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Hummer Knowledge Base

The Hummer Knowledge Base


Year-by-Year Differences:
by Josh Ingram (with additions by others)

See also Jim Lynch's list of changes

This list documents some, not all, of the changes made to the Hummer from 1992 through 2000. (Changes for the 2001-2003 model years added later) This list is not comprehensive as an estimated 7000 changes have been made over the years. If you have any information to contribute to the list or, heaven forbid, find an error (entirely possible), please feel free to e-mail me (Joshua.Ingram@colorado.edu). I would love to hear from you and get more information, particularly on 1993, 1998, and 1999. This list may be distributed freely so long as its credits and contents are not altered.

A word on paint colors: The list only reflects "production" colors which make up about 90% of the Hummers produced. Some of the other 10% are painted at the factory, but in a specially requested color. These trucks will not be found on the list. For example Bob Anderson drives a '95 wagon (SE161064) which is Fly Yellow. His was the first ever truck to be painted in Fly, but the color did not enter production until '97, hence Fly Yellow is listed in '97, not '95.

List by Josh Ingram, ingramj@colorado.edu

Credit for info:

  • Special thanks to Jim Bella (HMMWVjim@aol.com)
  • AM General (www.hummer.com)
  • Bob Anderson (sandoren@worldnet.att.net)
  • Dave Breggin (dgb@lucent.com)
  • Doug Zirkle (drz@boulderaerospace.com)
  • HID, run by Bob Bish, specifically;
    • Ross at Overseas Motors, Hummer in Dallas (http://www.overseasauto.com)
    • Mark Doucette
    • Craig on the paint page
  • Off-Road.com (http://www.off-road.com)
  • PJ Cane (pjcane@yahoo.com)
  • Rick Crider (http://www.trellis.net/rickcrider)
  • My keen observations (ingramj@colorado.edu)
  • (2001-2003 model years) GM's media web site


1992 - VIN 10th Digit = N

  • 6.2 diesel (mechanically controlled, 150 hp, 200ftlbs, VIN 4th digit = X)
  • 3-speed mechanical transmission (VIN 5th digit = E)
COLORS:
Red semi-gloss
White semi-gloss
Black semi-gloss
Tan semi-gloss
Green CARC (Chemical Agent Resistant Coating)
Camouflage (only one Hummer was made this color)
Blue gloss


1993 - VIN 10th Digit = P

  • The "LE" badges were taken off of the side panels b/c all 93's were shipped with the features of the 92 Limited Edition.

COLORS:
Red semi-gloss
White semi-gloss
Black semi-gloss
Tan semi-gloss
Green CARC (Chemical Agent Resistant Coating)
Blue gloss
Gloss white
Black gloss
Green gloss
Tan gloss
Plum gloss


1994 - VIN 10th Digit = R

  • 6.5 diesel (electronically controlled, 170hp, 290ftlbs, VIN 4th digit = Y)
  • 4-speed electronically controlled transmission (VIN 5th digit = A)
  • Larger halfshafts (in diameter, not length)
  • catalytic converter
  • HVAC new shape and location of intake (quieter)
  • cross beam behind the seat is gone (allows more travel of the seat)
  • batteries are moved to under the hood (from under the pass. seat and allows this seat to move)
  • changes in interior (new gauges)
  • One piece beadlock (easier to balance) available
  • 124-amp alternator standard, CTIS can now inflate accessories (like a ball or air mattress)
  • This year is allegedly problem prone, but I have no good evidence
  • The muffler was located under the rear deck, just ahead of the rear bumper. This was to make room for the cat converter

COLORS:
Green CARC (Chemical Agent Resistant Coating)
Blue gloss
Gloss white
Black gloss
Green gloss
Tan gloss
Plum gloss


1995 - VIN 10th Digit = S

  • 5.7 liter Gasoline engine available (electronically controlled, 190 hp, 300ftlbs, lowers gas economy by approx. 2-4 mpg, cuts fuel capacity from 25 gallons to 23 gallons, drops fording depth from 30 inches to 24 inches, VIN 4th digit = D {LO5}, L {LO5 Leaded} or W {LT1})
  • rear bench seats are now supported (because the rear floors are reinforced)
  • new HVAC (electric controls versus levers)
  • rear HVAC now standard
  • two-door extend cab truck (XLC2, VIN 6th and 7th digits = 89) and four-door open top with full doors (HMCO, VIN 6th and 7th digits = 90) were made available
  • Wagon gets barn doors instead of tailgate
  • GSAs were made available stock
  • Aluminum rocker panel protection was offered as an option
  • running lights must be on in order for the underhood light to work

