2006 HUMMER H2 towing

The main components of your instrument panel are the following:
A. Air Outlets. SeeOutlet Adjustment on page 3-28.
B. Exterior Lamps Control. SeeExterior Lamps
on page 3-14.
C. Heated Windshield Washer Control (If Equipped).
SeeWindshield Washer on page 3-9.
D. OnStar
®and Radio Steering Wheel Buttons. See
OnStar®System on page 2-48andAudio Steering
Wheel Controls on page 3-110.
E. Instrument Panel Cluster. SeeInstrument Panel
Cluster on page 3-30.
F. Locking Rear Axle and Full-Time Four-Wheel Drive
Buttons. SeeLocking Rear Axle on page 4-10
andFull-Time Four-Wheel Drive on page 2-30.
G. Audio System. SeeAudio System(s) on page 3-61.
H. Airbag Switch. SeeAirbag Off Switch on page 1-65.
I. Glove Box. SeeGlove Box on page 2-54.
J. Midgate Glass Up/Down Switch (SUT). See
Midgate
®(SUT) on page 2-12. Rear Wiper/Washer
Switch (SUV). SeeRear Window Wiper/Washer
(SUV) on page 3-10.
K. Dome Override Button. SeeDome Lamp Override
on page 3-18.
L. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever. SeeTurn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-7.M. Tilt Lever. SeeTilt Wheel on page 3-6.
N. Driver Information Center (DIC) Buttons. SeeDriver
Information Center (DIC) on page 3-45.
O. Parking Brake Release. SeeParking Brake on
page 2-34.
P. Traction Control Button. SeeTraction Control
System (TCS) on page 4-9.
Q. Tow/Haul Selector Button. See “Tow/Haul Mode”
underTowing a Trailer on page 4-63.
R. Ride Height Selector Button (If Equipped). See
Selectable Extended Rear Ride Height on page 4-61.
S. Cigarette Lighter or Accessory Power Outlet (If
Equipped). SeeAshtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter on
page 3-22orAccessory Power Outlet(s) on
page 3-21.
T. Shift Lever. SeeAutomatic Transmission Operation
on page 2-27.
U. Accessory Power Outlets. SeeAccessory Power
Outlet(s) on page 3-21.
V. OnStar Buttons. SeeOnStar
®System on page 2-48.
W. Rear Window Defogger Button. See “Rear Window
Defogger” underDual Automatic Climate Control
System on page 3-22.
X. Climate Control System. SeeDual Automatic
Climate Control System on page 3-22.
3-5

You can only drive for a short time with the reading in
either warning zone. If you must drive, turn off all
unnecessary accessories.
Readings in either warning zone indicate a possible
problem in the electrical system. Have the vehicle
serviced as soon as possible.
Brake System Warning Light
With the ignition on, the brake system warning light will
ash when you set the parking brake. The light will ash if
the parking brake does not release fully. If you try to drive
with the parking brake engaged, a chime will sound when
the vehicle speed is greater than 3 mph (5 km/h).
Your vehicle’s hydraulic brake system is divided into
two parts. If one part is not working, the other part can
still work and stop you. For good braking, though,
you need both parts working well.
If the warning light comes on and a chime sounds there
could be a brake problem. Have your brake system
inspected right away.This light should come on briey when you turn the
ignition key to RUN. If it does not come on then, have it
xed so it will be ready to warn you if there’s a problem.
If the light comes on while you are driving, pull off the
road and stop carefully. You may notice that the pedal is
harder to push or may go closer to the oor. It may
take longer to stop. If the light is still on, have the vehicle
towed for service. SeeTowing Your Vehicle on
page 4-59.
{CAUTION:
Your brake system may not be working properly
if the brake system warning light is on. Driving
with the brake system warning light on can lead
to an accident. If the light is still on after you
have pulled off the road and stopped carefully,
have the vehicle towed for service.
United States
Canada
3-35

