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Pontiac Torrent Lurching

cmichigancmichigan Member Posts: 2
in Pontiac
Hi,

Just this week, my 2006 Torrent (93,000 miles) has begun "lurching" / "hesitating" occasionally when driving.

It MOSTLY happens when I am doing a slow / easy acceleration (maybe increasing speed by 5-10 mph) or when I let my foot of the gas slowly. But, it occasionally has done it while I am driving along at a constant speed.Yesterday, I was driving with the cruise control on at 65 and it lurched and kicked off the cruise control.

It is can happen at 20 mph on a local street...or 70mph on a highway. It seems to occur most often within the first 30 minutes of driving.

I had a tune up at 92,000 miles that included new plugs and wires and a fuel system clean up.

Any thoughts???

Thanks!

Chris
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Comments

  • gb21914gb21914 Member Posts: 5
    Oddly enough, we just recently noticed this occurring this week...

    83,000km on our 2007 Torrent, and we are getting the same lurch...although I also feel like the car might be down on power. I'll be doing plugs, air filter clean, and engine clean tomorrow am and hope that helps.

    Greg
  • gb21914gb21914 Member Posts: 5
    Just got a call from the shop, and they are indicating that it may be torque convertor related. Fortunately there is still some warranty left on the vehicle so this item should be covered for us. Did you get anywhere with yours?

    Greg
  • cmichigancmichigan Member Posts: 2
    Just got mine back from the shop. The trouble was intermittent and of course it would not act up for the mechanics.

    Finally, however, they determined it was actually the computer that was going bad. They replaced the computer and everything seems to be fine.
  • swanz56swanz56 Member Posts: 2
    I have a 2007 Pontiac Torrent with 33,000 + miles on it. Zero problems until last week and it started to lurch on acceleration to the freeway.Then, it got worse going up hill on gentle acceleration load. Same thing, again and again. Took it to dealer and the tech. could not get it to replicate the problem the next day. I told him to go out on the freeway between 50 to 60 MPH. He came back and said that car should not leave here until it is fixed. He said it lurched all over the place. They replaced the front axles and gave the car back. The first day same thing going up a slight grade at 50MPH and the next day it did it again 4 times on a trip of about 50 miles intermittently!!!! They took it out again and of course it wouldn't do it for them???? Great car so far but this is driving me nuts and have only 3,000 miles left on our Warr. Looks like what I have read here it could be computer or Trans. I told them at first it acted like the torque converter was not locking up??? They didn't think so. SWANZ56
  • gb21914gb21914 Member Posts: 5
    UPDATE!

    Our issue turned out to be a failed plug and wire set. It seems odd to me that these would need to be replaced so early...but if you have these symptoms check those plugs and wires. We had a plug that was cracked right down the side of it.

    The codes on the transmission were apparently as a result of the misfire being transmitted back through the system.
  • alaska_chickalaska_chick Member Posts: 1
    I thought this was my imagination! I'm glad to know that I wasn't just imagining it! Now I know I can get it in for maintenance and find out what the problem is. Mine is usually within the first 10-15 minutes of driving, very sporadic and driving not more than 60 mph.

    The only other thing is my interior light has quit coming on when I open the doors, which is why I was on the internet in the first place.

