warning light HUMMER H3 2008 User Guide

Antilock Brake System Warning
Light
For vehicles with the
Antilock Brake System
(ABS), this light will come
on briey when you
start the engine.
That is normal. If the light does not come on then, have it
xed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
If the ABS light stays on, turn the ignition off, if the light
comes on when you are driving, stop as soon as it
is safely possible and turn the ignition off. Then start the
engine again to reset the system. If the ABS light still
stays on, or comes on again while you are driving, your
vehicle needs service. If the regular brake system
warning light is not on, you still have brakes, but you do
not have antilock brakes. If the regular brake system
warning light is also on, you do not have antilock brakes
and there is a problem with your regular brakes. See
Brake System Warning Light on page 3-33
For vehicles with a Driver Information Center (DIC), see
DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-43for all
brake related DIC messages.
Traction Off Light
If you have the Traction
Control System (TCS), this
light will come on when the
TCS has been turned off.
This light will come on briey when the ignition is turned
to ON, if it does not the system may require service.
For more information on the traction off light, see
Traction Control System (TCS) on page 4-5.
StabiliTrak®Not Ready Light
If you have the StabiliTrak®
system, this light will come
on when the StabiliTrak®
system has been
turned off.
This light will come on briey when the ignition is turned
to ON, if it does not the system may require service.
For more information, seeStabiliTrak
®System on
page 4-7.
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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 your engine coolant
has overheated. If you have been operating your
vehicle under normal driving conditions, you should pull
off the road, stop your vehicle and turn off the engine
as soon as possible.
SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-29for more
information.
Tire Pressure Light
This light comes on briey
when the engine is started.
This light will also come on when one or more of your
tires are signicantly underinated.
A tire pressure message in the Driver Information
Center (DIC), may accompany the light. SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-43for more
information.
Stop and check your tires as soon as it is safe to do so.
If underinated, inate to the proper pressure. See
Tires on page 5-54for more information.
If a problem is detected with the Tire Pressure Monitor
System, this light will ash for approximately
60 seconds and then stay on solid for the remainder of
the ignition cycle. SeeTire Pressure Monitor System
on page 5-63for more information. United States
Canada
3-35

AC (Air Conditioning) OFF
This message displays when the engine coolant
temperature is too high and the air conditioning in your
vehicle needs to be turned off. SeeEngine Overheating
on page 5-29andClimate Control System on
page 3-22for 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 your vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer. SeeBrakes on page 5-38andAntilock
Brake System Warning Light on page 3-34for 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
your vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer. See
Brakes on page 5-38andBrake System Warning Light
on page 3-33for more information. Press and release
the reset stem to acknowledge the message and clear it
from the display.
CHANGE OIL
This message displays when the oil needs to be
changed. Check the oil in your vehicle as soon as
possible and have your vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-15and
Scheduled 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 your 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 3-35. Have your vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer as soon as possible if you suspect the
engine is overheating. SeeEngine Overheating on
page 5-29for more information.
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FLUID
This message displays if the brake uid is low. Check
the brake uid as soon as possible and have your
vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer. SeeBrakes on
page 5-38for 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 light turns off. SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp on
page 3-36for more information if the light still remains
on. Press and release the reset stem to acknowledge
the message and clear it from the display.
LOW FUEL
This message displays if the level of fuel in the vehicle
is low. Also check the fuel gage. SeeFuel Gage on
page 3-40for more information. Rell the fuel tank as
soon as possible.
LOW TIRE
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 message and clear it from the
display. The message appears at each ignition cycle until
the tires are inated to the correct ination pressure. See
Tires on page 5-54andInflation - Tire Pressure on
page 5-62for more information on tires and the correct
ination pressures.
OIL
This message displays when the oil pressure is low.
SeeOil Pressure Light on page 3-38andEngine Oil
on page 5-15for more information.
PARK BRK (Brake)
This message displays when the parking brake is set.
SeeParking Brake on page 2-32andBrake System
Warning Light on page 3-33for more information. The
message clears from the display after the parking brake
is released or by pressing and releasing the reset stem.
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REDUCED POWER
This message displays when the vehicle’s engine power
is reduced. Reduced engine power can affect the
vehicle’s ability to accelerate. If this message is on, but
there is no reduction in performance, proceed to
your destination. The performance may be reduced the
next time the vehicle is driven. The vehicle may be
driven at a reduced speed while this message is on, but
acceleration and speed may be reduced. Anytime this
message stays on, the vehicle should be taken to
your dealer/retailer for service as soon as possible.
Press and release the reset stem to acknowledge the
message and clear it from the display.
SERV (Service) 4WD (Four-Wheel
Drive)
This message displays when there is a problem with the
transfer case control system. Check the transfer case
on your vehicle and have it serviced by your
dealer/retailer. SeeFull-Time Four-Wheel Drive on
page 2-27for more information about the transfer case.
Press and release the reset stem to acknowledge
the message and clear it from the display.
SERV (Service) TPM (Tire Pressure
Monitor)
This message displays if a part on the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS) is not working properly. The tire
pressure light also ashes and then remains on during
the same ignition cycle. SeeTire Pressure Light on
page 3-35. Several conditions may cause this message
to appear. SeeTire Pressure Monitor Operation on
page 5-65for more information. If the warning comes on
and stays on, there may be a problem with the TPMS.
See your dealer/retailer.
SERV (Service) VEH (Vehicle)
This message displays if your vehicle needs service.
Have your vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer
as soon as possible.
3-46

