check engine light PONTIAC TORRENT 2009 User Guide

Gate Ajar Light
If this light comes on, your
liftgate is not completely
closed. Driving with the
liftgate open can cause
carbon monoxide (CO)
to enter the vehicle.
SeeEngine Exhaust on page 2-35for more information.
Door Ajar Light
This light will come on
when a door is open.
Before driving, check
that all doors are properly
closed.
Service Vehicle Soon Light
This light, comes on if
a condition exists that
requires the vehicle to
be taken in for service.
If the light comes on, see your dealer/retailer for service
as soon as possible.
3-40

Remember, you must reset the OIL LIFE yourself
after each oil change. It will not reset itself. Also, be
careful not to reset the OIL LIFE accidentally at any
time other than when the oil has just been changed.
It cannot be reset accurately until the next oil change.
To reset the engine oil life system, seeEngine Oil
Life System on page 5-18.
UNITS
Press the vehicle information button until UNITS
displays. This display allows you to select between
English or Metric units of measurement. Once in this
display, press the set/reset button to select between
ENGLISH or METRIC units.
FRONT TIRES or REAR TIRES
The pressure for each tire can be viewed in the DIC.
The tire pressure will be shown in either pounds per
square inch (psi) or kilopascals (kPa). Press the vehicle
information button until the DIC displays FRONT TIRES
PSI (kPa) LF ## RF ##. Press the vehicle information
button again until the DIC displays REAR TIRES PSI
(kPa) LR ## RR ##.
If a low or high tire pressure condition is detected by
the system while driving, a message advising you
to check the pressure in a specic tire will appear inthe display. SeeInflation - Tire Pressure on page 5-55
andDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-49for
more information.
If the tire pressure display shows dashes instead of
a value, there may be a problem with your vehicle. If this
consistently occurs, see your dealer/retailer for service.
BATTERY
Press the vehicle information button until BATTERY
displays. This display shows the current battery voltage.
If the voltage is normal, the display will show NORMAL.
If the voltage is low or high, the display will show LOW or
HIGH. Your vehicle’s charging system regulates voltage
based on the state of the battery. The battery voltage
may uctuate when viewing this information on the DIC.
This is normal. SeeCharging System Light on page 3-30
for more information.
If there is a problem with the battery charging system,
the DIC will display SERVICE BATTERY CHARGING
SYSTEM. See “SERVICE BATTERY CHARGING
SYSTEM” underDIC Warnings and Messages on
page 3-49. Also, seeElectric Power Management
on page 3-16for more information.
3-45

CALIBRATING: DRIVE IN CIRCLES
This message displays when calibrating the compass.
Drive the vehicle in circles at less than 5 mph (8 km/h)
to complete the calibration. SeeDIC Compass on
page 3-47for more information.
CALIBRATION COMPLETE
This message displays when the compass calibration
is complete. SeeDIC Compass on page 3-47for
more information.
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
This message displays and the Change Engine Oil Light
in the instrument panel cluster turns on when service
is required for the vehicle. See your dealer/retailer.
SeeChange Engine Oil Light on page 3-37,Engine Oil
on page 5-15andScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4
for more information.
Acknowledging this message will not reset the OIL LIFE
REMAINING display. That must be done at the OIL LIFE
screen under the vehicle information menu. See “OIL
LIFE” underDIC Operation and Displays on page 3-42
andEngine Oil Life System on page 5-18for more
information.
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
This message displays when the pressure in one
or more of the vehicle’s tires needs to be checked.
This message also displays LEFT FRONT, RIGHT FRNT
(Front), LEFT REAR, or RIGHT REAR to indicate which
tire needs to be checked. You can receive more than
one tire pressure message at a time. To read the other
messages that may have been sent at the same time,
press the set/reset button. If a tire pressure message
appears on the DIC, stop as soon as you can. Have the
tire pressures checked and set to those shown on the
Tire Loading Information label. SeeTires on page 5-48,
Loading the Vehicle on page 4-20, andInflation - Tire
Pressure on page 5-55. The DIC also shows the tire
pressure values. SeeDIC Operation and Displays on
page 3-42. If the tire pressure is low, the low tire pressure
warning light comes on. SeeTire Pressure Light on
page 3-33.
DRIVER DOOR OPEN
This message displays when the driver door is not
closed properly. Close the door completely.
3-50