    Otherwise I love my Torrent.
  • dvonte93dvonte93 Member Posts: 2
    It's nice to see someone else with this problem. I have a 2007 Torrent that was purchased November 2007 with a little over
    14,000 miles. I've had to replace the spark plugs 1 or 2 times and the spark plugs and wires once already, the last time being June 2010. The only explanation I got was "sometimes the spark plugs crack like that". And just so happen neither repair was under warranty. This is not a cheap repair. I have contacted the Pontiac people, nothing was resolved. It also has a slight ticking noise, It seems to be louder when your first start the engine and then gets quieter. The ticking noise hasn't affected to driving at all, still has a lot of get up and go.
    Other than the spark plug problem I have truly enjoyed my Torrent. Fun to drive, great on the highway and good on gas. As of today it has 66,000 + miles on it. I get the oil changed every 3000 miles and the tires rotated on a regular basis also.
  • swanz56swanz56 Member Posts: 2
    Have a 07 Torrent that I have previously discussed here. Dealer had it over a month before someone said their problem was a wiring harness and plug. They tried that at the dealer and I had said SUV back in a couple of hours. Drove it problems free for 12K and problem started again. Took it to dealer and they said it was plugs and dirty air filterr...$300 please which was BS. Took it to my long time "HONEST" mechanic and he said he checked wiring, plugs. and fllter and found nothing. No Charge..dealer $45!!!I've seen the dealer do that to way to many old people and it is infuriating!!!! Now I have an extended Warranty and I can take it anywhere. Formerly, GM replaced the axles, Computer, torque converter before trying my suggestion to change the wiring harness. Great rig but now I understand why GM went [non-permissible content removed] up !!!! SWANZ56
  • rjohnson28rjohnson28 Member Posts: 1
    JUST RECENTLY BOUGHT MY PONTIAC TORRENT (SAM BOSWELL HONDA) IN ENTERPRISE ALABAMA... I HAVE ONLY HAD IT 2 WEEKS... WITHIN THE FIRST WEEK IT STARTED JERKING IF YOU'D START UP A HILL(I MEAN REALLY BAD) IF YOU GET PASSED 40 MPH...SO I TOOK IT TO DEALERSHIP (CAUSE ITS STILL UNDER WARRANTY) WELL THEY SAID IT WAS THE SPARTS PLUGS... SO I WENT AND PICKED IT UP DIDNT HAVE THE VEHICLE 10 MINUTES AND IT WAS STILL DOING THE EXACT SAME THING.. SO TOOK IT BACK AGAIN..WELL THIS TIME THEY SAID I HAD WATER IN THE GAS TANK SO WE GOT THAT FUEL OUT PUT SOME HEET IN IT AND FILLED IT WITH GREAT GAS..NEEDLESS TO SAY IT IS STILL DOING IT......HAS ANYONE HAD THIS PROBLEM OR HAVE A CLUE WHAT IT COULD BE???? THE DEALERSHIP DOSENT WANNA FIX IT FOR SOME REASON... SO IF YOU LIVE NEAR ENTERPRISE,ALABAMA NEVER GO TO SAM BOSWELL HONDA THEM FOLKS ARE RUDE AND LAZY!!!
  • rednecklady222rednecklady222 Member Posts: 1
    Mine was doing the same thing, took it to dealership they said exactly the same as yours spark plug and wire ! i actually thought it was the transmission! i am out the door in a moment to pick mine up! Hope and pray that fixed it! maybe go to another dealership? i was told that the chevy dealerships would also fix them. good luck!
  • gmcustsvcgmcustsvc Member Posts: 4,252
    rednecklady222,
    Have all of your concerns been addressed and resolved?
    Christina
    GM Customer Service
  • ms2shortms2short Member Posts: 1
    I'm having the same problems, thought it was bad gas, put in fuel injector cleaner, took it back to the dealership where i bought the 2008 Pontiac torrent. Their mechanic diagnos to start with the ignition coil, which is expensive, i have no extended warranty. The car still on straight roads if i give it alot of gas real hard, but only do it once in a while. First started when I took it to Indiana, road trip it was jerking bad, not so bad now, haven't had the plugs or wires checked out, just purchased the truck April 4, 2011, having problems with it already.
  • gmcustsvcgmcustsvc Member Posts: 4,252
    ms2short,

    I would encourage you to take the vehicle to a GM dealership to be diagnosed. Please keep us posted when the issue has been taken care of.

    Thank you,
    Caron, GM Customer Service
  • kellyh07kellyh07 Member Posts: 6
    There was a voluntary customer notification sent out in January 2011 (about) that the spark plugs and wires were having issues and they extended the warranty on those parts for 10 years/120000 miles. Unfortunately they cant tell you what is causing the issue and have indicated it could be a continuous problem.

    We had the spark plugs and wires replaced in Dec 2010 and again two weeks ago (June 2011). They are claiming the only difference was putting some compound in the wire boots. But again who knows if the problem will continue again.

    If you paid to have this repair yourself then contact GM and have them reimburse you the information.

