ignition HUMMER H3 2009 User Guide

If you leave the key in the
ACC/ACCESSORY or ON/RUN
position with the engine off,
the battery could be drained.
You may not be able to start the
vehicle if the battery is allowed
to drain for an extended period
of time.
(D) START:This is the position that
starts the engine. When the engine
starts, release the key. The ignition
switch returns to ON/RUN for driving.
A warning tone will sound when the
driver door is opened, the ignition
is in ACC/ACCESSORY or
LOCK/OFF and the key is in
the ignition.Retained Accessory
Power (RAP)
These vehicle accessories can be
used for up to 20 minutes after
the engine is turned off:
Audio System
Front Wipers
Power Windows
Sunroof (if equipped)
These features will work when
the key is in ON/RUN or
ACC/ACCESSORY. Once the key is
turned from ON/RUN to LOCK/OFF,
these features continue working
for up to 20 minutes or until a door
is opened.
Starting the Engine
Place the transmission in the
proper gear.
Automatic Transmission
Move the shift lever to P (Park) or
N (Neutral). The engine will not start
in any other position. To restart
the vehicle when it is already
moving, use N (Neutral) only.
Notice:Do not try to shift to
P (Park) if the vehicle is moving.
If you do, you could damage
the transmission. Shift to P (Park)
only when the vehicle is stopped.
Manual Transmission
The shift lever should be in
N (Neutral) and the parking brake
engaged. Hold the clutch pedal
down to the oor and start the
engine. The vehicle will not start
if the clutch pedal is not all the
way down.
Features and Controls 2-17

Starting Procedure
1. With your foot off the accelerator
pedal, turn the ignition key to
START. When the engine starts,
let go of the key. The idle speed
will go down as the engine
warms. Do not race the engine
immediately after starting it.
Operate the engine and
transmission gently to allow
the oil to warm up and lubricate
all moving parts.
The vehicle has a
Computer-Controlled Cranking
System. This feature assists
in starting the engine and
protects components. If the
ignition key is turned to the
START position, and then
released when the engine
begins cranking, the engine
will continue cranking for a
few seconds or until the vehicle
starts. If the engine does not
start and the key is held in
START for many seconds,
cranking will be stopped after15 seconds to prevent cranking
motor damage. To prevent
gear damage, this system also
prevents cranking if the engine
is already running. Engine
cranking can be stopped by
turning the ignition switch
to ACC/ACCESSORY or
LOCK/OFF.
Notice:Cranking the engine for
long periods of time, by returning
the key to the START position
immediately after cranking has
ended, can overheat and damage
the cranking motor, and drain the
battery. Wait at least 15 seconds
between each try, to let the
cranking motor cool down.
2. If the engine does not start
after 5-10 seconds, especially in
very cold weather (below 0°F
or−18°C), it could be ooded
with too much gasoline. Push the
accelerator pedal all the way
to the oor and holding it there
as you hold the key in START
for a maximum of 15 seconds.Wait at least 15 seconds
between each try, to allow the
cranking motor to cool. When the
engine starts, let go of the key
and accelerator. If the vehicle
starts briey but then stops
again, repeat the procedure.
This clears the extra gasoline
from the engine. Do not race
the engine immediately
after starting it. Operate the
engine and transmission gently
until the oil warms up and
lubricates all moving parts.
Notice:The engine is designed
to work with the electronics
in the vehicle. If you add electrical
parts or accessories, you could
change the way the engine
operates. Before adding electrical
equipment, check with your
dealer/retailer. If you do not,
the engine might not perform
properly. Any resulting damage
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
2-18 Features and Controls

It features an electronic shift
position indicator within the
instrument cluster.
There are several different positions
for the shift lever.
P (Park):This position locks the
rear wheels. It is the best position
to use when you start the engine
because the vehicle cannot
move easily.
{CAUTION
It is dangerous to get out of the
vehicle if the shift lever is not fully
in P (Park) with the parking brake
rmly set. The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the
engine is running unless you have
to. If you have left the engine
running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be
injured. To be sure the vehicle will
not move, even when you are on
fairly level ground, always set the
parking brake and move the shift
lever to P (Park). SeeShifting Into
Park (Automatic Transmission) on
page 2-29. If you are pulling a
trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on
page 4-42.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in
P (Park) before starting the engine.
The vehicle has an automatic
transmission shift lock controlsystem. You must fully apply the
regular brakes rst and then press
the shift lever button before you
can shift from P (Park) when
the ignition key is in ON/RUN. If you
cannot shift out of P (Park), ease
pressure on the shift lever and push
the shift lever all the way into
P (Park) as you maintain brake
application. Then press the
shift lever button and move the shift
lever into another gear. See
Shifting Out of Park (Automatic
Transmission) on page 2-30
R (Reverse):Use this gear to
back up.
Notice:Shifting to R (Reverse)
while the vehicle is moving
forward could damage the
transmission. The repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Shift to R (Reverse)
only after the vehicle is stopped.
2-20 Features and Controls

