Power steering HUMMER H3 2007 Owners Manual

Notice:Using a tool to force the key from the
ignition switch could cause damage or break
the key. Use the correct key and turn the key
only with your hand. Make sure the key is all the
way in. If it is, turn the steering wheel left and
right while you turn the key hard. If none of this
works, then your vehicle needs service.
ACC (ACCESSORY) (B):This is the position in
which you can operate your electrical accessories
or items plugged into the accessory power
outlets. On automatic transmission vehicles, this
position unlocks the ignition. On manual
transmission vehicles, it unlocks the ignition and
steering wheel. Use this position if your vehicle
must be pushed or towed.
ON (C):This is the position that the switch returns
to after you start your engine and release the
switch. The switch stays in ON when the engine is
running. But even when the engine is not running,
you can use ON to operate the electrical
accessories and to display some instrument
panel cluster warning and indicator lights.The transmission is also unlocked in this position on
automatic transmission vehicles.
The battery could be drained if you leave the key in
the ACC or ON position with the engine off. You
may not be able to start your vehicle if the battery is
allowed to drain for an extended period of time.
START (D):This is the position that starts the
engine. When the engine starts, release the key.
The ignition switch returns to ON for driving.
When the engine is not running, ACC and ON
allows you to operate the electrical accessories,
such as the radio or items plugged into the
accessory power outlets.
A warning tone will sound if you open the driver’s
door when the ignition is in ACC or LOCK and
the key is in the ignition.
Key In the Ignition
Never leave your vehicle with the keys inside, as it
is an easy target for joy riders or thieves. If you
leave the key in the ignition and park your vehicle,
a chime will sound, when you open the driver’s
door. Always remember to remove your key from
the ignition and take it with you. This will lock
your ignition and transmission. Also, always
remember to lock the doors.
102

Here are some ways in which you can help avoid
distraction while driving.
While your vehicle is parked:
Familiarize yourself with all of its controls.
Familiarize yourself with its operation.
Set up your audio system by presetting your
favorite radio stations, setting the tone, and
adjusting the speakers. Then, when driving
conditions permit, you can tune to your favorite
radio stations using the presets and steering
wheel controls if the vehicle has them.
Notice:Before adding any sound equipment
to your vehicle, such as an audio system,
CD player, CB radio, mobile telephone, or
two-way radio, make sure that it can be added
by checking with your dealer. Also, check
federal rules covering mobile radio and
telephone units. If sound equipment can be
added, it is very important to do it properly.Added sound equipment may interfere with
the operation of your vehicle’s engine, radio,
or other systems, and even damage them.
Your vehicle’s systems may interfere with
the operation of sound equipment that has
been added.
Your vehicle has a feature called Retained
Accessory Power (RAP). With RAP, the audio
system can be played even after the ignition
is turned off. SeeRetained Accessory Power
(RAP) on page 103for more information.
Setting the Time
Press and hold H until the correct hour appears
on the display. AM or PM will appear on the
display (Radio with CD (UpLevel, MP3, and
Six-Disc CD)). Press and hold M until the correct
minute appears on the display. The time can
be set with the ignition on or off.
202

Remember: ABS does not change the time you
need to get your foot up to the brake pedal or
always decrease stopping distance. If you get too
close to the vehicle in front of you, you will not have
time to apply your brakes if that vehicle suddenly
slows or stops. Always leave enough room up
ahead to stop, even though you have ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake
pedal down rmly and let anti-lock work for you.
You may feel the brakes vibrate, or you may
notice some noise, but this is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
With ABS, you can steer and brake at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can help you
more than even the very best braking.
Traction Control System (TCS)
Your vehicle has a Traction Control System (TCS)
that limits wheel spin. This is especially useful
in slippery road conditions. The system operates
only if it senses that any of the wheels are spinning
or beginning to lose traction. When this happens,
the system applies the brakes to limit wheel
spin and also reduces engine power. You may
feel or hear the system working, but this is normal.
The Traction Control System may operate on dry
roads under some conditions. When this happens,
you may notice a reduction in acceleration or a
pumping sound. This is normal and doesn’t mean
there’s a problem with your vehicle. Examples of
these conditions include hard acceleration in a turn,
an abrupt upshift or downshift of the transmission
or driving on rough roads.
If your vehicle is in cruise control when the TCS
begins to limit wheel spin, the cruise control will
automatically disengage. When road conditions
allow you to safely use it again, you may re-engage
the cruise control. SeeCruise Control on page 159.
241

