Pontiac Torrent (2006 year). Manual — part 21

Maintenance Schedule

Introduction

Important: Keep engine oil at the proper level and
change as recommended.

Have you purchased the GM Protection Plan? The Plan
supplements your new vehicle warranties. See your
Warranty and Owner Assistance booklet or your dealer
for details.

Maintenance Requirements

Notice: Maintenance intervals, checks, inspections,
replacement parts, and recommended fluids and
lubricants as prescribed in this manual are necessary
to keep your vehicle in good working condition.
Any damage caused by failure to follow scheduled
maintenance may not be covered by warranty.

Your Vehicle and the Environment

Proper vehicle maintenance not only helps to keep your
vehicle in good working condition, but also helps the
environment. All recommended maintenance is
important. Improper vehicle maintenance can even
affect the quality of the air we breathe. Improper fluid
levels or the wrong tire inflation can increase the level
of emissions from your vehicle. To help protect our
environment, and to keep your vehicle in good condition,
be sure to maintain your vehicle properly.

Using the Maintenance Schedule

We at General Motors want to help you keep your
vehicle in good working condition. But we do not know
exactly how you will drive it. You may drive very
short distances only a few times a week. Or you may
drive long distances all the time in very hot, dusty
weather. You may use your vehicle in making deliveries.
Or you may drive it to work, to do errands, or in many
other ways.

Because of all the different ways people use their
vehicles, maintenance needs vary. You may need more
frequent checks and replacements. So please read
the following and note how you drive. If you have any
questions on how to keep your vehicle in good condition,
see your GM Goodwrench

®

dealer.

6-2

This schedule is for vehicles that:

•

carry passengers and cargo within recommended
limits. You will find these limits on the tire and
loading information label. See Loading Your Vehicle
on page 4-31.

•

are driven on reasonable road surfaces within legal
driving limits.

•

use the recommended fuel. See Gasoline Octane
on page 5-5.

The services in Scheduled Maintenance on page 6-4
should be performed when indicated. See Additional
Required Services on page 6-6 and Maintenance
Footnotes on page 6-7 for further information.

{

CAUTION:

Performing maintenance work on a vehicle
can be dangerous. In trying to do some jobs,
you can be seriously injured. Do your own
maintenance work only if you have the
required know-how and the proper tools and
equipment for the job. If you have any doubt,
see your GM Goodwrench

®

dealer to have

a qualified technician do the work.

Some maintenance services can be complex. So, unless
you are technically qualified and have the necessary
equipment, you should have your GM Goodwrench

®

dealer do these jobs.

When you go to your GM Goodwrench

®

dealer for

your service needs, you will know that GM-trained and
supported service technicians will perform the work
using genuine GM parts.

If you want to purchase service information, see Service
Publications Ordering Information on page 7-15.

Owner Checks and Services on page 6-8 tells you what
should be checked, when to check it, and what you
can easily do to help keep your vehicle in good
condition.

The proper replacement parts, fluids, and lubricants to
use are listed in Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
on page 6-11 and Normal Maintenance Replacement
Parts on page 6-13. When your vehicle is serviced,
make sure these are used. All parts should be replaced
and all necessary repairs done before you or anyone
else drives the vehicle. We recommend the use of
genuine GM parts.

6-3

Scheduled Maintenance

When the change engine oil message comes on,
it means that service is required for your vehicle.
Have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible within
the next 600 miles (1 000 km). It is possible that, if
you are driving under the best conditions, the engine
oil life system may not indicate that vehicle service
is necessary for over a year. However, your engine oil
and filter must be changed at least once a year and
at this time the system must be reset. Your GM
Goodwrench

®

dealer has GM-trained service technicians

who will perform this work using genuine GM parts
and reset the system.

If the engine oil life system is ever reset accidentally,
you must service your vehicle within 3,000 miles
(5 000 km) since your last service. Remember to reset
the oil life system whenever the oil is changed. See
Engine Oil Life System on page 5-16 for information on
the Engine Oil Life System and resetting the system.

