wheel HUMMER H3 2009 Workshop Manual

Rocking Your Vehicle to
Get It Out
Turn the steering wheel left and
right to clear the area around
the front wheels. The traction control
system activates when the system
senses that the wheels are spinning.
Turn off any traction or stability
system. With the wheels straight
ahead, shift back and forth between
R (Reverse) and a forward gear,
or with a manual transmission,
between 1 (First) or 2 (Second) and
R (Reverse), spinning the wheels
as little as possible. To prevent
transmission wear, wait until
the wheels stop spinning before
shifting gears. Release the
accelerator pedal while shifting, and
press lightly on the accelerator
pedal when the transmission is in
gear. Slowly spinning the wheels in
the forward and reverse directions
causes a rocking motion that
could free the vehicle. If that does
not get the vehicle out after a
few tries, it might need to be towed
out. The recovery loops can beused. If the vehicle does need to be
towed out, seeTowing Your
Vehicle on page 4-40.
Recovery Loops
{CAUTION
These loops, when used, are
under a lot of force. Keep people
away from the vicinity of the loops
and any chains or cables during
use. Always pull the vehicle
straight out. Never pull on the
loops at a sideways angle. The
loops could break off and you or
others could be injured from the
chain or cable snapping back.
Notice:Never use the recovery
loops to tow the vehicle. Your
vehicle could be damaged and it
would not be covered by
warranty.The vehicle has two recovery loops
at the front of the vehicle and
one at the rear of the vehicle.
Use them if the vehicle is stuck
off-road and needs to be pulled to
some place where the driver
can continue driving.
4-34 Driving Your Vehicle

Towing
Towing Your Vehicle
To avoid damage, the disabled
vehicle should be towed with all four
wheels off the ground. Consult
your dealer/retailer or a professional
towing service if the disabled
vehicle must be towed. See
Roadside Service on page 7-6
To tow the vehicle behind another
vehicle for recreational
purposes — such as behind a
motorhome, see “Recreational
Vehicle Towing” following.
Recreational Vehicle
Towing
Recreational vehicle towing means
towing the vehicle behind another
vehicle – such as behind a
motorhome. The two most common
types of recreational vehicle
towing are known as “dinghy
towing” — towing the vehicle with all
four wheels on the ground, and“dolly towing” — towing the vehicle
with two wheels on the ground
and two wheels up on a device
known as a “dolly”.
Here are some important things to
consider before recreational
vehicle towing:
What is the towing capacity of
the tow vehicle? Be sure to
read the tow vehicle
manufacturer’s
recommendations.
What is the distance that will be
travelled? Some vehicles have
restrictions on how far and
how long they can tow.
Is the proper towing equipment
going to be used? See your
dealer/retailer or trailering
professional for additional advice
and equipment
recommendations.
Is the vehicle ready to be towed?
Just as preparing the vehicle for
a long trip, make sure the
vehicle is prepared to be towed.
SeeBefore Leaving on a
Long Trip on page 4-30.
Dinghy Towing
This full-time four-wheel-drive
vehicle can be dinghy towed from
the front. These vehicles can also be
towed by placing them on a
platform trailer with all four wheels
off the ground. These vehicles
cannot be towed using a dolly.
4-40 Driving Your Vehicle

Use the following procedure to tow
the vehicle:
1. Put the transmission in P (Park)
for an automatic transmission or
in 1 (First) for a manual
transmission.
2. Turn the engine off, but leave the
ignition in ACC/ACCESSORY.
3. Firmly set the parking brake.
4. Securely attach the vehicle being
towed to the tow vehicle.
{CAUTION
Shifting a full-time
four-wheel-drive vehicle’s
transfer case into N (Neutral)
can cause the vehicle to roll
even if the automatic transmission
is in P (Park) or the manual
transmission is in any gear. You
or others could be injured. Make
sure the parking brake is rmly
set before the transfer case is
shifted to N (Neutral).5. Shift the transfer case to
N (Neutral). SeeFull-Time
Four-Wheel Drive on page 2-24
for the proper procedure to
select the N (Neutral) position for
the vehicle.
6. Release the parking brake only
after the vehicle being towed is
rmly attached to the tow vehicle.
7. Make sure the ignition is in
ACC/ACCESSORY.
When towing the vehicle for
extended periods of time, start the
vehicle as often as possible to
prevent battery drain. This should
only be done when the tow
vehicle is parked.
After towing, see “Shifting Out of
NEUTRAL” underFull-Time
Four-Wheel Drive on page 2-24.
Dolly Towing
Notice:Dolly towing the vehicle
will damage drivetrain
components. Do not dolly tow the
vehicle.
The vehicle cannot be dolly towed.
If the vehicle must be towed
behind another vehicle, use the
dinghy towing procedure explained
previously.
Driving Your Vehicle 4-41

