service indicator HUMMER H3 2009 User Guide

If, after several seconds, both status
indicator lights remain on, or if
there are no lights at all, there may
be a problem with the lights or
the passenger sensing system. See
your dealer/retailer for service.
{CAUTION
If the airbag readiness light ever
comes on and stays on, it means
that something may be wrong with
the airbag system. To help avoid
injury to yourself or others, have
the vehicle serviced right away.
SeeAirbag Readiness Light on
page 3-25for more information,
including important safety
information.
Charging System Light
This light comes on briey when the
ignition key is turned, but the
engine is not running, as a check to
show it is working.
It should go out once the engine
starts. If it stays on, or comes
on while driving, there could be a
problem with the charging system. A
charging system message in the
Driver Information Center (DIC) may
also appear. SeeDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 3-37
for more information. This light could
indicate that there are problems
with a generator drive belt, or that
there is an electrical problem.
Have it checked right away. If the
vehicle must be driven a short
distance with the light on, turn off all
the accessories, such as the
radio and air conditioner.
Up-Shift Light
The vehicle may have an up-shift
light.
When this light comes on, shift to
the next higher gear if weather,
road, and traffic conditions allow.
SeeManual Transmission Operation
on page 2-22for more information.
Brake System Warning
Light
The vehicle’s hydraulic brake
system is divided into two parts. If
one part is not working, the
other part can still work and stop
the vehicle. For good braking
though, both parts need to be
working well.
Instrument Panel 3-27

If the warning light comes on, there
could be a brake problem. Have
the brake system inspected
right away.
This light comes on briey when the
ignition key is turned to ON/RUN.
If it does not, have it xed so it
will be ready to warn if there is a
problem.
When the ignition is on, the brake
system warning light comes on
when the parking brake is set. See
Parking Brake on page 2-28for
more information. The light stays on
if the parking brake does not
release fully. If it stays on after the
parking brake is fully released, it
means there is a brake problem.If the light comes on while driving,
pull off the road and stop. The brake
pedal might be harder to push, or
it might go closer to the oor. It can
take longer to stop. If the light is
still on, have the vehicle towed for
service. SeeTowing Your Vehicle
on page 4-40.
{CAUTION
The brake system might not be
working properly if the brake
system warning light is on. Driving
with the brake system warning
light on can lead to a crash. If the
light is still on after the vehicle
has been pulled off the road and
carefully stopped, have the
vehicle towed for service.
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light
For vehicles with the Antilock Brake
System (ABS), this light comes
on briey when the engine is started.
If it does not, have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer/retailer. If
the system is working normally
the indicator light will then go off.
If the ABS light stays on, turn
the ignition off. If the light comes on
while driving, stop as soon as it
is safely possible and turn the
ignition off. Then start the engine
again to reset the system. If the ABS
light stays on, or comes on again
while driving, the vehicle needs
service. If the regular brake system
warning light is not on, the vehicle
still has brakes, but not antilock
brakes. If the regular brake system
warning light is also on, the
vehicle does not have antilock United States
Canada
3-28 Instrument Panel

brakes and there is a problem with
the regular brakes. SeeBrake
System Warning Light on page 3-27.
For vehicles with a Driver
Information Center (DIC), seeDIC
Warnings and Messages on
page 3-37for all brake related DIC
messages.
StabiliTrak®/Traction
Control System (TCS)
Warning Light
The StabiliTrak system or the
Traction Control System (TCS)
indicator/warning light comes
on briey while starting the engine.
If it does not, have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer/retailer. If
the system is working normally
the indicator light will then go off.The indicator/warning light ashes
while the StabiliTrak or TCS system
is working to control the vehicle
on a low traction surface.
If the TCS warning light comes on
and stays on while driving, the
vehicle needs service.
The light comes on when the TCS
and the StabiliTrak system is
turned off. If the TCS is off, wheel
spin is not limited. If the StabiliTrak
system is off, the system does
not assist in controlling the vehicle.
Turn on the TCS and the
StabiliTrak system and the warning
light turns off.
SeeStabiliTrak
®System on
page 4-6andTraction Control
System (TCS) on page 4-7for more
information
Engine Coolant
Temperature Gage
This gage shows the engine coolant
temperature.
If the gage pointer is in the shaded
area of the gage, the engine is
too hot. It means that the engine
coolant has overheated. If the
vehicle has been operating under
normal driving conditions, pull off the
road, stop your vehicle and turn
off the engine as soon as possible.
SeeEngine Overheating on
page 5-27for more information.
United StatesCanada
Instrument Panel 3-29

