2009 PONTIAC TORRENT Owners Manual

Headlamps
The exterior lamp control is located on the turn
signal/multifunction lever.
O(Exterior Lamp Control):Turn the control with this
symbol on it to operate the exterior lamps.
The exterior lamp control has the following positions:
AUTO (Off/Automatic Headlamps):Automatic
mode turns the exterior lamps on and off depending
upon how much light is available outside of the vehicle.
;(Parking Lamps):Turns on the parking lamps
together with the following:
Sidemarker Lamps
Taillamps
License Plate Lamps
Instrument Panel Lights
53(Headlamps):Turns on the headlamps, together
with the previously listed lamps and lights.
Headlamps on Reminder
If you open the driver’s door with the ignition off and the
lamps on, you will hear a warning chime.
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier for
others to see the front of your vehicle during the day.
Fully functional Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) are
required on all vehicles rst sold in Canada.
The DRL system will make the low-beam headlamps
come on at a reduced brightness in daylight when
the following conditions are met:
The ignition is on.
The exterior lamp band is in the automatic position.
The transmission is not in P (Park).
The light sensor determines it is daytime.
The parking brake is released.
When the DRL are on, the low-beam headlamps will be
on at a reduced brightness. The taillamps, sidemarker,
instrument panel lights and other lamps will not be on.
When the exterior lamp band is turned to the
headlamp position, the low-beam headlamps come on.
The other lamps that come on with the headlamps will
also come on.
When the headlamps are turned off, the regular lamps
will go off, and the low-beam headlamps come on
to the reduced brightness.
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To idle your vehicle with the DRL off, move the shift
lever to P (Park). The DRL will stay off until the
shift lever is moved out of the P (Park) position.
The regular headlamp system should be turned on
when needed.
Automatic Headlamp System
When it is dark enough outside and the exterior lamps
control is in the automatic position, the headlamps
come on automatically. SeeHeadlamps on page 3-13.
The vehicle has a light sensor located on top of the
instrument panel. Make sure it is not covered, or
the headlamps will be on when they are not needed.
The system may also turn on the headlamps when
driving through a parking garage or tunnel.
Fog Lamps
Use the fog lamps for better visibility in foggy or misty
conditions.
The fog lamps button is located on the instrument panel
above the radio.
The parking lamps or low-beam headlamps must be on
to use the fog lamps.
#:Press to turn the fog lamps on or off.
The fog lamp button is lit when the lamps are on.
The fog lamps will go off whenever the high-beam
headlamps are turned on. When the high-beam
headlamps are turned off, the fog lamps will come
on again.
Some localities have laws that require the headlamps to
be on along with the fog lamps.
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Instrument Panel Brightness
This feature controls the brightness of the instrument
panel lights.
The control for this feature
is located on the instrument
panel to the left of the
steering column.
Turn the control up to brighten the lights or down to
dim them.
Dome Lamp
For vehicles with a dome lamp, move the lever to
change the setting.
9(Off):Turns the lamp off, even when a door is open.
1(Door):The lamp comes on automatically when a
door is opened.
+(On):Turns 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.
3-15

