PONTIAC TORRENT 2006 Owners Manual

Others, such as law enforcement, may have access
to the special equipment that can read the information
if they have access to the vehicle or the device that
stores the data.
If your vehicle is equipped with OnStar
®, please
check the OnStar®subscription service agreement
or manual for information on its operations and
data collection.
Collision Damage Repair
If your vehicle is involved in a collision and it is
damaged, have the damage repaired by a qualied
technician using the proper equipment and quality
replacement parts. Poorly performed collision repairs
will diminish your vehicle’s resale value, and safety
performance can be compromised in subsequent
collisions.
Collision Parts
Genuine GM Collision parts are new parts made with
the same materials and construction methods as
the parts with which your vehicle was originally built.
Genuine GM Collision parts are your best choice
to assure that your vehicle’s designed appearance,
durability and safety are preserved. The use of
Genuine GM parts can help maintain your GM New
Vehicle Warranty.Recycled original equipment parts may also be used for
repair. These parts are typically removed from vehicles
that were total losses in prior accidents. In most
cases, the parts being recycled are from undamaged
sections of the vehicle. A recycled original equipment
GM part, may be an acceptable choice to maintain your
vehicle’s originally designed appearance and safety
performance, however, the history of these parts is not
known. Such parts are not covered by your GM New
Vehicle Limited Warranty, and any related failures
are not covered by that warranty.
Aftermarket collision parts are also available. These
are made by companies other than GM and may
not have been tested for your vehicle. As a result,
these parts may t poorly, exhibit premature
durability/corrosion problems, and may not perform
properly in subsequent collisions. Aftermarket parts
are not covered by your GM New Vehicle Limited
Warranty, and any vehicle failure related to such
parts are not covered by that warranty.
7-11

Repair Facility
GM also recommends that you choose a collision repair
facility that meets your needs before you ever need
collision repairs. Your GM dealer may have a collision
repair center with GM-trained technicians and state
of the art equipment, or be able to recommend a
collision repair center that has GM-trained technicians
and comparable equipment.
Insuring Your Vehicle
Protect your investment in your GM vehicle with
comprehensive and collision insurance coverage.
There are signicant differences in the quality of
coverage afforded by various insurance policy terms.
Many insurance policies provide reduced protection
to your GM vehicle by limiting compensation for
damage repairs by using aftermarket collision parts.
Some insurance companies will not specify aftermarket
collision parts. When purchasing insurance, we
recommend that you assure your vehicle will be
repaired with GM original equipment collision parts.
If such insurance coverage is not available from
your current insurance carrier, consider switching to
another insurance carrier.If your vehicle is leased, the leasing company may
require you to have insurance that assures repairs with
Genuine GM Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)
parts or Genuine Manufacturer replacement parts. Read
your lease carefully, as you may be charged at the
end of your lease for poor quality repairs.
If an Accident Occurs
Here is what to do if you are involved in an accident.
Try to relax and then check to make sure you
are all right. If you are uninjured, make sure that
no one else in your vehicle, or the other vehicle,
is injured.
If there has been an injury, call 911 for help.
Do not leave the scene of an accident until
all matters have been taken care of. Move your
vehicle only if its position puts you in danger or
you are instructed to move it by a police officer.
Give only the necessary and requested information
to police and other parties involved in the accident.
Do not discuss your personal condition, mental
frame of mind, or anything unrelated to the
accident. This will help guard against post-accident
legal action.
7-12

If you need roadside assistance, call GM Roadside
Assistance. SeeRoadside Assistance Program on
page 7-6for more information.
If your vehicle cannot be driven, know where the
towing service will be taking it. Get a card from
the tow truck operator or write down the driver’s
name, the service’s name, and the phone number.
Remove any valuables from your vehicle before it is
towed away. Make sure this includes your insurance
information and registration if you keep these
items in your vehicle.
Gather the important information you will need from
the other driver. Things like name, address, phone
number, driver’s license number, vehicle license
plate, vehicle make, model and model year, Vehicle
Identication Number (VIN), insurance company
and policy number, and a general description of
the damage to the other vehicle.
If possible, call your insurance company from the
scene of the accident. They will walk you through
the information they will need. If they ask for a
police report, phone or go to the police department
headquarters the next day and you can get a
copy of the report for a nominal fee. In some states
with “no fault” insurance laws, a report may not
be necessary. This is especially true if there are
no injuries and both vehicles are driveable.
Choose a reputable collision repair facility for your
vehicle. Whether you select a GM dealer or a
private collision repair facility to x the damage,
make sure you are comfortable with them.
Remember, you will have to feel comfortable
with their work for a long time.
Once you have an estimate, read it carefully
and make sure you understand what work will be
performed on your vehicle. If you have a question,
ask for an explanation. Reputable shops welcome
this opportunity.
7-13

