2006 Pontiac Torrent: check engine light

Filed Nov 4, 2016 · Brakes, Electrical · 102,000 miles · NC

A number of unusual issues have plagued us with this car! The keys slide out of the ignition while car is still running. At random times, the engine will rev, but the car will barely move until it eventually stops. Even then it will turn on and the engine will run, but it won't move. At other times, the electrical shuts down and there is no power at all, no lights or sounds. We've replaced the battery (a very expensive one at that) twice, as whatever is happening drains it. The car throws codes that make it impossible to pass inspection. These include: e-vap, throttle body, assorted sensors, break pedal, gas cap, heat/AC motor, and so on. We have replaced and/or repaired everything on the code list and still, it won't clear. The check engine light, ABS, and tread light remain on no matter what we do. We were advised to keep driving it until the computer cleared the codes to "ready", but it's not working. Recently, white wisps of smoke were coming from the steering column, along with a burning smell. The car just died and refused to start. We had to replace the turn signal switch. These are things that should not be occurring with normal maintenance and driving. We've also been told by mechanics that they are dangerous issues, including the possibility of fire while driving, and failures that cause wrecks. They cannot explain why they are occurring, especially after repair. One person said we probably made some repairs that were unnecessary, but we needed the car to pass required inspection. We are sinking too much money into this vehicle to keep it running and cannot afford a new payment as this one is purchased in full. We are disabled, needing dependable transportation for medical appointments and daily errands. Why aren't there recalls? This model is all over the internet and forums for these faulty codes & issues! Incredibly irresponsible of the manufacturer.

Filed Feb 26, 2015 · Fuel system, Suspension · 90,000 miles · MI

My car won't start on the first crank at times...I have to give it gas or it will stall...it also starts up hard at first it did it occasionally now it's start to do it every time I start my car...I took it to get looked at no one knows...the check engine light is on as well and reads fuel codes...please help

Filed Jul 1, 2014 · Engine · 115,000 miles · MD

We were taking my children to the circus on 695 west doing 60 MPH when the light showing that the car had overheated and the engine light came on. While doing 60 MPH the car just stops in the on the beltway. We could have been killed. There was no power whatsoever. The windows wouldn't even roll up. This car needs to be recalled. The alternator was replaced and a fuel pump and we got the car back a week later and the same issue happened again except this time we were coming out of the baltimore tunnel praying it didn't stop but it did and had to be towed yet again.

Filed Mar 30, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 96,000 miles · IL

Car will start fine and run between the 1 and 2 section of RPM gauge.after 10-15 min. Of operation car will die suddenly no sputtering and electronics seem to still work (radio, flashers, headlights, dash lights), must coast to side of road before being plowed into. Check engine light came on. Took into local mechanic said the catalytic converter code was on and that they "blew it out", light shut off torrent ran fine for 1 day. Repeated process is of dying is now ongoing, car will either die or stall (feels like a downshift), then blow out a cloud of black smoke and keep running if engine does not die, also RPM's reduce to the 0 - 1 section of gauge rather then the normal 1-2 section like when I bought it. 2 mechanics could not find the problem after checking 2 sensor's, fuel pump and fuse box. Problem still not resolved....

Filed Mar 19, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 81,900 miles · MD

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 pontiac torrent. The contact stated that while entering a garage, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after approximately 5 minutes and the vehicle operated normally. The failure recurred on another occasion when the contact was entering a driveway with the illumination of the check engine warning light. Additionally, the key would sporadically fail to enter the ignition switch. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified and no solution was offered. The failure mileage was 81,900. Updated 4/28/14*cn the dealer stated the ECM needs to be replaced. No repairs have been made.

Filed Mar 1, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 80,000 miles · SC

Driving approx. 45 MPH down 4 lane highway in the left lane. Engine stopped and lost all steering & braking control. Able to coast to a ditch on side of the road. Turned the vehicle to off position in ignition switch then attempted to restart vehicle. After 3-4 cranking attempts, car started. Went straight to nearest dealership. Service department stated that there was nothing wrong because the check engine light was not on. Second occasion- driving approx. 25 MPH down 2 lane road. Began to slow down to turn left- engine stopped and lost all steering & braking control. Able to coast to side of the road. Turned the vehicle to off position in ignition switch then attempted to restart vehicle. Car started after several attempts. Went to nearest service store and once again was told that nothing appeared to be wrong because there were no lights on. Takes multiple cranking attempts to start the vehicle on a daily basis. No pattern to when. Could be in the am, pm, middle of the day, hot, cold, warm, raining, snowing, sunny, cloudy.

Filed Dec 28, 2009 · Engine · 55,000 miles · TX

2006 pontiac torrent heater won't blow hot air and check engine light on dealership says test for engine light is a large gas leak and the gas cap needed replacing only a mere $180. I replaced the gas cap myself for $20 and the check engine light is still on. This car needs major recalls but gm won't fix anything even though there are major complaints every where you look. The dealership said they can't even give an estimate on the heater because they would have to take the entire dash off and it would be a waste of time if I didn't want them to fix it while the dash was off. They estimated over $1,000 to fix the heater but said it could be more once the dash was removed. How can I save money for a repair if I don't know how much it will cost. Please help!