traction control PONTIAC TORRENT 2006 Owners Manual

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Other Warning Devices...................................3-6
Horn.............................................................3-6
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-7
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-7
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-8
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-8
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-8
Windshield Wipers..........................................3-8
Windshield Washer.......................................3-10
Rear Window Wiper/Washer...........................3-10
Cruise Control..............................................3-11
Headlamps..................................................3-14
Headlamps on Reminder................................3-14
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................3-14
Automatic Headlamp System..........................3-15
Fog Lamps..................................................3-15
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-16
Dome Lamp.................................................3-16
Entry Lighting...............................................3-17
Map Lamps.................................................3-17
Cargo Lamp.................................................3-17
Battery Run-Down Protection..........................3-18
Accessory Power Outlet(s).............................3-18
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter......................3-19Climate Controls............................................3-19
Climate Control System.................................3-19
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-22
Passenger Compartment Air Filter...................3-22
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-23
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-24
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-25
Trip Odometer..............................................3-25
Tachometer.................................................3-25
Safety Belt Reminder Light.............................3-26
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-26
Battery Warning Light....................................3-27
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-28
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light.............3-29
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light . . .3-30
Low Traction Light........................................3-30
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light......3-31
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-31
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-32
Oil Pressure Light.........................................3-35
Change Engine Oil Light................................3-36
Security Light...............................................3-36
Reduced Engine Power Light.........................3-36
Highbeam On Light.......................................3-37
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
Indicator Light...........................................3-37
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

The main components of your instrument panel are the following:
A. Power Mirror Control. SeeOutside Power Mirrors
on page 2-31
B. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever. SeeTurn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-7.
C. Cruise Controls. SeeCruise Control on page 3-11.
D. Instrument Panel Cluster. SeeInstrument Panel
Cluster on page 3-24.
E. Audio Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped).
SeeAudio Steering Wheel Controls on page 3-79.
F. Windshield Wiper/Washer Lever. SeeWindshield
Wipers on page 3-8.
G. Traction Control System Button. SeeTraction
Control System (TCS) on page 4-9.
H. Outlets. SeeOutlet Adjustment on page 3-22.
I. Hazard Warning Flashers. SeeHazard Warning
Flashers on page 3-6.J. Fog Lamps Button. SeeFog Lamps on page 3-15.
K. Audio System. SeeAudio System(s) on page 3-38.
L. Glove Box. SeeGlove Box on page 2-34.
M. Hood Release. SeeHood Release on page 5-11.
N. Tilt Wheel. SeeTilt Wheel on page 3-7.
O. Horn. SeeHorn on page 3-6.
P. Ignition Switch. SeeIgnition Positions on page 2-16.
Q. Climate Control System. SeeClimate Control
System on page 3-19.
R. Heated Seats Buttons. SeeHeated Seats
on page 1-4.
S. Shift Lever. SeeShifting Into Park (P)
on page 2-23.
3-5

Cruise Control
If your vehicle is equipped with cruise control, you
can maintain a speed of about 25 mph (40 km/h) or
more without keeping your foot on the accelerator.
This can really help on long trips. Cruise control does
not work at speeds below 25 mph (40 km/h).
{CAUTION:
Cruise control can be dangerous where you
cannot drive safely at a steady speed. So, do
not use your cruise control on winding roads
or in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous on slippery
roads. On such roads, fast changes in tire
traction can cause excessive wheel slip, and
you could lose control. Do not use cruise
control on slippery roads.
Setting Cruise Control
{CAUTION:
If you leave your cruise control on when you
are not using cruise, you might hit a button
and go into cruise when you do not want to.
You could be startled and even lose control.
Keep the cruise control switch off until you
want to use cruise control.
The cruise control
buttons are located
on the steering wheel.
J(On/Off):Press this symbol to turn the cruise
control system on and off.
3-11

