HUMMER H3 2009 Owners Manual

TPMS Malfunction Light
and Message
The TPMS will not function properly
if one or more of the TPMS
sensors are missing or inoperable.
When the system detects a
malfunction, the low tire warning
light ashes for about one minute
and then stays on for the remainder
of the ignition cycle. A DIC warning
message is also displayed. The low
tire warning light and DIC warning
message come on at each ignition
cycle until the problem is corrected.
Some of the conditions that can
cause the malfunction light and
DIC message to come on are:
One of the road tires has been
replaced with the spare tire.
The spare tire does not have a
TPMS sensor. The TPMS
malfunction light and DIC
message should go off once you
re-install the road tire containing
the TPMS sensor.
The TPMS sensor matching
process was started but not
completed or not completed
successfully after rotating the
vehicle’s tires. The DIC message
and TPMS malfunction light
should go off once the TPMS
sensor matching process is
performed successfully.
See “TPMS Sensor Matching
Process” later in this section.
One or more TPMS sensors are
missing or damaged. The DIC
message and the TPMS
malfunction light should go off
when the TPMS sensors are
installed and the sensor
matching process is performed
successfully. See your
dealer/retailer for service.
Replacement tires or wheels do
not match the vehicle’s original
equipment tires or wheels. Tires
and wheels other than those
recommended for the vehicle
could prevent the TPMS from
functioning properly. SeeBuying
New Tires on page 5-59.
Operating electronic devices or
being near facilities using radio
wave frequencies similar to the
TPMS could cause the TPMS
sensors to malfunction.
If the TPMS is not functioning it
cannot detect or signal a low
tire condition. See your
dealer/retailer for service if the
TPMS malfunction light and
DIC message comes on and
stays on.
Service and Appearance Care 5-55

TPMS Sensor Matching
Process
Each TPMS sensor has a unique
identication code. Any time
you replace one or more of the
TPMS sensors or rotate the
vehicle’s tires, the identication
codes need to be matched to the
new tire/wheel position. The sensors
are matched to the tire/wheel
positions in the following order:
driver side front tire, passenger side
front tire, passenger side rear
tire, and driver side rear tire using a
TPMS diagnostic tool. See your
dealer/retailer for service.
The TPMS sensors can also be
matched to each tire/wheel position
by increasing or decreasing the
tire’s air pressure. If increasing the
tire’s air pressure, do not exceed
the maximum ination pressure
indicated on the tire’s sidewall.
To let air-pressure out of a tire you
can use the pointed end of the
valve cap, a pencil-style air pressure
gage, or a key.You have one minute to match
the rst tire/wheel position,
and ve minutes overall, to match
all four tire/wheel positions. If it
takes longer than one minute, to
match the rst tire and wheel,
or more than ve minutes to match
all four tire and wheel positions,
the matching process stops and you
need to start over.
The TPMS sensor matching
procedure is outlined below:
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Turn the ignition switch to
ON/RUN with the engine off.
3. Turn the exterior lamp switch
from AUTO to OFF four times
within three seconds. A double
horn chirp will sound and
the TPMS low tire warning light
starts ashing. The double
horn chirp and ashing TPMS
warning light indicates the
TPMS matching process has
started. The TPMS warning
light should continue ashingthroughout the matching
procedure. The LOW TIRE
message displays on the Driver
Information Center (DIC).
4. Start with the driver side front tire.
5. Remove the valve cap from the
valve cap stem. Activate the
TPMS sensor by increasing or
decreasing the tire’s air pressure
for 10 seconds, then stop and
listen for a single horn chirp.
The single horn chirp should
sound within 15 seconds,
conrming that the sensor
identication code has been
matched to this tire and wheel
position. If you do not hear
the conrming single horn chirp,
turn the ignition switch to
LOCK and start over beginning
with Step 2.
6. Proceed to the passenger side
front tire, and repeat the
procedure in Step 5.
7. Proceed to the passenger side
rear tire, and repeat the
procedure in Step 5.
5-56 Service and Appearance Care

