brake light PONTIAC TORRENT 2008 Owner's Manual

Electronic Trailer Sway Control
Electronic Trailer Sway Control is integrated into the
StabiliTrak®system of your vehicle. This feature detects
the occurrence of trailer sway that may be caused by
improper trailer weight balance, or excessive vehicle
speed. When the system detects trailer sway, the
StabiliTrak
®system may begin to apply the front brakes,
without you pressing the brake pedal, to help you in
stabilizing the vehicle. The StabiliTrak
®warning light will
ash to indicate that you should reduce vehicle speed.
If the trailer sway continues, StabiliTrak
®will reduce
engine torque as a method to reduce the speed of the
vehicle. Reducing the speed of the vehicle is necessary
to reduce trailer sway. Electronic Trailer Sway Control
is de-activated when StabiliTrak
®is turned off, and
is re-activated when it is turned back on. See
StabiliTrak
®System on page 4-7.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as
you would when driving your vehicle without a trailer.
This can help you avoid situations that require
heavy braking and sudden turns.
Passing
You will need more passing distance up ahead when
you are towing a trailer. And, because you are a
good deal longer, you will need to go much farther
beyond the passed vehicle before you can return to
your lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand.
Then, to move the trailer to the left, just move that hand
to the left. To move the trailer to the right, move your
hand to the right. Always back up slowly and, if possible,
have someone guide you.
Making Turns
Notice:Making very sharp turns while trailering
could cause the trailer to come in contact with the
vehicle. Your vehicle could be damaged. Avoid
making very sharp turns while trailering.
When you are turning with a trailer, make wider turns
than normal. Do this so your trailer will not strike
soft shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees or other objects.
Avoid jerky or sudden maneuvers. Signal well in
advance.
4-37

Brakes
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder
reservoir is lled with
DOT-3 brake uid. See
Engine Compartment
Overview on page 5-12for
the location of the
reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the brake uid level in
the reservoir might go down. The rst is that the
brake uid goes down to an acceptable level during
normal brake lining wear. When new linings are put in,
the uid level goes back up. The other reason is
that uid is leaking out of the brake hydraulic system. If
it is, you should have the brake hydraulic system
xed, since a leak means that sooner or later the brakes
will not work well.
It is not a good idea to top off the brake uid. Adding
brake uid will not correct a leak. If uid is added when
the linings are worn, there will be too much uidwhen new brake linings are installed. Add or remove
brake uid, as necessary, only when work is done on the
brake hydraulic system.{CAUTION:
If your vehicle has too much brake uid, it can
spill on the engine. The uid will burn if the
engine is hot enough. You or others could be
burned, and your vehicle could be damaged.
Add brake uid only when work is done on the
brake hydraulic system.
When the brake uid falls to a low level, the brake
warning light comes on. SeeBrake System Warning
Light on page 3-33.
What to Add
When you need brake uid, use only DOT-3 brake uid.
Use new brake uid from a sealed container only.
SeeRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
Always clean the brake uid reservoir cap and the
area around the cap before removing it. This helps keep
dirt from entering the reservoir.
5-34

{CAUTION:
With the wrong kind of uid in the brake
hydraulic system, the brakes might not work
well. This could cause a crash. Always use the
proper brake uid.
Notice:
Using the wrong uid can badly damage brake
hydraulic system parts. For example, just a
few drops of mineral-based oil, such as engine
oil, in the brake hydraulic system can damage
brake hydraulic system parts so badly that they
will have to be replaced. Do not let someone
put in the wrong kind of uid.
If you spill brake uid on your vehicle’s painted
surfaces, the paint nish can be damaged. Be
careful not to spill brake uid on your vehicle. If
you do, wash it off immediately. SeeWashing
Your Vehicle on page 5-93.
Brake Wear
Your vehicle has disc brakes. Disc brake pads have
built-in wear indicators that make a high-pitched warning
sound when the brake pads are worn and new pads
are needed. The sound can come and go or be heard all
the time your vehicle is moving, except when you are
pushing on the brake pedal rmly.
{CAUTION:
The brake wear warning sound means that
soon the brakes will not work well. That could
lead to an accident. When you hear the brake
wear warning sound, have your vehicle
serviced.
Notice:Continuing to drive with worn-out brake
pads could result in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates can cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are rst applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean something is wrong with
the brakes.
5-35