Full-Time Four-Wheel
Drive
Full-Time Four-Wheel Drive sends
engine power to all four wheels
for extra traction. To get the most
out of Full-Time Four-Wheel Drive,
you must be familiar with its
operation.
Transfer Case Buttons
The transfer case buttons are
located to the right of the instrument
panel cluster. Use these switches to
shift into and out of the different
Full-Time Four-Wheel Drive modes.4
m(Four-Wheel High):This
setting is used for driving in most
street and highway situations.
You can also use this setting for
light or variable off-road conditions.
N (Neutral):Shift the transfer
case to Neutral only when towing
the vehicle. SeeRecreational
Vehicle Towing on page 4-40or
Towing Your Vehicle on page 4-40
for more information.
Notice:Driving on pavement in
Four-Wheel High Lock or Four
Wheel Low Lock for extended
periods may cause premature
wear on the vehicle powertrain
and tires. Do not drive in
Four-Wheel High Lock or
Four-Wheel Low Lock on
pavement for extended periods.
4
mQ(Four-Wheel-High Lock):
Use this setting when you need
extra traction in most off-road
situations such as sand, mud, snow
or level, rocky trails.Notice:Operating the vehicle in
Four-Wheel-Low Lock above
30 mph (48 km/h) for any
extended period of time could
cause damage to the transfer
case. Do not operate the vehicle
in Four-Wheel-Low Lock above
30 mph (48 km/h) for extended
periods.
4
nQ(Four-Wheel-Low Lock):
This setting delivers extra torque to
all four wheels and is used for
extreme off-road conditions.
If the vehicle has locking axles,
they can be locked for additional
traction in extreme off-road
situations. SeeLocking Rear Axle
on page 4-8andLocking Front Axle
on page 4-9.
Indicator lights in the buttons show
which setting the transfer case
is in. The indicator lights will come
on briey when the ignition is in
ON/RUN. The If the lights do
not come on, take the vehicle to
your dealer/retailer for service.
2-24 Features and Controls

An indicator light will ash while
shifting the transfer case. If the
transfer case cannot make a
requested shift, it will return to the
last chosen setting.
If the SERV 4WD message on the
Driver Information Center (DIC)
stays on, take the vehicle to
your dealer/retailer for service.
See Service 4WD message under
DIC Warnings and Messages
on page 3-37.
Shifting between Four-Wheel
High and Four-Wheel-High Lock
With the vehicle traveling less
than 75 mph (120 km/h), press and
release the Four-Wheel High or
Four-Wheel-High Lock button.
It may be necessary to drive
backwards while turning for a
distance of 25 feet (7.5 m) to get
the lock feature to disengage.Shifting into Four-Wheel Low Lock
Notice:Shifting the transmission
into gear before the indicator
light stops ashing could cause
damage to the transfer case.
Always wait until the indicator
light stops ashing before putting
the transmission back in gear.
To shift into Four-Wheel-Low Lock,
the ignition must be in ON/RUN
and the vehicle must be stopped or
moving less than 3 mph (5 km/h)
with the transmission in N (Neutral).
The preferred method for shifting
into Four-Wheel Low is to have
the vehicle moving 1 to 2 mph
(1.6 to 3.2 km/h). Press and release
the Four-Wheel-Low Lock button.
If the vehicle has a manual
transmission, the clutch pedal must
be pressed to the oor while you
press the Four-Wheel-Low Lock
button, or the shift will not be
completed. You must wait for theFour-Wheel-Low Lock indicator
light to stop ashing and remain lit
before shifting the transmission
into gear.
It is normal for the vehicle to have
engagement noise and bump
when shifting between Four-Wheel
Low and Four-Wheel High ranges
or from Neutral.
If the Four-Wheel-Low Lock button
is pressed when the vehicle is
in gear and/or moving too fast, the
Four-Wheel-Low Lock indicator
light will ash for 15 seconds and
not complete the shift.
Features and Controls 2-25

