ignition PONTIAC TORRENT 2008 Owner's Manual

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.
Make sure to release the parking brake before driving
the vehicle.
If the parking brake is applied and the vehicle is moving
at least 4 mph (6 km/h), a chime will activate to
remind you to release the parking brake.
Notice:Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause premature
wear or damage to brake system parts. Make sure
that the parking brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.Shifting Into PARK (P)
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle
if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with
the parking brake rmly set. Your vehicle can
roll. If you have left the engine running, the
vehicle can move suddenly. You or others
could be injured. To be sure your vehicle will
not move, even when you are on fairly level
ground, use the steps that follow. If you are
pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on
page 4-32.
1. Hold the brake pedal down with your foot and set
the parking brake. SeeParking Brake on page 2-32
for more information.
2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) by pressing the
button on the shift lever and pushing the lever all
the way toward the front of the vehicle.
3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK/OFF.
4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can
leave your vehicle with the key, your vehicle is in
PARK (P).
2-33

Shifting Out of PARK (P)
This vehicle is equipped with an electronic shift lock
release system. The shift lock release is designed to:
Prevent ignition key removal unless the shift
lever is in PARK (P) with the shift lever button fully
released, and
Prevent movement of the shift lever out of
PARK (P), unless the ignition is in ON/RUN or
ACC/ACCESSORY and the regular brake pedal is
applied.
The shift lock release is always functional except in the
case of an uncharged or low voltage (less than 9 volt)
battery.
If your vehicle has an uncharged battery or a battery
with low voltage, try charging or jump starting the
battery. SeeJump Starting on page 5-38for more
information.
To shift out of PARK (P) use the following:
1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Then press the shift lever button.
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.If you still are unable to shift out of PARK (P):
1. Fully release the shift lever button.
2. While holding down the brake pedal, press the shift
lever button again.
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If you still cannot move the shift lever from PARK (P),
consult your dealer/retailer or a professional towing
service.
Parking Over Things That Burn
{CAUTION:
Things that can burn could touch hot exhaust
parts under your vehicle and ignite. Do not
park over papers, leaves, dry grass, or other
things that can burn.
2-35

Convenience Net
Your vehicle may have a convenience net in the rear
of the vehicle. Store small loads as far forward as
possible. The net should not be used to store
heavy loads.
Sunroof
If the vehicle is equipped with a sunroof, the controls to
operate it are located on the headliner above the
rearview mirror. The ignition must be in RUN or ACC, or
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) must be active, to
operate the sunroof. SeeRetained Accessory Power
(RAP) on page 2-22for more information.To express-open the
sunroof glass panel and
sunshade, press the switch
rearward and release it.
To stop the sunroof before it is completely open, press
the switch rearward again. The sunshade cannot be
closed with the sunroof open.
To close the sunroof, press forward and hold the switch
until the sunroof stops, lifts and seals at the back of
the sunroof glass. Press forward on the switch again, to
make sure the sunroof is fully closed
To put the sunroof in the vent position, pull down on the
front of the switch. Push up on the front of the switch
to close it.
2-48

Hazard Warning Flashers
The hazard warning ashers let you warn the police and
others that you have a problem. The front and rear
turn signal lamps will ash on and off.
The hazard warning
asher button is located
towards the center of
the instrument panel.
Press the button to make the front and rear turn signal
lamps ash on and off. Press the button again to
turn the ashers off.While the hazard warning ashers are on, the turn
signals do not work.
The hazard warning ashers work no matter what
position the key is in, and even if the key is not in the
ignition switch.
Other Warning Devices
If you carry reective triangles, you can set them up at
the side of the road about 300 feet (100 m) behind
your vehicle.
Horn
Press near or on the horn symbols on the steering
wheel pad to sound the horn.
3-6

Ending Cruise Control
There are three ways to disengage the cruise control:
Step lightly on the brake pedal.
Press theIbutton, to turn off the cruise control
system.
Press the[button.
When cruise control disengages, the cruise symbol
in the instrument panel cluster goes out.
Erasing Speed Memory
The cruise control set speed memory is erased when
the cruise control or the ignition is turned off.
Headlamps
The exterior lamp control is located on the turn
signal/multifunction lever.
O(Exterior Lamp Control):Turn the control with this
symbol on it to operate the exterior lamps.The exterior lamp control has the following positions:
AUTO (Off/Automatic Headlamps):Turn the control to
this position to put the headlamps in automatic mode.
Automatic mode will turn the exterior lamps on and
off depending upon how much light is available outside
of the vehicle.
;(Parking Lamps):Turn the control to this position
to turn on the parking lamps together with the
following:
Sidemarker Lamps
Taillamps
License Plate Lamps
Instrument Panel Lights
53(Headlamps):Turning the control to this
position turns on the headlamps, together with the
previously listed lamps and lights.
Headlamps on Reminder
If you open the driver’s door with the ignition off and the
lamps on, you will hear a warning chime.
3-14

Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier for
others to see the front of your vehicle during the
day. DRL can be helpful in many different driving
conditions, but they can be especially helpful in the short
periods after dawn and before sunset. Fully functional
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) are required on all
vehicles rst sold in Canada.
The DRL system will make your low-beam headlamps
come on at a reduced brightness in daylight when
the following conditions are met:
The ignition is on.
The exterior lamp band is in the automatic position.
The transmission is not in PARK (P).
The light sensor determines it is daytime.
The parking brake is released.
When the DRL are on, the low-beam headlamps will be
on at a reduced brightness. The taillamps, sidemarker
and other lamps will not be on. The instrument panel will
not be lit up either.When the exterior lamp band is turned to the headlamp
position, the low-beam headlamps come on. The
other lamps that come on with the headlamps will also
come on.
When the headlamps are turned off, the regular lamps
will go off, and the low-beam headlamps come on
to the reduced brightness.
To idle your vehicle with the DRL off, move the shift
lever to PARK (P). The DRL will stay off until the shift
lever is moved out of the PARK (P) position.
The regular headlamp system should be turned on
when needed.
Automatic Headlamp System
When it is dark enough outside and the exterior lamps
control is in the automatic position, the headlamps
will come on automatically. SeeHeadlamps on
page 3-14.
Your vehicle has a light sensor located on top of the
instrument panel. Make sure it is not covered, or
the headlamps will be on when you do not need them.
The system may also turn on the headlamps when
driving through a parking garage or tunnel.
3-15

Dome Lamp
If the vehicle has a dome lamp with a switch, the
following are the settings.
9(Off):Move the lever to this position to turn the
lamp off, even when a door is open.
1(Door):Move the lever to this position so that the
lamp comes on when a door is opened.
+(On):Move the lever to this position to turn the
dome lamp on.
Entry Lighting
The dome lamp and the cargo lamp inside the vehicle
comes on when any door is opened, if the dome lamp is
in the door position. In addition, these lamps come on
when the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) unlock button is
pressed. It stays on for 20 seconds or until a door is
opened. After the door is opened and then closed, the
light remains on for 20 seconds, or until the key is
put in the ignition and turned to the ON/RUN position.
Map Lamps
Your vehicle may have lamps located on the headliner
above the rearview mirror. Push on the lens in the
lamp to turn them on and off.
3-17

Battery Run-Down Protection
Your vehicle has a battery saver feature designed to
protect the vehicle’s battery.
When any interior lamp is left on and the ignition is
turned off, the battery rundown protection system will
automatically turn the lamp off after 20 minutes. This will
avoid draining the battery. This vehicle also has a
retained accessory power feature. If the radio is on, it
will turn off after 10 minutes or if any door on the vehicle
is opened. SeeRetained Accessory Power (RAP) on
page 2-22.
Accessory Power Outlet(s)
The accessory power outlets can be used to connect
electrical equipment such as a cellular phone or
CB radio.
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 your
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
your 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 your
vehicle may damage it or keep other components
from working as they should. The repairs would not
be covered by your 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 your 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.
3-19

Operation
9
(Fan):Turn the left knob clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the fan speed.
In any setting other than off, the fan runs continuously
with the ignition on. To turn off the air completely,
turn the fan to 0 and select the recirculation button.
Temperature Control:Turn the center knob clockwise
or counterclockwise to increase or decrease the
temperature inside the vehicle.
Use the right knob to select from the following modes:
There is one position between each mode to nely
adjust airow position.
H(Vent):This mode directs air to the instrument
panel outlets.
)(Bi-Level):This mode splits the air between the
instrument panel outlets and the oor outlets.
6(Floor):This mode directs most of the air to the
oor outlets with some air directed to the windshield
and side windows.
The right knob may also be used to select the defrost
and defog modes that are described in this section.You can also select modes by using the following
buttons:
;(Outside Air):Press this button to turn the
outside air mode on. When this mode is on, outside air
will circulate throughout the vehicle. When the button
is pressed, an indicator light in the button comes on to
show that it is activated. The outside air mode can
be used with all modes, but it cannot be used with the
recirculation mode.
@(Recirculation):Press this button to recirculate
cabin air through the vehicle. It can be used to prevent
outside air and odors from entering the vehicle or to help
heat or cool the air inside the vehicle more quickly. An
indicator light will come on in this mode. Operation in this
mode during periods of high humidity and cool outside
temperatures may result in increased window fogging. If
window fogging is experienced, select the defrost mode.
The recirculation mode cannot be used with oor, defrost,
or defogging modes. If you try to select recirculation in
one of those modes, the indicator light ashes several
times and turns off.
3-21

Defogging and Defrosting
Fog or frost on the inside of windows is a result of high
humidity (moisture) condensing on the cool window
glass. This can be minimized if the climate control
system is used properly.
Use the defog mode to clear the windows of fog or
moisture and warm the passengers. Use the defrost
mode to remove fog or frost from the windshield more
quickly. When either of these modes are selected, the
system runs the air conditioning compressor and cancels
the recirculation mode to dry the air. For best results,
clear all snow and ice from the windshield before
defrosting.
Turn the right knob to select the defog or defrost mode.
-(Defog):This mode directs half of the air to the
windshield and the side window outlets, and half to the
oor outlets.
0(Defrost):This mode directs most of the air to the
windshield and the side window outlets, with some
air directed to the oor outlets.
Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to
remove fog from the rear window.
The rear window defogger only works when the ignition
is in ON/RUN.
<(Rear):Press this button to turn the rear window
defogger on or off. An indicator light on the button comes
on to show that the rear window defogger is activated.
The rear window defroster stays on for about 10 minutes
if the vehicle remains at slower vehicle speeds or until
the button is pressed, or unless the ignition is turned
to ACC/ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF. If turned on again,
the defogger only runs for about ve minutes before
turning off again. At higher vehicle speeds, the defogger
may stay on continuously. The defogger can always
be turned off by pressing the button again or by turning
off the ignition.
3-23