HUMMER H3 2009 Owners Manual

GM6094M
Use only an oil that meets
GM Standard GM6094M.
SAE 5W-30
SAE 5W-30 is best for the
vehicle. These numbers on an
oil container show its viscosity,
or thickness. Do not use
other viscosity oils such as
SAE 20W-50.
American Petroleum Institute
(API) starburst symbol
Oils meeting these requirements
should have the starburst symbol
on the container. This symbol
indicates that the oil has been
certied by the American
Petroleum Institute (API).Notice:Use only engine oil
identied as meeting GM
Standard GM6094M and showing
the American Petroleum
Institute Certied For Gasoline
Engines starburst symbol. Failure
to use the recommended oil
can result in engine damage not
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Cold Temperature Operation
If in an area of extreme cold, where
the temperature falls below−20°F
(−29°C), use either an SAE 5W-30
synthetic oil or an SAE 0W-30
engine oil. Both provide easier cold
starting for the engine at extremely
low temperatures. Always use
an oil that meets the required
specication, GM6094M. See “What
Kind of Engine Oil to Use” for
more information.
Engine Oil Additives / Engine
Oil Flushes
Do not add anything to the oil.
The recommended oils with
the starburst symbol that meet
GM Standard GM6094M are all that
is needed for good performance
and engine protection.
Engine oil system ushes are not
recommended and could cause
engine damage not covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system
that indicates when to change the
engine oil and lter. This is based on
engine revolutions and engine
temperature, and not on mileage.
Based on driving conditions,
the mileage at which an oil change
is indicated can vary considerably.
For the oil life system to work
properly, the system must be reset
every time the oil is changed.
Service and Appearance Care 5-15

When the system has calculated
that oil life has been diminished,
it indicates that an oil change
is necessary. A CHANGE OIL
message comes on. SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on
page 3-37. Change the oil as soon
as possible within the next
600 miles (1 000 km). It is possible
that, if driving under the best
conditions, the oil life system might
not indicate that an oil change is
necessary for over a year. However,
the engine oil and lter must be
changed at least once a year and
at this time the system must be
reset. Your dealer/retailer has
trained people who will perform this
work using genuine parts and reset
the system. It is also important
to check the oil regularly and keep it
at the proper level.
If the system is ever reset
accidentally, the oil must be
changed at 3,000 miles (5 000 km)
since the last oil change.
Remember to reset the oil life
system whenever the oil is changed.How to Reset the Engine Oil
Life System
The Engine Oil Life System
calculates when to change the
engine oil and lter based on vehicle
use. Whenever the oil is changed,
reset the system so it can calculate
when the next oil change is required.
If a situation occurs where the oil is
changed prior to a CHANGE OIL
message being turned on, reset the
system.
To reset the Engine Oil Life system:
1. With the engine off, turn the
ignition to ON/RUN.
2. Press and release the stem in
the lower center of the
instrument cluster until the OIL
LIFE message is displayed.
3. Once the alternating OIL LIFE
and RESET messages appear,
press and hold the stem until
several beeps sound. This
conrms that the oil life system
has been reset.
4. Turn the key to LOCK/OFF.If the CHANGE OIL message
comes back on when the vehicle is
started, the engine oil life system
has not reset. Repeat the procedure.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 3-37.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain
elements that can be unhealthy for
your skin and could even cause
cancer. Do not let used oil stay on
your skin for very long. Clean your
skin and nails with soap and water,
or a good hand cleaner. Wash or
properly dispose of clothing or rags
containing used engine oil. See the
manufacturer’s warnings about the
use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the
environment. If you change your own
oil, be sure to drain all the oil from the
lter before disposal. Never dispose
of oil by putting it in the trash, pouring
it on the ground, into sewers, or into
streams or bodies of water. Recycle
it by taking it to a place that collects
used oil.
5-16 Service and Appearance Care

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

Automatic Transmission
Fluid
When to Check and Change
Automatic Transmission Fluid
A good time to check the automatic
transmission uid level is when
the engine oil is changed.
Change the uid and lter at the
intervals listed inAdditional
Required Services on page 6-6, and
be sure to use the transmission
uid listed inRecommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 6-12.
How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid
Because this operation can be a
little difficult, you may choose
to have this done at the
dealer/retailer service department.
If adding it yourself, be sure to follow
all the instructions here, or there
could be a false reading on the
dipstick.Notice:Too much or too little
uid can damage your
transmission. Too much can
mean that some of the uid could
come out and fall on hot engine
parts or exhaust system parts,
starting a re. Too little uid
could cause the transmission to
overheat. Be sure to get an
accurate reading if you check
your transmission uid.
Wait at least 30 minutes before
checking the transmission uid level
if you have been driving:
When outside temperatures are
above 90°F (32°C).
At high speed for quite a while.
In heavy traffic — especially
in hot weather.
While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading, the uid
should be at normal operating
temperature, which is 180°F to
200°F (82°C to 93°C).Get the vehicle warmed up by
driving about 15 miles (24 km) when
outside temperatures are above
50°F (10°C). If it is colder than
50°F (10°C), drive the vehicle
in 3 (Third) until the engine
temperature gage moves and then
remains steady for 10 minutes.
A cold uid check can be made after
the vehicle has been sitting for
eight hours or more with the engine
off, but this is used only as a
reference. Let the engine run at
idle for ve minutes if outside
temperatures are 50°F (10°C) or
more. If it is colder than 50°F (10°C),
the engine might have to idle
longer. Should the uid level
be low during this cold check,
check the uid hot before adding
uid. Checking the uid hot gives
a more accurate reading of the
uid level.
5-18 Service and Appearance Care

