2008 CHEVROLET EQUINOX Starting

Notice:The 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/retailer. If you do not, your engine
might not perform properly. Any resulting damage
would not be covered by your vehicle’s warranty.
Engine Coolant Heater
The engine coolant heater, if available, can help in cold
weather conditions at or below 0°F (−18°C) for easier
starting and better fuel economy during engine warm-up.
Plug in the coolant heater at least four hours before
starting your vehicle. An internal thermostat in the
plug-end of the cord may exist which will prevent
engine coolant heater operation at temperatures.
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/retailer in the area where you
will be parking your vehicle. The dealer/retailer can
give you the best advice for that particular area.
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Make sure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before
starting the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic
transmission 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 ON/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. SeeShifting Out of PARK (P) on page 2-34.
REVERSE (R):Use this gear to back up.
Notice:Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle
is moving forward could damage the transmission.
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 transmission,
seeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or
Snow on page 4-21.
NEUTRAL (N):In this position, your engine does
not connect with the wheels. To restart when you
are already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.
{CAUTION:
Shifting into a drive gear while the 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)
with the engine running at high speed may damage
the transmission. The repairs would not be covered
by your warranty. Be sure the engine is not running
at high speed when shifting your vehicle.
Notice:Shifting to a drive gear from NEUTRAL (N)
while the vehicle is moving could damage the
transmission. Make sure the vehicle is stopped
before shifting from NEUTRAL (N) into a drive gear.
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Automatic Transmission Operation
(3.6L V6 with 6-Speed)
The shift lever for the automatic transmission is located
on the console between the seats.
Maximum engine speed is limited when the vehicle is in
PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) to protect driveline
components from improper operation.
There are several different positions for the shift lever.
When using the Manual Shift Mode (MSM), a number
indicating the gear selected will appear on the instrument
cluster below the shift position display. For more
information on the manual shift option see “Manual Shift
Mode” in this section.PARK (P):This position locks the front wheels. It is the
best position to use when the engine is started because
the 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 2-32.
If you are pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer
on page 4-33.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before
starting the engine. The vehicle has an automatic
transmission shift lock control system. You must
fully apply the regular brakes rst and then press
the shift lever button, before you can shift from
PARK (P) when the ignition is in ON/RUN.
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Shifting Out of PARK (P)
This vehicle is equipped with an electronic shift lock
release system. The shift lock release is designed to:
Prevent ignition key removal unless the shift
lever is in PARK (P) with the shift lever button
fully released, and
Prevent movement of the shift lever out of
PARK (P), unless the ignition is in ON/RUN
or ACC/ACCESSORY and the regular brake
pedal is applied.
The shift lock release is always functional except
in the case of an uncharged or low voltage
(less than 9 volt) battery.
If your vehicle has an uncharged battery or a battery
with low voltage, try charging or jump starting
the battery. SeeJump Starting on page 5-36for
more information.
To shift out of PARK (P) use the following:
1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Then press the shift lever button.
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.If you still are unable to shift out of PARK (P):
1. Fully release the shift lever button.
2. While holding down the brake pedal, press the
shift lever button again.
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If you still cannot move the shift lever from PARK (P),
consult your dealer/retailer or a professional towing
service.
Parking Over Things That Burn
{CAUTION:
Things that can burn could touch hot exhaust
parts under your vehicle and ignite. Do not
park over papers, leaves, dry grass, or other
things that can burn.
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STABILITRAK NOT READY
This message may display and a warning light on the
instrument panel cluster may be on after rst driving the
vehicle and exceeding 30 mph (48 km/h) for 30 seconds.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) Warning Light on
page 3-32. The StabiliTrak
®System is not functional
until the light has turned off. SeeStabiliTrak®System
on page 4-7for more information.
STABILITRAK OFF
This message displays any time the StabiliTrak®System
turns off. When this message has been displayed,
StabiliTrak
®is no longer available to assist you with
directional control of the vehicle. Adjust your driving
accordingly. SeeStabiliTrak
®System on page 4-7.
This message displays only while the ignition is in
ON/RUN.
Any of the following conditions may cause the
StabiliTrak
®System to turn off:
The StabiliTrak®System is turned off by
pressing and holding the traction control button.
SeeStabiliTrak
®System on page 4-7for more
information.
The battery is low.
There is a StabiliTrak®System failure.
See your dealer/retailer for service.
STARTING DISABLD (Disabled)
SERVICE THRTTLE (Throttle)
This message displays if the starting of the engine is
disabled due to the electronic throttle control system.
