Does anyone elses cruise control suck? Even the slightest inclines cause mt H2 to downshift when i'm on cruise control, but if I'm not in cruise it will go up much steeper inclines... holding a steady speed... without downshifting. I can't stand it! Can anyone with a "re-programmed" computer, (removing torque management), tell me if their H2 still does this???

It is unacceptable to me!

Does anyone elses cruise control suck? Even the slightest inclines cause mt H2 to downshift when i'm on cruise control, but if I'm not in cruise it will go up much steeper inclines... holding a steady speed... without downshifting. I can't stand it! Can anyone with a "re-programmed" computer, (removing torque management), tell me if their H2 still does this???

It is unacceptable to me!

I just put the programmer in mine today, so I will tell you soon...

BADRAP
03 H2, Lux, Pewter, Granatelli Diablo Programmer, Airaid intake, TB Spacer, more stuff soon..
H2 Club - Houston Chapter..
badrap@sbcglobal.net

Where's my programer! Dude! HAHA!

BIG-C

First American Properties Inc. 916-858-2383
White 03-H2-LUX

Yeah NS, I have the same freaken problem.... another Issue is when I want to speed up with the CC it downshifts too.

I concur...it sucks ass.

On regular flat freeway with minor hills cruise control works flawlessly. Only on rare steep climb and when we were in the high country (5K-7K) with constant steep climb I noticed more frequent downshifts than driving the similar roads without cruise control. Doesn't seem like a "problem" or "suck" to me, thats just the way the engine management is built. I can leave it in cruise and not be bothered by it or I can cancel the cruise and drive that section of the road, I tried both, either way, not a problem and I have no complaint. I monitored the MPG, didn't see much difference either ways.

Here in Florida (the FLAT state) I immediately noticed a difference after being used to driving a Yukon Denali for several years. When I have the cruise control set at 75mph, it maintains the speed just fine, until I come to a standard overpass. About half-way to the top, the cruise control causes the transmission to downshift and the rpms go from about 2250 to a little over 3000 rpms and the speed jumps from 75 to about 78mph. Then, as we reach the top of the overpass (not a steep hill by ANYONE'S judgement) the transmission shifts back, the rpms return to 2250 and the speed drops back to 75mph.

While I don't know if this qualifies as being a suction event --- it is definitely irritating, and the cruise on the GMC Yukon did not act this way. I have noticed that when accelerating up to 75mph on the level interstate, the transmission seems to stay in third gear (about 2500 rpm) until I back off on the accelerator pedal slightly. At that point, the transmission shifts and the revs drop from 2500 to 2250. Not a very big difference? Is this typical too? Is that the "overdrive" gearing?

What is torque control management? (in fifty words or less?)

Is this what they talk about regarding programmers being able to change shift points???

Ed

"Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity"

theGoodhummerman I've been to Miami and its not a FLAT State...LOL ( South Beach)

According to my observation, with cruise control on, even on very constant steep climb, I am talking about 7,000 ft elevation mountain pass not freeway overpass, the speed remained constantly same. There were downshifts with RPM jump, but the RPM drops down soon. The downshifts sounded and felt quite smooth. All that seems quite logical to me, the auto is trying to maintain a steady preset speed going up hill, doing what it was ordered to do.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by MAC:
According to my observation..."<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Mac,

Please try and pay attention. Maybe because you live on a mountain you never have this happen because you are constantly climbing steeply or descending???

The cruise control SHOULD kick in when going up STEEP mountains... If it didn't you wouldn't be cruising?

BUT, the issue at hand is NOT on steep grades, but rather on minimal, almost non-existant grades. For EXAMPLE: in my Denali I would be traveling down the interstate at 75mph and come to an overpass. The Denali would just go right over it, with no change in rpms or no action with the cruise control. Speed constant. No shifts.

Now, when traveling on the same interstate highway in my H2, going the exact same speed of 75mph, the H2 gets about halfway to the top of the overpass (the same overpass as in the previous example) but suddenly, abrubtly and with a huge lurch --- the cruise control causes the transmission to downshift, the revs jump from 2250 rpms to about 3100 rpms. The speed increases from 75 to about 78 or 79. Then since the grade is almost non-existant, the H2 quickly reaches the top and the transmission shifts back and the rpms fall back to 2250 and the speed returns to the preset 75 mph.