    And yes I have contacted GM, so if you are one of the GM lackeys watching these forums, dont bother contacting me. I am out here to spread the word to others who are having problems!
  • steelers6paksteelers6pak Member Posts: 19
    Anyone attempting to have a repair done under the voluntary service recall be prepared for a battle from GM.

    I had the same spark plug issue with my 2007 Torrent and found this site after repairs were made; mostly looking for reasons why the plugs and wires went bad so quickly and dramatically.

    I sent an e-mail to Pontiac's "Customer Service Team" inquiring about the service notification. I was sent a set of parameters for qualification and my 2007 Torrent met all [Year manufactured 2007-09, Make/Model: Pontiac Torrent, engine type: 3.4L LNJ (for those unaware the engine is from China), and less than 120,000 miles ( I had about 66K at the time of repair)].

    I was asked for my VIN and that's where the fun begins. Pontiac claims my VIN is not part of the recall, but oddly I have the affected engine. No matter, claim denied. Short version, since I took it to an independent mechanic rather than a GM dealer they refused the claim, even though at the time of repair I had no clue about the service notification.

    This is typical GM "customer service." After owning 3 new and 2 used GM's over the last 17 years, I think I've finally learned my lesson, and understand why this company failed.
  • gmcustsvcgmcustsvc Member Posts: 4,252
    steelers6pak,

    Could you please email me your case number? I would like to look further into your case.

    You can get my email by clicking on gmcustsvc.

    Thank you,
    Caron, GM Customer Service
  • steelers6paksteelers6pak Member Posts: 19
    GM once again gives an "air of concern" with no real substance. For all reading GM had a "voluntary service notification" about the issues surrounding the spark plugs. Even if you have the affected engine, and it demonstrates the adverse problem (as mine did) GM is claiming that unless your VIN is involved the issue somehow does not really apply to you. I own a 2007 Torrent. That year there was only one engine option. If there is a design flaw with that engine that causes premature plug and wire failure all vechicles have the design flaw. Had GM manufactured the engines in multiple locations it might have been area specific; but when I inquired that was not the case, the engines affected are from China, and I have documentation that verifies that is where my engine is from. GM has decided arbitrarily that they are not going to fix the issue with every affected engine. This is the same position taken with the intake manifold issue they had for the better part of a decade; ignore the problem, charge for repairs. All this from a company that still was given break after break at taxpayer expense.
  • dvonte93dvonte93 Member Posts: 2
    I have a '07 Torrent with the same problems. Bought in November 2007, little over 14,000 miles. Started having trouble the following year and then the year after that. At that point I called GM/Pontiac asking why was this problem occuring in a new vehicle; was told "that was something that just happens". I kept calling and told them that if this was going to continue I would return the car and start back driving my '92 Saturn with no air condition. I explained to them that's usually why people purchase new vehicles, so they won't have worry about any repairs. Everything got quite, no calls from GM. And then around November/December 2010 I received a letter from Pontiac. During that time I had lost my dad and that was the last thing on my mind, I put the letter up. So around January/February I started getting myself back together and come across the letter. My husband thought it was future repairs, so again I put the letter away. Well I took it upon myself to give them a call and to my surprise, it was for all previous repairs and all future repairs; if it should happen again. After sending in receipts for previous repairs, I received a check for the repairs.
  • steelers6paksteelers6pak Member Posts: 19
    I went the same route, provided receipts, vehicle information, etc. First set of reviewers at Pontiac sent me a list of qualifications to be eligible, and my vehicle met every one. Second set of reviewers seemed far more interested in why I didn't use a GM repair shop (the dealer I bought from was exclusively Pontiac so they are gone, and I had no clue this might be a recall/warrant issue so I used a local mechanic). In the end they claim my VIN is not part of the recall; makes no sense given that only one engine option existed on these cars. Unfortunately it's similar to the response I got when the Electronic Power Steering failed during the 3rd year, but that is another story.
  • gmcustsvcgmcustsvc Member Posts: 4,252
    edited July 2011
    dvonte93,
    I am happy to hear that you are happy with the resolution for your claim. Please continue to provide your feedback to GM. Feel free to email me with any questions, comments, or concerns. We appreciate you as our customer. I hope you have a great weekend!
    Christina
    GM Customer Service
  • steelers6paksteelers6pak Member Posts: 19
    Christina,

