2009 HUMMER H3 traction control

Police records show that almost
40 percent of all motor
vehicle-related deaths involve
alcohol. In most cases, these
deaths are the result of someone
who was drinking and driving.
In recent years, more than
17,000 annual motor vehicle-related
deaths have been associated
with the use of alcohol, with about
250,000 people injured.
For persons under 21, it is
against the law in every U.S. state
to drink alcohol. There are good
medical, psychological, and
developmental reasons for
these laws.
The obvious way to eliminate the
leading highway safety problem
is for people never to drink alcohol
and then drive.
Medical research shows that
alcohol in a person’s system can
make crash injuries worse,
especially injuries to the brain,
spinal cord, or heart. This means
that when anyone who hasbeen drinking — driver or
passenger — is in a crash, that
person’s chance of being killed or
permanently disabled is higher than
if the person had not been
drinking.
Control of a Vehicle
The following three systems
help to control the vehicle while
driving — brakes, steering,
and accelerator. At times, as when
driving on snow or ice, it is easy
to ask more of those control systems
than the tires and road can
provide. Meaning, you can lose
control of the vehicle. SeeTraction
Control System (TCS) on page 4-7.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer
accessories can affect vehicle
performance. SeeAccessories and
Modifications on page 5-3.
Braking
SeeBrake System Warning Light on
page 3-27.
Braking action involves perception
time and reaction time. Deciding
to push the brake pedal is
perception time. Actually doing
it is reaction time.
Average reaction time is about
three-fourths of a second. But that
is only an average. It might be
less with one driver and as long as
two or three seconds or more
with another. Age, physical
condition, alertness, coordination,
and eyesight all play a part. So
do alcohol, drugs, and frustration.
But even in three-fourths of a
second, a vehicle moving at 60 mph
(100 km/h) travels 66 feet (20 m).
That could be a lot of distance in an
emergency, so keeping enough
space between the vehicle
and others is important.
Driving Your Vehicle 4-3

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

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

Turn the steering wheel 3 to
5 inches, 8 to 13 cm, (about
one-eighth turn) until the right front
tire contacts the pavement edge.
Then turn the steering wheel to go
straight down the roadway.
Passing
Passing another vehicle on a
two-lane road can be dangerous. To
reduce the risk of danger while
passing:
Look down the road, to the sides,
and to crossroads for situations
that might affect a successful
pass. If in doubt, wait.
Watch for traffic signs,
pavement markings, and lines
that could indicate a turn or
an intersection. Never cross a
solid or double-solid line on your
side of the lane.
Do not get too close to the
vehicle you want to pass. Doing
so can reduce your visibility.
Wait your turn to pass a slow
vehicle.
When you are being passed,
ease to the right.
Loss of Control
Let us review what driving experts
say about what happens when
the three control systems — brakes,
steering, and acceleration — do
not have enough friction where the
tires meet the road to do what
the driver has asked.
In any emergency, do not give up.
Keep trying to steer and constantly
seek an escape route or area of
less danger.
Skidding
In a skid, a driver can lose control
of the vehicle. Defensive drivers
avoid most skids by taking
reasonable care suited to existing
conditions, and by not overdriving
those conditions. But skids are
always possible.The three types of skids
correspond to the vehicle’s three
control systems. In the braking
skid, the wheels are not rolling. In
the steering or cornering skid,
too much speed or steering in a
curve causes tires to slip and
lose cornering force. And in the
acceleration skid, too much
throttle causes the driving wheels
to spin.
Remember: Any traction control
system helps avoid only the
acceleration skid. If the traction
system is off, then an acceleration
skid is best handled by easing
your foot off the accelerator pedal.
SeeTraction Control System
(TCS) on page 4-7andStabiliTrak
®
System on page 4-6.
If the vehicle starts to slide, ease
your foot off the accelerator
pedal and quickly steer the way you
want the vehicle to go. If you
start steering quickly enough, the
vehicle may straighten out. Always
be ready for a second skid if it
occurs.
4-12 Driving Your Vehicle

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

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

For mounds, washouts, loose
up-hill slopes, ditches, etc.
When wheel spin occurs as the
vehicle is moving, the driver may
notice a slight shaking or shuddering
of the vehicle. This should be
stopped as soon as possible to
prevent damage to vehicle
components. This is the indication
that a loss of traction is occurring on
this terrain. The operator should:
1. Reduce speed and apply
the brakes.
2. Assess the terrain properly and
adjust vehicle speed and gear
ranges accordingly: Four-Wheel
High position for higher speeds
and Four-Wheel-Low Lock
for more torque and lower
speeds. Transmission 1 (First)
gear is generally recommended.3. Apply slight pressure to the
brake when the shaking or
shuddering sensation is felt,
keeping the vehicle moving in a
controlled manner.
4. Be prepared to alternate between
braking and accelerating through
the adverse terrain.
Getting Familiar with Off-Road
Driving
It is a good idea to practice in an
area that is safe and close to home
before you go into the wilderness.
Off-roading requires some new
and different skills.
Tune your senses to different
kinds of signals. Your eyes need
to constantly sweep the terrain
for unexpected obstacles. Your ears
need to listen for unusual tire or
engine sounds. Use your arms,
hands, feet, and body to respond to
vibrations and vehicle bounce.Controlling the vehicle is the key to
successful off-road driving. One of
the best ways to control the
vehicle is to control the speed.
At higher speeds:
You approach things faster and
have less time to react.
There is less time to scan the
terrain for obstacles.
The vehicle has more bounce
when driving over obstacles.
More braking distance is needed,
especially on an unpaved surface.
{CAUTION
When you are driving off-road,
bouncing and quick changes in
direction can easily throw you
out of position. This could cause
you to lose control and crash.
So, whether you are driving
on or off the road, you and
your passengers should wear
safety belts.
4-18 Driving Your Vehicle

Scanning the Terrain
Off-road driving can take you over
many different kinds of terrain.
Be familiar with the terrain and its
many different features.
Surface Conditions:Off-roading
surfaces can be hard-packed
dirt, gravel, rocks, grass, sand,
mud, snow, or ice. Each of these
surfaces affects the vehicle’s
steering, acceleration, and braking
in different ways. Depending on
the surface, slipping, sliding, wheel
spinning, delayed acceleration,
poor traction, and longer braking
distances can occur.
Surface Obstacles:Unseen or
hidden obstacles can be hazardous.
A rock, log, hole, rut, or bump
can startle you if you are not
prepared for them. Often these
obstacles are hidden by grass,
bushes, snow, or even the rise and
fall of the terrain itself.Some things to consider:Is the path ahead clear?
Will the surface texture change
abruptly up ahead?
Does the travel take you uphill or
downhill?
Will you have to stop suddenly or
change direction quickly?
When driving over obstacles or
rough terrain, keep a rm grip on the
steering wheel. Ruts, troughs, or
other surface features can jerk the
wheel out of your hands.
When driving over bumps, rocks, or
other obstacles, the wheels can
leave the ground. If this happens,
even with one or two wheels,
you cannot control the vehicle as
well or at all.
Because you will be on an unpaved
surface, it is especially important
to avoid sudden acceleration,
sudden turns, or sudden braking.Off-roading requires a different
kind of alertness from driving on
paved roads and highways. There
are no road signs, posted speed
limits, or signal lights. Use
good judgment about what is safe
and what is not.Crossing Obstacles
Approach Angle — a Key to
Mobility
If you encounter a large dip in the
terrain, do not enter straight on;
enter at an angle — 15° minimum
approach (A), 75° maximum
approach angle (B).
Driving Your Vehicle 4-19