1987 Pontiac Firebird Repair Manual

The 1987 Pontiac Firebird is a third-generation sports car featuring iconic styling, available with various engine options including the 2.8L V6, 5.0L V8, and high-performance turbocharged versions. This comprehensive repair manual covers maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair procedures for all major systems including engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, electrical, and body components. Below are key sections for technical specifications, routine maintenance, engine repair, transmission service, electrical systems, and troubleshooting.

1. Vehicle Specifications 2. Routine Maintenance 3. Engine Systems 4. Transmission & Drivetrain 5. Suspension & Steering 6. Brake Systems 7. Electrical Systems 8. Body & Interior 9. Troubleshooting Guide 10. Technical Service Bulletins

Vehicle Specifications

Key technical data for the 1987 Pontiac Firebird including engine options, dimensions, capacities, and performance specifications.

Specification	Description
Engine Options	2.8L V6, 5.0L V8 LB9, 5.0L V8 L98, 5.7L V8
Horsepower	135-240 hp depending on engine
Transmission	5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic
Wheelbase	101.0 inches
Curb Weight	3,200-3,500 lbs
Fuel Capacity	15.5 gallons
Oil Capacity	4-5 quarts depending on engine
Coolant Capacity	12-14 quarts
Brake System	Power-assisted disc/drum or 4-wheel disc
Suspension	Independent front, live axle rear

Routine Maintenance

Scheduled maintenance intervals and procedures to keep your Firebird in optimal condition.

Oil Change: Every 3,000 miles or 3 months - Use 10W-30 motor oil
Filter Replacement: Air filter every 15,000 miles, fuel filter every 30,000 miles
Tire Rotation: Every 6,000 miles to ensure even wear
Fluid Checks: Weekly inspection of oil, coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid
Spark Plugs: Replace every 30,000 miles with AC Delco R45TS plugs

WARNING! Always use jack stands when working under vehicle. Never rely solely on hydraulic jack.

Engine Systems

Comprehensive repair procedures for all engine components including fuel injection, ignition, and cooling systems.

Tune-up Specifications: Timing: 6° BTDC (V6), 10° BTDC (V8); Idle Speed: 550-650 RPM
Fuel System: TBI or TPI fuel injection; Fuel Pressure: 9-13 psi
Ignition System: HEI electronic ignition; Spark Plug Gap: 0.045 inches
Cooling System: Maintain 50/50 coolant mixture; Thermostat opens at 195°F
Compression: Minimum 100 psi; variation between cylinders less than 20%

Transmission & Drivetrain

Service procedures for manual and automatic transmissions, driveshaft, and rear differential.

Manual Transmission: Borg-Warner T5; Fluid: Dexron II ATF
Automatic Transmission: 700R4; Fluid capacity: 11 quarts total
Clutch Adjustment: 1/2 to 1 inch free play at pedal
Rear Differential: 7.5" or 7.625" ring gear; Gear oil: 80W-90 GL-5
U-Joints: Inspect for wear every 15,000 miles

CAUTION! Transmission fluid may be hot after operation. Allow to cool before servicing.

Suspension & Steering

Maintenance and repair of front and rear suspension components and power steering system.

Front Suspension: MacPherson struts, lower control arms, stabilizer bar. Rear Suspension: Torque arm, panhard rod, coil springs.

Steering: Power-assisted recirculating ball; Turning circle: 37.4 feet. Alignment Specifications: Camber: +0.5° to +1.5°, Caster: +2.5° to +3.5°, Toe: 0° to +0.2°.

Brake Systems

Complete brake system service including disc brakes, drum brakes, and hydraulic components.

Front Brakes: 10.5" rotors; Pad thickness minimum: 1/8 inch
Rear Brakes: 9.5" drums or 10.5" rotors; Lining minimum: 1/16 inch
Master Cylinder: Tandem type; Fluid: DOT 3 brake fluid
Bleeding Procedure: Right rear, left rear, right front, left front
Parking Brake: Cable-adjusted; should hold on 30% grade

Tip: Always replace brake pads/shoes in axle sets for even braking.

Electrical Systems

Diagnosis and repair of charging, starting, lighting, and accessory electrical systems.

Battery: 12V, 60Ah; Specific gravity: 1.265 fully charged
Alternator: 85-100 amp output; Voltage: 13.5-14.5V at 2000 RPM
Starter: 1.4 kW; Draw current: 160-200 amps
Fuse Panel: Located under left side of dashboard
Wiring Diagrams: Color-coded for easy circuit identification

WARNING! Disconnect battery before performing electrical work to prevent shorts.

Body & Interior

Repair procedures for body panels, glass, trim, and interior components.

Body Structure: Unitized construction with front subframe. Paint Codes: WA code located on service parts identification label. Interior: Cloth or leather seats; Dash removal requires special tools.

Troubleshooting Guide

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Fuel, spark, or compression issue	Check fuel pressure, spark at plugs, compression test
Poor fuel economy	Dirty air filter, O2 sensor, timing	Replace air filter, check O2 sensor voltage, verify timing
Overheating	Coolant leak, thermostat, water pump	Pressure test system, replace thermostat, inspect pump
Brake pull	Stuck caliper, worn pads, alignment	Inspect calipers, replace pads, check front end alignment
Electrical issues	Bad grounds, corroded connections	Clean battery terminals, check ground straps

Reset: Disconnect battery for 30 minutes to reset computer if experiencing driveability issues.

Technical Service Bulletins

Common factory-issued service updates and known issues for the 1987 Firebird.

TSB 87-46: Revised ECM calibration for improved cold start performance
TSB 87-89: Updated transmission shift points for 700R4 automatic
TSB 88-12: Replacement procedure for cracking dashboard panels
TSB 88-34: Revised brake pad compound for reduced noise

For technical support, contact GM Technical Assistance or visit authorized Pontiac dealership.