phone PONTIAC TORRENT 2006 Owners Manual

Adding Equipment to Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Q:Is there anything I might add to the front
or sides of the vehicle that could keep the
airbags from working properly?
A:Yes. If you add things that change your vehicle’s
frame, bumper system, front end or side sheet
metal or height, they may keep the airbag system
from working properly. Also, the airbag system may
not work properly if you relocate any of the airbag
sensors. If you have any questions about this,
you should contact Customer Assistance before
you modify your vehicle. The phone numbers
and addresses for Customer Assistance are in
Step Two of the Customer Satisfaction Procedure
in this manual. SeeCustomer Satisfaction
Procedure on page 7-2.
Restraint System Check
Checking the Restraint Systems
Now and then, make sure the safety belt reminder
light and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors
and anchorages are working properly. Look for any
other loose or damaged safety belt system parts.
If you see anything that might keep a safety belt
system from doing its job, have it repaired.
Torn or frayed safety belts may not protect you in a
crash. They can rip apart under impact forces. If a belt
is torn or frayed, get a new one right away.
Also look for any opened or broken airbag covers, and
have them repaired or replaced. (The airbag system
does not need regular maintenance.)
Notice:If you damage the covering for the driver’s
or the right front passenger’s airbag, or the side
impact airbag covering (if equipped) on the ceiling
near the side windows, the airbag may not work
properly. You may have to replace the airbag
module in the steering wheel, both the airbag
module and the instrument panel for the right front
passenger’s airbag, or side impact airbag module
and ceiling covering for roof-mounted side impact
airbags (if equipped.) Do not open or break the
airbag coverings.
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OnStar®Services
For new vehicles equipped with OnStar®, the Safe
and Sound Plan is included for one year from the date
of purchase. You can extend this plan beyond the
rst year, or upgrade to the Directions and Connections
®
Plan to meet your needs. For more information, press
the OnStar®button to speak to an advisor.
Safe and Sound Plan

Automatic Notication of Airbag Deployment
Emergency Services
Roadside Assistance
Stolen Vehicle Tracking
AccidentAssist
Remote Door Unlock/Vehicle Alert
Remote Diagnostics
Online Concierge
Directions and Connections®Plan

All Safe and Sound Plan Services
Driving Directions
RideAssist
Information and Convenience Services
OnStar®Personal Calling
As an OnStar®subscriber, the Personal Calling
capability allows you to make hands-free calls using a
wireless system that is integrated into the vehicle. Calls
can be placed nationwide using simple voice commands
with no additional contracts and no additional roaming
charges. To nd out more about OnStar
®Personal
Calling, refer to the OnStar®User’s Guide in the vehicle’s
glove box, visit www.onstar.com or www.onstar.ca, or
speak to an OnStar
®advisor by pressing the OnStar®
button or calling 1-888-4-ONSTAR (1-888-466-7827).
OnStar®Virtual Advisor
Your vehicle may have Virtual Advisor. It is a feature
of OnStar®Personal Calling that uses minutes to
access weather, local traffic reports, and stock quotes.
By pressing the phone button and giving a few simple
voice commands, you can browse through the
various topics. Customize your information prole at
www.myonstar.com. See the OnStar
®User’s Guide
for more information.
2-33

Battery Run-Down Protection
Your vehicle has a battery saver feature designed to
protect your vehicle’s battery.
When any interior lamp is left on and the ignition is
turned off, the battery rundown protection system will
automatically turn the lamp off after 20 minutes. This will
avoid draining the battery. If the radio is on, it will turn
off after 10 minutes or if any door on the vehicle is
opened. SeeRetained Accessory Power (RAP)
on page 2-17.
Accessory Power Outlet(s)
The accessory power outlets can be used to connect
electrical equipment such as a cellular phone or
CB radio.
The accessory power outlets are located in front of the
center console storage area, at the rear of the center
console, and in the rear cargo area.
To use the outlets, remove the cover. When not in use,
always cover the outlet with the protective cap.
Notice:Leaving electrical equipment on for
extended periods will drain the battery. Always turn
off electrical equipment when not in use and do
not plug in equipment that exceeds the maximum
amperage rating.Certain electrical accessories may not be compatible
with the accessory power outlets and could result
in blown vehicle or adapter fuses. If you experience a
problem, see your dealer for additional information
on the accessory power outlet.
Notice:Adding any electrical equipment to your
vehicle may damage it or keep other components
from working as they should. The repairs would not
be covered by your warranty. Do not use equipment
exceeding maximum amperage rating. Check
with your dealer before adding electrical equipment.
When adding electrical equipment, be sure to follow
the installation instructions included with the equipment.
Notice:Improper use of the power outlet can cause
damage not covered by your warranty. Do not hang
any type of accessory or accessory bracket from
the plug because the power outlets are designed for
accessory power plugs only.
The accessory power outlets can use equipment with
a maximum amperage rating up to 14. However,
at 14 amperage, there is a potential to drain the battery.
Extended use of the auxiliary power outlets or large
current draws may drain the battery and/or shorten
battery life.
3-18

