2007 CHEVROLET EQUINOX cooling

The battery can be discharged at idle if the
electrical loads are very high. This is true for
all vehicles. This is because the generator
(alternator) may not be spinning fast enough
at idle to produce all the power that is needed
for very high electrical loads.
A high electrical load occurs when several of the
following loads are on: headlamps, high beams,
fog lamps, rear window defogger, climate
control fan at high speed, heated seats, engine
cooling fans, trailer loads, and loads plugged into
accessory power outlets.
EPM works to prevent excessive discharge of the
battery. It does this by balancing the generator’s
output and the vehicle’s electrical needs. It
can increase engine idle speed to generate more
power, whenever needed. It can temporarily
reduce the power demands of some accessories.
Normally, these actions occur in steps or levels,
without being noticeable. In rare cases at
the highest levels of corrective action, this
action may be noticeable to the driver.If so, a Driver Information Center (DIC) message
might be displayed, such as Battery Saver
Active or Service Battery Charging System. If this
message is displayed, it is recommended that
the driver reduce the electrical loads as much as
possible. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 198.
Battery Run-Down Protection
Your vehicle has a battery saver feature designed
to protect the vehicle’s battery.
When any interior lamp is left on and the ignition is
turned off, the battery rundown protection system
will automatically turn the lamp off after 20 minutes.
This will avoid draining the battery. This vehicle also
has a retained accessory power feature. If the radio
is on, it will turn off after 10 minutes or if any door
on the vehicle is opened. SeeRetained Accessory
Power (RAP) on page 116.
163

Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter
Your vehicle may have a removable ashtray and
cigarette lighter. The ashtray can be placed
into the front console cupholders.
To use the lighter, push it in all the way and let
go. When it is ready, it will pop back out by itself.
Notice:Holding a cigarette lighter in while it is
heating will not allow the lighter to back away
from the heating element when it is hot. Damage
from overheating may occur to the lighter or
heating element, or a fuse could be blown. Do
not hold a cigarette lighter in while it is heating.
Do not use equipment exceeding maximum
amperage rating of 15 amperes.
Notice:If you put papers, pins, or other
ammable items in the ashtray, hot cigarettes
or other smoking materials could ignite
them and possibly damage your vehicle.
Never put ammable items in the ashtray.
Climate Controls
Climate Control System
With this system you can control the heating,
cooling, and ventilation for the vehicle.
Operation
Temperature Control:Turn the center knob
clockwise or counterclockwise to increase
or decrease the temperature inside the vehicle.
165

#(Air Conditioning):Press this button to turn
the air conditioning system on or off. When
this button is pressed, an indicator light on the
button will come on to let you know the air
conditioning is activated. The air conditioning can
be selected in any mode as long as the fan
switch is on.
On hot days, open the windows to let hot inside
air escape; then close them. This helps to reduce
the time it takes for the vehicle to cool down. It
also helps the system to operate more efficiently.
For quick cool down on hot days, do the
following:
1. Select the vent mode.
2. Select the outside air.
3. Select air conditioning.
4. Select the coolest temperature.
5. Select the highest fan speed.
6. Once the vehicle’s interior temperature is
below the outside temperature, select
recirculation mode for enhanced cooling.Using these settings together for long periods
of time may cause the air inside of the vehicle to
become too dry. To prevent this from happening,
after the air inside of the vehicle has cooled,
turn the recirculation mode off.
The air conditioning system removes moisture
from the air, so you may sometimes notice a small
amount of water dripping underneath the vehicle
while idling or after turning off the engine. This
is normal.
((Heated Seats):If your vehicle has heated
seats, seeHeated Seats on page 10.
167

Highway Hypnosis
Is there actually such a condition as highway
hypnosis? Or is it just plain falling asleep at the
wheel? Call it highway hypnosis, lack of
awareness, or whatever.
There is something about an easy stretch of road
with the same scenery, along with the hum of the
tires on the road, the drone of the engine, and the
rush of the wind against the vehicle that can make
you sleepy. Do not let it happen to you! If it does,
your vehicle can leave the road in less than a
second, and you could crash and be injured.
What can you do about highway hypnosis? First,
be aware that it can happen.
Then here are some tips:
Make sure your vehicle is well ventilated, with
a comfortably cool interior.
Keep your eyes moving. Scan the road ahead
and to the sides. Check your mirrors and your
instruments frequently.
If you get sleepy, pull off the road into a rest,
service, or parking area and take a nap, get
some exercise, or both. For safety, treat
drowsiness on the highway as an emergency.
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or mountains is different
from driving in at or rolling terrain.
If you drive regularly in steep country, or if you are
planning to visit there, here are some tips that
can make your trips safer and more enjoyable.
Keep your vehicle in good shape. Check
all uid levels and also the brakes, tires,
cooling system, and transaxle. These parts
can work hard on mountain roads.
308