This happens on almost EVERY overpass. It is extremely noticeable and seemingly unneccesary? The Denali never did this, unless the grade was much steeper. Even then, the speed would pretty much (within 1 mph) stay the same.

I've noticed that you can get this sudden downshift to happen sometimes by hitting the accerate button on the cruise control a couple of times in a row (speeding up 2 mph).

Is this something to do with shift points or torque management?

Ed

Albie: I didn't know silicone counted...

"On regular flat freeway with minor hills cruise control works flawlessly. Only on rare steep climb... "

You are losing it, got to pay attention to words, but let me just say it again in English. On regular flat freeway with minor hills cruise control works flawlessly, without any downshift nor RPM jump, including overpasses. I have seen this subject before so I have been paying attention and making mental notes. This included going over San Mateo bridge which has a section that rises way above the water to allow ocean going vessels to pass under it. The climb is not sharp not constant and goes up high.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by MAC:
"You are losing it, got to pay attention to words, but let me just say it again in English. On regular flat freeway with minor hills cruise control works flawlessly"

"This included going over San Mateo bridge which has a section that rises way above the water to allow ocean going vessels to pass under it. The climb is not sharp not constant and goes up high."<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Mac,

Me losing it? Maybe so. Maybe you can explain so I can understand --- your previous comment in the message dated 6/21/03 at 7:42pm PDT? Quoting you exactly:

"According to my observation, with cruise control on, even on very constant steep climb, I am talking about 7,000 ft elevation mountain pass not freeway overpass, the speed remained constantly same."

"VERY CONSTANT STEEP CLIMB"??? 7000 feet??? But now you claim you said "minor hills"? And then in the next sentence you say it "goes up high". (see quote at top of this message) Yep, I am very confused.

I guess we MIGHT be talking semantics? What is high to you is not high to me or vice versa? I'll admit that you have me so confused now that I am not sure what we were talking about. You do agree that your H2 downshifts when using the cruise control, "on regular flat freeway with minor hills"? Aren't you agreeing with the event, but maybe just disagreeing about the degree of its impact or feel while driving???

How do you explain the fact that my GMC Denali did NOT do this but the H2 does? If I quantify it as being jolting and rather severe but you say yours is nearly imperceptible --- maybe your H2 is not experiencing the same thing to the same degree? Obviously several other people have reported a similarly "disturbing" occurence. So, it probably isn't just one person's imagination?

While it might be of interest and even helpful to know that you are not experiencing this problem, it doesn't mean that there isn't a problem, does it? Here on the west coast of Florida the interstate highways are pretty much flat & level. Generally speaking, the ONLY hills are those that are man-made for the purpose of creating an overpass. They are very common however, and almost EVERY single one I cross causes this behavior. It is quite distracting and bothersome and disrupts an otherwise extremely pleasant and comfortable ride.

It is almost as if the cruise control is too sensitive? Or, maybe it has something to do with shift points or torque management (whatever that is). All I know is that the Denali did NOT do this, nor any other cruise control equipped vehicle I can remember owning...

Irregardless, it certainly looks, after re-reading your messages, like it is your wording that is most suspect, more than my comprehension anyways? But don't sweat it, you don't need to apologize...

Ed

The H2s have cruise control?...

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by WhiteH2Kid:
"The H2s have cruise control?..."<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

They sure do, and some have colors too.

Ed

White H2 Kid, I thought cruise control was the right foot firmly planted on the floor and let computer take care of it.

goodhummerman--> mine does exactly what yours does! very aggitating!! None of my other vehicles do that crap. (Expedition,F350,E350,NSX,Aucra 3.2TL)It's got to be the computer, because you can drive it "manually" without the downshifts! What gives????

If you like bikes... Check out http://www.usualsuspex.com

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by PhilD:
"South Texas is very flat and I will not use the CC as it is seriously badly setup. The slightest hill will have it kicking down, yet I don't need to kick down to maintain the same speed if not using CC. It even kicks down on the flat sometimes just for fun. It maintains the speed very well, but shifts way too much, for me anyway."<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
PhilD,

I've had the downshift on level ground too, but I was afraid that if I claimed that, Mac would have a major fit and call me a bull in a china shop again.

Badrap is supposed to report if reprogramming the computer helps with this problem, but he hasn't reported in after several days. Hopefully he is just too busy enjoying his better functioning cruise control to post a reply?