Antilock Brake System (ABS)
This vehicle has the Antilock Brake System (ABS), an
advanced electronic braking system that helps prevent a
braking skid.
When the engine is started and the vehicle begins to
drive away, ABS checks itself. A momentary motor
or clicking noise might be heard while this test is going
on, and it might even be noticed that the brake pedal
moves a little. This is normal.
If there is a problem with
ABS, this warning light
stays on. SeeAntilock
Brake System (ABS)
Warning Light on
page 3-31.
Let us say the road is wet and you are driving safely.
Suddenly, an animal jumps out in front of you. You slam
on the brakes and continue braking. Here is what
happens with ABS:
A computer senses that the wheels are slowing down.
If one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer
will separately work the brakes at each wheel.ABS can change the brake pressure to each wheel, as
required, faster than any driver could. This can help
the driver steer around the obstacle while braking hard.
As the brakes are applied, the computer keeps
receiving updates on wheel speed and controls braking
pressure accordingly.
Remember: ABS does not change the time needed to get
a foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease stopping
distance. If you get too close to the vehicle in front of you,
there will not be enough time to apply the brakes if that
vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always leave enough
room up ahead to stop, even with ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal
down rmly and let antilock work. The antilock pump or
motor might be heard operating and the brake pedal
might be felt to pulsate, but this is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows the driver to steer and brake at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can help more than
even the very best braking.
4-5

Engine Oil Additives / Engine Oil
Flushes
Do not add anything to the oil. The recommended
oils with the starburst symbol that meet GM Standard
GM6094M are all that is needed for good performance
and engine protection.
Engine oil system ushes are not recommended and
could cause engine damage not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system that indicates when
to change the engine oil and lter. This is based on
engine revolutions and engine temperature, and not on
mileage. Based on driving conditions, the mileage at
which an oil change is indicated can vary considerably.
For the oil life system to work properly, the system
must be reset every time the oil is changed.When the system has calculated that oil life has been
diminished, it indicates that an oil change is necessary.
A change engine oil light and a CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message come on. Change the oil as soon as
possible within the next 600 miles (1 000 km). It is
possible that, if driving under the best conditions, the
oil life system might not indicate that an oil change is
necessary for over a year. However, the engine oil and
lter must be changed at least once a year and at this
time the system must be reset. Your dealer/retailer has
trained service people who will perform this work using
genuine parts and reset the system. It is also important
to check the oil regularly and keep it at the proper level.
If the system is ever reset accidentally, the oil must be
changed at 3,000 miles (5 000 km) since the last oil
change. Remember to reset the oil life system whenever
the oil is changed.
5-18

Scheduled Maintenance
When the change engine oil light and/or CHANGE
ENGINE OIL SOON message displays, service is
required for the vehicle. Have the vehicle serviced as
soon as possible within the next 600 miles (1 000 km).
It is possible that, if driving under the best conditions,
the engine oil life system may not indicate that vehicle
service is necessary for over a year. However, the engine
oil and lter must be changed at least once a year and at
this time the system must be reset. Your dealer/retailer
has trained service technicians who will perform this
work using genuine parts and reset the system.
If the engine oil life system is ever reset accidentally,
service the vehicle within 3,000 miles (5 000 km) since
the last service. Remember to reset the oil life system
whenever the oil is changed. SeeEngine Oil Life System
on page 5-18for information on the Engine Oil Life
System and resetting the system.When the change engine oil light and/or CHANGE
ENGINE OIL SOON message appears, certain services,
checks, and inspections are required. Required services
are described in the following for “MaintenanceI” and
“MaintenanceII.” Generally, it is recommended that the
rst service be MaintenanceI, the second service be
MaintenanceII, and then alternate MaintenanceIand
MaintenanceIIthereafter. However, in some cases,
MaintenanceIImay be required more often.
MaintenanceI— Use MaintenanceIif the light/
message displays within 10 months since the vehicle
was purchased or MaintenanceIIwas performed.
MaintenanceII— Use MaintenanceIIif the previous
service performed was MaintenanceI. Always use
MaintenanceIIwhenever the light/message displays
10 months or more since the last service or if the light/
message has not come on at all for one year.
6-4

(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 1-70.
(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 driving 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.
(i)Drain, flush, and refill cooling system. This service can
be complex; you should have your dealer/retailer perform
this service. See Engine Coolant on page 5-23 for what to
use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser, pressure
cap, and filler neck. Pressure test the cooling system and
pressure cap.
(j)Check system for interference or binding and for
damaged or missing parts. Replace parts as needed.
Replace any components that have high effort or
excessive wear.
6-9