When the change engine oil message appears,
certain services, checks, and inspections are required.
Required services are described in the following
for “Maintenance

I

” and “Maintenance

II

.” Generally, it is

recommended that your first service be Maintenance

I

,

your second service be Maintenance

II

, and that

you alternate Maintenance

I

and Maintenance

II

thereafter. However, in some cases, Maintenance

II

may be required more often.

Maintenance

I

— Use Maintenance

I

if the change

engine oil message comes on within 10 months since
the vehicle was purchased or Maintenance

II

was

performed.

Maintenance

II

— Use Maintenance

II

if the previous

service performed was Maintenance

I

. Always use

Maintenance

II

whenever the message comes on

10 months or more since the last service or if the
message has not come on at all for one year.

6-4

Scheduled Maintenance

Service

Maintenance

I

Maintenance

II

Change engine oil and filter. See Engine Oil on page 5-13. Reset oil life system.
See Engine Oil Life System on page 5-16. An Emission Control Service.

•

•

Visually check for any leaks or damage. See footnote (k).

•

•

Inspect engine air cleaner filter. If necessary, replace filter. See Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-18. See footnote (l).

•

Rotate tires and check inflation pressures and wear. See Tire Inspection and
Rotation on page 5-54 and “Tire Wear Inspection” in At Least Once a Month on
page 6-9.

•

•

Inspect brake system. See footnote (a).

•

•

Check engine coolant and windshield washer fluid levels and add fluid as
needed.

•

•

Perform any needed additional services. See “Additional Required Services”
in this section.

•

•

Inspect suspension and steering components. See footnote (b).

•

Inspect engine cooling system. See footnote (c).

•

Inspect wiper blades. See footnote (d).

•

Inspect restraint system components. See footnote (e).

•

Lubricate body components. See footnote (f).

•

Check transaxle fluid level and add fluid as needed.

•

Replace passenger compartment air filter. See footnote (g).

•

Inspect throttle system. See footnote (j).

•

6-5

Additional Required Services

The following services should be performed at the first maintenance service (

I

or

II

) after the indicated miles (kilometers)

shown for each item.

Additional Required Services

Service and Miles (Kilometers)

25,000

(41 500)

50,000

(83 000)

75,000

(125 000)

100,000

(166 000)

125,000

(207 500)

150,000

(240 000)

Inspect fuel system for damage or leaks.

•

•

•

•

•

•

Inspect exhaust system for loose
or damaged components.

•

•

•

•

•

•

Replace engine air cleaner filter. See
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-18.

•

•

•

Change automatic transaxle fluid (severe
service). See footnote (h).

•

•

•

Change automatic transaxle fluid (normal
service).

•

Replace spark plugs and inspect
spark plug wires. An Emission Control
Service.

•

Engine cooling system service (or every
five years, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
See footnote (i).

•

Inspect engine accessory drive belt.
An Emission Control Service. See
footnote (m).

•

6-6

Maintenance Footnotes

(a) Visually inspect brake lines and hoses for proper
hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect
disc brake pads for wear and rotors for surface
condition. Inspect drum brake linings/shoes for wear
or cracks. Inspect other brake parts, including drums,
wheel cylinders, calipers, parking brake, etc. Check
parking brake adjustment.

(b) Visually inspect front and rear suspension and
steering system for damaged, loose, or missing parts,
signs of wear. Inspect power steering cables for
proper hook-up, binding, cracks, chafing, etc.

(c) Visually inspect hoses and have them replaced if they
are cracked, swollen, or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
fittings and clamps; replace with genuine GM parts as
needed. To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test
of the cooling system and pressure cap and cleaning the
outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser is
recommended at least once a year.

(d) Visually inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking.
Replace wiper blades that appear worn or damaged
or that streak or miss areas of the windshield.

(e) Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all
your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors, and
anchorages are working properly. Look for any
other loose or damaged safety belt system parts.

