Pontiac Torrent (2006 year). Manual — part 20

Appearance Care

Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle

Your vehicle’s interior will continue to look its best if it is
cleaned often. Although not always visible, dust and dirt
can accumulate on your upholstery. Dirt can damage
carpet, fabric, leather, and plastic surfaces. Regular
vacuuming is recommended to remove particles from
your upholstery. It is important to keep your upholstery
from becoming and remaining heavily soiled. Soils
should be removed as quickly as possible. Your vehicle’s
interior may experience extremes of heat that could
cause stains to set rapidly.

Lighter colored interiors may require more frequent
cleaning. Use care because newspapers and garments
that transfer color to your home furnishings may also
transfer color to your vehicle’s interior.

When cleaning your vehicle’s interior, only use cleaners
specifically designed for the surfaces being cleaned.
Permanent damage may result from using cleaners on
surfaces for which they were not intended. Use glass
cleaner only on glass. Remove any accidental over-spray
from other surfaces immediately. To prevent over-spray,
apply cleaner directly to the cleaning cloth.

Notice: If you use abrasive cleaners when cleaning
glass surfaces on your vehicle, you could scratch
the glass and/or cause damage to the rear window
defogger. When cleaning the glass on your
vehicle, use only a soft cloth and glass cleaner.

Many cleaners contain solvents that may become
concentrated in your vehicle’s breathing space. Before
using cleaners, read and adhere to all safety instructions
on the label. While cleaning your vehicle’s interior,
maintain adequate ventilation by opening your vehicle’s
doors and windows.

Dust may be removed from small buttons and knobs
using a small brush with soft bristles.

Your GM dealer has a product for cleaning your vehicle’s
glass. Should it become necessary, you can also obtain
a product from your GM dealer to remove odors from your
vehicle’s upholstery.

Do not clean your vehicle using the following cleaners
or techniques:

•

Never use a knife or any other sharp object to
remove a soil from any interior surface.

•

Never use a stiff brush. It can cause damage to
your vehicle’s interior surfaces.

•

Never apply heavy pressure or rub aggressively
with a cleaning cloth. Use of heavy pressure
can damage your interior and does not improve
the effectiveness of soil removal.

5-74

•

Use only mild, neutral-pH soaps. Avoid laundry
detergents or dishwashing soaps with degreasers.
Using too much soap will leave a residue that leaves
streaks and attracts dirt. For liquid cleaners, about
20 drops per gallon (3.78 L) of water is a good guide.

•

Do not heavily saturate your upholstery while
cleaning.

•

Damage to your vehicle’s interior may result from
the use of many organic solvents such as naptha,
alcohol, etc.

Fabric/Carpet

Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment
frequently to remove dust and loose dirt. A canister
vacuum with a beater bar in the nozzle may only
be used on floor carpet and carpeted floor mats.
For soils, always try to remove them first with plain
water or club soda. Before cleaning, gently remove
as much of the soil as possible using one of the
following techniques:

•

For liquids: gently blot the remaining soil with a
paper towel. Allow the soil to absorb into the
paper towel until no more can be removed.

•

For solid dry soils: remove as much as possible
and then vacuum.

To clean, use the following instructions:

1. Saturate a lint-free, clean white cloth with water

or club soda.

2. Wring the cloth to remove excess moisture.

3. Start on the outside edge of the soil and gently

rub toward the center. Continue cleaning, using
a clean area of the cloth each time it becomes
soiled.

4. Continue to gently rub the soiled area until the

cleaning cloth remains clean.

5. If the soil is not completely removed, use a mild

soap solution and repeat the cleaning process
that was used with plain water.

If any of the soil remains, a commercial fabric cleaner
or spot lifter may be necessary. When a commercial
upholstery cleaner or spot lifter is to be used, test
a small hidden area for colorfastness first. If the
locally cleaned area gives any impression that a ring
formation may result, clean the entire surface.

After the cleaning process has been completed,
a paper towel can be used to blot excess moisture
from the fabric or carpet.

