2006 PONTIAC TORRENT oil temperature

Engine Coolant Heater
If your vehicle has this feature, in very cold weather
0°F (−18°C) or colder, the engine coolant heater
can help. You will get easier starting and better
fuel economy during engine warm-up. Usually, the
coolant heater should be plugged in a minimum of
four hours prior to starting your vehicle. At temperatures
above 32°F (0°C), use of the coolant heater is not
required.
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.
The cord is located on the driver’s side of the
engine compartment, behind the battery.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
{CAUTION:
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet
could cause an electrical shock. Also, the
wrong kind of extension cord could overheat
and cause a re. You could be seriously
injured. Plug the cord into a properly grounded
three-prong 110-volt AC outlet. If the cord will
not reach, use a heavy-duty three-prong
extension cord rated for at least 15 amps.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and
store the cord as it was before to keep it away
from moving engine parts. If you do not, it could be
damaged.
How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged
in? The answer depends on the outside temperature, the
kind of oil you have, and some other things. Instead
of trying to list everything here, we ask that you contact
your dealer in the area where you will be parking
your vehicle. The dealer can give you the best advice
for that particular area.
2-18

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Other Warning Devices...................................3-6
Horn.............................................................3-6
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-7
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-7
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-8
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-8
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-8
Windshield Wipers..........................................3-8
Windshield Washer.......................................3-10
Rear Window Wiper/Washer...........................3-10
Cruise Control..............................................3-11
Headlamps..................................................3-14
Headlamps on Reminder................................3-14
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................3-14
Automatic Headlamp System..........................3-15
Fog Lamps..................................................3-15
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-16
Dome Lamp.................................................3-16
Entry Lighting...............................................3-17
Map Lamps.................................................3-17
Cargo Lamp.................................................3-17
Battery Run-Down Protection..........................3-18
Accessory Power Outlet(s).............................3-18
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter......................3-19Climate Controls............................................3-19
Climate Control System.................................3-19
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-22
Passenger Compartment Air Filter...................3-22
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-23
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-24
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-25
Trip Odometer..............................................3-25
Tachometer.................................................3-25
Safety Belt Reminder Light.............................3-26
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-26
Battery Warning Light....................................3-27
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-28
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light.............3-29
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light . . .3-30
Low Traction Light........................................3-30
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light......3-31
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-31
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-32
Oil Pressure Light.........................................3-35
Change Engine Oil Light................................3-36
Security Light...............................................3-36
Reduced Engine Power Light.........................3-36
Highbeam On Light.......................................3-37
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
Indicator Light...........................................3-37
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

If you are in an area of extreme cold, where the
temperature falls below−20°F (−29°C), it is
recommended that you use either an SAE 5W-30
synthetic oil or an SAE 0W-30 oil. Both will provide
easier cold starting and better protection for your
engine at extremely low temperatures.
Engine Oil Additives
Do not add anything to your oil. The recommended oils
with the starburst symbol meet GM Standard GM6094M
are all you will need for good performance and engine
protection.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
Your vehicle has a computer system that lets you know
when to change the engine oil and lter. This is based
on engine revolutions and engine temperature, and not
on mileage. Based on driving conditions, the mileage
at which an oil change will be indicated can vary
considerably. For the oil life system to work properly,
you must reset the system every time the oil is changed.
When the system has calculated that oil life has been
diminished, it will indicate that an oil change is necessary.
A change engine oil light will come on. Change your oil
as soon as possible within the next 600 miles (1 000 km).
It is possible that, if you are driving under the best
conditions, the oil life system may not indicate that an
oil change is necessary for over a year. However, your
engine oil and lter must be changed at least once a
year and at this time the system must be reset. Your
dealer has GM-trained people who will perform this
work using genuine GM parts and reset the system.
It is also important to check your oil regularly and keep
it at the proper level.
If the system is ever reset accidentally, you must
change your oil at 3,000 miles (5 000 km) since your
last oil change. Remember to reset the oil life system
whenever the oil is changed.
5-16

Automatic Transaxle Fluid
It is not necessary to check the transaxle uid level.
A transaxle uid leak is the only reason for uid loss.
If a leak occurs, take your vehicle to the dealership
service department and have it repaired as soon
as possible.
Change the uid at the intervals listed inAdditional
Required Services on page 6-6, and be sure to use
the transaxle uid listed inRecommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 6-11.
Notice:Use of the incorrect automatic transaxle
uid may damage your vehicle, and the damages
may not be covered by your warranty. Always use
the automatic transaxle uid listed inRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-11.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is lled with
DEX-COOL®engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for ve years or 100,000 miles
(166 000 km), whichever occurs rst, if you add only
DEX-COOL
®extended life coolant.The following explains your cooling system and how
to add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem
with engine overheating, seeEngine Overheating
on page 5-23.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®coolant will:
Give freezing protection down to−34°F (−37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages work as
they should.
Notice:Using coolant other than DEX-COOL
®may
cause premature engine, heater core, or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine coolant may
require changing sooner, at the rst maintenance
service after each 30,000 miles (50 000 km) or
24 months, whichever occurs rst. Any repairs
would not be covered by your warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL
®(silicate-free) coolant in your vehicle.
5-21

