2008 PONTIAC TORRENT mirror

Dome Lamp
If the vehicle has a dome lamp with a switch, the
following are the settings.
9(Off):Move the lever to this position to turn the
lamp off, even when a door is open.
1(Door):Move the lever to this position so that the
lamp comes on when a door is opened.
+(On):Move the lever to this position to turn the
dome lamp on.
Entry Lighting
The dome lamp and the cargo lamp inside the vehicle
comes on when any door is opened, if the dome lamp is
in the door position. In addition, these lamps come on
when the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) unlock button is
pressed. It stays on for 20 seconds or until a door is
opened. After the door is opened and then closed, the
light remains on for 20 seconds, or until the key is
put in the ignition and turned to the ON/RUN position.
Map Lamps
Your vehicle may have lamps located on the headliner
above the rearview mirror. Push on the lens in the
lamp to turn them on and off.
3-17

Skidding
In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable
care suited to existing conditions, and by not overdriving
those conditions. But skids are always possible.
The three types of skids correspond to your vehicle’s
three control systems. In the braking skid, the wheels are
not rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, too much
speed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip and lose
cornering force. And in the acceleration skid, too much
throttle causes the driving wheels to spin.
A cornering skid is best handled by easing your foot off
the accelerator pedal.
Remember: Any traction control system helps avoid only
the acceleration skid. If your traction system is off,
then an acceleration skid is also best handled by easing
your foot off the accelerator pedal. SeeTraction
Control System (TCS) on page 4-6andStabiliTrak
®
System on page 4-7.If your vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off the
accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you want
the vehicle to go. If you start steering quickly enough,
your vehicle may straighten out. Always be ready
for a second skid if it occurs.
Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice,
gravel, or other material is on the road. For safety, you
will want to 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
your 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.
4-13

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 your 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.
4-14

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 5-52.
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
To prepare your vehicle for a long trip, consider having
it serviced by your dealer/retailer before departing.
Things to check on your own include:
Windshield Washer Fluid:Reservoir full? Windows
clean — inside and outside?
Wiper Blades:In good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids:All levels checked?
Lamps:Do they all work and are lenses clean?
Tires:Are treads good? Are tires inated to
recommended pressure?
Weather and Maps:Safe to travel? Have up-to-date
maps?
Highway Hypnosis
Always be alert and pay attention to your surroundings
while driving. If you become tired or sleepy, nd a
safe place to park your vehicle and rest.
Other driving tips include:
Keep the vehicle well ventilated.
Keep interior temperature cool.
Keep your eyes moving — scan the road ahead
and to the sides.
Check the rearview mirror and vehicle instruments
often.
4-16

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. SeeEngine Exhaust on page 2-36.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.
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 3-20.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.
Before you start, check all trailer hitch parts and
attachments, safety chains, electrical connector, lamps,
tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has electric
brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and then
apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure
the brakes are working. This lets you check your
electrical connection at the same time.
During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer
brakes are still working.
4-36

Instrument Panel Fuse Block
The instrument panel fuse block is located on the
passenger side of the center console, to the left of the
glove box near the oor.
Remove the console cover to access the fuse block.
Fuses Usage
1 Sunroof
2 Rear Seat Entertainment
3 Rear Wiper
4 Liftgate
5 Airbags
6 Heated Seats
7 Driver Side Turn Signal
8 Door Locks
9Automatic Occupant Sensing
Module
10 Power Mirrors
5-100

Maintenance Schedule (cont.)
At Least Once a Year.................................... 6-9
Introduction.................................................. 6-2
Maintenance Footnotes.................................. 6-7
Maintenance Record....................................6-16
Maintenance Replacement Parts....................6-14
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Owner Checks and Services........................... 6-8
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.............6-12
Scheduled Maintenance................................. 6-4
Using.......................................................... 6-2
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2
Malfunction Indicator Light................................3-36
Manual Lumbar Controls.................................... 1-4
Manual Reclining Seatbacks............................... 1-5
Manual Seats................................................... 1-2
Manual, Using.................................................... iii
Map Lamps....................................................3-17
Message
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-52
Mirrors
Automatic Dimming Rearview with OnStar
®.....2-38
Manual Rearview Mirror................................2-37
Manual Rearview Mirror with OnStar
®.............2-37
Outside Convex Mirrors................................2-39
Outside Power Mirrors..................................2-38
MP3 .....................................................3-90, 3-95
MyGMLink.com................................................ 7-4
N
Navigation System, Privacy..............................7-19
Navigation/Radio System, see Navigation
Manual.....................................................3-101
New Vehicle Break-In......................................2-20
O
Odometer......................................................3-28
Odometer, Trip...............................................3-28
Off-Road Recovery..........................................4-12
Oil
Change Engine Oil Light...............................3-40
Engine.......................................................5-15
Pressure Light.............................................3-39
Oil, Engine Oil Life System..............................5-18
Older Children, Restraints................................1-31
Online Owner Center........................................ 7-4
OnStar, Privacy..............................................7-19
OnStar
®System, see OnStar®Manual...............2-39
Other Warning Devices...................................... 3-6
Outlet Adjustment............................................3-24
Outlets
Accessory Power.........................................3-19
Outside
Convex Mirrors............................................2-39
Power Mirrors.............................................2-38
8

Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode..........................................5-26
Owner Checks and Services.............................. 6-8
Owners, Canadian............................................... ii
P
Paint, Damage...............................................5-96
Park Brake....................................................2-32
Park (P)
Shifting Into................................................2-33
Shifting Out of............................................2-35
Parking
Over Things That Burn.................................2-35
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator.....................3-30
Passenger Compartment Air Filter.....................3-24
Passenger Sensing System..............................1-64
Passing.........................................................4-12
PASS-Key
®III+..............................................2-18
PASS-Key®III+ Operation................................2-19
Perchlorate Materials Requirements, California...... 5-4
Power
Door Locks.................................................2-11
Reduced Engine Light..................................3-41
Retained Accessory (RAP)............................2-22
Seat............................................................ 1-3
Steering Fluid.............................................5-32
Windows....................................................2-16Privacy..........................................................7-17
Event Data Recorders..................................7-18
Navigation System.......................................7-19
OnStar.......................................................7-19
Radio Frequency Identication.......................7-19
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.................2-12
R
Radio Frequency Identication (RFID), Privacy....7-19
Radios..........................................................3-67
Radio(s)........................................................3-71
Radios
Navigation/Radio System, see Navigation
Manual.................................................3-101
Reception.................................................3-111
Setting the Time..........................................3-68
Theft-Deterrent..........................................3-110
Rear Compartment Storage Panel/Cover............2-45
Rear Door Security Locks................................2-12
Rear Seat Armrest..........................................2-46
Rear Seat Entertainment System.....................3-101
Rear Windshield Washer/Wiper.........................3-11
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming with
OnStar
®.....................................................2-38
Rearview Mirror with OnStar®...........................2-37
Rearview Mirrors.............................................2-37
9