SERVICE CHARG (Charge) SYS
(System)
This message displays if there is a problem with the
battery charging system. Under certain conditions, the
battery warning light may also turn on in the instrument
panel cluster. SeeCharging System Light on
page 3-32. The battery will not be charging at an
optimal rate and the vehicle will lose the ability to enter
the fuel economy mode. The vehicle is safe to drive,
however have the electrical system checked by
your dealer/retailer. Press and release the reset stem
to acknowledge the message and clear it from the
display.
SERVICE STAB (Stability) SYS
(System)
This message displays if there is a problem with the
StabiliTrak®system. Have your vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer. SeeStabiliTrak®System on page 4-7
for more information.
STAB (Stability) SYS (System) OFF
This message displays when the StabiliTrak®system is
turned off. SeeStabiliTrak®System on page 4-7for
more information.
TRAC (Traction) OFF
This message along with the traction off light displays
when the Traction Control System (TCS) is turned off by
pressing the TCS button. SeeTraction Off Light on
page 3-34andTraction Control System (TCS) on
page 4-5for more information.
TRACTION FAULT
This message displays if there is a problem with the
Traction Control System (TCS). Check the TCS as soon
as possible and have your vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer. SeeTraction Control System (TCS)
on page 4-5for more information. Press and release
the reset stem to acknowledge the message and clear it
from the display.
TURN SIGNAL
This message displays when the turn signal is on for
about 0.75 miles (1.2 km) of travel. Press and release
the reset stem to acknowledge the message and clear it
from the display.
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For persons under 21, it is against the law in every
U.S. state to drink alcohol. There are good medical,
psychological, and developmental reasons for
these laws.
The obvious way to eliminate the leading highway
safety problem is for people never to drink alcohol
and then drive.
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.
Control of a Vehicle
The following three systems help to control your vehicle
while driving — brakes, steering, and accelerator.
At times, as when driving on snow or ice, it is easy to
ask more of those control systems than the tires and
road can provide. Meaning, you can lose control of your
vehicle. SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 4-5.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect
your vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modifications on page 5-3.
Braking
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 3-33.
Braking action involves perception time and reaction
time. First, you have to decide to push on the brake
pedal. That is perception time. Then you have to bring
up your foot and do it. That is reaction time.
Average reaction time is about three-fourths of a
second. But that is only an average. It might be less
with one driver and as long as two or three seconds or
more with another. Age, physical condition, alertness,
coordination, and eyesight all play a part. So do alcohol,
drugs, and frustration. But even in three-fourths of a
second, a vehicle moving at 60 mph (100 km/h) travels
66 feet (20 m). That could be a lot of distance in an
emergency, so keeping enough space between
your vehicle and others is important.
And, of course, actual stopping distances vary greatly
with the surface of the road, whether it is pavement or
gravel; the condition of the road, whether it is wet, dry,
or icy; tire tread; the condition of the brakes; the weight
of the vehicle; and the amount of brake force applied.
Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive
in spurts — heavy acceleration followed by heavy
braking — rather than keeping pace with traffic.
4-3

