Pontiac 2009 Torrent Owner's Manual page 102

I (Intermediate): This position is also used for normal
driving. However, it reduces vehicle speed without
using the brakes for slight downgrades where the vehicle
would otherwise accelerate due to steepness of grade.
If constant upshifting or downshifting occurs while
driving up steep hills, this position can be used to
prevent repetitive types of shifts. You might choose
I (Intermediate) instead of D (Drive) when driving on hilly,
winding roads and when towing a trailer, so that there is
less shifting between gears.
L (Low): This position reduces vehicle speed more
than I (Intermediate) without actually using the brakes.
You can use it on very steep hills, or in deep snow
or mud. If the shift lever is placed in L (Low), the
transmission will not shift into L (Low) until the
vehicle is going slowly enough.
Notice: Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle in
one place on a hill using only the accelerator pedal
may damage the transmission. The repair will not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. If you are stuck, do
not spin the tires. When stopping on a hill, use the
brakes to hold the vehicle in place.
2-26
Transmission Overheating
If the transmission fluid temperature rises above
284°F (140°C) or rises rapidly, the Engine Coolant
Temperature Warning Light will flash. See Engine
Coolant Temperature Warning Light on page 3-32 for
more information. When the transmission overheats it will
go into a protection mode and will default shift into fifth
gear if in the D (Drive) position, or second gear if in the
L (Low) position. Continue driving the vehicle in either
position depending on the required vehicle speed and
load. Once the fluid temperature lowers to the normal
temperature range, the transmission will return to the
normal shift patterns. Towing or driving on long hills can
cause the transmission fluid temperature to be higher
than normal. If the transmission fluid temperature will
not cool, you may need to pull over and check the
transmission fluid level. You should also check the
engine coolant temperature. If it is hot, see Engine
Overheating on page 5-28.