warning PONTIAC TORRENT 2009 Service Manual

Brake Assist
This vehicle has a Brake Assist feature designed to
assist the driver in stopping or decreasing vehicle speed
in emergency driving conditions. This feature uses the
stability system hydraulic brake control module to
supplement the power brake system under conditions
where the driver has quickly and forcefully applied the
brake pedal in an attempt to quickly stop or slow down
the vehicle. The stability system hydraulic brake control
module increases brake pressure at each corner of
the vehicle until the ABS activates. Minor brake pedal
pulsations or pedal movement during this time is normal
and the driver should continue to apply the brake pedal
as the driving situation dictates The Brake Assist feature
will automatically disengage when the brake pedal is
released or brake pedal pressure is quickly decreased.
StabiliTrak®System
The vehicle has the StabiliTrak system, an advanced
computer controlled system that helps the driver
maintain directional control of the vehicle in difficult
driving conditions. This is accomplished by selectively
applying any one of the vehicle’s brakes and reducing
power. The Stabilitrak system comes on automatically
whenever the vehicle is started.
The STABILITRAK NOT READY message may be
displayed in the Driver Information Center (DIC) and
the StabiliTrak/Traction Control System (TCS) warning
light will come on the instrument panel cluster after rst
driving the vehicle and exceeding 30 mph 48 (km/h)
for 30 seconds. The StabiliTrak system is off until the
light has turned off. This could take up to 15 minutes.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-49for more
information.
The StabiliTrak/TCS
warning light on the
instrument panel cluster
will ash when the system
is operating.
4-6

The system may be heard or felt while it is working.
This is normal. This light may also come on after
extended heavy braking, indicating the brakes have
become too hot to limit wheel spin.
StabiliTrak can be turned
off using the StabiliTrak/
TCS control button.
To disable StabiliTrak, press and hold the traction
control button until the StabiliTrak/TCS warning light
comes on the instrument panel. StabiliTrak can be
activated again by pressing the StabiliTrak/TCS button.
The SERVICE STABILITRAK message will be
displayed and the StabiliTrak/TCS warning light on
the instrument panel cluster will come on if there is
a problem with the system. When this light and
the SERVICE STABILITRAK message are on, the
system is not operational. Adjust your driving
accordingly.Traction Control System (TCS)
The vehicle has a Traction Control System (TCS) that
limits wheel spin. This is especially useful in slippery road
conditions. The system operates only if it senses that one
or more of the wheels are spinning or beginning to lose
traction. When this happens, the system works the
brakes and reduces engine power to limit wheel spin.
This light ashes while the
traction control system is
limiting wheel spin.
The system may be heard or felt while it is working,
but this is normal. This light may also come on
after extended heavy braking indicating the brakes
have become too hot to limit wheel spin.
TCS automatically comes on whenever the vehicle is
started. To limit wheel spin, especially in slippery
road conditions, the system should always be left on.
But TCS can be turned off if needed. The system should
be turned off if the vehicle ever gets stuck in sand,
mud, ice, or snow and rocking the vehicle is required.
SeeRocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out on page 4-20.
4-7

TCS can be turned off by
pressing the StabiliTrak/
TCS button, located next to
the gear shift lever.
When TCS is turned off, the StabiliTrak/TCS warning
light comes on the instrument panel cluster and
TRACTION CONTROL OFF briey displays.
The traction control system can be activated again by
pressing the traction control button. While the traction
control system is activated, the StabiliTrak/TCS warning
light comes on the instrument panel cluster and
TRACTION CONTROL ON briey displays.
If the system is limiting wheel spin when the button is
pressed, the StabiliTrak/TCS warning light comes on the
instrument panel cluster. The system will not turn off
until there is no longer a current need to limit wheel spin.
Turn the system back on by pressing the button
again. If the light does not come on, TCS might not be
working and the vehicle should be serviced by your
dealer/retailer.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect
the vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modifications on page 5-3for more information.All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System
If the vehicle has all-wheel drive (AWD), the AWD
system operates automatically without any action
required by the driver. If the front drive wheels begin to
slip, the rear wheels will automatically begin to drive
the vehicle as required. Torque is also applied to
the rear wheels during launches. There may be a slight
engagement noise during hard use but this is normal.
The Service All-Wheel
Drive Light is located on
the instrument panel
cluster.
This light and the SERVICE ALL WHEEL DRIVE
message in the DIC will come on and stay on to indicate
there may be a problem with the drive system and
service is required.
SeeService All-Wheel Drive Light on page 3-39and
DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-49for
more information.
4-8

