service HUMMER H3 2009 Owners Manual

Storing a Flat or Spare
Tire and Tools (H3T)
{CAUTION
Storing a jack, a tire, or other
equipment in the passenger
compartment of the vehicle could
cause injury. In a sudden stop or
collision, loose equipment could
strike someone. Store all these in
the proper place.
A. Spare Tire/Flat Tire
(Valve Stem Pointed Down)
B. Tire/Wheel Retainer
C. Hoist Cable
D. Hoist Assembly
E. Hoist Shaft
F. Jack Handle Extension(s)
G. Wheel Wrench
H. Hoist Shaft Access Ramp
I. Hoist End of the Extension ToolTo store the at or spare tire on the
spare tire mount:
1. Place the at or spare tire (A) on
the ground at the rear of the
vehicle with the valve stem
pointed down and to the rear.
2. Tilt the tire. Separate the
tire/wheel retainer (B) from the
guide pin. Pull the pin through
5-80 Service and Appearance Care

the center of the wheel. Tilt the
tire/wheel retainer (B) down
through the center wheel opening.
3. Make sure the tire/wheel
retainer (B) is fully seated across
the underside of the wheel.
4. Assembly the two jack handle
extensions (F) and wheel
wrench (G).5. Insert the hoist end of the
extension tool (I) through
the hoist shaft access ramp (H).
6. Raise the tire part upward.
Make sure the tire/wheel
retainer (B) is seated in the
wheel opening.7. Raise the tire fully against the
underside of the vehicle by
turning the wheel wrench
clockwise until you hear
two clicks or feel it skip twice.
You cannot overtighten the cable.
8. Push, pull (A) and then try to
turn (B) the tire. If the tire
moves, use the wheel wrench
to tighten the cable.
Service and Appearance Care 5-81

To store the jack tool bag and jack:
1. Return the tools to the jack
tool bag.
2. Secure the tool bag to the jack
by securely wrapping the straps
around the jack. Then, slide
the straps through the rings on
the bag and secure.
3. Reinstall the wing nut retainer to
fasten the jack and tool bag
under the rear seat.
Make sure that the wing nut
passes through the tool bag and
the jack before tightening it.
4. Turn the wing nut retainer
clockwise to secure.Spare Tire
The vehicle, when new, had a
fully-inated spare tire. A spare tire
may lose air over time, so check
its ination pressure regularly.
SeeInflation - Tire Pressure on
page 5-51andLoading the Vehicle
on page 4-35for information
regarding proper tire ination and
loading your vehicle. For instruction
on how to remove, install or store
a spare tire, seeRemoving the Flat
Tire and Installing the Spare Tire
on page 5-72andStoring a Flat or
Spare Tire and Tools (H3) on
page 5-78orStoring a Flat or Spare
Tire and Tools (H3T) on page 5-80.
After installing the spare tire on
your vehicle, you should stop
as soon as possible and make sure
the spare is correctly inated.The spare tire does not have a Tire
Pressure Monitor System sensor.
You may get a low pressure warning
light. SeeTire Pressure Monitor
Operation on page 5-54. Have the
damaged or at road tire repaired or
replaced as soon as you can.
Do not mix tires and wheels of
different sizes, because they will not
t. Keep your spare tire and its
wheel together.
5-82 Service and Appearance Care