Steering
Power Steering
If you lose power steering assist because the
engine stops or the system is not functioning,
you can steer but it will take much more effort.
Steering Tips
It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents mentioned
on the news happen on curves. Here is why:
Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is
subject to the same laws of physics when driving on
curves. The traction of the tires against the road
surface makes it possible for the vehicle to change
its path when you turn the front wheels. If there is
no traction, inertia will keep the vehicle going in the
same direction. If you have ever tried to steer a
vehicle on wet ice, you will understand this.
The traction you can get in a curve depends on
the condition of your tires and the road surface,
the angle at which the curve is banked, and
your speed. While you are in a curve, speed is
the one factor you can control.Suppose you are steering through a sharp curve.
Then you suddenly accelerate. Both control
systems — steering and acceleration — have to
do their work where the tires meet the road.
Adding the sudden acceleration can demand too
much of those places. You can lose control.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 241
andStabiliTrak
®System on page 244.
What should you do if this ever happens? Ease up
on the accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle the way
you want it to go, and slow down.
Speed limit signs near curves warn that you should
adjust your speed. Of course, the posted speeds are
based on good weather and road conditions. Under
less favorable conditions you will want to go slower.
If you need to reduce your speed as you approach
a curve, do it before you enter the curve, while your
front wheels are straight ahead.
Try to adjust your speed so you can “drive” through
the curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed.
Wait to accelerate until you are out of the curve,
and then accelerate gently into the straightaway.
Adding non-GM accessories can affect your
vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modications on page 314.
245

What is beyond the hill? Is there a cliff, an
embankment, a drop-off, a fence? Get out and
walk the hill if you do not know. It is the smart
way to nd out.
Is the hill simply too rough? Steep hills often
have ruts, gullies, troughs, and exposed rocks
because they are more susceptible to the
effects of erosion.
Driving Uphill
Once you decide you can safely drive up the hill,
you need to take some special steps:
Use transmission and transfer case low gear
and get a rm grip on the steering wheel.
Get a smooth start up the hill and try to
maintain your speed. Do not use more power
than you need, because you do not want
your wheels to start spinning or sliding.
Let the traction system work to control any
wheel slippage. The traction control system
allows for moderate wheel spin with some
capability to dig in and power up the hill.
Do not continue if the vehicle shudders or
exhibits suspension hopping. This can
cause damage to the driveline or suspension
components. Improper driving technique is
not covered by your vehicle warranty.
Try to drive straight up the hill if at all possible.
If the path twists and turns, you might want
to nd another route.
{CAUTION:
Turning or driving across steep hills can
be dangerous. You could lose traction,
slide sideways, and possibly roll over.
You could be seriously injured or killed.
When driving up hills, always try to go
straight up.
Ease up on your speed as you approach the
top of the hill.
Attach a ag to the vehicle to make you more
visible to approaching traffic on trails or hills.
261

Service........................................................ 314
Accessories and Modications................... 314
California Proposition 65 Warning.............. 315
Doing Your Own Service Work.................. 315
Adding Equipment to the Outside
of Your Vehicle...................................... 316
Fuel............................................................. 316
Gasoline Octane........................................ 316
Gasoline Specications.............................. 316
California Fuel........................................... 316
Additives................................................... 317
Fuels in Foreign Countries........................ 318
Filling the Tank......................................... 318
Filling a Portable Fuel Container............... 320
Checking Things Under the Hood.............. 321
Hood Release........................................... 321
Engine Compartment Overview.................. 322
Engine Oil................................................. 323Engine Oil Life System.............................. 326
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter............................ 328
Automatic Transmission Fluid.................... 329
Manual Transmission Fluid........................ 332
Hydraulic Clutch........................................ 334
Engine Coolant.......................................... 335
Radiator Pressure Cap.............................. 338
Engine Overheating................................... 338
Cooling System......................................... 340
Engine Fan Noise..................................... 345
Power Steering Fluid ................................. 345
Windshield Washer Fluid........................... 346
Brakes...................................................... 347
Battery...................................................... 351
Jump Starting............................................ 352
Rear Axle.................................................... 357
Four-Wheel Drive........................................ 358
Front Axle................................................... 358
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
311

A. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See
“Adding Washer Fluid” underWindshield
Washer Fluid on page 346.
B. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank. SeeEngine
Coolant on page 335.
C. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 328.
D. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. SeePower
Steering Fluid on page 345.
E. Automatic Transmission Fluid Dipstick (If
Equipped). See “Checking the Fluid Level” under
Automatic Transmission Fluid on page 329.
F. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine
Oil” underEngine Oil on page 323.
G. Radiator Pressure Cap. SeeCooling System
on page 340.
H. Remote Negative (−) Terminal (GND). See
Jump Starting on page 352.
I. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 323.
J. Positive (+) Battery Terminal. SeeJump
Starting on page 352.
K. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid” under
Brakes on page 347.L. Engine Compartment Fuse Block. SeeEngine
Compartment Fuse Block on page 418.
M. Battery. SeeBattery on page 351.
N. Hydraulic Clutch Fluid Reservoir (If Equipped).
SeeHydraulic Clutch on page 334.
Engine Oil
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the engine oil every time
you get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading,
the oil must be warm and the vehicle must be
on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 322
for the location of the engine oil dipstick.
1. Turn off the engine and give the oil several
minutes to drain back into the oil pan. If you
do not do this, the oil dipstick might not
show the actual level.
2. Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper
towel or cloth, then push it back in all the
way. Remove it again, keeping the tip down,
and check the level.
323

Engine Fan Noise
This vehicle has a clutched engine cooling fan.
When the clutch is engaged, the fan spins faster to
provide more air to cool the engine. In most
everyday driving conditions, the clutch is not
engaged. This improves fuel economy and reduces
fan noise. Under heavy vehicle loading, trailer
towing and/or high outside temperatures, the
fan speed increases when the clutch engages.
So you may hear an increase in fan noise.
This is normal and should not be mistaken as the
transmission slipping or making extra shifts. It
is merely the cooling system functioning properly.
The fan will slow down when additional cooling
is not required and the clutch disengages.
You may also hear this fan noise when you start
the engine. It will go away as the fan clutch
disengages.
Power Steering Fluid
SeeEngine
Compartment Overview
on page 322for
reservoir location.
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power
steering uid unless you suspect there is a leak
in the system or you hear an unusual noise.
A uid loss in this system could indicate a problem.
Have the system inspected and repaired.
345

How to Check Power Steering Fluid
1. Turn the key off and let the engine
compartment cool down.
2. Wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean.
3. Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a
clean rag.
4. Replace the cap and completely tighten it.
5. Then remove the cap again and look at
the uid level on the dipstick.
The level should be between the ADD and FULL
marks. If necessary, add only enough uid to
bring the level up to the proper range.
What to Use
To determine what kind of uid to use, see
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 440.
Always use the proper uid. Failure to use the
proper uid can cause leaks and damage hoses
and seals.
Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When you need windshield washer uid, be sure
to read the manufacturer’s instructions before
use. If you will be operating your vehicle in an area
where the temperature may fall below freezing,
use a uid that has sufficient protection against
freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the
washer symbol on it.
Add washer uid
until the tank is full. See
Engine Compartment
Overview on page 322
for reservoir location.
346

(E) Rim Diameter:Diameter of the wheel in
inches.
(F) Service Description:The service description
indicates the load range and speed rating of a
tire. The load index can range from 1 to 279.
Speed ratings range from A to Z.
Tire Terminology and Denitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air inside the tire
pressing outward on each square inch of the
tire. Air pressure is expressed in pounds
per square inch (psi) or kilopascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight:This means the combined
weight of optional accessories. Some examples of
optional accessories are, automatic transmission/
transaxle, power steering, power brakes, power
windows, power seats, and air conditioning.
Aspect Ratio:The relationship of a tire’s height
to its width.
Belt:A rubber coated layer of cords that is located
between the plies and the tread. Cords may be
made from steel or other reinforcing materials.Bead:The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped
by steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire:A pneumatic tire in which the plies
are laid at alternate angles less than 90 degrees
to the centerline of the tread.
Cold Tire Pressure:The amount of air pressure
in a tire, measured in pounds per square inch
(psi) or kilopascals (kPa) before a tire has built up
heat from driving. SeeInation - Tire Pressure
on page 375.
Curb Weight:This means the weight of a motor
vehicle with standard and optional equipment
including the maximum capacity of fuel, oil, and
coolant, but without passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings:A code molded into the sidewall
of a tire signifying that the tire is in compliance
with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
motor vehicle safety standards. The DOT code
includes the Tire Identication Number (TIN),
an alphanumeric designator which can also identify
the tire manufacturer, production plant, brand,
and date of production.
GVWR:Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. See
Loading Your Vehicle on page 289.
372