Different Size Tires and Wheels
If you add wheels or tires that are a different size than
your original equipment wheels and tires, this could
affect the way your vehicle performs, including its
braking, ride and handling characteristics, stability, and
resistance to rollover. Additionally, if your vehicle
has electronic systems such as anti-lock brakes, rollover
airbags, traction control, and electronic stability control,
the performance of these systems can be affected.
{CAUTION:
If you add different sized wheels, your vehicle
may not provide an acceptable level of
performance and safety if tires not
recommended for those wheels are selected.
You may increase the chance that you will
crash and suffer serious injury. Only use GM
specic wheel and tire systems developed for
your vehicle, and have them properly installed
by a GM certied technician.
SeeBuying New Tires on page 5-70andAccessories
and Modifications on page 5-3for additional information.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where applicable on
the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
The following information relates to the system
developed by the United States National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which
grades tires by treadwear, traction, and
temperature performance. This applies only to
vehicles sold in the United States. The grades are
molded on the sidewalls of most passenger car
tires. The Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG)
system does not apply to deep tread, winter-type
snow tires, space-saver, or temporary use
spare tires, tires with nominal rim diameters of
10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm), or to some
limited-production tires.
While the tires available on General Motors
passenger cars and light trucks may vary with
respect to these grades, they must also conform
to federal safety requirements and additional
General Motors Tire Performance Criteria (TPC)
standards.
5-72

Maintenance Footnotes
(a)Visually inspect brake lines and hoses for proper
hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect
disc brake pads for wear and rotors for surface
condition. Inspect other brake parts, including calipers,
parking brake, etc. Check parking brake adjustment.
(b)Visually inspect front and rear suspension and
steering system for damaged, loose, or missing parts
or signs of wear. Visually check constant velocity joints,
rubber boots, and axle seals for leaks. With 3.4L V6
engine: Inspect electric power steering cables for proper
hook-up, binding, cracks, chafing, etc. With 3.6L V6
engine: Inspect hydraulic power steering lines and hoses
for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc.
(c)Visually inspect hoses and have them replaced if they
are cracked, swollen, or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
fittings and clamps; replace with genuine parts as
needed. To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test
of the cooling system and pressure cap and cleaning the
outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser is
recommended at least once a year.
(d)Inspect wiper blades for wear, cracking, or
contamination. Clean the windshield and wiper blades,
if contaminated. Replace wiper blades that are worn
or damaged. See Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
on page 5-51andWindshield and Wiper Blades on
page 5-94 for more information.(e)Make sure the safety belt reminder light and safety
belt assemblies are working properly. Look for any
other loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you
see anything that might keep a safety belt system
from doing its job, have it repaired. Have any torn or
frayed safety belts replaced. Also see Checking
the Restraint Systems on page 1-71.
(f)Lubricate all key lock cylinders, hood latch
assemblies, secondary latches, pivots, spring anchor
and release pawl, hood and door hinges, rear folding
seats, and liftgate hinges. More frequent lubrication may
be required when exposed to a corrosive environment.
Applying silicone grease on weatherstrips with a
clean cloth will make them last longer, seal better, and
not stick or squeak.
(g)If you drive regularly under dusty conditions, the
filter may require replacement more often.
(h)Change automatic transmission fluid if the vehicle is
mainly driven under one or more of these conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police, or delivery
service.
6-7

A
Accessories and Modications............................ 5-3
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle.......................................................1-70
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-6
Add-On Electrical Equipment............................5-99
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-20
Air Conditioning..............................................3-20
Airbag
Passenger Status Indicator...........................3-30
Readiness Light..........................................3-29
Airbag System................................................1-56
What Will You See After an Airbag Inates?....1-63
When Should an Airbag Inate?....................1-61
Where Are the Airbags?...............................1-59
Airbag Systems
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle...................................................1-70
How Does an Airbag Restrain?......................1-62
Passenger Sensing System...........................1-64
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle..........1-69
What Makes an Airbag Inate?......................1-62
All-Wheel Drive...............................................5-44
All-Wheel Drive Disabled Light..........................3-42
All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) System........................... 4-8
All-Wheel-Drive Service Light............................3-42
Antilock Brake System (ABS)............................. 4-5
Antilock Brake, System Warning Light................3-34Appearance Care
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels..............5-95
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-92
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-96
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses....................5-93
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-90
Finish Care.................................................5-94
Finish Damage............................................5-96
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic
Surfaces.................................................5-92
Interior Cleaning..........................................5-88
Leather......................................................5-91
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-96
Tires..........................................................5-96
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-96
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials................5-97
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-93
Weatherstrips..............................................5-92
Windshield and Wiper Blades........................5-94
Appointments, Scheduling Service.....................7-10
Ashtray.........................................................3-20
Audio System.................................................3-67
Audio Steering Wheel Controls....................3-110
Navigation/Radio System, see Navigation
Manual.................................................3-101
Radio Reception........................................3-111
Setting the Time..........................................3-68
Theft-Deterrent Feature...............................3-110
1

