Transmission Operation
  • Manual Transmission Operation
    • 5-Speed
    • Shift Speeds
      • Skip Shift Light (5.7L V8 Engine)
      • Computer- Aided Manual Transmission Shift Speeds
  • Parking Brake
  • Shifting Into PARK (P) (Automatic Transmission Only)
    • Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running (Automatic Transmission Only)
    • Torque Lock (Automatic Transmission)
  • Shifting Out of PARK (P) (Automatic Transmission Only)
  • Parking Your Vehicle (Manual Transmission Models Only)
  • Parking Over Things That Burn
  • Engine Exhaust
  • Running Your Engine While You re Parked (Automatic Transmission)
  • Limited-Slip Rear Axle
  • Horn
  • Tilt Wheel
  • Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
    • Turn Signal and Lane Change Indicator
    • Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
    • Windshield Wipers
    • Windshield Washer
    • Cruise Control
      • Setting Cruise Control
      • Resuming a Set Speed
      • Increasing Speed While Using Cruise Control
      • Reducing Speed While Using Cruise Control
      • Passing Another Vehicle While Using Cruise Control
      • Using Cruise Control on Hills
      • Ending Out of Cruise Control
      • Erasing Speed Memory
  • Exterior Lamps
    • Headlamps on Reminder
    • Headlamp Doors
    • Daytime Running Lamps
    • Fog Lamps
  • Interior Lamps
    • Instrument Panel Brightness Control
    • Courtesy Lamps
    • Delayed Illumination
    • Exit Lighting
    • Front Map Lamps
  • Mirrors
    • Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror
    • Outside Manual Adjustable Mirror
    • Manual Remote Control Mirror
    • Power Remote Control Mirrors (If Equipped)
    • Convex Outside Mirror
  • Storage Compartments
    • Glove Box
    • Front Console
    • Map Pocket
    • Cassette and Compact Disc Storage
    • Cargo Cover
      • Using the Cargo Cover
      • Removing the Cargo Cover
  • Ashtray and Cigarette Lighter
  • Sun Visors
    • Visor Vanity Mirror
  • Accessory Power Outlet
  • Floor Mats
  • T-Top Roof Panels (If Equipped)
    • Removing the T-Top Roof Panels
    • Storing the T-Top Roof Panels
    • Installing the T-Top Roof Panels
    • T-Top Sunshades
  • Convertible Top (If Equipped)
    • Lowering Your Convertible Top
    • Installing the Boot Cover
    • Removing Your Boot Cover
    • Raising Your Convertible Top
  • The Instrument Panel Your Information System
    • Instrument Panel Cluster
    • Speedometer and Odometer
      • Trip Odometer
    • Tachometer
  • Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators
    • Safety Belt Reminder Light
    • Air Bag Readiness Light
    • Voltmeter
    • Brake System Warning Light
    • Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light
    • Traction Control System Warning Light (Option)
    • Low Traction Light
    • Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
    • Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Service Engine Soon Light in the United States or Check Engine Light in Canada)
      • If the Light Is Flashing
      • If the Light Is On Steady
      • Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Programs
    • Oil Pressure Gage
    • Low Oil Light
    • Oil Change Light
    • Service Vehicle Light
    • Check Gages Light
    • Hatch Ajar Light
    • Fuel Gage
    • Low Fuel Light
    • Reduced Engine Power Light (V6 Engine Only)
• Section 3 Comfort Controls and Audio Systems
  • Comfort Controls
    • Fan Control Knob
    • Temperature Control Knob
    • Air Control Knob
    • Cooling
    • Heating
      • Bi- Level
    • Defogging and Defrosting
    • Rear Window Defogger
    • Ventilation System
      • Ventilation Tips
  • Audio Systems
    • Setting the Clock
    • Monsoon AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player and Equalizer
      • Playing the Radio
      • Finding a Station
      • Setting the Tone
      • Adjusting the Speakers
      • Playing a Cassette Tape
      • CD Adapter Kits
    • AM-FM Stereo with Compact Disc Player and Equalizer (If Equipped)
      • Playing the Radio
      • Finding a Station
      • Setting the Tone
      • Adjusting the Speakers
      • Playing a Compact Disc
    • Trunk-Mounted CD Changer (Option)
      • Compact Disc Errors
      • Playing a Compact Disc
    • Theft-Deterrent Feature
      • Activating the Theft- Deterrent Feature
      • Unlocking the Theft-Deterrent Feature After a Power Loss
      • Disabling the Theft- Deterrent Feature
    • Audio Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped)
    • Understanding Radio Reception
