2008 PONTIAC TORRENT ignition

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, do the same thing. 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.Notice:The engine is designed to work with the
electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical
parts or accessories, you could change the way the
engine operates. Before adding electrical equipment,
check with your dealer/retailer. If you do not, your
engine might not perform properly. Any resulting
damage would not be covered by your vehicle’s
warranty.
Engine Coolant Heater
The engine coolant heater, if available, can help in cold
weather conditions at or below 0°F (−18°C) for easier
starting and better fuel economy during engine warm-up.
Plug in the coolant heater at least four hours before
starting your vehicle. An internal thermostat in the
plug-end of the cord may exist which will prevent engine
coolant heater operation at temperatures.
2-23

You must fully apply your regular brakes rst and then
press the shift lever button before you can shift from
PARK (P) when the ignition key is in ON/RUN. If you
cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift
lever and push the shift lever all the way into PARK (P) as
you maintain brake application. Then press the shift lever
button and move the shift lever into another gear. See
Shifting Out of PARK (P) on page 2-35.
REVERSE (R):Use this gear to back up.
Notice:Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle
is moving forward could damage the transmission.
The repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is
stopped.
To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow,
ice, or sand without damaging your transmission,
seeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow
on page 4-21.
NEUTRAL (N):In this position, your engine does not
connect with the wheels. To restart when you are
already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.
{CAUTION:
Shifting into a drive gear while the engine is
running at high speed is dangerous. Unless
your foot is rmly on the brake pedal, your
vehicle could move very rapidly. You could
lose control and hit people or objects. Do not
shift into a drive gear while your engine is
running at high speed.
Notice:Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N)
with the engine running at high speed may damage
the transmission. The repairs would not be
covered by your warranty. Be sure the engine is not
running at high speed when shifting your vehicle.
Notice:Shifting to a drive gear from NEUTRAL (N)
while the vehicle is moving could damage the
transmission. Make sure the vehicle is stopped
before shifting from NEUTRAL (N) into a drive gear.
2-26

You must fully apply your regular brakes rst and then
press the shift lever button, before you can shift
from PARK (P) when the ignition is in RUN. If you
cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift
lever and push the shift lever all way into PARK (P)
as you maintain brake application. Then press the shift
lever button and move the shift lever into another
gear. SeeShifting Out of PARK (P) on page 2-35.
REVERSE (R):Use this gear to back up.
Notice:Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle
is moving forward could damage the transmission.
The repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is
stopped.
To rock the vehicle back and forth to get out of snow,
ice, or sand without damaging the transmission,
seeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow
on page 4-21.NEUTRAL (N):In this position, the engine does not
connect with the wheels. To restart when the vehicle is
already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.
{CAUTION:
Shifting into a drive gear while the engine is
running at high speed is dangerous. Unless
your foot is rmly on the brake pedal, your
vehicle could move very rapidly. You could
lose control and hit people or objects. Do not
shift into a drive gear while your engine is
running at high speed.
Notice:Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N)
with the engine running at high speed may damage
the transmission. The repairs would not be
covered by your warranty. Be sure the engine is not
running at high speed when shifting your vehicle.
2-29

