brake PONTIAC TORRENT 2008 Owners Manual

Keys...............................................................2-3
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System................2-4
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation...................................................2-5
Remote Vehicle Start......................................2-8
Doors and Locks............................................2-11
Door Locks..................................................2-11
Power Door Locks........................................2-11
Delayed Locking...........................................2-12
Programmable Automatic Door Locks..............2-12
Rear Door Security Locks..............................2-12
Lockout Protection........................................2-13
Liftgate........................................................2-13
Windows........................................................2-15
Power Windows............................................2-16
Sun Visors...................................................2-17
Theft-Deterrent Systems..................................2-17
Content Theft-Deterrent.................................2-18
PASS-Key
®III+............................................2-18
PASS-Key®III+ Operation..............................2-19Starting and Operating Your Vehicle................2-20
New Vehicle Break-In....................................2-20
Ignition Positions..........................................2-21
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)...................2-22
Starting the Engine.......................................2-22
Engine Coolant Heater..................................2-23
Automatic Transmission Operation
(3.4L V6 with 5-Speed)..............................2-25
Automatic Transmission Operation
(3.6L V6 with 6-Speed)..............................2-28
Parking Brake..............................................2-32
Shifting Into PARK (P)...................................2-33
Shifting Out of PARK (P)...............................2-35
Parking Over Things That Burn.......................2-35
Engine Exhaust............................................2-36
Running the Engine While Parked...................2-36
Mirrors...........................................................2-37
Manual Rearview Mirror.................................2-37
Manual Rearview Mirror with OnStar
®..............2-37
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror
with OnStar
®............................................2-38
Outside Power Mirrors...................................2-38
Outside Convex Mirrors.................................2-39
Section 2 Features and Controls
2-1

See your dealer/retailer or a locksmith who can service
PASS-Key®III+ to get a new key blank that is cut
exactly as the ignition key that operates the system.
To program the new additional key:
1. Verify that the new key has a
1stamped on it.
2. Insert the original, already programmed, key in the
ignition and start the engine. If the engine will not
start, see your dealer/retailer for service.
3. After the engine has started, turn the key to
LOCK/OFF, and remove the key.
4. Insert the new key to be programmed and turn it to
the ON/RUN position within ve seconds of
removing the original key.
The security light will turn off once the key has
been programmed.
5. Repeat Steps 1 through 4 if additional keys are to
be programmed.
If you lose or damage your PASS-Key
®III+ key, see
your dealer/retailer or a locksmith who can service
PASS-Key
®III+ to have a new key made.
Do not leave the key or device that disarms or
deactivates the theft deterrent system in the vehicle.
Starting and Operating Your
Vehicle
New Vehicle Break-In
Notice:Your vehicle does not need an elaborate
break-in. But it will perform better in the long run if
you follow these guidelines:
Do not drive at any one constant speed, fast or
slow, for the rst 500 miles (805 km). Do not
make full-throttle starts. Avoid downshifting to
brake or slow the vehicle.
Avoid making hard stops for the rst 200 miles
(322 km) or so. During this time the new brake
linings are not yet broken in. Hard stops
with new linings can mean premature wear and
earlier replacement. Follow this breaking-in
guideline every time you get new brake linings.
Do not tow a trailer during break-in. SeeTowing
a Trailer on page 4-32for the trailer towing
capabilities of your vehicle and more
information.
Following break-in, engine speed and load can be
gradually increased.
2-20