I'm a real fan of cruise control. Can't imagine not having it, especially on long, boringly repetitive trips... But, I think I might have to join you and stop using it. Uggggh! How horrible. There MUST be some fix for this??? Maybe if you select the TOW mode for everyday cruise control use it would solve the problem? Just run in third gear ALL the time...

Has anyone officially contacted Hummer Inc? Time to look the number up, I guess?

Ed

Ok, have had programmer installed now for several days, I used the cruise control over this weekend and I have been using premium unleaded fuel as required and I saw some improvement. Although the cruise control still kicked down, it did not do so until I was way up on a bridge or overpass, and did not do it all the time. I kept it set at 70 mph...So if that is info, hope it helps...I am installing the Airaid stuff this week and the TB will be on tomorrow. Still going to do the Mass Air Flow sensor this week too.. I will follow with more updates....

If you want to get a programmer just let me know..Also have the airaid stuff too..

BADRAP
03 H2, Lux, Pewter, Granatelli Diablo Programmer, Airaid intake, TB Spacer, more stuff soon..
H2 Club - Houston Chapter..
badrap@sbcglobal.net

I just came back from 1000 mile trip, and yes the downshifting cruise control was very annoying!

Ed has a way to go on and on and break down the letters and words that no man can remain sane and unconfused after reading his message. Just to think about how I need to tell the story again to make him understand makes me tired (how’s that as a clear sentence?) I have seen his victims unknowingly tried to answer his questions one by one, only to get trapped even deeper hopelessly. I used the cruise for a few miles on 280 freeway today, there is no flat freeway on 280 which runs through the coastal mountains, it was just not a problem to me. I’ll try the cruise again tomorrow, we have to go to San Jose tomorrow night for a dinner. Hold your horses.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by MAC:
"Ed has a way to go on and on and break down the letters and words that no man can remain sane and unconfused after reading his message. Just to think about how I need to tell the story again to make him understand makes me tired (how’s that as a clear sentence?) I have seen his victims unknowingly tried to answer his questions one by one, only to get trapped even deeper hopelessly. I used the cruise for a few miles on 280 freeway today, there is no flat freeway on 280 which runs through the coastal mountains, it was just not a problem to me. I’ll try the cruise again tomorrow, we have to go to San Jose tomorrow night for a dinner. Hold your horses."<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Mac,

To be perfectly honest, your last message wasn't very clear at all. Maybe it's just me, or maybe you've been reading too many of my messages? The strain seems to be getting to you my friend!

Okay. Let's see if I interpret you correctly: You drove on the 280? It isn't a flat highway? It goes through coastal mountains? You experienced NO problems with excessive downshifting while on this trip?

How did I do? Is that what you intended to say?

At the risk of irritating you even more (a risk I am glad to accept) I think we are not communicating at all. I am getting weary of explaining to you that the complaint about the cruise control causing unexpected and unnecessary downshifts is caused when driving on FLAT highwways. You continually report that you have no problems and then state that you are driving in hilly terrain. I agree with you completely that when going up a steep hill the cruise control SHOULD cause the transmission to downshift in an effort to maintain the set speed. I am NOT arguing with you on this point. We agree!

But, on flat, level ground, the cruise control causes the transmission on MY Hummer H2 to downshift. Instead of maintaining a relatively constant speed --- the vehicle speeds up! After only a few seconds, the transmission shifts back into fourth gear and the speed returns to what it was originally set at.

Maybe your H2 does NOT exhibit this behavior? If not, I am thrilled for you... But it does apparently happen to others besides me. Why do you single me out for your personal attacks? Look back over this very thread and unless you are more weary than you sound, you should notice others reporting this exact same behavior.

If you reply one more time about how your H2 does fine while driving in mountainous or hilly terrain, I will stop discussing this with you, and place your name in my personal book of suspected terrorists. You might be impressed to know that yours will be the first name in my book.

Take two aspirin (if you are not allergic to aspirin) and get a good nights rest. Things will surely look better in the morning?

Ed

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by BADRAP:
"Although the cruise control still kicked down, it did not do so until I was way up on a bridge or overpass, and did not do it all the time. I kept it set at 70 mph...So if that is info, hope it helps."<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Thanks for the report Badrap! Not sure if it helps much though. My cruise control doesn't always cause a downshift either and it already does it only when "way up on a bridge or overpass". It doesn't sound like the programmer had much affect on this matter.

