2009 HUMMER H2 traction control

Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols that may be found on
the vehicle and what they mean. For more information
on the symbol, refer to the index.
9:Airbag Readiness Light
#:Air Conditioning
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
g:Audio Steering Wheel Controls or OnStar®
$:Brake System Warning Light
":Charging System
I:Cruise Control
B:Engine Coolant Temperature
O:Exterior Lamps
#:Fog Lamps
.:Fuel Gage
+:Fuses
i:Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
j:LATCH System Child Restraints
*:Malfunction Indicator Lamp
::Oil Pressure
}:Power
/:Remote Vehicle Start
>:Safety Belt Reminders
7:Tire Pressure Monitor
_:Tow/Haul Mode
F:Traction Control
M:Windshield Washer Fluid
iv

Cruise Grade Braking
Cruise Grade Braking operates while Cruise Control
is engaged in Tow/Haul mode to assist in maintaining
vehicle speed under loaded vehicle conditions. Cruise
Grade Braking assists when driving on a downhill grade.
It maintains vehicle speed by automatically implementing
a shift schedule that uses the engine and the
transmission to slow the vehicle. If vehicle speed is
above the desired speed the transmission will downshift
to slow the vehicle. If vehicle speed is near or below
desired speed the trans will upshift, allowing vehicle
speed to increase.
While in the Range Select Mode (RSM) mode, cruise
grade braking is not available.
SeeAutomatic Transmission Operation on page 2-32.
Full-Time Four-Wheel Drive
The Full-Time Four-Wheel Drive transfer case is
designed to constantly send the engine’s driving power
to all four wheels for extra traction. To get the most
out of Full-Time Four-Wheel Drive, you must be familiar
with its operation.
Notice:Driving on pavement in Four-Wheel
High Lock or Four Wheel Low Lock for extended
periods may cause premature wear on the vehicle
powertrain and tires. Do not drive in Four-Wheel
High Lock or Four-Wheel Low Lock on pavement
for extended periods.
2-37

The main components of the instrument panel are the following:
A.Outlet Adjustment on page 3-27.
B. Midgate Window Switch (SUT). SeePower Windows
on page 2-20.Rear Window Wiper/Washer on
page 3-11(SUV).
C.Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-8.
D.Instrument Panel Cluster on page 3-30.
E.Audio Steering Wheel Controls on page 3-129.
F.Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 3-46.
G.Analog Clock on page 3-21.
H.Airbag Off Switch on page 1-76.
I. Global Window Switch. SeePower Windows on
page 2-20.
J.Exterior Lamps on page 3-15.
K.Dome Lamp Override on page 3-18.Instrument
Panel Brightness on page 3-17. Heated Windshield
Washer Control (If Equipped). SeeWindshield
Washer on page 3-10.L.Cruise Control on page 3-12.Heated Steering Wheel
on page 3-7(If Equipped).
M.Tilt Wheel on page 3-6.
N.Horn on page 3-6.
O.Full-Time Four-Wheel Drive on page 2-37.
P.Locking Rear Axle on page 4-10.Tow/Haul Mode
on page 2-36.Traction Control System (TCS) on
page 4-9. Ride Height Selector Button (If Equipped).
SeeSelectable Extended Rear Ride Height on
page 4-52.
Q. Shift Lever. SeeAutomatic Transmission Operation
on page 2-32.
R.Accessory Power Outlet(s) on page 3-20.
S.Dual Automatic Climate Control System on
page 3-22.
T.Audio System(s) on page 3-72.
U.Glove Box on page 2-64.
3-5

Cruise Control
{CAUTION:
Cruise control can be dangerous where you cannot
drive safely at a steady speed. So, do not use the
cruise control on winding roads or in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous on slippery roads.
On such roads, fast changes in tire traction can
cause excessive wheel slip, and you could lose
control. Do not use cruise control on slippery roads.
With cruise control, a speed of about 25 mph (40 km/h)
or more can be maintained without keeping your foot
on the accelerator. This can really help on long trips.
Cruise control does not work at speeds below about
25 mph (40 km/h).
When the brakes are applied, cruise control is
turned off.
If the vehicle has the StabiliTrak
®system or Traction
Control system (TCS) and begins to limit wheel spin
while you are using cruise control, the cruise control
automatically disengages. SeeStabiliTrak
®System on
page 4-6orTraction Control System (TCS) on page 4-9.
When road conditions allow the cruise control to be safely
uses again, it can be turned back on.The cruise control buttons
are located on the left side
of the steering wheel.
T(On/Off):Press to turn the system on or off.
The indicator light on the button turns on when cruise
control is on and turns off when cruise control is off.
+ RES (Resume/Accelerate):Press to make the
vehicle accelerate or resume to a previously set speed.
SET−(Set/Coast):Press to set the speed or make
the vehicle decelerate.
[(Cancel):Press to cancel cruise control without
erasing the set speed from memory.
3-12