Tire Pressure Light
The tire pressure light should come
on briey as the engine is started.
If it does not, have the vehicle
service by your dealer/retailer. It
provides information about tire
pressures and the Tire Pressure
Monitoring System.
When the Light is On Steady
This indicates that one or more of
the tires are signicantly
underinated.
A tire pressure message in the
Driver Information Center (DIC),
may accompany the light. SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on
page 3-37for more information.
Stop and check the tires as soon as
it is safe to do so. If underinated,
inate to the proper pressure.
SeeTires on page 5-44for more
information.When the Light Flashes First and
Then is On Steady
This indicates that there may be a
problem with the Tire Pressure
Monitor System. The light ashes
for about a minute and stays
on steady for the remainder of the
ignition cycle. This sequence
will repeat with every ignition cycle.
SeeTire Pressure Monitor System
on page 5-52for more information.
Malfunction
Indicator Lamp
Check Engine Light
A computer system called OBD II
(On-Board Diagnostics-Second
Generation) monitors operation of
the fuel, ignition, and emission
control systems. It ensures
that emissions are at acceptable
levels for the life of the vehicle,
helping to produce a cleaner
environment.This light comes on when the
ignition is on, but the engine is not
running, as a check to show it
is working. If it does not, have the
vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer.
If the check engine light comes on
and stays on, while the engine
is running, this indicates that there
is an OBD II problem and service
is required.
Malfunctions often are indicated by
the system before any problem
is apparent. Being aware of the light
can prevent more serious damage
to the vehicle. This system
assists the service technician in
correctly diagnosing any
malfunction.
Notice:If the vehicle is
continually driven with this light
on, after a while, the emission
controls might not work as well,
3-30 Instrument Panel

CHANGE OIL
This message displays when the oil
needs to be changed. Check the
oil in the vehicle as soon as possible
and have the vehicle serviced by
your dealer/retailer. SeeEngine Oil
on page 5-13andScheduled
Maintenance on page 6-4for more
information. Press and release
the reset stem to acknowledge the
message and clear it from the
display.
DOORS
This message displays when one or
more of the doors is ajar. Check
all the doors on the vehicle to make
sure they are closed. The message
clears from the display after all
of the doors are closed.
ENG (Engine) HOT
This message displays when the
engine coolant temperature is
hot. Check the engine coolant
temperature gage. SeeEngine
Coolant Temperature Gage
on page 3-29. Have the vehicleserviced by your dealer/retailer as
soon as possible if you suspect
the engine is overheating. See
Engine Overheating on page 5-27
for more information.
FLUID
This message displays if the brake
uid is low. Check the brake
uid as soon as possible and have
the vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer. SeeBrakes on
page 5-30for more information.
Press and release the reset stem to
acknowledge the message and
clear it from the display.
FUEL CAP
This message displays if the
vehicle’s fuel cap is either off or
loose. Pull over as soon as possible
and check to see if the fuel cap is
secure. You may also see the check
engine light on the instrument
panel cluster. If the check engine
light does come on when the
fuel cap was loose, it may take a
few driving trips before the lightturns off. SeeMalfunction Indicator
Lamp on page 3-30for more
information if the light still remains
on. Press and release the reset
stem to acknowledge the message
and clear it from the display.
HSA (Hill Start Assist) ON
This message displays when the Hill
Start Assist is enabled. See
Braking on page 4-3for more
information.
LOW FUEL
This message displays if the level of
fuel in the vehicle is low. Also
check the fuel gage. SeeFuel Gage
on page 3-33for more information.
Rell the fuel tank as soon as
possible.
LOW TIRE
On vehicles with the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS), this
message displays if a low tire
pressure is detected in any of the
vehicle’s tires. Press and release the
reset stem to acknowledge the
3-38 Instrument Panel

