tow PONTIAC TORRENT 2009 Service Manual

Keep a record with all parts receipts and list the
mileage and the date of any service work performed.
SeeMaintenance Record on page 6-17.
Adding Equipment to the Outside of
the Vehicle
Things added to the outside of the vehicle can affect the
airow around it. This can cause wind noise and can
affect fuel economy and windshield washer performance.
Check with your dealer/retailer before adding equipment
to the outside of the vehicle.
Fuel
Use of the recommended fuel is an important part of
the proper maintenance of this vehicle. To help keep the
engine clean and maintain optimum vehicle performance,
we recommend the use of gasoline advertised as
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline.
The 8th digit of the Vehicle Identication Number (VIN)
shows the code letter or number that identies the
vehicle’s engine. The VIN is at the top left of the
instrument panel. SeeVehicle Identification
Number (VIN) on page 5-90.
Gasoline Octane
If the vehicle has the 3.4L V6 engine (VIN Code F), use
regular unleaded gasoline with a posted octane rating
of 87 or higher. If the octane rating is less than 87,
you might notice an audible knocking noise when you
drive, commonly referred to as spark knock. If this
occurs, use a gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher
as soon as possible. If you are using gasoline rated
at 87 octane or higher and you hear heavy knocking,
the engine needs service.
If the vehicle has the 3.6L V6 engine (VIN Code 7),
use regular unleaded gasoline with a posted octane
rating of 87 or higher. For best performance or trailer
towing, you could choose to use middle grade 89 octane
unleaded gasoline. If the octane rating is less than 87,
you might notice an audible knocking noise when you
drive, commonly referred to as spark knock. If this occurs,
use a gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher as soon as
possible. If you are using gasoline rated at 87 octane or
higher and you hear heavy knocking, the engine needs
service.
5-5

A. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-20.
B. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir (Out of View).
SeePower Steering Fluid on page 5-30.
C. Engine Oil Fill Cap (Out of View). See “When to Add
Engine Oil” underEngine Oil on page 5-15.
D. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-15.
E. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid” under
Brakes on page 5-32.
F. Underhood Fuse Block. SeeEngine Compartment
Fuse Block on page 5-93.
G. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting on
page 5-36.
H. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank. SeeCooling System
on page 5-22.
I. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-31.Engine Oil
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the engine oil level at each
fuel ll. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil must
be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-12
for the location of the engine oil dipstick.
1. Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes
to drain back into the oil pan. If this is not done,
the oil dipstick might not show the actual level.
2. Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel
or cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it
again, keeping the tip down, and check the level.
5-15

If No Steam Is Coming From The
Engine Compartment
If an engine overheat warning is displayed but no
steam can be seen or heard, the problem may not
be too serious. Sometimes the engine can get a little
too hot when the vehicle:
Climbs a long hill on a hot day.
Stops after high-speed driving.
Idles for long periods in traffic.
Tows a trailer.
If the overheat warning is displayed with no sign
of steam:
1. Turn the air conditioner off.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest temperature and
to the highest fan speed. Open the windows as
necessary.
3. If in a traffic jam, try to minimize engine load.
Shift to N (Neutral); otherwise, shift to the
highest gear while driving.
If the temperature overheat gage is no longer in the
overheat zone or an overheat warning no longer displays,
the vehicle can be driven. Continue to drive the vehicle
slow for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe vehicle distance
from the car in front of you. If the warning does not come
back on, continue to drive normally.If the warning continues, pull over, stop, and park the
vehicle right away.
If there is no sign of steam, idle the engine for
three minutes while parked. If the warning is still
displayed, turn off the engine until it cools down.
Also, see “Overheated Engine Protection Operating
Mode” later in this section.
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
This emergency operating mode lets the vehicle
be driven to a safe place in an emergency situation.
If an overheated engine condition exists, an overheat
protection mode which alternates ring groups of
cylinders helps prevent engine damage. In this mode,
there is a signicant loss in power and engine
performance. The temperature gage indicates an
overheat condition exists. Driving extended distances
and/or towing a trailer in the overheat protection mode
should be avoided.
Notice:After driving in the overheated engine
protection operating mode, to avoid engine damage,
allow the engine to cool before attempting any repair.
The engine oil will be severely degraded. Repair the
cause of coolant loss, change the oil and reset the oil
life system. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-15.
5-29

Headlamps, Front Turn Signal,
Sidemarker, and Parking Lamps
To replace one of these bulbs:
1. Open the hood. SeeHood Release on page 5-11.
2. Remove the three headlamp assembly attachment
screws.
3. Pull the headlamp assembly toward you to
release it from the hidden, lower headlamp mount.
The headlamp assembly will need to be carefully
disengaged from the vehicle.A. Sidemarker Lamp
B. Parking/Turn Signal Lamp
C. Low/High-Beam/DRL Headlamp
4. Pull the locking tab back on the bulb socket and
push the release tab in to release the wiring harness.
Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise to remove it
from the headlamp assembly.
5. Pull the bulb straight out from the socket.
6. Push the new bulb into the socket and reinstall the
socket into the headlamp assembly by turning it
clockwise.
5-44

