overheating HUMMER H3 2009 Owners Manual

Accessory Power
Outlet(s)
The accessory power outlets can be
used to connect auxiliary electrical
equipment, such as a cellular phone.
There are two accessory power
outlets located under the climate
control system. There is also one
accessory power outlet located in the
rear cargo area (H3 model only). Pull
down the small cover to access the
accessory power outlet.
Notice:Leaving electrical
equipment on for extended
periods will drain the battery.
Always unplug electrical
equipment when not in use and
do not plug in equipment that
exceeds the maximum amperage
rating of 20 amperes.
Certain electrical accessories may
not be compatible with the
accessory power outlet and could
result in blown vehicle or adapter
fuses. If you experience a problem,see your dealer/retailer for additional
information on accessory power
outlets.
Notice:Adding any electrical
equipment to the vehicle can
damage it or keep other
components from working as
they should. The repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Do not use equipment
exceeding maximum amperage
rating of 20 amperes. Check with
your dealer/retailer before
adding electrical equipment.
When adding electrical equipment,
be sure to follow the proper
installation instructions included with
the equipment.
Notice:Improper use of the
power outlet can cause damage
not covered by the warranty.
Do not hang any type of
accessory or accessory bracket
from the plug because the
power outlets are designed for
accessory power plugs only.
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette
Lighter
For vehicles with a removable
ashtray, it can be placed into the
cupholder and be removed for
cleaning.
Notice:If papers, pins, or other
ammable items are put in
the ashtray, hot cigarettes or
other smoking materials could
ignite them and possibly damage
the vehicle. Never put ammable
items in the ashtray.
For vehicles with a lighter, push the
lighter down and it will pop up
when it is ready to be used.
Notice:Holding a cigarette
lighter in while it is heating does
not let the lighter back away from
the heating element when it is hot.
Damage from overheating can
occur to the lighter or heating
element, or a fuse could be blown.
Do not hold a cigarette lighter in
while it is heating.
3-18 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

RFA 3:This mode ashes the
parking lamps and sounds the horn
when you press the lock or
unlock buttons on the RKE
transmitter.
RFA 4:This mode disables RKE
feedback. There will be no feedback
when you press the lock or unlock
buttons on the RKE transmitter.
DIC Warnings and
Messages
Messages are displayed on the DIC
to notify the driver that the status
of the vehicle has changed and that
some action may be needed by
the driver to correct the condition.
Multiple messages may appear one
after another. The messages are
displayed for several seconds each.
Some messages may not require
immediate action, but you should
press and release the trip odometer
reset stem to acknowledge that
you received the messages and toclear them from the display. Each
message must be acknowledged
individually.
Some messages cannot be cleared
from the DIC display because
they are more urgent. These
messages require action before they
can be cleared. You should take
any messages that appear on
the display seriously and remember
that clearing the messages only
makes the messages disappear, not
correct the problem.
The following are the possible
messages that can be displayed
and some information about them.
AC (Air Conditioning) OFF
This message displays when
the engine coolant temperature is
too high and the air conditioning
in the vehicle needs to be turned off.
SeeEngine Overheating on
page 5-27andClimate Control
System on page 3-19for more
information. This message displays
along with the ENG HOT message.
ABS (Antilock Brake System)
FAULT
This message displays if there is a
problem with the Antilock Brake
System (ABS). Check the ABS as
soon as possible and have the
vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer. SeeBrakes on
page 5-30andAntilock Brake
System (ABS) Warning Light on
page 3-28for more information.
Press and release the reset stem to
acknowledge the message and
clear it from the display.
BRAKES
This message displays if there is a
problem with the brakes. Check
the brakes as soon as possible and
have the vehicle serviced by
your dealer/retailer. SeeBrakes on
page 5-30andBrake System
Warning Light on page 3-27for
more information. Press and release
the reset stem to acknowledge
the message and clear it from the
display.
Instrument Panel 3-37

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

Making Turns
Notice:Making very sharp turns
while trailering could cause
the trailer to come in contact with
the vehicle. The vehicle could
be damaged. Avoid making very
sharp turns while trailering.
When turning with a trailer, make
wider turns than normal. Do this
so the trailer won’t strike soft
shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees
or other objects. Avoid jerky or
sudden maneuvers. Signal well in
advance.
Turn Signals When Towing a
Trailer
The arrows on the instrument panel
ash whenever signaling a turn
or lane change. Properly hooked up,
the trailer lamps also ash, telling
other drivers the vehicle is turning,
changing lanes or stopping.When towing a trailer, the arrows
on the instrument panel ash
for turns even if the bulbs on the
trailer are burned out. For this
reason you may think other drivers
are seeing the signal when they
are not. It is important to check
occasionally to be sure the trailer
bulbs are still working.
Driving On Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower
gearbeforestarting down a long
or steep downgrade. If the
transmission is not shifted down, the
brakes might have to be used so
much that they would get hot and no
longer work well.
Vehicles with an automatic
transmission can tow in D (Drive).
Shift the transmission to a lower
gear if the transmission shifts
too often under heavy loads and/or
hilly conditions. For vehicles with
a manual transmission, it is
better not to use the highest gear.When towing at high altitude on
steep uphill grades, consider
the following: Engine coolant will
boil at a lower temperature than at
normal altitudes. If the engine is
turned off immediately after towing
at high altitude on steep uphill
grades, the vehicle may show signs
similar to engine overheating. To
avoid this, let the engine run
while parked, preferably on level
ground, with the automatic
transmission in P (Park) for a
few minutes before turning the
engine off. For vehicles with manual
transmissions, let the engine run
while parked, preferably on
level ground, with the transmission
out of gear and the parking
brake applied, for a few minutes
before turning the engine off. If the
overheat warning comes on,
seeEngine Overheating on
page 5-27.
Driving Your Vehicle 4-49

