wheel HUMMER H2 2008 User Guide

Notice:Using a tool to force the key from the
ignition switch could cause damage or break the
key. Use the correct key and turn the key only with
your hand. Make sure the key is all the way in.
If it is, turn the steering wheel left and right while
you turn the key hard. If none of this works,
then your vehicle needs service.
B (ACC/ACCESSORY):This position lets things like
the radio and the windshield wipers operate while
the engine is off.
Lengthy operation of features such as the radio in the
ACC/ACCESSORY ignition position and the ON/RUN
position may drain the battery and prevent your vehicle
from starting. Do not operate your vehicle in the
ACC/ACCESSORY ignition position for a long period
of time.
C (ON/RUN):This is the position for driving. It is the
position the ignition switch returns to after the engine
starts, and the key is released.
The battery could be drained if you leave the key in
the ACC/ACCESSORY or ON/RUN position with
the engine off. You may not be able to start your
vehicle if the battery is allowed to drain for an extended
period of time.
D (START):This position starts the engine.Key In the Ignition
Never leave your vehicle with the keys inside, as it is an
easy target for joy riders or thieves. If you leave the
key in the ignition and park your vehicle, a chime
will sound, when you open the driver’s door. Always
remember to remove your key from the ignition and take
it with you. This will lock your ignition and transmission.
Also, always remember to lock the doors.
The battery could be drained if you leave the key in the
ignition while your vehicle is parked. You may not be
able to start your vehicle after it has been parked for an
extended period of time.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
These vehicle accessories can be used for up to
10 minutes after the engine is turned off:
Audio System
Sunroof
Power Windows
The sunroof and power windows will continue to work
up to 10 minutes after the key is turned to LOCK/OFF or
until any door is opened. The radio will continue to
work for up to 10 minutes after the key is turned
to LOCK/OFF or until the driver’s door is opened.
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Automatic Transmission Operation
Your vehicle has a Hydra-Matic®6L80 automatic
transmission, and has an electronic shift position
indicator within the instrument panel cluster. This display
comes on when the ignition key is turned to the
ON/RUN position.
There are several different positions for the shift lever.
PARK (P):This position locks the rear wheels. It is the
best position to use when you start your engine
because your vehicle cannot move easily.
When parked on a hill, especially when the vehicle
has a heavy load, you may notice an increase in the
effort to shift out of PARK (P). See Torque Lock
(Automatic Transmission) underShifting Into PARK (P)
on page 2-41for more information.{CAUTION:
It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the
shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake rmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
Do not leave your vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. If you have left
the engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured.
To be sure your vehicle will not move, even
when you are on fairly level ground, always set
your parking brake and move the shift lever
to PARK (P). SeeShifting Into PARK (P) on
page 2-41. If you are pulling a trailer, see
Towing a Trailer on page 4-55.
REVERSE (R):Use this gear to back up.
Notice:Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle
is moving forward could damage the transmission.
The repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is
stopped.
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To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow,
ice, or sand without damaging the transmission, see
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow on
page 4-39.
NEUTRAL (N):In this position, the engine does not
connect with the wheels. To restart when you are
already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Also, use
NEUTRAL (N) when your vehicle is being towed.
{CAUTION:
Shifting into a drive gear while the engine is
running at high speed is dangerous. Unless
your foot is rmly on the brake pedal, your
vehicle could move very rapidly. You could
lose control and hit people or objects. Do not
shift into a drive gear while your engine is
running at high speed.
Notice:Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N)
with the engine running at high speed may damage
the transmission. The repairs would not be covered
by your warranty. Be sure the engine is not running
at high speed when shifting your vehicle.DRIVE (D):This position is for normal driving. It
provides the best fuel economy for your vehicle. If you
need more power for passing, and you are:
Going less than about 35 mph (55 km/h), push the
accelerator pedal about halfway down.
Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the
accelerator all the way down.
By doing this, the vehicle shifts down to the next gear
and has more power.
DRIVE (D) can be used when towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, driving on steep hills, or for off-road
driving. You may want to shift the transmission to a
lower gear selection if the transmission shifts too often.
Downshifting the transmission in slippery road
conditions could result in skidding, see Skidding under
Loss of Control on page 4-12.
MANUAL MODE (M):This position lets drivers select
the range of gears appropriate for current driving
conditions. If your vehicle has this feature, see Driver
Shift Control (DSC) later in this section.
Notice:Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle in
one place on a hill using only the accelerator pedal
may damage the transmission. The repair will not be
covered by your warranty. If you are stuck, do not
spin the tires. When stopping on a hill, use the brakes
to hold the vehicle in place.
2-33