    Care to go for 100% satisfied customers and win back a GM owner? I'd like to know why only some 2007 Torrents get the coverage.
  • gmcustsvcgmcustsvc Member Posts: 4,252
    steelers6pak,
    Have you spoke with Customer Assistance? Can you please email me your VIN so I can personally look into this for you? I look forward to your response.
    Christina
    GM Customer Service
  • steelers6paksteelers6pak Member Posts: 19
    I sent you an e-mail with the requested information. For the purpose here, I have spoken with a number of GM reps, including Caron from this site. All of which eventually just say my vehicle is not eligible based on VIN, despite the orginal Pontiac Service representative stating otherwise.
  • gmcustsvcgmcustsvc Member Posts: 4,252
    steelers6pak,
    I would like to explain why only some vehicles are included in certain recalls. These are only examples and not specific to this situation. I am just trying to explain understand the types of reasons. One example is say we get a bad order of parts from the supplier we can pin point what vehicles by VIN’s that part went into, yes other vehicles may experience similar problems but it’s not due to the part. Sometimes there may have been a problem that occurred on a specific shift in the plant, we are able to track the VIN’s that were involved in this problem on that shift. I hope this helps explain a little more why there are sometimes VIN specific recalls.
    Christina
    GM Customer Service
  • steelers6paksteelers6pak Member Posts: 19
    The VIN was e-mailed, I did not post it to this site. It is not on the list, so you can save some time. Rest assured my car was affected though, plugs and wires thrashed at 66K.
  • steelers6paksteelers6pak Member Posts: 19
    edited July 2011
    Here are the orginal list of "qualifiers" per Pontiac sent to me in the copied e-mail (minus my name):

    Hello XXXX,

    Good Morning! Thank you for sending us an email at Pontiac regarding your request for information about the Special Coverage Bulletin 10250 Spark Plug Wire Warranty Extension.

    We certainly understand your request and we will be glad to assist you properly on this matter. In response to your request, the Special Coverage Bulletin 10250 Spark Plug Wire Warranty Extension is issued to the following vehicle models:

    2007-2009 Chevrolet Equinox
    2007-2009 Pontiac Torrent
    Equipped with a 3.4L Engine (LNJ)
    2008 Chevrolet Express, Silverado
    2008 GMC Savana, Sierra
    Equipped with 4.3L Engine (LU3)

    This special coverage covers the condition described above for a period of 10 years or 120,000 miles (193,000 km), whichever occurs first, from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, regardless of ownership. Please reply to this message with the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of your 2007 Torrent, along with your phone number, and the best time that we may reach you to assist you further on this matter.

    You can also reach us at the Pontiac Customer Assistance Center at 1- 800-762-2737. Customer Relationship Specialists are available Monday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Eastern Time.

    Make: Pontiac (check)
    Model: Torrent (check)
    Year: 2007 (check)
    Engine: 3.4L code LNJ (check)
    Less than 10 years old: 4 (check)
    Less than 120,000 miles: 66,000 (check)