If you see anything that might keep a safety belt system
from doing its job, have it repaired. Have any torn or
frayed safety belts replaced. Also look for any opened or
broken airbag coverings, and have them repaired or
replaced. The airbag system does not need regular
maintenance.

(f) Lubricate all key lock cylinders, hood latch
assemblies, secondary latches, pivots, spring anchor
and release pawl, hood and door hinges, rear folding
seats, and liftgate hinges. More frequent lubrication may
be required when exposed to a corrosive environment.
Applying silicone grease on weatherstrips with a
clean cloth will make them last longer, seal better,
and not stick or squeak.

(g) If you drive regularly under dusty conditions, the
filter may require replacement more often.

(h) Change automatic transaxle fluid if the vehicle is
mainly driven under one or more of these conditions:

− In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature

regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.

− In hilly or mountainous terrain.

− When doing frequent trailer towing.

− Uses such as found in taxi, police, or delivery

service.

6-7

(i) Drain, flush, and refill cooling system. This service
can be complex; you should have your dealer perform
this service. See Engine Coolant on page 5-21 for
what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser,
pressure cap, and filler neck. Pressure test the
cooling system and pressure cap.

(j) Check system for interference or binding and for
damaged or missing parts. Replace parts as needed.
Replace any components that have high effort or
excessive wear. Do not lubricate accelerator or cruise
control cables.

(k) A fluid loss in any vehicle system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired
and the fluid level checked. Add fluid if needed.

(l) If you drive regularly under dusty conditions, inspect
the filter at each engine oil change.

(m) Visually inspect belt for fraying, excessive cracks,
or obvious damage. Replace belt if necessary.

Owner Checks and Services

These owner checks and services should be performed
at the intervals specified to help ensure the safety,
dependability, and emission control performance of your
vehicle. Your GM Goodwrench

®

dealer can assist you

with these checks and services.

Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any fluids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
in Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-11.

At Each Fuel Fill

It is important to perform these underhood checks
at each fuel fill.

Engine Oil Level Check

Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. See Engine Oil on page 5-13 for further
details.

Notice: It is important to check your oil regularly
and keep it at the proper level. Failure to keep your
engine oil at the proper level can cause damage
to your engine not covered by your warranty.

6-8

Engine Coolant Level Check

Check the engine coolant level and add
DEX-COOL

®

coolant mixture if necessary.

See Engine Coolant on page 5-21 for further details.

Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check

Check the windshield washer fluid level in the
windshield washer fluid reservoir and add the
proper fluid if necessary.

At Least Once a Month

Tire Inflation Check

Visually inspect your vehicle’s tires and make sure they
are inflated to the correct pressures. Do not forget to
check the spare tire. See Tires on page 5-46 for further
details. Check to make sure the spare tire is stored
securely. See Changing a Flat Tire on page 5-62.

Tire Wear Inspection

Tire rotation may be required for high mileage highway
drivers prior to the Engine Oil Life System service
notification. Check the tires for wear and, if necessary,
rotate the tires. See Tire Inspection and Rotation
on page 5-54.

At Least Once a Year

Starter Switch Check

{

CAUTION:

When you are doing this inspection, the
vehicle could move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be injured.

1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room

around the vehicle.

2. Firmly apply both the parking brake and the regular

brake. See Parking Brake on page 2-22.

Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to
turn off the engine immediately if it starts.

3. Try to start the engine in each gear. The vehicle

should start only in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
If the vehicle starts in any other position, contact
your GM Goodwrench

®

dealer for service.

6-9

Automatic Transaxle Shift Lock Control
System Check

{

CAUTION:

When you are doing this inspection, the
vehicle could move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be injured.

1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room

around the vehicle. It should be parked on a level
surface.

2. Firmly apply the parking brake. See Parking Brake

on page 2-22.

Be ready to apply the regular brake immediately if
the vehicle begins to move.

3. With the engine off, turn the ignition to RUN, but do

not start the engine. Without applying the regular
brake, try to move the shift lever out of PARK (P)
with normal effort. If the shift lever moves out
of PARK (P), contact your GM Goodwrench

®

dealer

for service.