RES+ (Resume):Press this symbol to resume a
set speed and to accelerate the speed.
SET−(Set):Press this symbol to set a speed and
to decrease the speed.
To set a speed do the following:
1. Press the on/off symbol to turn cruise control on.
The indicator light on the button will come on.
2. Get to the speed you want.
3. Press the SET−symbol and release it.
4. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal.
When the brakes are applied, the cruise control
shuts off.
If the vehicle is in cruise control and the Traction Control
System (TCS) begins to limit wheel spin, the cruise
control will automatically disengage. SeeTraction Control
System (TCS) on page 4-9. When road conditions allow,
the cruise control can be used again.Resuming a Set Speed
Suppose you set your cruise control at a desired
speed and then you apply the brakes. This, of course,
disengages the cruise control. The cruise symbol in the
instrument panel cluster will also go out indicating cruise
is no longer engaged. To return to your previously set
speed, you do not need to go through the set process
again. Once at a speed of about 25 mph (40 km/h) or
more, you can press the RES+ symbol briey.
This will take you back up to your previously chosen
speed and stay there.
Increasing Speed While Using
Cruise Control
There are two ways to go to a higher speed.
If the cruise control system is already engaged,
press the RES+ symbol. Hold it there until you
get up to the speed you want, and then release
the button.
To increase your speed in very small amounts,
press the RES+ symbol briey and then release
it. Each time you do this, your vehicle will go
about 1 mph (1.6 km/h) faster.
3-12

Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light
Your vehicle may have a
traction control system
warning light. The traction
control system warning
light may come on for the
following reasons:
For vehicles equipped with the traction control
system and front-wheel drive, this light will come on
and stay on if you turn the system off by pressing
the traction control button located on the instrument
panel above the audio system. To turn the system
back on, press the button again. The warning
light should go off. SeeTraction Control System
(TCS) on page 4-9for more information.
For vehicles equipped with all-wheel-drive, this light
will come on and stay on when the all-wheel-drive
system is unable to protect for overheating
under extended heavy all-wheel-drive usage.
If there is an engine-related and brake system
problem that is specically related to traction control,
the traction control system will turn off and the
warning light will come on.If the traction control system warning light comes on
and stays on for an extended period of time when the
system is turned on, your vehicle needs service.
Low Traction Light
If your vehicle has
the Traction Control
System (TCS) and has
front-wheel-drive, this
light will come on when
the system is limiting
wheel spin.
If your vehicle has all-wheel-drive, this light will come
on when the all-wheel-drive system is protecting
itself from overheating due to extended heavy all wheel
drive usage.
You may feel or hear the system working, but this is
normal. The roads may be slippery if this light comes on.
Adjust your driving accordingly.
The light will stay on for a few seconds after the system
stops limiting wheel spin. This light should also come
on for a few seconds when you start your vehicle.
If it does not, have your vehicle serviced.
3-30

Here are four things that some owners ask about.
None of these show a problem with your fuel gage:
At the service station, the fuel pump shuts off
before the gage reads full.
It takes a little more or less fuel to ll up than the
gage indicated. For example, the gage may have
indicated the tank was half full, but it actually took
a little more or less than half the tank’s capacity
to ll the tank.
The gage moves a little when you turn a corner
or speed up.
The gage takes a few seconds to stabilize after
the ignition is turned on, and will go back to
empty when you turn the ignition off.
For your fuel tank capacity, seeCapacities and
Specications on page 5-88.
Low Fuel Warning Light
The light below the fuel
gage will come on briey
when you are starting
the engine.This light also comes on when the fuel tank is low on
fuel. When you add fuel the light should go off. If it does
not, have your vehicle serviced.
Audio System(s)
Determine which radio your vehicle has and then read the
pages following to familiarize yourself with its features.
Driving without distraction is a necessity for a safer
driving experience. SeeDefensive Driving on page 4-2.
By taking a few moments to read this manual and
get familiar with your vehicle’s audio system, you can
use it with less effort, as well as take advantage of
its features. While your vehicle is parked, 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 stations using the presets and steering
wheel controls (if equipped).
3-38

