I'm hoping someone here might be able to offer some insight on what might be causing my problem. I have 1600 miles and I've had to use roadside assistance 3 times. About 5-6 weeks ago, I noticed that the inside light on my H3 was not going off. The problem went away before I had a chance to bring it in. I figured everything was ok. About 1-2 weeks later, I go out to my H3 and it's completely dead - the alarm didn't even work. Anyway, I called Roadside Assistance and they jumped the truck. I left it started for about 1/2 hour and called the dealer. He said if it happened again, to bring it in. A few weeks later, after the car sat for 2 days or so, the same thing happened. I called the dealer and they suggested having it towed, so they could diagnose the problem. They checked it and then put it on some machine overnight to see if the computer was drawing more than it should overnight. They didn't notice anything out of the ordinary and replaced the battery. Last night, about 1.5 weeks after bringing it in, I went out and the same thing happened. Totally dead H3. Roadside assistance is coming in an hour to jump it.

The only thing I've done to the H3 was to have the iPod hooked up through the stereo. I take my iPod in every night, so it wasn't hooked up when the problem occured. I contacted the car stereo installer and they said it would have to sit for a month with the iPod drawing for it to cause the battery to completely draw down.

I'm concerned because this is a reoccuring problem and it doesn't seem like the dealer knows what's causing the problem.

Does anyone have any ideas? I'll be calling the dealership first thing tomorrow morning.

Thanks in advance.

buy a jeep

I think you already have the answer to your own problem. Send it back and keep sending it back until the problem is fixed. Its under warranty and thats why you have a warranty. The dealership should give you a loaner H3 while yours is being fixed.Hopefully you dont live to far fom the dealership. The point im trying to make is that its their problem so let them fix it.I wouldnt be busting my ass trying to figure it out when they have trained, certified technicians to do it. Good luck to you and im sure they will get this worked out for you.

Is there any chance that my iPod hookup would be causing the problem? I just want to be sure it's nothing I've done.

...and no, I don't want a f***in' JEEP.

Alec...thanks for your help.

Luckily, it's been in the driveway each time it's happened. The dealer is only 10 minutes away, so I might just drop by tomorrow rather than calling to see if they can fit me in. We have a second car (almost traded it in), so no worries. I'd much rather cruise to the hockey game in the H3 than my old Ford Escape.

I'll keep everyone updated.

FWIW, I've been impressed with Roadside Assistance. Very friendly and fast service.

Is there a specific number for Roadside or are you supposed to use the onstar thing? I probably should've figured this out at the dealer but I was in a rush.

1-866-HUMMER6

Dbl. check all dome/glove box lights make sure you don’t have them on, I had a dome bulb that had pretty much burned itself down to a very faint glimmer, and it took a month to find that problem. I found it by shutting the garage door and a faint glimmer shown through.
Ground faults and such are hard to find on complex automotive systems,but it can be done. Just make sure its not something simple that you can handle or something you added into the system.

We had several H2s that had the same deal and it was diagnosed as a "module waking up." Some of the electronic modules for the seats or air suspension (on the H2) and such would not shut down after the ignition was shut off or they would "magically" come alive while the vehicle was off. It would draw the battery down and leave no trace.

Maybe a tech knows more about it as I can't remember exactly how they diagnosed this but I think it ate two of my batteries.

I'll just give you this warning in advnace. 80% of the time when we get a complaint like this, it turns out to be something aftermarket that was installed.

I think there's a huge chance the Ipod hook-up is your problem. Did the problem ever occur before the install?. Aftermarket installations, especially, electronics, are the curse of warranty service. Most indie "installers" are from the "It ain't smoking so it must the right wire" school.

The day's coming when mfrs are going to simply void the whole warranty if the elec system has been modified in any way.

I believe there was bulletin about a problem with the dome light staying on. I can't remember exactly what the problem was but I'm pretty sure the light would come on when I stopped and then turn off as I accelerated. It was very weird but the dealership was definitely aware of the problem. Not sure if your problem is related but it's worth a look.

I also have a 2002 Chrysler Town and Country Van on which the dealer installed a pull down DVD player. My wife and I had a simular problem with the battery going dead after siting for a few days. After a number of trips to the dealer they finally figured out that something was wired backward on the DVD unit and it was causing a power drain.

I would suggest that you have the Ipod install checked out for a possible wiring issue.

you said the Ipod goes inside everynight correct,so if its not hooked up how can that be the problem.doesnt always have to be the aftermarket installer.

