2008 HUMMER H3 power steering

If you have an automatic transmission, the ignition
switch cannot be turned to LOCK/OFF unless the shift
lever is in PARK (P).
If the steering wheel is locked, move it from right to
left and turn the key to ACC/ACCESSORY. If none of
this works, then your vehicle needs service.
(B) ACC/ACCESSORY:This is the position in which
you can operate your electrical accessories or items
plugged into the accessory power outlets. On automatic
transmission vehicles, this position unlocks the
ignition. On manual transmission vehicles, it unlocks the
ignition and steering wheel. Use this position if your
vehicle must be pushed or towed.
(C) ON/RUN:This is the position that the switch returns
to after you start your engine and release the switch.
The switch stays in ON when the engine is running.
But even when the engine is not running, you can use
ON/RUN to operate the electrical accessories and
to display some instrument panel cluster warning and
indicator lights. The transmission is also unlocked in
this position on automatic transmission vehicles.
The battery could be drained if you leave the key in
the ACC/ACCESSORY or ON/RUN position with
the engine off. You may not be able to start your
vehicle if the battery is allowed to drain for an
extended period of time.START (D):This is the position that starts the engine.
When the engine starts, release the key. The ignition
switch returns to ON/RUN for driving.
When the engine is not running, ACC/ACCESSORY
and ON/RUN allows you to operate the electrical
accessories, such as the radio or items plugged into
the accessory power outlets.
A warning tone will sound if you open the driver’s
door when the ignition is in ACC/ACCESSORY or
LOCK/OFF and the key is in the ignition.
Key In the Ignition
Never leave your vehicle with the keys inside, as it is an
easy target for joy riders or thieves. If you leave the
key in the ignition and park your vehicle, a chime
will sound, when you open the driver’s door. Always
remember to remove your key from the ignition and take
it with you. This will lock your ignition and transmission.
Also, always remember to lock the doors.
The battery could be drained if you leave the key in the
ignition while your vehicle is parked. You may not be
able to start your vehicle after it has been parked for an
extended period of time.
2-19

Audio System(s)
Determine which radio your vehicle has and then read
the pages following to familiarize yourself with its
features.
{CAUTION:
This system provides you with far greater
access to audio stations and song listings.
Giving extended attention to entertainment
tasks while driving can cause a crash and you
or others can be injured or killed. Always keep
your eyes on the road and your mind on the
drive — avoid engaging in extended searching
while driving.
Keeping your mind on the drive is important for safe
driving. SeeDefensive Driving on page 4-2. Here
are some ways in which you can help avoid distraction
while driving.
While your vehicle is parked:
Familiarize yourself with all of its controls.
Familiarize yourself with its operation.
Set up your audio system by presetting your
favorite radio stations, setting the tone, and
adjusting the speakers. Then, when driving
conditions permit, you can tune to your favorite
radio stations using the presets and steering wheel
controls if the vehicle has them.
Notice:Before adding any sound equipment to
your vehicle, such as an audio system, CD player,
CB radio, mobile telephone, or two-way radio, make
sure that it can be added by checking with your
dealer/retailer. Also, check federal rules covering
mobile radio and telephone units. If sound
equipment can be added, it is very important to do
it properly. Added sound equipment may interfere
with the operation of your vehicle’s engine, radio,
or other systems, and even damage them. Your
vehicle’s systems may interfere with the operation
of sound equipment that has been added.
Your vehicle has a feature called Retained Accessory
Power (RAP). With RAP, the audio system can be
played even after the ignition is turned off. SeeRetained
Accessory Power (RAP) on page 2-20for more
information.
Setting the Time
Press and hold H until the correct hour and AM or PM
displays. Press and hold M until the correct minute
displays. The time can be set with the ignition on or off.
3-48

ABS can change the brake pressure faster than any
driver could. The computer is programmed to make the
most of available tire and road conditions. This can
help you steer around the obstacle while braking hard.
As you brake, the computer keeps receiving updates
on wheel speed and controls braking pressure
accordingly.
Remember: ABS does not change the time you need to
get your foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease
stopping distance. If you get too close to the vehicle
in front of you, you will not have time to apply the brakes
if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always leave
enough room up ahead to stop, even though you
have ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal down
rmly and let antilock work for you. You might feel the
brakes vibrate or notice some noise, but this is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
With ABS, you can steer and brake at the same time.
In many emergencies, steering can help you more
than even the very best braking.
Traction Control System (TCS)
Your vehicle has a Traction Control System (TCS) that
limits wheel spin. This is especially useful in slippery road
conditions. The system operates only if it senses that any
of the wheels are spinning or beginning to lose traction.
When this happens, the system applies the brakes to limit
wheel spin and also reduces engine power. You may feel
or hear the system working, but this is normal.
The Traction Control System may operate on dry roads
under some conditions. When this happens, you may
notice a reduction in acceleration or a pumping sound.
This is normal and doesn’t mean there’s a problem with
your vehicle. Examples of these conditions include hard
acceleration in a turn, an abrupt upshift or downshift of
the transmission or driving on rough roads.
If your vehicle is in cruise control when the TCS begins
to limit wheel spin, the cruise control will automatically
disengage. When road conditions allow you to safely
use it again, you may re-engage the cruise control.
SeeCruise Control on page 3-11.
If your vehicle has a Driver information Center (DIC),
a TRACTION FAULT message will appear when a
Traction Control System or Anti-Lock Brake System
problem has been detected and the vehicle needs
service. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-43
for more information.
4-5