Care of
Safety Belts................................................5-85
Cargo
Lamp .........................................................3-16
CD, MP3 ...............................................3-87, 3-92
Center Console Storage...................................2-42
Chains, Tire...................................................5-69
Charging System Light....................................3-30
Check
Engine Lamp..............................................3-34
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-89
Child Restraints
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...................................1-49
Securing a Child Restraint in the
Right Front Seat Position..........................1-52
Systems.....................................................1-37
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-40
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-18
Circuit Breakers..............................................5-91
Cleaning
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels..............5-88
Exterior Lamps/Lenses.................................5-86
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-83
Finish Care.................................................5-87Cleaning (cont.)
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces.......................................5-85
Interior.......................................................5-82
Leather......................................................5-84
Tires..........................................................5-88
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-89
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-86
Weatherstrips..............................................5-85
Windshield and Wiper Blades........................5-87
Climate Control System...................................3-19
Outlet Adjustment
........................................3-23
Clock, Setting.................................................3-65
Collision Damage Repair..................................7-12
Compact Spare Tire........................................5-81
Compass.......................................................3-47
Content Theft-Deterrent....................................2-17
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-3
Convenience Net............................................2-47
Coolant
Engine.......................................................5-23
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-33
Engine Temperature Warning Light.................3-32
Cooling System..............................................5-22
Courtesy Transportation Program......................7-10
Cruise Control................................................3-10
Cruise Control Light........................................3-38
Cupholders....................................................2-42
3

E
EDR .............................................................7-17
Electrical Equipment
Add-On Equipment......................................5-91
Electrical System
Engine Compartment Fuse Block...................5-93
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-91
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.........................5-92
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-91
Electronic Immobilizer
PASS-Key
®III+...........................................2-17
Electronic Immobilizer Operation
PASS-Key
®III+...........................................2-18
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-20
Change Engine Oil Light...............................3-37
Check and Service Engine Soon Lamp...........3-34
Compartment Overview................................5-12
Coolant......................................................5-23
Coolant Heater............................................2-23
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-33
Coolant Temperature Warning Light................3-32
Cooling System...........................................5-22
Drive Belt Routing.......................................6-16
Exhaust.....................................................2-35
Oil .............................................................5-15
Oil Life System...........................................5-18Engine (cont.)
Overheated Protection Operating Mode...........5-29
Overheating................................................5-28
Reduced Power Light...................................3-38
Starting......................................................2-22
Entry Lighting.................................................3-15
Event Data Recorders.....................................7-18
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-30
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-20
Finish Damage...............................................5-89
Flashers, Hazard Warning.................................. 3-6
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-8
Flat Tire........................................................5-70
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-70
Flat Tire, Storing.............................................5-79
Fluid
Automatic Transmission................................5-22
Power Steering...........................................5-30
Windshield Washer......................................5-31
Fog Lamp
Fog ...........................................................3-14
Fog Lamp Light..............................................3-37
Folding Rear Seat...........................................1-10
Folding Seatback, Passenger............................. 1-8
5

Lights............................................................3-13
Airbag Readiness........................................3-28
All-Wheel Drive Disabled..............................3-39
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning............3-31
Brake System Warning.................................3-30
Change Engine Oil......................................3-37
Charging System.........................................3-30
Cruise Control.............................................3-38
Door Ajar...................................................3-40
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning.............3-32
Flash-to-Pass............................................... 3-8
Fog Lamp ..................................................3-37
Gate Ajar...................................................3-40
Highbeam On.............................................3-38
High/Low Beam Changer................................ 3-8
Low Fuel Warning.......................................3-41
Oil Pressure...............................................3-36
On Reminder..............................................3-13
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator..................3-29
Reduced Engine Power................................3-38
Safety Belt Reminders..................................3-27
Security.....................................................3-37
Service All-Wheel-Drive................................3-39
Service Vehicle Soon...................................3-40
Tire Pressure..............................................3-33
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning..........3-32
Loading Your Vehicle.......................................4-20Locks
Delayed Locking..........................................2-10
Door ..........................................................2-10
Lockout Protection.......................................2-12
Power Door................................................2-10
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.............2-11
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-11
Loss of Control...............................................4-12
Low Fuel Warning Light...................................
3-41
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children.............1-42
Luggage Carrier..............................................2-42
Lumbar
Manual Controls............................................ 1-4
M
Maintenance
Footnotes..................................................... 6-8
Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services........................... 6-7
At Each Fuel Fill.........................................6-10
At Least Once a Month................................6-11
At Least Once a Year..................................6-11
Maintenance Record....................................6-17
Maintenance Replacement Parts....................6-15
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Owner Checks and Services.........................6-10
8