2008 Pontiac Torrent Owner's Manual

2008 Pontiac Torrent owners manual
Year:
2008
Make:
Pontiac
Model:
Torrent
Rating:
(6)

Online manual

Size:
2.51 MB

Table of Contents

2008 Pontiac Torrent BookTOC
1
Seats and Restraint Systems
5
Front Seats
6
Manual Seats
6
Seat Height Adjuster
7
Power Seat
7
Manual Lumbar
8
Heated Seats
8
Manual Reclining Seatbacks
9
Head Restraints
11
Passenger Folding Seatback
12
Rear Seats
14
Split Folding Rear Seat
14
Safety Belts
16
Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone
16
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly
21
Lap-Shoulder Belt
29
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy
34
Safety Belt Extender
34
Child Restraints
35
Older Children
35
Infants and Young Children
38
Child Restraint Systems
41
Where to Put the Restraint
44
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH)
46
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat Position
54
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position
56
Airbag System
60
Where Are the Airbags?
63
When Should an Airbag Inflate?
65
What Makes an Airbag Inflate?
66
How Does an Airbag Restrain?
66
What Will You See After an Airbag Inflates?
67
Passenger Sensing System
68
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
73
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
74
Restraint System Check
75
Checking the Restraint Systems
75
Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash
76
Features and Controls
77
Keys
79
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
80
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation
81
Remote Vehicle Start
84
Doors and Locks
87
Door Locks
87
Power Door Locks
87
Delayed Locking
88
Programmable Automatic Door Locks
88
Rear Door Security Locks
88
Lockout Protection
89
Liftgate
89
Windows
91
Power Windows
92
Sun Visors
93
Theft-Deterrent Systems
93
Content Theft-Deterrent
94
94
Operation
95
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
96
New Vehicle Break-In
96
Ignition Positions
97
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
98
Starting the Engine
98
Engine Coolant Heater
99
Automatic Transmission Operation (3.4L V6 with 5-Speed)
101
Automatic Transmission Operation (3.6L V6 with 6-Speed)
104
Parking Brake
108
Shifting Into PARK (P)
109
Shifting Out of PARK (P)
111
Parking Over Things That Burn
111
Engine Exhaust
112
Running the Engine While Parked
112
Mirrors
113
Manual Rearview Mirror
113
Manual Rearview Mirror with OnStar®
113
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with OnStar®
114
Outside Power Mirrors
114
Outside Convex Mirrors
115
OnStar® System
115
Storage Areas
119
Glove Box
119
Cupholder(s)
119
Center Console Storage
119
Luggage Carrier
119
Rear Compartment Storage Panel/Cover
121
Rear Seat Armrest
122
Table
123
Convenience Net
124
Sunroof
124
Instrument Panel
125
Instrument Panel Overview
128
Hazard Warning Flashers
130
Other Warning Devices
130
Horn
130
Tilt Wheel
131
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
131
Turn and Lane-Change Signals
132
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
132
Flash-to-Pass
133
Windshield Wipers
133
Windshield Washer
134
Rear Window Wiper/Washer
135
Cruise Control
135
Headlamps
138
Headlamps on Reminder
138
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
139
Automatic Headlamp System
139
Fog Lamps
140
Instrument Panel Brightness
140
Dome Lamp
141
Entry Lighting
141
Map Lamps
141
Cargo Lamp
142
Electric Power Management
142
Battery Run-Down Protection
143
Accessory Power Outlet(s)
143
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter
144
Climate Controls
144
Climate Control System
144
Outlet Adjustment
148
Passenger Compartment Air Filter
148
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators
150
Instrument Panel Cluster
151
Speedometer and Odometer
152
Trip Odometer
152
Tachometer
152
Safety Belt Reminders
152
Airbag Readiness Light
153
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
154
Charging System Light
156
Brake System Warning Light
157
Antilock Brake System Warning Light
158
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light
158
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light
159
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
159
Tire Pressure Light
160
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
160
Oil Pressure Light
163
Change Engine Oil Light
164
Security Light
164
Fog Lamp Light
164
Cruise Control Light
165
Reduced Engine Power Light
165
Highbeam On Light
165
Service All-Wheel Drive Light
166
All-Wheel Drive Disabled Light
166
Gate Ajar Light
166
Door Ajar Light
167
Service Vehicle Soon Light
167
Fuel Gage
167
Low Fuel Warning Light
168
Driver Information Center (DIC)
169
DIC Operation and Displays
169
DIC Compass
173
DIC Warnings and Messages
176
DIC Vehicle Personalization
184
Audio System(s)
191
Setting the Time
192
Radio(s)
195
Using an MP3 (Radio with CD or Six-Disc CD Player)
214
Using an MP3 (Radio with CD and DVD Player)
219
XM Radio Messages
224
Navigation/Radio System
225
Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) System
225
Theft-Deterrent Feature
234
Audio Steering Wheel Controls
234
Radio Reception
235
Multi-Band Antenna
236
Driving Your Vehicle
237
Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle
238
Defensive Driving
238
Drunk Driving
239
Control of a Vehicle
240
Braking
240
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
241
Braking in Emergencies
242
Traction Control System (TCS)
242
StabiliTrak® System
243
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System
244
Steering
245
Off-Road Recovery
248
Passing
248
Loss of Control
248
Driving at Night
250
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads
251
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
252
Highway Hypnosis
252
Hill and Mountain Roads
253
Winter Driving
254
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow
257
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out
258
Loading Your Vehicle
258
Towing
263
Towing Your Vehicle
263
Recreational Vehicle Towing
263
Towing a Trailer
268
Service and Appearance Care
277
Service
279
Accessories and Modifications
279
California Proposition 65 Warning
280
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements
280
Doing Your Own Service Work
280
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle
281
Fuel
281
Gasoline Octane
281
Gasoline Specifications
282
California Fuel
282
Additives
282
Fuels in Foreign Countries
283
Filling the Tank
284
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
286
Checking Things Under the Hood
286
Hood Release
287
Engine Compartment Overview
288
Engine Oil
291
Engine Oil Life System
294
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
296
Automatic Transmission Fluid
298
Engine Coolant
298
Engine Overheating
301
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode
302
Cooling System
303
Power Steering Fluid
308
Windshield Washer Fluid
309
Brakes
310
Battery
313
Jump Starting
314
All-Wheel Drive
320
Headlamp Aiming
322
Bulb Replacement
323
Halogen Bulbs
323
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker, and Parking Lamps
323
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and Back-up Lamps
325
License Plate Lamp
326
Replacement Bulbs
326
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
327
Tires
328
Tire Sidewall Labeling
329
Tire Terminology and Definitions
332
Inflation - Tire Pressure
335
High-Speed Operation
337
Tire Pressure Monitor System
338
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
339
Tire Inspection and Rotation
343
When It Is Time for New Tires
345
Buying New Tires
346
Different Size Tires and Wheels
348
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
348
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
350
Wheel Replacement
350
Tire Chains
351
If a Tire Goes Flat
352
Changing a Flat Tire
352
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools
354
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire
355
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools
362
Compact Spare Tire
364
Appearance Care
364
Interior Cleaning
364
Fabric/Carpet
366
Leather
367
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic Surfaces
368
Care of Safety Belts
368
Weatherstrips
368
Washing Your Vehicle
369
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses
369
Finish Care
370
Windshield and Wiper Blades
370
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels and Trim
371
Tires
372
Sheet Metal Damage
372
Finish Damage
372
Underbody Maintenance
372
Chemical Paint Spotting
372
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
373
Vehicle Identification
374
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
374
Service Parts Identification Label
374
Electrical System
375
Add-On Electrical Equipment
375
Windshield Wiper Fuses
375
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
375
Instrument Panel Fuse Block
376
Engine Compartment Fuse Block
378
Capacities and Specifications
381
Maintenance Schedule
383
Maintenance Schedule
384
Introduction
384
Maintenance Requirements
384
Your Vehicle and the Environment
384
Using the Maintenance Schedule
384
Scheduled Maintenance
386
Additional Required Services
388
Maintenance Footnotes
389
Owner Checks and Services
390
At Each Fuel Fill
390
At Least Once a Month
391
At Least Once a Year
391
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
394
Maintenance Replacement Parts
396
Engine Drive Belt Routing
397
Maintenance Record
398
Customer Assistance Information
401
Customer Assistance and Information
402
Customer Satisfaction Procedure
402
Online Owner Center
404
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users
405
Customer Assistance Offices
405
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program
406
Roadside Assistance Program
407
Scheduling Service Appointments
410
Courtesy Transportation
410
Collision Damage Repair
412
Reporting Safety Defects
415
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Government
415
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian Government
416
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors
416
Service Publications Ordering Information
416
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy
417
Event Data Recorders
418
OnStar®
419
Navigation System
419
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
419
Index
421