Service and
Appearance Care
Service
Service...............................5-3
Accessories and
Modications.....................5-3
California Proposition
65 Warning.......................5-4
California Perchlorate
Materials Requirements.....5-4
Doing Your Own
Service Work....................5-4
Adding Equipment to the
Outside of the Vehicle........5-5
Fuel
Fuel....................................5-5
Gasoline Octane.................5-5
Gasoline Specications.......5-5
California Fuel....................5-5
Additives.............................5-6
Fuels in Foreign
Countries..........................5-7
Filling the Tank...................5-7
Filling a Portable Fuel
Container..........................5-8
Checking Things Under
the Hood
Checking Things Under
the Hood..........................5-9
Hood Release.....................5-9
Engine Compartment
Overview.........................5-10
Engine Oil.........................5-13
Engine Oil Life System.....5-15
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. . .5-17
Automatic Transmission
Fluid................................5-18
Manual Transmission
Fluid................................5-20
Hydraulic Clutch................5-21
Cooling System.................5-22
Engine Coolant.................5-23
Engine Overheating...........5-27
Engine Fan Noise.............5-28
Power Steering Fluid.........5-29
Windshield Washer Fluid. . .5-30
Brakes..............................5-30
Battery..............................5-33
Jump Starting...................5-34
Rear Axle
Rear Axle.........................5-38
Four-Wheel Drive
Four-Wheel Drive..............5-38
Front Axle
Front Axle.........................5-39
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming..............5-39
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement.............5-41
Halogen Bulbs..................5-41
Headlamps........................5-41
Taillamps, Turn Signal,
Stoplamps and Back-up
Lamps (H3)
.....................5-42
Taillamps, Turn Signal,
Stoplamps and Back-up
Lamps (H3T)
...................5-42
License Plate Lamp..........5-43
Replacement Bulbs...........5-43
Service and Appearance Care 5-1

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

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

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

Driving (cont.)
Hill and Mountain Roads....4-30
In Rain and on
Wet Roads...................4-29
Off-Road .........................4-13
Recovery Loops...............4-34
Rocking Your Vehicle to
Get it Out ....................4-34
Winter.............................4-31
Driving for Better Fuel
Economy........................... 4-1
E
EDR ..................................7-16
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment............5-91
Engine Compartment Fuse
Block...........................5-92
Fuses and Circuit
Breakers......................5-91
Power Windows and Other
Power Options..............5-91
Windshield Wiper Fuses....5-91
Electronic Immobilizer
PASS-Key
®III+................2-13Electronic Immobilizer
Operation
PASS-Key
®III+................2-14
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter...............5-17
Check and Service Engine
Soon Lamp..................3-30
Coolant...........................5-23
Coolant Heater.................2-19
Coolant
Temperature Gage.........3-29
Drive Belt Routing.............6-15
Engine Compartment
Overview......................5-10
Exhaust...........................2-31
Fan Noise.......................5-28
Oil ..................................5-13
Oil Life System.................5-15
Overheating.....................5-27
Starting...........................2-17
Event Data Recorders..........7-16
Exit Lighting........................3-16
Extender, Safety Belt............1-25
Exterior Lamps....................3-11
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner............5-17
Finish Damage....................5-89
Fixed Mast Antenna.............3-63
Flashers, Hazard Warning....... 3-5
Flash-to-Pass........................ 3-7
Flat Tire..............................5-66
Flat Tire, Changing...............5-66
Flat Tire, Storing..........5-78, 5-80
Fluid
Automatic Transmission.....5-18
Power Steering.................5-29
Windshield Washer...........5-30
Fog Lamp
Fog ................................3-15
Four-Wheel Drive.................5-38
Four-Wheel Drive,
Full-Time.........................2-24
Front Axle...........................5-39
Front Seat Storage Net.........2-47
Fuel..................................... 5-5
Additives........................... 5-6
California Fuel................... 5-5
Driving for Better
Economy....................... 4-1
i-4 INDEX