2009 PONTIAC TORRENT height

Brake Wear
This vehicle has disc brakes. Disc brake pads have
built-in wear indicators that make a high-pitched warning
sound when the brake pads are worn and new pads
are needed. The sound can come and go or be heard
all the time the vehicle is moving, except when applying
the brake pedal rmly.
{CAUTION:
The brake wear warning sound means that soon
the brakes will not work well. That could lead to an
accident. When the brake wear warning sound is
heard, have the vehicle serviced.
Notice:Continuing to drive with worn-out brake
pads could result in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates can cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are rst applied or lightly applied.
This does not mean something is wrong with the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help
prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect
brake pads for wear and evenly tighten wheel nuts
in the proper sequence to torque specications
inCapacities and Specifications on page 5-97.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer/retailer if the brake pedal does not
return to normal height, or if there is a rapid increase
in pedal travel. This could be a sign that brake service
might be required.
Brake Adjustment
Every time the brakes are applied, with or without the
vehicle moving, the brakes adjust for wear.
Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a vehicle is complex. Its many
parts have to be of top quality and work well together if
the vehicle is to have really good braking. The vehicle
was designed and tested with top-quality brake parts.
When parts of the braking system are replaced — for
example, when the brake linings wear down and new
ones are installed — be sure to get new approved
replacement parts. If this is not done, the brakes might
not work properly. For example, if someone puts in
brake linings that are wrong for the vehicle, the balance
between the front and rear brakes can change — for the
worse. The braking performance expected can change
in many other ways if the wrong replacement brake parts
are installed.
5-34

Tire Sidewall Labeling
Useful information about a tire is molded into its
sidewall. The examples below show a typical
passenger vehicle tire and a compact spare
tire sidewall.(A) Tire Size
:The tire size is a combination of
letters and numbers used to dene a particular
tire’s width, height, aspect ratio, construction
type, and service description. See the “Tire Size”
illustration later in this section for more detail.
(B) TPC Spec (Tire Performance Criteria
Specication)
:Original equipment tires designed
to GM’s specic tire performance criteria have
a TPC specication code molded onto the sidewall.
GM’s TPC specications meet or exceed all
federal safety guidelines.
(C) DOT (Department of Transportation)
:The Department of Transportation (DOT) code
indicates that the tire is in compliance with the
U.S. Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle
Safety Standards.
(D) Tire Identication Number (TIN)
:The letters
and numbers following DOT (Department of
Transportation) code is the Tire Identication
Number (TIN). The TIN shows the manufacturer
and plant code, tire size, and date the tire was
manufactured. The TIN is molded onto both sides
of the tire, although only one side may have the
date of manufacture.
(E) Tire Ply Material
:The type of cord and
number of plies in the sidewall and under the tread. Passenger (P-Metric) Tire Example
5-49

(F) Tire Size:A combination of letters and
numbers dene a tire’s width, height, aspect
ratio, construction type, and service description.
The letter T as the rst character in the tire
size means the tire is for temporary use only.
(G) TPC Spec (Tire Performance Criteria
Specication)
:Original equipment tires designed
to GM’s specic tire performance criteria have
a TPC specication code molded onto the sidewall.
GM’s TPC specications meet or exceed all
federal safety guidelines.
Tire Size
The following illustration shows an example of a
typical passenger vehicle tire size.
(A) Passenger (P-Metric) Tire
:The United States
version of a metric tire sizing system. The letter P
as the rst character in the tire size means a
passenger vehicle tire engineered to standards
set by the U.S. Tire and Rim Association.(B) Tire Width
:The three-digit number indicates
the tire section width in millimeters from sidewall
to sidewall.
(C) Aspect Ratio
:A two-digit number that
indicates the tire height-to-width measurements.
For example, if the tire size aspect ratio is 60,
as shown in item C of the illustration, it would
mean that the tire’s sidewall is 60 percent as
high as it is wide.
(D) Construction Code
:A letter code is used
to indicate the type of ply construction in the tire.
The letter R means radial ply construction; the
letter D means diagonal or bias ply construction;
and the letter B means belted-bias ply construction.
(E) Rim Diameter
:Diameter of the wheel in
inches.
(F) Service Description
:These characters
represent the load index and speed rating of the
tire. The load index represents the load carry
capacity a tire is certied to carry. The speed
rating is the maximum speed a tire is certied
to carry a load.
5-51