Driver Shift Control (DSC)
Your vehicle has a Driver
Shift Control (DSC).
The DSC controls the
vehicle’s transmission
and vehicle speed while
driving down hill or towing
a trailer by allowing you
to select a desired range
of gears.
To use this feature:
1. Move the shift lever to the MANUAL MODE (M).
This will force a downshift from the current gear,
for gears 3 through 6.
2. Press the (+) plus or (−) minus button on the left
side of the steering wheel, to select the desired
range of gears for your current driving conditions.When in the MANUAL MODE (M) a number will display
next to the M, indicating the maximum available
gear. The DIC display will show the message MANUAL
SHIFT on the rst line and the maximum available
gear will be displayed on the second line. SeeDriver
Information Center (DIC) on page 3-49andDIC
Operation and Displays (Using DIC Buttons) on
page 3-49orDIC Operation and Displays (Using Trip
Odometer Reset Stem) on page 3-54for more
information. The number displayed in the DIC is the
highest gear available. The transmission will be limited
to the gear selected and lower gears. Shifting will
occur normally while driving, however the cluster will
continue to display the maximum available gear.
Higher gears will not be available unless the selection
is changed to include higher gears using the (+) plus
button.
Grade Braking is not available when the Driver Shift
Control is active. SeeTow/Haul Mode on page 2-36and
Towing a Trailer on page 4-55for more information.
While using the DSC, cruise control and the tow/haul
mode can be used.
2-35

Tow/Haul Mode
Your vehicle is equipped
with a tow/haul mode.
The button is located on
the instrument panel
to the right of the
steering wheel.
You can use this feature to assist when towing or
hauling a heavy load. See “Tow/Haul Mode” under
Towing a Trailer on page 4-55for more information.
Full-Time Four-Wheel Drive
The transfer case on your Full-Time Four-Wheel Drive
vehicle is designed to constantly send the engine’s
driving power to all four wheels for extra traction.
To get the most out of Full-Time Four-Wheel Drive,
you must be familiar with its operation.
Notice:Driving on pavement in Four-Wheel
High Lock or Four Wheel Low Lock for extended
periods may cause premature wear on your vehicle’s
powertrain and tires. Do not drive in Four-Wheel
High Lock or Four-Wheel Low Lock on pavement for
extended periods.
Transfer Case Dial
The transfer case dial is
located to the right of the
instrument panel cluster.
Use this switch to shift into
and out of the different
Full-Time Four-Wheel
Drive modes.
The transfer case is a part of the Full-Time Four-Wheel
Drive system and allows the following four different
modes of operation:
4
m(Full-Time Four-Wheel Drive):This setting is used
for driving in most street and highway situations.
It can be used for light or variable off-road conditions.
4
mQ(Four-Wheel-High Lock):Use this mode when
you need extra traction in most off-road situations
such as sand, mud, snow, or level, rocky trails.
4
nQ(Four-Wheel-Low Lock):This mode delivers
extra torque to all four wheels and is used for extreme
off-road conditions. Choose Four-Wheel-Low Lock while
driving off-road in deep sand, mud, or snow and climbing
or descending steep hills.
2-36

