tow HUMMER H2 2009 Owner's Guide

H(Vent):Air is directed to the instrument panel
outlets.
)(Bi-Level):Air is divided between the instrument
panel and oor outlets. Some air is directed towards the
windshield and side window outlets.
6(Floor):Air is directed to the oor outlets, with
some to the windshield, side window outlets, and second
row oor outlets. In this mode, the system automatically
selects outside air.
-(Defog):This mode clears the windows of fog or
moisture. Air is directed to the windshield, oor outlets,
and side window vents. In this mode, the system turns off
recirculation and runs the air conditioning compressor
unless the outside temperature is close to freezing.
The recirculation mode cannot be selected while in
the defog mode.
0(Defrost):This mode removes fog or frost from the
windshield more quickly. Air is directed to the windshield
and side window vents, with some directed to the oor
vents. In this mode, the system automatically forces
outside air into the vehicle and runs the air conditioning
compressor unless the outside temperature is close to
freezing. The recirculation mode cannot be selected while
in the defrost mode.
Do not drive the vehicle until all the windows are clear.
#(Air Conditioning):Press to turn the air
conditioning (A/C) compressor on and off. An indicator
light comes on to show that the air conditioning is on.
If this button is pressed when the air conditioning
compressor is unavailable, the indicator ashes three
times and then turns off. If the air conditioning is on and
the outside temperature drops below a temperature
which is too cool for air conditioning to be effective,
the air conditioning light turns off to show that the air
conditioning mode has been canceled.
On hot days, open the windows long enough to let hot
inside air escape. This helps to reduce the time it takes
for the vehicle to cool down. It also helps the system to
operate more efficiently.
The air conditioning system removes moisture from
the air, so a small amount of water might drip under
the vehicle while idling or after turning off the engine.
This is normal.
@(Recirculation):Press to turn the recirculation
mode on or off. An indicator light comes on to show
that the recirculation is on.
This mode recirculates and helps to quickly cool the
air inside the vehicle. It can be used to help prevent
outside air and odors from entering the vehicle.
3-25

Brake System Warning Light
With the ignition on, the brake system warning light
comes on when the parking brake is set. If the vehicle is
driven with the parking brake engaged, a chime sounds
when the vehicle speed is greater than 5 mph (8 km/h).
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,
both parts need to be working well.
If the warning light comes on and a chime sounds there
could be a brake problem. Have the brake system
inspected right away.
This light can also come on due to low brake uid.
SeeBrakes on page 5-38for more information.This light comes on briey when the ignition key is
turned to ON/RUN. If it does not come on then, have it
xed so it is ready to warn if there is a problem.
{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.
If the light comes on while driving, pull off the road and
stop carefully. The pedal might be harder to push or
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 4-50.
United States
Canada
3-37

This light comes on during a malfunction in one of
two ways:
Light Flashing:A misre condition has been detected.
A misre increases vehicle emissions and could
damage the emission control system on the vehicle.
Diagnosis and service might be required.
To prevent more serious damage to the vehicle:
Reduce vehicle speed.
Avoid hard accelerations.
Avoid steep uphill grades.
If towing a trailer, reduce the amount of cargo being
hauled as soon as it is possible.
If the light continues to ash, when it is safe to do so,
stop the vehicle. Find a safe place to park the vehicle.
Turn the key off, wait at least 10 seconds, and restart
the engine. If the light is still ashing, follow the previous
steps and see your dealer/retailer for service as soon
as possible.
Light On Steady:An emission control system
malfunction has been detected on the vehicle.
Diagnosis and service might be required.An emission system malfunction might be corrected by
doing the following:
Make sure the fuel cap is fully installed. SeeFilling
the Tank on page 5-8. The diagnostic system
can determine if the fuel cap has been left off or
improperly installed. A loose or missing fuel cap
allows fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere.
A few driving trips with the cap properly installed
should turn the light off.
If the vehicle has been driven through a deep puddle
of water, the vehicle’s electrical system might be wet.
The condition is usually corrected when the electrical
system dries out. A few driving trips should turn the
light off.
Make sure to fuel the vehicle with quality fuel. Poor
fuel quality causes the engine not to run as efficiently
as designed and can cause: stalling after start-up,
stalling when the vehicle is changed into gear,
misring, hesitation on acceleration, or stumbling
on acceleration. These conditions might go away
once the engine is warmed up.
If one or more of these conditions occurs, change the
fuel brand used. It will require at least one full tank of
the proper fuel to turn the light off.
SeeGasoline Octane on page 5-5.
If none of the above have made the light turn off, your
dealer/retailer can check the vehicle. The dealer/retailer
has the proper test equipment and diagnostic tools to
x any mechanical or electrical problems that might have
developed.
3-41