Tire Terminology and Denitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air inside the
tire pressing outward on each square inch of
the tire. Air pressure is expressed in pounds
per square inch (psi) or kilopascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight
:This means the combined
weight of optional accessories. Some examples of
optional accessories are, automatic transmission,
power steering, power brakes, power windows,
power seats, and air conditioning.
Aspect Ratio
:The relationship of a tire’s height
to its width.
Belt
:A rubber coated layer of cords that is
located between the plies and the tread.
Cords may be made from steel or other
reinforcing materials.
Bead
:The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped
by steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire
:A pneumatic tire in which the plies
are laid at alternate angles less than 90 degrees
to the centerline of the tread.Cold Tire Pressure
:The amount of air pressure
in a tire, measured in pounds per square
inch (psi) or kilopascals (kPa) before a tire has
built up heat from driving. SeeInflation - Tire
Pressure on page 5-55.
Curb Weight
:The weight of a motor vehicle
with standard and optional equipment including
the maximum capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant,
but without passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings
:A code molded into the sidewall
of a tire signifying that the tire is in compliance
with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
motor vehicle safety standards. The DOT code
includes the Tire Identication Number (TIN), an
alphanumeric designator which can also identify
the tire manufacturer, production plant, brand,
and date of production.
GVWR
:Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.
SeeLoading the Vehicle on page 4-20.
GAWR FRT
:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the
front axle. SeeLoading the Vehicle on page 4-20.
GAWR RR
:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the
rear axle. SeeLoading the Vehicle on page 4-20.
5-52

Notice:The wrong wheel can also cause problems
with bearing life, brake cooling, speedometer or
odometer calibration, headlamp aim, bumper height,
vehicle ground clearance, and tire or tire chain
clearance to the body and chassis.
SeeChanging a Flat Tire on page 5-70for more
information.
Used Replacement Wheels
{CAUTION:
Putting a used wheel on the vehicle is dangerous.
You cannot know how it has been used or how
far it has been driven. It could fail suddenly and
cause a crash. If you have to replace a wheel,
use a new GM original equipment wheel.
Tire Chains
{CAUTION:
Do not use tire chains. There is not enough
clearance. Tire chains used on a vehicle without
the proper amount of clearance can cause
damage to the brakes, suspension or other vehicle
parts. The area damaged by the tire chains could
cause you to lose control of the vehicle and you
or others may be injured in a crash.
Use another type of traction device only if its
manufacturer recommends it for use on the
vehicle and tire size combination and road
conditions. Follow that manufacturer’s instructions.
To help avoid damage to the vehicle, drive slowly,
readjust or remove the device if it is contacting
the vehicle, and do not spin the vehicle’s wheels.
If you do nd traction devices that will t, install
them on the front tires.
5-69

Customer Assistance......................................... 7-6
Offices......................................................... 7-6
Text Telephone (TTY) Users........................... 7-6
Customer Information
Service Publications Ordering Information........7-16
Customer Satisfaction Procedure........................ 7-2
D
Damage Repair, Collision.................................7-12
Data Recorders
Event.........................................................7-18
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).........................3-13
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-2
Delayed Locking.............................................2-10
DIC Compass.................................................3-47
Disc, MP3.............................................3-87, 3-92
Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-4
Dome Lamp ...................................................3-15
Door
Ajar Light...................................................3-40
Delayed Locking..........................................2-10
Locks........................................................2-10
Power Door Locks.......................................2-10
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.............2-11
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-11Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive...........................................5-41
Driver
Seat Height Adjuster...................................... 1-3
Driver Information Center (DIC).........................3-42
DIC Operation and Displays..........................3-42
DIC Vehicle Personalization..........................3-57
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-49
Driving
At Night.....................................................4-13
Before a Long Trip......................................4-15
Defensive..................................................... 4-2
Drunk.......................................................... 4-3
Highway Hypnosis.......................................4-15
Hill and Mountain Roads..............................4-16
In Rain and on Wet Roads...........................4-14
Loss of Control...........................................4-12
Off-Road Recovery......................................4-11
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out.................4-20
Winter........................................................4-17
Driving for Better Fuel Economy......................... 4-2
DVD
Rear Seat Entertainment System..................3-109
4