Map Lamps
The 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.
Cargo Lamp
The cargo lamp is located over the rear compartment,
and is controlled by the dome lamp. SeeDome Lamp
on page 3-15.
Electric Power Management
The vehicle has Electric Power Management (EPM) that
estimates the battery’s temperature and state of charge.
It then adjusts the voltage for best performance and
extended life of the battery.
When the battery’s state of charge is low, the voltage
is raised slightly to quickly bring the charge back up.
When the state of charge is high, the voltage is lowered
slightly to prevent overcharging. If the vehicle has a
voltmeter gage or a voltage display on the Driver
Information Center (DIC), you may see the voltage
move up or down. This is normal. If there is a problem,
an alert will be displayed.
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The battery can be discharged at idle if the electrical
loads are very high. This is true for all vehicles. This is
because the generator (alternator) may not be spinning
fast enough at idle to produce all the power that is
needed for very high electrical loads.
A high electrical load occurs when several of the
following are on, such as: headlamps, high beams,
fog lamps, rear window defogger, climate control fan
at high speed, heated seats, engine cooling fans,
trailer loads, and loads plugged into accessory power
outlets.
EPM works to prevent excessive discharge of the
battery. It does this by balancing the generator’s output
and the vehicle’s electrical needs. It can increase engine
idle speed to generate more power, whenever needed.
It can temporarily reduce the power demands of some
accessories.
Normally, these actions occur in steps or levels, without
being noticeable. In rare cases at the highest levels of
corrective action, this action may be noticeable to thedriver. If so, a Driver Information Center (DIC) message
might be displayed, such as BATTERY SAVER ACTIVE,
BATTERY VOLTAGE LOW, or LOW BATTERY. If this
message is displayed, it is recommended that the driver
reduce the electrical loads as much as possible. SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-49.
Battery Run-Down Protection
The vehicle has a battery saver feature designed to
protect the vehicle’s battery.
When any interior lamp is left on and the ignition
is turned off, the battery rundown protection system
will automatically turn the lamp off after 20 minutes.
This will avoid draining the battery. This vehicle also
has a retained accessory power feature. If the radio
is on, it will turn off after 10 minutes or if any door on the
vehicle is opened. SeeRetained Accessory Power (RAP)
on page 2-21.
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Accessory Power Outlet(s)
The accessory power outlets can be used to connect
electrical equipment, such as a cellular phone.
The two accessory power outlets are located in the front
and at the rear of the center console storage area.
To use the outlets, remove the cover. When not in use,
always cover the outlet with the protective cap.
Notice:If electrical devices are left plugged into
a power outlet, the battery may drain causing the
vehicle not to start or damage to the battery. This
would not be covered by the warranty. Always unplug
all electrical devices when turning off the vehicle.
Certain electrical accessories may not be compatible
with the accessory power outlets and could result in
blown vehicle or adapter fuses. If you experience a
problem, see your dealer/retailer for additional
information on the accessory power outlet.
Notice:Adding any electrical equipment to the
vehicle can damage it or keep other components
from working as they should. The repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not
use equipment exceeding maximum amperage
rating of 20 amperes. Check with your dealer/
retailer before adding electrical equipment.
When adding electrical equipment, be sure to follow the
installation instructions included with the equipment.Notice:Improper use of the power outlet can cause
damage not covered by the warranty. Do not hang
any type of accessory or accessory bracket from the
plug because the power outlets are designed for
accessory power plugs only.
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter
For vehicles with a removable ashtray and cigarette
lighter, the ashtray can be placed into the front console
cupholders.
To use the lighter, push it in all the way and let go.
When it is ready, it pops back out by itself.
Notice:Holding a cigarette lighter in while it is
heating will not allow the lighter to back away from
the heating element when it is hot. Damage from
overheating may occur to the lighter or heating
element, or a fuse could be blown. Do not hold a
cigarette lighter in while it is heating. Do not use
equipment exceeding maximum amperage rating
of 15 amperes.
Notice:If papers, pins, or other ammable items
are put in the ashtray, hot cigarettes or other
smoking materials could ignite them and possibly
damage the vehicle. Never put ammable items in
the ashtray.
3-18

Climate Controls
Climate Control System
The heating, cooling, and ventilation for the vehicle
can be controlled with this system. For vehicles with the
remote start feature, the climate control system functions
as part of the remote start feature. SeeRemote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System Operation on page 2-5.
A. Fan Control
B. Outside Air
C. Temperature Control
D. Recirculation
E. Air Delivery Mode
ControlF. Air Conditioning
G. Heated Seats
H. Rear Window
Defogger
9(Fan Control):Turn clockwise or counterclockwise
to increase or decrease the fan speed. To turn the fan off,
turn the fan knob all the way counterclockwise. In any
setting other than off, the fan runs continuously with
the ignition on. The fan must be turned on to run the
air conditioning compressor. There will be some airow
noticeable from the various outlets when driving, even
with the fan in the off position. This is so fresh air is
always available in the vehicle. To turn off the air
completely, turn the fan to
9and select the
recirculation button.
Temperature Control:Turn clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the
temperature inside the vehicle.
Air Delivery Mode Control:Turn clockwise or
counterclockwise to change the direction of the
airow inside the vehicle.
There is one position between each mode to nely
adjust airow position.
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Select from the following modes:
H(Vent):Air is directed to the instrument panel
outlets.
)(Bi-Level):Air is divided between the instrument
panel outlets and the oor outlets.
6(Floor):Air is directed to the oor outlets with some
air directed to the windshield.
When this mode is selected, the system turns the
recirculation mode off. Recirculation mode cannot be
selected while in oor mode. This helps to prevent
window fogging.
-(Defog):This mode clears the windows of fog or
moisture. Air is directed to the windshield, side window
outlets, and oor outlets. In this mode, the system turns
the recirculation mode off and runs the air conditioningcompressor unless the outside air is at or below freezing.
Recirculation mode cannot be selected while in defog
mode. This helps prevent window fogging. To defog the
windows faster, turn the temperature knob clockwise to
the warmest setting.
0(Defrost):This mode removes fog or frost from the
windshield more quickly. Air is directed to the windshield,
with some air directed to the side window outlets and the
oor outlets. In this mode, the system turns the
recirculation mode off and runs the air conditioning
compressor unless the outside air is at or below freezing.
Recirculation mode cannot be selected while in defrost
mode. This helps prevent window fogging. To defrost the
windows faster, turn the temperature knob clockwise to
the warmest setting.
For best results, clear all snow and ice from the
windshield before defrosting.
3-20