Appearance Care
Interior Cleaning
The vehicle’s interior will continue to
look its best if it is cleaned often.
Although not always visible,
dust and dirt can accumulate on the
upholstery. Dirt can damage
carpet, fabric, leather, and plastic
surfaces. Regular vacuuming
is recommended to remove particles
from the upholstery. It is important
to keep the upholstery from
becoming and remaining heavily
soiled. Soils should be removed as
quickly as possible. The vehicle’s
interior may experience extremes of
heat that could cause stains to
set rapidly.
Lighter colored interiors may require
more frequent cleaning. Use care
because newspapers and garments
that transfer color to home
furnishings may also transfer color
to the vehicle’s interior.When cleaning the vehicle’s interior,
only use cleaners specically
designed for the surfaces being
cleaned. Permanent damage may
result from using cleaners on
surfaces for which they were not
intended. Use glass cleaner only on
glass. Remove any accidental
over-spray from other surfaces
immediately. To prevent over-spray,
apply cleaner directly to the
cleaning cloth.
Notice:Using abrasive cleaners
when cleaning glass surfaces
on the vehicle, could scratch the
glass and/or cause damage to
the rear window defogger.
When cleaning the glass on the
vehicle, use only a soft cloth
and glass cleaner.
Many cleaners contain solvents that
may become concentrated in the
vehicle’s breathing space. Before
using cleaners, read and adhere
to all safety instructions on the label.
While cleaning the vehicle’sinterior, maintain adequate
ventilation by opening the vehicle’s
doors and windows.
Dust may be removed from small
buttons and knobs using a small
brush with soft bristles.
Products that remove odors from
the vehicle’s upholstery and
clean the vehicle’s glass can be
obtained from your dealer/retailer.
Do not clean the vehicle using:
A knife or any other sharp object
to remove a soil from any interior
surface.
A stiff brush. It can cause
damage to the vehicle’s interior
surfaces.
Heavy pressure or aggressive
rubbing with a cleaning cloth.
Use of heavy pressure can
damage the interior and does
not improve the effectiveness of
soil removal.
Service and Appearance Care 5-83

Laundry detergents or
dishwashing soaps with
degreasers can leave residue
that streaks and attracts dirt.
For liquid cleaners, about
20 drops per gallon (3.78 L) of
water is a good guide. Use
only mild, neutral-pH soaps.
Too much cleaner that saturates
the upholstery.
Organic solvents such as naptha,
alcohol, etc. that can damage the
vehicle’s interior.
Fabric/Carpet
Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft
brush attachment frequently to
remove dust and loose dirt.
A canister vacuum with a beater bar
in the nozzle may only be used
on oor carpet and carpeted oor
mats. For any soil, always try
to remove it rst with plain water orclub soda. Before cleaning, gently
remove as much of the soil as
possible using one of the following
techniques:
For liquids: gently blot the
remaining soil with a paper towel.
Allow the soil to absorb into
the paper towel until no more
can be removed.
For solid dry soils: remove as
much as possible and then
vacuum.
To clean:
1. Saturate a lint-free, clean white
cloth with water or club soda.
2. Wring the cloth to remove excess
moisture.
3. Start on the outside edge of the
soil and gently rub toward the
center. Continue cleaning, using
a clean area of the cloth each
time it becomes soiled.4. Continue to gently rub the soiled
area until the cleaning cloth
remains clean.
5. If the soil is not completely
removed, use a mild soap
solution and repeat the cleaning
process that was used with
plain water.
If any of the soil remains, a
commercial fabric cleaner or spot
lifter may be necessary. When
a commercial upholstery cleaner or
spot lifter is to be used, test a
small hidden area for colorfastness
rst. If the locally cleaned area
gives any impression that a ring
formation may result, clean
the entire surface.
After the cleaning process has been
completed, a paper towel can be
used to blot excess moisture
from the fabric or carpet.
5-84 Service and Appearance Care

Leather
A soft cloth dampened with water
can be used to remove dust.
If a more thorough cleaning is
necessary, a soft cloth dampened
with a mild soap solution can
be used. Allow the leather to dry
naturally. Do not use heat to
dry. Never use steam to clean
leather. Never use spot lifters or
spot removers on leather. Many
commercial leather cleaners
and coatings that are sold to
preserve and protect leather may
permanently change the appearance
and feel of the leather and are
not recommended. Do not use
silicone or wax-based products, or
those containing organic solvents to
clean the vehicle’s interior because
they can alter the appearance
by increasing the gloss in a
non-uniform manner. Never use
shoe polish on leather.
Instrument Panel, Vinyl,
and Other Plastic
Surfaces
A soft cloth dampened with water
may be used to remove dust.
If a more thorough cleaning is
necessary, a clean soft cloth
dampened with a mild soap solution
can be used to gently remove
dust and dirt. Never use spot lifters
or removers on plastic surfaces.
Many commercial cleaners
and coatings that are sold to
preserve and protect soft plastic
surfaces may permanently change
the appearance and feel of the
interior and are not recommended.
Do not use silicone or wax-based
products, or those containing
organic solvents to clean the
vehicle’s interior because they can
alter the appearance by increasing
the gloss in a non-uniform manner.Some commercial products may
increase gloss on the instrument
panel. The increase in gloss
may cause annoying reections in
the windshield and even make
it difficult to see through the
windshield under certain conditions.
Care of Safety Belts
Keep belts clean and dry.
{CAUTION
Do not bleach or dye safety belts.
It may severely weaken them.
In a crash, they might not be able
to provide adequate protection.
Clean safety belts only with mild
soap and lukewarm water.
Service and Appearance Care 5-85

