FIREBIRD INNOVATIVE SERVICEABILITY
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
AND WARRANTY COVERAGE
One of the largest contributors
to the '82 Firebird's dramatic improvement in serviceability was the incorporation
of the revised MacPherson strut front suspension and the utilization of a unitized
body design. Elimination of the upper control arms of last year's conventional front
suspension, and outboard mounting of the shock absorbers in the integral strut towers,
provide an additional four to five inches of usable space on either side of the
'82 Firebird's engine compartment. The resulting easy accessibility of under-hood
components provides a tremendous improvement in labor time studies for air conditioning
and heater related components, and all engine compartment service procedures.
Specific engine compartment
serviceability improvements include:
•
Pneumatic (gas) struts on either side of the hood that are lighter
and more space efficient, and provide easier, more precise operation than the counterbalancing
springs they replace. The hood opens 73° for easy access to all engine compartment
components.
•
The horizontally split evaporator case has been located for optimum
accessibility and easy removal evaporator core.
•
The heater and air conditioner blower motor can now De removed by unfastening 5
bolts, instead of removing fie fender.
•
A heater hose that was completely hidden by engine components on earlier Firebirds
has been relocated a-ld is now totally accessible from above.
•
The air conditioning condenser can now be exposed for service by loosening the radiator
support bolts and pushing the radiator back ... instead of disconnecting and removing
the radiator.
•
The power antenna can now be serviced from inside the engine compartment without
removing major components or body panels.
•
The MacPherson struts themselves have been engineered for easy serviceability, with
L-shaped slots in the strut and mounting bracket allowing full caster and camber
adjustment from above,
•
The location and access of such routinely serviced features as spark plugs, oil—filter,
drain plug and dipstick, and automatic transmission fluid dipstick, were given particular
attention to assure that these regularly serviced items would be in the best position
for easy accessibility,
•
The thermostat of the L4 engine is located inside an assembly that looks and is
serviced much like a small radiator cap. Located on the side of the engine, the
cap can be easily removed, the thermostat replaced and the cap put back in place
in a matter of seconds.
•
All engine and accessory belts can be adjusted for proper tension from above.
•
Translucent reservoirs allow quick verification of proper windshield wiper ... engine
coolant and with the L4 engine, power steering fluid levels,
Even the brake master cylinder features translucent windows for easy checking of
proper brake fluid level.
The Firebird's engine
compartment wasn't the only area scrutinized in an effort to achieve total serviceability.
A number of other Firebird design improvements will reduce service downtime and
expense for '82 Firebird value that extends far beyond the date of sale.
•
Controls for the heater, air conditioning, electric mirrors and power windows are
all located in the console and can be easily serviced by removing only the trim
plate.
•
The temperature control doors for the heater and air conditioning controls are self-adjusting.
•
All instrument panel
bulbs, switches and gages—including speedometer and tachometer—are front-loaded
and can be serviced or replaced by simply removing the IP trim plate.
•
The dual front radio speakers are top-loaded in the dash for easy access.
•
The fuse panel is located to the lower left of the steering column and is hinged,
to flip down for easy fuse replacement.
•
A flip-down "convenience center," located to the right of the steering column, is
part of the IP harness. This molded plastic unit holds the horn relay, rear window
defogger, tone generator, hazard flasher and choke relay (for other than EFI-equipped
engines), to provide ready serviceability of these °Mimes hard-to-reach components.
•
Every connector in the Firebird's electrical system features a positive lock/easy
release design that facilitates servicing and effectively
locks out dirt and moisture. Additionally, every connector has a different male/
female plug configuration that speeds electrical system assembly and eliminates
improper connections.
•
Unique to
•
The ECM includes a self-diagnostic feature that allows servicing in the field, replacing
the dwell meter test of the 1981 system.
•
The tail lamps are serviceable from inside the trunk. The carpet trim pulls back
to reveal finger-operated wing-nut type screws that release the front-loaded tail
lamp assemblies for quick easy servicing.
•
Unlike much of the competition, all '82 Firebird control arm bushings are designed
to allow removal and replacement.
The recommended maintenance
intervals for the '82 Firebirds are few and far between, to keep them out of the
dealership and on the street.
•
Oil change and chassis lubrication is recommended every 7,500 miles or 12 months.
•
Oil filter replacement is recommended every other oil change if mileage determines
interval, every oil change if time determines interval.
•
Tune-ups, including spark plug and air filter replacement, are recommended every
30,000 miles.
•
Automatic transmission
fluid and filter servicing is recommended every 100,000 miles.
Comprehensive warranty
coverage can be regarded as a good indication of a company's belief in its product's
reliability, durability and expected longevity.
•
The standard new car warranty covers the Firebirds for the first 12 months or 12,000
miles of operation.
•
The standard extended powertrain warranty covers any defects in the Firebird's powertrain
for 24 months or 24,000 miles, minus a $100 deductible after the first 12 months
or 12,000 miles.
•
The standard rust perforation warranty covers the Firebirds against any kind of
rust perforation for a period of 3 years.
• The emission components warranty covers any defects in the Firebird's—C3 system, catalytic converter, EFI or carburetor parts, and a number of other emission control related parts for a period of 5 years or 50,000 miles.
-The 1982 Firebird Book, 11/81