I dropped off the truck today. I informed the service advisor of the iPod install. The thing is, they hooked my truck up overnight the last time I was in to see if there was any type of power drain coming from the computer. Wouldn't they have seen the iPod issue then?

Before the iPod is when I had the issue with the light not going out on the interior. This just "fixed itself".

If it does turn out to be the iPod, will they bang me for service? If so, then the stereo guy should pay. He repeatedly told me it wasn't related to his work.

Service guy said if the iPod is drawing 1/2 amp, then it could drain the battery in 3 days even if the iPod isn't connected.

To be honest, I have no clue. I'm just hoping they can diagnose the problem and I can still listen to my iPod.

I should know more this afternoon.

-Chris

All my add ons(NAV, 2 DVDs, 3 Monitors, T.V.Tuner, Front and Back Cams, Inverters, etc.) all go through 1 Master Kill switch.

Just to be safe, I flip that off when I get home or leave it parked for a duration.

Well, they didn't find anything. They suggested removing the iPod hookup. I was travelling for Christmas, so they kept the truck for the weekend. They won't touch the iPod, even though it's a simple plug in the back of the stereo. It doesn't happen every day, so I don't understand what leaving it overnight accomplishes. Perhaps, it won't start after the 4 days. If not, then I'll have to visit the Car Stereo guy and have him remove the iPod. If the car ends up dead in the driveway a week after, I'm going to be pissed off. We'll see...

cmeinck my wife bought an h3 on sept 20, 2005. it has been dead 4-times as far as starting. it still had lights on dash and underneath, but the dome light wouldn't come on and it wouldn't turn over. the problem is the bcm (body computer module). the dealer said the first units that came off the line have faulty units which causes the hummer not to start. the hummer is currently at the dealers. they installed a new bcm from a new hummer off the lot because of the backorder status of this part. this was a mistake. the manufactuer says it has to be a new unit that is programmed only for the vehicle it is going into. we have a loaner car right now waiting for the hummer to be fixed. my wife really likes her new hummer, but this problem has her uneasy because she was at work the last time it happened and she had to have the vehicle towed back to the dealer.

Sandy I went threw the similar problems with the BCM ,you can not use one from another vehicle.It has to be new to be able to program it for your truck.Waited 2 weeks for mine to be fixed.Then I found out they charged me for the rental.

Thanks for the info on the BCM. I just spoke with them and the car started after 4 days. Apparently, their computer would show if it's a BCM? Who knows? I'm going to pick up the truck today and then drop it off at the Car Stereo guy tomorrow. He'll remove the iPod and we'll see from there. Either way, I'm not too happy because nothing has been resolved AND I've been without my truck for over a week. PLUS, to diagnose it correctly, they need the car DEAD. The last time I had it towed so it would be doa. Well, someone proceeded to jump it when it arrived at the dealer. So, I'm back to square one.

Thanks for writing me. The dealer says there are lots of BCM problems all over the US, but I have only seen 2 on this site. We are now getting the 3rd BCM for my H3 tomorrow and are considering using Ohio's lemmon law to get a new Hummer. My H3 has been at the dealer for over a week. I am not HAPPY.

SUBMIT THE RENTAL COST TO hUMMER DIRECT. Replacement vechilce is included when your vehicle is out of service for extended peroids through Hummer roadside service. BCM sounds right, sometimes you will see right away with delayed starting, lights or door unlock not working properly or slowly. Good luck

Sandy make sure they are using the same language when wtiting up each BCM problem.Some dealers get by the lemon law by changing some of the words around.Here in Massachusetts its 3 times for same problem.I had my similar problems good luck.

I had the same problem with the Xterra I got rid of for my H3.
Week after week when I would drive my car on the weekends, the Xterra was dead on Monday.

Believe it or not it turned out to be a RADAR DETECTOR I had plugged into an always on lighter socket.

Yeah, I know- no way would that kind of current draw come from a radar detector, but it was the real deal. I am a master electrician and was amazed when I got rid of the detector and the problem vanished.....

Non-OEM alarm system installations are notorious for causing system draws because of tapping into active module circuits. Not saying the BCM issue isn't a possibility, just not as likely.

Dave

I picked up the truck on Tuesday and dropped it off Wednesday at the Car Stereo place. Rather than simply unplugging the iPod hookup, they pulled the whole installation out. When I picked up the truck, a small box filled with wires was greeting me on the front seat. That's $179 well spent.

