2002 Pontiac Firebird Owner's Manual
Year:
2002
Make:
Pontiac
Model:
Firebird
Rating:
Table of Contents
- 2002 Pontiac Firebird Owner's Manual
1
Copyright General Motors Corp. 2001
2
For Canadian Owners Who Prefer a French Language Manual
3
How to Use this Manual
4
Safety Warnings and Symbols
4
Vehicle Damage Warnings
5
Vehicle Symbols
5
Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems
7
Seats and Seat Controls
8
Manual Front Seats
8
Four-Way Manual Seats
9
Six-Way Power Seat (If Equipped)
9
Reclining Front Seatbacks
10
Head Restraints
12
Front Seatback Latches
12
Folding Rear Seatback
13
Safety Belts: They're for Everyone
14
Why Safety Belts Work
15
Here Are Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts -- and the Answers
18
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly
19
Adults
19
Driver Position
20
Lap-Shoulder Belt
20
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy
26
Right Front Passenger Position
27
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)
28
How the Air Bag System Works
30
Where are the air bags?
30
When should an air bag inflate?
31
What makes an air bag inflate?
32
How does an air bag restrain?
32
What will you see after an air bag inflates?
32
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle
34
Rear Seat Passengers
34
Lap-Shoulder Belt
35
Children
38
Infants and Young Children
38
Restraint Systems for Children
42
Where to Put the Restraint
45
Top Strap
46
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat Position
48
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position
50
Older Children
53
Safety Belt Extender
56
Checking Your Restraint Systems
56
Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash
56
Section 2 Features and Controls
57
Windows
58
Power Windows
59
Keys
60
Door Locks
62
Power Door Locks Last Door Closed Locking
63
Lockout Prevention
64
Leaving Your Vehicle
64
Keyless Entry System (If Equipped)
64
Operation
66
Alarm/Panic Mode
66
Transmitter Verification
66
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle
67
Battery Replacement
68
Resynchronization
69
Hatch
69
Hatch Release
70
Remote Hatch Release
70
Trunk Release Handle (Convertible Only)
71
Theft
72
Key in the Ignition
72
Parking at Night
72
Parking Lots
72
Content Theft-Deterrent/Alarm System (If Equipped)
73
Arming the System
73
Turning Off the Alarm
73
Shock Sensor
74
Remote Keyless Entry Transmitter Locking
75
Power Door Lock Switch Locking
75
Passive Arming
75
Disarming the System
75
Feature Customization (If Equipped)
76
Entering Programming Mode Exit Lighting and Delayed Illumination
77
Last Door Closed Locking and Lockout Prevention
78
Remote Keyless Entry Verification
79
Theft- Deterrent Arming Verification
80
Theft- Deterrent Arming Method
81
Driver's Door Alarm Delay and Shock Sensor Enable
82
Exiting Programming Mode
83
PASS-Key II
83
New Vehicle \Break-In\
85
Ignition Positions
85
Key Release Button (If Equipped)
87
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
87
Starting Your Engine
88
Automatic Transmission
88
Manual Transmission
88
Starting Your 3800 Series II V6 Engine
88
Starting Your 5.7L V8 Engine
89
Engine Coolant Heater (Canada Only)
90
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
91
Automatic Transmission Operation
92
Manual Transmission Operation
96
Five-Speed
96
Six-Speed
97
Shift Speeds
98
Skip Shift Light (5.7L V8 Engine)
98
Computer- Aided Manual Transmission Shift Speeds
99
Parking Brake
99
Shifting Into PARK (P) (Automatic Transmission Only)
101
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running (Automatic Transmission Only)
102
Torque Lock (Automatic Transmission)
102
Shifting Out of PARK (P) (Automatic Transmission Only)
103
Parking Your Vehicle (Manual Transmission Models Only)
103
Parking Over Things That Burn Engine Exhaust
104
Running Your Engine While You're Parked (Automatic Transmission)
105
Limited-Slip Rear Axle
106
Horn
106
Tilt Wheel
106
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
107
Turn and Lane-Change Signals
107
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
108
Windshield Wipers
108
Windshield Washer
108
Cruise Control
109
Setting Cruise Control Resuming a Set Speed
110
Increasing Speed While Using Cruise Control
110
Reducing Speed While Using Cruise Control
111
Passing Another Vehicle While Using Cruise Control
111
Using Cruise Control on Hills
111
Ending Out of Cruise Control
111
Erasing Speed Memory
111
Exterior Lamps
112
Headlamps on Reminder
113
Headlamp Doors
113
Daytime Running Lamps
114
Fog Lamps
115
Interior Lamps
115
Instrument Panel Brightness Control
115
Courtesy Lamps Delayed Illumination
116
Exit Lighting
116
Front Map Lamps
116
Mirrors
117
Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror
117
Power Remote Control Mirrors
117
Convex Outside Mirror
117
Storage Compartments
118
Glove Box
118
Front Console
118
Map Pocket
118
Compact Disc Storage
118
Cargo Cover
118
Using the Cargo Cover
118
Removing the Cargo Cover
119
Ashtray and Cigarette Lighter
120
Sun Visors
121
Visor Vanity Mirror
121
Accessory Power Outlet
121
Floor Mats
122
T-Top Roof Panels (If Equipped)
123
Removing the T-Top Roof Panels
123
