warning HUMMER H3 2009 Service Manual

Brake Wear
This vehicle has disc brakes. Disc
brake pads have built-in wear
indicators that make a high-pitched
warning sound when the brake
pads are worn and new pads are
needed. The sound can come
and go or be heard all the time the
vehicle is moving, except when
applying the brake pedal rmly.
{CAUTION
The brake wear warning sound
means that soon the brakes will
not work well. That could lead to
an accident. When the brake wear
warning sound is heard, have the
vehicle serviced.Notice:Continuing to drive with
worn-out brake pads could
result in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates
can cause a brake squeal when
the brakes are rst applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean
something is wrong with the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are
necessary to help prevent
brake pulsation. When tires are
rotated, inspect brake pads for wear
and evenly tighten wheel nuts in
the proper sequence to torque
specications inCapacities and
Specifications on page 5-96.
Brake linings should always be
replaced as complete axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer/retailer if the brake
pedal does not return to normal
height, or if there is a rapid increase
in pedal travel. This could be a
sign that brake service might
be required.
Brake Adjustment
Every brake stop, the disc brakes
adjust for wear.
Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a vehicle
is complex. Its many parts have
to be of top quality and work
well together if the vehicle is
to have really good braking.
The vehicle was designed and
tested with top-quality brake parts.
5-32 Service and Appearance Care

When parts of the braking system
are replaced — for example,
when the brake linings wear down
and new ones are installed — be
sure to get new approved
replacement parts. If this is not
done, the brakes might not work
properly. For example, if someone
puts in brake linings that are
wrong for the vehicle, the balance
between the front and rear brakes
can change — for the worse.
The braking performance expected
can change in many other ways
if the wrong replacement brake parts
are installed.Battery
This vehicle has a maintenance free
battery. When it is time for a new
battery, see your dealer/retailer
for one that has the replacement
number shown on the original
battery’s label. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on
page 5-10for battery location.
Warning:Battery posts, terminals,
and related accessories contain
lead and lead compounds,
chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer and
reproductive harm. Wash hands
after handling.
Vehicle Storage
{CAUTION
Batteries have acid that can burn
you and gas that can explode.
You can be badly hurt if you
are not careful. SeeJump
Starting on page 5-34for tips
on working around a battery
without getting hurt.
Infrequent Usage: If the vehicle is
driven infrequently, remove the
black, negative (−) cable from the
battery. This helps keep the battery
from running down.
Extended Storage: For extended
storage of the vehicle, remove
the black, negative (−) cable from
the battery or use a battery
trickle charger. This helps maintain
the charge of the battery over
an extended period of time.
Service and Appearance Care 5-33

Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation
This vehicle may have a Tire
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS).
The TPMS is designed to warn
the driver when a low tire pressure
condition exists. TPMS sensors
are mounted onto each tire and
wheel assembly on the vehicle,
excluding the spare tire. The TPMS
sensors monitor the air pressure
in the vehicle’s tires and transmit the
tire pressure readings to a receiver
located in the vehicle.
When a low tire pressure condition
is detected, the TPMS illuminates
the low tire pressure warning light
located on the instrument panel
cluster.At the same time, a Driver
Information Center (DIC) message
is displayed on the DIC display
screen. The low tire pressure
warning light and the DIC warning
message come on at each
ignition cycle until the tires are
inated to the correct ination
pressure. For additional information
and details about the DIC operation
and displays seeDIC Operation and
Displays on page 3-34andDIC
Warnings and Messages on
page 3-37.
The low tire pressure warning light
may come on in cool weather
when the vehicle is rst started, and
then turn off as you start to drive.
This could be an early indicator that
the air pressure in the tire(s) are
getting low and need to be inated
to the proper pressure.A Tire and Loading Information
label, attached to the vehicle, shows
the size of the vehicle’s original
equipment tires and the correct
ination pressure for the vehicle’s
tires when they are cold. See
Loading the Vehicle on page 4-35,
for an example of the Tire and
Loading Information label and its
location on the vehicle. Also see
Inflation - Tire Pressure on
page 5-51.
The vehicle’s TPMS can warn you
about a low tire pressure condition
but it does not replace normal
tire maintenance. SeeTire
Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-57andTires on page 5-44.
Notice:Liquid tire sealants
could damage the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS) sensors.
Sensor damage caused by using
a tire sealant is not covered
by your warranty. Do not use
liquid tire sealants.
5-54 Service and Appearance Care

