User manual PONTIAC FIREBIRD 1997

[. . . ] The 1997 Pontiac Firebird Owner's Manual 1-1 Seats and Restraint Systems This section tells you how to use your seats and safety belts properly. "SRS" Features and Controls This section explains how to start and operate your Pontiac. Comfort Controls and Audio Systems This section tells you how to adjust the ventilation and comfort controls and how to operate your audio system. Your Driving and the Road Here you'll find helpful information and tips about the road and how to drive under different conditions. Problems on the Road 2-1 3-1 4-1 5-1 This section tells what to doyou have a problem while driving, such as a flat or overheated engine, etc. [. . . ] The light on the switch will go off, and the traction control system warning light will come on and stay on. If the traction control system is limiting wheel spin when you press the switch, the light on the switch will go off and the warning light will come on -- but the system won't turn off right away. It will wait until there's no longer a current need to limit wheel spin. Steering Power Steering If you lose power steering assist because the engine stops or the system is not functioning, you can steerbut it will take much more effort. Steering Tips Driving on Curves You can turn the system back on atany time by pressing the switch again. The light the button should come on on, and the traction control system warning light should go off. It's important to take curves at a reasonable speed. 4-10 A lot of the "driver lostcontrol" accidents mentioned on the news happen on curves. Here's why: Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject to the same laws of physics when driving on curves. The traction of the tires against the road surface makes it possible for the vehicle to change its path when you turn the front wheels. If there's no traction, inertia will keep the vehicle going in the same direction. If you've ever tried to steer a vehicle onwet ice, you'llunderstand this. The traction you can get a curve depends on the in condition of your tires and the road surface, the angle at which the curve is banked, and your speed. While you're in a curve, speedis the one factor you can control. Suppose you're steering through a sharp curve. If you need to reduce your speed as you approach a curve, do it before you enter the curve, while your front wheels are straight ahead. Try to adjust your speed so you can "drive" through the curve. Wait to accelerate until you are outof the curve, and then accelerate gently into the straightaway. Steering in Emergencies There are times when steering canbe more effective than braking. For example, you come over a hill and find a truck stopped in your lane, or a car suddenly pulls suddenly accelerate. Both control systems steering and -acceleration -- have to do their work where the tires meet the road. Unless you have traction control and the system is on, adding the sudden acceleration can demand too much of those places. Ease on the up accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle way you want it the to go, and slow down. Of course, the posted speeds are out fromnowhere, or a child darts out from between parked cars and stops right in frontof you. That's the time for evasive action -- steering around the problem. (See "Braking in Emergencies" earlier in this section. ) It is better to remove as much speed as you can froma possible collision. Then steer around the problem, to the left or right depending on the space available. 4-11 Off-Road Recovery You may find sometime that your right wheels have dropped off the edge of a road onto the shoulder while you're driving. I OFF-ROAD I RECOVERY /, I An emergency like this requires closeattention and a quick decision. If you are holding the steering wheel at the recommended 9 and 3 o'clock positions, you can turn it a full 180 degrees very quickly without removing either hand. But you have to act fast, steer quickly, and just as quickly straighten the wheel once you have avoided the object. '/ // edge of paved surface The fact that such emergency situations are always possible is a good reason to practice defensivedriving at all times and wear safety belts properly. If the level of the shoulder is only slightly below the pavement, recovery shouldbe fairly easy. [. . . ] For further information, contact the BBB at 1-800-955-5100 or the Pontiac Customer Assistance Centerat 1-800-PM-CARES . If NHTSA receives similar complaints, may open an it investigation, andif it finds that safety defect exists a in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved you, in individual problems between your dealeror General Motors. Warranty Information Your vehicle comeswith a separate warranty booklet that contains detailed warranty information. To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424-9393 (or 366-0123 in the Washington, D. C. area) or write to: NHTSA, US. Department of Transportation Washington, D. C, 20590 You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safetyfrom the Hotline, 8-10 REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT If you live in Canada, you believe that your vehicle and has a safety defect, you should immediatelynotify Transport Canada, in addition to notifying General Motors of Canada Limited. You may write to: In Canada, please call at 1-800-263-3777 (English) us or 1-800-263-7854 (French). Or, write: General Motors of Canada Limited Customer Communication Centre, 163-005 1908 Colonel Sam Drive Oshawa, OntarioL1H 8P7 Transport Canada Box 8880 Ottawa, Ontario K1G 352 Ordering Service and Owner Publications in Canada Service manuals, service bulletins, owner's manuals and other service literature available forpurchase for all are current and past model General Motors vehicles. REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTIS TO GENERAL MOTORS In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada) in a situation like this, we certainly hope you'll notify us. Please call us at 1-800-PM-CARES or write: The toll-free telephone number for ordering information in Canada is 1-800-668-5539. Pontiac Division Customer Assistance Center One Pontiac Plaza Pontiac, MI 48340-2952 1997 PONTIAC SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ORDERING INFORMATION The following publications covering the operation servicing of your vehicle can be purchased by filling out and the Sewice Publication Order Form in this bookand mailing it in with your check, money order, or credit card information to Helm, /ncorporated (address below. ) CURRENT PUBLICATIONS FOR 1997 PONTIAC OWNER'S INFORMATION SERVICE MANUALS directly for Owners and Service Manuals havethe diagnosis and repair information Owner publications are written intended to provide basic operational information about the on engines, transmission, axle, suspension, brakes, vehicle. [. . . ]