Storing the T-Top Roof Panels
124
Installing the T-Top Roof Panels
126
T-Top Sunshades
128
Convertible Top (If Equipped)
130
Lowering Your Convertible Top
130
Installing the Boot Cover
132
Removing the Boot Cover
134
Raising Your Convertible Top
135
The Instrument Panel -- Your Information System
138
Instrument Panel Cluster
140
Speedometer and Odometer
141
Trip Odometer
141
Tachometer
141
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators
142
Safety Belt Reminder Light
142
Air Bag Readiness Light
143
Voltmeter
144
Brake System Warning Light
144
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light
145
Traction Control System Warning Light (Option)
146
Low Traction Light
146
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
147
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Service Engine Soon Light in the United States or Check Engine Light in Canada)
147
If the Light Is Flashing
149
If the Light Is On Steady
149
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Programs
150
Oil Pressure Gage
151
Low Oil Light
152
Oil Change Light
152
Service Vehicle Light
153
Check Gages Light
153
Hatch Ajar Light
153
Fuel Gage
153
Low Fuel Light
154
Reduced Engine Power Light (V6 Engine Only)
154
Section 3 Comfort Controls and Audio Systems
155
Comfort Controls
156
Fan Knob
156
Temperature Knob
156
Mode Knob
156
Cooling
157
Heating
157
Bi- Level
157
Defogging and Defrosting
158
Rear Window Defogger
158
Ventilation System
159
Ventilation Tips
159
Audio Systems
160
Setting the Clock
160
AM-FM Stereo with Compact Disc Player and Equalizer
160
Playing the Radio
161
Finding a Station
161
Setting Preset Stations
161
Setting the Tone (Bass/Treble)
161
Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade)
162
Playing a Compact Disc
162
Compact Disc Messages
163
Trunk-Mounted CD Changer (Option)
164
Playing a Compact Disc
166
Compact Disc Messages
167
Theft-Deterrent Feature
167
Activating the Theft- Deterrent Feature
168
Unlocking the Theft- Deterrent Feature After a Power Loss
168
Disabling the Theft- Deterrent Feature
169
Audio Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped)
170
Understanding Radio Reception
171
AM
171
FM Stereo
171
Tips About Your Audio System
171
Care of Your Compact Discs
172
Care of Your Compact Disc Player
172
Power Antenna Mast Care
172
Section 4 Your Driving and the Road
173
Defensive Driving
174
Drunken Driving
175
Control of a Vehicle
178
Braking
178
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
179
Using Anti- Lock
181
Braking in Emergencies
181
Traction Control System (Option)
181
Steering
183
Power Steering
183
Steering Tips
183
Driving on Curves
183
Steering in Emergencies
184
Off-Road Recovery
185
Passing
185
Loss of Control
187
Skidding
187
Driving at Night
188
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads
190
Hydroplaning
191
Driving Through Deep Standing Water
192
Driving Through Flowing Water
192
Some Other Rainy Weather Tips
192
City Driving
193
Freeway Driving
194
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
195
Highway Hypnosis
196
Hill and Mountain Roads
196
Winter Driving
198
Driving on Snow or Ice
199
If You're Caught in a Blizzard
200
Recreational Vehicle Towing
202
Loading Your Vehicle
202
Towing a Trailer
204
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer
205
Weight of the Trailer
206
Weight of the Trailer Tongue
206
Total Weight on Your Vehicle's Tires
207
Hitches
207
Safety Chains
208
Trailer Brakes
208
Driving with a Trailer
208
Following Distance
209
Passing
209
Backing Up
209
Making Turns
209
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
210
Driving On Grades
210
Parking on Hills
211
When You Are Ready to Leave After Parking on a Hill
212
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
212
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
212
Section 5 Problems on the Road
213
Hazard Warning Flashers
214
Other Warning Devices
215
Jump Starting
215
Towing Your Vehicle
220
Engine Overheating
221
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode
221
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
222
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
223
Cooling System
224
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Recovery Tank
226
How to Add Coolant to the Radiator (3800 V6 Engine Only)
228
How to Add Coolant to the Radiator (V8 Engine Only)
231
If a Tire Goes Flat
234
Changing a Flat Tire
234
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools
235
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire
238
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools
243
Compact Spare Tire
245
If You're Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow
246
Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out
246
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
247
Service
248
Doing Your Own Service Work
248
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle
249
Fuel
249
Gasoline Octane
249
Gasoline Specifications
250
California Fuel
250
Additives
250
Fuels in Foreign Countries
251
Filling Your Tank
251
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
254
Checking Things Under the Hood
254
Hood Release
