engine oil PONTIAC TORRENT 2009 Owners Manual

Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols that may be found on
the vehicle and what they mean. For more information
on the symbol, refer to the index.
9:Airbag Readiness Light
#:Air Conditioning
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
g:Audio Steering Wheel Controls or OnStar®
$:Brake System Warning Light
":Charging System
I:Cruise Control
B:Engine Coolant Temperature
O:Exterior Lamps
#:Fog Lamps
.:Fuel Gage
+:Fuses
i:Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
j:LATCH System Child Restraints
*:Malfunction Indicator Lamp
::Oil Pressure
}:Power
/:Remote Vehicle Start
>:Safety Belt Reminders
7:Tire Pressure Monitor
F:Traction Control
M:Windshield Washer Fluid
iv

The remote vehicle start feature will not operate if any
of the following occur:
The vehicle’s key is in the ignition.
The vehicle’s hood, liftgate or doors are not closed.
The hazard warning ashers are on.
There is an emission control system malfunction.
The engine coolant temperature is too high.
The oil pressure is low.
Two remote vehicle starts have already been used.
The maximum number of remote starts or remote
start attempts between ignition cycles with the key
is two.
The remote start feature may be disabled.
The system may be enabled or disabled through
the DIC. See “REMOTE START” underDIC
Vehicle Personalization on page 3-57for
additional information.
Vehicles that have the remote vehicle start feature
are shipped from the factory with the remote vehicle
start system enabled.
Remote Start Ready
If your vehicle does not have the remote vehicle start
feature, it may have the remote start ready feature.
This feature allows your dealer/retailer to add the
manufacturer’s remote vehicle start feature.
If your vehicle has the remote start ready feature, your
RKE transmitter will have extended range that will allow
you to lock or unlock your vehicle from approximately
195 feet (60 m) away.
See your dealer/retailer if you would like to add the
manufacturer’s remote vehicle start feature to your
vehicle.
2-9

Starting the Engine
Move the shift lever to P (Park) or N (Neutral). The
engine will not start in any other position. To restart
the engine when the vehicle is already moving, use
N (Neutral) only.
Notice:Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the
vehicle is moving. If you do, you could damage
the transmission. Shift to P (Park) only when
the vehicle is stopped.
Starting Procedure
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the
ignition to START. When the engine starts, let go of
the key. The idle speed will slow down as the engine
warms. Do not race the engine immediately after
starting it. Operate the engine and transmission
gently to allow the oil to warm up and lubricate all
moving parts.
The vehicle has a Computer-Controlled Cranking
System. This feature assists in starting the engine
and protects components. If the ignition key is turned
to the START position, and then released when the
engine begins cranking, the engine will continue
cranking for a few seconds or until the vehicle starts.If the engine does not start and the key is held in
START, cranking will be stopped after 15 seconds to
prevent cranking motor damage. To prevent gear
damage, this system also prevents cranking if the
engine is already running. Engine cranking can be
stopped by turning the ignition switch to the ACC/
ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF position.
Notice:Cranking the engine for long periods of
time, by returning the key to the START position
immediately after cranking has ended, can overheat
and damage the cranking motor, and drain the
battery. Wait at least 15 seconds between each try,
to let the cranking motor cool down.
2. If the engine does not start after 5-10 seconds,
especially in very cold weather (below 0°F or−18°C),
it could be ooded with too much gasoline. Try
pushing the accelerator pedal all the way to the oor
and holding it there as you hold the key in START
for up to a maximum of 15 seconds. Wait at least
15 seconds between each try, to allow the cranking
motor to cool down. When the engine starts, let go of
the key and accelerator. If the vehicle starts briey
but then stops again, repeat these steps. This clears
the extra gasoline from the engine. Do not race the
engine immediately after starting it. Operate the
engine and transmission gently until the oil warms
up and lubricates all moving parts.
2-22

