‘96 Pontiac Sunfire 1996 Owners Manual

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🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Pontiac Model: Sunfire Year: 1996 Codes Platform Code: J-body Vin Code: 1GC 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact Coupe/Sedan Target Audience: Younger buyers, budget-conscious consumers...

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Type: Car

Vendor:

Sku: 252853

Tags: 1996 Car Cars Pontiac Sunfire

Product variants

Description

🏷️ Basic Information

Identification

Make:

Pontiac

Model:

Sunfire

Year:

Codes

Platform Code:

J-body

Vin Code:

👋 Introduction

Market Position

Segment:

Compact Coupe/Sedan

Target Audience:

Younger buyers, budget-conscious consumers

Competitive Analysis

Key Competitors:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, Chevrolet Cavalier

Key Features

Design Philosophy:

Sporty styling for its segment, affordability

Interior Design:

Driver-centric dashboard, practical seating arrangements

Value Proposition:

Offering a stylish and relatively peppy compact car at an attractive price point.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas

Trim Levels Covered:

All trims including Base, GT, SE, and Convertible (if applicable)

Page Count

Estimated Pages:

Approx. 150-200 pages (typical for a 1996 owner's manual)

Manual Type

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language

Language:

English

Format

Format:

Electronic (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered

Powertrain:

Engine operation, fluid checks, basic maintenance

Chassis:

Braking system, steering system, suspension system operation

Electrical:

Lighting systems, instrument cluster, warning indicators, basic fuse identification

Comfort Convenience:

HVAC controls, power windows, door locks, audio system operation

Safety Security:

Seat belt usage, airbag system information, child restraint systems, anti-theft features

Procedures Included

Routine Maintenance:

Checking and topping up fluids (oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure checks, bulb replacement guidance

Troubleshooting:

Interpretation of dashboard warning lights, basic on-road troubleshooting tips

Operation:

Starting and driving, parking brake, gear selection, fuel door release

Technical Depth

Depth:

Focuses on user operation, basic maintenance, and safety. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or component-level repair instructions.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format

File Type:

Portable Document Format (PDF)

Searchable Text:

Likely contains searchable text for easy navigation of topics

Print Quality

Reproducibility:

High resolution for clear reading and printing

Binding Type

Binding:

N/A (Digital format)

Paper Type

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine

Engine Code:

Engine Type:

Inline 4-cylinder

Displacement:

2.4 Liters (2398 cc)

Valve Mechanism:

DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 16 Valves

Bore X Stroke:

Approx. 90.0 mm x 94.0 mm

Performance

Horsepower:

150 hp @ 5600 rpm (estimated, may vary slightly)

Torque:

155 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm (estimated, may vary slightly)

Fuel System

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane (minimum)

Engine Management

ECM Type:

GM P400 Powertrain Control Module (PCM)

🔧 Transmission

Standard

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic Overdrive

Optional

Transmission Type:

5-Speed Manual (often standard on lower trims or optional)

Features

Automatic Features:

Electronically controlled, lock-up torque converter

Fluid Specifications

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron-III (or equivalent)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

GM Synchromesh Manual Transmission Fluid (or equivalent API GL-4, SAE 75W-90)

📐 Dimensions

Exterior

Length:

Approx. 174.5 inches (Coupe) / 179.5 inches (Sedan)

Width:

Approx. 67.5 inches

Height:

Approx. 53.7 inches (Coupe) / 55.1 inches (Sedan)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 101.3 inches

Front Track:

Approx. 57.7 inches

Rear Track:

Approx. 57.5 inches

Cargo

Trunk Volume:

Approx. 12.3 cubic feet (Coupe) / 13.7 cubic feet (Sedan)

Weights

Curb Weight:

Approx. 2700 - 2900 lbs (depending on body style and equipment)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 3800 lbs

Wheels Tires

Standard Tire Size:

P185/70R14 (Base/SE), P195/60R15 (GT)

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5 x 100 mm

Wheel Size:

14 x 5.5J (Base/SE), 15 x 6J (GT)

🛡️ Safety Features

Ratings

NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:

4/5 Stars (1996 data may be limited or estimates)

NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:

4/5 Stars (1996 data may be limited or estimates)

IIHS Crash Test Ratings:

Not extensively rated by IIHS for this specific model year, but generally considered average for its class and era.

Active Features

Optional on SE/GT, standard on some higher trims/packages

Traction Control:

Rarely available on this model year

Passive Features

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags

Seatbelts:

Three-point active front seat belts, three-point rear seat belts

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH system not standard; seat belt mounting for child seats

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player

Speaker Configuration:

Typically 4 or 6 speakers

Driver Assistance

Cruise Control:

Optional on most trims

Connectivity

Aux Input:

Not available from factory; aftermarket solutions may exist

Climate Control

HVAC System:

Manual heating and air conditioning controls

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic blend or full synthetic oil)

Engine Coolant Change:

Every 30,000 miles or 2 years

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approx. 100,000 miles (with platinum-tipped spark plugs)

Drive Belt Inspection:

Every 15,000 miles

Fluid Specifications

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter (LD9 engine)

Engine Oil Viscosity:

5W-30 (preferred for most conditions), 10W-30 (acceptable in warmer climates)

Coolant Type:

GM P/N 10528474 (Blue) or equivalent Dex-Cool compatible antifreeze (50/50 mix with distilled water)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Known Issues

Engine Mounts:

Can wear prematurely, leading to vibration and clunking noises

Intake Manifold Gasket:

Potential for coolant leaks on the LD9 engine

Power Steering Pump:

Can develop leaks or whine

Window Regulators:

Prone to failure, especially on coupes

Headliner Sagging:

Common interior issue due to adhesive failure

Tire Inflation Pressure

Recommended Front Rear:

30 PSI (Check driver's side door jamb sticker for exact specifications)

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage

Pontiac Brand:

Known for performance-oriented models and a sportier image within GM.

Model Evolution

Sunfire Introduction:

Replaced the Pontiac Firebird in GM's lineup as a compact sporty car, sharing platform with Chevrolet Cavalier.

J Body Platform:

Shared with Chevrolet Cavalier, Oldsmobile Achieva, Buick Skylark, and Cadillac Cimarrón. This generation of J-body was well-established.

Production

Manufacturing Location:

General Motors assembly plants in North America (e.g., Lordstown, Ohio; Lansing, Michigan)

Production Years:

1995-2005

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions

Industry Awards:

Generally not a recipient of major industry awards, positioned as a value-oriented compact.

Ratings

Consumer Reports Typical Ratings:

Often rated as average to below average in reliability and owner satisfaction compared to segment leaders from Honda and Toyota for this era.