{CAUTION:
This system provides you with a far greater
access to audio stations and song listings.
Giving extended attention to entertainment
tasks while driving can cause a crash and you
or others can be injured or killed. Always keep
your eyes on the road and your mind on the
drive — avoid engaging in extended searching
while driving.
Keeping your mind on the drive is important for safe
driving. For more information, seeDefensive Driving
on page 4-2.
Here are some ways in which you can help avoid
distraction while driving.
While your vehicle is parked:
Familiarize yourself with all of its controls.
Familiarize yourself with its operation.
Set up your audio system by presetting your favorite
radio stations, setting the tone, and adjusting the
speakers. Then, when driving conditions permit, you
can tune to your favorite radio stations using the
presets and steering wheel controls (if equipped).Notice:Before adding any sound equipment to
your vehicle, such as an audio system, CD player,
CB radio, mobile telephone, or two-way radio, make
sure that it can be added by checking with your
dealer. Also, check federal rules covering mobile
radio and telephone units. If sound equipment
can be added, it is very important to do it properly.
Added sound equipment may interfere with the
operation of your vehicle’s engine, radio, or other
systems, and even damage them. Your vehicle’s
systems may interfere with the operation of sound
equipment that has been added.
Notice:The chime signals related to safety
belts, parking brake, and other functions of your
vehicle operate through the GM radio/entertainment
system. If that equipment is replaced or additional
equipment is added to your vehicle, the chimes may
not work. Make sure that replacement or additional
equipment is compatible with your vehicle before
installing it. SeeAccessories and Modifications
on page 5-3.
Your vehicle has a feature called Retained Accessory
Power (RAP). With RAP, the audio system can
be played even after the ignition is turned off.
SeeRetained Accessory Power (RAP) on page 2-17
for more information.
3-39

RDS Messages
ALERT!:Alert warns of local or national emergencies.
When an alert announcement comes on the current
radio station, ALERT! will appear on the display. You will
hear the announcement, even if the volume is low or
a CD is playing. If a CD is playing, play will stop during
the announcement. Alert announcements cannot be
turned off.
ALERT! will not be affected by tests of the emergency
broadcast system. This feature is not supported by
all RDS stations.
MSG (Message):If the current station has a message,
MSG will appear on the display. Press this button to
see the message. The message may display the artist,
song title, call in phone numbers, etc.
If the entire message is not displayed, parts of the
message will appear every three seconds. To scroll
through the message, press and release the MSG
button. A new group of words will appear on the display
after every press of the button. Once the complete
message has been displayed, MSG will disappear from
the display until another new message is received.The last message can be displayed by pressing the
MSG button. You can view the last message until a new
message is received or a different station is tuned to.
When a message is not available from a station,
NO MESSAGE AVAIL will appear on the display.
Radio Messages
CALIBRATE:The audio system has been calibrated
for your vehicle from the factory. If CALIBRATE appears
on the display, it means that the radio has not been
congured properly for your vehicle and must be
returned to the dealer for service.
LOCKED:This message is displayed when the
THEFTLOCK
®system has locked up. Take the vehicle
to the dealer for service.
If any error occurs repeatedly or if an error cannot
be corrected, contact your dealer.
3-45

RDS Messages
ALERT!:Alert warns of local or national emergencies.
When an alert announcement comes on the current
radio station, ALERT! will appear on the display. You will
hear the announcement, even if the volume is low or
a CD is playing. If a CD is playing, play will stop during
the announcement. Alert announcements cannot be
turned off.
ALERT! will not be affected by tests of the emergency
broadcast system. This feature is not supported by
all RDS stations.
MSG (Message):If the current station has a message,
MSG will appear on the display. Press this button to
see the message. The message may display the artist,
song title, call in phone numbers, etc.
If the entire message is not displayed, parts of the
message will appear every three seconds. To scroll
through the message, press and release the MSG
button. A new group of words will appear on the display
after every press of this button. Once the complete
message has been displayed, MSG will disappear from
the display until another new message is received.The last message can be displayed by pressing
the MSG button. You can view the last message
until a new message is received or a different station
is tuned to.
When a message is not available from a station,
NO MESSAGE AVAIL will appear on the display
Radio Messages
CALIBRATE:The audio system has been calibrated
for your vehicle from the factory. If CALIBRATE appears
on the display it means that the radio has not been
congured properly for your vehicle and it must
be returned to the dealer for service.
LOCKED:This message is displayed when the
THEFTLOCK
®system has locked up. Take your vehicle
to the dealer for service.
If any error occurs repeatedly or if an error cannot be
corrected, contact your dealer.
3-55