TPMS Malfunction Light
and Message
The TPMS will not function properly
if one or more of the TPMS
sensors are missing or inoperable.
When the system detects a
malfunction, the low tire warning
light ashes for about one minute
and then stays on for the remainder
of the ignition cycle. A DIC warning
message is also displayed. The low
tire warning light and DIC warning
message come on at each ignition
cycle until the problem is corrected.
Some of the conditions that can
cause the malfunction light and
DIC message to come on are:
One of the road tires has been
replaced with the spare tire.
The spare tire does not have a
TPMS sensor. The TPMS
malfunction light and DIC
message should go off once you
re-install the road tire containing
the TPMS sensor.
The TPMS sensor matching
process was started but not
completed or not completed
successfully after rotating the
vehicle’s tires. The DIC message
and TPMS malfunction light
should go off once the TPMS
sensor matching process is
performed successfully.
See “TPMS Sensor Matching
Process” later in this section.
One or more TPMS sensors are
missing or damaged. The DIC
message and the TPMS
malfunction light should go off
when the TPMS sensors are
installed and the sensor
matching process is performed
successfully. See your
dealer/retailer for service.
Replacement tires or wheels do
not match the vehicle’s original
equipment tires or wheels. Tires
and wheels other than those
recommended for the vehicle
could prevent the TPMS from
functioning properly. SeeBuying
New Tires on page 5-59.
Operating electronic devices or
being near facilities using radio
wave frequencies similar to the
TPMS could cause the TPMS
sensors to malfunction.
If the TPMS is not functioning it
cannot detect or signal a low
tire condition. See your
dealer/retailer for service if the
TPMS malfunction light and
DIC message comes on and
stays on.
Service and Appearance Care 5-55

TPMS Sensor Matching
Process
Each TPMS sensor has a unique
identication code. Any time
you replace one or more of the
TPMS sensors or rotate the
vehicle’s tires, the identication
codes need to be matched to the
new tire/wheel position. The sensors
are matched to the tire/wheel
positions in the following order:
driver side front tire, passenger side
front tire, passenger side rear
tire, and driver side rear tire using a
TPMS diagnostic tool. See your
dealer/retailer for service.
The TPMS sensors can also be
matched to each tire/wheel position
by increasing or decreasing the
tire’s air pressure. If increasing the
tire’s air pressure, do not exceed
the maximum ination pressure
indicated on the tire’s sidewall.
To let air-pressure out of a tire you
can use the pointed end of the
valve cap, a pencil-style air pressure
gage, or a key.You have one minute to match
the rst tire/wheel position,
and ve minutes overall, to match
all four tire/wheel positions. If it
takes longer than one minute, to
match the rst tire and wheel,
or more than ve minutes to match
all four tire and wheel positions,
the matching process stops and you
need to start over.
The TPMS sensor matching
procedure is outlined below:
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Turn the ignition switch to
ON/RUN with the engine off.
3. Turn the exterior lamp switch
from AUTO to OFF four times
within three seconds. A double
horn chirp will sound and
the TPMS low tire warning light
starts ashing. The double
horn chirp and ashing TPMS
warning light indicates the
TPMS matching process has
started. The TPMS warning
light should continue ashingthroughout the matching
procedure. The LOW TIRE
message displays on the Driver
Information Center (DIC).
4. Start with the driver side front tire.
5. Remove the valve cap from the
valve cap stem. Activate the
TPMS sensor by increasing or
decreasing the tire’s air pressure
for 10 seconds, then stop and
listen for a single horn chirp.
The single horn chirp should
sound within 15 seconds,
conrming that the sensor
identication code has been
matched to this tire and wheel
position. If you do not hear
the conrming single horn chirp,
turn the ignition switch to
LOCK and start over beginning
with Step 2.
6. Proceed to the passenger side
front tire, and repeat the
procedure in Step 5.
7. Proceed to the passenger side
rear tire, and repeat the
procedure in Step 5.
5-56 Service and Appearance Care

8. Proceed to the driver side rear
tire, and repeat the procedure
in Step 5.
9. After hearing the conrming horn
chirp for the driver side rear tire,
check to see if the TPMS low tire
warning light and the DIC LOW
TIRE messages have turned off.
If yes, the TPMS sensors have
been relearned. Turn the ignition
switch to LOCK/OFF.
If the low tire warning light and
the SERV TPM message on the
DIC are on after completing
Step 5 for the driver side rear tire,
the sensor relearn process has
not been successful. Turn the
ignition switch to LOCK/OFF and
repeat the matching process
beginning with Step 2.
10. Set all four tires to the
recommended air pressure level
as indicated on the Tire and
Loading Information label.
11. Put the valve caps back on the
valve stems.Tire Inspection and
Rotation
We recommend that you
regularly inspect the vehicle’s
tires, including the spare tire,
for signs of wear or damage.
SeeWhen It Is Time for
New Tires on page 5-58for
more information.
Tires should be rotated
every 5,000 to 8,000 miles
(8 000 to 13 000 km).
SeeScheduled Maintenance
on page 6-4.
The purpose of a regular tire
rotation is to achieve a uniform
wear for all tires on the vehicle.
This will ensure that the
vehicle continues to perform
most like it did when the
tires were new.Any time you notice unusual
wear, rotate the tires as soon
as possible and check wheel
alignment. Also check for
damaged tires or wheels.
SeeWhen It Is Time for
New Tires on page 5-58and
Wheel Replacement on
page 5-64.
Make sure the spare tire is
stored securely. Push, pull and
then try to rotate or turn the
tire. If it moves, use the wheel
wrench/hoist shaft to tighten
the cable. SeeChanging a
Flat Tire on page 5-66.
Service and Appearance Care 5-57

