2006 PONTIAC TORRENT towing

Passing
You will need more passing distance up ahead when
you are towing a trailer. And, because you are a
good deal longer, you will need to go much farther
beyond the passed vehicle before you can return to
your lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand.
Then, to move the trailer to the left, just 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.
Making Turns
Notice:Making very sharp turns while trailering
could cause the trailer to come in contact with
the vehicle. Your vehicle could be damaged.
Avoid making very sharp turns while trailering.
When you are turning with a trailer, make wider turns
than normal. Do this so your 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
When you tow a trailer, your vehicle has to have
extra wiring.
The arrows on your instrument panel will ash whenever
you signal a turn or lane change. Properly hooked up,
the trailer lamps will also ash, telling other drivers
you are about to turn, change lanes or stop.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on your instrument
panel will ash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer
are burned out. Thus, you may think drivers behind
you are seeing your signal when they are not. It’s
important to check occasionally to be sure the trailer
bulbs are still working.
Driving On Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear before you
start down a long or steep downgrade. If you do not
shift down, you might have to use your brakes so
much that they would get hot and no longer work well.
If you are towing a trailer that weighs more than
1,000 lbs (450 kg), drive in L4 instead of AUTOMATIC
OVERDRIVE (D) or, as you need to, a lower gear.
This will minimize heat build-up and extend the life
of your transaxle.
4-43

Parking on Hills
{CAUTION:
You really should not park your vehicle, with
a trailer attached, on a hill. If something goes
wrong, your rig could start to move. People
can be injured, and both your vehicle and
the trailer can be damaged.
But if you ever have to park your rig on a hill,
do the following:
1. Apply your regular brakes, but do not shift
into PARK (P) yet.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer
wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release
the regular brakes until the chocks absorb
the load.
4. Reapply the regular brakes. Then apply your
parking brake, and then shift to PARK (P).
5. Release the regular brakes.
When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down
while you do the following:
Start your engine.
Shift into a gear.
Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store
the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service more often when you are
pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance Schedule for more
on this. Things that are especially important in trailer
operation are automatic transaxle uid, engine oil, belts,
cooling system and brake system. Each of these is
covered in this manual, and the Index will help you nd
them quickly. If you are trailering, it is a good idea to
review these sections before you start your trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.
4-44

If you get the overheat warning with no sign of steam,
try this for a minute or so:
1. If the air conditioner is on, turn it off.
2. Turn on your heater to full hot at the highest fan
speed and open the windows as necessary.
3. Try to minimize engine load. If you are in a traffic
jam, shift to NEUTRAL (N); otherwise, shift to
the highest gear while driving.
If you no longer have the overheat warning, you can
drive. Just to be safe, drive slower for about ten minutes.
If the warning does not come back on, you can drive
normally.
If the warning continues and you have not stopped,
pull over, stop, and park your vehicle right away.
If there is still no sign of steam, you can idle the
engine for three minutes while you are parked.
If you still have the warning, turn off the engine and
get everyone out of the vehicle until it cools down.
Also, see “Overheated Engine Protection Operating
Mode” later in this section.
You may decide not to lift the hood but to get service
help right away.Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
This emergency operating mode allows your vehicle to
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,
you will notice a signicant loss in power and engine
performance. The temperature gage will indicate
an overheat condition exists. Driving extended miles
(km) 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 5-13.
5-25

Maintenance Footnotes
(a)Visually inspect brake lines and hoses for proper
hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chang, etc. Inspect
disc brake pads for wear and rotors for surface
condition. Inspect drum brake linings/shoes for wear
or cracks. Inspect other brake parts, including drums,
wheel cylinders, calipers, parking brake, etc. Check
parking brake adjustment.
(b)Visually inspect front and rear suspension and
steering system for damaged, loose, or missing parts,
signs of wear. Inspect power steering cables for
proper hook-up, binding, cracks, chang, etc.
(c)Visually inspect hoses and have them replaced if they
are cracked, swollen, or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
ttings and clamps; replace with genuine GM parts as
needed. To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test
of the cooling system and pressure cap and cleaning the
outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser is
recommended at least once a year.
(d)Visually inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking.
Replace wiper blades that appear worn or damaged
or that streak or miss areas of the windshield.
(e)Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all
your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors, and
anchorages 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 look for any opened or
broken airbag coverings, and have them repaired or
replaced. The airbag system does not need regular
maintenance.
(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 you drive regularly under dusty conditions, the
lter may require replacement more often.
(h)Change automatic transaxle uid 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.
6-7