    Pontiac honoring the above? Nope.
  • dpancake0001dpancake0001 Member Posts: 1
    We are currently on vacation over 500 miles from home and our 2007 Torrent has started missing again. We had the same problem 2 times before as recently as returning from our last trip about a month ago. The previous times the car fouled (actually cracked) the #1 plug. I guess this is the same problem so I have to get under the car in the morning and try to change the plug before we leave the motel. When I get home this car is going to be traded or fixed.....
  • steelers6paksteelers6pak Member Posts: 19
    No shock there; from reading through the various threads (multiple interpretations with the same root problem) I'm guessing owners can expect to be changing their plugs about every 25K. Seems to me that if the problem continues to occur when plugs and wires have been replaced that the problem source has something to do with the engine. And again no surprise that GM won't step in to address the issue properly, if it's not a safety issue forcing an actual recall then it's really just a way to make money on repairs. Same approach they took with failing intake manifold gaskets on their 3.1L and 3.4L engines for years (easy enough to verify with Google search). Wonderful position to be taken by a car maker that was bailed out by two governments, is permitted to file bankruptcy, reissue stock as an IPO (what a joke), and then gets to continue to carry their loses prior to the bankruptcy against their current "profits."
  • gmcustsvcgmcustsvc Member Posts: 4,252
    dpancake0001,
    I apologize for your frustration and inconvenience. I would definitely recommend taking the vehicle into your dealer of choice. Please keep me updated on your situation.
    Christina
    GM Customer Service
  • dray21dray21 Member Posts: 4
    My plugs r not cracked put it does have a bad misfiring.did the plugs and wires fix it permently
  • steelers6paksteelers6pak Member Posts: 19
    The repair was recent, so the new plugs and wires have corrected the lurching. Based on what I have read here it would seem that the replacements most people have used have also failed early. GM apparently will indiscriminately choose to correct some as warranty repairs, others they will not. Given repeat failure of plugs the issue is not likely the plugs, but a design flaw, or material flaw with the engine itself. When considering the plug location I would hazard a guess that the plug wires are exposed to too much heat and get damaged, causing bad current to the plug and further damage. GM in my numerous conversations with the "customer service" reps won't say what the root cause was. If I had to bet I'd guess it has something to do with design compounded with pathetic quality control at a Chinese plant where these engines are made. GM is a shadow of the American company I used to love.
  • fixwingmanfixwingman Member Posts: 1
    I have only 24000 miles on my 2008 torrent, 3.4 engine. I just now find out there is an issue with this fault that it might affect my car. vin #2ckdl33f286306526
    please could you verify my car is covered. code p0301 comes on with check engine light
    then goes off, engine miss power going up the hill or under a load. 3 yr warranty just expired
    need help, thanks,
  • steelers6paksteelers6pak Member Posts: 19
    fixwingman,

    If you want to find out if they will cover the problem under warranty you need to go through GM. I'm not convinced the "reps" here are legitimate GM employees anyway. I would contact Pontiac via their website, and take the car to a GM dealer. Based on my experience, they are saying if you did not get the service bulletin mailed to you then your VIN is not covered (even though your car likely has the engine with the problem). The other obstacle I ran into was they continually questioned why I did not have my car repair done at a GM dealer. Apparently they failed to notice that the Pontiac dealers all went away after we bought our cars, not to mention you are not under any obligation to use them. Good Luck.
  • acefan747acefan747 Member Posts: 1
    On my way to Minnesota from Colorado I have experienced the same problem. Have to drive back on Sunday, but can't get to a dealer between now and then. Gonna be a nerve racking ride home
  • youngboughtyoungbought Member Posts: 1
    My torrent is experiencing the same problem. I am curious whether your Check engine light came on. Mine is not on.
  • gmcustsvcgmcustsvc Member Posts: 4,252
    youngbought,

    I apologize for the problems you are experiencing. Were you planning on havign the vehicle diagnosed by a GM dealership? Please keep us posted when the issue has been taken care of.

    Thank you,
    Caron, GM Customer Service
  • steelers6paksteelers6pak Member Posts: 19
    The engine light never came on, it's likely your plugs and wires. My experience is that the GM Customer "Service" on this site are just trolling to give the false impression that some a GM still cares.
  • boz48boz48 Member Posts: 1
    I have the same issue with my 2007 Pontiac Torrent and called customer service only to be told that my VIN did not fall into recall, even though my car has the the same issues that the recall is supposed to cover.

    We had this car in and out of dealer for varius issues while it was under warrenty, none which ever really were fixed, just band-aided and now it's out of warrenty and still has a laundry list of probelmes. So this is the last GM product my family will ever purchase. Good work GM, another young american family that won't buy your sub-stardard products.

