2009 HUMMER H3 lock

automatically disabled. See
Full-Time Four-Wheel Drive on
page 2-24for more information. It is
recommended to leave the system
on for normal driving conditions,
but it may be necessary to turn the
system off if the vehicle is stuck
in sand, mud, ice, or snow, and it is
necessary to “rock” the vehicle to
attempt to free it. SeeIf Your
Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice,
or Snow on page 4-33.
To turn the system off, press and
hold the TCS/StabiliTrak button until
the traction off light comes on.
This light comes on steady when
TCS has been turned off. This light
ashes when StabiliTrak is active.To Turn off TCS and StabiliTrak,
press and hold the TCS/StabiliTrak
button until the STAB SYS OFF
message displays on the DIC. Press
and release the TCS/StabiliTrak
button again to turn StabiliTrak
back on. See “Traction Control
System (TCS)”, following, for more
information on turning TCS off
and on.
Traction Control
System (TCS)
The 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, TCS reduces
engine power. The system may
be heard or felt while it is working.
This is normal and does not
mean there is a problem with the
vehicle.TCS can operate on dry roads
under some conditions. When this
happens, the system may be
heard working or a reduction in
acceleration may be noticed. This is
normal and does not mean there
is a problem with the 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 cruise control is being used when
TCS begins to limit wheel spin,
the cruise control automatically
disengages. The cruise control
can be re-engaged when road
conditions allow. SeeCruise Control
on page 3-9for more information.
TRACTION FAULT appears on
the Driver information Center (DIC)
when a TCS or antilock brake
system problem has been detected
and the vehicle needs service.
When this message is on, the
system will not limit wheel spin.
Driving Your Vehicle 4-7

Adjust your driving accordingly. See
DIC Warnings and Messages on
page 3-37for more information.
It is recommended to leave
the system on for normal driving
conditions, but it may be necessary
to turn the system off if the
vehicle is stuck in sand, mud, ice, or
snow, and it is necessary to
“rock” the vehicle to attempt to free
it. SeeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck
in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow
on page 4-33for more information.
To turn the system off, press and
release the TCS/StabiliTrak
®button.When TCS has been turned off, this
light comes on steady and TRAC
OFF appears on the DIC. This light
ashes when TCS is active.
Press and release the
TCS/StabiliTrak button again to turn
the system back on. The TRAC
OFF message then goes off. TCS
automatically comes on whenever
the vehicle is started and resets
itself at each ignition cycle.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer
accessories can affect the vehicle’s
performance. SeeAccessories
and Modifications on page 5-3.
Locking Rear Axle
For vehicles with this feature,
additional traction can be obtained
from the rear wheels when
traveling in off-road situations such
as mud, snow, sand, steep hills
and uneven terrain.
The button used to turn this feature
on or off is located on the
instrument panel.
To lock the rear axle, do the
following:
1. Place the transfer case in the
4LO Lock mode. This is the
only mode which will allow
the rear axle to lock. See
Full-Time Four-Wheel Drive on
page 2-24for more information
regarding the transfer case
and 4LO Lock mode.
4-8 Driving Your Vehicle

2. Press the rear axle locking
button with the vehicle moving
less than 16 mph (26 km/h).
The light in the button stops ashing
and remains illuminated when 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 wheel 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
4LO 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.
Locking Front Axle
For vehicles with this feature, the
locking front axle, used with
the locking rear axle, can give the
vehicle additional traction when
traveling in off-road situations such
as mud, snow, sand, steep hills
and uneven terrain.
The button used to turn the locking
front axle on or off is located on
the instrument panel.Before the front axle can be locked,
the rear axle must be locked.
To lock the front and rear axles:
1. Place the transfer case in
the 4LO Lock mode. This is the
only mode which allows the
front and rear axles to lock. See
Full-Time Four-Wheel Drive
on page 2-24for more
information regarding the transfer
case and 4LO Lock mode.
2. Press the rear axle locking
button with the vehicle moving
less than 16 mph (26 km/h).
3. Wait for the light in the button
to stop ashing and remain
illuminated to show that the rear
axle is locked.
4. Press the front axle locking
button with the vehicle stopped
or moving less than 16 mph
(26 km/h).
Driving Your Vehicle 4-9

5. Wait for the light in the button
to stop ashing and remain
illuminated to show that the front
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.
Locking axles will be disengaged
when the wheel 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
4LO 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.
4-10 Driving Your Vehicle

Steering in Emergencies
There are times when steering can
be more effective than braking.
For example, you come over a hill
and nd a truck stopped in your
lane, or a car suddenly pulls
out from nowhere, or a child darts
out from between parked cars
and stops right in front of you. These
problems can be avoided by
braking — if you can stop in time.
But sometimes you cannot stop
in time because there is no room.
That is the time for evasive
action —steering around the
problem.
The vehicle can perform very well in
emergencies like these. First
apply the brakes. SeeBraking on
page 4-3. It is better to remove
as much speed as possible from a
collision. Then steer around the
problem, to the left or right
depending on the space available.An emergency like this requires
close attention and a quick decision.
If holding the steering wheel at
the recommended 9 and 3 o’clock
positions, it can be turned a full
180 degrees very quickly without
removing either hand. But you have
to act fast, steer quickly, and just
as quickly straighten the wheel once
you have avoided the object.
The fact that such emergency
situations are always possible is a
good reason to practice defensive
driving at all times and wear
safety belts properly.
Off-Road Recovery
The vehicle’s right wheels can drop
off the edge of a road onto the
shoulder while driving.
If the level of the shoulder is only
slightly below the pavement,
recovery should be fairly easy. Ease
off the accelerator and then, if
there is nothing in the way, steer
so that the vehicle straddles
the edge of the pavement.
Driving Your Vehicle 4-11

