Fiero articles and troubleshooting

These are some Fiero related articles I've written, you may enjoy them or find them useful:


Installing a Firebird BCM in the Fiero
While the Fiero design is timeless, one thing that really makes a difference compared to modern cars is the lack of comfort functions. Adding a Firebird Body Control Module adds remote keyless entry and much more while still maintaining the stock look. Read more...
Adding an autodim mirror
One upgrade that's really simple to do and makes your car feel years younger is the addition of an autodimming rearview mirror, possibly with compass and/or outside temperature display. Read more...
Upgrading to Digital Cruise Control
The Fiero's vacuum operated cruise control is prone to failures and hard to diagnose. But installing a modern, electrically operated cruise control is easier than it sounds. Read more...
C100 information
C100 is the front bulkhead connector that connects all electrical circuits in the front compartment to the passenger compartment. If you want to add or change anything, it's highly useful to have all information in one place. Read more...
Upgrading headlights to HID or H7
It's simple to upgrade to HID or H7 headlights, but keeping high and low beams on at the same time takes some rewiring. Read more...
88 Fan Relay Upgrade
The 84-87 fan relay is unreliable by design. Upgrading to the superior 1988 fan relay design is cheap insurance against getting stranded. Read more...
V6 Trouble Code Guide
If the "Service Engine Soon" light comes on, the ECM has detected some kind of problem. This trouble code list for the 85-88 V6 lists all trouble codes and helps you get back on the road. Read more...
Cruise control troubleshooting
The cruise control seems to be non-operational on about 50% of all Fieros on the road. But troubleshooting is not as overwhelming as it may seem at first, and with a little help from this article, you can fix your cruise as well. Read more...
Digital Cruise Tester
Installing a digital cruise module from a 90's GM vehicle has become a popular upgrade for the Fiero. Having a plug-in tester can greatly simplify troubleshooting. Read more...
How to use a scantool
If you have a Fiero, chances are you own some sort of scantool as well. But what do all the readings mean? How can it help you to diagnose engine problems? Read more...
Distributor Rebuild: easy as pie!
At one time or another, every V6 Fiero owner will face the task of rebuilding the distributor. The job is not as hard as it seems, and to aid you if you're a first time rebuilder, read this article. Read more...
Torque Converter Clutch solenoid repair
The symptoms for a bad TCC are obvious: If your car comes to a stop and the engine stalls, but restarts (in neutral), and immediately stalls again if you put it in drive, your TCC is shot. Read more...
Headlight system troubleshooting
This is a simple description of the Fiero headlight systems. I tried to be basic and point out the differences and common problem areas. Don't let your car be a "one eye up" Fiero. Read more...
Illustrated steering column disassembly
A rattling steering column is a common problem on most GM cars from the 80's, and the Fiero is no exception. This description shows you step by step how to disassemble your column and fix those bolts. Read more...
Adding a Low Coolant light
While browsing through the 87 Helms manual, I stumbled across the drawing of the instrument cluster showing that Pontiac obviously planned to add a low coolant indicator light to the Fiero. Want one too? Read more...
Special Tools for the Fiero
A lot of tasks on the Fiero absolutely require special tools, other times a job is a pain in the butt without the right tool. A lot of tools are available in the aisles of the various parts stores, but which ones are good and which ones are a waste of money? Read more...
Tach Filter Analysis
When my tach filter failed, curiosity made me disassemble and analyze the contents of the mystery can. The result was amazing, that thing is more complicated than it seems at first, and it's no wonder they fail sooner or later. Read more...
Delay wiper operation
No matter if you have a "phantom wipe" or other delay wiper related problem, this article may help you diagnose your problem. Read more...
Ignition system article
If you've always wondered how the ignition system really works, this one is for you. It is a simple explanation aimed at the beginner, and you may gain some insights you have not had before. Read more...
Mysterious electrical gremlins revisited
Many have blamed Pontiac of making the Fiero a car that is known for its share of electrical problems. So far there has only been empirical evidence for this in the form of unexplicable electrical phenomena, but this article proves a few of the screwups the Fiero engineers came up with probably on friday afternoons. Read more...
Speedometer operation explained
If you have wondered how the Fiero speedo system works, wonder no more. Read this article and your questions should be answered. Hopefully. Read more...
Subwoofer system
No matter if your subwoofer makes a popping sound or buzzes, it can probably be fixed, and cheaply too. Read this article on how to recone your speaker or have it reconed, and how you can fix a bad sub amp. Read more...
Complete electrical "Pre-Flight" checks
Whether you're buying a "new" Fiero or going on an extended trip, whether you're a Fiero expert or a novice, you're never sure your Fiero is completely operational and all its circuits are functioning perfectly. This checklist can help you to spot a defective circuit you might otherwise miss. Read more...
VATS/Pass Key II resource
GM added the Vehicle Anti Theft System (VATS) to its fleet, and it can be added to the Fiero too! Read more...
4-speed shifter adjustment
Three of our four Fieros have the 4 speed transaxle, and each of them had shifting problems from day one. The adjustment described in this article may help your transaxle to shift more smoothly as well. Read more...
Tachometer reverse engineered
The information in this article can be used to troubleshoot or repair your tach if you have some knowledge of electronics, but it can also be used to modify or adjust your tach if you are doing an engine conversion or try to put a backlit V6 tach into an L4 or other car. Read more...
A list of Fiero model kits
I tried to find all Fiero kits ever made - this is my list, complete with pictures of the boxes for reference. If you know one that's not listed here: please let me know! Read more...


If you want to reprint any of these articles in a newsletter or magazine, please do so, but please email me about it and mail me a copy of the issue. Thanks!

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