maintenance HUMMER H3 2009 User Guide

Maintenance When Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service more
often when pulling a trailer. See this
manual’s Maintenance Schedule
or Index for more information.
Things that are especially important
in trailer operation are automatic
transmission uid, engine oil,
axle lubricant, belts, cooling system
and brake system. It is a good
idea to inspect these before and
during the trip.
Check periodically to see that all
hitch nuts and bolts are tight.
Trailer Wiring Harness
Light-Duty Trailer Wiring Package
If the vehicle does not have a
trailer towing package, the chassis
harness will contain the following
blunt cut circuits:
Yellow: Left Stop/Turn Signal
Dark Green: Right Stop/Turn
Signal
White: Ground
Brown: Tail Lamps
To add a trailer towing wiring
package, have it installed by your
dealer/retailer or a qualied
service center. Also, seeAdd-On
Electrical Equipment on page 5-91
for more information.Heavy-Duty Trailer Wiring
Package
If the vehicle has a trailer towing
package, the rear bumper harness
will have a seven-pin universal
heavy-duty trailer connector
attached to a bracket on the hitch
platform.
Driving Your Vehicle 4-51

Windshield Wiper Blade
Replacement
Windshield Wiper Blade
Replacement...................5-44
Tires
Tires.................................5-44
Tire Sidewall Labeling.......5-45
Tire Terminology and
Denitions.......................5-48
Ination - Tire Pressure. . . .5-51
Tire Pressure Monitor
System............................5-52
Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation........................5-54
Tire Inspection and
Rotation..........................5-57
When It Is Time for
New Tires.......................5-58
Buying New Tires.............5-59
Different Size Tires and
Wheels............................5-61
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading...........................5-62
Wheel Alignment and Tire
Balance...........................5-63
Wheel Replacement..........5-64
Tire Chains.......................5-65
If a Tire Goes Flat............5-66
Changing a Flat Tire.........5-66
Removing the Spare Tire
and Tools (H3)................5-68
Removing the Spare Tire
and Tools (H3T)..............5-69
Removing the Flat Tire
and Installing the
Spare Tire
.......................5-72
Secondary Latch
System (H3T)..................5-76
Storing a Flat or Spare
Tire and Tools (H3).........5-78
Storing a Flat or Spare
Tire and Tools (H3T).......5-80
Spare Tire........................5-82
Appearance Care
Interior Cleaning................5-83
Fabric/Carpet....................5-84
Leather.............................5-85
Instrument Panel, Vinyl,
and Other Plastic
Surfaces
..........................5-85
Care of Safety Belts.........5-85
Weatherstrips....................5-86
Washing Your Vehicle.......5-86
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/
Lenses............................5-86
Finish Care.......................5-86
Windshield, Backglass,
and Wiper Blades............5-87
Aluminum or
Chrome-Plated Wheels
and Trim
.........................5-88
Tires.................................5-89
Sheet Metal Damage........5-89
Finish Damage..................5-89
Underbody Maintenance. . . .5-89
Chemical Paint Spotting. . . .5-90
Vehicle Identication
Vehicle Identication
Number (VIN)..................5-90
Service Parts
Identication Label...........5-90
5-2 Service and Appearance Care

GM Accessories are designed to
complement and function with other
systems on the vehicle. Your GM
dealer/retailer can accessorize the
vehicle using genuine GM
Accessories. When you go to your
GM dealer/retailer and ask for GM
Accessories, you will know that
GM-trained and supported service
technicians will perform the work
using genuine GM Accessories.
Also, seeAdding Equipment to
Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on
page 1-58.
California Proposition 65
Warning
Most motor vehicles, including this
one, contain and/or emit chemicals
known to the State of California
to cause cancer and birth defects
or other reproductive harm.Engine exhaust, many parts and
systems (including some inside the
vehicle), many uids, and some
component wear by-products
contain and/or emit these chemicals.
California Perchlorate
Materials Requirements
Certain types of automotive
applications, such as airbag
initiators, seat belt pretensioners,
and lithium batteries contained
in remote keyless transmitters, may
contain perchlorate materials.
Special handling may be necessary.
For additional information, see
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/
perchlorate.
Doing Your Own
Service Work
{CAUTION
You can be injured and the
vehicle could be damaged if you
try to do service work on a vehicle
without knowing enough about it.
Be sure you have sufficient
knowledge, experience, the
proper replacement parts, and
tools before attempting any
vehicle maintenance task.
Be sure to use the proper
nuts, bolts, and other
fasteners. English and metric
fasteners can be easily
confused. If the wrong
fasteners are used, parts can
later break or fall off. You
could be hurt.
5-4 Service and Appearance Care