Driving with a Trailer
{CAUTION:
If you have the liftgate open and you pull
a trailer with your vehicle, carbon
monoxide (CO) could come into your
vehicle. You cannot see or smell CO. It can
cause unconsciousness or death. See
Engine Exhaust on page 127. To maximize
your safety when towing a trailer:
Have your exhaust system inspected
for leaks, and make necessary repairs
before starting on your trip.
Keep the liftgate closed.
If exhaust does come into your vehicle
through a window in the rear or another
opening, drive with your front, main
heating or cooling system on and with
the fan on any speed. This will bring
fresh, outside air into your vehicle.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
Do not use the climate control setting for
maximum air because it only recirculates
the air inside your vehicle. SeeClimate
Control System on page 165.
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of
experience. Before setting out for the open road,
you will want to get to know your rig. Acquaint
yourself with the feel of handling and braking with
the added weight of the trailer. And always keep in
mind that the vehicle you are driving is now a good
deal longer and not nearly as responsive as your
vehicle is by itself.
Before you start, check all trailer hitch parts and
attachments, safety chains, electrical connector,
lamps, tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving
and then apply the trailer brake controller by hand
to be sure the brakes are working. This lets you
check your electrical connection at the same time.
During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that
the load is secure, and that the lamps and any
trailer brakes are still working.
327

When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal
down while you do the following:
Start your engine.
Shift into a gear.
Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of
the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and
store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service more often when
you are pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance
Schedule for more on this. Things that are
especially important in trailer operation are
automatic transaxle uid, engine oil, belts, cooling
system and brake system. Each of these is
covered in this manual, and the Index will help
you nd them quickly. If you are trailering, it is a
good idea to review these sections before you
start your trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and
bolts are tight.
330

Service........................................................ 333
Accessories and Modications................... 333
California Proposition 65 Warning.............. 334
Doing Your Own Service Work.................. 334
Adding Equipment to the Outside
of Your Vehicle...................................... 335
Fuel............................................................. 335
Gasoline Octane........................................ 335
Gasoline Specications.............................. 335
California Fuel........................................... 336
Additives................................................... 336
Fuels in Foreign Countries........................ 337
Filling the Tank......................................... 337
Filling a Portable Fuel Container............... 339
Checking Things Under the Hood.............. 340
Hood Release........................................... 340
Engine Compartment Overview.................. 342
Engine Oil................................................. 344
Engine Oil Life System.............................. 347
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter............................ 349
Automatic Transaxle Fluid......................... 352
Engine Coolant.......................................... 352
Engine Overheating................................... 355Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode..................................... 357
Cooling System......................................... 358
Windshield Washer Fluid........................... 364
Brakes...................................................... 365
Battery...................................................... 368
Jump Starting............................................ 368
All-Wheel Drive........................................... 374
Bulb Replacement....................................... 375
Halogen Bulbs........................................... 376
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal,
Sidemarker, and Parking Lamps............. 376
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps
and Back-up Lamps............................... 378
License Plate Lamp................................... 380
Replacement Bulbs................................... 380
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement....... 380
Tires............................................................ 382
Tire Sidewall Labeling............................... 383
Tire Terminology and Denitions............... 387
Ination - Tire Pressure............................. 390
Tire Pressure Monitor System................... 391
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
331

Automatic Transaxle Fluid
It is not necessary to check the transaxle uid
level. A transaxle uid leak is the only reason for
uid loss. If a leak occurs, take your vehicle to
the dealership service department and have
it repaired as soon as possible.
Change the uid at the intervals listed inAdditional
Required Services on page 442, and be sure to
use the transaxle uid listed inRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 448.
Notice:Use of the incorrect automatic
transaxle uid may damage your vehicle, and
the damages may not be covered by your
warranty. Always use the automatic transaxle
uid listed inRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 448.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is lled with
DEX-COOL®engine coolant. This coolant is
designed to remain in your vehicle for ve years or
150,000 miles (240 000 km), whichever occurs
rst, if you add only DEX-COOL
®extended
life coolant.The following explains your cooling system and
how to add coolant when it is low. If you have
a problem with engine overheating, seeEngine
Overheating on page 355.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®coolant will:
Give freezing protection down to
−34°F (−37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages work as
they should.
Notice:Using coolant other than DEX-COOL
®
may cause premature engine, heater core, or
radiator corrosion. In addition, the engine
coolant may require changing sooner, at the
rst maintenance service after each
30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months,
whichever occurs rst. Any repairs would not
be covered by your warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL
®(silicate-free) coolant in your
vehicle.
352