ESP PONTIAC TORRENT 2009 Owners Manual

Questions and Answers About Safety
Belts
Q:Will I be trapped in the vehicle after a crash if I
am wearing a safety belt?
A:Youcouldbe — whether you are wearing a safety
belt or not. But your chance of being conscious
during and after an accident, so youcanunbuckle
and get out, ismuchgreater if you are belted.
And you can unbuckle a safety belt, even if you
are upside down.
Q:If my vehicle has airbags, why should I have to
wear safety belts?
A:Airbags are supplemental systems only; so they
workwithsafety belts — not instead of them.
Whether or not an airbag is provided, all occupants
still have to buckle up to get the most protection.
That is true not only in frontal collisions, but
especially in side and other collisions.
Q:If I am a good driver, and I never drive far from
home, why should I wear safety belts?
A:You may be an excellent driver, but if you are in a
crash — even one that is not your fault — you and
your passenger(s) can be hurt. Being a good driver
does not protect you from things beyond your
control, such as bad drivers.
Most accidents occur within 25 miles (40 km)
of home. And the greatest number of serious
injuries and deaths occur at speeds of less than
40 mph (65 km/h).
Safety belts are for everyone.
1-16

Doors and Locks
Door Locks
{CAUTION:
Unlocked doors can be dangerous.
Passengers, especially children, can easily
open the doors and fall out of a moving vehicle.
When a door is locked, the handle will not open
it. The chance of being thrown out of the
vehicle in a crash is increased if the doors are
not locked. So, all passengers should wear
safety belts properly and the doors should be
locked whenever the vehicle is driven.
Young children who get into unlocked vehicles
may be unable to get out. A child can be
overcome by extreme heat and can suffer
permanent injuries or even death from heat
stroke. Always lock the vehicle whenever
leaving it.
Outsiders can easily enter through an unlocked
door when you slow down or stop your vehicle.
Locking your doors can help prevent this from
happening.To lock or unlock a door, use the key from the outside
or the door lock from the inside.
Power Door Locks
The power door lock switches are located on the
driver’s and front passenger’s doors.
K(Unlock):To unlock the doors, press the unlock
symbol.
Q(Lock):Remove the key and press the lock symbol
to lock all of the doors.
Delayed Locking
A chime will sound three times to indicate a door or
liftgate is open when you try to lock the doors with the
power door lock switch. The doors will not lock, and the
theft-deterrent system will not arm until all the doors
are closed and ten seconds have passed.
The delayed locking feature can be programmed through
the Driver Information Center (DIC). SeeDIC Vehicle
Personalization on page 3-57.
See alsoRemote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation on page 2-5.
2-10

Windows
{CAUTION:
Leaving children, helpless adults, or pets in a
vehicle with the windows closed is dangerous.
They can be overcome by the extreme heat and
suffer permanent injuries or even death from heat
stroke. Never leave a child, a helpless adult, or a
pet alone in a vehicle, especially with the windows
closed in warm or hot weather.
2-14

Express-Down Window
The driver’s window switch has an express-down
feature that allows the window to be lowered without
holding the switch. Press the switch part way, and
the driver’s window opens a small amount. Press the
switch down all the way, release it, and the window goes
down automatically.
To stop the window while it is lowering, press and
release the switch.
Window Lockout
o
(Window Lockout):Your vehicle has a lockout
feature to prevent rear seat passengers from operating
the windows. Press the lockout button, located with
the power window switches, to turn the feature on and
off. The switch has a light that comes on when the
switch is active.
Sun Visors
To block out glare, swing the sun visor down. You can
also detach the driver’s sun visor from the center
mount and slide it along the rod from side-to-side for
greater coverage.
Visor Vanity Mirrors
Your vehicle has covered visor vanity mirrors on both
the driver’s and passenger’s side.
Theft-Deterrent Systems
Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities.
This vehicle has theft-deterrent features, however,
they do not make it impossible to steal.
2-16

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.
2-22

In manual shift mode all six forward gears can be
selected.
While using the MSM (Manual Shift Mode) feature
the vehicle will have operation similar to a manual
transmission. You can use this for sport driving or when
driving hilly roads to stay in gear longer or to downshift
for more power or engine braking.
The transmission will only allow you to shift into gears
appropriate for the vehicle speed:
The transmission will not automatically shift to the
next higher gear without moving the shift lever.
The transmission will not allow shifting to the next
lower gear if the vehicle speed is too high.
If the vehicle does not respond to a gear change, or
detects a problem with the transmission, the range
of gears may be reduced and the Malfunction Indicator
Lamp will come on. SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp
on page 3-34.
Transmission Overheating
If the transmission uid temperature rises above
270°F (132°C) or rises rapidly, the Engine Coolant
Temperature Warning Light will ash. SeeEngine
Coolant Temperature Warning Light on page 3-32for
more information. When the transmission overheats it
will go into a protection mode and will default into a
different shift sequence to help cool the transmission
uid. This shift sequence is the same for both D (Drive)
position and manual mode. Continue driving the vehicle
in either position depending on the required vehicle
speed and load. Once the uid temperature lowers to the
normal temperature range, the transmission will return to
the normal shift patterns. Towing or driving on long hills
can cause the transmission uid temperature to be higher
than normal. If the transmission uid temperature will
not cool, you may need to pull over and check the
transmission uid level. You should also check the
engine coolant temperature. If it is hot, seeEngine
Overheating on page 5-28.
2-30

