Maintenance Information Pontiac Sunbird II

VIN LOCATION

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is located on the left side of the dash panel at the base of the windshield. The VIN chart explains the code characters.

VIN CODE ID EXPLANATION

Numbers preceding the explanations in the legend below refer to the sequence of characters as listed on VIN identification label. See VIN example below.

VIN Code ID Explanation (1 Of 2). Scheme 1

SEVERE & NORMAL SERVICE DEFINITIONS

Note. Use the Severe Service schedule if the vehicle to be serviced is operated under ANY (one or more) of these conditions

Service is recommended at mileage intervals based on vehicle operation. Service schedules are based on the following primary operating conditions

Severe Service

1. Short Trips (4 Miles Or Less)
2. Most Trips Are Less Than 10 Miles When Outside Temperatures Are Below Freezing
3. Towing Or Heavily Loaded
4. Severe Dust Conditions
5. Hot Weather, Engine Is At Low Speed Most Of The Time (Stop-And-Go Driving)
6. Extensive Idling Conditions (Taxi Or Delivery Type Service)

Normal Service

1. Driven More Than 10 Miles Daily
2. No Severe Service Operating Conditions

CAMSHAFT TIMING BELT

Note. The 1.8 and 2.0L engines have camshaft timing belts. Replacement interval is not listed by manufacturer.

The condition of camshaft drive belts should always be checked on vehicles which have more than 50,000 miles. Although some manufacturers do not recommend belt replacement at a specified mileage, others require it at 60,000-100,000 miles. A camshaft drive belt failure may cause extensive damage to internal engine components on most engines, although some designs do not allow piston-to-valve contact. These designs are often called "Free Wheeling".

Many manufacturers changed their maintenance and warranty schedules in the mid-1980's to reflect timing belt inspection and/or replacement at 50,000-60,000 miles. Most service interval schedules in this manual reflect these changes.

Belts or components should be inspected and replaced if any of the following conditions exist

1. Cracks Or Tears In Belt Surface
2. Missing, Damaged, Cracked Or Rounded Teeth
3. Oil Contamination
4. Damaged Or Faulty Tensioners
5. Incorrect Tension Adjustment

Scheme 2

Scheme 3

Scheme 4

Scheme 5

Scheme 6

Scheme 7

SERVICE LABOR TIMES

Note. For 1990 and newer vehicles, labor times are provided, where available, within appropriate SERVICE INTERVAL table in SCHEDULED SERVICES article.

TIRE INFLATION

The tire specification decal is located on rear of the driver's door.

WHEEL TIGHTENING

Tighten aluminum wheel lug nuts to 100 ft. lbs. (136 N.m). Tighten steel wheel lug nuts to 80 ft. lbs. (110 N.m).

BATTERY SPECIFICATIONS

All models use Group 75 batteries. See original battery's label for specific replacement number.

ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM

The anti-lock brake system contains electronic equipment that can be susceptible to interference caused by improperly installed or high output radio transmitting equipment. Since this interference could cause the possible loss of the anti-lock braking capability, such equipment should be installed by qualified professionals.

On models equipped with anti-lock brake systems, ALWAYS observe the following cautions

1. DO NOT attempt to bleed hydraulic system without first referring to the appropriate ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM article in the BRAKES Section.
2. DO NOT mix tire sizes. As long as tires remain close to the original diameter, increasing the width is acceptable. Rolling diameter must be identical for all 4 tires. Some manufacturers recommend tires of the same brand, style and type. Failure to follow this precaution may cause inaccurate wheel speed readings.
3. Use ONLY recommended brake fluids. DO NOT use silicone brake fluids in an ABS-equipped vehicle.

BATTERY WARNING

REPLACING BLOWN FUSES

BRAKE PAD WEAR INDICATOR

CATALYTIC CONVERTER

COOLANT (PROPYLENE-GLYCOL FORMULATIONS)

ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE SENSITIVE (ESD) PARTS

ENGINE OIL

FUEL SYSTEM SERVICE

HALOGEN BULBS

RADIATOR CAP

RADIATOR FAN

TURBOCHARGED MODELS

WARRANTY INFORMATION

BUMPER-TO-BUMPER PLUS LIMITED WARRANTY

Everything covered for 3 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Covered by this warranty are any repairs to vehicle components which have proven defective in material and workmanship during normal use (tires excluded). Warranty repairs (parts and labor) will be made by the Dealer at no charge using new or remanufactured parts. This warranty is subject to a 100 deductible for each repair visit after the first year or 12,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Maintenance items are covered up to their first scheduled replacement interval only.

