2007 CHEVROLET EQUINOX engine

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.
The battery could be drained if you leave the
key in the ACC or RUN position with the engine
off. You may not be able to start your vehicle if
the battery is allowed to drain for an extended
period of time.
/(START):This position starts the engine.
When the engine starts, release the key.
The ignition switch will return to RUN for
normal driving.
Key In the Ignition
Never leave your vehicle with the keys inside, as it
is an easy target for joy riders or thieves. If you
leave the key in the ignition and park your vehicle,
a chime will sound, when you open the driver’s
door. Always remember to remove your key from
the ignition and take it with you. This will lock
your ignition and transaxle. Also, always remember
to lock the doors.
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The battery could be drained if you leave the
key in the ignition while your vehicle is parked.
You may not be able to start your vehicle after
it has been parked for an extended period of time.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
Your vehicle has a Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) feature which will allow the radio,
power windows and sunroof to continue to work
up to 10 minutes after the ignition is turned
off or the driver’s door is opened.
All these features will work when the ignition
key is in RUN or ACC.
Starting the Engine
Place the transaxle in the proper gear.
Automatic Transaxle
Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or
NEUTRAL (N). Your engine will not start in
any other position -- this 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.
Manual Transaxle
The shift lever should be in the neutral position
and the parking brake engaged. Hold the
clutch pedal to the oor and start the engine. Your
vehicle will not start if the clutch pedal is not all
the way down. That is a safety feature.
Starting Procedure
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. Do not
race the engine immediately after starting it.
Operate the engine and transaxle gently to
allow the oil to warm up and lubricate all
moving parts.
Your vehicle has a Computer-Controlled
Cranking System. This feature assists in
starting the engine and protects components. If
the ignition key is turned to the START position,
and then released when the engine begins
cranking, the engine will continue cranking
for a few seconds or until the vehicle starts.
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If the engine does not start and the key is held
in START for many seconds, cranking will be
stopped after 15 seconds to prevent cranking
motor damage. To prevent gear damage, this
system also prevents cranking if the engine is
already running. Engine cranking can be
stopped by turning the ignition switch to
the ACC or LOCK position.
Notice:Cranking the engine for long periods
of time, by returning the key to the START
position immediately after cranking has ended,
can overheat and damage the cranking motor,
and drain the battery. Wait at least 15 seconds
between each try, to allow the cranking motor
to cool down.
2. If the engine does not start after 5-10 seconds,
especially in very cold weather (below 0°F
or−18°C), it could be ooded with too
much gasoline. Try pushing the accelerator
pedal all the way to the oor and holding
it there as you hold the key in START
for up to a maximum of 15 seconds.Wait at least 15 seconds between each try,
to allow the cranking motor to cool down.
When the engine starts, let go of the key
and accelerator. If the vehicle starts briey
but then stops again, do the same thing.
This clears the extra gasoline from the engine.
Do not race the engine immediately after
starting it. Operate the engine and transaxle
gently until the oil warms up and lubricates
all moving parts.
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.
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Engine Coolant Heater
If your vehicle has this feature, in very cold
weather 0°F (−18°C) or colder, the engine coolant
heater can help. You will get easier starting
and better fuel economy during engine warm-up.
Usually, the coolant heater should be plugged
in a minimum of four hours prior to starting your
vehicle. At temperatures above 32°F (0°C),
use of the coolant heater is not required. Your
vehicle may also have an internal thermostat
in the plug end of the cord. This will prevent
operation of the engine coolant heater when
the temperature is at or above 0°F (−18°C)
as noted on the cord.
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical
cord. The cord is located on the passenger’s
side of the engine compartment, near the
radiator.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC
outlet.
{CAUTION:
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded
outlet could cause an electrical shock.
Also, the wrong kind of extension cord
could overheat and cause a re. You
could be seriously injured. Plug the cord
into a properly grounded three-prong
110-volt AC outlet. If the cord will not
reach, use a heavy-duty three-prong
extension cord rated for at least 15 amps.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug
and store the cord as it was before to keep it
away from moving engine parts. If you do
not, it could be damaged.
How long should you keep the coolant heater
plugged in? The answer depends on the outside
temperature, the kind of oil you have, and some
other things. Instead of trying to list everything here,
we ask that you contact your dealer in the area
where you will be parking your vehicle. The dealer
can give you the best advice for that particular area.
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Automatic Transaxle Operation
The shift lever is located on the center console.
When you change gears, the different shift positions
will display on the instrument panel cluster.
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 123.
If you are pulling a trailer, seeTowing a
Trailer on page 322.
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Make sure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P)
before starting the engine. Your vehicle has an
automatic transaxle shift lock control system. You
must fully apply your regular brakes rst and
then press the shift lever button 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 and push the shift
lever all the way into PARK (P) as you maintain
brake application. Then press the shift lever button
and move the shift lever into another gear. See
Shifting Out of Park (P) on page 125.
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 314.
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.
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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.
DRIVE (D):This position is for normal driving with
the automatic transaxle. It provides the best fuel
economy for your vehicle. 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.
Downshifting the transaxle in slippery road
conditions could result in skidding, see “Skidding”
underLoss of Control on page 299.INTERMEDIATE (I):This position is also used
for normal driving. However, it reduces vehicle
speed without using your brakes for slight
downgrades where the vehicle would otherwise
accelerate due to steepness of grade. If constant
upshifting or downshifting occurs while driving
up steep hills, this position can be used to prevent
repetitive types of shifts. You might choose
INTERMEDIATE (I) instead of DRIVE (D) when
driving on hilly, winding roads and when towing
a trailer, so that there is less shifting between
gears.
LOW (L):This position reduces vehicle speed
more than INTERMEDIATE (I) without actually
using your brakes. You can use it on very steep
hills, or in deep snow or mud. If the shift lever
is put in LOW (L), the transaxle will not shift into
LOW (L) until the vehicle is going slowly enough.
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.
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Transaxle Overheating
If the transaxle uid temperature rises above
284°F (140°C) or rises rapidly, the Engine
Coolant Temperature Warning Light will ash. See
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light on
page 181for more information. When the transaxle
overheats it will go into a protection mode and
will default shift into fth gear if in the DRIVE (D)
position, or second gear if in the LOW (L)
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 355.
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.
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