If the light comes on and stays on, it means that oil
is not owing through the engine properly. The vehicle
could be low on oil and it might have some other system
problem.
Security Light
For information regarding
this light and the vehicle’s
security system, see
Content Theft-Deterrent
on page 2-24.
Cruise Control Light
The cruise control light
comes on whenever the
cruise control is set.
The light goes out when the cruise control is turned off.
SeeCruise Control on page 3-12for more information.
Highbeam On Light
This light comes on when
the high-beam headlamps
are in use.
SeeHeadlamp High/Low-Beam Changer on page 3-9
for more information.
Tow/Haul Mode Light
This light comes on when
the Tow/Haul mode has
been activated.
For more information, seeTow/Haul Mode on page 2-36.
3-44

Problem Recommended Action
Sometimes the wireless
headphone audio cuts out
or buzzes.Check for obstructions,
low batteries, reception
range, and interference
from cellular telephone
towers or by using a
cellular telephone in
the vehicle.
Check that the
headphones are on
correctly using the L (left)
and R (right) on the
headphones.
I lost the remote and/or
the headphones.See your dealer/retailer
for assistance.
The DVD is playing, but
there is no picture or
sound.Check that the RSE video
screen is sourced to the
DVD player.
DVD Display Error Messages
The DVD display error message depends on the radio
that is in the vehicle. The video screen can display
one of the following:
Disc Load/Eject Error:This message displays when
there are disc load or eject problems.
Disc Format Error:This message displays, if the disc
is inserted with the disc label wrong side up, or if the disc
is damaged.Disc Region Error:This message displays, if the disc
is not from a correct region.
No Disc Inserted:This message displays, if no disc
is present when
ZEJECT or DVD AUX is pressed on
the radio.
DVD Distortion
Video distortion can occur when operating cellular
phones, scanners, CB radios, Global Position Systems
(GPS)*, two-way radios, mobile fax, or walkie talkies.
It might be necessary to turn off the DVD player when
operating one of these devices in or near the vehicle.
*Excludes the OnStar
®System.
Cleaning the RSE Overhead Console
When cleaning the RSE overhead console surface,
use only a clean cloth dampened with clean water.
Cleaning the Video Screen
When cleaning the video screen, use only a clean cloth
dampened with clean water. Use care when directly
touching or cleaning the screen, as damage could result.
3-126

Your Driving, the Road, and the Vehicle............4-2
Driving for Better Fuel Economy.......................4-2
Defensive Driving...........................................4-2
Drunk Driving.................................................4-3
Control of a Vehicle........................................4-3
Braking.........................................................4-4
Antilock Brake System (ABS)...........................4-5
Braking in Emergencies...................................4-6
StabiliTrak
®System........................................4-6
Traction Control System (TCS).........................4-9
Locking Rear Axle........................................4-10
Steering......................................................4-11
Off-Road Recovery.......................................4-13
Passing.......................................................4-13
Loss of Control.............................................4-13
Off-Road Driving...........................................4-15
Assist Steps.................................................4-33
Driving at Night............................................4-33
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads..................4-34
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.......................4-35Highway Hypnosis........................................4-35
Hill and Mountain Roads................................4-36
Winter Driving..............................................4-37
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud,
Ice, or Snow.............................................4-39
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out.................4-40
Recovery Loops...........................................4-40
First Aid Kit and Tool Kit...............................4-42
Front Mounted Receiver.................................4-43
Power Winch Platform...................................4-43
Loading the Vehicle......................................4-44
Towing..........................................................4-50
Towing Your Vehicle.....................................4-50
Recreational Vehicle Towing...........................4-50
Selectable Extended Rear Ride Height.............4-52
Electronically Controlled Air Suspension
System....................................................4-53
Towing a Trailer...........................................4-55
Trailer Recommendations...............................4-68
Section 4 Driving Your Vehicle
4-1

Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out
Turn the steering wheel left and right to clear the area
around the front wheels. The traction control system
activates when the system senses that the wheels are
spinning. Shift back and forth between R (Reverse) and a
forward gear, spinning the wheels as little as possible.
To prevent transmission wear, wait until the wheels stop
spinning before shifting gears. Release the accelerator
pedal while you shift, and press lightly on the accelerator
pedal when the transmission is in gear. Slowly spinning
the wheels in the forward and reverse directions causes a
rocking motion that could free the vehicle. If that does not
get the vehicle out after a few tries, it might need to be
towed out. Or, you can use the recovery loops. If the
vehicle does need to be towed out, seeTowing Your
Vehicle on page 4-50.
Recovery Loops
{CAUTION:
These loops, when used, are under a lot of force.
Keep people away from the vicinity of the loops
and any chains or cables during use. Always pull
the vehicle straight out. Never pull on the loops at
a sideways angle. The loops could break off and
you or others could be injured from the chain or
cable snapping back.
Notice:Never use the recovery loops to tow the
vehicle. Your vehicle could be damaged and it would
not be covered by warranty.
4-40

Front Mounted Receiver
This vehicle is equipped with a front mounted receiver.
The receiver can be used with a power winch platform
(described later in this section) or with other
accessories.
Never use the front mounted receiver to tow a trailer.
Power Winch Platform
You can use the power winch platform (if equipped) with
an aftermarket winch. Connect the winch to the
platform and wiring to the vehicle following the winch
manufacturer’s guidelines.
Notice:Do not use the winch platform to winch at
a tension of more than 9,000 lbs. (4 082 kg). This
would damage your vehicle’s frame. This damage
would not be covered by your vehicle’s warranty.
If you are using a winch to pull out another vehicle,
follow the winch manufacturer’s guidelines and observe
the following to prevent damage to your vehicle:
If possible, have your vehicle anchored from the
opposite side of the winch to a solid, immovable
object.
If winching from the front, use both of the rear
recovery loops. If winching from the rear, use both of
the front recovery loops.
4-43

Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit
1.Locate the statement “The combined weight
of occupants and cargo should never exceed
XXX kg or XXX lbs” on your vehicle’s placard.
2.Determine the combined weight of the driver
and passengers that will be riding in your
vehicle.
3.Subtract the combined weight of the driver
and passengers from XXX kg or XXX lbs.
4.The resulting gure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the “XXX” amount equals
1400 lbs and there will be ve 150 lb
passengers in your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage load capacity is
650 lbs (1400−750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs).
5.Determine the combined weight of luggage
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That
weight may not safely exceed the available
cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in
Step 4.
6.If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, the load
from your trailer will be transferred to your
vehicle. Consult this manual to determine how
this reduces the available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.SeeTowing a Trailer on page 4-55for important
information on towing a trailer, towing safety
rules and trailering tips.
Item Description Total
AVehicle Capacity
Weight for
Example 1=1,000 lbs
(453 kg)
BSubtract Occupant
Weight 150 lbs
(68 kg)×2=300 lbs (136 kg)
CAvailable Occupant
and Cargo Weight=700 lbs (317 kg)
Example 1
4-46

Towing
Towing Your Vehicle
To avoid damage, the disabled vehicle should be towed
with all four wheels off the ground. Consult your dealer/
retailer or a professional towing service if the disabled
vehicle must be towed. SeeRoadside Service on
page 7-7.
To tow the vehicle behind another vehicle for
recreational purposes — such as behind a motorhome,
see “Recreational Vehicle Towing” following.
Recreational Vehicle Towing
Recreational vehicle towing means towing the vehicle
behind another vehicle – such as behind a motorhome.
The two most common types of recreational vehicle
towing are known as dinghy towing and dolly towing.
Dinghy towing is towing the vehicle with all four wheels on
the ground. Dolly towing is towing the vehicle with two
wheels on the ground and two wheels up on a device
known as a dolly.Here are some important things to consider before
recreational vehicle towing:
What is the towing capacity of the towing vehicle?
Be sure to read the tow vehicle manufacturer’s
recommendations.
What is the distance that will be travelled? Some
vehicles have restrictions on how far and how
long they can tow.
Is the proper towing equipment going to be used?
See your dealer/retailer or trailering professional
for additional advice and equipment
recommendations.
Is the vehicle ready to be towed? Just as preparing
the vehicle for a long trip, make sure the vehicle is
prepared to be towed. SeeBefore Leaving on a
Long Trip on page 4-35.
4-50