Note. 1992-93 vehicles are covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first, with no deductible.

CORROSION COVERAGE

Any body-sheet metal panel that is perforated due to corrosion is covered for 6 years or 100,000 miles whichever occurs first.

EMISSIONS "DEFECT" & "PERFORMANCE" WARRANTY (FEDERAL)

Defect Warranty ensures that vehicle meets applicable EPA regulations and that vehicle's emission control system is free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 5 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

The Performance Warranty covers all costs of repairing or adjusting any components or parts as needed in order for the vehicle to pass a federally required state or local emissions test.

Other emission control parts related to these components are covered by the Performance Warranty, where applicable. If another part fails due to the failure of one of these components, both parts are covered. See customer's copy of warranty information for specific items covered.

EMISSION "PERFORMANCE" WARRANTY (CALIFORNIA)

If vehicle fails a Smog Check inspection, all necessary repairs and adjustments will be made by manufacturer to ensure that vehicle passes the inspection. Warranty begins at warranty start date and lasts for a period of 3 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

EMISSION "DEFECTS" WARRANTY (CALIFORNIA)

If any emission-related part on the vehicle is defective, the part will be repaired or replaced by manufacturer. Warranty begins at warranty start date and lasts for a period of 3 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

Some emission-related parts are warranted for 7 years or 70,000 miles whichever occurs first, and will be repaired or replaced by manufacturer if found to be defective in material or workmanship. See customer's copy of warranty information for specific items covered.

Scheme 8

Fuse & Circuit Breaker Identification

1. 1 - 3 Amp - Crank Sensor
2. 2 - 35 Amp - Power Accessories
3. 3 - 10 Amp - Radio, Antenna, Cruise Control
4. 4 - 5 Amp - Instrument Lights
5. 5 - 35 Amp - Power Windows
6. 6 - 20 Amp - Courtesy Lights, Cigarette Lighter
7. 7 - 25 Amp - Wiper
8. 8 - 20 Amp - Gauges, Chimes, Indicators, Defogger, Trunk Release
9. 9 - 25 Amp - Ventilation System
10. 10 - 20 Amp - Taillights
11. 11 - 20 Amp - Foglights, Radio (1990)
12. 12 - 20 Amp - Turn Signals, Back-Up Lights
13. 13 - 20 Amp - Choke Heater, Coolant Fan, Alternator, Foglights (1990)
14. 14 - 20 Amp - Stoplights, Hazard Flashers
15. 15 - 10 Amp - ECM, Fuel Pump, Oil Pressure Light
16. 16 - 15 Amp - Computer Command Control Module

Scheme 9

1. 1 - 10 Amp - Fuel Pump
2. 2 - 30 Amp (Circuit Breaker) - Door Locks, Rear Defogger
3. 3 - 10 Amp - Radio, Cruise Power Feed
4. 4 - 5 Amp - Instrument Panel Lights, Headlight Remind (1991-92)
5. 5 - 30 Amp (Circuit Breaker) - Power Window, Daytime Running Lights (Canada)
6. 6 - 20 Amp - Courtesy Lights, Horn, Cigarette Lighter, Trunk Release, A/C, Heater, Power Locks, Rear Compartment Courtesy Light, Audible Warning (1993-94), Check Oil Light (1993-94)
7. 7 - 25 Amp - Windshield Wiper/Washer
8. 8 - 10 Amp - Gauges/Warning Indicators, Audible Warning System, Rear Window Defogger Switch, A/C, Heater, Rear Wiper/Washer, Seat Belt, Warning, Torque Converter Clutch, Brake/Transaxle Shift Interlock (1993-94), Multi-Port Fuel Injection (1993-94)
9. 9 - 25 Amp - Heater & Air Conditioning, ABS, DRL Module (Canada)
10. 10 - 15 Amp - Parking Lights, Side Marker Lights, License Plate Lights
11. 11 - 10 Amp - Radio Memory, Digital Clock
12. 12 - 20 Amp - Turn Signal Flasher, Back-Up Lights
13. 13 - 15 Amp - Foglights
14. 14 - 15 Amp (1992-94) - Cigarette Lighter, Glove Box Light Spare (1991)
15. 15 - 20 Amp - Stoplights, Hazard Flasher
16. 16 - 10 Amp - ECM
17. 17 - 10 Amp (1994) - Automatic Door Unlock (Remove to Disable)