If doing some of your own service
work, use the proper service manual.
It tells you much more about how to
service the vehicle than this manual
can. To order the proper service
manual, seeService Publications
Ordering Information on page 7-15.
This vehicle has an airbag system.
Before attempting to do your own
service work, seeServicing Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on
page 1-58.
Keep a record with all parts receipts
and list the mileage and the date
of any service work performed. See
Maintenance Record on page 6-16.
Adding Equipment to the
Outside of the Vehicle
Things added to the outside of the
vehicle can affect the airow
around it. This can cause wind
noise and can affect fuel economy
and windshield washer performance.
Check with your dealer/retailer
before adding equipment to
the outside of the vehicle.
Fuel
Use of the recommended fuel is
an important part of the proper
maintenance of this vehicle.
To help keep the engine clean
and maintain optimum vehicle
performance, we recommend the
use of gasoline advertised as
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline.
Gasoline Octane
Use regular unleaded gasoline with
a posted octane rating of 87 or
higher. If the octane rating is less
than 87, you might notice an audible
knocking noise when you drive,
commonly referred to as spark
knock. If this occurs, use a gasoline
rated at 87 octane or higher as
soon as possible. If you are using
gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher
and you hear heavy knocking, the
engine needs service.
Gasoline Specications
At a minimum, gasoline should
meet ASTM specication
D 4814 in the United States or
CAN/CGSB-3.5 or 3.511 in Canada.
Some gasolines contain an
octane-enhancing additive called
methylcyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl (MMT). We recommend
against the use of gasolines
containing MMT. SeeAdditives on
page 5-6for additional information.
California Fuel
If the vehicle is certied to meet
California Emissions Standards, it is
designed to operate on fuels that
meet California specications.
See the underhood emission control
label. If this fuel is not available
in states adopting California
emissions standards, the vehicle
will operate satisfactorily on
fuels meeting federal specications,
but emission control system
performance might be affected.
Service and Appearance Care 5-5

Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
The engine air cleaner/lter is
located in the engine compartment
on the passenger side of the
vehicle. SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 5-10for more
information on location.
When to Inspect the Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter
Inspect the air cleaner/lter at the
MaintenanceIIintervals and replace
it at the rst oil change after each
50,000 mile (80 000 km) interval.SeeScheduled Maintenance on
page 6-4for more information. If you
are driving in dusty/dirty conditions,
inspect the lter at each engine
oil change.
How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
To inspect or replace the engine air
cleaner/lter:
1. Unfasten the clips that hold the
cover on and remove the cover.
2. Lift out the engine air
cleaner/lter.
3. Inspect or replace the air lter.
SeeMaintenance Replacement
Parts on page 6-14to
determine which lter to use.
4. Reinstall the engine air
cleaner/lter cover. Fasten the
clips to hold the cover in place.
{CAUTION
Operating the engine with the
air cleaner/lter off can cause you
or others to be burned. The air
cleaner not only cleans the air;
it helps to stop ames if the
engine backres. If it is not there
and the engine backres, you
could be burned. Do not drive
with it off, and be careful
working on the engine with the
air cleaner/lter off.
Notice:If the air cleaner/lter
is off, a backre can cause a
damaging engine re. And, dirt
can easily get into the engine,
which will damage it. Always have
the air cleaner/lter in place when
you are driving. 3.7 L shown (5.3 L similar)
Service and Appearance Care 5-17

Checking the Fluid Level
To prepare the vehicle:
1. Park the vehicle on a level place.
Keep the engine running.
2. With the parking brake applied,
place the shift lever in P (Park).
3. With your foot on the brake
pedal, move the shift lever
through each gear range,
pausing for about three seconds
in each range. Then, position
the shift lever in P (Park).
4. Let the engine run at idle for
three minutes or more.
Then, without shutting off the
engine:
1. Flip the handle up and then pull
out the dipstick and wipe it with
a clean rag or paper towel.The automatic transmission
dipstick handle with this symbol
on it is located in the engine
compartment on the passenger
side of the vehicle.
SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 5-10for more
information on location.
2. Push it back in all the way, wait
three seconds, and pull it back
out again.
3. Check both sides of the dipstick,
and read the lower level.
The uid level must be in
the COLD area, below thecross-hatched area, for a
cold check or in the HOT or
cross-hatched area for a
hot check. Be sure to keep the
dipstick pointed down to get
an accurate reading.
4. If the uid level is in the
acceptable range, push
the dipstick back in all the way;
then ip the handle down to
lock the dipstick in place.
How to Add Automatic
Transmission Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance
Schedule to determine what kind
of transmission uid to use.
SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-12.
Add uid only after checking the
transmission uid while it is hot.
A cold check is used only as
a reference. If the uid level is low,
add only enough of the proper
uid to bring the level up to the
HOT area for a hot check.
Service and Appearance Care 5-19