2008 Pontiac Torrent Overview

Introduction

The 2008 Pontiac Torrent is a versatile compact SUV that combines the sporty aesthetics typical of the Pontiac brand with the practicality that drivers seek in a family vehicle. Designed to offer a comfortable ride for both city cruising and adventurous escapes, the Torrent stands out with its bold design and engaging driving dynamics, making it a popular option for those in search of a compact crossover.

Powertrains

The 2008 Torrent comes equipped with a choice of two engine options, both designed to provide a balance of efficiency and power. The base model features a 3.4-liter V6 engine, producing 185 horsepower and paired with a standard five-speed automatic transmission. For those seeking a more spirited driving experience, the Torrent also offers an upgraded 3.6-liter V6 engine that delivers 244 horsepower, ensuring ample power for both highway merging and everyday driving scenarios.

Trims

Features

Inside the 2008 Pontiac Torrent, drivers will find a range of modern features designed to enhance comfort and convenience. Standard options include keyless entry, power accessories, and a versatile 60/40 split-folding rear seat that maximizes cargo space. The available navigation system and rear-seat entertainment options provide added pleasure for families on the go, while Pontiac’s emphasis on user-friendly interfaces makes the vehicle accessible to all its occupants.

Owner's Manual

The owner’s manual for the 2008 Pontiac Torrent is an essential resource for ensuring the optimal performance and maintenance of your vehicle. It contains detailed information about the vehicle's features, recommended maintenance schedules, and troubleshooting tips. By following the guidance outlined in the owner’s manual, Torrent owners can enjoy longevity and reliability from their compact SUV.

User manual download

The Pontiac Torrent owner manual for the 2008 model year is to be found in PDF downloadable format on this page. The owner manual for the model year 2008 is free and in English, but the repair manuals are usually not easy to get and may cost more.

Posted by, John Mana author bio image
A passionate guy about car models, makes, and manuals.

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