8. Proceed to the driver side rear
tire, and repeat the procedure
in Step 5.
9. After hearing the conrming horn
chirp for the driver side rear tire,
check to see if the TPMS low tire
warning light and the DIC LOW
TIRE messages have turned off.
If yes, the TPMS sensors have
been relearned. Turn the ignition
switch to LOCK/OFF.
If the low tire warning light and
the SERV TPM message on the
DIC are on after completing
Step 5 for the driver side rear tire,
the sensor relearn process has
not been successful. Turn the
ignition switch to LOCK/OFF and
repeat the matching process
beginning with Step 2.
10. Set all four tires to the
recommended air pressure level
as indicated on the Tire and
Loading Information label.
11. Put the valve caps back on the
valve stems.Tire Inspection and
Rotation
We recommend that you
regularly inspect the vehicle’s
tires, including the spare tire,
for signs of wear or damage.
SeeWhen It Is Time for
New Tires on page 5-58for
more information.
Tires should be rotated
every 5,000 to 8,000 miles
(8 000 to 13 000 km).
SeeScheduled Maintenance
on page 6-4.
The purpose of a regular tire
rotation is to achieve a uniform
wear for all tires on the vehicle.
This will ensure that the
vehicle continues to perform
most like it did when the
tires were new.Any time you notice unusual
wear, rotate the tires as soon
as possible and check wheel
alignment. Also check for
damaged tires or wheels.
SeeWhen It Is Time for
New Tires on page 5-58and
Wheel Replacement on
page 5-64.
Make sure the spare tire is
stored securely. Push, pull and
then try to rotate or turn the
tire. If it moves, use the wheel
wrench/hoist shaft to tighten
the cable. SeeChanging a
Flat Tire on page 5-66.
Service and Appearance Care 5-57

When rotating the vehicle’s tires,
always use the correct rotation
pattern shown here. Do not
include the spare tire in the tire
rotation.
After the tires have been rotated,
adjust the front and rear ination
pressures as shown on the Tire
and Loading Information label.
SeeInflation - Tire Pressure on
page 5-51andLoading the
Vehicle on page 4-35.Reset the Tire Pressure Monitor
System. SeeTire Pressure
Monitor Operation on page 5-54.
Make certain that all wheel
nuts are properly tightened.
See “Wheel Nut Torque” under
Capacities and Specifications
on page 5-96.
{CAUTION
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or
on the parts to which it is
fastened, can make wheel
nuts become loose after time.
The wheel could come off and
cause an accident. When you
change a wheel, remove any
rust or dirt from places where
the wheel attaches to the
vehicle. In an emergency, you
can use a cloth or a paper
towel to do this; but be sure to
use a scraper or wire brush
later, if needed, to get all the
rust or dirt off. SeeChanging
a Flat Tire on page 5-66.
When It Is Time for
New Tires
Various factors, such as
maintenance, temperatures,
driving speeds, vehicle loading,
and road conditions inuence
when you need new tires.
One way to tell when it is time for
new tires is to check the treadwear
indicators, which will appear when
the tires have only 1/16 inch
(1.6 mm) or less of tread remaining.
5-58 Service and Appearance Care

You need new tires if any of the
following statements are true:
You can see the indicators at
three or more places around
the tire.
You can see cord or fabric
showing through the tire’s rubber.
The tread or sidewall is cracked,
cut, or snagged deep enough to
show cord or fabric.
The tire has a bump, bulge,
or split.
The tire has a puncture, cut, or
other damage that cannot be
repaired well because of the size
or location of the damage.The rubber in tires degrades over
time, even if they are not being
used. This is also true for the spare
tire, if the vehicle has one. Multiple
conditions affect how fast this
aging takes place, including
temperatures, loading conditions,
and ination pressure maintenance.
With proper care and maintenance
tires typically wear out before
they degrade due to age. If you are
unsure about the need to replace
the tires as they get older, consult
the tire manufacturer for more
information.
Buying New Tires
GM has developed and matched
specic tires for your vehicle.
The original equipment tires
installed on your vehicle,
when it was new, were designed
to meet General Motors
Tire Performance Criteria
Specication (TPC spec) system
rating. If you need replacement
tires, GM strongly recommends
that you get tires with the
same TPC Spec rating. This
way, your vehicle will continue to
have tires that are designed to
give the same performance
and vehicle safety, during normal
use, as the original tires.
Service and Appearance Care 5-59