Vehicles equipped with a tire
pressure monitoring system may
give an inaccurate low-pressure
warning if non-TPC spec rated
tires are installed on your
vehicle. Non-TPC Spec rated
tires may give a low-pressure
warning that is higher or lower
than the proper warning level
you would get with TPC
Spec rated tires. SeeTire
Pressure Monitor System on
page 5-52.
Your vehicle’s original equipment
tires are listed on the Tire and
Loading Information Label.
SeeLoading the Vehicle
on page 4-35, for more
information about the Tire and
Loading Information Label
and its location on your vehicle.Different Size Tires and
Wheels
If you add wheels or tires that are a
different size than your original
equipment wheels and tires,
this could affect the way your vehicle
performs, including its braking,
ride and handling characteristics,
stability, and resistance to rollover.
Additionally, if your vehicle has
electronic systems such as anti-lock
brakes, rollover airbags, traction
control, and electronic stability
control, the performance of these
systems can be affected.
{CAUTION
If you add different sized
wheels, your vehicle may not
provide an acceptable level of
performance and safety if tires not
recommended for those wheels
are selected. You may increase
the chance that you will crash and
suffer serious injury. Only use GM
specic wheel and tire systems
developed for your vehicle, and
have them properly installed by a
GM certied technician.
SeeBuying New Tires on page 5-59
andAccessories and Modifications
on page 5-3for additional
information.
Service and Appearance Care 5-61

{WARNING
The traction grade assigned
to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include
acceleration, cornering,
hydroplaning, or peak traction
characteristics.
Temperature – A, B, C
The temperature grades are
A (the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire’s resistance
to the generation of heat and
its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled
conditions on a specied indoor
laboratory test wheel. Sustained
high temperature can cause
the material of the tire to
degenerate and reduce tire life,
and excessive temperature
can lead to sudden tire failure.The grade C corresponds to a
level of performance which
all passenger car tires must
meet under the Federal
Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
No. 109. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory
test wheel than the minimum
required by law.
{WARNING
The temperature grade for this
tire is established for a tire
that is properly inated and
not overloaded. Excessive
speed, underination, or
excessive loading, either
separately or in combination,
can cause heat buildup and
possible tire failure.
Wheel Alignment and
Tire Balance
The tires and wheels on your
vehicle were aligned and balanced
carefully at the factory to give
you the longest tire life and best
overall performance. Adjustments to
wheel alignment and tire balancing
will not be necessary on a regular
basis. However, if you notice
unusual tire wear or your vehicle
pulling to one side or the other,
the alignment might need to
be checked. If you notice your
vehicle vibrating when driving on a
smooth road, the tires and wheels
might need to be rebalanced.
See your dealer/retailer for
proper diagnosis.
Service and Appearance Care 5-63

If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blowout
while you are driving, especially if
you maintain your vehicle’s tires
properly. If air goes out of a tire,
it is much more likely to leak out
slowly. But if you should ever have a
blowout, here are a few tips about
what to expect and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the at tire
creates a drag that pulls the vehicle
toward that side. Take your foot
off the accelerator pedal and grip
the steering wheel rmly. Steer to
maintain lane position, and then
gently brake to a stop well out of
the traffic lane.
A rear blowout, particularly on a
curve, acts much like a skid and
may require the same correction you
would use in a skid. In any rear
blowout remove your foot from the
accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle
under control by steering the
way you want the vehicle to go.It may be very bumpy and noisy, but
you can still steer. Gently brake to a
stop, well off the road if possible.
{CAUTION
Lifting a vehicle and getting under
it to do maintenance or repairs is
dangerous without the appropriate
safety equipment and training.
If a jack is provided with the
vehicle, it is designed only for
changing a at tire. If it is used for
anything else, you or others could
be badly injured or killed if the
vehicle slips off the jack. If a jack
is provided with the vehicle, only
use it for changing a at tire.
If a tire goes at, the next part
shows how to use the jacking
equipment to change a at tire
safely.
Changing a Flat Tire
If a tire goes at, avoid further tire
and wheel damage by driving
slowly to a level place. Turn on
your hazard warning ashers.
SeeHazard Warning Flashers
on page 3-5.
{CAUTION
Changing a tire can be dangerous.
The vehicle can slip off the jack
and roll over or fall on you or other
people. You and they could be
badly injured or even killed.
Find a level place to change your
tire. To help prevent the vehicle
from moving:
1. Set the parking brake rmly.
2. Put the shift lever in
P (Park).
(Continued)
5-66 Service and Appearance Care

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