2007 PONTIAC TORRENT heating

This light will come 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 again. If the light stays on, see
your dealer for service.
See “All Wheel Drive Off” underDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 200for more information.
Steering
Electric Power Steering
If the engine stalls while you are driving, the
power steering assist system will continue
to operate until you are able to stop your vehicle.
If you lose power steering assist because the
electric power steering system is not functioning,
you can steer, 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 for service repairs.
Steering Tips
It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents
mentioned on the news happen on curves.
Here is why:
Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is
subject to the same laws of physics when driving on
curves. The traction of the tires against the road
surface makes it possible for the vehicle to change
its path when you turn the front wheels. If there is
no traction, inertia will keep the vehicle going in the
same direction. If you have ever tried to steer a
vehicle on wet ice, you will understand this.
300

Because your vehicle may have anti-lock brakes,
do not try to tap into your vehicle’s brake system.
If you do, both brake systems will not work well,
or at all.
Driving with a Trailer
{CAUTION:
If you have the liftgate open and you pull
a trailer with your vehicle, carbon
monoxide (CO) could come into your
vehicle. You cannot see or smell CO. It
can cause unconsciousness or death. See
Engine Exhaust on page 127. To maximize
your safety when towing a trailer:
Have your exhaust system inspected
for leaks, and make necessary repairs
before starting on your trip.
Keep the liftgate closed.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)

If exhaust does come into your vehicle
through a window in the rear or
another opening, drive with your front,
main heating or cooling system on
and with the fan on any speed. This
will bring fresh, outside air into your
vehicle. Do not use the climate control
setting for maximum air because it
only recirculates the air inside your
vehicle. SeeClimate Control System
on page 166.
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of
experience. Before setting out for the open road,
you will want to get to know your rig. Acquaint
yourself with the feel of handling and braking with
the added weight of the trailer. And always
keep in mind that the vehicle you are driving is
now a good deal longer and not nearly as
responsive as your vehicle is by itself.
332

Service........................................................ 339
Accessories and Modications................... 339
California Proposition 65 Warning.............. 340
Doing Your Own Service Work.................. 340
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your
Vehicle................................................... 341
Fuel............................................................. 341
Gasoline Octane........................................ 341
Gasoline Specications.............................. 341
California Fuel........................................... 342
Additives................................................... 342
Fuels in Foreign Countries........................ 343
Filling the Tank......................................... 343
Filling a Portable Fuel Container............... 345
Checking Things Under the Hood.............. 346
Hood Release........................................... 347
Engine Compartment Overview.................. 348
Engine Oil................................................. 349
Engine Oil Life System.............................. 352
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter............................ 354
Automatic Transaxle Fluid......................... 357
Engine Coolant.......................................... 357
Engine Overheating................................... 360Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode..................................... 362
Cooling System......................................... 362
Windshield Washer Fluid........................... 368
Brakes...................................................... 369
Battery...................................................... 372
Jump Starting............................................ 373
All-Wheel Drive........................................... 378
Bulb Replacement....................................... 380
Halogen Bulbs........................................... 380
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal,
Sidemarker, and Parking Lamps............. 381
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Back-up Lamps...................................... 382
License Plate Lamp................................... 383
Replacement Bulbs................................... 384
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement....... 384
Tires............................................................ 386
Tire Sidewall Labeling............................... 387
Tire Terminology and Denitions............... 390
Ination - Tire Pressure............................. 393
Tire Pressure Monitor System................... 395
Tire Inspection and Rotation...................... 399
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
337

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 443, and be sure to
use the transaxle uid listed inRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 449.
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 449.
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
150,000 miles (240 000 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 360.
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.
357

