2009 HUMMER H2 battery

AM
The range for most AM stations is greater than for FM,
especially at night. The longer range can cause station
frequencies to interfere with each other. For better radio
reception, most AM radio stations boost the power levels
during the day, and then reduce these levels during the
night. Static can also occur when things like storms and
power lines interfere with radio reception. When this
happens, try reducing the treble on the radio.
FM Stereo
FM signals only reach about 10 to 40 miles
(16 to 65 km). Although the radio has a built-in electronic
circuit that automatically works to reduce interference,
some static can occur, especially around tall buildings
or hills, causing the sound to fade in and out.
XM™ Satellite Radio Service
XM Satellite Radio Service gives digital radio reception
from coast-to-coast in the 48 contiguous United States,
and in Canada. Just as with FM, tall buildings or hills can
interfere with satellite radio signals, causing the sound to
fade in and out. In addition, traveling or standing under
heavy foliage, bridges, garages, or tunnels may cause
loss of the XM signal for a period of time.
Cellular Phone Usage
Cellular phone usage may cause interference with the
vehicle’s radio. This interference may occur when making
or receiving phone calls, charging the phone’s battery,
or simply having the phone on. This interference causes
an increased level of static while listening to the radio.
If static is received while listening to the radio, unplug
the cellular phone and turn it off.
Fixed Mast Antenna
The xed mast antenna can withstand most car washes
without being damaged as long as it is securely attached
to the base. If the mast becomes slightly bent, straighten
it out by hand. If the mast is badly bent, replace it.
Occasionally check to make sure the antenna is
tightened to its base. If tightening is required, tighten
by hand until fully seated plus one quarter turn.
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna
System
The XM Satellite Radio antenna is located on the roof of
the vehicle. Keep the antenna clear of obstructions for
clear radio reception.
If the vehicle has a sunroof, the performance of the XM
system may be affected if the sunroof is open.
3-130

The light in the button must stop ashing and remain
illuminated before the rear axle is locked.
Notice:If you try to lock the axle while the vehicle
is stuck and the tires are spinning, the vehicle’s
drivetrain could be damaged. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle warranty. Always lock
the axle before attempting situations and/or
navigating terrain which could possibly cause the
vehicle to become stuck.
The locking rear axle will be disengaged when the
vehicle’s speed is greater than 40 mph (64 km/h), if the
vehicle’s battery is low and/or the transfer case is
shifted out of Four-Wheel-Low-Lock mode.
Notice:If the vehicle’s axle is locked while driving
on pavement, the drivetrain could be damaged.
Repairs would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Do not use the locking axle on pavement.
If four-wheel drive is needed when traveling on
pavement, use only 4HI.Steering
Power Steering
If power steering assist is lost because the engine stops
or the system is not functioning, the vehicle can be
steered but it will take more effort.
Steering Tips
It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
Traction in a curve depends on the condition of the tires
and the road surface, the angle at which the curve is
banked, and vehicle speed. While in a curve, speed is
the one factor that can be controlled.
If there is a need to reduce speed, do it before entering
the curve, while the front wheels are straight.
Try to adjust the speed so you can drive through the
curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait
to accelerate until out of the curve, and then accelerate
gently into the straightaway.
4-11

Repeat this until help arrives but only when you feel
really uncomfortable from the cold. Moving about
to keep warm also helps.
If it takes some time for help to arrive, now and then
when you run the engine, push the accelerator
pedal slightly so the engine runs faster than the idle
speed. This keeps the battery charged to restart
the vehicle and to signal for help with the headlamps.
Do this as little as possible to save fuel.
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand,
Mud, Ice, or Snow
Slowly and cautiously spin the wheels to free the
vehicle when stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow. See
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out on page 4-40.
If the vehicle has a traction system, it can often help
to free a stuck vehicle. Refer to the vehicle’s traction
system in the Index. If stuck too severely for the traction
system to free the vehicle, turn the traction system off
and use the rocking method.
{CAUTION:
If you let your vehicle’s tires spin at high speed,
they can explode, and you or others could be
injured. The vehicle can overheat, causing an
engine compartment re or other damage. Spin
the wheels as little as possible and avoid going
above 35 mph (55 km/h) as shown on the
speedometer.
For information about using tire chains on the vehicle,
seeTire Chains on page 5-77.
4-39

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.
Use the following procedure to tow the vehicle:
1. Shift the transmission to P (Park).
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 transmission is in P (Park). The
driver 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 2-37for 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 towing
vehicle.
7. Turn the ignition to ACC/ACCESSORY.
8. Disconnect the battery if the vehicle will be towed
for long distances or long periods of time.
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.
4-51

