User manual PONTIAC FIREBIRD 1996

[. . . ] 1996 v . . . . The1996'PontiacFirebirdOwner's Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . This section tells you how to use your seats and safety belts properly. It FeaturesandControls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Comfort Controls and Audio Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seats and Restraint Systems . . 1-1 2-1 3-1 Your Driving and the Road . . . [. . . ] It will wait until g a t h e r e ' s no longer a current need to limit wheel spin. . I Steering Power Steering If you lose power steering assist because the engine stops or the system is not functioning, you can steer but it will take much more effort. You can turn the system back an at any time by pressing the button again. The light on the button should come on, and the traction control system w'arning light should go off. If your car is equipped with P245/50zR16 tires, the traction control system will automatically turn off at speeds above 108 mph (174 km/h). (The traction, control system waning light will not corn on. ) When the vehicle speed drops below 103 mph (166 km/h) the system will automatically come onagain. - Steering Tips Driving on Curves It's important to take curves at a reasonable speed. A lot of the "driver lost control" accidents mentioned on the news happen on curves. Here's why: Braking in Emergencies Use your anti-lock braking system when you need to. In many emergencies, steering can help you more than even the very best braking. 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 on wet ice, you'll understand this. i . _. . . I . , The traction you can get a curve depends on the in condition of your tires and the road surface, the angle at which the curveis banked, and your speed. While you're in a curve, speed the one factor you can control. is I Try to adjust your speed so you can "drive" through the curve. Wait to accelerate until you are out of the curve, and then accelerate gently into the straightaway. Suppose' you're steering through a sharp curve. 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 muchof those places. Ease up on the accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle the way you wantit to go, and slow down. Speed limit signs near curves warn that you should adjust your speed. Of courqe, the postedspeeds are based on good weather androad conditions. Under less favorable conditions you'll want to go slower. Steering in Emergencies There are times when steering can bemore effective than braking. For example, you come over ahill and find a truck stopped in your lane, or a car suddenly pulls out from nowhere, or a child darts out from between parked cars and stops right front of you. That's the timefor evasive action -- steering around the problem. (See "Braking in Emergencies" earlier in this section. ) It is better to remove as much speed as youcan from a possible collision. Then steer around the problem, to the left or right depending on the space available, u ' . . **vu-. . . . . -- Off-Road Recovery YOU find sometime that your right wheels have may dropped off the edge of a road onto theshoulder while you're driving. ' An emergency like this requires close attention and a h quick decision. [. . . ] The entire dispute resolution procedure should ordinarily take about 40 days from the time you file a claim until a decision is made. Some state laws may require you to use this program before filing a claim with a state-run arbitration program or in the courts. For further information, contact the BBB at-1-800-955-5100 or the Pontiac Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-PM-CARES. REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, 'youshould immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in addition to notifying General Motors. If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safetydefect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recalland remedy campaign. [. . . ]