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

It does not take much uid,
generally less than one pint (0.5 L).
Do not overll.
Notice:Use of the incorrect
automatic transmission uid may
damage the vehicle, and the
damages may not be covered
by the vehicle’s warranty. Always
use the automatic transmission
uid listed inRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on
page 6-12.
After adding uid, recheck the
uid level as described under
“How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid,” earlier
in this section.
When the correct uid level is
obtained, push the dipstick
back in all the way; then ip
the handle down to lock
the dipstick in place.
Manual Transmission
Fluid
When to Check
A good time to check the manual
transmission uid is when the
engine oil is changed. However,
the uid in the manual transmission
does not require changing.
How to Check
Because this operation can be a
little difficult, you may choose
to have this done at your GM
dealer/retailer service department.
If doing it yourself, be sure to follow
all the instructions here, or there
could be a false reading.Notice:Too much or too little
uid can damage your
transmission. Too little uid
could cause the transmission to
overheat. Be sure to get an
accurate reading if you check
your transmission uid.
To check the uid:
1. Park the vehicle on a level
surface, then shut the engine off.
Let the vehicle sit until the
transmission case is cool enough
to touch.
2. Remove the ller plug.
5-20 Service and Appearance Care

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

Cooling System
The cooling system allows the
engine to maintain the correct
working temperature.
A. Coolant Recovery Tank
B. Engine Cooling Fan
C. Radiator Pressure CapA. Coolant Recovery Tank
B. Radiator Pressure Cap
C. Engine Cooling Fan
{CAUTION
An electric engine cooling fan
under the hood can start up even
when the engine is not running and
can cause injury. Keep hands,
clothing, and tools away from any
underhood electric fan.
{CAUTION
Heater and radiator hoses, and
other engine parts, can be very
hot. Do not touch them. If you do,
you can be burned.
Do not run the engine if there is a
leak. If you run the engine, it
could lose all coolant. That could
cause an engine re, and you
could be burned. Get any leak
xed before you drive the vehicle.
Notice:Using coolant other
than DEX-COOL
®can cause
premature engine, heater core, or
radiator corrosion. In addition,
the engine coolant could require
changing sooner, at 30,000 miles
(50 000 km) or 24 months,
whichever occurs rst. Any
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Always
use DEX-COOL
®(silicate-free)
coolant in the vehicle. 3.7L Engine
5.3L Engine
5-22 Service and Appearance Care

Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the vehicle
is lled with DEX-COOL®engine
coolant. This coolant is designed to
remain in the vehicle for ve years
or 150,000 miles (240 000 km),
whichever occurs rst.
The following explains the cooling
system and how to check and
add coolant when it is low.
If there is a problem with engine
overheating, seeEngine
Overheating on page 5-27.
What to Use
{CAUTION
Adding only plain water to the
cooling system can be dangerous.
Plain water, or some other liquid
such as alcohol, can boil before
the proper coolant mixture will.
(Continued)
CAUTION (Continued)
The vehicle’s coolant warning
system is set for the proper
coolant mixture. With plain water
or the wrong mixture, the engine
could get too hot but you would
not get the overheat warning.
The engine could catch re and
you or others could be burned.
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
®
coolant.
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
coolant. If using this mixture,
nothing else needs to be added.
This mixture:
Gives freezing protection down
to−34°F (−37°C), outside
temperature.
Gives boiling protection up to
265°F (129°C), engine
temperature.
Protects against rust and
corrosion.
Will not damage aluminum parts.
Helps keep the proper engine
temperature.
Notice:If an improper coolant
mixture is used, the engine could
overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Too much water in the mixture
can freeze and crack the engine,
radiator, heater core, and
other parts.
Notice:If extra inhibitors
and/or additives are used in the
vehicle’s cooling system, the
vehicle could be damaged.
Use only the proper mixture of
the engine coolant listed in
this manual for the cooling
system. SeeRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on
page 6-12for more information.
Service and Appearance Care 5-23

Checking Coolant
The vehicle must be on a level
surface when checking the
coolant level.
The coolant recovery tank cap has
this symbol on it.
It is located toward the rear of
the engine compartment on
the passenger side of the vehicle.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview
on page 5-10for more information
on location.
Check to see if coolant is visible in
the coolant recovery tank. If the
coolant inside the coolant recovery
tank is boiling, do not do anythingelse until it cools down. If coolant is
visible but the coolant level is not
at or above the FULL COLD
mark, add a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
coolant at the coolant recovery tank,
but be sure the cooling system is
cool before this is done.
The vehicle must be on a level
surface. When the engine is cold,
the coolant level should be at FULL
COLD, or a little higher. When
the engine is warm, the level could
be above the FULL COLD level.
When the engine is cold, the coolant
level should be at least up to the
FULL COLD mark. If it is not, there
could be a leak in the cooling
system.
How to Add Coolant to the
Recovery Tank
{CAUTION
You can be burned if you spill
coolant on hot engine parts.
Coolant contains ethylene glycol
and it will burn if the engine parts
are hot enough. Do not spill
coolant on a hot engine.
Notice:This vehicle has a
specic coolant ll procedure.
Failure to follow this procedure
could cause the engine to
overheat and be severely
damaged.
When the coolant in the coolant
recovery tank is at the FULL COLD
mark, start the vehicle.
If coolant is needed, add the proper
DEX-COOL coolant mixture at
the coolant recovery tank.
5-24 Service and Appearance Care