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

D
Daytime Running Lamps..................................3-14
Daytime Running Lamps Indicator Light.............3-37
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-2
Delayed Locking............................................... 2-7
Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-4
Dome Lamp...................................................3-16
Door
Automatic Door Lock..................................... 2-8
Delayed Locking........................................... 2-7
Locks.......................................................... 2-6
Power Door Locks......................................... 2-7
Programmable Automatic Door Unlock.............. 2-8
Rear Door Security Locks............................... 2-8
Driver
Position, Safety Belt.....................................1-18
Seat Height Adjuster...................................... 1-3
Six-Way Power Seat...................................... 1-3
Driving
At Night.....................................................4-16
City...........................................................4-20
Defensive..................................................... 4-2
Drunken....................................................... 4-3
Freeway.....................................................4-21
Hill and Mountain Roads..............................4-24
In Rain and on Wet Roads...........................4-17
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out.................4-31
Winter........................................................4-26
E
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment......................................5-83
Engine Compartment Fuse Block...................5-85
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-83
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.........................5-84
Power Windows and Other Power Options......5-83
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-83
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-18
Battery.......................................................5-34
Change Engine Oil Light...............................3-36
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-32
Coolant......................................................5-21
Coolant Heater............................................2-18
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-31
Coolant Temperature Warning Light................3-31
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-25
Oil .............................................................5-13
Oil Life System...........................................5-16
Overheated Protection Operating Mode...........5-25
Overheating................................................5-23
Reduced Power Light...................................3-36
Starting......................................................2-17
Entry Lighting.................................................3-17
Event Data Recorders (EDR)............................7-10
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-30
4

Light (cont.)
Battery Warning..........................................3-27
Brake System Warning.................................3-28
Change Engine Oil......................................3-36
Daytime Running Lamps Indicator..................3-37
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning.............3-31
Gate Ajar...................................................3-37
Highbeam On.............................................3-37
Low Fuel Warning.......................................3-38
Low Traction...............................................3-30
Malfunction Indicator....................................3-32
Oil Pressure...............................................3-35
Reduced Engine Power................................3-36
Safety Belt Reminder...................................3-26
Security.....................................................3-36
TCS Warning Light......................................3-30
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning..........3-30
Lighting
Entry.........................................................3-17
Loading Your Vehicle.......................................4-31
Lockout Protection............................................ 2-9
Locks
Automatic Door Lock..................................... 2-8
Delayed Locking........................................... 2-7
Door........................................................... 2-6
Lockout Protection......................................... 2-9
Power Door.................................................. 2-7
Programmable Automatic Door Unlock.............. 2-8
Rear Door Security Locks............................... 2-8Loss of Control...............................................4-15
Low Fuel Warning Light...................................3-38
Low Traction Light..........................................3-30
Luggage Carrier..............................................2-35
Lumbar
Manual Controls............................................ 1-4
M
Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services........................... 6-6
At Each Fuel Fill........................................... 6-8
At Least Once a Month.................................. 6-9
At Least Once a Year.................................... 6-9
Introduction.................................................. 6-2
Maintenance Footnotes.................................. 6-7
Maintenance Record....................................6-14
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts.........6-13
Owner Checks and Services........................... 6-8
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.............6-11
Scheduled Maintenance................................. 6-4
Using.......................................................... 6-2
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2
Malfunction Indicator Light................................3-32
Manual Lumbar Controls.................................... 1-4
Manual Seats................................................... 1-2
Map Lamps....................................................3-17
7

Mirrors
Automatic Dimming Rearview with Compass
and Temperature Display...........................2-29
Automatic Dimming Rearview with OnStar
®,
Compass and Temperature Display.............2-27
Manual Rearview Mirror................................2-27
Outside Convex Mirrors................................2-32
Outside Power Mirrors..................................2-31
MyGMLink.com................................................ 7-4
N
New Vehicle Break-In......................................2-15
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts............6-13
O
Odometer......................................................3-25
Odometer, Trip...............................................3-25
Off-Road Recovery..........................................4-13
Oil
Change Engine Oil Light...............................3-36
Engine.......................................................5-13
Pressure Light.............................................3-35
Oil, Engine Oil Life System..............................5-16
Older Children, Restraints................................1-30
Online Owner Center........................................ 7-4
OnStar
®System, see OnStar®Manual...............2-32
Other Warning Devices...................................... 3-6Outlet Adjustment............................................3-22
Outside
Convex Mirrors............................................2-32
Power Mirrors.............................................2-31
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode.....5-25
Owner Checks and Services.............................. 6-8
Owners, Canadian............................................... ii
P
Park (P)
Shifting Into................................................2-23
Shifting Out of............................................2-24
Parking
Brake........................................................2-22
Over Things That Burn.................................2-25
Passenger Compartment Air Filter.....................3-22
Passing.........................................................4-14
Passlock
®......................................................2-15
Power............................................................. 1-3
Accessory Outlet(s)......................................3-18
Door Locks.................................................. 2-7
Electrical System.........................................5-83
Reduced Engine Light..................................3-36
Retained Accessory (RAP)............................2-17
Windows....................................................2-12
Pretensioners, Safety Belt................................1-29
Programmable Automatic Door Unlock................. 2-8
8