The All-Wheel Drive
Disabled Light comes on
along with the ALL WHEEL
DRIVE OFF message
when the rear drive system
is overheating.
This light will turn off when the rear drive system cools
down. If this light stays on, it must be reset. To reset
the light, turn the ignition off and then back on again.
If the light stays on, see your dealer/retailer for service.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-49for
more information.Steering
Electric Power Steering
(3.4L V6 Engine)
If the engine stalls while driving, the power steering
assist system will continue to operate until you are able
to stop the vehicle. If power steering assist is lost
because the electric power steering system is not
functioning, the vehicle can be steered but it will take
more effort.
If you turn the steering wheel in either direction several
times until it stops, or hold the steering wheel in the
stopped position for an extended amount of time, you
may notice a reduced amount of power steering assist.
The normal amount of power steering assist should return
shortly after a few normal steering movements.
The electric power steering system does not require
regular maintenance. If you suspect steering system
problems, such as abnormally high steering effort for a
prolonged period of time, contact your dealer/retailer
for service repairs.
4-9

Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice,
gravel, or other material is on the road. For safety, slow
down and adjust your driving to these conditions. It is
important to slow down on slippery surfaces because
stopping distance will be longer and vehicle control more
limited.
While driving on a surface with reduced traction,
try your best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration,
or braking, including reducing vehicle speed by shifting to
a lower gear. Any sudden changes could cause the tires
to slide. You may not realize the surface is slippery until
the vehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize warning
clues — such as enough water, ice, or packed snow on
the road to make a mirrored surface — and slow down
when you have any doubt.
Remember: Any Antilock Brake System (ABS) helps
avoid only the braking skid.
Driving at Night
Night driving is more dangerous than day driving
because some drivers are likely to be impaired — by
alcohol or drugs, with night vision problems, or by
fatigue.Night driving tips include:
Drive defensively.
Do not drink and drive.
Reduce headlamp glare by adjusting the inside
rearview mirror.
Slow down and keep more space between you and
other vehicles because headlamps can only light up
so much road ahead.
Watch for animals.
When tired, pull off the road.
Do not wear sunglasses.
Avoid staring directly into approaching headlamps.
Keep the windshield and all glass on your vehicle
clean — inside and out.
Keep your eyes moving, especially during turns or
curves.
No one can see as well at night as in the daytime.
But, as we get older, these differences increase.
A 50-year-old driver might need at least twice as much
light to see the same thing at night as a 20-year-old.
4-13

Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads
Rain and wet roads can reduce vehicle traction
and affect your ability to stop and accelerate. Always
drive slower in these types of driving conditions
and avoid driving through large puddles and
deep-standing or owing water.
{CAUTION:
Wet brakes can cause crashes. They might not
work as well in a quick stop and could cause
pulling to one side. You could lose control of the
vehicle.
After driving through a large puddle of water or a
car/vehicle wash, lightly apply the brake pedal until
the brakes work normally.
Flowing or rushing water creates strong forces.
Driving through owing water could cause your
vehicle to be carried away. If this happens, you
and other vehicle occupants could drown. Do not
ignore police warnings and be very cautious about
trying to drive through owing water.
Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous. Water can build up under
your vehicle’s tires so they actually ride on the
water. This can happen if the road is wet enough and
you are going fast enough. When your vehicle is
hydroplaning, it has little or no contact with the road.
There is no hard and fast rule about hydroplaning.
The best advice is to slow down when the road is wet.
Other Rainy Weather Tips
Besides slowing down, other wet weather driving tips
include:
Allow extra following distance.
Pass with caution.
Keep windshield wiping equipment in good shape.
Keep the windshield washer uid reservoir lled.
Have good tires with proper tread depth. SeeTires
on page 5-48.
Turn off cruise control.
4-14

Blizzard Conditions
Being stuck in snow can be in a serious situation. Stay
with the vehicle unless there is help nearby. If possible,
use theRoadside Assistance Program on page 7-7.
To get help and keep everyone in the vehicle safe:
Turn on theHazard Warning Flashers on page 3-6.
Tie a red cloth to an outside mirror.
{CAUTION:
Snow can trap engine exhaust under the vehicle.
This may cause exhaust gases to get inside.
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO)
which cannot be seen or smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
If the vehicle is stuck in the snow:
Clear away snow from around the base of
your vehicle, especially any that is blocking
the exhaust pipe.
Check again from time to time to be sure
snow does not collect there.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)