      • AM
      • FM Stereo
    • Tips About Your Audio System
    • Care of Your Cassette Tape Player
    • Care of Your Compact Discs
    • Care of Your Compact Disc Player
    • Fixed Mast Antenna
    • Power Antenna Mast Care
• Section 4 Your Driving and the Road
  • Defensive Driving
  • Drunken Driving
  • Control of a Vehicle
  • Braking
    • Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)
      • Using Anti- Lock
    • Braking in Emergencies
  • Traction Control System (Option)
  • Steering
    • Power Steering
    • Steering Tips
      • Driving on Curves
    • Steering in Emergencies
  • Off-Road Recovery
  • Passing
  • Loss of Control
    • Skidding
  • Driving at Night
  • Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads
    • Hydroplaning
    • Driving Through Deep Standing Water
    • Driving Through Flowing Water
    • Some Other Rainy Weather Tips
  • City Driving
  • Freeway Driving
  • Before Leaving on a Long Trip
  • Highway Hypnosis
  • Hill and Mountain Roads
  • Winter Driving
    • Driving on Snow or Ice
    • If You re Caught in a Blizzard
  • Recreational Vehicle Towing
  • Loading Your Vehicle
  • Towing a Trailer
    • If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer
    • Weight of the Trailer
    • Weight of the Trailer Tongue
    • Total Weight on Your Vehicle s Tires
    • Hitches
    • Safety Chains
    • Trailer Brakes
    • Driving with a Trailer
    • Following Distance
    • Passing
    • Backing Up
    • Making Turns
    • Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
    • Driving On Grades
    • Parking on Hills
    • When You Are Ready to Leave After Parking on a Hill
    • Maintenance When Trailer Towing
    • Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
• Section 5 Problems on the Road
  • Hazard Warning Flashers
  • Other Warning Devices
  • Jump Starting
  • Towing Your Vehicle
  • Engine Overheating
    • Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode
    • If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
    • If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
  • Cooling System
    • How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Recovery Tank
    • How to Add Coolant to the Radiator (3800 V6 Engine Only)
    • How to Add Coolant to the Radiator (V8 Engine Only)
  • If a Tire Goes Flat
  • Changing a Flat Tire
    • Removing the Spare Tire and Tools
    • Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire
    • Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools
  • Compact Spare Tire
  • If You re Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow
    • Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out
• Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
  • Service
    • Doing Your Own Service Work
    • Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle
  • Fuel
  • Fuels in Foreign Countries
  • Filling Your Tank
  • Filling a Portable Fuel Container
  • Checking Things Under the Hood
    • Hood Release
    • Engine Compartment Overview
  • Engine Oil
    • Checking Engine Oil
    • When to Add Engine Oil
    • What Kind of Engine Oil to Use
    • Engine Oil Additives
    • When to Change Engine Oil
      • How to Reset the Oil Change Light
    • What to Do with Used Oil
  • Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
    • Engine Air Cleaner/Filter Replacement
  • Automatic Transmission Fluid
    • When to Check and Change
    • How to Check
      • Checking the Fluid Level
    • How to Add Fluid
  • Manual Transmission Fluid
    • When to Check
    • How to Check
    • How to Add Fluid
  • Hydraulic Clutch
    • When to Check and What to Use
    • How to Check and Add Fluid
  • Rear Axle
    • When to Check and Change Lubricant
    • How to Check Lubricant
    • What to Use
      • Standard Differential
      • Limited- Slip Differential
  • Engine Coolant
    • What to Use
    • Checking Coolant
      • Adding Coolant to the Recovery Tank
  • Radiator Pressure Cap
  • Power Steering Fluid
    • When to Check Power Steering Fluid
    • How to Check Power Steering Fluid
    • What to Use
  • Windshield Washer Fluid
    • What to Use
    • Adding Washer Fluid
  • Brakes
    • Brake Fluid
      • Checking Brake Fluid
      • What to Add
    • Brake Wear
    • Brake Pedal Travel
    • Brake Adjustment
    • Replacing Brake System Parts
  • Battery
    • Vehicle Storage
  • Bulb Replacement
    • Halogen Bulbs
    • Headlamps
    • Center High-Mounted Stoplamp
    • Rear Lamps
    • Sidemarker
  • Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