Managing the Vehicle Damage
Repair Process
In the event that your vehicle requires damage repairs,
GM recommends that you take an active role in its
repair. If you have a pre-determined repair facility of
choice, take your vehicle there, or have it towed there.
Specify to the facility that any required replacement
collision parts be original equipment parts, either new
Genuine GM parts or recycled original GM parts.
Remember, recycled parts will not be covered by
your GM vehicle warranty.
Insurance pays the bill for the repair, but you must
live with the repair. Depending on your policy limits,
your insurance company may initially value the
repair using aftermarket parts. Discuss this with
your repair professional, and insist on Genuine GM
parts. Remember if your vehicle is leased you may
be obligated to have the vehicle repaired with Genuine
GM parts, even if your insurance coverage does not
pay the full cost.
If another party’s insurance company is paying for
the repairs, you are not obligated to accept a repair
valuation based on that insurance company’s collision
policy repair limits, as you have no contractual limits
with that company. In such cases, you can have control
of the repair and parts choices as long as cost stays
within reasonable limits.
Reporting Safety Defects
Reporting Safety Defects to the
United States Government
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which
could cause a crash or could cause injury or death,
you should immediately inform the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in addition
to notifying General Motors.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an
investigation, and if it nds that a safety defect exists in
a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy
campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved
in individual problems between you, your dealer,
or General Motors.
To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety
Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424-9393 (or 366-0123 in
the Washington, D.C. area) or write to:
NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation
Washington, D.C. 20590
You can also obtain other information about motor
vehicle safety from the hotline.
7-14

Reporting Safety Defects to the
Canadian Government
If you live in Canada, and you believe that your vehicle
has a safety defect, you should immediately notify
Transport Canada, in addition to notifying General
Motors of Canada Limited. You may call them at
1-800-333-0510 or write to:
Transport Canada
Place de Ville Tower C
330 Sparks Street
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N5
Reporting Safety Defects to
General Motors
In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada)
in a situation like this, we certainly hope you’ll notify us.
Please call us at 1-800-762-2737, or write:
Pontiac Customer Assistance Center
P.O. Box 33172
Detroit, MI 48232-5172In Canada, please call us at 1-800-263-3777 (English)
or 1-800-263-7854 (French). Or, write:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Communication Centre, 163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
Service Publications Ordering
Information
Service Manuals
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair
information on engines, transmission, axle suspension,
brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc.
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer
Case Unit Repair Manual
This manual provides information on unit repair service
procedures, adjustments, and specications for GM
transmissions, transaxles, and transfer cases.
7-15

Service Bulletins
Service Bulletins give technical service information
needed to knowledgeably service General Motors cars
and trucks. Each bulletin contains instructions to
assist in the diagnosis and service of your vehicle.
In Canada, information pertaining to Product Service
Bulletins can be obtained by contacting your General
Motors dealer or by calling 1-800-GM-DRIVE
(1-800-463-7483).
Owner’s Information
Owner publications are written specically for owners
and intended to provide basic operational information
about the vehicle. The owner’s manual will include
the Maintenance Schedule for all models.
In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio, Owner’s Manual,
and Warranty Booklet.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $35.00
Without Portfolio: Owner’s Manual only.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $25.00
Current and Past Model Order Forms
Service Publications are available for current and
past model GM vehicles. To request an order form,
please specify year and model name of the vehicle.
ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-551-4123
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Eastern Time
For Credit Card Orders Only
(VISA-MasterCard-Discover), visit Helm, Inc.
on the World Wide Web at: www.helminc.com
Or you can write to:
Helm, Incorporated
P.O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207
Prices are subject to change without notice and without
incurring obligation. Allow ample time for delivery.
Note to Canadian Customers: All listed prices are
quoted in U.S. funds. Canadian residents are to make
checks payable in U.S. funds.
7-16

A
Accessories and Modications............................ 5-3
Accessory Power Outlet(s)...............................3-18
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle.......................................................1-62
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-6
Add-On Electrical Equipment............................5-83
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-18
Air Conditioning..............................................3-19
Airbag
Readiness Light..........................................3-26
Airbag Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM)....7-10
Airbag System................................................1-53
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle...................................................1-62
How Does an Airbag Restrain?......................1-59
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle..........1-61
What Makes an Airbag Inate?......................1-59
What Will You See After an Airbag Inates?....1-60
When Should an Airbag Inate?....................1-58
Where Are the Airbags?...............................1-55
All-Wheel Drive...............................................5-40
All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) System.........................4-10
Antenna, Fixed Mast.......................................3-81
Antenna, XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System....3-81
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)........................... 4-7
Anti-Lock Brake, System Warning Light..............3-29Appearance Care
Aluminum Wheels........................................5-79
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-77
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-80
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses....................5-78
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle................5-74
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-75
Finish Care.................................................5-78
Finish Damage............................................5-80
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces.......................................5-76
Leather......................................................5-76
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-80
Tires..........................................................5-80
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-80
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials................5-81
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-77
Weatherstrips..............................................5-77
Windshield and Wiper Blades........................5-78
Ashtray(s)......................................................3-19
Audio System(s).............................................3-38
Audio Steering Wheel Controls......................3-79
Care of Your CD Player...............................3-81
Care of Your CDs........................................3-80
Chime Level Adjustment...............................3-81
Fixed Mast Antenna.....................................3-81
Radio with CD....................................3-40, 3-50
Radio with Six-Disc CD................................3-65
1