This is a mistake. The brakes might not have time to
cool between hard stops. The brakes will wear out
much faster if you do a lot of heavy braking. If you
keep pace with the traffic and allow realistic following
distances, you will eliminate a lot of unnecessary
braking. That means better braking and longer
brake life.
If your vehicle ever loses electrical power while you
are driving, brake normally but do not pump the brakes.
If you do, the pedal could get harder to push down.
If your vehicle loses electrical power, you will still have
some power brake assist. But you will use it when
you brake. Once the power assist is used up, it can take
longer to stop, the brake pedal will be harder to push,
and you might experience longer pedal travel.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect
your vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modifications on page 5-3.Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Your vehicle has the Antilock Brake System (ABS),
an advanced electronic braking system that will
help prevent a braking skid.
When you start the engine and begin to drive away,
ABS will check itself. You might hear a momentary
motor or clicking noise while this test is going on.
This is normal.
If there is a problem with
ABS, this warning light will
stay on. SeeAntilock
Brake System Warning
Light on page 3-34.
Let us say the road is wet and you are driving safely.
Suddenly, an animal jumps out in front of you. You slam
on the brakes and continue braking. Here is what
happens with ABS:
A computer senses that wheels are slowing down.
If one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer
will separately work the brakes at each wheel.
4-4

To lock the rear axle, do the following:
1. Place the transfer case in the 4LO Lock mode. This
is the only mode which will allow the rear axle to
lock. SeeFull-Time Four-Wheel Drive on page 2-27
for more information regarding the transfer case
and 4LO Lock mode.
2. Press the button with the vehicle stopped or moving
less than 2 mph (3 km/h).
You must wait for the light in the button to stop ashing
and remain illuminated before the rear axle is locked.
Notice:If you try to lock the rear axle while your
vehicle is stuck and the tires are spinning, you
could damage your vehicle’s drivetrain. The repairs
would not be covered by your warranty. Always lock
the rear axle before attempting situations and/or
navigating terrain which could possibly cause the
vehicle to become stuck.
The locking rear axle will be disengaged when the
wheel speed is greater than 20 mph (32 km/h), if the
vehicle’s battery is low and/or the transfer case is
shifted out of 4LO Lock mode.
Notice:If you lock the rear axle while driving on
pavement, you could damage your vehicle’s
drivetrain. The repairs would not be covered by
your warranty. Do not use the locking rear axle
on pavement. If you need four-wheel drive when
traveling on pavement, use only 4HI.StabiliTrak®System
Your vehicle has a vehicle stability enhancement
system called StabiliTrak®. It is an advanced computer
controlled system that assists you with directional
control of the vehicle in difficult driving conditions.
StabiliTrak
®activates when the computer senses a
discrepancy between your intended path and the
direction the vehicle is actually traveling. StabiliTrak
®
selectively applies braking pressure at any one of
the vehicle’s brakes to assist the driver with keeping
the vehicle on the intended path.
When you rst start your vehicle and begin to drive
away, the system performs several diagnostic checks to
insure there are no problems. You may hear or feel
the system working. This is normal and does not mean
there is a problem with your vehicle.
If there is a problem detected with StabiliTrak
®,a
SERVICE STAB SYS message will be displayed on the
Driver Information Center (DIC). SeeDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 3-43for more information. When
this message is displayed, the system is not operational.
Adjust your driving accordingly.
4-7

Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads
Rain and wet roads can reduce vehicle traction
and affect your ability to stop and accelerate. Always
drive slower in these types of driving conditions
and avoid driving through large puddles and
deep-standing or owing water.
{CAUTION:
Wet brakes can cause crashes. They might not
work as well in a quick stop and could cause
pulling to one side. You could lose control of
the vehicle.
After driving through a large puddle of water
or a car/vehicle wash, lightly apply the brake
pedal until the brakes work normally.
Flowing or rushing water creates strong
forces. Driving through owing water could
cause your vehicle to be carried away. If this
happens, you and other vehicle occupants
could drown. Do not ignore police warnings
and be very cautious about trying to drive
through owing water.
Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous. Water can build up under
your vehicle’s tires so they actually ride on the water. This
can happen if the road is wet enough and you are going
fast enough. When your vehicle is hydroplaning, it has
little or no contact with the road.
There is no hard and fast rule about hydroplaning.
The best advice is to slow down when the road is wet.
Other Rainy Weather Tips
Besides slowing down, other wet weather driving tips
include:
Allow extra following distance.
Pass with caution.
Keep windshield wiping equipment in good shape.
Keep the windshield washer uid reservoir lled.
Have good tires with proper tread depth. SeeTires
on page 5-54.
4-33