    • Wiper Blade Element Replacement
  • Tires
    • Inflation -- Tire Pressure
      • When to Check
      • How to Check
    • Tire Inspection and Rotation
      • When It s Time for New Tires
    • Buying New Tires
    • Uniform Tire Quality Grading
      • Treadwear
      • Traction AA, A, B, C
      • Temperature A, B, C
    • Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
    • Wheel Replacement
      • Used Replacement Wheels
    • Tire Chains
  • Appearance Care
  • Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
    • Cleaning of Fabric/Carpet
    • Using Multi-Purpose Interior Cleaner on Fabric
    • Special Fabric Cleaning Problems
    • Cleaning Vinyl
    • Cleaning Leather
    • Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel
    • Cleaning Interior Plastic Components
  • Care of Safety Belts
  • Cleaning Glass Surfaces
  • Cleaning the Outside of the Windshield and Wiper Blades
  • Weatherstrips
  • Cleaning a Removable Roof Panel
  • Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
    • Washing Your Vehicle
    • Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses
    • Finish Care
  • Cleaning Your Convertible Top
  • Cleaning Aluminum or Chrome- Plated Wheels (If Equipped)
  • Cleaning Tires
  • Sheet Metal Damage
  • Finish Damage
  • Underbody Maintenance
  • Chemical Paint Spotting
  • GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
  • Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
    • Engine Identification
  • Service Parts Identification Label
  • Electrical System
    • Add-On Electrical Equipment
    • Headlamps
    • Windshield Wipers
    • Power Windows and Other Power Options
    • Fuses and Circuit Breakers
      • Main Fuse Block
      • Underhood Electrical Center
  • Replacement Bulbs
  • Capacities and Specifications
    • Engine Specifications
  • Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
    • Vehicle Dimensions
• Section 7 Maintenance Schedule
  • Introduction
    • Your Vehicle and the Environment
    • Maintenance Requirements
    • How This Section is Organized
  • Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services
    • Using Your Maintenance Schedule
  • Scheduled Maintenance
    • Footnotes
  • Scheduled Maintenance
    • Engine Oil Scheduled Maintenance
  • Scheduled Maintenance
  • Part B: Owner Checks and Services
    • At Each Fuel Fill
      • Engine Oil Level Check
      • Engine Coolant Level Check
      • Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
    • At Least Once a Month
      • Tire Inflation Check
      • Cassette Deck Service
    • At Least Twice a Year
      • Restraint System Check
      • Wiper Blade Check
      • Weatherstrip Lubrication
      • Manual Transmission Check
      • Automatic Transmission Check
      • Hydraulic Clutch System Check
    • At Least Once a Year
      • Key Lock Cylinders Service
      • Body Lubrication Service
      • Starter Switch Check
      • Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control System Check
      • Ignition Transmission Lock Check
      • Parking Brake and Automatic Transmission PARK (P) Mechanism Check
      • Underbody Flushing Service
  • Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections
    • Steering and Suspension Inspection
    • Exhaust System Inspection
    • Engine Cooling System Inspection
    • Throttle System Inspection (Except 3800 Series V6 Engine)
    • Rear Axle Service
    • Brake System Inspection
  • Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
  • Part E: Maintenance Record
• Section 8 Customer Assistance Information
  • Pontiac Cares
    • What Makes Up Pontiac Cares?
  • Customer Satisfaction Procedure
  • Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users
  • Customer Assistance Offices
    • United States
    • Canada
    • Mexico, Central America and Caribbean Islands/Countries (Except Puerto Rico and U. S. Virgin Islands)
  • GM Mobility Program for Persons with Disabilities
  • Pontiac Roadside Assistance Program
    • Security While You Travel
    • Canadian Roadside Assistance
  • Courtesy Transportation
    • Plan Ahead When Possible
    • Transportation Options
      • Shuttle Service
      • Public Transportation or Fuel Reimbursement
      • Courtesy Rental Vehicle
    • Additional Program Information
  • Warranty Information
  • REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
  • REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT
  • REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO GENERAL MOTORS

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