PONTIAC TORRENT 2009 Owners Manual

The battery can be discharged at idle if the electrical
loads are very high. This is true for all vehicles. This is
because the generator (alternator) may not be spinning
fast enough at idle to produce all the power that is
needed for very high electrical loads.
A high electrical load occurs when several of the
following are on, such as: headlamps, high beams,
fog lamps, rear window defogger, climate control fan
at high speed, heated seats, engine cooling fans,
trailer loads, and loads plugged into accessory power
outlets.
EPM works to prevent excessive discharge of the
battery. It does this by balancing the generator’s output
and the vehicle’s electrical needs. It can increase engine
idle speed to generate more power, whenever needed.
It can temporarily reduce the power demands of some
accessories.
Normally, these actions occur in steps or levels, without
being noticeable. In rare cases at the highest levels of
corrective action, this action may be noticeable to thedriver. If so, a Driver Information Center (DIC) message
might be displayed, such as BATTERY SAVER ACTIVE,
BATTERY VOLTAGE LOW, or LOW BATTERY. If this
message is displayed, it is recommended that the driver
reduce the electrical loads as much as possible. SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-49.
Battery Run-Down Protection
The 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 2-21.
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Accessory Power Outlet(s)
The accessory power outlets can be used to connect
electrical equipment, such as a cellular phone.
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 the
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 the 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 the
vehicle can damage it or keep other components
from working as they should. The repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle 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 the 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.
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter
For vehicles with a removable ashtray and cigarette
lighter, the ashtray can be placed into the front console
cupholders.
To use the lighter, push it in all the way and let go.
When it is ready, it pops back out by itself.
Notice:Holding a cigarette lighter in while it is
heating will not allow the lighter to back away from
the heating element when it is hot. Damage from
overheating may occur to the lighter or heating
element, or a fuse could be blown. Do not hold a
cigarette lighter in while it is heating. Do not use
equipment exceeding maximum amperage rating
of 15 amperes.
Notice:If papers, pins, or other ammable items
are put in the ashtray, hot cigarettes or other
smoking materials could ignite them and possibly
damage the vehicle. Never put ammable items in
the ashtray.
3-18

Climate Controls
Climate Control System
The heating, cooling, and ventilation for the vehicle
can be controlled with this system. For vehicles with the
remote start feature, the climate control system functions
as part of the remote start feature. SeeRemote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System Operation on page 2-5.
A. Fan Control
B. Outside Air
C. Temperature Control
D. Recirculation
E. Air Delivery Mode
ControlF. Air Conditioning
G. Heated Seats
H. Rear Window
Defogger
9(Fan Control):Turn clockwise or counterclockwise
to increase or decrease the fan speed. To turn the fan off,
turn the fan knob all the way counterclockwise. In any
setting other than off, the fan runs continuously with
the ignition on. The fan must be turned on to run the
air conditioning compressor. There will be some airow
noticeable from the various outlets when driving, even
with the fan in the off position. This is so fresh air is
always available in the vehicle. To turn off the air
completely, turn the fan to
9and select the
recirculation button.
Temperature Control:Turn clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the
temperature inside the vehicle.
Air Delivery Mode Control:Turn clockwise or
counterclockwise to change the direction of the
airow inside the vehicle.
There is one position between each mode to nely
adjust airow position.
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Select from the following modes:
H(Vent):Air is directed to the instrument panel
outlets.
)(Bi-Level):Air is divided between the instrument
panel outlets and the oor outlets.
6(Floor):Air is directed to the oor outlets with some
air directed to the windshield.
When this mode is selected, the system turns the
recirculation mode off. Recirculation mode cannot be
selected while in oor mode. This helps to prevent
window fogging.
-(Defog):This mode clears the windows of fog or
moisture. Air is directed to the windshield, side window
outlets, and oor outlets. In this mode, the system turns
the recirculation mode off and runs the air conditioningcompressor unless the outside air is at or below freezing.
Recirculation mode cannot be selected while in defog
mode. This helps prevent window fogging. To defog the
windows faster, turn the temperature knob clockwise to
the warmest setting.
0(Defrost):This mode removes fog or frost from the
windshield more quickly. Air is directed to the windshield,
with some air directed to the side window outlets and the
oor outlets. In this mode, the system turns the
recirculation mode off and runs the air conditioning
compressor unless the outside air is at or below freezing.
Recirculation mode cannot be selected while in defrost
mode. This helps prevent window fogging. To defrost the
windows faster, turn the temperature knob clockwise to
the warmest setting.
For best results, clear all snow and ice from the
windshield before defrosting.
3-20