Ignition Positions
With the key in the ignition
switch, you can turn it to
four different positions.
A warning tone will sound
if you open the driver’s
door when the key has not
been removed from the
ignition.
In order to shift out of PARK (P), ignition must be in the
ON/RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY and the regular brake
pedal must be applied.
Notice:Using a tool to force the key from the
ignition switch could cause damage or break the
key. Use the correct key and turn the key only with
your hand. Make sure the key is in all the way. If
none of this works, then your vehicle needs service.
9(LOCK/OFF):You will only be able to remove your
key when the ignition is turned to LOCK/OFF.
The ignition switch cannot be turned to LOCK/OFF
unless the shift lever is in PARK (P).
ACC (ACC/ACCESSORY):This position operates
some of your electrical accessories.
R(ON/RUN):This is the position the switch returns to
after you start your engine and release the switch.
The switch stays in the ON/RUN position when
the engine is running. But even when the engine is not
running, you can use ON/RUN to operate your
electrical accessories and to display some warning and
indicator lights.
The battery could be drained if you leave the key in the
ACC/ACCESSORY or ON/RUN position with the
engine off. You may not be able to start your vehicle if
the battery is allowed to drain for an extended period
of time.
/(START):This position starts the engine. When the
engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch will
return to ON/RUN for normal driving.
2-21

Automatic Transmission Operation
(3.4L V6 with 5-Speed)
The shift lever is located on the center console. When
you change gears, the different shift positions will display
on the instrument panel cluster.
There are several different positions for the automatic
transmission.
PARK (P):This position locks your front wheels. It is
the best position to use when you start your engine
because your vehicle cannot move easily.
{CAUTION:
It is 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.
Do not leave your vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. 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, always set your
parking brake and move the shift lever to
PARK (P). SeeShifting Into PARK (P) on
page 2-33. If you are pulling a trailer, see
Towing a Trailer on page 4-32.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before
starting the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic
transmission shift lock control system.
2-25

You must fully apply your regular brakes rst and then
press the shift lever button before you can shift from
PARK (P) when the ignition key is in ON/RUN. If you
cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift
lever and push the shift lever all the way into PARK (P) as
you maintain brake application. Then press the shift lever
button and move the shift lever into another gear. See
Shifting Out of PARK (P) on page 2-35.
REVERSE (R):Use this gear to back up.
Notice:Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle
is moving forward could damage the transmission.
The repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is
stopped.
To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow,
ice, or sand without damaging your transmission,
seeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow
on page 4-21.
NEUTRAL (N):In this position, your engine does not
connect with the wheels. To restart when you are
already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.
{CAUTION:
Shifting into a drive gear while the engine is
running at high speed is dangerous. Unless
your foot is rmly on the brake pedal, your
vehicle could move very rapidly. You could
lose control and hit people or objects. Do not
shift into a drive gear while your engine is
running at high speed.
Notice:Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N)
with the engine running at high speed may damage
the transmission. The repairs would not be
covered by your warranty. Be sure the engine is not
running at high speed when shifting your vehicle.
Notice:Shifting to a drive gear from NEUTRAL (N)
while the vehicle is moving could damage the
transmission. Make sure the vehicle is stopped
before shifting from NEUTRAL (N) into a drive gear.
2-26

DRIVE (D):This position is for normal driving with the
automatic transmission. It provides the best fuel
economy for your vehicle. If you need more power for
passing, and you are:
Going less than about 35 mph (55 km/h), push your
accelerator pedal about halfway down.
Going about 35 mph (55 km/h), push your
accelerator all the way down.
Downshifting the transmission in slippery road conditions
could result in skidding, see “Skidding” underLoss of
Control on page 4-12.
INTERMEDIATE (I):This position is also used for
normal driving. However, it reduces vehicle speed without
using your 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
INTERMEDIATE (I) instead of DRIVE (D) when driving
on hilly, winding roads and when towing a trailer, so that
there is less shifting between gears.
LOW (L):This position reduces vehicle speed more
than INTERMEDIATE (I) without actually using
your brakes. You can use it on very steep hills, or in
deep snow or mud. If the shift lever is put in LOW (L),
the transmission will not shift into LOW (L) 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 your 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 3-35for
more information. When the transmission overheats
it will go into a protection mode and will default shift into
fth gear if in the DRIVE (D) position, or second gear
if in the LOW (L) 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, see
Engine Overheating on page 5-25.
2-27