Ignition Transaxle Lock Check

While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn
the ignition to LOCK in each shift lever position.

•

The ignition should turn to LOCK only when the
shift lever is in PARK (P).

•

The key should come out only in LOCK.

Contact your GM Goodwrench

®

dealer if service

is required.

Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle
Park (P) Mechanism Check

{

CAUTION:

When you are doing this check, your vehicle
could begin to move. You or others could be
injured and property could be damaged. Make
sure there is room in front of your vehicle in
case it begins to roll. Be ready to apply the
regular brake at once should the vehicle begin
to move.

6-10

Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing
downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake,
set the parking brake.

•

To check the parking brake’s holding ability:
With the engine running and transaxle in
NEUTRAL (N), slowly remove foot pressure
from the regular brake pedal. Do this until the
vehicle is held by the parking brake only.

•

To check the PARK (P) mechanism’s holding
ability: With the engine running, shift to PARK (P).
Then release the parking brake followed by the
regular brake.

Contact your GM Goodwrench

®

dealer if service

is required.

Underbody Flushing Service

At least every spring, use plain water to flush any
corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care
to clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other
debris can collect.

Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants

Fluids and lubricants identified below by name,
part number, or specification may be obtained from
your dealer.

Usage

Fluid/Lubricant

Engine Oil

Engine oil which meets GM
Standard GM6094M and
displays the American Petroleum
Institute Certified for Gasoline
Engines starburst symbol.
GM Goodwrench

®

oil meets all

the requirements for your vehicle.
To determine the proper viscosity
for your vehicle’s engine, see
Engine Oil on page 5-13.

Engine Coolant

50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only DEX-COOL

®

Coolant. See Engine Coolant
on page 5-21.

Hydraulic Brake

System

Delco

®

Supreme 11 Brake Fluid

or equivalent DOT-3 brake fluid.

6-11

Usage

Fluid/Lubricant

Windshield

Washer

GM Optikleen

®

Washer Solvent.

Automatic
Transaxle

Use only T-IV Automatic
Transmission Fluid
(GM Part No. U.S. 88900925,
in Canada 22689186).
See Automatic Transaxle Fluid
on page 5-21.

Key Lock
Cylinders

Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241,
in Canada 10953474).

Carrier

Assembly —

Differential

(Rear Drive

Module)

and Transfer

Case (Power

Transfer Unit)

VERSATRAK

®

Fluid

(GM Part No. U.S. 12378514,
in Canada 88901045).

Usage

Fluid/Lubricant

Hood Latch

Assembly,

Secondary

Latch,

Pivots, Spring

Anchor, and

Release Pawl

Lubriplate Lubricant Aerosol
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346293,
in Canada 992723) or lubricant
meeting requirements of NLGI #2,
Category LB or GC-LB.

Hood and Door

Hinges, Rear

Folding Seat

Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241,
in Canada 10953474).

Weatherstrip

Conditioning

Dielectric Silicone Grease
(GM Part No. U.S. 12345579,
in Canada 992887).

6-12

Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts

Replacement parts identified below by name, part number, or specification can be obtained from your dealer.

Part

GM Part Number

ACDelco

®

Part Number

Engine Air Cleaner/Filter

22676970

—

Engine Oil Filter

25010792

PF47

Passenger Compartment Air Filter Element

15781507

CF137

Replacement Battery

15104967

75-6YR

Spark Plugs

12568387

41-101

Windshield Wiper Blades

Driver’s Side – 24 inches (60.0 cm)

22703508

—

Passenger’s Side – 19 inches (47.5 cm)

22703507

—

Rear – 11 inches (28.0 cm)

89025824

—

6-13

Maintenance Record

After the scheduled services are performed, record the date, odometer reading, who performed the service, and
the type of services performed in the boxes provided. See Maintenance Requirements on page 6-2. Any additional
information from Owner Checks and Services on page 6-8 can be added on the following record pages. You should
retain all maintenance receipts.