7. Reconnect the electrical connector.
8. Push the headlamp back into the lower headlamp
mount carefully.
9. Reinstall the three headlamp assembly screws.
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps
and Back-up Lamps
A. Stoplamp/Taillamp/Sidemarker Lamp
B. Turn Signal Lamp/Taillamp
C. Backup LampTo replace one of these bulbs:
1. Open the liftgate. SeeLiftgate on page 2-12.
2. Remove the taillamp screw covers.
3. Remove the taillamp screws.
4. Pull the taillamp assembly towards you.
5. Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise to remove
the bulb socket from the taillamp assembly.
6. Pull the bulb out of the bulb socket.
7. Push the new bulb straight into the bulb socket until
it clicks.
5-45

Windshield Wiper Blade
Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected for wear
and cracking. SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4
for more information.
Replacement blades come in different types and are
removed in different ways. For proper type and length,
seeMaintenance Replacement Parts on page 6-15.
To replace the windshield wiper blade assembly:
1. Lift the wiper arm away from the windshield.2. Push the release lever (B) to disengage the hook
and push the wiper arm (A) out of the blade (C).
3. Push the new wiper blade securely on the wiper
arm until you hear the release lever click into
place.
To replace the rear window wiper blade:
1. Lift the wiper blade arm straight toward you.
2. Push the blade release button and slide the whole
blade to the right to remove.
3. Install the new blade.
4. Push the wiper blade arm back into place.
5-47

Reset the Tire Pressure Monitor System. SeeTire
Pressure Monitor Operation on page 5-59.
Make certain that all wheel nuts are properly
tightened. See “Wheel Nut Torque” under
Capacities and Specifications on page 5-97.
{CAUTION:
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to
which it is fastened, can make wheel nuts
become loose after time. The wheel could
come off and cause an accident. When you
change a wheel, remove any rust or dirt from
places where the wheel attaches to the
vehicle. In an emergency, you can use a cloth
or a paper towel to do this; but be sure to use a
scraper or wire brush later, if needed, to get all
the rust or dirt off. SeeChanging a Flat Tire on
page 5-70.
When It Is Time for New Tires
Various factors, such as maintenance, temperatures,
driving speeds, vehicle loading, and road conditions,
inuence when you need new tires.
One way to tell when it
is time for new tires is
to check the treadwear
indicators, which appear
when your tires have only
1/16 inch (1.6 mm) or less
of tread remaining. Some
commercial truck tires
may not have treadwear
indicators.
5-63

If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blowout while you are driving,
especially if you maintain your vehicle’s tires properly.
If air goes out of a tire, it is much more likely to leak
out slowly. But if you should ever have a blowout, here
are a few tips about what to expect and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the at tire creates a drag that pulls
the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off the
accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel rmly.
Steer to maintain lane position, and then gently brake
to a stop well out of the traffic lane.
A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts much like a
skid and may require the same correction you would use
in a skid. In any rear blowout remove your foot from the
accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle under control by
steering the way you want the vehicle to go. It may be
very bumpy and noisy, but you can still steer. Gently
brake to a stop, well off the road if possible.{CAUTION:
Lifting a vehicle and getting under it to do
maintenance or repairs is dangerous without the
appropriate safety equipment and training. If a jack
is provided with the vehicle, it is designed only for
changing a at tire. If it is used for anything else,
you or others could be badly injured or killed if the
vehicle slips off the jack. If a jack is provided with
the vehicle, only use it for changing a at tire.
If a tire goes at, the next part shows how to use the
jacking equipment to change a at tire safely.
Changing a Flat Tire
If a tire goes at, avoid further tire and wheel damage
by driving slowly to a level place. Turn on the hazard
warning ashers. SeeHazard Warning Flashers
on page 3-6.
5-70

10. Remove all of the
wheel nuts.
11. Remove the at tire.
{CAUTION:
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to which it
is fastened, can make wheel nuts become loose
after time. The wheel could come off and cause an
accident. When changing a wheel, remove any rust
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
or dirt from places where the wheel attaches to
the vehicle. In an emergency, use a cloth or a
paper towel to do this; but be sure to use a
scraper or wire brush later, if needed, to get all
the rust or dirt off. SeeChanging a Flat Tire on
page 5-70.
12. Remove any rust or dirt
from the wheel bolts,
mounting surfaces,
and spare wheel.
5-77

4. Remove the wheel stow rod from the left side of the
oor compartment.
5. Screw the threaded wheel stow rod onto the spare
tire bracket. The nal position of the wheel stow rod
must be turned to the farthest forward position.6. Remove the cap, if your vehicle has one, from the
center of the load oor. Position the rod through
the hole. Replace the rear compartment load oor
over the wheel stow rod through the hole in the
oor.
7. Place the at, or damaged tire, face down, on the
load oor with the threaded wheel stow rod sticking
up through the center hole of the wheel.
8. Install the nut onto the wheel stow rod and tighten.
9. Install the rear compartment storage panel/cover
in the middle position. SeeRear Compartment
Storage Panel/Cover on page 2-44for more
information.
The compact spare is for temporary use only. Replace
the compact spare tire with a full-size tire as soon
as you can.
5-80