    :lemon: :lemon: :lemon: :lemon:
  • gmcustsvcgmcustsvc Member Posts: 4,252
    boz48,
    I apologize for your experience and frustrations. Can you please send me your case number from Customer Assistance as well as your VIN? I look forward to your response.
    Christina
    GM Customer Service
  • flkelbelflkelbel Member Posts: 1
    I have a 09 Torrent, started experiencing a stutter/hiccup last week, hits usually betw 50-55mph, I thought it was bc I needed a new air filter, bad gas etc..called the dealer, rep mentioned the wires/spark plugs and I took it in today. Just got a call from him, it was actually a bad fuel injector, it was intermittently running on 5 cylinders instead of 6 and he also suggested an induction service to clean out all the fuel lines/injectors at 33k miles!?
  • steelers6paksteelers6pak Member Posts: 19
    I'd ask him to double check those wires and plugs. Bad ignition could lead to fouling of the throttle body, and I'd guess that would ultimately lead to injector issues. But it could be unrelated. At 33K at least you are under warranty, just try to find all the problems soon.
  • gmcustsvcgmcustsvc Member Posts: 4,252
    flkelbel,
    I apologize for your frustrations. Can you please email me with your VIN, and involved dealer? I look forward to your response.
    Christina
    GM Customer Service
  • mfield54mfield54 Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2006 Torrent, and my car has been in and out of the shop for one problem after another from the sunroof leaking to the A/C not working, to the left front tire making a scrapaing noise constantly, then the heat not working and getting that fixed was a major cluster....Now having this problem. This problem has been going on for over six months not and the jerking is so hard sometimes that It feels like the transmission or engine is going to drop down to the ground. Now after driving for an hour or more the car is hestiant to accelerate after stopping at a stop sign.
  • gmcustsvcsarahgmcustsvcsarah Member Posts: 1,964
    mfield54,

    I'm sorry to hear that you have had so many vehicle problems to deal with on your Torrent. Is your shop one of our dealerships? We'd be happy to follow up with them for you on this if you like.
    Sarah
    GM Customer Service
  • leca1975leca1975 Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2008 Torrent that I purchased 5 months ago. We live in Canada, it's a 3.4l engine Torrent. I am wondering if the spark plugs were recalled here as well and if they will be covered by GM. It has 87,000km and up until now we have been really happy with the SUV. Please Help!
  • gmcustsvcsarahgmcustsvcsarah Member Posts: 1,964
    We'd be happy to check to see if there are any open recalls on your Torrent, leca1975. Please send an email to socialmedia@gm.com with the last 8 digits of your VIN (include that you'd like for us to check to see if there are any open recalls) and we'll get that information for you.

    Aside from this, if you should require any further assistance I would recommend contacting GM of Canada at 800-263-3777 (Hours: M-F 7:30am - 11:30pm, Sat 7:30am - 6:00 EST).

    All the best,
    Sarah
    GM Customer Service
  • somanyproblemssomanyproblems Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2007 Pontiac Torrent and recently I started to notice the problem of jerking when I accelerate and the engine light came on. I took the car in for a diagnostic test and was told that my transmission needs to be rebuilt or replaced. I only have 59,000 miles on my car. By reading this forum I found a number to Pontiac. Where I was told by customer service that my car is out of warranty because they go by the in service date March 2007 and not the date of purchase May 2007. How am I suppose to know this? When I bought the car as new, I was under the impression that the warranty starts the date of purchase. I have had a ton or repairs, new battery, replacing fuses, replacing coolant holes and now a new transmission.
  • gmcustsvcsarahgmcustsvcsarah Member Posts: 1,964
    somanyproblems,

    Were you given a case number (71-**********) when you contacted customer service? We'd be happy to check into the progress on that and provide any updates if you wanted to send it to socialmedia@gm.com

    All the best,
    Sarah
    GM Customer Service
  • ohiotorrentohiotorrent Member Posts: 2
    I have had the problem with the spark plug/wire twice in the 31K miles on my 2008 Torrent. It is covered by the program (2CKDL______056413). The first time it happened was at about 14K miles and the night before we were going to Lake Erie towing a boat. The second time was driving through the night on a long trip. Is there a permanent solution yet? Will manufacturer's plugs and wires other than AC Delco correct the problem? Or, will replacing the plugs and wires before a trip increase the odds that I won't have a problem? The vehicle has enough trouble moving itself when the problem happens, I can't imagine that it can pull a 2400# boat & trailer without damage to the cat. converter. I'm scared to plan a trip.

    Thanks
  • gmcustsvcgmcustsvc Member Posts: 4,252
    ohiotorrent,
    Thank you for taking the time to post your concerns. Can you please email me with your VIN, current mileage, and involved dealer? Did you ask the dealer about taking the vehicle on a trip pulling a boat? I look forward to your response.
    Christina
    GM Customer Service
    SocialMedia@GM.com
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