Audio System(s) (cont.)
Setting the Time..........................................3-40
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-79
Understanding Radio Reception.....................3-80
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System............3-81
Automatic Door Lock......................................... 2-8
Automatic Headlamp System............................3-15
Automatic Transaxle
Fluid..........................................................5-21
Operation...................................................2-19
B
Battery..........................................................5-34
Run-Down Protection...................................3-18
Battery Warning Light......................................3-27
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.........................4-22
Brake
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)........................ 4-7
Emergencies................................................ 4-8
Parking......................................................2-22
System Warning Light..................................3-28
Brakes..........................................................5-32
Braking........................................................... 4-6
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-8
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-15
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-42
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-42Bulb Replacement (cont.)
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker,
and Parking Lamps..................................5-42
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-44
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Back-up Lamps........................................5-43
Buying New Tires...........................................5-56
C
California Fuel.................................................. 5-6
California Proposition 65 Warning....................... 5-4
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Capacities and Specications............................5-88
Carbon Monoxide....................2-10, 2-25, 4-26, 4-38
Care of
Safety Belts................................................5-77
Your CD Player...........................................3-81
Your CDs ...................................................3-80
Cargo Lamp...................................................3-17
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-35
Chains, Tire...................................................5-61
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-32
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-80
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-36
Infants and Young Children...........................1-33
2

Child Restraints (cont.)
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children..........1-42
Older Children.............................................1-30
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear
Seat Position...........................................1-47
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right
Front Seat Position...................................1-50
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-40
Chime Level Adjustment..................................3-81
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-19
Cleaning
Aluminum Wheels........................................5-79
Exterior Lamps/Lenses.................................5-78
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-75
Finish Care.................................................5-78
Inside of Your Vehicle..................................5-74
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces.......................................5-76
Leather......................................................5-76
Tires..........................................................5-80
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-80
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-77
Weatherstrips..............................................5-77
Windshield and Wiper Blades........................5-78
Climate Control System...................................3-19
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment.................3-22
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-22Collision Damage Repair..................................7-11
Comfort Guides, Rear Safety Belt.....................1-27
Compact Spare Tire........................................5-73
Content Theft-Deterrent....................................2-13
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-5
Convenience Net............................................2-40
Coolant
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-31
Engine Temperature Warning Light.................3-31
Heater, Engine............................................2-18
Cooling System..............................................5-26
Cruise Control................................................3-11
Cupholder(s)..................................................2-34
Customer Assistance Information
Courtesy Transportation.................................. 7-8
Customer Assistance for Text
Telephone (TTY) Users............................... 7-4
Customer Assistance Offices........................... 7-4
Customer Satisfaction Procedure..................... 7-2
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program............... 7-6
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors....7-15
Reporting Safety Defects to the
Canadian Government..............................7-15
Reporting Safety Defects to the
United States Government.........................7-14
Roadside Assistance Program......................... 7-6
Service Publications Ordering Information........7-15
3

D
Daytime Running Lamps..................................3-14
Daytime Running Lamps Indicator Light.............3-37
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-2
Delayed Locking............................................... 2-7
Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-4
Dome Lamp...................................................3-16
Door
Automatic Door Lock..................................... 2-8
Delayed Locking........................................... 2-7
Locks.......................................................... 2-6
Power Door Locks......................................... 2-7
Programmable Automatic Door Unlock.............. 2-8
Rear Door Security Locks............................... 2-8
Driver
Position, Safety Belt.....................................1-18
Seat Height Adjuster...................................... 1-3
Six-Way Power Seat...................................... 1-3
Driving
At Night.....................................................4-16
City...........................................................4-20
Defensive..................................................... 4-2
Drunken....................................................... 4-3
Freeway.....................................................4-21
Hill and Mountain Roads..............................4-24
In Rain and on Wet Roads...........................4-17
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out.................4-31
Winter........................................................4-26
E
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment......................................5-83
Engine Compartment Fuse Block...................5-85
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-83
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.........................5-84
Power Windows and Other Power Options......5-83
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-83
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-18
Battery.......................................................5-34
Change Engine Oil Light...............................3-36
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-32
Coolant......................................................5-21
Coolant Heater............................................2-18
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-31
Coolant Temperature Warning Light................3-31
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-25
Oil .............................................................5-13
Oil Life System...........................................5-16
Overheated Protection Operating Mode...........5-25
Overheating................................................5-23
Reduced Power Light...................................3-36
Starting......................................................2-17
Entry Lighting.................................................3-17
Event Data Recorders (EDR)............................7-10
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-30
4