I have a 2006 H2 Hummer that is having some electrical issues (gremlins). When driving 15 minutes to an hour I get an electric burning smell at times. Also the instrument panel for the radio, 4-wheel lock controls, and HVAC get very hot after driving the truck for 1 hour (no heat or ac, only radio on). I have disabled Onstar - I don't use it. A new issue is that the interior lights no longer come on when the truck is parked and turned off ( the minute or two you have to get groceries out before lights go out). I have been doing some research and found quite a few complaints around electrical issues. Unfortunately I do not have a knowledgeable, reputable, or reliable mechanic in my area. For one reason or another three different shops have managed to screw something up (the last one I paid for a complete brake system - all soft and hard lines, new fittings, rotors, calipers, and brake pads). After very light use - about 100 miles and six months later one of the fittings broke and I completely lost all brakes, fortunate I was in the sand and was able to get it tow to the shop. They admitted to using the old fittings and replaced them supposedly. So I am trying to isolate issues myself and research and work on what I can. I have been thinking about pulling fuses that I don't need or use for anything accessory related. I don't need heated seats - so I can pull that one.

1. Does anyone have or had a problem with the electric? Particularly burning smell and hot dash/instrument panel? If yes, what was the fix?
2. Has anyone pulled fuses and removed unnecessary electronics / fuses, etc.?

I really appreciate any advise from a fellow Hummer owner. - My best, Rae

 

have they added any aftermarket parts like radio or alarms? maybe the wiring is shorting. does it happen at any time or when running the interiour dash / cluster lights if so maybe needs to be looked at

 

Hi Bronxteck, I haven't added any aftermarket equipment and nothing else was installed when I purchased the truck four years ago. Definitively not the lights. I went to take the truck out of traction lock and noticed the switch was extremely hot yesterday. I checked the rest of the dash and same thing - super hot around the radio, HVAC control *****, etc. I drove home from picking the truck up from the mechanics about 1 1/2 hours, then kicked it into 4highlock with traction control. The truck performs really well. At the shop they fixed a screw up on the brake line and also installed upper control arms and ball joints on the front of the truck. Definitively not related to the electrical. I am trying to figure out what is also causing the interior light not to come on when I park and get out.

I am wondering on a short or an electrical failure of some kind - the real question would be where. I have checked all of my fuses both under the hood and by the driver side - I did that a few months back but will have a look again. The battery is new and cables seem to be fine. The alternator is in great shape and new a few years ago. I guess I am just trying to rule out issues - by process of elimination.

I know back in 2010 there was a massive recall on Hummers for electrical issues but I can't seem to find anything for my truck (no recall notices).

Any thoughts?

 

i know my steering controls get very hot if i drive a while with the dash lights illuminated at max.

 

I've owned several H2s., this is the first I've heard of any significant electrical problems or a recall. I don't think it's the case. I would agree with bronxteck. It sounds like someone has messed with it, or some module is failing. I'd also check seat heat. If those short, they can do some strange things to the truck. This is a really good video to begin troubleshooting the BCM

 

How is the charging system doing, looking for potential voltage regulator issue or a battery with a bad cell? Secondly i would go around checking and cleaning all the frame and body grounding locations and same with the positive side of the power distribution. Also i would try and trace the source of the heat/smell some panels may have to be pulled to get a good feel to some of the wiring harness looms and components.
If you get some temp reading of the components you have mentioned we/others could compare them.

Good luck

 

Does it sit outside in the rain a lot, interior water intrusion can wreak havoc on the fuse panel.