Safety Chains
Always attach chains between the
vehicle and the trailer. Cross
the safety chains under the tongue
of the trailer to help prevent the
tongue from contacting the road if it
becomes separated from the
hitch. Always leave just enough
slack so the rig can turn. Never
allow safety chains to drag on the
ground.
Trailer Brakes
A loaded trailer that weighs more
than 1,500 lbs (680 kg) needs
to have its own brake system that is
adequate for the weight of the
trailer. Be sure to read and follow
the instructions for the trailer brakes
so they are installed, adjusted
and maintained properly.
Driving with a Trailer
Towing a trailer requires a certain
amount of experience. Get to
know the rig before setting out for
the open road. Get acquainted
with the feel of handling and braking
with the added weight of the
trailer. And always keep in mind that
the vehicle you are driving is now
longer and not as responsive as the
vehicle is by itself.
Before starting, check all trailer hitch
parts and attachments, safety
chains, electrical connectors, lamps,
tires and mirror adjustments. If
the trailer has electric brakes, start
the vehicle and trailer moving
and then apply the trailer brake
controller by hand to be sure
the brakes are working. This checks
the electrical connection at the
same time.
During the trip, check occasionally
to be sure that the load is secure,
and that the lamps and any
trailer brakes are still working.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind
the vehicle ahead as you would
when driving the vehicle without a
trailer. This can help to avoid
situations that require heavy braking
and sudden turns.
Passing
More passing distance is needed
when towing a trailer. Because
the rig is longer, it is necessary to
go much farther beyond the
passed vehicle before returning to
the lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering
wheel with one hand. Then, to move
the trailer to the left, move that
hand to the left. To move the trailer
to the right, move your hand to
the right. Always back up slowly
and, if possible, have someone
guide you.
4-48 Driving Your Vehicle

Parking on Hills
{CAUTION
Parking the vehicle on a hill with
the trailer attached can be
dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move.
People can be injured, and both
the vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. When possible, always
park the rig on a at surface.
If parking the rig on a hill:
1. Press the brake pedal, but do
not shift into P (Park) yet for
vehicles with an automatic
transmission, or into gear for
vehicles with a manual
transmission. Turn the wheels
into the curb if facing downhill or
into traffic if facing uphill.2. Have someone place chocks
under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in
place, release the brake pedal
until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the brake pedal.
Then apply the parking brake and
shift into P (Park) for vehicles
with an automatic transmission or
into gear for vehicles with a
manual transmission.
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on
a Hill
The vehicle has a Hill Start Assist
feature, which may be useful
when stopped on a grade. See
Braking on page 4-3for more
information.
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal
while you:
start the engine,
shift into a gear, and
release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is
clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up
and store the chocks.
4-50 Driving Your Vehicle

Service and
Appearance Care
Service
Service...............................5-3
Accessories and
Modications.....................5-3
California Proposition
65 Warning.......................5-4
California Perchlorate
Materials Requirements.....5-4
Doing Your Own
Service Work....................5-4
Adding Equipment to the
Outside of the Vehicle........5-5
Fuel
Fuel....................................5-5
Gasoline Octane.................5-5
Gasoline Specications.......5-5
California Fuel....................5-5
Additives.............................5-6
Fuels in Foreign
Countries..........................5-7
Filling the Tank...................5-7
Filling a Portable Fuel
Container..........................5-8
Checking Things Under
the Hood
Checking Things Under
the Hood..........................5-9
Hood Release.....................5-9
Engine Compartment
Overview.........................5-10
Engine Oil.........................5-13
Engine Oil Life System.....5-15
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. . .5-17
Automatic Transmission
Fluid................................5-18
Manual Transmission
Fluid................................5-20
Hydraulic Clutch................5-21
Cooling System.................5-22
Engine Coolant.................5-23
Engine Overheating...........5-27
Engine Fan Noise.............5-28
Power Steering Fluid.........5-29
Windshield Washer Fluid. . .5-30
Brakes..............................5-30
Battery..............................5-33
Jump Starting...................5-34
Rear Axle
Rear Axle.........................5-38
Four-Wheel Drive
Four-Wheel Drive..............5-38
Front Axle
Front Axle.........................5-39
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming..............5-39
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement.............5-41
Halogen Bulbs..................5-41
Headlamps........................5-41
Taillamps, Turn Signal,
Stoplamps and Back-up
Lamps (H3)
.....................5-42
Taillamps, Turn Signal,
Stoplamps and Back-up
Lamps (H3T)
...................5-42
License Plate Lamp..........5-43
Replacement Bulbs...........5-43
Service and Appearance Care 5-1