Weatherstrips
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will
make them last longer, seal better,
and not stick or squeak. Apply
silicone grease with a clean cloth.
During very cold, damp weather
frequent application may be
required. SeeRecommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 6-12.
Washing Your Vehicle
The best way to preserve the
vehicle’s nish is to keep it clean by
washing it often.
Notice:Certain cleaners contain
chemicals that can damage the
emblems or nameplates on the
vehicle. Check the cleaning
product label. If it states that it
should not be used on plastic
parts, do not use it on the vehicle
or damage may occur and it would
not be covered by the warranty.
Do not wash the vehicle in direct
sunlight. Use a car washing soap.
Do not use cleaning agents that arepetroleum based or that contain
acid or abrasives, as they can
damage the paint, metal or plastic
on the vehicle. Approved cleaning
products can be obtained from
your dealer/retailer. Follow all
manufacturers’ directions regarding
correct product usage, necessary
safety precautions and appropriate
disposal of any vehicle care product.
Rinse the vehicle well, before
washing and after to remove all
cleaning agents completely. If they
are allowed to dry on the surface,
they could stain.
Dry the nish with a soft, clean
chamois or an all-cotton towel to
avoid surface scratches and
water spotting.
High pressure car washes may
cause water to enter the vehicle.
Avoid using high pressure washes
closer than 12 inches (30 cm) to
the surface of the vehicle. Use of
power washers exceeding 1,200 psi
(8 274 kPa) can result in damage
or removal of paint and decals.
Cleaning Exterior
Lamps/Lenses
Use only lukewarm or cold water,
a soft cloth and a car washing soap
to clean exterior lamps and lenses.
Follow instructions underWashing
Your Vehicle on page 5-86.
Finish Care
Occasional waxing or mild polishing
of the vehicle by hand may be
necessary to remove residue from
the paint nish. Approved cleaning
products can be obtained from
your dealer/retailer.
If the vehicle has a basecoat/
clearcoat paint nish, the clearcoat
gives more depth and gloss to
the colored basecoat. Always use
waxes and polishes that are
non-abrasive and made for a
basecoat/clearcoat paint nish.
5-86 Service and Appearance Care

Notice:Machine compounding
or aggressive polishing on a
basecoat/clearcoat paint nish
may damage it. Use only
non-abrasive waxes and
polishes that are made for a
basecoat/clearcoat paint nish
on the vehicle.
Foreign materials such as calcium
chloride and other salts, ice melting
agents, road oil and tar, tree sap,
bird droppings, chemicals from
industrial chimneys, etc., can
damage the vehicle’s nish if
they remain on painted surfaces.
Wash the vehicle as soon as
possible. If necessary, use
non-abrasive cleaners that are
marked safe for painted surfaces
to remove foreign matter.
Exterior painted surfaces are
subject to aging, weather and
chemical fallout that can take
their toll over a period of years.To help keep the paint nish looking
new, keep the vehicle garaged or
covered whenever possible.
Protecting Exterior Bright
Metal Parts
Bright metal parts should be
cleaned regularly to keep their
luster. Washing with water is all
that is usually needed. However,
chrome polish may be used
on chrome or stainless steel trim,
if necessary.
Use special care with aluminum
trim. To avoid damaging protective
trim, never use auto or chrome
polish, steam or caustic soap
to clean aluminum. A coating of
wax, rubbed to high polish, is
recommended for all bright
metal parts.Windshield, Backglass,
and Wiper Blades
Clean the outside of the windshield
and backglass with glass cleaner.
Clean the rubber blades using a lint
free cloth or paper towel soaked with
windshield washer uid or a mild
detergent. Wash the windshield
thoroughly when you clean the
blades. Bugs, road grime, sap and
a buildup of vehicle wash/wax
treatments may cause wiper
streaking. Replace the wiper blades
if they are worn or damaged.
Wipers can be damaged by:
Extreme dusty conditions
Sand and salt
Heat and sun
Snow and ice, without proper
removal
Service and Appearance Care 5-87