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Horn .............................................................3-6
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-6
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-7
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-7
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-8
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-8
Windshield Wipers..........................................3-8
Windshield Washer.........................................3-9
Rear Window Wiper/Washer...........................3-10
Cruise Control..............................................3-10
Headlamps..................................................3-13
Headlamps on Reminder................................3-13
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................3-13
Automatic Headlamp System..........................3-14
Fog Lamps ..................................................3-14
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-15
Dome Lamp .................................................3-15
Entry Lighting...............................................3-15
Map Lamps .................................................3-16
Cargo Lamp.................................................3-16
Electric Power Management...........................3-16
Battery Run-Down Protection..........................3-17
Accessory Power Outlet(s).............................3-18
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter......................3-18Climate Controls............................................3-19
Climate Control System.................................3-19
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-23
Passenger Compartment Air Filter...................3-23
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-24
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-25
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-26
Trip Odometer..............................................3-26
Tachometer.................................................3-26
Safety Belt Reminders...................................3-27
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-28
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................3-29
Charging System Light..................................3-30
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-30
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light.....3-31
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light......3-32
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light......3-32
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-33
Tire Pressure Light.......................................3-33
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-34
Oil Pressure Light (US-Canada)......................3-36
Change Engine Oil Light................................3-37
Security Light...............................................3-37
Fog Lamp Light............................................3-37
Cruise Control Light......................................3-38
Reduced Engine Power Light.........................3-38
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs
Some state/provincial and local governments have or
might begin programs to inspect the emission control
equipment on the vehicle. Failure to pass this inspection
could prevent getting a vehicle registration.
Here are some things to know to help the vehicle pass
an inspection:
The vehicle will not pass this inspection if the check
engine light is on with the engine running, or if the
key is in ON/RUN and the light is not on.
The vehicle will not pass this inspection if the
OBD II (on-board diagnostic) system determines
that critical emission control systems have not been
completely diagnosed by the system. The vehicle
would be considered not ready for inspection.
This can happen if the battery has recently been
replaced or if the battery has run down. The
diagnostic system is designed to evaluate critical
emission control systems during normal driving.
This can take several days of routine driving. If this
has been done and the vehicle still does not pass the
inspection for lack of OBD II system readiness, your
dealer/retailer can prepare the vehicle for inspection.
Oil Pressure Light (US-Canada)
{CAUTION:
Do not keep driving if the oil pressure is low.
The engine can become so hot that it catches re.
Someone could be burned. Check the oil as soon
as possible and have the vehicle serviced.
Notice:Lack of proper engine oil maintenance
can damage the engine. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Always follow
the maintenance schedule in this manual for
changing engine oil.
3-36

This light comes on briey while starting the engine.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer. If the system is working normally
the indicator light then goes off.
If the light comes on and stays on, it means that oil
is not owing through the engine properly. The vehicle
could be low on oil and it might have some other system
problem.
Change Engine Oil Light
If this light comes on and stays on for 30 seconds,
it means that service is required for your vehicle.
A CHANGE OIL SOON message will appear on the
DIC. For more information seeDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 3-49.
After having the oil changed you will need to reset the
light. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-15, andScheduled
Maintenance on page 6-4for more information.
Security Light
For information regarding
this light and the vehicle’s
security system, see
Content Theft-Deterrent
on page 2-17, and
PASS-Key
®III+ Electronic
Immobilizer Operation on
page 2-18.
Fog Lamp Light
The fog lamp light comes
on when the fog lamps are
in use.
The light goes out when the fog lamps are turned off.
SeeFog Lamps on page 3-14for more information.
3-37

RANGE
Press the trip/fuel button until RANGE displays.
This display shows the approximate number of
remaining miles (mi) or kilometers (km) the vehicle
can be driven without refueling.
The fuel range estimate is based on an average of
the vehicle’s fuel economy over recent driving history
and the amount of fuel remaining in the fuel tank.
This estimate will change if driving conditions change.
For example, if driving in traffic and making frequent
stops, this display may read one number, but if
the vehicle is driven on a freeway, the number may
change even though the same amount of fuel is in the
fuel tank. This is because different driving conditions
produce different fuel economies. Generally, freeway
driving produces better fuel economy than city driving.
If your vehicle is low on fuel, the FUEL LEVEL LOW
message will be displayed. See “FUEL LEVEL LOW”
underDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-49
for more information.
Blank Display
This display shows no information.
Vehicle Information Menu Items
T
(Vehicle Information):Press this button to scroll
through the following displays:
OIL LIFE
Press the vehicle information button until OIL LIFE
REMAINING displays. This display shows an estimate
of the oil’s remaining useful life. If you see 99% OIL LIFE
REMAINING on the display, that means 99% of the
current oil life remains. The engine oil life system will alert
you to change the oil on a schedule consistent with your
driving conditions.
When the remaining oil life is low, the CHANGE
ENGINE OIL SOON message will appear on the display
along with the Change Engine Oil Light on the instrument
panel cluster. See “CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON” under
DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-49andChange
Engine Oil Light on page 3-37. You should change the
oil as soon as possible. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-15.
In addition to the engine oil life system monitoring the
oil life, additional maintenance is recommended in the
Maintenance Schedule in this manual. SeeScheduled
Maintenance on page 6-4for more information.
3-44