RDS Messages
ALERT!:Alert warns of local or national emergencies.
When an alert announcement comes on the current
radio station, ALERT! will appear on the display. You will
hear the announcement, even if the volume is low or
a CD is playing. If a CD is playing, play will stop during
the announcement. Alert announcements cannot be
turned off.
ALERT! will not be affected by tests of the emergency
broadcast system. This feature is not supported by
all RDS stations.
MSG (Message):If the current station has a message,
MSG will appear on the display. Press this button to
see the message. The message may display the artist,
song title, call in phone numbers, etc.
If the entire message is not displayed, parts of the
message will appear every three seconds. To scroll
through the message, press and release the MSG
button. A new group of words will appear on the display
after every press of this button. Once the complete
message has been displayed, MSG will disappear from
the display until another new message is received.The last message can be displayed by pressing the
MSG button. You can view the last message until a new
message is received or a different station is tuned to.
When a message is not available from a station,
NO MESSAGE AVAIL will appear on the display.
Radio Messages
CALIBRATE:The audio system has been calibrated
for your vehicle from the factory. If CALIBRATE appears
on the display it means that the radio has not been
congured properly for the vehicle and it must be
returned to the dealer for service.
LOCKED:This message is displayed when the
THEFTLOCK
®system has locked up. Take your vehicle
to the dealer for service.
If any error occurs repeatedly or if an error cannot be
corrected, contact your dealer.
3-70

Radio Reception
You may experience frequency interference and
static during normal radio reception if items such as
cellphone chargers, vehicle convenience accessories,
and external electronic devices are plugged into
the accessory power outlet. If there is interference or
static, unplug the item from the accessory power outlet.
AM
The range for most AM stations is greater than for
FM, especially at night. The longer range can cause
station frequencies to interfere with each other.
For better radio reception, most AM radio stations
will boost the power levels during the day, and then
reduce these levels during the night. Static can
also occur when things like storms and power lines
interfere with radio reception. When this happens,
try reducing the treble on your radio.
FM Stereo
FM stereo will give the best sound, but FM signals
will reach only about 10 to 40 miles (16 to 65 km).
Tall buildings or hills can interfere with FM signals,
causing the sound to fade in and out.
XM™ Satellite Radio Service
XM™ Satellite Radio Service gives digital radio
reception from coast-to-coast in the 48 contiguous
United States, and in Canada (if available). Just as
with FM, tall buildings or hills can interfere with satellite
radio signals, causing the sound to fade in and out.
In addition, traveling or standing under heavy foliage,
bridges, garages, or tunnels may cause loss of the
XM™ signal for a period of time. The radio may display
NO SIGNAL to indicate interference.
Care of Your CDs
Handle CDs carefully. Store them in their original
cases or other protective cases and away from direct
sunlight and dust. The CD player scans the bottom
surface of the disc. If the surface of a CD is damaged,
such as cracked, broken, or scratched, the CD will
not play properly or not at all. If the surface of a CD is
soiled, take a soft, lint free cloth or dampen a clean,
soft cloth in a mild, neutral detergent solution mixed
with water, and clean it. Make sure the wiping process
starts from the center to the edge.
Do not touch the bottom side of a CD while handling
it; this could damage the surface. Pick up CDs by
grasping the outer edges or the edge of the hole and
the outer edge.
3-80

The heavier the rain, the harder it is to see. Even if
your windshield wiper blades are in good shape, a heavy
rain can make it harder to see road signs and traffic
signals, pavement markings, the edge of the road,
and even people walking.
It is wise to keep your wiping equipment in good shape
and keep your windshield washer uid reservoir lled
with washer uid. Replace your windshield wiper inserts
when they show signs of streaking or missing areas
on the windshield, or when strips of rubber start
to separate from the inserts.
{CAUTION:
Wet brakes can cause accidents. They will not
work as well in a quick stop and may cause
pulling to one side. You could lose control
of the vehicle.
After driving through a large puddle of water
or a car wash, apply your brake pedal lightly
until your brakes work normally.Driving too fast through large water puddles or even
going through some car washes can cause problems,
too. The water may affect your brakes. Try to avoid
puddles. But if you cannot, try to slow down before
you hit them.
Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous. So much water can build
up under your tires that they can actually ride on
the water. This can happen if the road is wet enough
and you are going fast enough. When your vehicle
is hydroplaning, it has little or no contact with the road.
Hydroplaning does not happen often. But it can if
your tires do not have much tread or if the pressure
in one or more is low. It can happen if a lot of water
is standing on the road. If you can see reections
from trees, telephone poles, or other vehicles, and
raindrops dimple the water’s surface, there could
be hydroplaning.
Hydroplaning usually happens at higher speeds.
There just is not a hard and fast rule about hydroplaning.
The best advice is to slow down when it is raining.
4-18

Customer Assistance and Information...............7-2
Customer Satisfaction Procedure......................7-2
Online Owner Center......................................7-4
Customer Assistance for Text
Telephone (TTY) Users................................7-4
Customer Assistance Offices............................7-4
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program................7-6
Roadside Assistance Program..........................7-6
Courtesy Transportation...................................7-8
Vehicle Data Collection and Event
Data Recorders.........................................7-10
Collision Damage Repair................................7-11Reporting Safety Defects................................7-14
Reporting Safety Defects to the
United States Government..........................7-14
Reporting Safety Defects to the
Canadian Government................................7-15
Reporting Safety Defects to
General Motors.........................................7-15
Service Publications Ordering
Information...............................................7-15
Section 7 Customer Assistance and Information
7-1