overheating PONTIAC TORRENT 2009 Owners Manual

I (Intermediate):This position is also used for normal
driving. However, it reduces vehicle speed without
using the brakes for slight downgrades where the vehicle
would otherwise accelerate due to steepness of grade.
If constant upshifting or downshifting occurs while
driving up steep hills, this position can be used to
prevent repetitive types of shifts. You might choose
I (Intermediate) instead of D (Drive) when driving on hilly,
winding roads and when towing a trailer, so that there is
less shifting between gears.
L (Low):This position reduces vehicle speed more
than I (Intermediate) without actually using the brakes.
You can use it on very steep hills, or in deep snow
or mud. If the shift lever is placed in L (Low), the
transmission will not shift into L (Low) until the
vehicle is going slowly enough.
Notice:Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle in
one place on a hill using only the accelerator pedal
may damage the transmission. The repair will not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. If you are stuck, do
not spin the tires. When stopping on a hill, use the
brakes to hold the vehicle in place.Transmission Overheating
If the transmission uid temperature rises above
284°F (140°C) or rises rapidly, the Engine Coolant
Temperature Warning Light will ash. SeeEngine
Coolant Temperature Warning Light on page 3-32for
more information. When the transmission overheats it will
go into a protection mode and will default shift into fth
gear if in the D (Drive) position, or second gear if in the
L (Low) position. Continue driving the vehicle in either
position depending on the required vehicle speed and
load. Once the uid temperature lowers to the normal
temperature range, the transmission will return to the
normal shift patterns. Towing or driving on long hills can
cause the transmission uid temperature to be higher
than normal. If the transmission uid temperature will
not cool, you may need to pull over and check the
transmission uid level. You should also check the
engine coolant temperature. If it is hot, seeEngine
Overheating on page 5-28.
2-26

In manual shift mode all six forward gears can be
selected.
While using the MSM (Manual Shift Mode) feature
the vehicle will have operation similar to a manual
transmission. You can use this for sport driving or when
driving hilly roads to stay in gear longer or to downshift
for more power or engine braking.
The transmission will only allow you to shift into gears
appropriate for the vehicle speed:
The transmission will not automatically shift to the
next higher gear without moving the shift lever.
The transmission will not allow shifting to the next
lower gear if the vehicle speed is too high.
If the vehicle does not respond to a gear change, or
detects a problem with the transmission, the range
of gears may be reduced and the Malfunction Indicator
Lamp will come on. SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp
on page 3-34.
Transmission Overheating
If the transmission uid temperature rises above
270°F (132°C) or rises rapidly, the Engine Coolant
Temperature Warning Light will ash. SeeEngine
Coolant Temperature Warning Light on page 3-32for
more information. When the transmission overheats it
will go into a protection mode and will default into a
different shift sequence to help cool the transmission
uid. This shift sequence is the same for both D (Drive)
position and manual mode. Continue driving the vehicle
in either position depending on the required vehicle
speed and load. Once the uid temperature lowers to the
normal temperature range, the transmission will return to
the normal shift patterns. Towing or driving on long hills
can cause the transmission uid temperature to be higher
than normal. If the transmission uid temperature will
not cool, you may need to pull over and check the
transmission uid level. You should also check the
engine coolant temperature. If it is hot, seeEngine
Overheating on page 5-28.
2-30

Accessory Power Outlet(s)
The accessory power outlets can be used to connect
electrical equipment, such as a cellular phone.
The two accessory power outlets are located in the front
and at the rear of the center console storage area.
To use the outlets, remove the cover. When not in use,
always cover the outlet with the protective cap.
Notice:If electrical devices are left plugged into
a power outlet, the battery may drain causing the
vehicle not to start or damage to the battery. This
would not be covered by the warranty. Always unplug
all electrical devices when turning off the vehicle.
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/retailer for additional
information on the accessory power outlet.
Notice:Adding any electrical equipment to the
vehicle can damage it or keep other components
from working as they should. The repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not
use equipment exceeding maximum amperage
rating of 20 amperes. Check with your dealer/
retailer 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 the 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.
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter
For vehicles with a removable ashtray and cigarette
lighter, the ashtray can be placed into the front console
cupholders.
To use the lighter, push it in all the way and let go.
When it is ready, it pops back out by itself.
Notice:Holding a cigarette lighter in while it is
heating will not allow the lighter to back away from
the heating element when it is hot. Damage from
overheating may occur to the lighter or heating
element, or a fuse could be blown. Do not hold a
cigarette lighter in while it is heating. Do not use
equipment exceeding maximum amperage rating
of 15 amperes.
Notice:If papers, pins, or other ammable items
are put in the ashtray, hot cigarettes or other
smoking materials could ignite them and possibly
damage the vehicle. Never put ammable items in
the ashtray.
3-18

Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light
Your vehicle has a
Traction Control System
(TCS) and StabiliTrak
®
warning light.
When the traction control is activated the light will
ash when the TCS is limiting wheel spin or when the
StabiliTrak
®system is active. You may feel or hear the
system working, but this is normal. This light may also
come on after extended heavy braking indicating the
brakes have become too hot to limit wheel spin.
This light will come on and stay on if the TCS is turned
off using the traction control on/off button, located
next to the gear shift lever.
If the TCS warning light comes on and stays on for an
extended period of time when the system is turned on,
your vehicle needs service. SeeTraction Control System
(TCS) on page 4-7andStabiliTrak
®System on page 4-6
for more information.
Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light
The engine coolant
temperature warning light
will come on when the
engine has overheated.
If this happens you should pull over and turn off the
engine as soon as possible. SeeEngine Overheating
on page 5-28for more information.
Notice:Driving with the engine coolant temperature
warning light on could cause the vehicle to overheat.
SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-28. The vehicle’s
engine could be damaged, and it might not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Never drive with
the engine coolant temperature warning light on.
3-32

Service All-Wheel Drive Light
This light is located in the
center of your instrument
panel cluster.
This light and the SERVICE ALL WHEEL DRIVE
message in the Driver Information Center (DIC) will
come on and stay on to indicate that there may be a
problem with the drive system and service is required.
SeeAll-Wheel Drive (AWD) System on page 4-8
andDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-49
for more information.
All-Wheel Drive Disabled Light
This light will come on
when the rear drive system
is overheating.
An ALL WHEEL DRIVE OFF message will appear in the
Driver Information Center (DIC) too. This light will turn off
when the rear drive system cools down. If this light stays
on for a while, you need to reset the light. To reset the
light, turn the ignition off and then back on again. If the
light stays on, see your dealer/retailer right away.
SeeAll-Wheel Drive on page 5-41andDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 3-49for more information.
3-39

DIC Warnings and Messages
Messages are displayed on the DIC to notify the driver
that the status of the vehicle has changed and that
some action may be needed by the driver to correct
the condition. Multiple messages may appear one
after another.
Some messages may not require immediate action,
but you can press the set/reset button to acknowledge
that you received the messages and to clear them from
the display. Pressing any of the DIC buttons also
acknowledge and clear any messages.
Some messages cannot be cleared from the DIC
display because they are more urgent. These messages
require action before they can be cleared. You should
take any messages that appear on the display seriously
and remember that clearing the messages will only
make the messages disappear, not correct the problem.
The following are the possible messages that can be
displayed and some information about them.
ALL WHEEL DRIVE OFF
If your vehicle has the All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system,
this message displays along with the All-Wheel Drive
Disabled light when the rear drive system is overheating.
This message turns off when the rear drive system cools
down. If the warning message stays on for a while, you
need to reset the warning message. To reset the warning
message, turn the ignition off and then back on again.
If the message stays on, see your dealer/retailer right
away. SeeAll-Wheel Drive (AWD) System on page 4-8
andAll-Wheel Drive Disabled Light on page 3-39for
more information.
BATTERY SAVER ACTIVE
This message displays when the charging system
detects that the battery is being drained. You may notice
that the vehicle attempts to reduce the drain for you
by turning off accessories, such as interior fans, rear
defogger, and heated seats. Turn off all accessories.
If the vehicle is not running, start and run the engine
for at least 10 minutes to allow the battery to recharge.
If the engine is running and the condition persists, see
your dealer/retailer. SeeElectric Power Management
on page 3-16for more information.
3-49

