2005 CHEVROLET EQUINOX tow

REVERSE (R):Use this gear to back up.
Notice:Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle
is moving forward could damage the transaxle.
The repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is
stopped.
To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow,
ice, or sand without damaging your transaxle, seeIf
Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow
on page 4-28.
NEUTRAL (N):In this position, your engine does not
connect with the wheels. To restart when you are
already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Also, use
NEUTRAL (N) when your vehicle is being towed.
{CAUTION:
Shifting into a drive gear while your engine is
running at high speed is dangerous. Unless
your foot is rmly on the brake pedal, your
vehicle could move very rapidly. You could
lose control and hit people or objects. Do not
shift into a drive gear while your engine is
running at high speed.Notice:Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N)
while the engine is running at high speed may
damage the transaxle. The repairs would not be
covered by your warranty. Be sure the engine is not
running at high speeds when shifting your vehicle.
Notice:Shifting to a drive gear from NEUTRAL (N)
while the vehicle is moving could damage the
transaxle. Make sure the vehicle is stopped before
shifting from NEUTRAL (N) into a drive gear.
AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D):This position is for
normal driving with the automatic transaxle. If you need
more power for passing, and you are:
Going less than about 35 mph (55 km/h), push your
accelerator pedal about halfway down.
Going about 35 mph (55 km/h), push your
accelerator all the way down.
LOW FOUR (L4):This position is also used for normal
driving, however, it offers more power and lower fuel
economy than AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D). Here are
some times you might choose LOW FOUR (L4)
instead of AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D):
When driving on hilly, winding roads.
When going down a steep hill.
2-20

LOW TWO (L2):This position gives you more power
but lower fuel economy. You can use LOW TWO (L2) on
hills. It can help control your speed as you go down
steep mountain roads, but then you would also want to
use your brakes off and on.
Notice:Do not drive in LOW TWO (L2) for more
than 25 miles (40 km), or at speeds over 55 mph
(90 km/h), or you can damage your transaxle.
Use AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D) or LOW FOUR (L4)
as much as possible. Do not shift into LOW
TWO (L2) unless you are going slower than 65 mph
(105 km/h) or you can damage your engine.
Notice:Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle in
one place on a hill using only the accelerator
pedal may damage the transaxle. If you are stuck,
do not spin the tires. When stopping on a hill,
use the brakes to hold the vehicle in place.Transaxle Overheating
If the transaxle uid temperature rises above 284°F
(140°C) or rises rapidly, the Engine Coolant
Temperature Warning Light will ash. SeeEngine
Coolant Temperature Warning Light on page 3-31for
more information. When the transaxle overheats it
will go into a protection mode and will default shift into
fth gear if in the AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D)
position, or second gear if in the LOW TWO (L2)
position. Continue driving the vehicle in either position
depending on the required vehicle speed and load. Once
the uid temperature lowers to the normal temperature
range, the transaxle will return to the normal shift
patterns. Towing or driving on long hills can cause the
transaxle uid temperature to be higher than normal.
If the transaxle uid temperature will not cool, you may
need to pull over and check the transaxle uid level.
You should also check the engine coolant temperature.
If it is hot, seeEngine Overheating on page 5-24.
2-21

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

Running the Engine While Parked
It is better not to park with the engine running. But if you
ever have to, here are some things to know.
{CAUTION:
Idling the engine with the climate control
system off could allow dangerous exhaust into
your vehicle. See the earlier caution under
Engine Exhaust on page 2-25.
Also, idling in a closed-in place can let deadly
carbon monoxide (CO) into your vehicle even if
the climate control fan is at the highest setting.
One place this can happen is a garage.
Exhaust — with CO — can come in easily.
NEVER park in a garage with the engine
running.
Another closed-in place can be a blizzard.
SeeWinter Driving on page 4-24.
{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. 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).
Follow the proper steps to be sure your vehicle will not
move. SeeShifting Into Park (P) on page 2-23.
If you are parking on a hill and if you are pulling a
trailer, also seeTowing a Trailer on page 4-36.
2-26