Height Adjuster, Driver Seat............................... 1-3
Highbeam On Light.........................................3-38
High-Speed Operation, Tires.............................5-56
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-15
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-16
Hood
Checking Things Under................................5-10
Release.....................................................5-11
Horn ............................................................... 3-6
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-17
I
Ignition Positions.............................................2-20
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-34
Ination - Tire Pressure...................................5-55
Instrument Panel
Brightness..................................................3-15
Cluster.......................................................3-25
Overview..................................................... 3-4
Introduction...................................................... 6-2
J
Jump Starting.................................................5-36
K
Keyless Entry, Remote Operation........................ 2-5
Keyless Entry System....................................... 2-4
Keys............................................................... 2-3
L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall.....................................5-49
Lamp
Malfunction Indicator....................................3-34
Lamps
Cargo........................................................3-16
Daytime Running (DRL)................................3-13
Dome ........................................................3-15
License Plate..............................................5-46
Map ..........................................................3-16
Lap-Shoulder Belt...........................................1-25
LATCH System for Child Restraints...................1-42
Liftgate
Carbon Monoxide........................................2-12
Lighting
Entry.........................................................3-15
7

Rearview Mirrors.............................................2-36
Reclining Seatbacks, Manual.............................. 1-5
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.................6-13
Recreational Vehicle Towing.............................4-26
Reduced Engine Power Light............................3-38
Reimbursement Program, GM Mobility................. 7-7
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System.................. 2-4
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System, Operation . . . 2-5
Remote Vehicle Start........................................ 2-7
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire..................................................5-73
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...................5-72
Replacement Bulbs.........................................5-46
Replacement Parts, Maintenance......................6-15
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors.......7-16
Reporting Safety Defects to the
Canadian Government..................................7-16
Reporting Safety Defects to the
U.S. Government.........................................7-15
Restraint System Check
Checking the Restraint Systems....................1-70
Replacing Restraint System Parts
After a Crash..........................................1-71
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)......................2-21
Roadside Assistance Program............................ 7-7
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out....................4-20
Roof
Sunroof......................................................2-47
Running the Vehicle While Parked.....................2-36S
Safety Belt Reminders.....................................3-27
Safety Belts
Care of ......................................................5-85
Extender....................................................1-30
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly................1-17
Lap-Shoulder Belt........................................1-25
Safety Belts Are for Everyone.......................1-12
Use During Pregnancy.................................1-30
Safety Defects
Reporting to Canadian Government................7-16
Reporting to General Motors.........................7-16
Reporting to the U.S. Government.................7-15
Safety Warnings and Symbols.............................. iii
Scheduled Maintenance..................................... 6-4
Additional Required Services........................... 6-7
Scheduling Appointments.................................7-10
Seatback, Folding Passenger............................. 1-8
Seats
Driver Seat Height Adjuster............................. 1-3
Heated Seats............................................... 1-4
Manual Lumbar............................................. 1-4
Manual Reclining Seatbacks........................... 1-5
Passenger Folding Seatback........................... 1-8
Power Seat.................................................. 1-3
Split Folding Rear Seat................................1-10
Securing a Child Restraint
Rear Seat Position......................................1-49
Right Front Seat Position..............................1-52
11