Vehicles with OnStar®have three additional control
buttons located at the bottom of the mirror. See your
dealer/retailer for more information on the system and
how to subscribe to OnStar. SeeOnStar
®System on
page 2-38for more information about the services
OnStar provides.
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror
Hold the inside rearview mirror in the center to move
it for a clearer view of behind your vehicle.
Adjust the mirror to reduce the glare of headlamps from
behind you. Press AUTO or
(located in the lower
center of the mirror to turn automatic dimming on or off.
The indicator light comes on when this feature is on.
For vehicles with OnStar
®, press theOlocated on the
lower part of the mirror, for up to six seconds to turn
automatic dimming on or off.
Vehicles with OnStar have three additional control
buttons located at the bottom of the mirror. See your
dealer/retailer for more information on the system
and how to subscribe to OnStar. SeeOnStar
®System
on page 2-38for more information about the services
OnStar provides.
Outside Power Mirrors
Controls for the outside
power mirrors are located
on the instrument panel.
To adjust the mirrors:
1. Move the selector switch to the left or right to
choose the driver or passenger mirror.
2. Press the corresponding edges of the round control
pad to move each mirror to the desired direction.
3. Adjust each outside mirror so that a little of the
vehicle and the area behind it can be seen.
2-37

How OnStar Service Works
The OnStar system can record and transmit vehicle
information. This information is automatically sent to an
OnStar Call Center when the OnStar button is pressed,
the emergency button is pressed, or if the airbags or
AACN system deploy. This information usually includes
the vehicle’s GPS location and, in the event of a crash,
additional information regarding the crash that the vehicle
was involved in (e.g. the direction from which the vehicle
was hit). When the Virtual Advisor feature of OnStar
Hands-Free Calling is used, the vehicle also sends
OnStar the vehicle’s GPS location so they can provide
services where it is located.
OnStar service cannot work unless the vehicle is in a
place where OnStar has an agreement with a wireless
service provider for service in that area. OnStar service
also cannot work unless the vehicle is in a place where
the wireless service provider OnStar has hired for that
area has coverage, network capacity and reception when
the service is needed, and technology that is compatible
with the OnStar service. Not all services are available
everywhere, particularly in remote or enclosed areas, or
at all times.Location information about the vehicle is only available
if the GPS satellite signals are unobstructed and
available.
The vehicle must have a working electrical system,
including adequate battery power, for the OnStar
equipment to operate. There are other problems OnStar
cannot control that may prevent OnStar from providing
OnStar service at any particular time or place. Some
examples are damage to important parts of the vehicle in
a crash, hills, tall buildings, tunnels, weather or wireless
phone network congestion.
Your Responsibility
Increase the volume of the radio if the OnStar advisor
cannot be heard. If the light next to the OnStar buttons
is red, the system may not be functioning properly.
Press the OnStar button and request a vehicle
diagnostic. If the light appears clear (no light is
appearing), your OnStar subscription has expired and
all services have been deactivated. Press the OnStar
button to conrm that the OnStar equipment is active.
2-41

Driver Information Center (DIC)
Your vehicle has a Driver Information Center (DIC).
All messages will appear in the DIC display located
in the center of the instrument panel cluster. The DIC
buttons are located on the center of the instrument panel.
The DIC comes on when the ignition is on. After a short
delay, the DIC will display the information that was
last displayed before the engine was turned off.
The DIC displays trip, fuel, and vehicle system
information, and warning messages if a system problem
is detected. The top of the DIC display shows the shift
lever position indicator. SeeAutomatic Transmission
Operation (3.4L V6 with 5-Speed) on page 2-24or
Automatic Transmission Operation (3.6L V6 with
6-Speed) on page 2-27for more information.
If your vehicle has these feature, the DIC also displays
the compass direction and the outside air temperature
when viewing the trip and fuel information. If there is a
problem with the system that controls the temperature
display, the numbers will be replaced with dashes. If this
occurs, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer.
If an abnormal temperature reading is displayed for an
extended period of time, consult your dealer/retailer.
Under certain circumstances, especially when the engine
is idling, a delay updating the temperature display is
normal.
The DIC also allows some features to be personalized.
SeeDIC Vehicle Personalization on page 3-57for
more information.
DIC Operation and Displays
The DIC has different displays which can be accessed
by pressing the DIC buttons located on the center
of the instrument panel.
DIC Buttons
The buttons are the trip/fuel, vehicle information, and
set/reset buttons. The button functions are detailed
in the following pages.
3(Trip/Fuel):Press this button to scroll through
the trip and fuel displays. See “Trip/Fuel Menu Items”
following for more information on these displays.
3-42

Check XM Receivr:If this message does not clear
within a short period of time, the receiver could have
a fault. Consult with your dealer/retailer.
XM Not Available:If this message does not clear
within a short period of time, the receiver could have
a fault. Consult with your dealer/retailer.
Navigation/Radio System
For vehicles with a navigation radio system, see the
separate Navigation System manual.
Bluetooth®
Vehicles with a Bluetooth system can use a Bluetooth
capable cell phone with a Hands Free Prole to make
and receive phone calls. The system can be used while
the key is in ON/RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY position.
The range of the Bluetooth system can be up to 30 ft.
(9.1 m). Not all phones support all functions, and not
all phones are guaranteed to work with the in-vehicle
Bluetooth system. See gm.com/bluetooth for more
information on compatible phones.
Voice Recognition
The Bluetooth system uses voice recognition to interpret
voice commands to dial phone numbers and name tags.
Noise:Keep interior noise levels to a minimum.
The system may not recognize voice commands if
there is too much background noise.
When to Speak:A short tone sounds after the system
responds indicating when it is waiting for a voice
command. Wait until the tone and then speak.
How to Speak:Speak clearly in a calm and natural
voice.
Audio System
When using the in-vehicle Bluetooth system, sound
comes through the vehicle’s front audio system speakers
and overrides the audio system. Use the audio system
volume knob, during a call, to change the volume level.
The adjusted volume level remains in memory for later
calls. To prevent missed calls, a minimum volume level
is used if the volume is turned down too low.
3-98