Adding Coolant
If you need more coolant, add the proper
DEX-COOL®coolant mixture at the surge tank,
but only when the engine is cool.
{CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on
hot engine parts. Coolant contains
ethylene glycol, and it will burn if the
engine parts are hot enough. Do not spill
coolant on a hot engine.
When replacing the pressure cap, make sure it is
hand-tight and fully seated.
Engine Overheating
You will nd a coolant temperature gage on your
vehicle’s instrument panel. SeeEngine Coolant
Temperature Gage on page 183. There are several
different types of engine overheating messages that
may be displayed in the Driver Information Center
(DIC). SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on
page 200.
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
{CAUTION:
Steam from an overheated engine can
burn you badly, even if you just open the
hood. Stay away from the engine if you
see or hear steam coming from it. Turn it
off and get everyone away from the
vehicle until it cools down. Wait until
there is no sign of steam or coolant
before you open the hood.
If you keep driving when the vehicles
engine is overheated, the liquids in it can
catch re. You or others could be badly
burned. Stop your engine if it overheats,
and get out of the vehicle until the engine
is cool.
SeeOverheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode on page 362for
information on driving to a safe place in
an emergency.
360

{CAUTION:
An electric engine cooling fan under the
hood can start up even when the engine
is not running and can injure you. Keep
hands, clothing, and tools away from any
underhood electric fan.
If the coolant inside the coolant surge tank is
boiling, do not do anything else until it cools down.
The vehicle should be parked on a level surface.
The coolant level should be at the COLD FILL line.
If it is not, you may have a leak at the radiator
hoses, heater hoses, radiator, water pump,
or somewhere else in the cooling system.
{CAUTION:
Heater and radiator hoses, and other
engine parts, can be very hot. Do not
touch them. If you do, you can be burned.
Do not run the engine if there is a leak. If
you run the engine, it could lose all
coolant. That could cause an engine re,
and you could be burned. Get any leak
xed before you drive the vehicle.
If there seems to be no leak, with the engine on,
check to see if the electric engine cooling fans
are running. If the engine is overheating, both fans
should be running. If they are not, your vehicle
needs service. Turn off the engine.
363

Tires
Your new vehicle comes with high-quality tires
made by a leading tire manufacturer. If you ever
have questions about your tire warranty and where
to obtain service, see your GM Warranty booklet
for details. For additional information refer to
the tire manufacturer’s booklet included with
your vehicle.
{CAUTION:
Poorly maintained and improperly used
tires are dangerous.
Overloading your vehicle’s tires can
cause overheating as a result of too
much friction. You could have an
air-out and a serious accident. See
Loading Your Vehicle on page 321.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)

Underinated tires pose the same
danger as overloaded tires. The
resulting accident could cause serious
injury. Check all tires frequently to
maintain the recommended pressure.
Tire pressure should be checked when
your vehicle’s tires are cold. See
Inflation - Tire Pressure on page 393.
Overinated tires are more likely to be
cut, punctured, or broken by a sudden
impact — such as when you hit a
pothole. Keep tires at the
recommended pressure.
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If
the tire’s tread is badly worn, or if
your vehicle’s tires have been
damaged, replace them.
386

E
Electric Power Management........................ 163
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment................................... 431
Engine Compartment Fuse Block............. 434
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...................... 431
Instrument Panel Fuse Block................... 432
Windshield Wiper Fuses........................... 431
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter...................................... 354
Battery..................................................... 372
Change Engine Oil Light.......................... 188
Check and Service Engine Soon Light..... 184
Coolant.................................................... 357
Coolant Heater......................................... 118
Coolant Temperature Gage...................... 183
Coolant Temperature Warning Light.......... 182
Drive Belt Routing.................................... 451
Engine Compartment Overview................ 348
Exhaust................................................... 127
Oil ........................................................... 349
Oil Life System........................................ 352
Overheated Protection Operating Mode.... 362
Overheating............................................. 360
Reduced Power Light............................... 190
Starting.................................................... 116Entry Lighting.............................................. 162
Event Data Recorders (EDR)...................... 468
Extender, Safety Belt..................................... 42
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner................................... 354
Finish Damage............................................ 428
Flashers, Hazard Warning........................... 150
Flash-to-Pass.............................................. 153
Flat Tire...................................................... 407
Flat Tire, Changing...................................... 408
Flat Tire, Storing......................................... 418
Fluid
Automatic Transaxle................................. 357
Windshield Washer.................................. 368
Fog Lamp Light........................................... 189
Fog Lamps.................................................. 161
Folding Rear Seat......................................... 17
Folding Seatback, Passenger........................ 15
Fuel............................................................ 341
Additives.................................................. 342
California Fuel.......................................... 342
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.............. 345
Filling Your Tank...................................... 343
Fuels in Foreign Countries....................... 343
481