Automatic Transmission Operation
(3.6L V6 with 6-Speed)
The shift lever for the automatic transmission is located
on the console between the seats.
Maximum engine speed is limited when the vehicle is in
PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) to protect driveline
components from improper operation.
There are several different positions for the shift lever.
When using the Manual Shift Mode (MSM), a number
indicating the gear selected will appear on the
instrument cluster below the shift position display. For
more information on the manual shift option see “Manual
Shift Mode” in this section.PARK (P):This position locks the front wheels. It is the
best position to use when the engine is started
because the vehicle cannot move easily.
{CAUTION:
It is 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.
Do not leave your vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. 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, always set your
parking brake and move the shift lever to
PARK (P). SeeShifting Into PARK (P) on
page 2-33. If you are pulling a trailer, see
Towing a Trailer on page 4-32.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before
starting the engine. The vehicle has an automatic
transmission shift lock control system.
2-28

You must fully apply your regular brakes rst and then
press the shift lever button, before you can shift
from PARK (P) when the ignition is in RUN. If you
cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift
lever and push the shift lever all way into PARK (P)
as you maintain brake application. Then press the shift
lever button and move the shift lever into another
gear. SeeShifting Out of PARK (P) on page 2-35.
REVERSE (R):Use this gear to back up.
Notice:Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle
is moving forward could damage the transmission.
The repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is
stopped.
To rock the vehicle back and forth to get out of snow,
ice, or sand without damaging the transmission,
seeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow
on page 4-21.NEUTRAL (N):In this position, the engine does not
connect with the wheels. To restart when the vehicle is
already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.
{CAUTION:
Shifting into a drive gear while the engine is
running at high speed is dangerous. Unless
your foot is rmly on the brake pedal, your
vehicle could move very rapidly. You could
lose control and hit people or objects. Do not
shift into a drive gear while your engine is
running at high speed.
Notice:Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N)
with the engine running at high speed may damage
the transmission. The repairs would not be
covered by your warranty. Be sure the engine is not
running at high speed when shifting your vehicle.
2-29

DRIVE (D):This position is for normal driving. It
provides the best fuel economy for your vehicle. If the
vehicle needs more power for passing, and it is:
Going less than 35 mph (55 km/h), push the
accelerator pedal about halfway down.
Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the
accelerator pedal all the way down.
The vehicle will shift down to the next gear and
have more power.
Downshifting the transmission in slippery road conditions
could result in skidding, see Skidding underLoss of
Control on page 4-12.
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 your warranty. If you are stuck,
do not spin the tires. When stopping on a hill,
use the brakes to hold the vehicle in place.
MANUAL SHIFT MODE (M):This position, available on
the models with the Manual Shift Mode (MSM), allows
you to change gears similar to a manual transmission.
If your vehicle has this feature, see “Manual Shift
Mode (MSM)”.
Manual Shift Mode (MSM) (Automatic
Transmission)
To use this feature, do the following:
1. Move the shift lever from DRIVE (D) to the left into
the manual gate.
While driving in manual shift mode, the transmission
will remain in the driver gear selected. When
coming to a stop in the manual position, the vehicle
will automatically shift to FIRST (1) gear.
2-30

SECOND (2) and THIRD (3) Gear Start
Feature
When accelerating your vehicle from a stop in snowy
and icy conditions, you may want to select SECOND (2)
and THIRD (3) gear. A higher gear, and light application
of the gas pedal, may allow you to gain more traction
on slippery surfaces.
With the Manual Shift Mode, the vehicle can accelerate
from a stop in SECOND (2) or THIRD (3).
1. Move the shift lever from DRIVE (D) into the
manual gate.
2. With the vehicle stopped, move the shift lever
forward to select SECOND (2) or THIRD (3).
The vehicle will start from a stop position in
SECOND (2) or THIRD (3).
3. Once the vehicle is moving select the desired drive
gear or move the shift lever to the DRIVE (D)
position.
Parking Brake
The parking brake lever is located to the right of the
driver’s 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.
2-32