Mirrors
Manual Rearview Mirror
To adjust the angle of the mirror, move the mirror to a
position that allows you see to out of the back window.
To adjust the height of the mirror, adjust the arm
that connects the mirror to the windshield.
To reduce glare from lights behind you, move the lever
toward you to the night position.
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror
with OnStar
®, Compass and
Temperature Display
If the vehicle has this feature, an automatic dimming
mirror automatically dims to the proper level to minimize
glare at night from lights behind your vehicle. For
more information about OnStar
®, seeOnStar®System
on page 2-32.
The mirror also includes a dual display in the upper
right corner of the mirror face. The compass reading and
the outside temperature will both appear in the display
at the same time.
Y(On/Off):This is the on/off button.
Automatic Dimming Mirror Operation
The automatic dimming mirror function is turned on each
time the ignition is started. A light near the on/off
button will come on to indicate the automatic dimming
is on.
Press the on/off button for about four seconds to
manually turn the automatic dimming function on or off.
Temperature and Compass Display
Press the on/off button, located to the far left, to cycle
between °F, °C and off.
If the display reads CAL, the compass needs to be
calibrated. For more information, see “Compass
Calibration” later in this section.
If an abnormal temperature reading is displayed for an
extended period of time, please consult your dealer.
Under certain circumstances, a delay in updating
the temperature is normal.
2-27

Compass Calibration
The compass may need calibration if one of the
following occurs:
After approximately ve seconds, the display does
not show a compass heading (N for North, for
example), there may be a strong magnetic eld
interfering with the compass. Such interference may
be caused by a magnetic antenna mount, magnetic
note pad holder, or a similar magnetic item.
The compass does not display the correct heading
and the compass zone variance is set correctly.
In order to calibrate, CAL must be displayed in the
mirror compass windows. If CAL is not displayed, push
the on/off button for approximately 12 seconds or
until CAL is displayed.
The compass can be calibrated by driving the vehicle in
circles at 5 mph (8 km/h) or less until the display
reads a direction.
Cleaning the Mirror
When cleaning the mirror, use a paper towel or similar
material dampened with glass cleaner. Do not spray
glass cleaner directly on the mirror as that may cause
the liquid cleaner to enter the mirror housing.
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror
with Compass and Temperature
Display
If the vehicle has this feature, the automatic dimming
mirror automatically dims to the proper level to minimize
glare at night from lights behind your vehicle.
The mirror also has a dual display in the upper right
corner of the mirror that shows the compass reading and
the outside temperature.
YOn/Off:Press this button to operate the automatic
dimming, compass and temperature features.
Automatic Dimming Mirror Operation
The automatic dimming mirror function is turned on each
time the ignition is started. A light near the on/off
button will come on to indicate the automatic dimming
is on.
If the automatic dimming function is off, press and hold
the on/off button for four seconds to manually turn
the system back on.
2-29

Compass Calibration
The compass may need calibration if one of the
following occurs:
If CAL is displayed while driving in the vehicle.
After approximately ve seconds, the display does
not show a compass heading (N for North, for
example), there may be a strong magnetic eld
interfering with the compass. Such interference may
be caused by a magnetic antenna mount, magnetic
note pad holder, or a similar magnetic item.
The compass does not display the correct heading
and the compass zone variance is set correctly.
In order to calibrate, CAL must be displayed in the
mirror compass windows. If CAL is not displayed, push
in the on/off button for approximately eight seconds
or until CAL is displayed.
The compass can be calibrated by driving the vehicle in
circles at 5 mph (8 km/h) or less until the display
reads a direction.
Cleaning the Mirror
When cleaning the mirror, use a paper towel or similar
material dampened with glass cleaner. Do not spray
glass cleaner directly on the mirror as that may cause
the liquid cleaner to enter the mirror housing.
Outside Power Mirrors
The controls for the power
mirrors are located on the
instrument panel.
To adjust the mirrors do the following:
1. Move the selector switch to the left or right to
choose the driver’s or passenger’s mirror.
2. Press the corresponding edges of the round control
pad to move each mirror to the desired direction.
Adjust each outside mirror so that you can see a little of
your vehicle, and the area behind your vehicle.
2-31

Notice:Loading cargo on the luggage carrier that
weighs more than 220 lbs (100 kg) or hangs over the
rear or sides of the vehicle may damage your
vehicle. Load cargo so that it rests on the slats as
far forward as possible and against the side
rails, making sure to fasten it securely.
Don’t exceed the maximum vehicle capacity when
loading your vehicle. For more information on vehicle
capacity and loading, seeLoading Your Vehicle on
page 4-29.
To prevent damage or loss of cargo as you’re driving,
check now and then to make sure the luggage
carrier crossrails are locked and cargo is still securely
fastened.
When the luggage carrier is not in use, lock one crossrail
at the rear most position on the siderails and lock the
other crossrail above the opening of the rear door
to reduce wind noise.Rear Compartment Storage
Panel/Cover
Your vehicle is equipped with an adjustable panel/cargo
cover feature. The panel/cargo cover can be adjusted
into three positions.
There is a ip panel towards the front of the cargo
cover. You may have to ip this panel upward in order
to gain access to the cargo cover.
2-37