Shifting Out of
Four-Wheel-Low Lock
Notice:Shifting the transmission
into gear before the indicator
light stops ashing could cause
damage to the transfer case.
Always wait until the indicator
light stops ashing before putting
the transmission back in gear.
To shift out of Four-Wheel-Low Lock,
the vehicle must be stopped or
moving less than 3 mph (5 km/h)
with the transmission in N (Neutral)
and the ignition in ON/RUN.
The preferred method for shifting out
of Four-Wheel-Low Lock is to have
the vehicle moving 1 to 2 mph
(1.6 to 3.2 km/h). Press and
release the Four-Wheel High or
Four-Wheel-High Lock button.If the vehicle has a manual
transmission, the clutch pedal must
be pressed to the oor while you
press the Four-Wheel High or
Four-Wheel-High Lock button, or the
shift will not be completed. You must
wait for the Four-Wheel High or
Four-Wheel-High Lock indicator light
to stop ashing and remain lit before
shifting the transmission into gear.
It is normal for the vehicle to have
engagement noise and bump
when shifting between Four-Wheel
Low and Four-Wheel High ranges
or from Neutral.
If the Four-Wheel High or
Four-Wheel-High Lock button is
pressed when the vehicle is in
gear and/or moving too fast,
the Four-Wheel High or
Four-Wheel-High Lock indicator
light will ash for 15 seconds but
will not complete the shift.Shifting Into Neutral
To shift the transfer case to Neutral:
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Start the vehicle.
3. Put the transmission in
N (Neutral). If the vehicle has a
manual transmission, press and
hold the clutch pedal down while
you perform Steps 5 through 9.
4. Shift the transfer case to
Four-Wheel High.
{CAUTION
Shifting an all-wheel-drive
vehicle’s transfer case into
Neutral can cause the vehicle
to roll even if the automatic
transmission is in P (Park) or the
manual transmission is in any
gear. You or others could be
injured. Make sure the parking
brake is rmly set before you shift
the transfer case to Neutral.
2-26 Features and Controls

5. Simultaneously press and hold
the Four-Wheel High and
Four-Wheel-Low Lock buttons for
10 seconds. The Neutral light
will come on when the transfer
case shift to Neutral is complete.
6. Press and hold the regular brake
pedal and shift the transmission
to R (Reverse), then shift the
transmission to D (Drive) for an
automatic transmission, or
1 (First) for vehicles have a
manual transmission and then let
out the clutch. This is to ensure
the transfer case is in Neutral.
If not, repeat this procedure
starting at Step 3.
7. Turn the engine off.
8. Place the transmission shift lever
in P (Park) for an automatic
transmission, or 1 (First) for
vehicles that have a manual
transmission.
9. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.Shifting Out of Neutral
To shift out of Neutral:
1. Set the parking brake and apply
the regular brake pedal.
2. Shift the transmission to
N (Neutral) for an automatic
transmission, or press the clutch
pedal for vehicles that have a
manual transmission. Then turn
the ignition to ON/RUN but
do not start the engine.
3. Press the button for the desired
transfer case shift position
(Four-Wheel High,
Four-Wheel-High Lock or
Four-Wheel-Low Lock).
After the transfer case has
shifted out of Neutral the light
will go out.
4. Release the parking brake.Notice:Shifting the transmission
into gear before the indicator
light stops ashing could cause
damage to the transfer case.
Always wait until the indicator
light stops ashing before putting
the transmission back in gear.
5. You may start the engine and
shift the transmission to the
desired position.
Features and Controls 2-27