ENGINE HOT A/C
(Air Conditioning) OFF
This message displays when the engine coolant
becomes hotter than the normal operating temperature.
To avoid added strain on a hot engine, the air
conditioning compressor is automatically turned off.
When the coolant temperature returns to normal,
the A/C operation automatically resumes. You can
continue to drive your vehicle.
ENGINE OVERHEATD (Overheated)
IDLE ENGINE
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the engine
is overheating, severe engine damage may occur.
If an overheat warning appears on the instrument
panel cluster and/or DIC, stop the vehicle as soon as
possible. Do not increase the engine speed above
normal idling speed. SeeEngine Overheating
on page 5-28for more information.
This message displays when the engine coolant
temperature is too hot. Stop and allow the vehicle to
idle until it cools down.
ENGINE OVRHEATD (Overheated)
STOP ENGINE
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the engine
is overheating, severe engine damage may occur.
If an overheat warning appears on the instrument
panel cluster and/or DIC, stop the vehicle as soon
as possible. SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-28
for more information.
This message displays along with a continuous chime
when the engine has overheated. Stop and turn the
engine off immediately to avoid severe engine damage.
SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-28.
ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED
This message displays when the vehicle’s engine
power is reduced. Reduced engine power can affect
the vehicle’s ability to accelerate. If this message is on,
but there is no reduction in performance, proceed to your
destination. The performance may be reduced the next
time the vehicle is driven. The vehicle may be driven at a
reduced speed while this message is on, but acceleration
and speed may be reduced. Anytime this message stays
on, the vehicle should be taken to your dealer/retailer for
service as soon as possible.
3-51

The All-Wheel Drive
Disabled Light comes on
along with the ALL WHEEL
DRIVE OFF message
when the rear drive system
is overheating.
This light will turn off when the rear drive system cools
down. If this light stays on, it must be reset. To reset
the light, turn the ignition off and then back on again.
If the light stays on, see your dealer/retailer for service.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-49for
more information.Steering
Electric Power Steering
(3.4L V6 Engine)
If the engine stalls while driving, the power steering
assist system will continue to operate until you are able
to stop the vehicle. If power steering assist is lost
because the electric power steering system is not
functioning, the vehicle can be steered but it will take
more effort.
If you turn the steering wheel in either direction several
times until it stops, or hold the steering wheel in the
stopped position for an extended amount of time, you
may notice a reduced amount of power steering assist.
The normal amount of power steering assist should return
shortly after a few normal steering movements.
The electric power steering system does not require
regular maintenance. If you suspect steering system
problems, such as abnormally high steering effort for a
prolonged period of time, contact your dealer/retailer
for service repairs.
4-9

Making Turns
Notice:Making very sharp turns while trailering
could cause the trailer to come in contact with the
vehicle. The vehicle could be damaged. Avoid
making very sharp turns while trailering.
When turning with a trailer, make wider turns than
normal. Do this so the trailer will not strike soft
shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees or other objects.
Avoid jerky or sudden maneuvers. Signal well in
advance.
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
The arrows on the instrument panel ash whenever
signaling a turn or lane change. Properly hooked up, the
trailer lamps also ash, telling other drivers the vehicle
is turning, changing lanes or stopping.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on the instrument
panel ash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer
are burned out. For this reason you may think other
drivers are seeing the signal when they are not.
It is important to check occasionally to be sure the
trailer bulbs are still working.
Driving On Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gearbeforestarting
down a long or steep downgrade. If the transmission is
not shifted down, the brakes might have to be used so
much that they would get hot and no longer work well.
On a long uphill grade, shift down and reduce the
vehicle’s speed to around 45 mph (70 km/h) to reduce
the possibility of the engine and the transmission
overheating.
Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). Shift the transmission to
a lower gear if the transmission shifts too often under
heavy loads and/or hilly conditions.
When towing at high altitude on steep uphill grades,
consider the following: Engine coolant will boil at a lower
temperature than at normal altitudes. If the engine is
turned off immediately after towing at high altitude on
steep uphill grades, the vehicle may show signs similar to
engine overheating. To avoid this, let the engine run while
parked, preferably on level ground, with the automatic
transmission in P (Park) for a few minutes before turning
the engine off. If the overheat warning comes on, see
Engine Overheating on page 5-28.
4-39

Parking on Hills
{CAUTION:
Parking the vehicle on a hill with the trailer
attached can be dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move. People can be
injured, and both the vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. When possible, always park the rig on a
at surface.
If parking the rig on a hill:
1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park)
yet. Turn the wheels into the curb if facing downhill
or into traffic if facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer
wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the
regular brakes until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking
brake and shift into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal while you:
Start the engine
Shift into a gear
Release the parking brake
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the
chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
The vehicle needs service more often when pulling a
trailer. See this manual’s Maintenance Schedule
or Index for more information. Things that are especially
important in trailer operation are automatic transmission
uid, engine oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling system
and brake system. It is a good idea to inspect
these before and during the trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
The cooling system may temporarily overheat during
severe operating conditions. SeeEngine Overheating on
page 5-28.
4-40