If the transmission uid reaches temperatures of
approximately 275°F (135°C) or greater, the DIC will
display a TRANS HOT IDLE ENGINE warning message
and a chime will sound. Pull the vehicle off the
roadway when it is safe to do so. Set the parking brake,
place the transmission in PARK (P) and allow the
engine to idle until the transmission temperature falls
below 260°F (127°C). If the transmission continues
to operate above 265°F (130°C), please contact your
nearest dealer or the GM Roadside Assistance Center.
SeeDriver Information Center (DIC) on page 3-45
for further information.
Notice:If you drive your vehicle with the
transmission temperature gage above normal
operating range, you can damage the transmission.
This could lead to costly repairs that would not
be covered by your warranty. Do not drive your
vehicle while the transmission temperature gage
reading is above normal. See your dealer for service.The following situations can cause the transmission to
operate at higher temperatures:
Towing a trailer,
hot outside air temperatures,
hauling a large or heavy load,
low transmission uid level,
high transmission uid level,
restricted air ow to the radiator.
A temporary solution to hotter transmission operating
temperatures may be to let the transmission cool down. If
the transmission is operated at higher temperatures on a
frequent basis, seeScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4
for the proper transmission maintenance intervals.
3-38

If the Light is Flashing
The following may prevent more serious damage to
your vehicle:
Reducing vehicle speed
Avoiding hard accelerations
Avoiding steep uphill grades
If you are towing a trailer, reduce the amount of
cargo being hauled as soon as it is possible
If the light stops ashing and remains on steady, see “If
the Light Is On Steady” following.
If the light continues to ash, when it is safe to do so,
stop the vehicle. Find a safe place to park your vehicle.
Turn the key off, wait at least 10 seconds and restart
the engine. If the light remains on steady, see “If
the Light Is On Steady” following. If the light is still
ashing, follow the previous steps, and see your dealer
for service as soon as possible.
If the Light Is On Steady
You may be able to correct the emission system
malfunction by considering the following:
Did you recently put fuel into your vehicle?
If so, reinstall the fuel cap, making sure to fully install
the cap. SeeFilling the Tank on page 5-8. The
diagnostic system can determine if the fuel cap hasbeen left off or improperly installed. A loose or missing
fuel cap will allow fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere.
A few driving trips with the cap properly installed
should turn the light off.
Did you just drive through a deep puddle of water?
If so, your electrical system may be wet. The condition
will usually be corrected when the electrical system
dries out. A few driving trips should turn the light off.
Have you recently changed brands of fuel?
If so, be sure to fuel your vehicle with quality fuel. See
Gasoline Octane on page 5-5. Poor fuel quality will
cause your engine not to run as efficiently as designed.
You may notice this as stalling after start-up, stalling
when you put the vehicle into gear, misring, hesitation
on acceleration, or stumbling on acceleration. (These
conditions may go away once the engine is warmed up.)
This will be detected by the system and cause the
light to turn on.
If you experience one or more of these conditions,
change the fuel brand you use. It will require at least
one full tank of the proper fuel to turn the light off.
If none of the above steps have made the light turn off,
your dealer can check the vehicle. Your dealer has the
proper test equipment and diagnostic tools to x any
mechanical or electrical problems that may have
developed.
3-40

Cruise Control Light
The cruise light comes on
whenever you set your
cruise control. See “Cruise
Control” underTurn
Signal/Multifunction Lever
on page 3-7.
Highbeam On Light
This light will come on
when the high-beam
headlamps are in use.
SeeHeadlamp High/Low-Beam Changer on page 3-8.
Tow/Haul Mode Light
This light is displayed
when the tow/haul mode
has been activated.
For more information, see “Tow/Haul Mode” under
Towing a Trailer on page 4-63.
3-43

