steering HUMMER H3 2009 User Guide

Driving Your
Vehicle
Your Driving, the Road,
and the Vehicle
Driving for Better Fuel
Economy...........................4-1
Defensive Driving................4-2
Drunk Driving.....................4-2
Control of a Vehicle............4-3
Braking...............................4-3
Antilock Brake
System (ABS)...................4-5
Braking in Emergencies......4-6
StabiliTrak®System............4-6
Traction Control
System (TCS)...................4-7
Locking Rear Axle..............4-8
Locking Front Axle..............4-9
Steering............................4-10
Off-Road Recovery............4-11
Passing.............................4-12
Loss of Control.................4-12
Off-Road Driving...............4-13
Assist Steps......................4-28
Driving at Night.................4-28
Driving in Rain and on
Wet Roads......................4-29
Before Leaving on a
Long Trip........................4-30
Highway Hypnosis.............4-30
Hill and Mountain Roads. . .4-30
Winter Driving...................4-31
If Your Vehicle is
Stuck in Sand, Mud,
Ice, or Snow
...................4-33
Rocking Your Vehicle to
Get It Out.......................4-34
Recovery Loops................4-34
Loading the Vehicle..........4-35
Truck-Camper Loading
Information......................4-39
Towing
Towing Your Vehicle.........4-40
Recreational Vehicle
Towing............................4-40
Towing a Trailer................4-42
Trailer
Recommendations...........4-53
Your Driving, the
Road, and the Vehicle
Driving for Better Fuel
Economy
Driving habits can affect fuel
mileage. Here are some driving tips
to get the best fuel economy
possible.
Avoid fast starts and accelerate
smoothly.
Brake gradually and avoid abrupt
stops.
Avoid idling the engine for long
periods of time.
When road and weather
conditions are appropriate, use
cruise control, if equipped.
Always follow posted speed limits
or drive more slowly when
conditions require.
Keep vehicle tires properly
inated.
Driving Your Vehicle 4-1

Police records show that almost
40 percent of all motor
vehicle-related deaths involve
alcohol. In most cases, these
deaths are the result of someone
who was drinking and driving.
In recent years, more than
17,000 annual motor vehicle-related
deaths have been associated
with the use of alcohol, with about
250,000 people injured.
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 hasbeen 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 the 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 the vehicle. SeeTraction
Control System (TCS) on page 4-7.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer
accessories can affect vehicle
performance. SeeAccessories and
Modifications on page 5-3.
Braking
SeeBrake System Warning Light on
page 3-27.
Braking action involves perception
time and reaction time. Deciding
to push the brake pedal is
perception time. Actually doing
it 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 the vehicle
and others is important.
Driving Your Vehicle 4-3

Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows the driver to steer
and brake at the same time. In many
emergencies, steering can help
more than even the very best
braking.
Brake Assist
This vehicle has a Brake Assist
feature designed to assist the driver
in stopping or decreasing vehicle
speed in emergency driving
conditions. This feature uses the
stability system hydraulic brake
control module to supplement the
power brake system under
conditions where the driver has
quickly and forcefully applied
the brake pedal in an attempt to
quickly stop or slow down the
vehicle. The stability system
hydraulic brake control module
increases brake pressure at each
corner of the vehicle until the
ABS activates. Minor brake pedal
pulsations or pedal movement
during this time is normal and the
driver should continue to applythe brake pedal as the driving
situation dictates The Brake Assist
feature will automatically disengage
when the brake pedal is released
or brake pedal pressure is quickly
decreased.
StabiliTrak®System
The vehicle has a vehicle stability
enhancement system called
StabiliTrak. It is an advanced
computer controlled system that
assists the driver with directional
control of the vehicle in difficult
driving conditions.
StabiliTrak activates when the
computer senses a discrepancy
between the 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 the vehicle is started and
begins to move, the system
performs several diagnostic checksto insure there are no problems.
The system may be heard or
felt while it is working. This is normal
and does not mean there is a
problem with the vehicle.
If cruise control is being used when
StabiliTrak activates, the cruise
control automatically disengages.
The cruise control can be
re-engaged when road conditions
allow. SeeCruise Control on
page 3-9.
If there is a problem detected with
StabiliTrak, a SERVICE STAB
SYS message displays on the Driver
Information Center (DIC). See
DIC Warnings and Messages on
page 3-37for more information.
When this message is displayed, the
system is not working. Adjust your
driving accordingly.
StabiliTrak comes on automatically
whenever the vehicle is started
and resets itself at each ignition
cycle. However, when the transfer
case is placed in Four-Wheel-Low
Lock mode, StabiliTrak is
4-6 Driving Your Vehicle

