2005 CHEVROLET EQUINOX ignition

Visor Vanity Mirrors
Your vehicle has covered visor vanity mirrors on both
the driver’s and passenger’s side.
Theft-Deterrent Systems
Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities.
Although your vehicle has a number of theft-deterrent
features, we know that nothing we put on it can make it
impossible to steal.
Content Theft-Deterrent
Your vehicle is equipped
with a content
theft-deterrent alarm
system.
The remote keyless entry transmitter is used to
arm/disarm the content theft-deterrent system. See
Remote Keyless Entry System Operation on page 2-4.
Your vehicle’s theft-deterrent system can be
programmed to three different modes.Active Arming:The system will arm when the lock
button on the remote keyless entry transmitter is
pressed. The security system light will come on steady
for thirty seconds. During this time you can still get
back into the vehicle without triggering the alarm. Once
the light starts ashing the system is armed. The
system will disarm when the unlock button on the
transmitter is pressed.
Passive Arming:The system will arm itself one minute
after the ignition is turned off and the driver’s door
has been opened and closed. If the lock button on the
transmitter is pressed before the minute has passed, the
system will arm immediately. The system will disarm
when the unlock button is pressed.
Security System Disable:The system will not arm.
2-13

Content Theft-Deterrent Personalization
To change the mode that your vehicle is programmed to,
do the following:
1. Turn the ignition to RUN or ACC.
2. Press the panic alarm button on the transmitter
slowly four times within ve seconds.
3. You must complete one of the following within
three seconds to change the mode.
To select the active arming mode, press the
lock button on the transmitter once within
three seconds. A chime will sound two times
to acknowledge that the active arming mode has
been selected.
To select the passive arming mode, press the
lock button on the transmitter twice within
three seconds. A chime will sound three times to
acknowledge that the passive arming mode
has been selected.
To select the security system disable mode,
press the unlock button on the transmitter
once within three seconds. A chime will sound
one time to acknowledge that the security system
disabled mode has been selected.If you accidentally set off the alarm when entering or
exiting the vehicle, you can shut it off by pressing either
the lock or unlock button once on the remote keyless
entry transmitter. The panic alarm button needs to
be pressed twice to turn off the alarm. There is
a ten second pre-alarm grace period indicated by a
rapid beeping. By pressing the transmitter buttons as
indicated above, you can disarm the system before
the horn begins to sound and the exterior lights begin
to ash.
If you hear three horn chirps when you press the unlock
button on the transmitter, that means the vehicle’s
alarm was triggered while you were away.
2-14

Passlock®
Your vehicle is equipped with the
Passlock®theft-deterrent system.
This light will come on for
the theft-deterent system
and is located on the
instrument panel cluster.
Passlock
®is a passive theft-deterrent system.
Passlock®enables fuel if the ignition lock cylinder is
turned with a valid key. If a correct key is not used or the
ignition lock cylinder is tampered with, fuel is disabled.
If the engine stalls and the security light ashes,
wait until the light stops ashing before trying to restart
the engine. Remember to release the key from
START as soon as the engine starts.
If the engine is running and the security light comes on,
you will be able to restart the engine if you turn the
engine off. However, your Passlock
®system is
not working properly and must be serviced by your
dealer. Your vehicle is not protected by Passlock
®at this
time. You may also want to check the fuses. See your
dealer for service.
Starting and Operating Your
Vehicle
New Vehicle Break-In
Notice:Your vehicle does not need an elaborate
break-in. But it will perform better in the long run if
you follow these guidelines:
Do not drive at any one speed, fast or slow, for
the rst 500 miles (805 km). Do not make
full-throttle starts.
Avoid making hard stops for the rst 200 miles
(322 km) or so. During this time your new
brake linings are not yet broken in. Hard stops
with new linings can mean premature wear
and earlier replacement. Follow this breaking-in
guideline every time you get new brake
linings.
Do not tow a trailer during break-in. SeeTowing
a Trailer on page 4-36for more information.
2-15

Ignition Positions
With the key in the ignition
switch, you can turn it to
four different positions.
A warning tone will sound
if you open the driver’s
door when the key has not
been removed from the
ignition.
Notice:Using a tool to force the key from the
ignition switch could cause damage or break the
key. Use the correct key and turn the key only with
your hand. Make sure the key is in all the way. If
none of this works, then your vehicle needs service.
9(LOCK):You will only be able to remove your
key when the ignition is turned to LOCK.
The ignition switch cannot be turned to LOCK unless
the shift lever is in PARK (P).ACC (Accessory):This position operates some of your
electrical accessories.
R(RUN):This is the position the switch returns to after
you start your engine and release the switch. The
switch stays in the RUN position when the engine is
running. But even when the engine is not running, you
can use RUN to operate your electrical accessories
and to display some warning and indicator lights.
/(START):This position starts the engine. When the
engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch will
return to RUN for normal driving.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
Your vehicle is equipped with a Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) feature which will allow the radio to
continue to work up to 10 minutes after the ignition is
turned off.
Your radio will work when the ignition key is in RUN or
ACC. Once the key is turned off, the radio will
continue to work for up to 10 minutes or until any door
is opened.
2-16