Audio System(s).............................................3-71
Automatic Headlamp System............................3-15
Automatic Transmission
Fluid..........................................................5-22
Operation...........................................2-25, 2-28
B
Battery..........................................................5-37
Electric Power Management..........................3-18
Run-Down Protection...................................3-19
Brake
Emergencies................................................ 4-6
Brakes..........................................................5-34
System Warning Light..................................3-33
Braking........................................................... 4-4
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-6
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-20
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-47
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-47
Headlamp Aiming........................................5-46
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker,
and Parking Lamps..................................5-47
License Plate Lamps....................................5-50
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-50
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Back-up Lamps........................................5-49
Buying New Tires...........................................5-70
C
Calibration.....................................................3-49
California Fuel.................................................. 5-6
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements....... 5-4
California Proposition 65 Warning....................... 5-4
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Capacities and Specications..........................5-105
Carbon Monoxide...........................2-36, 4-18, 4-32
Care of
Safety Belts................................................5-92
Cargo Lamp...................................................3-18
CD, MP3 ...............................................3-90, 3-95
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-43
Chains, Tire...................................................5-75
Charging System Light....................................3-32
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-36
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-96
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-37
Infants and Young Children...........................1-34
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children..........1-42
Older Children.............................................1-31
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat
Position..................................................1-50
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front
Seat Position...........................................1-52
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-40
2

Liftgate
Carbon Monoxide........................................2-13
Light
Airbag Readiness........................................3-29
All-Wheel Drive Disabled..............................3-42
Antilock Brake System Warning.....................3-34
Brake System Warning.................................3-33
Change Engine Oil......................................3-40
Charging System.........................................3-32
Cruise Control.............................................3-41
Door Ajar...................................................3-43
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning.............3-35
Fog Lamp..................................................3-40
Gate Ajar...................................................3-42
Highbeam On.............................................3-41
Low Fuel Warning.......................................3-44
Malfunction Indicator....................................3-36
Oil Pressure...............................................3-39
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator..................3-30
Reduced Engine Power................................3-41
Safety Belt Reminders..................................3-28
Security.....................................................3-40
Service All-Wheel-Drive................................3-42
Service Vehicle Soon...................................3-43
TCS Warning Light......................................3-34
Tire Pressure..............................................3-36
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning..........3-34Lighting
Entry.........................................................3-17
Lights............................................................3-14
Flash-to-Pass............................................... 3-9
High/Low Beam Changer................................ 3-8
On Reminder..............................................3-14
Loading Your Vehicle.......................................4-22
Lockout Protection..........................................2-13
Locks
Delayed Locking..........................................2-12
Door..........................................................2-11
Lockout Protection.......................................2-13
Power Door................................................2-11
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.............2-12
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-12
Loss of Control...............................................4-12
Low Fuel Warning Light...................................3-44
Luggage Carrier..............................................2-43
Lumbar
Manual Controls............................................ 1-4
M
Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services........................... 6-6
At Each Fuel Fill........................................... 6-8
At Least Once a Month.................................. 6-9
7

Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode..........................................5-26
Owner Checks and Services.............................. 6-8
Owners, Canadian............................................... ii
P
Paint, Damage...............................................5-96
Park Brake....................................................2-32
Park (P)
Shifting Into................................................2-33
Shifting Out of............................................2-35
Parking
Over Things That Burn.................................2-35
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator.....................3-30
Passenger Compartment Air Filter.....................3-24
Passenger Sensing System..............................1-64
Passing.........................................................4-12
PASS-Key
®III+..............................................2-18
PASS-Key®III+ Operation................................2-19
Perchlorate Materials Requirements, California...... 5-4
Power
Door Locks.................................................2-11
Reduced Engine Light..................................3-41
Retained Accessory (RAP)............................2-22
Seat............................................................ 1-3
Steering Fluid.............................................5-32
Windows....................................................2-16Privacy..........................................................7-17
Event Data Recorders..................................7-18
Navigation System.......................................7-19
OnStar.......................................................7-19
Radio Frequency Identication.......................7-19
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.................2-12
R
Radio Frequency Identication (RFID), Privacy....7-19
Radios..........................................................3-67
Radio(s)........................................................3-71
Radios
Navigation/Radio System, see Navigation
Manual.................................................3-101
Reception.................................................3-111
Setting the Time..........................................3-68
Theft-Deterrent..........................................3-110
Rear Compartment Storage Panel/Cover............2-45
Rear Door Security Locks................................2-12
Rear Seat Armrest..........................................2-46
Rear Seat Entertainment System.....................3-101
Rear Windshield Washer/Wiper.........................3-11
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming with
OnStar
®.....................................................2-38
Rearview Mirror with OnStar®...........................2-37
Rearview Mirrors.............................................2-37
9