Maintenance Record

Date

Odometer

Reading

Serviced By

Maintenance

I

or

Maintenance

II

Services Performed

6-14

Customer Assistance and Information . . . ...7-2

Customer Satisfaction Procedure . . . . . ..7-2
Online Owner Center . . . . . . . . . ..7-4
Customer Assistance for Text

Telephone (TTY) Users . . . . . . . . 7-4

Customer Assistance Offices . . . . . . . 7-4
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program . . . . 7-6
Roadside Assistance Program . . . . . . ..7-6
Courtesy Transportation . . . . . . . . ...7-8
Vehicle Data Collection and Event

Data Recorders . . . . . . . . . . .7-10

Collision Damage Repair . . . . . . . . 7-11

Reporting Safety Defects . . . . . . . . 7-14

Reporting Safety Defects to the

United States Government . . . . . . ..7-14

Reporting Safety Defects to the

Canadian Government . . . . . . . . 7-15

Reporting Safety Defects to

General Motors . . . . . . . . . . .7-15

Service Publications Ordering

Information . . . . . . . . . . . ...7-15

Section 7

Customer Assistance and Information

7-1

Customer Assistance and
Information

Customer Satisfaction Procedure

Your satisfaction and goodwill are important to
your dealer and to Pontiac. Normally, any concerns with
the sales transaction or the operation of your vehicle
will be resolved by your dealer’s sales or service
departments. Sometimes, however, despite the best
intentions of all concerned, misunderstandings can
occur. If your concern has not been resolved to your
satisfaction, the following steps should be taken:

STEP ONE: Discuss your concern with a member
of dealership management. Normally, concerns can
be quickly resolved at that level. If the matter has
already been reviewed with the sales, service or
parts manager, contact the owner of the dealership
or the general manager.

STEP TWO: If after contacting a member of dealership
management, it appears your concern cannot be
resolved by the dealership without further help, contact
the Pontiac Customer Assistance Center by calling
1-800-762-2737. In Canada, contact GM of Canada
Customer Communication Centre in Oshawa by calling
1-800-263-3777 (English) or 1-800-263-7854 (French).

We encourage you to call the toll-free number in order
to give your inquiry prompt attention. Please have
the following information available to give the Customer
Assistance Representative:

•

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This is
available from the vehicle registration or title,
or the plate at the top left of the instrument panel
and visible through the windshield.

•

Dealership name and location.

•

Vehicle delivery date and present mileage.

When contacting Pontiac, please remember that your
concern will likely be resolved at a dealer’s facility.
That is why we suggest you follow Step One first if
you have a concern.

7-2

STEP THREE: Both General Motors and your dealer
are committed to making sure you are completely
satisfied with your new vehicle. However, if you continue
to remain unsatisfied after following the procedure
outlined in Steps One and Two, you should file with
the BBB Auto Line Program to enforce any additional
rights you may have. Canadian owners refer to your
Warranty and Owner Assistance Information booklet for
information on the Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration
Plan (CAMVAP).

The BBB Auto Line Program is an out of court program
administered by the Council of Better Business
Bureaus to settle automotive disputes regarding
vehicle repairs or the interpretation of the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty. Although you may be required to
resort to this informal dispute resolution program prior
to filing a court action, use of the program is free of
charge and your case will generally be heard within
40 days. If you do not agree with the decision given
in your case, you may reject it and proceed with
any other venue for relief available to you.

You may contact the BBB Auto Line Program using the
toll-free telephone number or write them at the
following address:

BBB Auto Line Program
Council of Better Business Bureaus, Inc.
4200 Wilson Boulevard
Suite 800
Arlington, VA 22203-1838

Telephone: 1-800-955-5100

This program is available in all 50 states and the
District of Columbia. Eligibility is limited by vehicle age,
mileage and other factors. General Motors reserves
the right to change eligibility limitations and/or
discontinue its participation in this program.

7-3