Maintenance When Trailer Towing
The vehicle needs service more often when pulling a
trailer. See this manual’s Maintenance Schedule or Index
for more information. Things that are especially important
in trailer operation are automatic transmission uid,
engine oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling system and brake
system. It is a good idea to inspect these before and
during the trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.
Trailer Wiring Harness
Heavy-Duty Trailer Wiring Harness
Package
The vehicle is equipped with the seven-wire trailer towing
harness. This harness with a seven-pin universal trailer
connector is attached to a bracket on the hitch platform.The seven-wire harness contains the following trailer
circuits:
Yellow: Left Stop/Turn Signal
Dark Green: Right Stop/Turn Signal
Brown: Taillamps
White: Ground
Light Green: Back-up Lamps
Red/Black: Battery Feed*
Dark Blue: Trailer Brake*
*There is a location in the Underhood Fuse Block for
these circuits, but they are not connected. They should
be connected, and proper fuses installed, by your
dealer/retailer or a qualied service center.
If charging a remote (non-vehicle) battery, press the
Tow/Haul mode button located at the end of the
shift lever. This will boost the vehicle system voltage
and properly charge the battery.
4-67

Electric Brake Control Wiring
Provisions
These wiring provisions are included with the vehicle
as part of the trailer wiring package. These provisions
are for an electric brake controller. The instrument panel
contains blunt cut wires near the data link connector
for the trailer brake controller. The harness contains
the following wires:
Dark Blue: Brake Signal to Trailer Connector
Red/Black: Battery
Light Blue/White: Brake Switch
White: Ground
It should be installed by your dealer/retailer or a
qualied service center.
Trailer Recommendations
Subtract the hitch loads from the Cargo Weight Rating
(CWR). CWR is the maximum weight of the load
the vehicle can carry. It does not include the weight of
the people inside, but you can gure about 150 lbs.
(68 kg) for each passenger. The total cargo load must
not be more than the vehicles CWR.
Weigh the vehicle with the trailer attached, so the GVWR
or GAWR are not exceeded. If using a weight-distributing
hitch, weigh the vehicle without the spring bars in place.
The best performance is obtained by correctly spreading
out the weight of the load and choosing the correct
hitch and trailer brakes.
For more information seeTowing a Trailer on page 4-55.
4-68

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................................................................5-5
Gasoline Octane............................................5-5
Gasoline Specications....................................5-5
California Fuel...............................................5-6
Additives.......................................................5-6
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)..................................5-7
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-8
Filling the Tank..............................................5-8
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................5-10
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-11
Hood Release..............................................5-12
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-14
Engine Oil...................................................5-15
Engine Oil Life System..................................5-18
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-20
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................5-23
Cooling System............................................5-27
Engine Coolant.............................................5-31
Engine Overheating.......................................5-33Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode.........................................5-35
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-36
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-37
Brakes........................................................5-38
Battery........................................................5-41
Jump Starting...............................................5-42
Rear Axle.......................................................5-47
Four-Wheel Drive............................................5-48
Front Axle......................................................5-49
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-50
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-50
Headlamps..................................................5-51
Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps..............5-52
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................5-52
Roof Marker Lamps......................................5-53
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Back-up Lamps.........................................5-54
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-55
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-56
Tires..............................................................5-57
Tire Sidewall Labeling...................................5-58
Tire Terminology and Denitions.....................5-60
Ination - Tire Pressure.................................5-63
Tire Pressure Monitor System.........................5-64
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

A. Coolant Surge Tank. SeeCooling System on
page 5-27.
B. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter and 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 Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-15.
E. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-15.
F. Air Filter Restriction Indicator (If Equipped).
SeeEngine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-20.
G. Automatic Transmission Fluid Dipstick. See
“Checking the Fluid Level” underAutomatic
Transmission Fluid on page 5-23.
H. Engine Cooling Fan. SeeCooling System on
page 5-27.
I. Remote Negative (−) Terminal (GND). SeeJump
Starting on page 5-42.
J. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir (Out of View).
SeePower Steering Fluid on page 5-36.K. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting on
page 5-42.
L. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid” under
Brakes on page 5-38.
M.Underhood Fuse Block on page 5-113.
N.Battery on page 5-41.
Engine Oil
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the engine oil level at each
fuel ll. 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 5-14for
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 this is not done, 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