The malfunction indicator lamp
could turn on and the vehicle
might fail a smog-check test.
SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp
on page 3-30. If this occurs, return
to your authorized dealer/retailer
for diagnosis. If it is determined
that the condition is caused by the
type of fuel used, repairs might
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Additives
To provide cleaner air, all gasolines
in the United States are now
required to contain additives that
help prevent engine and fuel system
deposits from forming, allowing
the emission control system to work
properly. In most cases, you
should not have to add anything to
the fuel. However, some gasolines
contain only the minimum amount of
additive required to meet U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency
regulations. To help keep fuel
injectors and intake valves clean, orif the vehicle experiences problems
due to dirty injectors or valves,
look for gasoline that is advertised
as TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline.
For customers who do not use
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline
regularly, one bottle of GM Fuel
System Treatment PLUS, added to
the fuel tank at every engine oil
change, can help clean deposits
from fuel injectors and intake valves.
GM Fuel System Treatment PLUS
is the only gasoline additive
recommended by General Motors.
Also, your dealer/retailer has
additives that will help correct and
prevent most deposit-related
problems.
Gasolines containing oxygenates,
such as ethers and ethanol,
and reformulated gasolines
might be available in your area.
We recommend that you use these
gasolines, if they comply with
the specications described earlier.However, E85 (85% ethanol) and
other fuels containing more than
10% ethanol must not be used
in vehicles that were not designed
for those fuels.
Notice:This vehicle was not
designed for fuel that contains
methanol. Do not use fuel
containing methanol. It can
corrode metal parts in the fuel
system and also damage plastic
and rubber parts. That damage
would not be covered under
the vehicle warranty.
Some gasolines that are
not reformulated for low
emissions can contain an
octane-enhancing additive called
methylcyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl (MMT); ask the
attendant where you buy gasoline
whether the fuel contains MMT.
We recommend against the use of
such gasolines. Fuels containing
MMT can reduce the life of
spark plugs and the performance
5-6 Service and Appearance Care

of the emission control system could
be affected. The malfunction
indicator lamp might turn on. If this
occurs, return to your dealer/retailer
for service.
Fuels in Foreign
Countries
If you plan on driving in another
country outside the United States or
Canada, the proper fuel might be
hard to nd. Never use leaded
gasoline or any other fuel not
recommended in the previous text
on fuel. Costly repairs caused
by use of improper fuel would not
be covered by the vehicle warranty.
To check the fuel availability, ask an
auto club, or contact a major oil
company that does business in the
country where you will be driving.
Filling the Tank
{CAUTION
Fuel vapor burns violently and a
fuel re can cause bad injuries.
To help avoid injuries to you and
others, read and follow all the
instructions on the pump island.
Turn off the engine when you are
refueling. Do not smoke if you are
near fuel or refueling the vehicle.
Do not use cellular phones. Keep
sparks, ames, and smoking
materials away from fuel. Do not
leave the fuel pump unattended
when refueling the vehicle. This is
against the law in some places.
Do not re-enter the vehicle while
pumping fuel. Keep children away
from the fuel pump; never let
children pump fuel.The fuel cap is located on the driver
side of the vehicle.
To remove the fuel cap, turn it
slowly counterclockwise. While
refueling, let the fuel cap hang by
the tether, if it has one.
Service and Appearance Care 5-7

