RE: Took the H3 off road for the 1st time.....DISAPPOINTED!
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RE: Took the H3 off road for the 1st time.....DISAPPOIN... - 9/19/2007 8:04:38 AM
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waynesoffroad
Posts: 40
Joined: 7/24/2007
From: Clovis, Ca
Status: offline
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Sand does rob a lot of power. But in 4 low with the tires aired down you should of been able to go anyware! I've run my tires as low as 12 lbs. with out a problem in the sand dunes at Pismo and Glamis.
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RE: Took the H3 off road for the 1st time.....DISAPPOIN... - 9/19/2007 9:19:37 AM
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Doc Olds
Posts: 3807
Joined: 7/11/2007
From: Boat Town USA (Michigan 48045)
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: h3carlos
I went to the local sand dunes for the 1st time in the H3, and Iam very disappointed. I have an aftermarket intake and exhaust, put the ReadyLift kit, 35" MT's, and had the pcm done by PCM 4 LESS. I never knew how much power it lacks, I had so many probs goin up hill. Finally, when I was on he highway goin home, the engine/exhaust made a weird knocking noise when I would accelerate, the check engine light turned on, and the Stability System shut off. I kept getting the service messege along with a "traction failure" messege. I ran a OnStar diag, and I was told there was a prob with the fule delivery syst, Stability system and something else. I disco'ed the battery for about an hour, and all back to norm. Drove for about 15 miles and ran a diag again, and everything seems ok. Any thoughts???? Should I still take it to the dealership to get checked out?
I still love the rig....my wife drives it about 90% of the time.
Thanks
Carlos:
The key to sand dunes an an H3 is similar to running in deep snow (without the airing down tire pressure)! Before you get into sand, AIR DOWN YOUR TIRES to 12 - 16 lbs. As soon as you tires hit sand, engage 4lock and TURN OFF the StabiliTrack System!!! Sand robs power, I've never really needed 4lowlock, but you could try it and see what you think. 35's do not help in sand, don't get me wrong guys, great tires for other stuff. You need wider tires, not taller, for floatation, not digging to traction. Momentum is also extremely important in sand, you got to get moving, keep it moving, and MASH the gas!
If you left the StabiliTrack on??? IDK from your post (no info on that topic), you and it freaked out your system. In sand, tires NEED TO SPIN AT DIFFERENT SPEED!!! Nature of the beast, StabiliTrack trys to shift the power from a spining wheel to a non spining wheel instantaneously, constatntly, but the problem is, all of them are spinning at different speeds assuming you are at least on the throttle.
Your mods aren't gonna do sh!t to your warranty. Leave it all on an take it to the dealer if you have ANY further problem. I have all the stuff you have, but 33s instead of 35s. My 3 goes anywhere I want in the sand. 
Go back and try it again, the right way and you'll have a blast!  Buy a mini compressor to air back up for the dirt/road.
< Message edited by Doc Olds -- 9/19/2007 9:22:30 AM >
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RE: Took the H3 off road for the 1st time.....DISAPPOIN... - 9/19/2007 10:12:32 AM
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h3carlos
Posts: 93
Joined: 10/7/2006
Status: offline
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Damn Tray, Thanks....I guess. I have plenty of off road experience, I also own an 03 Silverado Z71 that is tricked out for off road use, and have never had any probs with it on any type of terrain.
HummerBob, you are too funny but you may be on to something.
Thanks for the help guys!
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RE: Took the H3 off road for the 1st time.....DISAPPOIN... - 9/19/2007 10:17:52 AM
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h3carlos
Posts: 93
Joined: 10/7/2006
Status: offline
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Doc, thanks for the honest and true answer to the topic. I didi turn ths Stab syst off, and the eror mssg came on a couple of minutes after I hit the highway. And, yes, tires were aired down and 4lock was engaged. It seamed that the MT's were a bit too aggresive on the sand. Once again, thanks Doc!
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RE: Took the H3 off road for the 1st time.....DISAPPOIN... - 9/19/2007 10:31:34 AM
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Doc Olds
Posts: 3807
Joined: 7/11/2007
From: Boat Town USA (Michigan 48045)
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Carlos, one last point of interest to me........do you have a Base; Adventure; Lux; or the Lux w/ offroad Adventure Pkg in your 3. Mine is an Adventure so the Transfer Case is a little lower ratio which can help in sand????? Just wondering, and I am glad I could help cover the variables. 
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RE: Took the H3 off road for the 1st time.....DISAPPOIN... - 9/19/2007 11:28:34 AM
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h3carlos
Posts: 93
Joined: 10/7/2006
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I used 4 HI and its an 07 Adventure
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RE: Took the H3 off road for the 1st time.....DISAPPOIN... - 9/19/2007 11:36:53 AM
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TINKED
Posts: 245
Joined: 4/17/2007
Status: offline
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I had issues in the sand dunes out at Armagosa Death Valley, NV, But not out at the other dunes around here in Vegas..........so depends on the SAND.....!
The pic of me jumping my H3 was at the Dunes in my profile.....I read a post on here that said if the traction light "failed" light came on it could be the transmission....I also get that light in 4 low...(not stablizer off light)..I am waiting for my tranny and head to blow....while under warranty....HOPEFULLY !
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RE: Took the H3 off road for the 1st time.....DISAPPOIN... - 9/19/2007 11:54:23 AM
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Doc Olds
Posts: 3807
Joined: 7/11/2007
From: Boat Town USA (Michigan 48045)
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Hey hey Mr. Importedkiller: I had a little screamer 95 Jimmy that I had the motor crated up and back from JBA, Headers, Borla exhaust, 3" Superlift, underdrive pullys, Jacobs ignition  and that thing would run the sand in low 4 lock like no body's business. A sleeper of sorts. Like a spider, it was light enough with 31 X 10.5" tires that it actually preferred low in the sand. However, your comment was as to a 3, so you are right on that part bro.  I don't use low in the sand with my 3, and that sucker is heavy, more of a submarine than a spider.
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