When in this mode you can also choose to lock the rear
axle for additional traction in extreme off-road situations.
SeeLocking Rear Axle on page 4-6.
Notice:Operating your vehicle in
Four-Wheel-Low Lock above 50 mph (80 km/h) for
any extended period of time could cause damage to
the transfer case. Do not operate your vehicle in
Four-Wheel-Low Lock above 50 mph (80 km/h)
for extended periods.
{CAUTION:
Shifting the transfer case to NEUTRAL can
cause your vehicle to roll even if the
transmission is in PARK (P). You or someone
else could be seriously injured. Be sure to set
the parking brake before placing the transfer
case in NEUTRAL. SeeParking Brake on
page 2-40.N (NEUTRAL):Shift the vehicle’s transfer case to
NEUTRAL only when towing your vehicle. See
Recreational Vehicle Towing on page 4-51orTowing
Your Vehicle on page 4-51for more information.
Indicator lights in the dial shows which mode you are in.
The indicator lights will come on briey when you turn
on the ignition and one will stay on. If the lights do
not come on, take your vehicle to your dealer/retailer
for service. An indicator light will ash while shifting
the transfer case. It will remain on when the shift
is complete. If for some reason the transfer case
cannot make a requested shift, it will return to the last
chosen setting.
If the SERVICE 4WD message stays on, you should
take your vehicle to your dealer/retailer for service.
See “Service 4WD message” underDriver Information
Center (DIC) on page 3-49.
2-37

Shifting between Four-Wheel High and
Four-Wheel-High Lock
With the vehicle traveling less than 40 mph
(64 km/h), turn the dial to the Four-Wheel High or
Four-Wheel-High Lock position. The indicator light on
the dial will ash while shifting. It will remain on
when the shift is complete.
It may be necessary to drive backwards for a short
distance of 25 feet (7.5 m) to get the lock feature
to disengage.
Shifting into Four-Wheel-Low Lock
To shift into Four-Wheel-Low Lock, the ignition must be
in RUN and the vehicle must be stopped or moving
less than 3 mph (5 km/h) with the transmission in
NEUTRAL (N). The preferred method for shifting into
Four-Wheel Low is to have your vehicle moving
1 to 2 mph (1.6 to 3.2 km/h). Turn the dial to the
Four-Wheel-Low Lock position. You must wait for the
Four-Wheel-Low Lock indicator light on the dial to
stop ashing and remain lit before shifting the
transmission in gear.When the transfer case is shifted into Four-Wheel-Low
Lock position a StabiliTrak
®indicator light will come
on to show that the system has been turned off and a
message will show in the DIC. SeeDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 3-56for more information.
Notice:Shifting the transmission into gear before
the indicator light stops ashing could cause
damage to the transfer case. Always wait until the
indicator light stops ashing before putting the
transmission back in gear.
It is normal for your vehicle to have engagement noise
and bump when shifting between Four-Wheel Low
and Four-Wheel High or Four-Wheel-High Lock ranges
or from NEUTRAL with the engine running.
If the Four-Wheel-Low Lock position is selected when
your vehicle is in gear and/or moving, the Four-Wheel
Low Lock indicator light will ash for 15 seconds and not
complete the shift unless your vehicle is moving less
than 3 mph (5 km/h) and the transmission is in
NEUTRAL (N). After 15 seconds the transfer case will
return to the setting last chosen.
2-38