SERVICE BRAKES SOON
This message displays if there is a problem with the
brake system. If this message appears, stop as soon
as possible and turn off the vehicle. Restart the vehicle
and check for the message on the DIC display. If the
message is still displayed or appears again when
you begin driving, the brake system needs service.
See your dealer/retailer.
SERVICE STABILITRAK
This message displays when there may be a problem
with the StabiliTrak®system. If you see this message, try
to reset the system. Stop; turn off the engine for at least
15 seconds; then start the engine again. If this message
still comes on, it means there is a problem. You should
see your dealer/retailer for service. The vehicle is safe to
drive, however, you do not have the benet of StabiliTrak,
so reduce your speed and drive accordingly.
SERVICE SUSPENSION SYSTEM
On some models, this message displays if a problem
occurs with the suspension system. If this message
appears, stop as soon as possible and turn off
the vehicle. Restart the vehicle and check for the
message on the DIC display. If the message is still
displayed, or appears again when you begin driving,
there is a problem with the air suspension system.
See your dealer/retailer for service.
SERVICE THEFT DETERRENT SYSTEM
This message displays when there is a problem with
the theft-deterrent system. The vehicle may or may not
restart so you may want to take the vehicle to your
dealer/retailer before turning off the engine. See
PASS-Key
®III+ Electronic Immobilizer Operation
on page 2-26for more information.
SERVICE TIRE MONITOR SYSTEM
On vehicles with the Tire Pressure Monitor
System (TPMS), this message displays if a part
on the TPMS is not working properly. The tire pressure
light also ashes and then remains on during the same
ignition cycle. SeeTire Pressure Light on page 3-39.
Several conditions may cause this message to appear.
SeeTire Pressure Monitor Operation on page 5-66for
more information. If the warning comes on and stays
on, there may be a problem with the TPMS. See your
dealer/retailer.
SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL
This message displays when there is a problem with
the Traction Control System (TCS). When this message
displays, the system will not limit wheel spin. Adjust
your driving accordingly. See your dealer/retailer
for service. SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on
page 4-9andStabiliTrak
®System on page 4-6for
more information.
3-61

TRACTION CONTROL OFF
This message displays when you turn off the Traction
Control System (TCS) or when the TCS has been
automatically disabled. Adjust your driving accordingly.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 4-9
andStabiliTrak
®System on page 4-6for more
information.
TCS may be automatically disabled due to overheating,
which could occur if the TCS activates continuously
for an extended period of time.
TRANSMISSION HOT IDLE ENGINE
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the
transmission uid is overheating and the
transmission temperature warning is displayed
on the instrument panel cluster and/or DIC, you
can damage the transmission. This could lead to
costly repairs that would not be covered by your
warranty. Do not drive your vehicle with overheated
transmission uid or while the transmission
temperature warning is displayed.This message displays along with a continuous chime
if the transmission uid in the vehicle gets hot. Driving
with the transmission uid temperature high can cause
damage to the vehicle. Stop the vehicle and let it idle to
allow the transmission to cool. This message clears and
the chime stops when the uid temperature reaches a
safe level.
TURN SIGNAL ON
This message displays and a chime sounds if a turn
signal is left on for 3/4 of a mile (1.2 km). Move the turn
signal/multifunction lever to the off position.
WASHER FLUID LOW ADD FLUID
This message displays when the windshield washer uid
is low. Fill the windshield washer uid reservoir as soon
as possible. SeeEngine Compartment Overview on
page 5-14for the location of the windshield washer
uid reservoir. Also, seeWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-37for more information.
3-63

Your Driving, the Road, and the Vehicle............4-2
Driving for Better Fuel Economy.......................4-2
Defensive Driving...........................................4-2
Drunk Driving.................................................4-3
Control of a Vehicle........................................4-3
Braking.........................................................4-4
Antilock Brake System (ABS)...........................4-5
Braking in Emergencies...................................4-6
StabiliTrak
®System........................................4-6
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.............................................4-13
Off-Road Driving...........................................4-15
Assist Steps.................................................4-33
Driving at Night............................................4-33
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads..................4-34
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.......................4-35Highway Hypnosis........................................4-35
Hill and Mountain Roads................................4-36
Winter Driving..............................................4-37
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud,
Ice, or Snow.............................................4-39
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out.................4-40
Recovery Loops...........................................4-40
First Aid Kit and Tool Kit...............................4-42
Front Mounted Receiver.................................4-43
Power Winch Platform...................................4-43
Loading the Vehicle......................................4-44
Towing..........................................................4-50
Towing Your Vehicle.....................................4-50
Recreational Vehicle Towing...........................4-50
Selectable Extended Rear Ride Height.............4-52
Electronically Controlled Air Suspension
System....................................................4-53
Towing a Trailer...........................................4-55
Trailer Recommendations...............................4-68
Section 4 Driving Your Vehicle
4-1

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.
Combine several trips into a single trip.
Replace the vehicle’s tires with the same TPC Spec
number molded into the tire’s sidewall near the size.
Follow recommended scheduled maintenance.
Defensive Driving
Defensive driving means “always expect the
unexpected.” The rst step in driving defensively is to
wear your safety belt — SeeSafety Belts: They Are for
Everyone on page 1-20.
{CAUTION:
Assume that other road users (pedestrians,
bicyclists, and other drivers) are going to be
careless and make mistakes. Anticipate what they
might do and be ready. In addition:
Allow enough following distance between you
and the driver in front of you.
Focus on the task of driving.
Driver distraction can cause collisions resulting in
injury or possible death. These simple defensive
driving techniques could save your life.
4-2