Air Conditioning
#
(Air Conditioning):Press to turn the air conditioning
system on or off. An indicator light comes on to show
that the air conditioning is on. The air conditioning
can be selected in any mode as long as the fan is
on and the outside temperature is above freezing.
A ashing indicator light indicates that the air
conditioning compressor is currently not available.
On hot days, open the windows to let hot inside air
escape; then close them. This helps to reduce the time
it takes for the vehicle to cool down. It also helps the
system to operate more efficiently.
For quick cool down on hot days, select the following
settings together:
1. Select
Hmode.
2. Select
;.
3. Turn the
#on.
4. Select the coolest temperature and highest fan
speed.
5. Once the vehicle’s interior temperature is below the
outside temperature, select recirculation mode for
enhanced cooling.Using these settings together for long periods of time
may cause the air inside of the vehicle to become
too dry. To prevent this from happening, after the air
inside of the vehicle has cooled, turn the recirculation
mode off.
The air conditioning system removes moisture from the
air, so a small amount of water might drip under the
vehicle while idling or after turning off the engine.
;(Outside Air):Press to turn the outside air mode
on. An indicator light comes on to show that outside
air is on. Air from outside the vehicle will circulate
throughout the vehicle. The outside air mode can
be used with all modes, but it cannot be used with
the recirculation mode. Pressing
;will cancel
the recirculation mode.
@(Recirculation):Press to turn the recirculation
mode on. An indicator light comes on to show
recirculation is on. The air inside the vehicle will be
recirculated through the climate control system and
the vehicle, not from outside the vehicle. It can be
used to prevent outside air and odors from entering
the vehicle or to help cool the air inside the vehicle more
quickly. Avoid using the recirculation mode during high
periods of humidity and cool outside temperatures since
this may result in increased window fogging. If window
fogging is experienced, select the defrost mode.
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Recirculation mode is not available in oor, defog or
defrost modes and will shut off automatically and change
to outside air. If the button is selected in these modes,
the indicator will ash. This helps prevent window fogging
and moisture building up within the cabin.
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 Window Defogger):Press to turn the rear
window defogger on or off. An indicator light comes
on to show that the rear window defogger is on.
The rear window defogger stays on for about
10 minutes if the vehicle remains at slower vehicle
speeds, or until the button is pressed or 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
also be turned off by turning off the engine.For vehicles with the remote start feature, the rear
defogger will automatically turn on. SeeRemote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System Operation on page 2-5.
Notice:Do not use anything sharp on the inside
of the rear window. If you do, you could cut or
damage the warming grid, and the repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not
attach a temporary vehicle license, tape, a decal
or anything similar to the defogger grid.
((Heated Seats):For vehicles with heated seats, see
Heated Seats on page 1-4.
Remote Start Climate Control Operation
For vehicles with the remote start feature activated, the
climate control system heats and cools the inside of the
vehicle using the modes that were set before the vehicle
was turned off. The rear defogger will also automatically
turn on. If the vehicle has heated seats, they may turn on
if it is cold outside and will shut off when the key is turned
to ON/RUN. SeeHeated Seats on page 1-4.
3-22

Outlet Adjustment
Use the louvers located on the air outlets to change the
direction of the airow.
Operation Tips

Clear away any ice, snow, or leaves from the air
inlets at the base of the vehicle that may block
the ow of air into the vehicle.
Do not use any non-GM approved hood deectors
that could adversely affect the performance of the
system.
Keep the path under the front seats clear of objects
to help circulate the air inside of the vehicle more
effectively.
Passenger Compartment Air Filter
Outside air is routed through a passenger compartment
air lter before entering the vehicle. This lter removes
certain particles from the air, including pollen and dust
particles. Reductions in airow, which may occur more
quickly in dusty areas, indicate that the lter needs to be
replaced early.
The lter should be replaced as part of routine
scheduled maintenance. SeeScheduled Maintenance
on page 6-4for when to replace the lter.To change the passenger compartment air lter, use the
following steps:
1. The passenger’s side air inlet panel is located
below the center of the passenger’s side wiper
blade. Remove the push pin retaining the air inlet
panel. Pry the center of the push pin out 0.5 in
(13 mm) for removal.
2. Open the hood.
3. Remove the three push pins from the top and
forward edge of the passenger’s side air inlet
panel.
4. Remove the air inlet panel to access the lter.
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5. Press the release tab on the driver’s side of the
lter and pull out the edge of the lter.
6. Remove the lter from the vehicle.
7. Install a new passenger compartment air lter.
For the type of lter to use seeMaintenance
Replacement Parts on page 6-15.
8. Reverse Steps 1 through 5.Warning Lights, Gages, and
Indicators
Warning lights and gages can signal that something
is wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause
an expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention
to the warning lights and gages could prevent injury.
Warning lights come on when there may be or is a
problem with one of the vehicle’s functions. Some
warning lights come on briey when the engine is
started to indicate they are working.
Gages can indicate when there may be or is a problem
with one of the vehicle’s functions. Often gages and
warning lights work together to indicate a problem with
the vehicle.
When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on
while driving, or when one of the gages shows there
may be a problem, check the section that explains
what to do. Follow this manual’s advice. Waiting to
do repairs can be costly and even dangerous.
3-24

Instrument Panel Cluster
Your instrument panel cluster is designed to let you know at a glance how your vehicle is running. You will know
how fast you are going, how much fuel you are using, and many other things you will need to drive safely and
economically.
United States version shown, Canada and GXP Model similar
3-25

Speedometer and Odometer
Your speedometer lets you see your speed in both
miles per hour (mph) and kilometers per hour (km/h).
Your odometer shows how far your vehicle has
been driven, in either miles (used in the United States)
or kilometers (used in Canada).
Your vehicle has a tamper resistant odometer.
The digital odometer will read 999,999 if someone
tries to turn it back.
You may wonder what happens if your vehicle needs
a new odometer installed. If the new one can be set
to the mileage total of the old odometer, then it must be.
If not, then it is set at zero and a label must be put on
the driver’s door to show the old mileage reading
when the new odometer was installed.
Trip Odometer
Your trip odometer is located in the Driver Information
Center and shows how far your vehicle has been driven
since the trip odometer was last reset. For more
information seeDIC Operation and Displays on
page 3-42.
Tachometer
The tachometer shows your engine speed in revolutions
per minute (rpm).
Notice:If the engine is operated with the
tachometer in the solid red area, the vehicle could
be damaged. The damages would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Do not operate the engine in
the solid red area.
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