255
Engine Compartment Overview
256
Engine Oil
258
Checking Engine Oil
258
When to Add Engine Oil
259
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use
260
Engine Oil Additives
262
When to Change Engine Oil (GM Oil Life System)
262
How to Reset the Oil Change Light
263
What to Do with Used Oil
263
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
264
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter Replacement
265
Automatic Transmission Fluid
266
When to Check and Change
266
How to Check
267
Checking the Fluid Level
268
How to Add Fluid
269
Manual Transmission Fluid
270
When to Check
270
How to Check
270
How to Add Fluid
271
Hydraulic Clutch
272
When to Check and What to Use
272
How to Check and Add Fluid
272
Rear Axle
273
When to Check and Change Lubricant
273
How to Check Lubricant
273
What to Use
273
Standard Differential
273
Limited- Slip Differential
273
Engine Coolant
274
What to Use
275
Checking Coolant
276
Adding Coolant to the Recovery Tank
276
Radiator Pressure Cap
277
Power Steering Fluid
277
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
278
How to Check Power Steering Fluid
278
What to Use
278
Windshield Washer Fluid
279
What to Use
279
Adding Washer Fluid
279
Brakes
280
Brake Fluid
280
Checking Brake Fluid
281
What to Add
282
Brake Wear
283
Brake Pedal Travel
284
Brake Adjustment
284
Replacing Brake System Parts
284
Battery
284
Vehicle Storage
285
Bulb Replacement
285
Halogen Bulbs
285
Headlamps
286
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp
288
Rear Lamps
289
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
290
Wiper Blade Element Replacement
291
Tires
292
Inflation -- Tire Pressure
293
When to Check
294
How to Check
294
Tire Inspection and Rotation
294
When It's Time for New Tires
296
Buying New Tires
296
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
297
Treadwear
298
Traction -- AA, A, B, C
298
Temperature -- A, B, C
298
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
299
Wheel Replacement
299
Used Replacement Wheels
300
Tire Chains
300
Appearance Care
301
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
302
Cleaning of Fabric/Carpet
302
Using Cleaner on Fabric
302
Special Fabric Cleaning Problems
303
Cleaning Vinyl
303
Cleaning Leather
303
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel
304
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components
304
Care of Safety Belts
304
Cleaning Glass Surfaces
304
Cleaning the Outside of the Windshield and Wiper Blades
305
Weatherstrips
305
Cleaning a Removable Roof Panel
305
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
306
Washing Your Vehicle
306
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses
306
Finish Care
306
Cleaning Your Convertible Top
307
Cleaning Aluminum or Chrome- Plated Wheels (If Equipped)
308
Cleaning Tires
308
Sheet Metal Damage
308
Finish Damage
309
Underbody Maintenance
309
Chemical Paint Spotting
309
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
310
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
311
Engine Identification
311
Service Parts Identification Label
311
Electrical System
312
Add-On Electrical Equipment
312
Headlamps
312
Windshield Wipers
312
Power Windows and Other Power Options
312
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
313
Instrument Panel Fuse Block
314
Engine Compartment Fuse Block
316
Replacement Bulbs
318
Capacities and Specifications
318
Engine Specifications
319
Air Conditioning Refrigerant Capacity
319
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
319
Section 7 Maintenance Schedule
320
Introduction
321
Your Vehicle and the Environment
321
Maintenance Requirements
321
How This Section is Organized
322
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services
323
Using Your Maintenance Schedule
323
Scheduled Maintenance
324
Footnotes
324
Scheduled Maintenance
325
Engine Oil Scheduled Maintenance
325
Scheduled Maintenance
326
Part B: Owner Checks and Services
336
At Each Fuel Fill
336
Engine Oil Level Check
336
Engine Coolant Level Check
336
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
336
At Least Once a Month
336
Tire Inflation Check
336
At Least Twice a Year
336
Restraint System Check
336
Wiper Blade Check
337
Weatherstrip Lubrication
337
Manual Transmission Check
337
Automatic Transmission Check
337
Hydraulic Clutch System Check
337
At Least Once a Year
337
Key Lock Cylinders Service
337
Body Lubrication Service
337
Starter Switch Check
338
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control System Check
338
Ignition Transmission Lock Check
339
Parking Brake and Automatic Transmission PARK (P) Mechanism Check
339
Underbody Flushing Service
339
Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections
340
Steering and Suspension Inspection
340
Exhaust System Inspection
340
Fuel System Inspection
340
Engine Cooling System Inspection
341
Throttle System Inspection (Except 3800 Series V6 Engine)
341
Rear Axle Service
341
Brake System Inspection
341
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
342
Part E: Maintenance Record
344
Section 8 Customer Assistance Information
348
Pontiac Cares
349
What Makes Up Pontiac Cares?
