2007 CHEVROLET EQUINOX heating

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.
122

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

Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light
Your vehicle has
a Traction Control
System (TCS)
and StabiliTrak
®
warning light.
This light will come on when the TCS is limiting
wheel spin or when the StabiliTrak
®system
is active. You may feel or hear the system working,
but this is normal.
If the TCS warning light comes on and stays on
for an extended period of time when the system
is turned on, your vehicle needs service. See
Traction Control System (TCS) on page 291
andStabiliTrak
®System on page 292for more
information.
Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light
The engine coolant
temperature warning
light will come on
when the engine has
overheated.
If this happens you should pull over and turn off
the engine as soon as possible. SeeEngine
Overheating on page 355for more information.
Notice:Driving with the engine coolant
temperature warning light on could cause your
vehicle to overheat. SeeEngine Overheating
on page 355. Your vehicle could be damaged,
and it might not be covered by your warranty.
Never drive with the engine coolant
temperature warning light on.
This light will also come on when starting your
vehicle. If it does not, have your vehicle serviced.
181

All-Wheel Drive Disabled Light
This light will come on
when the rear drive
system is overheating.
An ALL WHEEL DRIVE OFF message will appear
in the Driver Information Center (DIC) too. This
light will turn off when the rear drive system
cools down. If this light stays on for a while, you
need to reset the light. To reset the light, turn
the ignition off and then back on again. If the
light stays on, see your dealer right away.
SeeAll-Wheel Drive on page 374and
DIC Warnings and Messages on page 198
for more information.
Gate Ajar Light
If this light comes on,
your liftgate is not
completely closed.
Driving with the liftgate
open can cause
carbon monoxide (CO)
to enter the vehicle.
SeeEngine Exhaust on page 127for more
information.
Door Ajar Light
This light will come on
when a door is ajar.
Do not drive with a door ajar.
190

DIC Warnings and Messages
Messages are displayed on the DIC to notify the
driver that the status of the vehicle has changed
and that some action may be needed by the driver
to correct the condition. Multiple messages may
appear one after another.
Some messages may not require immediate
action, but you can press the set/reset button to
acknowledge that you received the messages and
to clear them from the display. Pressing any of
the DIC buttons also acknowledge and clear
any messages.
Some messages cannot be cleared from the
DIC display because they are more urgent. These
messages require action before they can be
cleared. You should take any messages that
appear on the display seriously and remember
that clearing the messages will only make
the messages disappear, not correct the problem.
The following are the possible messages
that can be displayed and some information
about them.
ALL WHEEL DRIVE OFF
If your vehicle has the All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
system, this message displays along with the
All-Wheel Drive Disabled light when the rear drive
system is overheating. This message turns off when
the rear drive system cools down. If the warning
message stays on for a while, you need to reset the
warning message. To reset the warning message,
turn the ignition off and then back on again. If the
message stays on, see your dealer right away. See
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System on page 293and
All-Wheel Drive Disabled Light on page 190for
more information.
BATTERY SAVER ACTIVE
This message displays when the charging system
detects that the battery is being drained. You
may notice that the vehicle attempts to reduce the
drain for you by turning off accessories, such
as interior fans, rear defogger, and heated seats.
Turn off all accessories. If the vehicle is not
running, start and run the engine for at least
10 minutes to allow the battery to recharge. If the
engine is running and the condition persists,
see your dealer immediately.
198

ENGINE OVERHEATD (Overheated)
IDLE ENGINE
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the
engine is overheating, severe engine damage
may occur. If an overheat warning appears
on the instrument panel cluster and/or
DIC, stop the vehicle as soon as possible.
Do not increase the engine speed above
normal idling speed. SeeEngine Overheating
on page 355for more information.
This message displays when the engine coolant
temperature is too hot. Stop and allow the vehicle
to idle until it cools down.
ENGINE OVERHEATD (Overheated)
STOP ENGINE
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the
engine is overheating, severe engine damage
may occur. If an overheat warning appears on
the instrument panel cluster and/or DIC, stop
the vehicle as soon as possible. SeeEngine
Overheating on page 355for more information.This message displays along with a continuous
chime when the engine has overheated. Stop and
turn the engine off immediately to avoid severe
engine damage. SeeEngine Overheating on
page 355.
ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED
This message displays when the vehicle’s engine
power is reduced. Reduced engine power can
affect the vehicle’s ability to accelerate. If this
message is on, but there is no reduction in
performance, proceed to your destination. The
performance may be reduced the next time the
vehicle is driven. The vehicle may be driven at a
reduced speed while this message is on, but
acceleration and speed may be reduced. Anytime
this message stays on, the vehicle should be taken
to your dealer for service as soon as possible.
FUEL LEVEL LOW
This message displays when your vehicle is low
on fuel. Rell the fuel tank as soon as possible.
SeeFuel Gage on page 191andFilling the
Tank on page 337for more information.
201

This light will come
on along with the
ALL WHEEL DRIVE
OFF message when
the rear drive system
is overheating.
This light will turn off when the rear drive system
cools down. If this light stays on, it must be
reset. To reset the light, turn the ignition off
and then back again. If the light stays on, see
your dealer for service.
See “All Wheel Drive Off” underDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 198for more information.Steering
Electric Power Steering
If the engine stalls while you are driving, the
power steering assist system will continue
to operate until you are able to stop your vehicle.
If you lose power steering assist because the
electric power steering system is not functioning,
you can steer, but it will take more effort.
If you turn the steering wheel in either direction
several times until it stops, or hold the steering
wheel in the stopped position for an extended
amount of time, you may notice a reduced amount
of power steering assist. The normal amount of
power steering assist should return shortly after
a few normal steering movements.
The electric power steering system does not
require regular maintenance. If you suspect
steering system problems, such as abnormally
high steering effort for a prolonged period of time,
contact your dealer for service repairs.
294

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