Open a window about two inches (5 cm) on
the side of the vehicle that is away from the
wind to bring in fresh air.
Fully open the air outlets on or under the
instrument panel.
Adjust the Climate Control system to a setting
that circulates the air inside the vehicle and
set the fan speed to the highest setting.
See Climate Control System in the Index.
For more information about carbon monoxide, see
Engine Exhaust on page 2-35.
Snow can trap exhaust gases under your vehicle.
This can cause deadly CO (carbon monoxide) gas
to get inside. CO could overcome you and kill you.
You cannot see it or smell it, so you might not
know it is in your vehicle. Clear away snow from
around the base of your vehicle, especially any
that is blocking the exhaust.
Run the engine for short periods only as needed to
keep warm, but be careful.
To save fuel, run the engine for only short periods as
needed to warm the vehicle and then shut the engine off
and close the window most of the way to save heat.
4-18

Electronic Trailer Sway Control
Electronic Trailer Sway Control is integrated into the
StabiliTrak system of the vehicle. This feature detects
the occurrence of trailer sway that may be caused by
improper trailer weight balance, or excessive vehicle
speed. When the system detects trailer sway, the
StabiliTrak system may begin to apply the front brakes,
without you pressing the brake pedal, to help in stabilizing
the vehicle. The StabiliTrak warning light will ash to
indicate that vehicle speed should be reduced. If the
trailer continues to sway, StabiliTrak will reduce engine
torque as a method to reduce the speed of the vehicle.
Reducing the speed of the vehicle is necessary to
reduce trailer sway. Electronic Trailer Sway Control
is de-activated when StabiliTrak is turned off, and is
re-activated when it is turned back on. SeeStabiliTrak
®
System on page 4-6.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as
you would when driving the vehicle without a trailer.
This can help to avoid situations that require heavy
braking and sudden turns.
Passing
More passing distance is needed when towing a trailer.
Because the rig is longer, it is necessary to go much
farther beyond the passed vehicle before returning to
the lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand.
Then, to move the trailer to the left, move that hand
to the left. To move the trailer to the right, move your
hand to the right. Always back up slowly and, if possible,
have someone guide you.
4-38

Making Turns
Notice:Making very sharp turns while trailering
could cause the trailer to come in contact with the
vehicle. The vehicle could be damaged. Avoid
making very sharp turns while trailering.
When turning with a trailer, make wider turns than
normal. Do this so the trailer will not strike soft
shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees or other objects.
Avoid jerky or sudden maneuvers. Signal well in
advance.
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
The arrows on the instrument panel ash whenever
signaling a turn or lane change. Properly hooked up, the
trailer lamps also ash, telling other drivers the vehicle
is turning, changing lanes or stopping.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on the instrument
panel ash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer
are burned out. For this reason you may think other
drivers are seeing the signal when they are not.
It is important to check occasionally to be sure the
trailer bulbs are still working.
Driving On Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gearbeforestarting
down a long or steep downgrade. If the transmission is
not shifted down, the brakes might have to be used so
much that they would get hot and no longer work well.
On a long uphill grade, shift down and reduce the
vehicle’s speed to around 45 mph (70 km/h) to reduce
the possibility of the engine and the transmission
overheating.
Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). Shift the transmission to
a lower gear if the transmission shifts too often under
heavy loads and/or hilly conditions.
When towing at high altitude on steep uphill grades,
consider the following: Engine coolant will boil at a lower
temperature than at normal altitudes. If the engine is
turned off immediately after towing at high altitude on
steep uphill grades, the vehicle may show signs similar to
engine overheating. To avoid this, let the engine run while
parked, preferably on level ground, with the automatic
transmission in P (Park) for a few minutes before turning
the engine off. If the overheat warning comes on, see
Engine Overheating on page 5-28.
4-39

Service............................................................5-3
Accessories and Modications..........................5-3
California Proposition 65 Warning.....................5-4
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements.....5-4
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside of the
Vehicle......................................................5-5
Fuel................................................................5-5
Gasoline Octane............................................5-5
Gasoline Specications....................................5-6
California Fuel...............................................5-6
Additives.......................................................5-6
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-7
Filling the Tank..............................................5-8
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................5-10
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-10
Hood Release..............................................5-11
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-12
Engine Oil...................................................5-15
Engine Oil Life System..................................5-18
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-20
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................5-22
Cooling System............................................5-22
Engine Coolant.............................................5-23
Engine Overheating.......................................5-28Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode........................................5-29
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-30
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-31
Brakes........................................................5-32
Battery........................................................5-35
Jump Starting...............................................5-36
All-Wheel Drive..............................................5-41
Headlamp Aiming...........................................5-43
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-43
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-43
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker,
and Parking Lamps....................................5-44
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Back-up Lamps.........................................5-45
License Plate Lamp......................................5-46
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-46
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-47
Tires..............................................................5-48
Tire Sidewall Labeling...................................5-49
Tire Terminology and Denitions.....................5-52
Ination - Tire Pressure.................................5-55
High-Speed Operation...................................5-56
Tire Pressure Monitor System.........................5-57
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1