5-75

Leather

A soft cloth dampened with water may be used to
remove dust. If a more thorough cleaning is necessary,
a soft cloth dampened with a mild soap solution can
be used. Allow the leather to dry naturally. Do not use
heat to dry. Never use steam to clean leather. Never
use spot lifters or spot removers on leather. Many
commercial leather cleaners and coatings that are sold
to preserve and protect leather may permanently
change the appearance and feel of your leather and are
not recommended. Do not use silicone or wax-based
products, or those containing organic solvents to clean
your vehicle’s interior because they can alter the
appearance by increasing the gloss in a non-uniform
manner. Never use shoe polish on your leather.

Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces

A soft cloth dampened with water may be used to
remove dust. If a more thorough cleaning is necessary,
a clean soft cloth dampened with a mild soap solution
can be used to gently remove dust and dirt. Never
use spot lifters or removers on plastic surfaces.
Many commercial cleaners and coatings that are sold
to preserve and protect soft plastic surfaces may
permanently change the appearance and feel of your
interior and are not recommended. Do not use silicone
or wax-based products, or those containing organic
solvents to clean your vehicle’s interior because
they can alter the appearance by increasing the gloss
in a non-uniform manner.

Some commercial products may increase gloss on
your instrument panel. The increase in gloss may cause
annoying reflections in the windshield and even make
it difficult to see through the windshield under certain
conditions.

5-76

Care of Safety Belts

Keep belts clean and dry.

{

CAUTION:

Do not bleach or dye safety belts. If you do,
it may severely weaken them. In a crash,
they might not be able to provide adequate
protection. Clean safety belts only with mild
soap and lukewarm water.

Weatherstrips

Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply
silicone grease with a clean cloth. During very cold,
damp weather frequent application may be required.
See Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-11.

Washing Your Vehicle

The paint finish on the vehicle provides beauty,
depth of color, gloss retention, and durability.

The best way to preserve the vehicle’s finish is to
keep it clean by washing it often with lukewarm or
cold water.

Do not wash the vehicle in the direct rays of the sun.
Use a car washing soap. Do not use strong soaps
or chemical detergents. Be sure to rinse the vehicle well,
removing all soap residue completely. GM-approved
cleaning products can be obtained from your dealer.
See Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials on page 5-81.
Do not use cleaning agents that are petroleum
based, or that contain acid or abrasives. All cleaning
agents should be flushed promptly and not allowed
to dry on the surface, or they could stain. Dry the finish
with a soft, clean chamois or an all-cotton towel to
avoid surface scratches and water spotting.

High pressure car washes may cause water to enter
the vehicle.

5-77

Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses

Use only lukewarm or cold water, a soft cloth and a car
washing soap to clean exterior lamps and lenses. Follow
instructions under Washing Your Vehicle on page 5-77.

Finish Care

Occasional waxing or mild polishing of the vehicle
by hand may be necessary to remove residue from the
paint finish. GM-approved cleaning products can be
obtained from your dealer. See Vehicle
Care/Appearance Materials on page 5-81.

Notice: Machine compounding or aggressive
polishing on a basecoat/clearcoat paint finish may
damage it. Use only non-abrasive waxes and
polishes that are made for a basecoat/clearcoat
paint finish on your vehicle.

The vehicle has a “basecoat/clearcoat” paint finish.
The clearcoat gives more depth and gloss to the colored
basecoat. Always use waxes and polishes that are
non-abrasive and made for a basecoat/clearcoat
paint finish.

Foreign materials such as calcium chloride and other
salts, ice melting agents, road oil and tar, tree sap, bird
droppings, chemicals from industrial chimneys, etc.,
can damage the vehicle’s finish if they remain on painted
surfaces. Wash the vehicle as soon as possible. If
necessary, use non-abrasive cleaners that are marked
safe for painted surfaces to remove foreign matter.

Exterior painted surfaces are subject to aging, weather,
and chemical fallout that can take their toll over a
period of years. To help keep the paint finish looking
new, keep the vehicle in a garage or covered whenever
possible.

Windshield and Wiper Blades

If the windshield is not clear after using the windshield
washer, or if the wiper blade chatters when running,
wax, sap, or other material may be on the blade
or windshield.