GM’s exclusive TPC Spec
system considers over a dozen
critical specications that
impact the overall performance
of your vehicle, including brake
system performance, ride
and handling, traction control,
and tire pressure monitoring
performance. GM’s TPC
Spec number is molded onto
the tire’s sidewall near the
tire size. If the tires have an
all-season tread design, the TPC
spec number will be followed
by a MS, for mud and snow.
SeeTire Sidewall Labeling
on page 5-45for additional
information.
GM recommends replacing tires
in sets of four. This is because
uniform tread depth on all
tires will help keep your vehicle
performing most like it did
when the tires were new.Replacing less than a full set of
tires can affect the braking and
handling performance of your
vehicle. SeeTire Inspection
and Rotation on page 5-57
for information on proper tire
rotation.
{CAUTION
Mixing tires could cause you
to lose control while driving.
If you mix tires of different
sizes, brands, or types
(radial and bias-belted tires)
the vehicle may not handle
properly, and you could have
a crash. Using tires of different
sizes, brands, or types may
also cause damage to your
vehicle. Be sure to use the
correct size, brand, and type
of tires on your vehicle’s
wheels.
{CAUTION
If you use bias-ply tires on the
vehicle, the wheel rim anges
could develop cracks after
many miles of driving. A tire
and/or wheel could fail
suddenly, causing a crash.
Use only radial-ply tires with
the wheels on the vehicle.
If you must replace your vehicle’s
tires with those that do not have a
TPC Spec number, make sure
they are the same size, load
range, speed rating, and
construction type (radial and
bias-belted tires) as your
vehicle’s original tires.
5-60 Service and Appearance Care

Vehicles equipped with a tire
pressure monitoring system may
give an inaccurate low-pressure
warning if non-TPC spec rated
tires are installed on your
vehicle. Non-TPC Spec rated
tires may give a low-pressure
warning that is higher or lower
than the proper warning level
you would get with TPC
Spec rated tires. SeeTire
Pressure Monitor System on
page 5-52.
Your vehicle’s original equipment
tires are listed on the Tire and
Loading Information Label.
SeeLoading the Vehicle
on page 4-35, for more
information about the Tire and
Loading Information Label
and its location on your vehicle.Different Size Tires and
Wheels
If you add wheels or tires that are a
different size than your original
equipment wheels and tires,
this could affect the way your vehicle
performs, including its braking,
ride and handling characteristics,
stability, and resistance to rollover.
Additionally, if your vehicle has
electronic systems such as anti-lock
brakes, rollover airbags, traction
control, and electronic stability
control, the performance of these
systems can be affected.
{CAUTION
If you add different sized
wheels, your vehicle may not
provide an acceptable level of
performance and safety if tires not
recommended for those wheels
are selected. You may increase
the chance that you will crash and
suffer serious injury. Only use GM
specic wheel and tire systems
developed for your vehicle, and
have them properly installed by a
GM certied technician.
SeeBuying New Tires on page 5-59
andAccessories and Modifications
on page 5-3for additional
information.
Service and Appearance Care 5-61