5. Wait for the light in the button
to stop ashing and remain
illuminated to show that the front
axle is locked.
Notice:If you try to lock the axle
while the vehicle is stuck and
the tires are spinning, the
vehicle’s drivetrain could be
damaged. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Always lock the axle
before attempting situations
and/or navigating terrain which
could possibly cause the vehicle
to become stuck.
Locking axles will be disengaged
when the wheel speed is greater
than 40 mph (64 km/h), if the
vehicle’s battery is low and/or the
transfer case is shifted out of
4LO Lock mode.Notice:If the vehicle’s axle is
locked while driving on pavement,
the drivetrain could be damaged.
Repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Do
not use the locking axle on
pavement. If four-wheel drive is
needed when traveling on
pavement, use only 4HI.
Steering
Power Steering
If power steering assist is lost
because the engine stops or the
system is not functioning, the vehicle
can be steered but it will take
more effort.
Steering Tips
It is important to take curves at a
reasonable speed.
Traction in a curve depends on the
condition of the tires and the
road surface, the angle at which the
curve is banked, and vehicle
speed. While in a curve, speed is
the one factor that can be controlled.
If there is a need to reduce speed,
do it before entering the curve,
while the front wheels are straight.
Try to adjust the speed so you
can drive through the curve.
Maintain a reasonable, steady
speed. Wait to accelerate until out
of the curve, and then accelerate
gently into the straightaway.
4-10 Driving Your Vehicle

Steering in Emergencies
There are times when steering can
be more effective than braking.
For example, you come over a hill
and nd a truck stopped in your
lane, or a car suddenly pulls
out from nowhere, or a child darts
out from between parked cars
and stops right in front of you. These
problems can be avoided by
braking — if you can stop in time.
But sometimes you cannot stop
in time because there is no room.
That is the time for evasive
action —steering around the
problem.
The vehicle can perform very well in
emergencies like these. First
apply the brakes. SeeBraking on
page 4-3. It is better to remove
as much speed as possible from a
collision. Then steer around the
problem, to the left or right
depending on the space available.An emergency like this requires
close attention and a quick decision.
If holding the steering wheel at
the recommended 9 and 3 o’clock
positions, it can be turned a full
180 degrees very quickly without
removing either hand. But you have
to act fast, steer quickly, and just
as quickly straighten the wheel once
you have avoided the object.
The fact that such emergency
situations are always possible is a
good reason to practice defensive
driving at all times and wear
safety belts properly.
Off-Road Recovery
The vehicle’s right wheels can drop
off the edge of a road onto the
shoulder while driving.
If the level of the shoulder is only
slightly below the pavement,
recovery should be fairly easy. Ease
off the accelerator and then, if
there is nothing in the way, steer
so that the vehicle straddles
the edge of the pavement.
Driving Your Vehicle 4-11

Turn the steering wheel 3 to
5 inches, 8 to 13 cm, (about
one-eighth turn) until the right front
tire contacts the pavement edge.
Then turn the steering wheel to go
straight down the roadway.
Passing
Passing another vehicle on a
two-lane road can be dangerous. To
reduce the risk of danger while
passing:
Look down the road, to the sides,
and to crossroads for situations
that might affect a successful
pass. If in doubt, wait.
Watch for traffic signs,
pavement markings, and lines
that could indicate a turn or
an intersection. Never cross a
solid or double-solid line on your
side of the lane.
Do not get too close to the
vehicle you want to pass. Doing
so can reduce your visibility.
Wait your turn to pass a slow
vehicle.
When you are being passed,
ease to the right.
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 the vehicle’s three
control systems. In the braking
skid, the 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.
Remember: Any traction control
system helps avoid only the
acceleration skid. If the traction
system is off, then an acceleration
skid is best handled by easing
your foot off the accelerator pedal.
SeeTraction Control System
(TCS) on page 4-7andStabiliTrak
®
System on page 4-6.
If the 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, the
vehicle may straighten out. Always
be ready for a second skid if it
occurs.
4-12 Driving Your Vehicle

Of course, traction is reduced when
water, snow, ice, gravel, or other
material is on the road. For safety,
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.
While driving on a surface with
reduced traction, try your best to
avoid sudden steering, acceleration,
or braking, including reducing
vehicle speed by shifting to a lower
gear. Any sudden changes could
cause the tires to slide. You may not
realize the surface is slippery until
the vehicle is skidding. Learn to
recognize warning clues — such as
enough water, ice, or packed
snow on the road to make a
mirrored surface — and slow down
when you have any doubt.
Remember: Any Antilock Brake
System (ABS) helps avoid only the
braking skid.Off-Road Driving
The airbag system is designed to
work properly under a wide range
of conditions, including off-road
usage. Always wear your safety belt
and observe safe driving speeds,
especially on rough terrain.
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.Off-roading can be great fun
but has some denite hazards. The
greatest of these is the terrain
itself. When off-road driving, traffic
lanes are not marked, curves are not
banked, and there are no road
signs. Surfaces can be slippery,
rough, uphill, or downhill.
Avoid sharp turns and abrupt
maneuvers. Failure to operate the
vehicle correctly off-road could result
in loss of vehicle control or vehicle
rollover.
Off-roading involves some new
skills. That is why it is very important
that you read these driving tips
and suggestions to help make
off-road driving safer and more
enjoyable.
Driving Your Vehicle 4-13