Did you turn off the H2's torque management? I am not sure what it is, I've just read that it can be turned off...

Maybe if you tweak and fine tune the computer's settings at some point it will make a difference?

Anyway, thanks again, Ed

what can we do? does anyone have an inside connection somewhere at gm? Surely, they didn't expect the cruise to work like it does! No way! I mean.... did they test it? Did the guy who was in charge of the cruise control skip work that day? Don't get me wrong... I love the H2, but for $55K, you expect simple things like "cruise control" to be handled!

If you like bikes... Check out http://www.usualsuspex.com

Does it do what it's suppose to do??--Yes.
Does it do It Differently than your use to?-- reason for the thread.
Is It, Like Nothing Else? Absolutly.
Is it working correctly?--I think so!
I use the cruse a lot. I thought there was something wrong at first also, but have since, changed my mind. What I thought was annoying, was the H2 trying to maintain the set speed, (what ever the load) for the weight, and terrain it's in. The H2 Will downshift 2 or 3 gears to maintain your setpoint. Small inclines, overpasses, and hills, Pull it Down to third or just let it do it's thing.

My parents old Ford Econoline Custom van used to do the same thing. Everytime you were going uphill with the cruise on it had to drop a gear or two to maintain speed.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Big Z:
"Does it do what it's suppose to do??--Yes.
Does it do It Differently than your use to?-- reason for the thread.
Is It, Like Nothing Else? Absolutly.
Is it working correctly?--I think so!
I use the cruse a lot. I thought there was something wrong at first also, but have since, changed my mind. What I thought was annoying, was the H2 trying to maintain the set speed, (what ever the load) for the weight, and terrain it's in. The H2 Will downshift 2 or 3 gears to maintain your setpoint. Small inclines, overpasses, and hills, Pull it Down to third or just let it do it's thing. "<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I thought Mac was hard to understand until you posted this message...

When you refer to "IT" do you mean the Hummer H2 or the H2's cruise control?

You say that you thought something was wrong with the way the cruise control was working on your H2 and found it annoying --- and then say you changed your mind. What happened to change your mind? Maybe a head injury or illness?


You said: "What I thought was annoying, was the H2 trying to maintain the set speed, (what ever the load) for the weight, and terrain it's in."

I don't find the cruise control annoying when it causes a downshift when going up a steep hill --- that is exactly what it should do. But it should not do that when driving on level, almost perfectly flat, terrain!

If you do NOT have the cruise control on and you approach a relatively FLAT overpass my H2 does not shift down in order to maintain the speed. As a matter of fact, I can speed up while going over an overpass and not cause the transmission to shift down to a lower gear.

But, with the cruise control on, going over the very same overpass, the transmission downshifts, engine rpms increase and almost immediately the transmission shifts back into fourth gear. It is still annoying to me...

In fact, although it happens very rarely, I have experienced occasions when the cruise control causes a downshift when not going up any hill at all. Maybe a gust of wind triggers it? In any case, it is quite annoying...

I have owned MANY vehicles made by GM, cars, vans, trucks and SUVs --- that all had cruise control and I have never experienced this behavior before.

Is your suggestion for addressing this irritating problem to either always drive in third gear or to just accept the annoying downshifts? Why wouldn't it be appropriate to contact Hummer and ask about this problem?

Ed

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by NSXer:
"what can we do? does anyone have an inside connection somewhere at gm? Surely, they didn't expect the cruise to work like it does!"<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
NSXer:

I don't have any "inside connections" but I just called the U.S. Hummer Customer Assistance Center (866-486-6376) and was told that there are no recalls or corrections for this problem. I was also told that they could not find any other reports about it, then was given a File number (1-112321502) and they suggested I take it in and have it checked by my dealer.

I don't plan on making a special trip to check on it, but the next time I get up that way (~70 miles away) I plan on "checking" with the dealer.

If anyone else calls in, it will be interesting to see if Hummer still says that no one else has reported this problem...

Ed

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> If you do NOT have the cruise control on and you approach a relatively FLAT overpass my H2 does not shift down in order to maintain the speed. As a matter of fact, I can speed up while going over an overpass and not cause the transmission to shift down to a lower gear.