Later in the 1995 production year:

VIN 159405 and later

  • Rear window defroster (2 dr. & 4 dr. hardtops)

VIN 163985 and later

  • Enhanced steering arm, center link, upper control arms and ball joints
  • Pitman arm

VIN 164000 and later

  • Additional vertical seals (on Wagon rear doors)

VIN 167017 and later

  • Lower Ball joints with lubrication fittings (versus the lubricated for life type)

Various points in production :

  • New front springs to increase ride height without increasing harshness (springs now determined by a combination of factors; engine, model and winch option)
  • Optional console mounted tachometer (gas or diesel engines)
  • Hood lock system with actuator inside cab

COLORS:
Green CARC (Chemical Agent Resistant Coating)
Blue gloss
Gloss white
Black gloss
Green gloss
Tan gloss
Plum gloss
Bright white
Silver metalic


1996 - VIN 10th Digit = T

  • 6.5 Detroit Diesel, aka Turbo Diesel (190hp,385ftlbs, better at altitude and passing, VIN 4th digit = Z) available along with NA diesel and Gas
  • gas engine dropped mid-year
  • bodies were lifted 3/4 inch to make room for the turbo
  • only the light duty rear bumper was shipped
  • major interior facelift (crashpads are separate & contain the air vents, center console is larger, HVAC uses dials, cupholders move from glove box to console, glove box is larger, console has the power windows controls, two cigarette lighters & a power point, different gauges faces, tach, new CTIS rocker switch)
  • go to one-piece wheel (has two piece beadlock, locks only inner bead)
  • new electronic fuel injection & pedal by wire on TD
  • Side exit muffler The muffler was moved back under the center hump to make room for the aux. fuel tank. (redesigned the muffler and cat conv.)
  • Driver's vent upgraded
  • Power steering pump and reservior are now integral
  • Aluminum rocker panel protection made standard
  • Dual fuel tanks

COLORS:
Green CARC (Chemical Agent Resistant Coating)
Gloss white
Black gloss
Green gloss
Tan gloss
Bright white
Silver metalic
'96 Blue metalic (lighter than '95?)
Burgundy metalic


1997 - VIN 10th Digit = V

  • Turbo Diesel upgraded (195hp, 430 ftlbs) Plaque reads "6.5L TD"
  • The two-door short cab pickup truck (VLC2, VIN 6th and 7th Digits = 82) was dropped along with the four-door open top with half doors (VLCO, VIN 6th and 7th Digits = 85)
  • hood grille and engine compartment are always black
  • heavy-duty rear bumper was standard
  • air scoop on side of right front quarter panel (retrofitable)
  • flow-through vents in back of cab (retrofitable)
  • Improved HVAC (redesigned main blower and different position of rear vents)
  • standard rear sliding window in pickup trucks and four-door hard tops
  • Noise reduction package (padded headliner, dampening under dash, doghouse, & coated fenders etc.)
  • Deluxe interior now standard (new cloth is more durable?)
  • seat controls moved to front of seat base
  • new lights for low coolant and glow plugs
  • pistons are oil cooled (longer life)
  • power steering cooler moved to vertical behind fan shroud
  • Detroit Locker available
  • One-peice exhaust shield (rattles less)
  • High-flow compatable fillers
  • New shifter boot for better insulation
  • Coolant surge tank redesigned
  • Heated windshield was an option (retrofitable)

Later in the 97 production year:

VIN 176477 and later, commonly refered to as "97.5"

  • Redesigned HVAC by ACME (much better)
  • Monsoon Stereo by Delco available
  • Constant tension (spring type) clamps on transmission and T-case cooler hoses

VIN 176780 and later

  • Hardened transfer case pinion gears

Unknown point

  • added a switch for the cargo-area light that turns the light on when you open the wagon ambulance doors

COLORS:
Green CARC (Chemical Agent Resistant Coating)
Gloss white
Black gloss
Green gloss
Tan gloss
Bright white
Silver metalic
Burgundy metalic
Fly yellow