Shifting Into Park
(Automatic Transmission)
{CAUTION
It can be dangerous to get out of
the vehicle if the shift lever is not
fully in P (Park) with the parking
brake rmly set. The vehicle can
roll. If you have left the engine
running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be
injured. To be sure the vehicle will
not move, even when you are on
fairly level ground, use the steps
that follow. If you are pulling a
trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on
page 4-42.
1. Hold the brake pedal down,
then set the parking brake.
SeeParking Brake on page 2-28
for more information.
{CAUTION
With all-wheel drive, the vehicle
will be free to roll — even if the
shift lever is in P (Park) — if the
transfer case is in Neutral. So, be
sure the transfer case is in a drive
gear, four-wheel high (4H) or
four-wheel low (4L) — not in
Neutral.
2. Move the shift lever into P (Park)
by pressing the shift lever button
and moving the lever as far
forward as it will go.
3. Turn the ignition key to
LOCK/OFF.
4. Remove the key from the
ignition.
Leaving Your Vehicle
With the Engine Running
(Automatic Transmission)
{CAUTION
It can be dangerous to leave the
vehicle with the engine running.
The vehicle could move suddenly
if the shift lever is not fully in
P (Park) with the parking brake
rmly set. And, if you leave the
vehicle with the engine running,
it could overheat and even catch
re. You or others could be
injured. Do not leave the vehicle
with the engine running.
If you have to leave the vehicle with
the engine running, be sure the
vehicle is in P (Park) and the parking
brake is rmly set before you
leave it. After you have moved the
shift lever into P (Park), hold
the regular brake pedal down.
Features and Controls 2-29

Then, see if you can move the shift
lever away from P (Park) without
rst pressing the shift lever button.
If you can, it means that the
shift lever was not fully locked into
P (Park).
Torque lock is when the weight of
the vehicle puts too much force
on the parking pawl in the
transmission. This happens when
parking on a hill and shifting
the transmission into P (Park) is
not done properly and then it
is difficult to shift out of P (Park).
To prevent torque lock, set the
parking brake and then shift into
P (Park). To nd out how, see
“Shifting Into P (Park)” listed
previously.
If torque lock does occur, your
vehicle may need to be pushed
uphill by another vehicle to relieve
the parking pawl pressure, so
you can shift out of P (Park).Shifting Out of Park
(Automatic
Transmission)
This vehicle is equipped with an
electronic shift lock release system.
The shift lock release is designed to:
Prevent ignition key removal
unless the shift lever is in P (Park)
with the shift lever button fully
released, and
Prevent movement of the shift
lever out of P (Park) unless
the ignition is in ON/RUN or
ACC/ACCESSORY and the
regular brake pedal is applied.
The shift lock release is always
functional except in the case of
a an uncharged or low voltage
(less than 9 volt) battery.
If the vehicle has an uncharged
battery or a battery with low voltage,
try charging or jump starting the
battery. SeeJump Starting on
page 5-34for more information.To shift out of P (Park):
1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Then press the shift lever button.
3. Move the shift lever to the
desired position.
If you still are unable to shift out
of P (Park):
1. Fully release the shift lever
button.
2. While holding down the brake
pedal, press the shift lever
button again.
3. Move the shift lever to the
desired position.
If you still cannot move the shift
lever from P (Park), consult your
dealer/retailer or a professional
towing service.
2-30 Features and Controls

Parking the Vehicle
(Manual Transmission)
If the vehicle has a manual
transmission, before you get out of
the vehicle, move the shift lever
into R (Reverse), and rmly apply
the parking brake. Once the
shift lever has been placed into
R (Reverse) with the clutch pedal
pressed in, turn the ignition key
to LOCK/OFF, remove the key and
release the clutch.
If you are parking on a hill, or if the
vehicle is pulling a trailer, see
Towing a Trailer on page 4-42.
Parking Over Things
That Burn
{CAUTION
Things that can burn could touch
hot exhaust parts under the
vehicle and ignite. Do not park
over papers, leaves, dry grass, or
other things that can burn.
Engine Exhaust
{CAUTION
Engine exhaust contains Carbon
Monoxide (CO) which cannot be
seen or smelled. Exposure to CO
can cause unconsciousness and
even death.
Exhaust may enter the vehicle if:
The vehicle idles in areas
with poor ventilation (parking
garages, tunnels, deep snow
that may block underbody
airow or tail pipes).
The exhaust smells or
sounds strange or different.
The exhaust system leaks
due to corrosion or damage.
(Continued)
CAUTION (Continued)
The vehicle’s exhaust system
has been modied, damaged
or improperly repaired.
There are holes or openings
in the vehicle body from
damage or after-market
modications that are not
completely sealed.
If unusual fumes are detected or if
it is suspected that exhaust is
coming into the vehicle:
Drive it only with the windows
completely down.
Have the vehicle repaired
immediately.
Never park the vehicle with the
engine running in an enclosed
area such as a garage or a
building that has no fresh air
ventilation.
Features and Controls 2-31