{CAUTION
Fuel can spray out on you if you
open the fuel cap too quickly.
If you spill fuel and then
something ignites it, you could
be badly burned. This spray can
happen if the tank is nearly full,
and is more likely in hot weather.
Open the fuel cap slowly and wait
for any hiss noise to stop. Then
unscrew the cap all the way.
Be careful not to spill fuel. Do not
top off or overll the tank and wait
a few seconds after you have
nished pumping before removing
the nozzle. Clean fuel from
painted surfaces as soon as
possible. SeeWashing Your
Vehicle on page 5-86.When replacing the fuel cap,
turn it clockwise until it clicks.
Make sure the cap is fully
installed. The diagnostic system
can determine if the fuel cap
has been left off or improperly
installed. This would allow fuel to
evaporate into the atmosphere.
SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp
on page 3-30.
The FUEL CAP message displays
on the Driver Information Center
(DIC) if the fuel cap is not properly
installed. SeeDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 3-37for
more information.
{CAUTION
If a re starts while you are
refueling, do not remove the
nozzle. Shut off the ow of fuel
by shutting off the pump or by
notifying the station attendant.
Leave the area immediately.Notice:If you need a new fuel
cap, be sure to get the right type.
Your dealer/retailer can get one
for you. If you get the wrong type,
it may not t properly. This may
cause the malfunction indicator
lamp to light and may damage the
fuel tank and emissions system.
SeeMalfunction Indicator
Lamp on page 3-30.
Filling a Portable Fuel
Container
{CAUTION
Never ll a portable fuel container
while it is in the vehicle. Static
electricity discharge from the
container can ignite the fuel
(Continued)
5-8 Service and Appearance Care

A.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on
page 5-17.
B. Air Filter Restriction Indicator
(If Equipped). SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-17.
C. Windshield Washer Fluid
Reservoir. See “Adding Washer
Fluid” underWindshield
Washer Fluid on page 5-30.
D. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank.
SeeEngine Coolant on
page 5-23.
E. Automatic Transmission
Fluid Dipstick (If Equipped).
See “Checking the Fluid Level”
underAutomatic Transmission
Fluid on page 5-18.
F. Engine Oil Dipstick. See
“Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil on page 5-13.G. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When
to Add Engine Oil” underEngine
Oil on page 5-13.
H. Brake Fluid Reservoir.
See “Brake Fluid” underBrakes
on page 5-30.
I.Battery on page 5-33.
J. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir.
SeePower Steering Fluid on
page 5-29.
K.Engine Compartment Fuse Block
on page 5-92.
L. Radiator Pressure Cap.
SeeCooling System on
page 5-22.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 5-10for 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.
Service and Appearance Care 5-13

Engine Overheating
The vehicle has an indicator to warn
of engine overheating.
A coolant temperature gage is
displayed on the instrument panel.
SeeEngine Coolant Temperature
Gage on page 3-29.
You may decide not to lift the hood
when this warning appears, but
instead get service help right away.
SeeRoadside Service on page 7-6.
If you do decide to lift the hood,
make sure the vehicle is parked on
a level surface.
Then check to see if the engine
cooling fans are running. If the
engine is overheating, both fans
should be running. If they are not, do
not continue to run the engine and
have the vehicle serviced.The air conditioning might stop
working if the engine is too hot.
This is normal and helps cool the
engine.
Notice:Engine damage from
running the engine without
coolant is not covered by the
warranty.
Notice:If the engine catches re
because of being driven with
no coolant, your vehicle can be
badly damaged. The costly
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty.
If Steam Is Coming From The
Engine Compartment
{CAUTION
Steam from an overheated engine
can burn you badly, even if you
just open the hood. Stay away
from the engine if you see or hear
steam coming from it. Just turn it
off and get everyone away from
the vehicle until it cools down.
Wait until there is no sign of
steam or coolant before you
open the hood.
If you keep driving when your
engine is overheated, the liquids
in it can catch re. You or others
could be badly burned. Stop your
engine if it overheats, and get
out of the vehicle until the engine
is cool.
Service and Appearance Care 5-27