Pontiac Firebird, Firebird Trans Am, Firebird S/E Repair Manual 1982-1992

For the years covered in this manual, the Firebird is available in three models: Firebird, Firebird Trans Am, and Firebird S/E.

Engines available include the 2.5 liter in-line four-cylinder engine (L4); 2.8 liter and 3.1 liter V6 engines; and 5.0 liter V8 engines; available as standard or optional equipment, depending on year and model.

Four and five-speed transmissions and three and four-speed automatic transmissions are available as standard or optional equipment, depending on year, model and engine.

The Front suspension is an independent modified McPherson strut type with a coil spring mounted between the frame crossmember and the lower control arm. The rear suspension consists of the torque arm, track bar, coil springs, shock absorbers and lower control arms.

The hydraulic brake system consists of disc brakes at the front and either drum-type or disc brakes at the rear depending on model. Power brakes are standard equipment.

All vehicles covered in this manual are equipped with hydraulically operated front and rear brake systems. All front brake systems are disc type, while rear brake systems are drum brakes on some models and disc type on others. A quick visual inspection will tell you what type of brakes you have at the rear of your vehicle.

The hydraulic system consists of two separate front and rear circuits. The master cylinder has separate reservoirs for the two circuits and in the event of a leak or failure in one hydraulic circuit, the other circuit will remain operative. A visual warning of circuit failure or air in the system is given by a warning light activated by displacement of the piston in the brake distribution (pressure differential warning) switch from its normal "in balance" position.

The parking brake mechanically operates the rear brakes only. It is activated by a pull-handle in the center console between the front seats.

• Introduction: Vehicle identification numbers. Buying parts. Safety. Maintenance techniques. Chemical and lubricants, and more.
• Tune-up and routine maintenance
• L4 inline four-cylinder engine (2.5L)
• V6 engine (2.8L, 3.1L)
• V8 engine (5.0L, 5.7L)
• General engine overhaul procedures
• Cooling, heating and air-conditioning systems
• Fuel and exhaust systems
• Engine electrical systems
• Emissions control systems
• Manual transmission (4- and 5-speed)
• Automatic transmission (3- and 4-speed)
• Clutch and driveline
• Brakes
• Suspension and steering systems
• Body
• Chassis electrical system
• Wiring diagrams