Uniform Tire Quality
Grading
Quality grades can be found
where applicable on the
tire sidewall between tread
shoulder and maximum section
width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA
Temperature A
The following information relates
to the system developed by
the United States National
Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA), which
grades tires by treadwear,
traction, and temperature
performance. This applies
only to vehicles sold in the
United States. The grades are
molded on the sidewalls of
most passenger car tires.The Uniform Tire Quality
Grading (UTQG) system
does not apply to deep tread,
winter-type snow tires,
space-saver, or temporary use
spare tires, tires with nominal rim
diameters of 10 to 12 inches
(25 to 30 cm), or to some
limited-production tires.
While the tires available on
General Motors passenger cars
and light trucks may vary
with respect to these grades,
they must also conform to
federal safety requirements and
additional General Motors
Tire Performance Criteria (TPC)
standards.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a
comparative rating based on
the wear rate of the tire
when tested under controlled
conditions on a specied
government test course.For example, a tire graded
150 would wear one and a half
(1.5) times as well on the
government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative
performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions
of their use, however, and may
depart signicantly from the
norm due to variations in
driving habits, service practices,
and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
Traction – AA, A, B, C
The traction grades, from highest
to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C.
Those grades represent the
tire’s ability to stop on wet
pavement as measured under
controlled conditions on
specied government test
surfaces of asphalt and
concrete. A tire marked C may
have poor traction performance.
5-62 Service and Appearance Care

{WARNING
The traction grade assigned
to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include
acceleration, cornering,
hydroplaning, or peak traction
characteristics.
Temperature – A, B, C
The temperature grades are
A (the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire’s resistance
to the generation of heat and
its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled
conditions on a specied indoor
laboratory test wheel. Sustained
high temperature can cause
the material of the tire to
degenerate and reduce tire life,
and excessive temperature
can lead to sudden tire failure.The grade C corresponds to a
level of performance which
all passenger car tires must
meet under the Federal
Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
No. 109. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory
test wheel than the minimum
required by law.
{WARNING
The temperature grade for this
tire is established for a tire
that is properly inated and
not overloaded. Excessive
speed, underination, or
excessive loading, either
separately or in combination,
can cause heat buildup and
possible tire failure.
Wheel Alignment and
Tire Balance
The tires and wheels on your
vehicle were aligned and balanced
carefully at the factory to give
you the longest tire life and best
overall performance. Adjustments to
wheel alignment and tire balancing
will not be necessary on a regular
basis. However, if you notice
unusual tire wear or your vehicle
pulling to one side or the other,
the alignment might need to
be checked. If you notice your
vehicle vibrating when driving on a
smooth road, the tires and wheels
might need to be rebalanced.
See your dealer/retailer for
proper diagnosis.
Service and Appearance Care 5-63

Wheel Replacement
Replace any wheel that is bent,
cracked, or badly rusted or corroded.
If wheel nuts keep coming loose, the
wheel, wheel bolts, and wheel nuts
should be replaced. If the wheel
leaks air, replace it (except some
aluminum wheels, which can
sometimes be repaired). See your
dealer/retailer if any of these
conditions exist.
Your dealer/retailer will know the
kind of wheel you need.
Each new wheel should have the
same load-carrying capacity,
diameter, width, offset, and be
mounted the same way as the one
it replaces.If you need to replace any of your
wheels, wheel bolts, wheel nuts,
or Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS) sensors, replace them only
with new GM original equipment
parts. This way, you will be sure
to have the right wheel, wheel bolts,
wheel nuts, and TPMS sensors
for your vehicle.
{CAUTION
Using the wrong replacement
wheels, wheel bolts, or wheel nuts
on your vehicle can be dangerous.
It could affect the braking and
handling of your vehicle, make
your tires lose air and make you
lose control. You could have a
collision in which you or others
could be injured. Always use the
correct wheel, wheel bolts, and
wheel nuts for replacement.Notice:The wrong wheel can
also cause problems with bearing
life, brake cooling, speedometer
or odometer calibration, headlamp
aim, bumper height, vehicle
ground clearance, and tire or tire
chain clearance to the body and
chassis.
SeeChanging a Flat Tire on
page 5-66for more information.
Used Replacement Wheels
{CAUTION
Putting a used wheel on the
vehicle is dangerous. You cannot
know how it has been used or how
far it has been driven. It could fail
suddenly and cause a crash. If you
have to replace a wheel, use a
new GM original equipment wheel.
5-64 Service and Appearance Care