Shifting Out of Four-Wheel Low Lock
To shift from Four-Wheel-Low Lock to Four-Wheel High
or Four-Wheel-High Lock, your vehicle must be
stopped or moving less than 3 mph (5 km/h) with the
transmission in NEUTRAL (N) and the ignition
in RUN. The preferred method for shifting out of
Four-Wheel-Low Lock is to have your vehicle moving
1 to 2 mph (1.6 to 3.2 km/h). Turn the dial to the
Four-Wheel High or Four-Wheel-High Lock position.
You must wait for the Four-Wheel High or
Four-Wheel-High Lock indicator light to stop ashing
and remain lit before shifting your transmission into gear.
It is normal for your vehicle to have engagement
noise and bump when shifting between Four-Wheel Low
and Four-Wheel High or Four-Wheel-High Lock ranges
or from NEUTRAL with the engine running.
If the Four-Wheel High or Four-Wheel-High Lock position
is selected when your vehicle is in gear and/or moving,
the Four-Wheel High or Four-Wheel-High Lock indicator
light will ash for 30 seconds but will not complete the
shift unless your vehicle is moving less than 3 mph
(5 km/h) and the transmission is in NEUTRAL (N).
Notice:Shifting the transmission into gear before
the indicator light stops ashing could cause
damage to the transfer case. Always wait until the
indicator light stops ashing before putting the
transmission back in gear.
Shifting into NEUTRAL
To shift the transfer case to NEUTRAL do the following:
1. Make sure the vehicle is parked so that it will not roll.
2. Set the parking brake and apply the regular brake
pedal. SeeParking Brake on page 2-40
3. Start the vehicle or turn the ignition to ON/RUN.
4. Put the transmission in NEUTRAL (N).
5. Shift the transfer case to Two-Wheel Drive High.
6. Turn the transfer case dial clockwise to NEUTRAL
position. The transfer case will not shift to NEUTRAL
unless this position is held for 10 seconds.
The NEUTRAL light will come on and then the dial
can be slowly released. The dial will be in the
Four-Wheel Low Lock position but the transfer case
will be in NEUTRAL with the NEUTRAL light on.
7. If the engine is running, make sure that the transfer
case is in NEUTRAL (N) by shifting the transmission
to REVERSE (R) for one second, then shift the
transmission to DRIVE (D) for one second.
8. Turn the ignition to ACC/ACCESSORY, which will
turn the engine off.
9. Place the transmission shift lever in PARK (P).
10. Release the parking brake prior to moving
the vehicle.
11. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.
2-39

Shifting Out of NEUTRAL
To shift out of NEUTRAL do the following:
1. Set the parking brake and apply the regular brake
pedal.
2. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL (N) and turn
the ignition to RUN with the engine off.
3. Turn the transfer case dial to Four-Wheel High,
Four-Wheel High Lock or Four-Wheel Low Lock.
After the transfer case has shifted out of NEUTRAL
the NEUTRAL light will go out.
4. Release the parking brake prior to moving the
vehicle.
Notice:Shifting the transmission into gear before
the requested mode indicator light has stopped
ashing could damage the transfer case. To help
avoid damaging your vehicle, always wait for the
mode indicator lights to stop ashing before shifting
the transmission into gear.
5. Start the engine and shift the transmission to the
desired position.
Parking Brake
To set the parking brake, hold the regular brake pedal
down with your right foot. Push down the parking
brake pedal with your left foot.
A chime will activate and
the warning light will ash
when the parking brake
is applied and the vehicle
is moving at least 3 mph
(5 km/h) for at least
three seconds.
To release the parking brake, hold the regular brake
pedal down. Pull the bottom edge of the lever, located
above the parking brake pedal, with the parking
brake symbol, to release the parking brake.
If the ignition is on when the parking brake is released,
the brake system warning light will go off.
Notice:Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause premature
wear or damage to brake system parts. Make sure
that the parking brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
If you are towing a trailer and are parking on any hill,
seeTowing a Trailer on page 4-55.
2-40

{CAUTION:
Full-time four-wheel drive vehicles with the
transfer case in NEUTRAL will allow the
vehicle to roll, even if the shift lever is in
PARK (P). So, be sure the transfer case is in a
drive gear — not in NEUTRAL. Always set the
parking brake.
Follow the proper steps to be sure your vehicle will not
move. SeeShifting Into PARK (P) on page 2-41.
If you are pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on
page 4-55.
Mirrors
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror
with Compass and Temperature
Display
Your vehicle may have this mirror. When on, an
automatic dimming mirror will dim to the proper level to
minimize glare from lights behind you after dark.
The mirror also includes a dual display in the upper
right corner of the mirror with the compass reading and
the outside temperature.
Yb:Briey press this button to turn the display
on or off.
Your vehicle may also have a Rear Vision Camera.
SeeRear Vision Camera on page 2-50.
2-45