{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

Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle..........4-2
Defensive Driving...........................................4-2
Drunken Driving.............................................4-3
Control of a Vehicle........................................4-5
Braking.........................................................4-6
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).........................4-7
Braking in Emergencies...................................4-8
Traction Control System (TCS).........................4-9
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System.......................4-10
Steering......................................................4-11
Off-Road Recovery.......................................4-13
Passing.......................................................4-14
Loss of Control.............................................4-15
Driving at Night............................................4-16
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads..................4-17City Driving..................................................4-20
Freeway Driving...........................................4-21
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.......................4-22
Highway Hypnosis........................................4-23
Hill and Mountain Roads................................4-24
Winter Driving..............................................4-26
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud,
Ice or Snow..............................................4-30
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out.................4-31
Loading Your Vehicle....................................4-31
Towing..........................................................4-36
Towing Your Vehicle.....................................4-36
Recreational Vehicle Towing...........................4-36
Towing a Trailer...........................................4-38
Section 4 Driving Your Vehicle
4-1

Statistics show that the chance of being in a collision
increases sharply for drivers who have a BAC of
0.05 percent or above. A driver with a BAC level of
0.06 percent has doubled his or her chance of having a
collision. At a BAC level of 0.10 percent, the chance
of this driver having a collision is 12 times greater; at a
level of 0.15 percent, the chance is 25 times greater!
The body takes about an hour to rid itself of the alcohol
in one drink. No amount of coffee or number of cold
showers will speed that up. “I will be careful” is not
the right answer. What if there is an emergency, a need
to take sudden action, as when a child darts into the
street? A person with even a moderate BAC might not
be able to react quickly enough to avoid the collision.
There is something else about drinking and driving that
many people do not know. Medical research shows
that alcohol in a person’s system can make crash
injuries worse, especially injuries to the brain, spinal
cord, or heart. This means that when anyone who
has been drinking — driver or passenger — is in
a crash, that person’s chance of being killed or
permanently disabled is higher than if the person
had not been drinking.
{CAUTION:
Drinking and then driving is very dangerous.
Your reexes, perceptions, attentiveness,
and judgment can be affected by even a
small amount of alcohol. You can have a
serious — or even fatal — collision if you
drive after drinking. Please do not drink and
drive or ride with a driver who has been
drinking. Ride home in a cab; or if you are with
a group, designate a driver who will not drink.
Control of a Vehicle
You have three systems that make your vehicle go where
you want it to go. They are the brakes, the steering, and
the accelerator. All three systems have to do their work at
the places where the tires meet the road.
Sometimes, as when you are driving on snow or ice, it is
easy to ask more of those control systems than the tires
and road can provide. That means you can lose control
of your vehicle. SeeTraction Control System (TCS)
on page 4-9.
Adding non-GM accessories can affect your vehicle’s
performance. SeeAccessories and Modications
on page 5-3.
4-5

Momentum will carry it in whatever direction it was
headed when the wheels stopped rolling. That could
be off the road, into the very thing you were trying
to avoid, or into traffic.
If you do not have anti-lock brakes, use a “squeeze”
braking technique. This will give you maximum braking
while maintaining steering control. You can do this
by pushing on the brake pedal with steadily increasing
pressure.
In an emergency, you will probably want to squeeze
the brakes hard without locking the wheels. If you hear
or feel the wheels sliding, ease off the brake pedal.
This will help you retain steering control. If you do have
anti-lock brakes, it is different. SeeAnti-Lock Brake
System (ABS) on page 4-7.
In many emergencies, steering can help you more
than even the very best braking.Traction Control System (TCS)
Your vehicle may have a traction control system that
limits wheel spin. This is especially useful in slippery
road conditions. The system operates only if it senses
that one or both of the front wheels are spinning or
beginning to lose traction. When this happens,
the system reduces engine power to limit wheel spin.
This light will come on
when your traction control
system is limiting wheel
spin. You may feel or hear
the system working, but
this is normal.
The traction control system automatically comes on
whenever you start your vehicle. To limit wheel
spin, especially in slippery road conditions, you should
always leave the system on. But you can turn the
traction control system off if you ever need to. You
should turn the system off if your vehicle ever gets stuck
in sand, mud, ice or snow and rocking the vehicle is
required. SeeRocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out
on page 4-31.
4-9