ESP HUMMER H3 2007 User Guide

Navigation/Radio System
Your vehicle may have a navigation radio system.
The navigation system has built-in features
intended to minimize driver distraction. Technology
alone, no matter how advanced, can never
replace your own judgment. See the Navigation
System manual for some tips to help you
reduce distractions while driving.
Theft-Deterrent Feature
THEFTLOCK®is designed to discourage theft
of your vehicle’s radio. The feature works
automatically by learning a portion of the
Vehicle Identication Number (VIN). If the radio
is moved to a different vehicle, it does not
operate and LOCKED displays.
When the radio and vehicle are turned off, the
blinking red light indicates that THEFTLOCK
®
is armed.
With THEFTLOCK
®activated, the radio does
not operate if stolen.
Radio Reception
You may experience frequency interference and
static during normal radio reception if items
such as cellphone chargers, vehicle convenience
accessories, and external electronic devices
are plugged into the accessory power outlet.
If there is interference or static, unplug the item
from the accessory power outlet.
AM
The range for most AM stations is greater than
for FM, especially at night. The longer range can
cause station frequencies to interfere with each
other. For better radio reception, most AM
radio stations will boost the power levels during
the day, and then reduce these levels during
the night. Static can also occur when things like
storms and power lines interfere with radio
reception. When this happens, try reducing the
treble on your radio.
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But the ability to drive is affected well below a BAC
of 0.10 percent. Research shows that the driving
skills of many people are impaired at a BAC
approaching 0.05 percent, and that the effects are
worse at night. All drivers are impaired at BAC
levels above 0.05 percent. Statistics show that the
chance of being in a collision increases sharply for
drivers who have a BAC of 0.05 percent or above.
A driver with a BAC level of 0.06 percent has
doubled his or her chance of having a collision.
At a BAC level of 0.10 percent, the chance of
this driver having a collision is 12 times greater;
at a level of 0.15 percent, the chance is 25 times
greater!
The body takes about an hour to rid itself of the
alcohol in one drink. No amount of coffee or
number of cold showers will speed that up.
“I will be careful” is not the right answer. What if
there is an emergency, a need to take sudden
action, as when a child darts into the street?
A person with even a moderate BAC might not
be able to react quickly enough to avoid the
collision.There is something else about drinking and driving
that many people do not know. Medical research
shows that alcohol in a person’s system can make
crash injuries worse, especially injuries to the
brain, spinal cord, or heart. This means that when
anyone who has been drinking — driver or
passenger — is in a crash, that person’s chance
of being killed or permanently disabled is
higher than if the person had not been drinking.
{CAUTION:
Drinking and then driving is very
dangerous. Your reexes, perceptions,
attentiveness, and judgment can be
affected by even a small amount of
alcohol. You can have a serious — or
even fatal — collision if you drive after
drinking. Please do not drink and drive
or ride with a driver who has been
drinking. Ride home in a cab; or if you
are with a group, designate a driver
who will not drink.
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Remember: ABS does not change the time you
need to get your foot up to the brake pedal or
always decrease stopping distance. If you get too
close to the vehicle in front of you, you will not have
time to apply your brakes if that vehicle suddenly
slows or stops. Always leave enough room up
ahead to stop, even though you have ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake
pedal down rmly and let anti-lock work for you.
You may feel the brakes vibrate, or you may
notice some noise, but this is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
With ABS, you can steer and brake at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can help you
more than even the very best braking.
Traction Control System (TCS)
Your vehicle has a Traction Control System (TCS)
that limits wheel spin. This is especially useful
in slippery road conditions. The system operates
only if it senses that any of the wheels are spinning
or beginning to lose traction. When this happens,
the system applies the brakes to limit wheel
spin and also reduces engine power. You may
feel or hear the system working, but this is normal.
The Traction Control System may operate on dry
roads under some conditions. When this happens,
you may notice a reduction in acceleration or a
pumping sound. This is normal and doesn’t mean
there’s a problem with your vehicle. Examples of
these conditions include hard acceleration in a turn,
an abrupt upshift or downshift of the transmission
or driving on rough roads.
If your vehicle is in cruise control when the TCS
begins to limit wheel spin, the cruise control will
automatically disengage. When road conditions
allow you to safely use it again, you may re-engage
the cruise control. SeeCruise Control on page 159.
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If your vehicle has a Driver information Center
(DIC), a TRACTION FAILED message will appear
when a Traction Control System or Anti-Lock
Brake System problem has been detected and the
vehicle needs service. SeeDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 196for more information.
When this message is on, the system will not limit
wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly.
The traction control system automatically comes
on whenever you start your vehicle. To limit wheel
spin, especially in slippery road conditions, you
should always leave the system on. But you
can turn the traction control system off if you
ever need to.