Windshield Wiper Blade
Replacement
Windshield Wiper Blade
Replacement...................5-44
Tires
Tires.................................5-44
Tire Sidewall Labeling.......5-45
Tire Terminology and
Denitions.......................5-48
Ination - Tire Pressure. . . .5-51
Tire Pressure Monitor
System............................5-52
Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation........................5-54
Tire Inspection and
Rotation..........................5-57
When It Is Time for
New Tires.......................5-58
Buying New Tires.............5-59
Different Size Tires and
Wheels............................5-61
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading...........................5-62
Wheel Alignment and Tire
Balance...........................5-63
Wheel Replacement..........5-64
Tire Chains.......................5-65
If a Tire Goes Flat............5-66
Changing a Flat Tire.........5-66
Removing the Spare Tire
and Tools (H3)................5-68
Removing the Spare Tire
and Tools (H3T)..............5-69
Removing the Flat Tire
and Installing the
Spare Tire
.......................5-72
Secondary Latch
System (H3T)..................5-76
Storing a Flat or Spare
Tire and Tools (H3).........5-78
Storing a Flat or Spare
Tire and Tools (H3T).......5-80
Spare Tire........................5-82
Appearance Care
Interior Cleaning................5-83
Fabric/Carpet....................5-84
Leather.............................5-85
Instrument Panel, Vinyl,
and Other Plastic
Surfaces
..........................5-85
Care of Safety Belts.........5-85
Weatherstrips....................5-86
Washing Your Vehicle.......5-86
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/
Lenses............................5-86
Finish Care.......................5-86
Windshield, Backglass,
and Wiper Blades............5-87
Aluminum or
Chrome-Plated Wheels
and Trim
.........................5-88
Tires.................................5-89
Sheet Metal Damage........5-89
Finish Damage..................5-89
Underbody Maintenance. . . .5-89
Chemical Paint Spotting. . . .5-90
Vehicle Identication
Vehicle Identication
Number (VIN)..................5-90
Service Parts
Identication Label...........5-90
5-2 Service and Appearance Care

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

Jump Starting
If the vehicle’s battery has run
down, you may want to use another
vehicle and some jumper cables
to start your vehicle. Be sure to use
the following steps to do it safely.
{CAUTION
Batteries can hurt you. They can
be dangerous because:
They contain acid that can
burn you.
They contain gas that can
explode or ignite.
They contain enough
electricity to burn you.
If you do not follow these steps
exactly, some or all of these
things can hurt you.Notice:Ignoring these steps
could result in costly damage to
the vehicle that would not be
covered by the warranty.
Trying to start the vehicle by
pushing or pulling it will not work,
and it could damage the vehicle.
1. Check the other vehicle.
It must have a 12-volt battery
with a negative ground system.
Notice:If the other vehicle’s
system is not a 12-volt system
with a negative ground, both
vehicles can be damaged. Only
use vehicles with 12-volt systems
with negative grounds to jump
start your vehicle.2. Get the vehicles close enough so
the jumper cables can reach,
but be sure the vehicles are not
touching each other. If they
are, it could cause a ground
connection you do not want.
You would not be able to start
your vehicle, and the bad
grounding could damage the
electrical systems.
To avoid the possibility of the
vehicles rolling, set the parking
brake rmly on both vehicles
involved in the jump start
procedure. Put an automatic
transmission in P (Park) or
a manual transmission in
Neutral before setting the
parking brake. If you have a
four-wheel-drive vehicle,
be sure the transfer case is
not in Neutral.
5-34 Service and Appearance Care

Rear Axle
When to Check and Change
Lubricant
It is not necessary to regularly
check rear axle uid unless a leak is
suspected or an unusual noise is
heard. A uid loss could indicate a
problem. Have it inspected and
repaired.
How to Check Lubricant
To get an accurate reading, the
vehicle should be on a level surface.A. Rear Axle
B. Filler Plug
The proper level for the rear axle uid
is 0 to 3/8 inch (0 mm to 10 mm)
below the bottom of the ller plug
hole, located on the rear axle.
What to Use
SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-12to
determine which kind of lubricant
to use.
Four-Wheel Drive
It is recommended that the
four-wheel drive transfer case uid
be checked and lled by the
dealer/retailer.
5-38 Service and Appearance Care