Clean the outside of the windshield with a glass cleaning
liquid or powder and water solution. The windshield is
clean if beads do not form when it is rinsed with water.

5-78

Grime from the windshield will stick to the wiper blades
and affect their performance. Clean the blade by
wiping vigorously with a cloth soaked in full-strength
windshield washer solvent. Then rinse the blade
with water.

Check the wiper blades and clean them as necessary;
replace blades that look worn.

Aluminum Wheels

Notice: If you use strong soaps, chemicals,
abrasive polishes, cleaners, brushes, or cleaners
that contain acid on aluminum or chrome-plated
wheels, you could damage the surface of the
wheel(s). The repairs would not be covered by
your warranty. Use only GM-approved cleaners on
aluminum or chrome-plated wheels.

Keep the wheels clean using a soft clean cloth with mild
soap and water. Rinse with clean water. After rinsing
thoroughly, dry with a soft clean towel. A wax may
then be applied.

Notice: Using chrome polish on aluminum wheels
could damage the wheels. The repairs would not
be covered by your warranty. Use chrome polish
on chrome wheels only.

The surface of these wheels is similar to the painted
surface of the vehicle. Do not use strong soaps,
chemicals, abrasive polishes, abrasive cleaners,
cleaners with acid, or abrasive cleaning brushes
on them because the surface could be damaged.
Do not use chrome polish on aluminum wheels.

Notice: If you drive your vehicle through an
automatic car wash that has silicone carbide tire
cleaning brushes, you could damage the aluminum
or chrome-plated wheels. The repairs would not
be covered by your warranty. Never drive a vehicle
equipped with aluminum or chrome-plated wheels
through an automatic car wash that uses silicone
carbide tire cleaning brushes.

Do not take the vehicle through an automatic car wash
that has silicone carbide tire cleaning brushes. These
brushes can also damage the surface of these wheels.

5-79

Tires

To clean the tires, use a stiff brush with tire cleaner.

Notice: Using petroleum-based tire dressing
products on your vehicle may damage the paint
finish and/or tires. When applying a tire dressing,
always wipe off any overspray from all painted
surfaces on your vehicle.

Sheet Metal Damage

If the vehicle is damaged and requires sheet metal
repair or replacement, make sure the body repair shop
applies anti-corrosion material to parts repaired or
replaced to restore corrosion protection.

Original manufacturer replacement parts will provide
the corrosion protection while maintaining the warranty.

Finish Damage

Any stone chips, fractures or deep scratches in the finish
should be repaired right away. Bare metal will corrode
quickly and may develop into major repair expense.

Minor chips and scratches can be repaired with touch-up
materials available from your GM dealer. Larger areas
of finish damage can be corrected in your GM dealer’s
body and paint shop.

Underbody Maintenance

Chemicals used for ice and snow removal and dust
control can collect on the underbody. If these are not
removed, corrosion and rust can develop on the
underbody parts such as fuel lines, frame, floor pan,
and exhaust system even though they have corrosion
protection.

At least every spring, flush these materials from the
underbody with plain water. Clean any areas where mud
and debris can collect. Dirt packed in close areas of
the frame should be loosened before being flushed.
Your dealer or an underbody car washing system can
do this for you.

Chemical Paint Spotting

Some weather and atmospheric conditions can create a
chemical fallout. Airborne pollutants can fall upon and
attack painted surfaces on the vehicle. This damage
can take two forms: blotchy, ring-shaped discolorations,
and small, irregular dark spots etched into the paint
surface.

Although no defect in the paint job causes this, GM will
repair, at no charge to the owner, the surfaces of
new vehicles damaged by this fallout condition within
12 months or 12,000 miles (20 000 km) of purchase,
whichever occurs first.

5-80

Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials

Description

Usage

Polishing Cloth
Wax-Treated

Interior and exterior
polishing cloth.

Tar and Road
Oil Remover

Removes tar, road oil,
and asphalt.

Chrome Cleaner
and Polish

Use on chrome or
stainless steel.

White Sidewall
Tire Cleaner

Removes soil and black
marks from whitewalls.

Vinyl Cleaner

Cleans vinyl.

Glass Cleaner

Removes dirt, grime,
smoke and fingerprints.