If the vehicle has the Tow/Haul mode, use this feature if
the transmission is operating at higher temperatures
and/or the following situations exist, which can cause the
transmission to operate at higher temperatures:
Towing a trailer
Hot outside air temperatures
Hauling a large or heavy load
Over-loading
Low transmission uid level
High transmission uid level
Restricted air ow to the radiator and the
auxiliary transmission oil cooler, if your vehicle has
this feature
A temporary solution to hotter transmission operating
temperatures may be to let the transmission cool down.
If the transmission is operated at higher temperatures
on a frequent basis, seeScheduled Maintenance
on page 6-4for the transmission your vehicle is
equipped with for the proper transmission maintenance
intervals. Also seeTransmission Temperature Gage
on page 3-37for more information.
TURN SIGNAL ON
If a turn signal is left on for 3/4 of a mile (1.2 km), this
message will appear on the display and you will hear a
chime. Move the turn signal/multifunction lever to the
off position. Pressing any of the four DIC buttons or the
trip odometer reset stem will clear the message from
the DIC display.
DIC Vehicle Customization
Your vehicle may have customization capabilities that
allow you to program some features to one personalized
setting based on your preference. All of the
customizable options listed may not be available on
your vehicle. Only the options available will be displayed
on your Driver Information Center (DIC).
The default settings for the customization features were
set when your vehicle left the factory, but may have
been changed from their default state since then.
To change feature preferences, make sure the ignition
is on and the vehicle is in PARK (P). Press the
customization button to scroll through the available
customizable options.
After pressing the customization button, VEHICLE
SETTINGS will momentarily display before going to a
customization option.
3-55

Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle..........4-2
Defensive Driving...........................................4-2
Drunken Driving.............................................4-3
Control of a Vehicle........................................4-5
Braking.........................................................4-6
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).........................4-7
Braking in Emergencies...................................4-8
Traction Control System (TCS).........................4-9
Locking Rear Axle........................................4-10
Steering......................................................4-11
Off-Road Recovery.......................................4-13
Passing.......................................................4-13
Loss of Control.............................................4-15
Off-Road Driving...........................................4-16
Assist Steps.................................................4-34
Driving at Night............................................4-38
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads..................4-39
City Driving..................................................4-41
Freeway Driving...........................................4-42
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.......................4-43Highway Hypnosis........................................4-43
Hill and Mountain Roads................................4-44
Winter Driving..............................................4-46
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud,
Ice or Snow..............................................4-50
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out.................4-50
Recovery Loops...........................................4-51
First Aid Kit and Tool Kit...............................4-52
Front Mounted Receiver.................................4-53
Power Winch Platform...................................4-54
Loading Your Vehicle....................................4-55
Towing..........................................................4-59
Towing Your Vehicle.....................................4-59
Recreational Vehicle Towing...........................4-60
Selectable Extended Rear Ride Height.............4-61
Electronically Controlled Air
Suspension System...................................4-62
Towing a Trailer...........................................4-63
Trailer Recommendations...............................4-76
Section 4 Driving Your Vehicle
4-1

If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand,
Mud, Ice or Snow
In order to free your vehicle when it is stuck, you will
need to spin the wheels, but you do not want to
spin your wheels too fast. The method known as rocking
can help you get out when you are stuck, but you
must use caution.
{CAUTION:
If you let your tires spin at high speed, they can
explode, and you or others could be injured.
And, the transmission or other parts of the
vehicle can overheat. That could cause an
engine compartment re or other damage.
When you are stuck, spin the wheels as little as
possible. Do not spin the wheels above 35 mph
(55 km/h) as shown on the speedometer.
Notice:Spinning your wheels can destroy parts of
your vehicle as well as the tires. If you spin the
wheels too fast while shifting your transmission
back and forth, you can destroy your transmission.
For more information about using tire chains on your
vehicle, seeTire Chains on page 5-67.
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out
First, turn your steering wheel left and right. That
will clear the area around your front wheels. Your vehicle
has a traction control system that will activate when
the system senses that the wheels are spinning.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 4-9for
more information. Then, with the wheels straight ahead,
shift back and forth between REVERSE (R) and a
forward gear, spinning the wheels as little as possible.
Release the accelerator pedal while you shift, and press
lightly on the accelerator pedal when the transmission
is in gear. By slowly spinning your wheels in the forward
and reverse directions, you will cause a rocking
motion that may free your vehicle. If that does not get
you out after a few tries, you may need to be towed out.
Or, you can use your recovery loops. If you do need
to be towed out, seeTowing Your Vehicle on page 4-59.
4-50