Have your vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer
immediately.
This message only appears while the ignition is in
ON/RUN, and will not disappear until the problem
is resolved.
This message cannot be acknowledged.
THEFT ATTEMPTED
This message displays if the content theft-deterrent
system has detected a break-in attempt while you were
away from your vehicle. SeeContent Theft-Deterrent
on page 2-17for more information.
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\FWD (Fast Forward):Press to fast forward the
CD or DVD. The radio displays the elapsed time and
fast forwards ve times the normal speed. To stop fast
forwarding, press again. This button might not work
when the DVD is playing the copyright information or
the previews.
Z(Eject):Press to eject a CD or DVD. If a CD
or DVD is ejected, but not removed, the player
automatically pulls it back in after 15 seconds.
If loading and reading of a CD cannot be completed,
such as unknown format, etc., and the disc fails to eject,
press and hold for more than ve seconds to force
the disc to eject.
DVD-V (Video) Display Buttons
Once a DVD-V is inserted, the radio display menu
shows several tag options for DVD playing. Press the
pushbuttons located under any desired tag option during
DVD playback. See the tag options listed below for
more information.
The rear seat passenger navigates the DVD-V menus
and controls through the remote control. See “Remote
Control”, underRear Seat Entertainment (RSE)
System on page 3-99for more information. The Video
Screen automatically turns on when the DVD-V is
inserted into the DVD slot.
r/j(Play/Pause):Press either play or pause
displayed on the radio system, to toggle between
pausing or restarting playback of a DVD. If the forward
arrow is showing on the display, the system is in
pause mode. If the pause icon is showing on the display,
the system is in playback mode. If the DVD screen is
off, press this button to turn the screen on.
Some DVDs begin playing after the previews have
nished, although there might be a delay of up to
30 seconds. If the DVD does not begin playing the
movie automatically, press the pushbutton located
under the play/pause symbol tag displayed on the radio.
If the DVD still does not play, refer to the on-screen
instructions, if available.
c(Stop):Press to stop playing, rewinding, or fast
forwarding a DVD.
r(Enter):Press to select the choices that are
highlighted in any menu.
y(Menu):Press to access the DVD menu. The DVD
menu is different on every DVD. Use the pushbuttons
located under the navigation arrows to navigate
the cursor through the DVD menu. After making a
selection press the enter button. This button only
operates when using a DVD.
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Nav (Navigate):Press to display directional arrows
for navigating through the menus.
q(Return):Press to exit the current active menu
and return to the previous menu. This button operates
only when a DVD is playing and a menu is active.
DVD-A (Audio) Display Buttons
Once a DVD-A is inserted, a radio display menu
shows several tag options for DVD playing. Press the
pushbuttons located under any desired tag option during
DVD playback. See the tag options listed below for
more information.
The rear seat operator navigates the DVD-A menus
and controls through the remote control. See “Remote
Control”, underRear Seat Entertainment (RSE)
System on page 3-99for more information. The Video
Screen does not automatically power on when the
DVD-A is inserted into the DVD slot. It must be manually
turned on by the rear seat occupant through the
remote control power button.
r/j(Play/Pause):Press either play or pause
displayed on the radio system, to toggle between
pausing or restarting playback of a DVD. If the
forward arrow is showing on the display, the system
is in pause mode. If the pause icon is showing on
the display, the system is in playback mode.
qGroupr:Press to cycle through musical
groupings on the DVD-A disc.
Nav (Navigate):Press to display directional arrows for
navigating through the menus.
e(Audio Stream):Press to cycle through audio
steam formats located on DVD-A disc. There is not any
type of notication for the customer to see through
the radio display, but video screen has a text eld that
shows audio stream changing.
Inserting a Disc
To play a disc, gently insert the disc, with the label side
up, into the loading slot. The DVD player might not
accept some paper labeled media. The player starts
loading the disc into the system and display “Loading
Disc” on the radio display. At the same time, the
radio displays a softkey menu of option(s). Some discs
automatically play the movie while others default to
the softkey menu display which requires the Play, Enter,
or Navigation softkeys to be pressed (either by softkey
or by the rear seat passenger using the remote control).
Loading a disc into the system, depending on media
type and format, ranges from 5 to 20 seconds for a CD,
and up to 30 seconds for a DVD.
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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. SeeEngine Exhaust on page 2-35.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. Do not use
the climate control setting for maximum air
because it only recirculates the air inside
your vehicle. SeeClimate Control System
on page 3-19.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.
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