Chrome and Wire
Wheel Cleaner

Removes dirt and grime
from chrome wheels and
wire wheel covers.

Finish Enhancer

Removes dust,
fingerprints, and surface
contaminants. Spray on
and wipe off.

Description

Usage

Swirl Remover Polish

Removes swirl marks, fine
scratches, and other light
surface contamination.

Cleaner Wax

Removes light scratches
and protects finish.

Foaming Tire Shine
Low Gloss

Cleans, shines, and
protects in one step.
No wiping necessary.

Wash Wax
Concentrate

Medium foaming
shampoo. Cleans
and lightly waxes.
Biodegradable and
phosphate free.

Spot Lifter

Quickly removes
spots and stains from
carpets, vinyl, and
cloth upholstery.

Odor Eliminator

Odorless spray odor
eliminator used on fabrics,
vinyl, leather and carpet.

5-81

Vehicle Identification

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

This is the legal identifier for your vehicle. It appears on
a plate in the front corner of the instrument panel, on
the driver’s side. You can see it if you look through the
windshield from outside your vehicle. The VIN also
appears on the Vehicle Certification and Service Parts
labels and the certificates of title and registration.

Engine Identification

The eighth character in the VIN is the engine code.
This code will help you identify your vehicle’s engine,
specifications, and replacement parts.

Service Parts Identification Label

You will find this label on the inside of the glove box.
It is very helpful if you ever need to order parts.
On this label, you will find the following:

•

VIN

•

Model designation

•

Paint information

•

Production options and special equipment

Be sure that this label is not removed from the vehicle.

5-82

Electrical System

Add-On Electrical Equipment

Notice: Don’t add anything electrical to your
vehicle unless you check with your dealer first.
Some electrical equipment can damage your
vehicle and the damage wouldn’t be covered by
your warranty. Some add-on electrical equipment
can keep other components from working as
they should.

Your vehicle has an airbag system. Before attempting
to add anything electrical to your vehicle, see Servicing
Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 1-61.

Windshield Wiper Fuses

The windshield wiper motor is protected by a circuit
breaker and a fuse. If the motor overheats due to heavy
snow or ice, the wiper will stop until the motor cools.
If the overload is caused by some electrical problem,
have it fixed.

Power Windows and Other
Power Options

Circuit breakers in the fuse panel protect the power
seats. When the current load is too heavy, the circuit
breaker opens and closes, protecting the circuit until
the problem is fixed.

Fuses and Circuit Breakers

The wiring circuits in your vehicle are protected from
short circuits by fuses. This greatly reduces the chance
of circuit overload and fire caused by electrical
problems.

There are two fuse blocks — the underhood fuse block,
and the instrument panel fuse block.

To identify and check fuses and relays, refer to
the Fuse Usage Chart on the inside surface of the
fuse panel door.

5-83

Instrument Panel Fuse Block

The instrument panel fuse block is located on the
passenger’s side of the center console, to the left
of the glove box near the floor.

Fuses

Usage

LOCK/MIRROR Door Lock, Power Mirror

CRUISE

Cruise Control System

EPS

Electric Power Steering

IGN 1

Switches, Instrument Panel Cluster

PRNDL/PWR

TRN

PRNDL/Powertrain

BCM (IGN)

Body Control Module

AIRBAG

Airbag System

BCM/ISRVM

Body Control Module,
Inside Rearview Mirror

TURN

Turn Signals

HTD SEATS

Heated Seats

BCM/HVAC

Body Control Module, Heating,
Ventilation and Air Conditioning

HZRD

Hazard Warning Flashers

RADIO

Radio

5-84

Fuses

Usage

LOCK/MIRROR Door Lock, Power Mirror

PARK

Parking Lamps

BCM/CLSTR

Body Control Module,
Instrument Panel Cluster

INT LTS/

ONSTAR

®

Interior Lights/OnStar

®

DR LCK

Door Locks

Relays

Usage

PARK LAMP

Parking Lamps Relay

HVAC

BLOWER

Heating, Ventilation and
Air Conditioning Blower Motor

DR LCK

Door Locks Relay

PASS DR

UNLOCK

Passenger Door Unlock Relay

DRV DR

UNLCK

Driver Door Unlock Relay

HEAD LAMP

Headlamps

Engine Compartment Fuse Block

The engine compartment fuse block is located on the
driver’s side of the engine compartment.

See Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-12 for
more information on location.

Fuses

Usage

HTD SEATS

Heated Seats

HVAC
BLOWER

Heating, Ventilation,
Air Conditioning Blower Control

5-85

Fuses

Usage

HTD SEATS

Heated Seats

PREM AUD

Premium Audio System, Amplifier

ABS PWR

Anti-lock Brake System

RR WIPER

Rear Window Wiper

FRT WIPER

Front Window Wiper

SUNROOF

Sunroof

ETC

Electronic Throttle Control

PWR WDW

Power Windows

A/C CLUTCH

Air Conditioning Clutch

EMISS

Emissions

ENG IGN

Engine Ignition

CIGAR

Cigarette Lighter

LH HDLP

Driver’s Side Headlamp

COOL FAN HI

Cooling Fan High

Fuses

Usage

HTD SEATS

Heated Seats

ECM/TCM

Engine Control Module,
Transaxle Control Module

AUX OUTLETS Accessory Power Outlets

FUSE PULLER

Fuse Puller

INJ

Fuel Injectors

PWR TRAIN

Powertrain

FUEL PUMP

Fuel Pump

A/C DIODE

Air Conditioning Diode

TRAILER

Trailer Lighting

BRAKE

Brake System

RH HDLP

Passenger’s Side Headlamp

HORN

Horn

BACKUP

Back-up Lamps

5-86

Fuses

Usage

HTD SEATS

Heated Seats

BATT FEED

Battery

ABS

Anti-lock Brake System

COOL FAN LO

Cooling Fan Low

RR DEFOG

Rear Window Defogger

ABS

Anti-lock Brake System

FOG LP

Fog Lamps

IGN

Ignition Switch

Relays

Usage

ENG MAIN

Engine Relay

RR WIPER

Rear Window Wiper Relay

FRT WIPER

Front Window Wiper Relay

PWR WDW

Power Windows Relay

COOL FAN HI

Cooling Fan High Relay

Relays

Usage

WIPER
SYSTEM

Wiper System Relay

HORN

Horn Relay

DRL

Daytime Running Lamps Relay

FUEL PUMP

Fuel Pump Relay

STARTER
RELAY

Starter Relay

REAR DEFOG

Rear Window Defogger Relay

FOG LP

Fog Lamp Relay

COOL FAN LO

Cooling Fan Low Relay

A/C CLUTCH

Air Conditioning Clutch Relay

Circuit Breaker

Usage

POWER
SEATS

Power Seats

5-87

Capacities and Specifications

The following approximate capacities are given in English and metric conversions. See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-11 for more information.

Application

Capacities

English

Metric

Cooling System

10.5 qt

9.9 L

Engine Oil with Filter

4.0 qt

3.8 L

Fuel Tank

16.6 gal

62.8 L

Transaxle Fluid

4.5 qt

4.2 L

Wheel Nut Torque

100 lb ft

140

Y

All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill to the approximate level, as recommended in this
manual. Recheck fluid level after filling.

Engine Specifications

Engine

VIN Code

Transaxle

Spark Plug Gap

3.4L V6

F

Automatic

0.060 inches (1.52 mm)

5-88

Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . . . ..6-2

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . ...6-2
Maintenance Requirements . . . . . . . ..6-2
Your Vehicle and the Environment . . . . . 6-2
Using the Maintenance Schedule . . . . . ..6-2
Scheduled Maintenance . . . . . . . . ...6-4
Additional Required Services . . . . . . . 6-6
Maintenance Footnotes . . . . . . . . ...6-7

Owner Checks and Services . . . . . . . 6-8
At Each Fuel Fill . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8
At Least Once a Month . . . . . . . . ...6-9
At Least Once a Year . . . . . . . . . .6-9
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants . . . ...6-11
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts . . ..6-13
Maintenance Record . . . . . . . . . .6-14

Section 6

Maintenance Schedule

6-1