3. Check that the lubricant level
is up to the bottom of the ller
plug hole.
4. If the uid level is good, install
the plug and be sure it is fully
seated. If the uid level is low,
add more uid as described
in the next steps.
How to Add Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule
to determine what kind of uid to
use. SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-12.
1. Remove the ller plug.
2. Add uid at the ller plug hole.
Add only enough uid to bring
the uid level up to the bottom of
the ller plug hole.
3. Install the ller plug. Be sure the
plug is fully seated.
Hydraulic Clutch
The hydraulic clutch linkage in
the vehicle is self-adjusting.
The clutch master cylinder reservoir
is lled with hydraulic clutch uid.
The hydraulic clutch uid reservoir
cap has this symbol on it. See
Engine Compartment Overview on
page 5-10for reservoir location.
It is not necessary to regularly check
clutch uid unless a leak in the
system is suspected. Adding uid
will not correct a leak.
A uid loss in this system could
indicate a problem. Have the system
inspected and repaired.
When to Check and What
to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule
to determine how often to check
the uid level in the clutch master
cylinder reservoir and for the proper
uid. SeeRecommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 6-12.
How to Check and Add Fluid
The proper uid should be added
if the level does not reach the
bottom of the diaphragm when it is
in place in the reservoir. See the
instructions on the reservoir cap.
Service and Appearance Care 5-21

Do not top off the brake uid. Adding
uid does not correct a leak. If uid is
added when the linings are worn,
there will be too much uid when new
brake linings are installed. Add or
remove brake uid, as necessary,
only when work is done on the brake
hydraulic system.
{CAUTION
If too much brake uid is added,
it can spill on the engine and
burn, if the engine is hot enough.
You or others could be burned,
and the vehicle could be
damaged. Add brake uid only
when work is done on the brake
hydraulic system. See “Checking
Brake Fluid” in this section.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule
to determine when to check the
brake uid. SeeScheduled
Maintenance on page 6-4.
Checking Brake Fluid
Check brake uid by looking at the
brake uid reservoir. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on
page 5-10.
The uid level should be above
MIN. If it is not, have the brake
hydraulic system checked to see
if there is a leak.
After work is done on the brake
hydraulic system, make sure the
level is above the MIN but not over
the MAX mark.
What to Add
Use only new DOT-3 brake uid
from a sealed container. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-12.
Always clean the brake uid
reservoir cap and the area around
the cap before removing it. This
helps keep dirt from entering
the reservoir.{CAUTION
With the wrong kind of uid in the
brake hydraulic system, the brakes
might not work well. This could
cause a crash. Always use the
proper brake uid.
Notice:
Using the wrong uid can badly
damage brake hydraulic system
parts. For example, just a few
drops of mineral-based oil,
such as engine oil, in the brake
hydraulic system can damage
brake hydraulic system parts so
badly that they will have to be
replaced. Do not let someone
put in the wrong kind of uid.
If brake uid is spilled on the
vehicle’s painted surfaces, the
paint nish can be damaged.
Be careful not to spill brake uid
on the vehicle. If you do, wash it
off immediately. SeeWashing
Your Vehicle on page 5-86.
Service and Appearance Care 5-31

When parts of the braking system
are replaced — for example,
when the brake linings wear down
and new ones are installed — be
sure to get new approved
replacement parts. If this is not
done, the brakes might not work
properly. For example, if someone
puts in brake linings that are
wrong for the vehicle, the balance
between the front and rear brakes
can change — for the worse.
The braking performance expected
can change in many other ways
if the wrong replacement brake parts
are installed.Battery
This vehicle has a maintenance free
battery. When it is time for a new
battery, see your dealer/retailer
for one that has the replacement
number shown on the original
battery’s label. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on
page 5-10for battery location.
Warning:Battery posts, terminals,
and related accessories contain
lead and lead compounds,
chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer and
reproductive harm. Wash hands
after handling.
Vehicle Storage
{CAUTION
Batteries have acid that can burn
you and gas that can explode.
You can be badly hurt if you
are not careful. SeeJump
Starting on page 5-34for tips
on working around a battery
without getting hurt.
Infrequent Usage: If the vehicle is
driven infrequently, remove the
black, negative (−) cable from the
battery. This helps keep the battery
from running down.
Extended Storage: For extended
storage of the vehicle, remove
the black, negative (−) cable from
the battery or use a battery
trickle charger. This helps maintain
the charge of the battery over
an extended period of time.
Service and Appearance Care 5-33

Windshield Wiper
Blade Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be
inspected for wear and cracking.
SeeScheduled Maintenance
on page 6-4for more information.
Replacement blades come in
different types and are removed in
different ways. For proper type
and length, seeMaintenance
Replacement Parts on page 6-14.
To replace the windshield wiper
blade:
1. Lift the wiper arm away from the
windshield.2. Push the release lever (B) to
disengage the hook and push
the wiper arm (A) out of the
blade (C).
3. Push the new wiper blade
securely on the wiper arm
until you hear the release lever
click into place.
To replace the rear wiper blade,
lift the rear wiper arm from the
window and pull the blade.
Tires
Your new vehicle comes with
high-quality tires made by
a leading tire manufacturer.
If you ever have questions about
your tire warranty and where
to obtain service, see your
vehicle Warranty booklet
for details. For additional
information refer to the tire
manufacturer.
{CAUTION
Poorly maintained and
improperly used tires are
dangerous.
Overloading your
vehicle’s tires can
cause overheating as a
result of too much exing.
You could have an air-out
and a serious accident.
SeeLoading the Vehicle
on page 4-35.
(Continued)
5-44 Service and Appearance Care