If you need roadside assistance, call GM Roadside
Assistance. SeeRoadside Assistance Program on
page 7-6for more information.
If your vehicle cannot be driven, know where the
towing service will be taking it. Get a card from
the tow truck operator or write down the driver’s
name, the service’s name, and the phone number.
Remove any valuables from your vehicle before it is
towed away. Make sure this includes your insurance
information and registration if you keep these
items in your vehicle.
Gather the important information you will need from
the other driver. Things like name, address, phone
number, driver’s license number, vehicle license
plate, vehicle make, model and model year, Vehicle
Identication Number (VIN), insurance company
and policy number, and a general description of
the damage to the other vehicle.
If possible, call your insurance company from the
scene of the accident. They will walk you through
the information they will need. If they ask for a
police report, phone or go to the police department
headquarters the next day and you can get a
copy of the report for a nominal fee. In some states
with “no fault” insurance laws, a report may not
be necessary. This is especially true if there are
no injuries and both vehicles are driveable.
Choose a reputable collision repair facility for your
vehicle. Whether you select a GM dealer or a
private collision repair facility to x the damage,
make sure you are comfortable with them.
Remember, you will have to feel comfortable
with their work for a long time.
Once you have an estimate, read it carefully
and make sure you understand what work will be
performed on your vehicle. If you have a question,
ask for an explanation. Reputable shops welcome
this opportunity.
7-13

Q
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts.........1-17
R
Radios..........................................................3-38
Care of Your CD Player...............................3-81
Care of Your CDs........................................3-80
Radio with CD....................................3-40, 3-50
Radio with Six-Disc CD................................3-65
Setting the Time..........................................3-40
Theft-Deterrent............................................3-79
Understanding Reception..............................3-80
Rear Compartment Storage Panel/Cover............2-37
Rear Door Security Locks.................................. 2-8
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides......................1-27
Rear Seat Passengers, Safety Belts..................1-25
Rear Windshield Washer/Wiper.........................3-10
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming with
Compass and Temperature Display................2-29
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming with
OnStar
®, Compass and Temperature
Display......................................................2-27
Rearview Mirrors.............................................2-27
Reclining Seatbacks.......................................... 1-5
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.................6-11
Recreational Vehicle Towing.............................4-36
Reduced Engine Power Light............................3-36
Remote Keyless Entry System............................ 2-3Remote Keyless Entry System, Operation............ 2-4
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire..................................................5-65
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...................5-64
Replacement Bulbs.........................................5-44
Reporting Safety Defects
Canadian Government..................................7-15
General Motors...........................................7-15
United States Government............................7-14
Restraint System Check
Checking the Restraint Systems....................1-62
Replacing Restraint System Parts
After a Crash..........................................1-63
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)......................2-17
Right Front Passenger Position, Safety Belts......1-25
Roadside
Assistance Program....................................... 7-6
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out....................4-31
Running the Engine While Parked.....................2-26S
Safety Belt
Pretensioners..............................................1-29
Reminder Light............................................3-26
Safety Belts
Care of......................................................5-77
Driver Position............................................1-18
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly................1-17
9

Storage Areas (cont.)
Rear Compartment Storage Panel/Cover.........2-37
Table.........................................................2-39
Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow......................4-30
Sun Visors.....................................................2-12
Sunroof.........................................................2-40
T
Table............................................................2-39
Tachometer....................................................3-25
Taillamps
Turn Signal, Stoplamps and Back-up Lamps....5-43
TCS Warning Light..........................................3-30
Theft-Deterrent, Radio.....................................3-79
Theft-Deterrent Systems...................................2-13
Content Theft-Deterrent................................2-13
Passlock
®...................................................2-15
Tilt Wheel........................................................ 3-7
Tires.............................................................5-46
Aluminum Wheels, Cleaning..........................5-79
Buying New Tires........................................5-56
Chains.......................................................5-61
Changing a Flat Tire....................................5-62
Cleaning....................................................5-80
Compact Spare Tire.....................................5-73
Different Size..............................................5-57Tires (cont.)
If a Tire Goes Flat.......................................5-62
Ination - Tire Pressure................................5-52
Inspection and Rotation................................5-54
Installing the Spare Tire................................5-65
Removing the Flat Tire.................................5-65
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...............5-64
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools............5-72
Tire Sidewall Labeling..................................5-47
Tire Terminology and Denitions....................5-50
Uniform Tire Quality Grading.........................5-58
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance.................5-59
Wheel Replacement.....................................5-60
When It Is Time for New Tires......................5-55
Towing
Recreational Vehicle.....................................4-36
Towing a Trailer..........................................4-38
Your Vehicle...............................................4-36
Traction
Control System (TCS).................................... 4-9
Control System Warning Light.......................3-30
Low Light...................................................3-30
Transaxle
Fluid, Automatic...........................................5-21
Transaxle Operation, Automatic.........................2-19
Trip Odometer................................................3-25
Turn and Lane-Change Signals.......................... 3-8
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever........................... 3-7
11