SECOND (2) and THIRD (3) Gear Start
Feature
When accelerating your vehicle from a stop in snowy
and icy conditions, you may want to select SECOND (2)
and THIRD (3) gear. A higher gear, and light application
of the gas pedal, may allow you to gain more traction
on slippery surfaces.
With the Manual Shift Mode, the vehicle can accelerate
from a stop in SECOND (2) or THIRD (3).
1. Move the shift lever from DRIVE (D) into the
manual gate.
2. With the vehicle stopped, move the shift lever
forward to select SECOND (2) or THIRD (3).
The vehicle will start from a stop position in
SECOND (2) or THIRD (3).
3. Once the vehicle is moving select the desired drive
gear or move the shift lever to the DRIVE (D)
position.
Parking Brake
The parking brake lever is located to the right of the
driver’s seat.
To set the parking brake, hold the brake pedal down
and pull up on the parking brake lever. If the ignition is
on, the brake system warning light will come on.
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To release the parking brake, hold the brake pedal
down. Pull the parking brake lever up until you can press
the release button. Hold the release button in as you
move the brake lever all the way down.
Make sure to release the parking brake before driving
the vehicle.
If the parking brake is applied and the vehicle is moving
at least 4 mph (6 km/h), a chime will activate to
remind you to release the parking brake.
Notice:Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause premature
wear or damage to brake system parts. Make sure
that the parking brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.Shifting Into PARK (P)
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle
if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with
the parking brake rmly set. Your vehicle can
roll. If you have left the engine running, the
vehicle can move suddenly. You or others
could be injured. To be sure your vehicle will
not move, even when you are on fairly level
ground, use the steps that follow. If you are
pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on
page 4-32.
1. Hold the brake pedal down with your foot and set
the parking brake. SeeParking Brake on page 2-32
for more information.
2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) by pressing the
button on the shift lever and pushing the lever all
the way toward the front of the vehicle.
3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK/OFF.
4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can
leave your vehicle with the key, your vehicle is in
PARK (P).
2-33

Shifting Out of PARK (P)
This vehicle is equipped with an electronic shift lock
release system. The shift lock release is designed to:
Prevent ignition key removal unless the shift
lever is in PARK (P) with the shift lever button fully
released, and
Prevent movement of the shift lever out of
PARK (P), unless the ignition is in ON/RUN or
ACC/ACCESSORY and the regular brake pedal is
applied.
The shift lock release is always functional except in the
case of an uncharged or low voltage (less than 9 volt)
battery.
If your vehicle has an uncharged battery or a battery
with low voltage, try charging or jump starting the
battery. SeeJump Starting on page 5-38for more
information.
To shift out of PARK (P) use the following:
1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Then press the shift lever button.
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.If you still are unable to shift out of PARK (P):
1. Fully release the shift lever button.
2. While holding down the brake pedal, press the shift
lever button again.
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If you still cannot move the shift lever from PARK (P),
consult your dealer/retailer or a professional towing
service.
Parking Over Things That Burn
{CAUTION:
Things that can burn could touch hot exhaust
parts under your vehicle and ignite. Do not
park over papers, leaves, dry grass, or other
things that can burn.
2-35

Convenience Net
Your vehicle may have a convenience net in the rear
of the vehicle. Store small loads as far forward as
possible. The net should not be used to store
heavy loads.
Sunroof
If the vehicle is equipped with a sunroof, the controls to
operate it are located on the headliner above the
rearview mirror. The ignition must be in RUN or ACC, or
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) must be active, to
operate the sunroof. SeeRetained Accessory Power
(RAP) on page 2-22for more information.To express-open the
sunroof glass panel and
sunshade, press the switch
rearward and release it.
To stop the sunroof before it is completely open, press
the switch rearward again. The sunshade cannot be
closed with the sunroof open.
To close the sunroof, press forward and hold the switch
until the sunroof stops, lifts and seals at the back of
the sunroof glass. Press forward on the switch again, to
make sure the sunroof is fully closed
To put the sunroof in the vent position, pull down on the
front of the switch. Push up on the front of the switch
to close it.
2-48

Hazard Warning Flashers
The hazard warning ashers let you warn the police and
others that you have a problem. The front and rear
turn signal lamps will ash on and off.
The hazard warning
asher button is located
towards the center of
the instrument panel.
Press the button to make the front and rear turn signal
lamps ash on and off. Press the button again to
turn the ashers off.While the hazard warning ashers are on, the turn
signals do not work.
The hazard warning ashers work no matter what
position the key is in, and even if the key is not in the
ignition switch.
Other Warning Devices
If you carry reective triangles, you can set them up at
the side of the road about 300 feet (100 m) behind
your vehicle.
Horn
Press near or on the horn symbols on the steering
wheel pad to sound the horn.
3-6