Of course, traction is reduced when
water, snow, ice, gravel, or other
material is on the road. For safety,
slow down and adjust your
driving to these conditions. It is
important to slow down on slippery
surfaces because stopping
distance will be longer and vehicle
control more limited.
While driving on a surface with
reduced traction, try your best to
avoid sudden steering, acceleration,
or braking, including reducing
vehicle speed by shifting to a lower
gear. Any sudden changes could
cause the tires to slide. You may not
realize the surface is slippery until
the vehicle is skidding. Learn to
recognize warning clues — such as
enough water, ice, or packed
snow on the road to make a
mirrored surface — and slow down
when you have any doubt.
Remember: Any Antilock Brake
System (ABS) helps avoid only the
braking skid.Off-Road Driving
The airbag system is designed to
work properly under a wide range
of conditions, including off-road
usage. Always wear your safety belt
and observe safe driving speeds,
especially on rough terrain.
Drinking and driving can be very
dangerous on any road and this is
certainly true for off-road driving.
At the very time you need special
alertness and driving skills, your
reexes, perceptions, and judgment
can be affected by even a small
amount of alcohol. You could
have a serious — or even
fatal — accident if you drink and
drive or ride with a driver who has
been drinking.Off-roading can be great fun
but has some denite hazards. The
greatest of these is the terrain
itself. When off-road driving, traffic
lanes are not marked, curves are not
banked, and there are no road
signs. Surfaces can be slippery,
rough, uphill, or downhill.
Avoid sharp turns and abrupt
maneuvers. Failure to operate the
vehicle correctly off-road could result
in loss of vehicle control or vehicle
rollover.
Off-roading involves some new
skills. That is why it is very important
that you read these driving tips
and suggestions to help make
off-road driving safer and more
enjoyable.
Driving Your Vehicle 4-13

You will nd other important
information underLoading the
Vehicle on page 4-35andTires on
page 5-44.
Environmental Concerns
Off-road driving can provide
wholesome and satisfying
recreation. However, it also raises
environmental concerns. We
recognize these concerns and urge
every off-roader to follow these
basic rules for protecting the
environment:
Always use established trails,
roads, and areas that have
been specially set aside for public
off-road recreational driving
and obey all posted regulations.
Avoid any driving practice that
could damage shrubs, owers,
trees, or grasses or disturb
wildlife. This includes
wheel-spinning, breaking down
trees, or unnecessary driving
through streams or over
soft ground.
Always carry a litter bag and
make sure all refuse is removed
from any campsite before
leaving.
Take extreme care with open
res (where permitted), camp
stoves, and lanterns.
Never park your vehicle over dry
grass or other combustible
materials that could catch re
from the heat of the vehicle’s
exhaust system.
Traveling to Remote Areas
It makes sense to plan your
trip, especially when going to a
remote area. Know the terrain and
plan your route. Get accurate
maps of trails and terrain. Check to
see if there are any blocked or
closed roads.
It is also a good idea to travel
with at least one other vehicle in
case something happens to one
of them.
For vehicles with a winch, be sure
to read the winch instructions.
In a remote area, a winch can be
handy if you get stuck but you
will want to know how to use
it properly.
Driving Your Vehicle 4-15

The vehicle should be able to
traverse a 40% (22 degrees) side
slope at 6 mph (9.7 km/h) while fully
loaded on high friction surfaces.The vehicle can climb a
16 inch (40.6 cm) vertical step.
Step climbing is best done by
approaching the step at an angle
rather than straight on.
Brake and Accelerator
Operation Techniques for
Off-Road Driving
For logs, walls, rocks, severe
ditches, hills, sand, etc.
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete
stop. Do not rev the engine.
2. Select the proper transmission
and transfer case gear
range; usually 1 (First) gear,
Four-Wheel-Low Lock for such
obstacles.3. If wheel spin is experienced,
maintain steady throttle, with
your foot off the brake pedal, to
allow the Traction Control
System (TCS) to control the
wheel spin. TCS might not
operate if the brakes are applied.
4. If wheel spin cannot be controlled
by the TCS system, fully press
the brake pedal with your left foot
so all wheel spin is stopped.
5. Back away from the obstacle
so that a new approach can
be tried.
6. As the rst wheel crosses the
obstacle, be prepared to
alternate the brake and
accelerator pedal to maintain
control and avoid tire drop-off
from obstacles. Repeat this
process for the other wheels.
Driving Your Vehicle 4-17