key PONTIAC TORRENT 2009 Owner's Manual

Starting the Engine
Move the shift lever to P (Park) or N (Neutral). The
engine will not start in any other position. To restart
the engine when the vehicle is already moving, use
N (Neutral) only.
Notice:Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the
vehicle is moving. If you do, you could damage
the transmission. Shift to P (Park) only when
the vehicle is stopped.
Starting Procedure
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the
ignition to START. When the engine starts, let go of
the key. The idle speed will slow down as the engine
warms. Do not race the engine immediately after
starting it. Operate the engine and transmission
gently to allow the oil to warm up and lubricate all
moving parts.
The vehicle has a Computer-Controlled Cranking
System. This feature assists in starting the engine
and protects components. If the ignition key is turned
to the START position, and then released when the
engine begins cranking, the engine will continue
cranking for a few seconds or until the vehicle starts.If the engine does not start and the key is held in
START, cranking will be stopped after 15 seconds to
prevent cranking motor damage. To prevent gear
damage, this system also prevents cranking if the
engine is already running. Engine cranking can be
stopped by turning the ignition switch to the ACC/
ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF position.
Notice:Cranking the engine for long periods of
time, by returning the key to the START position
immediately after cranking has ended, can overheat
and damage the cranking motor, and drain the
battery. Wait at least 15 seconds between each try,
to let the cranking motor cool down.
2. If the engine does not start after 5-10 seconds,
especially in very cold weather (below 0°F or−18°C),
it could be ooded with too much gasoline. Try
pushing the accelerator pedal all the way to the oor
and holding it there as you hold the key in START
for up to a maximum of 15 seconds. Wait at least
15 seconds between each try, to allow the cranking
motor to cool down. When the engine starts, let go of
the key and accelerator. If the vehicle starts briey
but then stops again, repeat these steps. This clears
the extra gasoline from the engine. Do not race the
engine immediately after starting it. Operate the
engine and transmission gently until the oil warms
up and lubricates all moving parts.
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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.
P (Park):This position locks the front wheels. It is
the best position to use when you start the engine
because the vehicle cannot move easily.
{CAUTION:
It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the shift
lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking brake
rmly set. The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the 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 the
vehicle will not move, even when you are on fairly
level ground, always set the parking brake and
move the shift lever to P (Park). SeeShifting Into
Park on page 2-32. If you are pulling a trailer,
seeTowing a Trailer on page 4-33.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in P (Park) before starting
the engine. The vehicle has an automatic transmission
shift lock control system. You must fully apply the brake
pedal and then press the shift lever button before you can
shift from P (Park) when the ignition key is in ON/RUN.
If you cannot shift out of P (Park), ease pressure on
the shift lever and push the shift lever all the way into
P (Park) as you maintain brake application. Then press
the shift lever button and move the shift lever into another
gear. SeeShifting Out of Park on page 2-33.
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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
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of the vehicle if
the shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the
parking brake rmly set. The vehicle can roll.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can
move suddenly. You or others could be injured.
To be sure the 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 4-33.
1. Hold the brake pedal down and set the parking
brake. SeeParking Brake on page 2-31for more
information.
2. Move the shift lever into P (Park) 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 the vehicle with the key, the vehicle is in
P (Park).
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Leaving the Vehicle With the Engine
Running
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to leave the vehicle with the
engine running. The vehicle could move suddenly if
the shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking
brake rmly set. And, if you leave the vehicle with
the engine running, it could overheat and even
catch re. You or others could be injured. Do not
leave the vehicle with the engine running.
If you have to leave the vehicle with the engine running,
be sure the vehicle is in P (Park) and the parking brake is
rmly set before you leave it. After you have moved the
shift lever into P (Park), hold the regular brake pedal
down. Then, see if you can move the shift lever away
from P (Park) without rst pressing the button on the
console shift lever. If you can, it means that the shift
lever was not fully locked into P (Park).
Torque Lock
Torque lock is when the weight of the vehicle puts too
much force on the parking pawl in the transmission.
This happens when parking on a hill and shifting the
transmission into P (Park) is not done properly and then it
is difficult to shift out of P (Park). To prevent torque lock,
set the parking brake and then shift into P (Park). To nd
out how, see ‘‘Shifting Into P (Park)’’ listed previously.
If torque lock does occur, your vehicle may need to be
pushed uphill by another vehicle to relieve the parking
pawl pressure, so you can shift out of P (Park).
Shifting Out of Park
The 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 P (Park) with the shift lever button fully
released, and
Prevent movement of the shift lever out of
P (Park), 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.
2-33

