2001 Hummer H1 Model Year Changes and Buying Guide.

2001 Hummer Model Year changes.

One of the most visible changes for the 2001 model year is the larger mirrors first seen on the 2000 Slantback. They offer enhanced visibility and are heated. 17" alloy wheels were offered for the first time in '01 and the Monsoon radio was available in Open Top models for the first time. The 6.5L engine supply from AM General's new manufacturing subsidiary, General Engine Products LLC, began showing up in Hummers mid year 2001 and are distinguished by a change in the 4th digit of the VIN from "Z" to "F". A welcome change for long time Hummer owners was a substantial upgrade to the Idler and Pitman arms. Many older Hummers have upgraded to these much improved components. Other changes included armrests on the rear seats, new door armrests and a revised dash layout.

Powertrain and Identification Information.

VIN 10th Digit designating year = "1"
Engine: 6.5L Turbo Diesel 195 H.P. 430 lb. ft. VIN 4th digit ="Z" or
- "F" designating General Engine Products as the manufacturer (later production).
4L80E Electronic 4 speed Automatic Transmission. VIN 5th digit ="A"
Top Speed 83+ mph.
869 '01 models built.

Significant changes for 2001.

Heavy duty Idler and Pitman Arms.
New Tan Seat fabric.
New Seals in Geared Hubs.
New Door Armrests.
New Beltline Window seals.
New Seat Pedestals.
Monsoon stereo with overhead speakers now available in Open Top models.
Optional 17" Alloy wheels available.
16.5" Alloy wheel discontinued.
Armrests added to the rear seats for increased passenger comfort.
New larger heated power mirrors with convex insert available.
Dash layout enhanced for better visibility of gauges.
New Color: Ocean Blue Metallic.
W8 "Gloss White" Discontinued.
November 2001 Introduction of the "K" Series for fleet and government applications.
New Engine Assembly Manufactured by General Engine Products LLC. Enhanced engine block- Turbo Diesel Engines with block castings before May 1999 are susceptible to #8 cylinder cracks. Most frequently the first symptom of a cylinder crack is coolant being forced out of the cooling system causing the "check coolant" light to illuminate. Many engines have been replaced with blocks of the same design. Even though the enhanced blocks were first produced in May 1999 it took some time before they made their way through the system and into Hummers as either original equipment or for replacement. Even Hummers produced in 2000 are likely to have the pre-May 1999 block casting. There is a casting number on the right rear of the block under the cylinder head which should be E_99 (May 1999) or later. Unfortunately the codes changed through the years so identifying the enhanced blocks is even more difficult. Later blocks also use metric bolts to attach the bell housing but it is unclear whether this clearly identifies an enhanced block. Although enhanced blocks were installed in Hummers produced before the engine manufacturer change to General Engine Products (GEP), the easiest way to make sure a Hummer left the factory with an enhanced block is to check the 4th digit of the VIN on 2001 and later 6.5L turbo diesels. If the 4th digit is an "F" the engine was produced by GEP and is sure to have the enhanced block from the factory.