349
Customer Satisfaction Procedure
350
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users
352
Customer Assistance Offices
352
United States
352
Canada
352
All Overseas Locations
352
Mexico, Central America and Caribbean Islands/ Countries (Except Puerto Rico and U. S. Virgin Islands)
352
GM Mobility Program for Persons with Disabilities
353
Pontiac Roadside Assistance Program
353
Security While You Travel
353
Canadian Roadside Assistance
355
Courtesy Transportation
355
Plan Ahead When Possible
355
Transportation Options
356
Shuttle Service
356
Public Transportation or Fuel Reimbursement
356
Courtesy Rental Vehicle
356
Additional Program Information
356
Warranty Information
357
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
357
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT
358
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO GENERAL MOTORS
358
SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ORDERING INFORMATION
359
Service Manuals
359
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer Case Unit Repair Manual
359
Service Bulletins
359
Owner's Information
359
Current and Past Model Order Forms
359
2002 Pontiac Firebird Overview
Introduction
The 2002 Pontiac Firebird exudes a spirit of freedom and performance that defines the American muscle car ethos. This iconic vehicle, available in both coupe and convertible versions, represents the final chapter of the Firebird lineage, embodying a blend of power, style, and technology that appeals to spirited driving enthusiasts. With its aggressive lines and confident stance, the Firebird captures attention on the road while offering modern conveniences and robust performance under the hood.
Powertrains
The 2002 Firebird offers an impressive array of powertrains, allowing drivers to choose the perfect balance of performance and efficiency. The base model features a 3.8-liter V6 engine, delivering 200 horsepower, while the more powerful Firebird Formula and Trans Am trims boast a thrilling 5.7-liter V8 engine, producing up to 305 horsepower. Optional upgrades ensure that this car can reach exhilarating speeds and provides exhilarating acceleration that makes it a joy to drive. An available six-speed manual transmission adds a performance-oriented touch, allowing for an engaging, hands-on experience.
Trims
The 2002 Pontiac Firebird is available in several trims, including the base Firebird, Firebird Formula, and the high-performance Firebird Trans Am. Each trim level caters to a unique set of driver preferences, with the Firebird featuring a well-equipped interior and the Formula offering enhanced performance features. The Trans Am, as the flagship model, combines powerful engines with sporty aesthetics, including a hood scoop, rear spoiler, and performance-tuned suspension, making it the ultimate choice for enthusiasts seeking uncompromising performance.
Features
The Firebird boasts a host of standard and optional features to enhance the driving experience. Inside, it includes comfortable seating, an intuitive dashboard layout, and available leather upholstery. Features such as a premium sound system, climate control, and available navigation system ensure that every journey is enjoyable. Additionally, the Firebird emphasizes safety with features like anti-lock brakes and dual front airbags, adding peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike.
Owners Manual
The 2002 Pontiac Firebird comes with an informative owner's manual that serves as an essential resource for vehicle maintenance and operation. It outlines preventive care, troubleshooting tips, and detailed specifications to help owners maximize their driving experience. The manual also includes important safety information and a complete guide to utilizing the vehicle's various features, ensuring that Firebird owners can maintain their car’s performance and longevity effectively.
User manual download
The Pontiac Firebird owner manual for the 2002 model year is to be found in PDF downloadable format on this page. The owner manual for the model year 2002 is free and in English, but the repair manuals are usually not easy to get and may cost more.
Posted by, John Mana
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