Now, it's the waiting game. I guess I want the truck to continue starting and the problems to go away. If that happens, then I'm back to square one with the iPod. I guess a non-working iPod is better than a problematic H3. The thing is, if the iPod was generating a "draw", their computers should have picked it up.

I'm not sure what the lemon law is here in NY. If it goes dead again, I will be investigating the LL. Hopefully, you'll see me posting 1.5 months from now asking for good iPod solutions!

Hey, just as an fyi, rather than tear into the dash (and deal with crap like this) I just bought a Transpod (DLO) for my iPod. I plug it into the right cigarette adapter and use all the thingymaggers to get it to line up right with the stereo. Not problem for finding an available station, and it sounds ok - I have to crank the volume, but my H3 has started every day so far

Maybe go with that route until someone comes out with a foolproof iPod adapter. I just wish GM would come out with a monsoon stereo, with aux input, MP3 CD player, with display, navigation, satellite radio, garmin GPS input and Windows MCE 2005 built in. Until then, I'll just drag around my laptop.

I got my H3 back a few days ago, with it's 4th BCM installed and so far it's worked. I talked with the higher ups at GM and have gotten a good response. I continue to be hopeful that the computer problem is really fixed...because I really do LOVE my H3!

It's been a week since I got back my H3 with the new BCM and so far, so good!
I also really like the new mud flaps...it keeps the door handles and side panels a lot cleaner!

Wow I wouldn't be very happy if that happened to me. Thank god I have had no problems with mine. Good luck to you I hope you find the problem and get if fixed so you can enjoy your new HUMMER.

It's been about a week or so since I removed the iPod adapter and no problems. Try going to a Ford Escape for a few days and you REALLY miss the H3.

I went to a hockey game tonight - got in my H3 and got the DOORS alert and the inside light was not going off. Checked all doors and it wouldn't go away. I drove it home with the light on which isn't the safest thing.

I left the car in the street and the light went off. The road I live on doesn't allow you to park in the street, so I figured I'd move the truck. Same thing happened. I'm receiving a message that the doors aren't shut and the interior light isn't going off.

I'm hoping that it eventually goes off tonight or I'll be waking up to another dead H3. This is getting old fast.

The dealer didn't give me the paperwork last time I took it in. I'm starting to wonder if their guarding themselves against the lemon law. So, now I've go no iPod and the same crap is happening.

You might want to have your dealer check each door pin switch. If the pin switch is loose or not grounding properly this could give the bcm a false door open message hence your dome light remaining on

http://www.magnumforceracing.com/fla...y_switches.asp
As a last resort you can always put in a battery cutoff. You can find cheaper units in Hemmings, but these are heavy duty and install in the cockpit instead of opening the hood every time to turn the battery on and off. I had an RV with the battery running down problem and the dealer never figured it out, but installed one of these. The only problem you have is the engine computer relearning every time you reconnect - this is a last resort only, but I've been there and know what you're going through.

This morning, the truck starts and the Door warning went away. However, the inside light now stays on while driving.


I appreciate the suggestion, but I just don't think I should have to go to such limits for a new car with 1600 miles. I see this as the dealer's problem.

Tomorrow I give them yet another chance to fix this thing. (not to mention, I'm pissed off that I removed my iPod install and that wasn't it)

If a door switch is bad, a tone sounds and the light goes off after you start driving (although the display still shows "DOOR"). When you stop, the light will come back on. The tone continues to sound each time you start driving. You can turn the light off with the switch next to the headlight switch.

If you drove home with the light on all the time, your problem is different, like the interior light switch (also dims the instrument lights) is on.

I've had the door switch problem twice, once after a vigorous power washing, the other after a very harsh rainstorm.

(as an aside, if there is a bad door switch, there is no way to change the display and view the trip odometer, what a design screw-up)

And I wouldn't rule out the Ipod install as a source of the problem, they could have done something that fried the BCM.

Good luck!

I'm picking the truck up today. They didn't find anything, but did fix the rear door latch that was part of new service bulletin. I also had them fix the rear wiper which I mentioned to them was also a service bulleting (thanks to this forum, I know).

Just an update for the group. It's been about 2 months and no issue with the truck. I contacted the car stereo store and they are considering other options. They used a Soundgate interface with a Blitz (charger of some sort). They are going to try a different brand than Soundgate and leave the charger off. I'll be glad to get my iPod up and running again - hoping my truck continues to start every morning!

For what it is worth. I put a dry cell battery in mine right after I got it. It was clear the battery that came with it struggled to get it started in morning. Never a problem since.