Scanning the Terrain
Off-road driving can take you over
many different kinds of terrain.
Be familiar with the terrain and its
many different features.
Surface Conditions:Off-roading
surfaces can be hard-packed
dirt, gravel, rocks, grass, sand,
mud, snow, or ice. Each of these
surfaces affects the vehicle’s
steering, acceleration, and braking
in different ways. Depending on
the surface, slipping, sliding, wheel
spinning, delayed acceleration,
poor traction, and longer braking
distances can occur.
Surface Obstacles:Unseen or
hidden obstacles can be hazardous.
A rock, log, hole, rut, or bump
can startle you if you are not
prepared for them. Often these
obstacles are hidden by grass,
bushes, snow, or even the rise and
fall of the terrain itself.Some things to consider:Is the path ahead clear?
Will the surface texture change
abruptly up ahead?
Does the travel take you uphill or
downhill?
Will you have to stop suddenly or
change direction quickly?
When driving over obstacles or
rough terrain, keep a rm grip on the
steering wheel. Ruts, troughs, or
other surface features can jerk the
wheel out of your hands.
When driving over bumps, rocks, or
other obstacles, the 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.Off-roading requires a different
kind of alertness from driving on
paved roads and highways. There
are no road signs, posted speed
limits, or signal lights. Use
good judgment about what is safe
and what is not.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° minimum
approach (A), 75° maximum
approach angle (B).
Driving Your Vehicle 4-19

Approaching a Hill
When you approach a hill, decide
if it is too steep to climb, descend, or
cross. Steepness can be hard to
judge. On a very small hill, for
example, there may be a smooth,
constant incline with only a
small change in elevation where
you can easily see all the way to the
top. On a large hill, the incline
may get steeper as you near the
top, but you might not see this
because the crest of the hill
is hidden by bushes, grass, or
shrubs.
Consider this as you approach
a hill:
Is there a constant incline, or
does the hill get sharply
steeper in places?
Is there good traction on the
hillside, or will the surface
cause tire slipping?
Is there a straight path up or
down the hill so you will not have
to make turning maneuvers?
Are there obstructions on the hill
that can block your path, such
as boulders, trees, logs, or ruts?
What is beyond the hill? Is there
a cliff, an embankment, a
drop-off, a fence? Get out and
walk the hill if you do not know. It
is the smart way to nd out.
Is the hill simply too rough?
Steep hills often have ruts,
gullies, troughs, and exposed
rocks because they are
more susceptible to the effects
of erosion.
See “Hill Start Assist” underBraking
on page 4-3for information on
vehicles stopped on a grade.
Driving Uphill
Once you decide it is safe to drive
up the hill:
Use transmission and transfer
case low gear and get a rm
grip on the steering wheel.
Get a smooth start up the hill
and try to maintain speed.
Not using more power than
needed can avoid spinning the
wheels or sliding.
Let the traction system work to
control any wheel slippage.
The traction control system
allows for moderate wheel spin
with some capability to dig in and
power up the hill.
Driving Your Vehicle 4-21

While backing down the hill, put
your left hand on the steering
wheel at the 12 o’clock position
so you can tell if the wheels
are straight and can maneuver
as you back down. It is best
to back down the hill with
the wheels straight rather than
in the left or right direction.
Turning the wheel too far to the
left or right will increase the
possibility of a rollover.
Things not to do if the vehicle stalls,
or is about to stall, when going
up a hill:
Never attempt to prevent a stall
by shifting into N (Neutral) to
rev-up the engine and regain
forward momentum. This will
not work. The vehicle can
roll backward very quickly and
could go out of control.
Never try to turn around if about
to stall when going up a hill. If
the hill is steep enough to
stall the vehicle, it is steep
enough to cause it to roll over. If
you cannot make it up the hill,
back straight down the hill.
If, after stalling, you try to back
down the hill and decide you just
cannot do it, set the parking brake.
If the vehicle has an automatic
transmission, shift to P (Park). Turn
off the engine. Leave the vehicle
and go get some help. Exit on
the uphill side and stay clear of the
path the vehicle would take if it
rolled downhill. Do not shift
the transfer case to Neutral when
you leave the vehicle. Leave it
in some gear.{CAUTION
Shifting the transfer case to
Neutral can cause your vehicle to
roll even if the transmission is in
P (Park). This is because the
Neutral position on the transfer
case overrides the transmission.
You or someone else could be
injured. If you are going to leave
your vehicle, set the parking
brake and shift the transmission
to P (Park). But do not shift the
transfer case to Neutral.
Driving Your Vehicle 4-23