warning PONTIAC TORRENT 2009 Owners Manual

Seats and Restraint System............................. 1-1
Front Seats
............................................... 1-2
Rear Seats
..............................................1-10
Safety Belts
.............................................1-12
Child Restraints
.......................................1-31
Airbag System
.........................................1-55
Restraint System Check
............................1-70
Features and Controls..................................... 2-1
Keys
........................................................ 2-3
Doors and Locks
......................................2-10
Windows
.................................................2-14
Theft-Deterrent Systems
............................2-16
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
...........2-19
Mirrors
....................................................2-36
OnStar
®System
......................................2-38
Storage Areas
.........................................2-42
Sunroof
..................................................2-47
Instrument Panel............................................. 3-1
Instrument Panel Overview
.......................... 3-4
Climate Controls
......................................3-19
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators
........3-24
Driver Information Center (DIC)
..................3-42
Audio System(s)
.......................................3-64Driving Your Vehicle....................................... 4-1
Your Driving, the Road, and the Vehicle
....... 4-2
Towing
...................................................4-26
Service and Appearance Care.......................... 5-1
Service
..................................................... 5-3
Fuel
......................................................... 5-5
Checking Things Under the Hood
...............5-10
All-Wheel Drive
........................................5-41
Headlamp Aiming
.....................................5-43
Bulb Replacement
....................................5-43
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
.........5-47
Tires
......................................................5-48
Appearance Care
.....................................5-82
Vehicle Identication
.................................5-90
Electrical System
......................................5-91
Capacities and Specications
.....................5-97
Maintenance Schedule..................................... 6-1
Maintenance Schedule
................................ 6-2
Customer Assistance Information.................... 7-1
Customer Assistance and Information
........... 7-2
Reporting Safety Defects
...........................7-15
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy
...........7-17
Index................................................................ 1
2009 Pontiac Torrent Owner ManualM

Safety Warnings and Symbols
A circle with a slash
through it is a safety
symbol which means
“Do Not,” “Do not do this,”
or “Do not let this happen.”
A box with the word CAUTION is used to tell about
things that could hurt you or others if you were to ignore
the warning.
{CAUTION:
These mean there is something that could hurt
you or other people.
Cautions tell what the hazard is and what to do to avoid
or reduce the hazard. Read these cautions.A notice tells about something that can damage the
vehicle.
Notice:These mean there is something that could
damage your vehicle.
Many times, this damage would not be covered by the
vehicle’s warranty, and it could be costly. The notice
tells what to do to help avoid the damage.
There are also warning labels on the vehicle which use
the same words, CAUTION or Notice.
Vehicle Symbols
The vehicle has components and labels that use symbols
instead of text. Symbols are shown along with the text
describing the operation or information relating to a
specic component, control, message, gage, or indicator.
M:This symbol is shown when you need to see your
owner manual for additional instructions or information.
*:This symbol is shown when you need to see a
service manual for additional instructions or information.
iii

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

What Will You See After an Airbag
Inates?
After the frontal airbags inate, they quickly deate,
so quickly that some people may not even realize an
airbag inated. Roof-rail airbags may still be at least
partially inated for some time after they deploy.
Some components of the airbag module may be hot
for several minutes. For location of the airbag modules,
seeWhat Makes an Airbag Inflate? on page 1-61.
The parts of the airbag that come into contact with you
may be warm, but not too hot to touch. There may be
some smoke and dust coming from the vents in the
deated airbags. Airbag ination does not prevent the
driver from seeing out of the windshield or being able to
steer the vehicle, nor does it prevent people from leaving
the vehicle.
{CAUTION:
When an airbag inates, there may be dust in the
air. This dust could cause breathing problems for
people with a history of asthma or other breathing
trouble. To avoid this, everyone in the vehicle
should get out as soon as it is safe to do so. If you
have breathing problems but cannot get out of the
vehicle after an airbag inates, then get fresh air
by opening a window or a door. If you experience
breathing problems following an airbag deployment,
you should seek medical attention.
The vehicle has a feature that may automatically unlock
the doors, turn the interior lamps on, and turn the hazard
warning ashers on when the airbags inate. You can
lock the doors, turn the interior lamps off, and turn the
hazard warning ashers off by using the controls for
those features.
1-62

3. To extend the engine run time by 10 minutes, repeat
Steps 1 and 2 while the engine is still running.
The engine run time can only be extended if it is
the rst remote start since the vehicle has been
driven. Remote start can be extended one time.
If the remote start procedure is used again before
the rst 10 minute time frame has ended, the
rst 10 minutes will immediately expire and the
second 10 minute time frame will start.
For example, if the lock button and then the remote
start buttons are pressed again after the vehicle
has been running for ve minutes, 10 minutes are
added, allowing the engine to run for 15 minutes.
4. After entering the vehicle during a remote start,
insert and turn the key to ON/RUN to drive the
vehicle.
After a remote start, the engine will automatically
shut off after 10 minutes unless a time extension
has been done or the vehicle’s key is inserted into
the ignition switch and turned to ON/RUN.A maximum of two remote starts or remote start
attempts are allowed between ignition cycles.
After your vehicle’s engine has been started two times
using the remote start button, the vehicle’s ignition
switch must be turned to ON/RUN and then back to
LOCK/OFF using the key before the remote start
procedure can be used again.
To manually shut off the engine after a remote start, do
any of the following:
Aim the RKE transmitter at the vehicle and press
the remote start button until the parking lamps
turn off.
Turn on the hazard warning ashers.
Insert the vehicle’s key into the ignition switch
and turn the switch to ON/RUN and then back
to LOCK/OFF.
2-8

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

ACC (ACC/ACCESSORY):This is the position in which
you can operate some electrical accessories.
R(ON/RUN):This position can be used to operate the
electrical accessories and to display some instrument
panel cluster warning and indicator lights. The switch
stays in this position when the engine is running. If you
leave the key in the ACC/ACCESSORY or ON/RUN
position with the engine off, the battery could be drained.
You may not be able to start the vehicle if the battery is
allowed to drain for an extended period of time.
/(START):This is the position that starts the engine.
When the engine starts, release the key. The ignition
switch returns to ON/RUN for driving.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
These vehicle accessories can be used for up to
10 minutes after the engine is turned off:
Audio System
Power Windows
Sunroof (if equipped)
Power to these accessories will continue to operate for
up to 10 minutes or until the driver door is opened.
All these features will work when the key is in ON/RUN
or ACC/ACCESSORY.
2-21

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

2 (Second) and 3 (Third) Gear Start
Feature
When accelerating the vehicle from a stop in snowy
and icy conditions, you may want to select 2 (Second)
and 3 (Third) gear. A higher gear, and light application of
the gas pedal, may allow you to gain more traction on
slippery surfaces.
With the MSM (Manual Shift Mode), the vehicle can
accelerate from a stop in 2 (Second) or 3 (Third).
1. Move the shift lever from D (Drive) into the
manual gate.
2. With the vehicle stopped, move the shift lever
forward to select 2 (Second) or 3 (Third). The
vehicle will start from a stop position in 2 (Second)
or 3 (Third).
3. Once the vehicle is moving select the desired drive
gear or move the shift lever to the D (Drive)
position.
Parking Brake
The parking brake lever is located to the right of the
driver seat.
To set the parking brake, hold the brake pedal down
and pull up on the parking brake lever. If the ignition is
on, the brake system warning light will come on.
To release the parking brake, hold the brake pedal down.
Pull the parking brake lever up until you can press the
release button. Hold the release button in as you move
the brake lever all the way down.
2-31