Outside Convex Mirrors
{CAUTION:
A convex mirror can make things, like other
vehicles, look farther away than they really are.
If you cut too sharply into the right lane, you could
hit a vehicle on the right. Check the inside mirror
or glance over your shoulder before changing
lanes.
The passenger side mirror is convex shaped. A convex
mirror’s surface is curved so more can be seen from
the driver’s seat.
OnStar®System
OnStar uses several innovative technologies and live
advisors to provide a wide range of safety, security,
information, and convenience services. If the airbags
deploy, the system is designed to make an automatic
call to OnStar Emergency advisors who can request
emergency services be sent to your location. If the keys
are locked in the vehicle, call OnStar at 1-888-4-ONSTAR
to have a signal sent to unlock the doors. OnStar
Hands-Free Calling, including 30 trial minutes good
for 60 days, is available on most vehicles. OnStar
Turn-by-Turn Navigation service, with one trial route, is
available on most vehicles. Press the OnStar button to
have an OnStar advisor contact Roadside Service.
2-38

Instrument Panel Brightness
This feature controls the brightness of the instrument
panel lights.
The control for this feature
is located on the instrument
panel to the left of the
steering column.
Turn the control up to brighten the lights or down to
dim them.
Dome Lamp
For vehicles with a dome lamp, move the lever to
change the setting.
9(Off):Turns the lamp off, even when a door is open.
1(Door):The lamp comes on automatically when a
door is opened.
+(On):Turns 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.
3-15

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.
3-19

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

Charging System Light
If this light comes on while
you are driving, you may
have a problem with
the charging system.
A charging system Driver Information Center (DIC)
message may also appear. SeeDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 3-49for more information. This light
could indicate that you have problems with a generator
drive belt, or another electrical problem. Have it checked
right away. If you must drive a short distance with the light
on, be certain to turn off all your accessories, such as the
radio and air conditioner.
Brake System Warning Light
Your vehicle’s hydraulic brake system is divided into
two parts. If one part is not working, the other part can
still work and stop you. For good braking, though,
you need both parts working well.
If the brake system warning light comes on, there is
a brake problem. Have your brake system inspected
right away.
The brake light is located in the instrument panel
cluster.
This light should come on briey when you turn the
ignition key to ON/RUN. If it does not come on then,
have it xed so it will be ready to warn you if there
is a problem.
United StatesCanada
3-30

This light comes on during a malfunction in one of
two ways:
Light Flashing:A misre condition has been detected.
A misre increases vehicle emissions and could damage
the emission control system on the vehicle. Diagnosis
and service might be required.
To prevent more serious damage to the vehicle:
Reduce vehicle speed.
Avoid hard accelerations.
Avoid steep uphill grades.
If towing a trailer, reduce the amount of cargo being
hauled as soon as it is possible.
If the light continues to ash, when it is safe to do so,
stop the vehicle. Find a safe place to park the vehicle.
Turn the key off, wait at least 10 seconds, and restart
the engine. If the light is still ashing, follow the previous
steps and see your dealer/retailer for service as soon
as possible.
Light On Steady:An emission control system
malfunction has been detected on the vehicle.
Diagnosis and service might be required.An emission system malfunction might be corrected by
doing the following:
Make sure the fuel cap is fully installed. SeeFilling
the Tank on page 5-8. The diagnostic system
can determine if the fuel cap has been left off or
improperly installed. A loose or missing fuel cap
allows fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere.
A few driving trips with the cap properly installed
should turn the light off.
If the vehicle has been driven through a deep puddle
of water, the vehicle’s electrical system might be wet.
The condition is usually corrected when the electrical
system dries out. A few driving trips should turn the
light off.
Make sure to fuel the vehicle with quality fuel. Poor
fuel quality causes the engine not to run as efficiently
as designed and can cause: stalling after start-up,
stalling when the vehicle is changed into gear,
misring, hesitation on acceleration, or stumbling on
acceleration. These conditions might go away once
the engine is warmed up.
If one or more of these conditions occurs, change the
fuel brand used. It will require at least one full tank of
the proper fuel to turn the light off.
SeeGasoline Octane on page 5-5.
If none of the above have made the light turn off, your
dealer/retailer can check the vehicle. The dealer/retailer
has the proper test equipment and diagnostic tools to
x any mechanical or electrical problems that might
have developed.
3-35