StabiliTrak®comes on automatically whenever you
start your vehicle. However, when the transfer case is
placed in Four-Wheel-Low Lock mode, StabiliTrak
®
is automatically disabled. SeeFull-Time Four-Wheel
Drive on page 2-27for more information. To help assist
you with directional control of the vehicle, you should
always leave the system on. You can turn StabiliTrak
®
off if you ever need to using the TC (traction control)
on/off button. If you press and hold the TC button for
ve seconds, the StabiliTrak
®system and the traction
control system will turn off. When this is done, the
STAB SYS OFF message will be displayed on the DIC.
Press the TC button again to turn StabiliTrak
®back
on. SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 4-5.
If your vehicle is in cruise control when the StabiliTrak
®
activates, the cruise control will automatically
disengage. When road conditions allow you to safely
use it again, you may reengage the cruise control.
SeeCruise Control on page 3-11for more information.
Steering
Power Steering
If you lose power steering assist because the engine
stops or the system is not functioning, you can steer
but it will take much more effort.
Steering Tips
It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents mentioned
on the news happen on curves. Here is why:
Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject
to the same laws of physics when driving on curves.
The traction of the tires against the road surface makes
it possible for the vehicle to change its path when you
turn the front wheels. If there is no traction, inertia will
keep the vehicle going in the same direction. If you
have ever tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice, you will
understand this.
The traction you can get in a curve depends on the
condition of the tires and the road surface, the angle at
which the curve is banked, and your speed. While you
are in a curve, speed is the one factor you can control.
Suppose you are steering through a sharp curve.
Then you suddenly accelerate. Both control
systems — steering and acceleration — have to do their
work where the tires meet the road. Adding the sudden
acceleration can demand too much of those places.
You can lose control. SeeTraction Control System (TCS)
on page 4-5andStabiliTrak
®System on page 4-7.
What should you do if this ever happens? Ease up on
the accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle the way you
want it to go, and slow down.
4-8

Driving Uphill
Once you decide you can safely drive up the hill,
you need to take some special steps:
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
your speed. Do not use more power than you
need, because you do not want the wheels to
start spinning 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.
Do not continue if the vehicle shudders or exhibits
suspension hopping. This can cause damage to
the driveline or suspension components. Improper
driving technique is not covered by your vehicle
warranty.
{CAUTION:
Turning or driving across steep hills can be
dangerous. You could lose traction, slide
sideways, and possibly roll over. You could
be seriously injured or killed. When driving up
hills, always try to go straight up.
Try to drive straight up the hill if at all possible.
If the path twists and turns, you might want to
nd another route.
Ease up on your speed as you approach the top
of the hill.
Attach a ag to the vehicle to make you more
visible to approaching traffic on trails or hills.
4-23

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
Your Vehicle..............................................5-5
Fuel................................................................5-5
Gasoline Octane............................................5-5
Gasoline Specications....................................5-5
California Fuel...............................................5-6
Additives.......................................................5-6
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-7
Filling the Tank..............................................5-8
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................5-10
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-11
Hood Release..............................................5-11
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-12
Engine Oil...................................................5-15
Engine Oil Life System..................................5-18
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-20
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................5-21
Manual Transmission Fluid.............................5-24
Hydraulic Clutch...........................................5-26Engine Coolant.............................................5-27
Radiator Pressure Cap..................................5-29
Engine Overheating.......................................5-29
Cooling System............................................5-31
Engine Fan Noise.........................................5-36
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-36
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-37
Brakes........................................................5-38
Battery........................................................5-41
Jump Starting...............................................5-42
Rear Axle
.......................................................5-45
Four-Wheel Drive............................................5-46
Front Axle......................................................5-46
Headlamp Aiming...........................................5-46
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-49
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-49
Headlamps..................................................5-49
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Back-up Lamps.........................................5-50
License Plate Lamp......................................5-51
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-52
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-52
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

A. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-37.
B. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank. SeeEngine Coolant
on page 5-27.
C. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-20.
D. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. SeePower Steering
Fluid on page 5-36.
E. Automatic Transmission Fluid Dipstick (If Equipped).
See “Checking the Fluid Level” underAutomatic
Transmission Fluid on page 5-21.
F. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-15.
G. Radiator Pressure Cap. SeeCooling System on
page 5-31.H. Remote Negative (−) Terminal (GND). SeeJump
Starting on page 5-42.
I. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-15.
J. Positive (+) Battery Terminal. SeeJump Starting on
page 5-42.
K. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid” under
Brakes on page 5-38.
L. Engine Compartment Fuse Block. SeeEngine
Compartment Fuse Block on page 5-103.
M. Battery. SeeBattery on page 5-41.
N. Hydraulic Clutch Fluid Reservoir (If Equipped).
SeeHydraulic Clutch on page 5-26.
5-13

A. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-20.
B. Air Filter Restriction Indicator (If Equipped).
SeeEngine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-20.
C. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-37.
D. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank. SeeEngine Coolant
on page 5-27.
E. Automatic Transmission Fluid Dipstick (If Equipped).
See “Checking the Fluid Level” underAutomatic
Transmission Fluid on page 5-21.
F. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-15.
G. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-15.
H. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid” under
Brakes on page 5-38.
I. Battery. SeeBattery on page 5-41.
J. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. SeePower Steering
Fluid on page 5-36.
K. Radiator Pressure Cap. SeeCooling System on
page 5-31.
L. Engine Compartment Fuse Block. SeeEngine
Compartment Fuse Block on page 5-103.Engine Oil
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil
must be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-12for
the location of the engine oil dipstick.
1. Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes
to drain back into the oil pan. If you do not do this,
the oil dipstick might not show the actual level.
2. Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel
or cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it
again, keeping the tip down, and check the level.
5-15