1986 Pontiac Firebird Owners Manual

The 1986 Pontiac Firebird is a classic American sports coupe featuring distinctive styling, powerful engine options, and advanced features for its era. This manual covers operation, maintenance, specifications, and troubleshooting for all 1986 Firebird models including the base, S/E, and Trans Am variants. Below are essential sections for vehicle operation, maintenance schedules, technical specifications, and owner assistance.

1. Vehicle Overview 2. Instrument Panel 3. Operating Instructions 4. Technical Specifications 5. Maintenance Schedule 6. Fluid Capacities 7. Tire Information 8. Electrical System 9. Emergency Procedures 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Vehicle Overview

The 1986 Pontiac Firebird features a unibody construction with front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. Available engines include the 2.5L Tech IV four-cylinder, 2.8L V6, and 5.0L V8 engines with manual or automatic transmissions.

Feature	Description
Body Style	2-door coupe
Engine Options	2.5L Tech IV, 2.8L V6, 5.0L V8
Transmission	4-speed manual, 5-speed manual, 3-speed automatic
Fuel System	Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Brakes	Front disc, rear drum with power assist
Suspension	Independent front, live axle rear
Steering	Power-assisted recirculating ball
Fuel Capacity	15.5 gallons
Curb Weight	Approximately 3,200 lbs
Seating Capacity	4 passengers

Instrument Panel

The instrument cluster includes speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, coolant temperature gauge, and warning lights for oil pressure, brake system, and charging system.

Speedometer: Shows vehicle speed in mph and km/h
Tachometer: Engine RPM display with redline indicator
Fuel Gauge: Fuel level indicator with low fuel warning light
Warning Lights: Check engine, oil pressure, brake, battery
Indicator Lights: High beam, turn signals, seat belts

WARNING! Always address warning lights immediately. Continuing to drive with warning lights illuminated may cause serious damage.

Operating Instructions

Starting procedure: Insert key, depress clutch (manual) or brake (automatic), turn ignition to start position.

Cold weather starting: Use choke if equipped, allow engine to warm up before driving
Transmission operation: Smooth clutch engagement for manual; proper gear selection for automatic
Brake system: Firm, steady pressure; avoid pumping ABS-equipped models
Climate control: Adjust temperature and fan speed as needed
Lighting controls: Headlights, parking lights, fog lights operation

CAUTION! Never leave vehicle unattended with engine running. Always set parking brake when parked.

Technical Specifications

Engine: 2.5L Tech IV (151 CID) four-cylinder, 2.8L (173 CID) V6, 5.0L (305 CID) V8
Horsepower: 92-215 hp depending on engine and configuration
Torque: 130-275 lb-ft depending on engine
Compression Ratio: 8.0:1 to 9.5:1
Fuel Requirement: 87 octane unleaded gasoline
Transmission Ratios: Varies by transmission type
Final Drive Ratio: 2.73:1 to 3.42:1 depending on package
Brake System: Hydraulic dual-circuit with power assist
Electrical System: 12-volt negative ground

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance is essential for optimal performance and longevity. Follow manufacturer recommendations for service intervals.

Every 3,000 miles/3 months: Oil and filter change, tire rotation, fluid level checks

Every 7,500 miles: Air filter replacement, brake inspection, chassis lubrication

Every 15,000 miles: Fuel filter replacement, cooling system service, spark plugs

Every 30,000 miles: Transmission fluid change, brake fluid flush, timing belt (if equipped)

Fluid Capacities

Engine Oil: 4 quarts (with filter)
Cooling System: 12-14 quarts
Automatic Transmission: 11 quarts (total)
Manual Transmission: 3-4 pints
Rear Axle: 3.5 pints
Fuel Tank: 15.5 gallons
Brake System: 1 pint

Tip: Use only manufacturer-recommended fluids. Incorrect fluids may cause damage.

Tire Information

Standard tire sizes: P195/75R14, P215/65R15, P245/50R16 (Trans Am)

Tire Pressure: 30 psi front, 30 psi rear (cold)
Tire Rotation: Every 6,000 miles for even wear
Tire Inspection: Check for wear, damage, proper inflation
Spare Tire: Compact temporary spare, 60 psi inflation
Wheel Alignment: Check annually or if pulling occurs

WARNING! Never exceed maximum inflation pressure marked on tire sidewall. Underinflated tires can overheat and fail.

Electrical System

Battery: 12-volt, negative ground, maintenance-free
Alternator: 80-100 amp output
Starter: 1.4 kW gear reduction type
Fuses: Located in fuse block under dashboard
Bulb Types: Various for headlights, taillights, markers

Emergency Procedures

Flat Tire: Use jack from trunk, position on frame rails, lift vehicle, replace with spare
Jump Starting: Connect positive to positive, negative to engine ground
Overheating: Turn off A/C, turn on heater, pull over safely when possible
Brake Failure: Pump brakes, use parking brake gradually, downshift

CAUTION! Always use proper jacking points. Never work under vehicle supported only by jack.

Warranty Information

Basic Warranty: 12 months/12,000 miles bumper-to-bumper
Powertrain Warranty: 36 months/36,000 miles
Rust Perforation: 36 months/36,000 miles
Emission System: 24 months/24,000 miles federal requirement
For warranty claims, contact any Pontiac dealership with proof of purchase and maintenance records.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Battery, fuel, ignition	Check battery connections, fuel level, spark plugs
Overheating	Coolant, thermostat, fan	Check coolant level, radiator cap, fan operation
Poor fuel economy	Tires, alignment, tune-up	Check tire pressure, alignment, spark plugs
Brake pulling	Fluid, pads, alignment	Check brake fluid, pad wear, caliper operation
Electrical issues	Battery, alternator, fuses	Test battery, alternator output, check fuses

Service: Contact authorized Pontiac dealership for professional service and genuine parts.

Customer Assistance: Pontiac Customer Assistance Center 1-800-762-2737