Aluminum or
Chrome-Plated Wheels
and Trim
The vehicle may have either
aluminum or chrome-plated wheels.
Keep the wheels clean using a soft
clean cloth with mild soap and water.
Rinse with clean water. After rinsing
thoroughly, dry with a soft clean
towel. A wax may then be applied.
Notice:Chrome wheels and
other chrome trim may be
damaged if the vehicle is not
washed after driving on roads
that have been sprayed with
magnesium, calcium or sodium
chloride. These chlorides are
used on roads for conditions
such as ice and dust. Always
wash the vehicle’s chrome with
soap and water after exposure.Notice:Using strong soaps,
chemicals, abrasive polishes,
cleaners, brushes, or cleaners
that contain acid on aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels, could
damage the surface of the
wheel(s). The repairs would not
be covered by the warranty.
Use only approved cleaners on
aluminum or chrome-plated
wheels.
The surface of these wheels is
similar to the painted surface of the
vehicle. Do not use strong soaps,
chemicals, abrasive polishes,
abrasive cleaners, cleaners with
acid, or abrasive cleaning brushes
on them because they could
damage the surface. Do not use
chrome polish on aluminum wheels.Notice:Using chrome polish on
aluminum wheels could damage
the wheels. The repairs would not
be covered by the warranty.
Use chrome polish on chrome
wheels only.
Use chrome polish only on
chrome-plated wheels, but avoid
any painted surface of the wheel,
and buff off immediately after
application.
Notice:Driving the vehicle
through an automatic car wash
that has silicone carbide tire
cleaning brushes, could damage
the aluminum or chrome-plated
wheels. The repairs would not be
covered by the warranty. Never
drive a vehicle equipped with
aluminum or chrome-plated
wheels through an automatic car
wash that uses silicone carbide
tire cleaning brushes.
5-88 Service and Appearance Care

Tires
To clean the tires, use a stiff brush
with tire cleaner.
Notice:Using petroleum-based
tire dressing products on the
vehicle may damage the paint
nish and/or tires. When applying
a tire dressing, always wipe off
any overspray from all painted
surfaces on the vehicle.
Sheet Metal Damage
If the vehicle is damaged and
requires sheet metal repair or
replacement, make sure the body
repair shop applies anti-corrosion
material to parts repaired or
replaced to restore corrosion
protection.Original manufacturer replacement
parts will provide the corrosion
protection while maintaining
the vehicle warranty.
Finish Damage
Any stone chips, fractures or deep
scratches in the nish should be
repaired right away. Bare metal will
corrode quickly and may develop
into major repair expense.
Minor chips and scratches can be
repaired with touch-up materials
available from your dealer/retailer.
Larger areas of nish damage can be
corrected in your dealer’s/retailer’s
body and paint shop.
Underbody Maintenance
Chemicals used for ice and
snow removal and dust control can
collect on the underbody. If these
are not removed, corrosion and rust
can develop on the underbody
parts such as fuel lines, frame,
oor pan, and exhaust system
even though they have corrosion
protection.
At least every spring, ush these
materials from the underbody
with plain water. Clean any areas
where mud and debris can collect.
Dirt packed in close areas of the
frame should be loosened before
being ushed. Your dealer/retailer or
an underbody car washing system
can do this.
Service and Appearance Care 5-89