But, with the cruise control on, going over the very same overpass, the transmission downshifts, engine rpms increase and almost immediately the transmission shifts back into fourth gear. It is still annoying to me...
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Exactly!!!! I'd understand if the H2 couldn't maintain the speed while driving "manually", but it does it just fine! What gives??? I'll call Customer Assistance also. We'll see...

If you like bikes... Check out http://www.usualsuspex.com

What's so hard to understand? Either your system is working properly and you don't understand why it happening, or you have an electro/mechanical problem. It, (there's that word again) could be something as simple as a vacuum leak, a bad board, or defective trans part. You could be causing more damage by not getting it, (Your Hummer, trans, Cruse control, computer ect.) checked out.

That's what this thread is all about! to find out if my "cruise control condition" is normal. It appears it is... and I hate it! I appreciate the advice... Obviously the cruise is working like they designed it, which sucks, and I'll call customer service and let them know. Thanks.

Meanwhile, I'm adding the intake, exhaust, and programmer to see if that little bit of extra power will let it stay in gear.... at least that's how I'll justify the cost. hehehe!!!!

If you like bikes... Check out http://www.usualsuspex.com

As Good A Reason As Any! NSXer

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Big Z:
"What's so hard to understand? Either your system is working properly and you don't understand why it happening, or you have an electro/mechanical problem. It, (there's that word again) could be something as simple as a vacuum leak, a bad board, or defective trans part. You could be causing more damage by not getting it, (Your Hummer, trans, Cruse control, computer ect.) checked out."<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

YOUR message was hard to understand. If your desire is to post messages that are unclear, confusing and not understandable you were most successful. But, is that why you posted them?

As NSXer mentioned, and as I would have thought that you realized, this forum is an excellent site for sharing information from fellow H2 owners. Thankfully many forum members post easily understandable messages that are helpful. Sharing information is generally helpful. For some reason, I didn't find yours helpful in the least. Maybe you were trying to be humorous and I didn't get IT? If that's the case I apologize!!!

"Either your system is working properly and you don't understand why it happening, or you have an electro/mechanical problem."

Thanks for stating the obvious. It isn't the least bit helpful, but luckily for me, many others have posted helpful comments and observations...

Ed

I think that the condition is "normal". The problem is that the H2 is a very large vehicle and fairly under powered. It only took one long trip for me to figure this out...I put a Whipple supercharger on it and programmed out the torque management and it cured the problem. Going 75 mph in a 6500 lb. vehicle that is shaped like a brick is pushing it. Anything that you can do to increase the power/torque will help, but you have to remove the T/M.

2003 H2 Hummer, Yellow,Polished Whipple Supercharged, Edelbrock ceramics, catback,18" Ambush w/mudders,lots of goodies!
Y2K Corvette Millennium Yellow Convert/Blk/Blk, B&B headers, B&B Tri-Flo's, H-Tech MAG,GMS MAF, RM Racing TwinFlow.
1994 Chev 454 Suburban, Blown, Doug Thorley
1970 Trans Am, balanced, blue printed, Hooker ceramics

www.4swimwear.com

As far as the cruise system--considering the weight, drag, aerodynamics, and terrain--It gets the job done.
At 65MPH+, (with full tank of fuel) most all inclines, headwind, and overpasses will cause downshifts, (my user says 70, and 70 it will be!!!. ) No matter what.
Try running in the tow/haul Mode, notice a difference? Tow something around--get that computer up to speed on your driving habits. It'll learn

thegoodhummerman--go back and read slow--Comprehension comes with time.
I think I've been at this site long enough to know far more what its about than yourself--

I've ranted on the shift point thing in the past, and I concur there IS a technology problem in there somewhere. You can't tell me the 6100 doesn't put out enough torque to push uphill slightly at 65 without a downshift. My 2 previous Tahoes and Suburbans, all with 5700's, never had the problem.

The tow/haul did help quite a bit. But what got me was that towing a 3500 lb. vehicle with the family, luggage, and a dog in the back, I also thought there was ample power: the shifting was the same without the T/H. I'd like to see them address it so I'll call Hummer.

-Jack
Yellow H2 adv. Warn winch
Can't go traveling yet
www.sunspotnatural.com

Another difference a lot of folks don't consider is the Different Gear Ratios.

Big Z, I understood your original posts perfectly and agree.