To turn the system off,
press and hold the TCS
button for ve seconds.This light will come
on steady when the
traction control system
has been turned off.
This light ashes
when TCS is active.
If you press and hold the TC button for
ve seconds, the traction control system will turn
off and a TRAC OFF message will appear on
the DIC. Press the TC button again to turn
the system back on. The TRAC OFF message
will then go off. The traction control system
will reset itself at each ignition cycle.
Adding non-GM accessories can affect your
vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modications on page 314for more information.
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Watch for traffic signs, pavement markings,
and lines. If you can see a sign up ahead
that might indicate a turn or an intersection,
delay your pass. A broken center line
usually indicates it is all right to pass, providing
the road ahead is clear. Never cross a solid
line on your side of the lane or a double solid
line, even if the road seems empty of
approaching traffic.
Do not get too close to the vehicle you want to
pass while you are awaiting an opportunity. For
one thing, following too closely reduces your
area of vision, especially if you are following a
larger vehicle. Also, you will not have adequate
space if the vehicle ahead suddenly slows or
stops. Keep back a reasonable distance.
When it looks like a chance to pass is coming
up, start to accelerate but stay in the right lane
and do not get too close. Time your move so
you will be increasing speed as the time comes
to move into the other lane. If the way is clear to
pass, you will have a running start that more
than makes up for the distance you would lose
by dropping back. And if something happens to
cause you to cancel your pass, you need only
slow down and drop back again and wait for
another opportunity.
If other vehicles are lined up to pass a slow
vehicle, wait your turn. But take care that
someone is not trying to pass you as you pull
out to pass the slow vehicle. Remember to
glance over your shoulder and check the
blind spot.
Check your vehicle’s mirrors, glance over your
shoulder, and start your left lane change signal
before moving out of the right lane to pass.
When you are far enough ahead of the passed
vehicle to see its front in your vehicle’s inside
mirror, activate the right lane change signal and
move back into the right lane. Remember that,
if your vehicle’s passenger side outside mirror is
convex, the vehicle you just passed may seem
to be farther away from you than it really is.
Try not to pass more than one vehicle at a time
on two-lane roads. Reconsider before passing
the next vehicle.
Do not overtake a slowly moving vehicle too
rapidly. Even though the brake lamps are not
ashing, it may be slowing down or starting
to turn.
If you are being passed, make it easy for the
following driver to get ahead of you. Perhaps
you can ease a little to the right.
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Loss of Control
Let us review what driving experts say about what
happens when the three control systems — brakes,
steering, and acceleration — do not have enough
friction where the tires meet the road to do what the
driver has asked.
In any emergency, do not give up. Keep trying
to steer and constantly seek an escape route or
area of less danger.
Skidding
In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking
reasonable care suited to existing conditions,
and by not overdriving those conditions.
But skids are always possible.
The three types of skids correspond to your
vehicle’s three control systems. In the braking skid,
your wheels are not rolling. In the steering or
cornering skid, too much speed or steering in a
curve causes tires to slip and lose cornering force.
And in the acceleration skid, too much throttle
causes the driving wheels to spin.A cornering skid is best handled by easing your
foot off the accelerator pedal.
Remember: Any traction control system helps avoid
only the acceleration skid. If your traction system is
off, then an acceleration skid is also best handled
by easing your foot off the accelerator pedal.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 241
andStabiliTrak
®System on page 244.
If your vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot
off the accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way
you want the vehicle to go. If you start steering
quickly enough, your vehicle may straighten
out. Always be ready for a second skid if it occurs.
Of course, traction is reduced when water,
snow, ice, gravel, or other material is on the
road. For safety, you will want to slow down
and adjust your driving to these conditions.
It is important to slow down on slippery surfaces
because stopping distance will be longer and
vehicle control more limited.
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Environmental Concerns
Off-road driving can provide wholesome and
satisfying recreation. However, it also raises
environmental concerns. We recognize these
concerns and urge every off-roader to follow
these basic rules for protecting the environment:
Always use established trails, roads, and
areas that have been specially set aside
for public off-road recreational driving; obey
all posted regulations.
Avoid any driving practice that could damage
the environment — shrubs, owers, trees,
grasses — or disturb wildlife. This includes
wheel-spinning, breaking down trees, or
unnecessary driving through streams or over
soft ground.
Always carry a litter bag — make sure all
refuse is removed from any campsite
before leaving.
Take extreme care with open res (where
permitted), camp stoves, and lanterns.
Never park your vehicle over dry grass or
other combustible materials that could
catch re from the heat of the vehicle’s
exhaust system.
Traveling to Remote Areas
It makes sense to plan your trip, especially when
going to a remote area. Know the terrain and
plan your route. You are much less likely to
get bad surprises. Get accurate maps of trails
and terrain. Try to learn of any blocked or
closed roads.