Remember, you must reset the OIL LIFE yourself
after each oil change. It will not reset itself. Also, be
careful not to reset the OIL LIFE accidentally at any
time other than when the oil has just been changed.
It cannot be reset accurately until the next oil change.
To reset the engine oil life system, seeEngine Oil
Life System on page 5-18.
UNITS
Press the vehicle information button until UNITS
displays. This display allows you to select between
English or Metric units of measurement. Once in this
display, press the set/reset button to select between
ENGLISH or METRIC units.
FRONT TIRES or REAR TIRES
The pressure for each tire can be viewed in the DIC.
The tire pressure will be shown in either pounds per
square inch (psi) or kilopascals (kPa). Press the vehicle
information button until the DIC displays FRONT TIRES
PSI (kPa) LF ## RF ##. Press the vehicle information
button again until the DIC displays REAR TIRES PSI
(kPa) LR ## RR ##.
If a low or high tire pressure condition is detected by
the system while driving, a message advising you
to check the pressure in a specic tire will appear inthe display. SeeInflation - Tire Pressure on page 5-55
andDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-49for
more information.
If the tire pressure display shows dashes instead of
a value, there may be a problem with your vehicle. If this
consistently occurs, see your dealer/retailer for service.
BATTERY
Press the vehicle information button until BATTERY
displays. This display shows the current battery voltage.
If the voltage is normal, the display will show NORMAL.
If the voltage is low or high, the display will show LOW or
HIGH. Your vehicle’s charging system regulates voltage
based on the state of the battery. The battery voltage
may uctuate when viewing this information on the DIC.
This is normal. SeeCharging System Light on page 3-30
for more information.
If there is a problem with the battery charging system,
the DIC will display SERVICE BATTERY CHARGING
SYSTEM. See “SERVICE BATTERY CHARGING
SYSTEM” underDIC Warnings and Messages on
page 3-49. Also, seeElectric Power Management
on page 3-16for more information.
3-45

CALIBRATING: DRIVE IN CIRCLES
This message displays when calibrating the compass.
Drive the vehicle in circles at less than 5 mph (8 km/h)
to complete the calibration. SeeDIC Compass on
page 3-47for more information.
CALIBRATION COMPLETE
This message displays when the compass calibration
is complete. SeeDIC Compass on page 3-47for
more information.
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
This message displays and the Change Engine Oil Light
in the instrument panel cluster turns on when service
is required for the vehicle. See your dealer/retailer.
SeeChange Engine Oil Light on page 3-37,Engine Oil
on page 5-15andScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4
for more information.
Acknowledging this message will not reset the OIL LIFE
REMAINING display. That must be done at the OIL LIFE
screen under the vehicle information menu. See “OIL
LIFE” underDIC Operation and Displays on page 3-42
andEngine Oil Life System on page 5-18for more
information.
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
This message displays when the pressure in one
or more of the vehicle’s tires needs to be checked.
This message also displays LEFT FRONT, RIGHT FRNT
(Front), LEFT REAR, or RIGHT REAR to indicate which
tire needs to be checked. You can receive more than
one tire pressure message at a time. To read the other
messages that may have been sent at the same time,
press the set/reset button. If a tire pressure message
appears on the DIC, stop as soon as you can. Have the
tire pressures checked and set to those shown on the
Tire Loading Information label. SeeTires on page 5-48,
Loading the Vehicle on page 4-20, andInflation - Tire
Pressure on page 5-55. The DIC also shows the tire
pressure values. SeeDIC Operation and Displays on
page 3-42. If the tire pressure is low, the low tire pressure
warning light comes on. SeeTire Pressure Light on
page 3-33.
DRIVER DOOR OPEN
This message displays when the driver door is not
closed properly. Close the door completely.
3-50

FUEL LEVEL LOW
This message displays and the Low Fuel Warning
Light in the instrument panel cluster comes on when
your vehicle is low on fuel. Rell the fuel tank as soon
as possible. SeeFuel Gage on page 3-41,Low Fuel
Warning Light on page 3-41, andFilling the Tank on
page 5-8for more information.
HOOD OPEN
This message displays on some vehicles when the
hood is not closed properly. Close the hood completely.
SeeHood Release on page 5-11.
ICE POSSIBLE DRIVE WITH CARE
This message displays when the outside air temperature
is cold enough to create icy road conditions. Adjust
your driving accordingly.
LIFTGATE OPEN
This message displays when the liftgate is not closed
completely. Close the liftgate completely. SeeLiftgate
on page 2-12.
OIL PRSSURE (Pressure) LOW STOP
ENGINE
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the engine
oil pressure is low, severe engine damage may
occur. If a low oil pressure warning appears on the
Driver Information Center (DIC), stop the vehicle
as soon as possible. Do not drive the vehicle until
the cause of the low oil pressure is corrected.
SeeEngine Oil on page 5-15for more information.
This message displays when the vehicle’s engine
oil pressure is low. The oil pressure light also appears
on the instrument panel cluster. SeeOil Pressure
Light (US-Canada) on page 3-36.
Stop the vehicle immediately, as engine damage can
result from driving a vehicle with low oil pressure.
Have the vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer as
soon as possible when this message is displayed.
PASSENGER DOOR FRONT/
REAR OPEN
This message displays when one or more of the
passenger doors are not closed properly. Close the
doors completely.
3-52