Starting the Engine
Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
Your engine will not start in any other position — that is
a safety feature. To restart when you are already
moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.
Notice:Shifting into PARK (P) with the vehicle
moving could damage the transaxle. Shift into
PARK (P) only when your vehicle is stopped.
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the
ignition key to START. When the engine starts,
let go of the key. The idle speed will go down as
your engine gets warm.
Notice:Holding your key in START for longer than
15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to
be drained much sooner. And the excessive heat
can damage your starter motor. Wait about
15 seconds between each try to help avoid draining
your battery or damaging your starter.
2. If it does not start within 10 seconds, push the
accelerator pedal all the way to the oor, while
you hold the ignition key in START. When
the engine starts, let go of the key and let up on the
accelerator pedal. Wait about 15 seconds between
each try.When starting your engine in very cold weather
(below 0°F or−18°C), do this:
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the
ignition key to START and hold it there up to
15 seconds. When the engine starts, let go of
the key.
2. If your engine still will not start, or starts but then
stops, it could be ooded with too much gasoline.
Try pushing your accelerator pedal all the way to the
oor and holding it there as you hold the key in
START for about three seconds. When the engine
starts, let go of the key and accelerator. If the
vehicle starts briey but then stops again, do the
same thing, but this time keep the pedal down
for ve or six seconds. This clears the extra
gasoline from the engine.
Notice:Your engine is designed to work with the
electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical
parts or accessories, you could change the way the
engine operates. Before adding electrical equipment,
check with your dealer. If you do not, your engine
might not perform properly. Any resulting damage
would not be covered by your vehicle’s warranty.
2-17

Automatic Transaxle Operation
Your vehicle’s automatic transaxle is electronically
controlled with a computer module. The computer is
programmed to control the transaxle clutch pressures.
This means that your vehicle’s automatic transaxle
will optimize shifting on hills and throughout the life of
the vehicle. Your vehicle’s system will control the
amount of unnecessary upshifting while traveling up a
hill. Once you have reached the top of the hill, the
system will resume its normal shift schedule. If traveling
down a steep hill, the computer may shift to a lower
gear, which will help reduce braking.
The shift lever is located on the center console.
There are several different positions for the automatic
transaxle.
PARK (P):This position locks your front wheels. It is
the best position to use when you start your engine
because your vehicle cannot move easily.{CAUTION:
It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the
shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake rmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
Do not leave your vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. If you have left the
engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured. To
be sure your vehicle will not move, even when
you are on fairly level ground, always set your
parking brake and move the shift lever to
PARK (P). SeeShifting Into Park (P) on
page 2-23. If you are pulling a trailer, see
Towing a Trailer on page 4-36.
Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before starting
the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic transaxle
shift lock control system. You have to fully apply
your regular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P)
when the ignition key is in RUN. If you cannot shift
out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever – push
the shift lever all the way into PARK (P) and also
release the shift lever button as you maintain brake
application. Then, press the shift lever button and move
the shift lever into the gear you wish. SeeShifting
Out of Park (P) on page 2-24.
2-19

Parking Brake
The parking brake lever is located to the right of the
driver’s seat.To set the parking brake, hold the brake pedal down
and pull up on the parking brake lever. If the ignition is
on, the brake system warning light will come on.
To release the parking brake, hold the brake pedal
down. Pull the parking brake lever up until you can press
the release button. Hold the release button in as you
move the brake lever all the way down.
Make sure to release the parking brake before driving
the vehicle.
If the parking brake is applied and the vehicle is moving
at least 4 mph (6 km/h), a chime will activate to
remind you to release the parking brake.
Notice:Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause premature
wear or damage to brake system parts. Verify that
the parking brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
2-22

Shifting Into Park (P)
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle
if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with
the parking brake rmly set. Your vehicle can
roll. If you have left the engine running, the
vehicle can move suddenly. You or others
could be injured. To be sure your vehicle will
not move, even when you are on fairly level
ground, use the steps that follow. If you are
pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on
page 4-36.
1. Hold the brake pedal down and set the
parking brake.
2. Move the shift lever into the PARK (P) position by
holding in the button on the shift lever and pushing
it all the way toward the front of the vehicle.
3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK.
4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can
leave your vehicle with the ignition key in your
hand, your vehicle is in PARK (P).
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine
Running
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to leave your vehicle with
the engine running. Your vehicle could move
suddenly if the shift lever is not fully in
PARK (P) with the parking brake rmly set.
And, if you leave the vehicle with the engine
running, it could overheat and even catch re.
You or others could be injured. Do not leave
your vehicle with the engine running.
If you have to leave your vehicle with the engine
running, be sure your vehicle is in PARK (P) and your
parking brake is rmly set before you leave it. After you
have moved the shift lever into PARK (P), hold the
regular brake pedal down. Then, see if you can move
the shift lever away from PARK (P) without rst pushing
the button. If you can, it means that the shift lever
was not fully locked into PARK (P).
2-23