1998 - VIN 10th Digit = W

  • Redesigned center console, even more sound proofing (liner in soft top)
  • power windows are standard
  • heated seats are an option (retrofitable)
  • differential gear ratio goes from 2.73:1 to 2.56:1 (increases economy and reduces noise, less torque)
  • Ecentric washers used for easily adjustable camber (retrofitable)
  • Soft top has five tightening straps (vs. 3) and attaches differently in front (no snaps)
  • Power locking rear doors on wagon model

Later in the 98 production year:

VIN 179962 later

  • heavy-duty type flasher for trailer towing comes with vehicle

VIN 180123 and later

  • 8-blade (vs. 10) cooling fan and higher temperature engaging fan clutch for quieter operation

Unknown point

  • Rear half of the t-case has a bung manufactured into it

COLORS:
Gloss white
Black gloss
Green gloss
Bright white
Silver metalic
Candy apple red
Competition yellow


1999 - VIN 10th Digit = X

  • Antilock brakes
  • TorqTrac4, aka TT4; new, computer controlled traction system Plaque under "HUMMER" now reads "TT4-ABS"
  • Sending unit in fuel tank upgraded to be more rugged and accurate

COLORS:
Gloss white
Black gloss
Bright white
Silver metalic
Candy apple red
Competition yellow
Night storm charcoal
Mesa dusk


2000 - VIN 10th Digit = Y

  • Redesigned rear HVAC cover with cupholders for rear passengers! and Rear Audio Controls in roofed models (not in the truck) very small self in front
  • New fancy cloth on...
  • Redesigned seats
  • New two-piece wheel option with 6-sided nuts and triangular CTIS guard
  • Two other spoked wheels are available one in 16.5" and one in 17" both with internal CTIS lines
  • Redesigned cabin, net effect: more leg room for shotgun rider
  • New warning light locations to behind the sides of the steering wheel
  • Digital odometer/trip
  • Fuse/Power block moved under the hood with pre-wired 12v accessory tap
  • Better seal on hood release?

COLORS:
Gloss white
Black gloss
Bright white
Silver metalic
Candy apple red
Competition yellow
Mesa dusk
Woodland green
Metallic Pewter


2001 - VIN 10th Digit = 1

  • Instrument panel gauges have been redesigned and clustered in a new arrangement. The redesigned analog gauges give a freshened appearance and allow the relocation of the CTIS switches and gauges for better accessibility and visibility.
  • New horizontal exterior mirrors provide more mirror surface for improved visibility to the sides and the rear. Both the left and right mirrors contain an integrated convex mirror piece. The mirrors are now heated to defrost snow and ice. The outside mirrors’ heating devise is activated when the optional heated windshield is engaged. The on switch for the windshield and mirrors has a timer.
  • HUMMER’s highly desired optional Monsoon premium sound system is now available on open top models. It contains all the same features available in rest of the HUMMER lineup including a front sound bar. It’s arguably the best audio system in an open top vehicle.
  • Inside armrests are now available for the rear seats for additional comfort. The fold up and adjust exactly the same as the current front armrests.
  • New knobs and graphics ergonomically enhance the heating and air conditioning system (HVAC) controls.
  • A new Ocean Blue metallic color replaces off-white in a variety of nine colors offered for the HUMMER line.
  • New 17-inch one-piece aluminum wheels and tires are offered as an option for the 2001 HUMMER. They come with a GSA-style tire and offer better traction and a stronger sidewall.


2002 - VIN 10th Digit = 2

  • Higher Torque Biasing Ratio Differential
  • New steering wheel hub cover with more sharply defined lettering
  • Revised seatbelts and retractors
  • Reshaped console in passenger area, adding 4 inches of additional leg room for the right front passenger
  • New two-piece 17-inch forged aluminum wheel
  • Express-down driver’s side window
  • New LED side marker lights
  • H1 badging
  • New exterior colors: Firehouse Red (replacing Candy Apple Red) and Klondike Pearl
  • Tan interior option discontinued


2003 - VIN 10th Digit = 3

  • Optional rear ELocker locking differential from Eaton
  • Larger radio face with cassettes and single CD slot, and 12-CD changer
  • New heavy-duty brush guard
  • New Torque Track 4 or Torque Track 4 - ELocker exterior badging
  • New exterior colors: Summit Silver and Black Diamond Metallic


2004 - VIN 10th Digit = 4


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