It is also a good idea to travel with at least one
other vehicle. If something happens to one
of them, the other can help quickly.
Does your vehicle have a winch? If so, be sure
to read the winch instructions. In a remote area,
a winch can be handy if you get stuck. But you
will want to know how to use it properly.
High Mobility Characteristics
The HUMMER H3 has a 10 inch (25.4 cm)
running ground clearance (A) and a 9 inch
(22.8 cm) axle to ground clearance (B) while
maintaining a low silhouette and a low center
of gravity.
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For mounds, washouts, loose up-hill
slopes, ditches, etc.
When wheel spin occurs as the vehicle is moving,
the driver may notice a slight shaking or shuddering
of the vehicle. This should be stopped as soon as
possible to prevent damage to vehicle components.
This is the indication that a loss of traction is
occurring on this terrain. The operator should:
1. Reduce speed and apply the brakes.
2. Assess the terrain properly and adjust vehicle
speed and gear ranges accordingly:
Four-Wheel High position for higher speeds
and Four-Wheel-Low Lock for more torque and
lower speeds. Transmission FIRST (1) gear
is generally recommended.
3. Apply slight pressure to the brake when the
shaking or shuddering sensation is felt,
keeping the vehicle moving in a controlled
manner.
4. Be prepared to alternate between braking and
accelerating through the adverse terrain.
Getting Familiar with Off-Road Driving
It is a good idea to practice in an area that is
safe and close to home before you go into
the wilderness. Off-road driving does require some
new and different skills. Here is what we mean.
Tune your senses to different kinds of signals.
Your eyes, for example, need to constantly sweep
the terrain for unexpected obstacles. Your ears
need to listen for unusual tire or engine sounds.
With your arms, hands, feet and body, you will
need to respond to vibrations and vehicle bounce.
Controlling your vehicle is the key to successful
off-road driving. One of the best ways to control
your vehicle is to control your speed. Here are
some things to keep in mind. At higher speeds:
You approach things faster and you have
less time to scan the terrain for obstacles.
You have less time to react.
You have more vehicle bounce when you
drive over obstacles.
You will need more distance for braking,
especially since you are on an unpaved
surface.
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When you drive over bumps, rocks, or other
obstacles, your wheels can leave the ground.
If this happens, even with one or two wheels, you
cannot control the vehicle as well or at all.
Because you will be on an unpaved surface, it is
especially important to avoid sudden acceleration,
sudden turns, or sudden braking.
In a way, off-road driving requires a different kind
of alertness from driving on paved roads and
highways. There are no road signs, posted speed
limits, or signal lights. You have to use your
own good judgment about what is safe and
what is not.
Drinking and driving can be very dangerous on
any road. And this is certainly true for off-road
driving. At the very time you need special
alertness and driving skills, your reexes,
perceptions, and judgment can be affected by
even a small amount of alcohol. You could have
a serious — or even fatal — accident if you
drink and drive or ride with a driver who has been
drinking. SeeDrunken Driving on page 235.Crossing Obstacles
Approach Angle — a Key to Mobility
If you encounter a large dip in the terrain, do not
enter straight on; enter at an angle — 15 degrees
minimum approach (A), 75 degrees maximum
approach angle (B). For very large dips, ditches,
or small washes, coast in, using the engine as a
brake (transmission and transfer case lowest
gears). Then, use the low ranges in the
transmission and transfer case to power out.
258

Driving at Night
Night driving is more dangerous than day driving.
One reason is that some drivers are likely to
be impaired — by alcohol or drugs, with night
vision problems, or by fatigue.
Here are some tips on night driving.
Drive defensively.
Do not drink and drive.
Adjust the inside rearview mirror to reduce
the glare from headlamps behind you.
Since you cannot see as well, you may need
to slow down and keep more space between
you and other vehicles.
Slow down, especially on higher speed roads.
Your vehicle’s headlamps can light up only
so much road ahead.
In remote areas, watch for animals.
If you are tired, pull off the road in a safe
place and rest.No one can see as well at night as in the daytime.
But as we get older these differences increase.
A 50-year-old driver may require at least twice as
much light to see the same thing at night as a
20-year-old.
What you do in the daytime can also affect your
night vision. For example, if you spend the
day in bright sunshine you are wise to wear
sunglasses. Your eyes will have less trouble
adjusting to night. But if you are driving, do not
wear sunglasses at night. They may cut down on
glare from headlamps, but they also make a
lot of things invisible.
You can be temporarily blinded by approaching
headlamps. It can take a second or two, or
even several seconds, for your eyes to re-adjust
to the dark. When you are faced with severe glare,
as from a driver who does not lower the high
beams, or a vehicle with misaimed headlamps,
slow down a little. Avoid staring directly into
the approaching headlamps.
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