2008 CHEVROLET EQUINOX warning

In manual shift mode all six forward gears can be
selected.
While using the MSM feature the vehicle will have
operation similar to a manual transmission. You can
use this for sport driving or when driving hilly roads to
stay in gear longer or to downshift for more power
or engine braking.
The transmission will only allow you to shift into gears
appropriate for the vehicle speed:
The transmission will not automatically shift to the
next higher gear without moving the shift lever.
The transmission will not allow shifting to the next
lower gear if the vehicle speed is too high.
If the vehicle does not respond to a gear change,
or detects a problem with the transmission, the range
of gears may be reduced and the Malfunction Indicator
Lamp will come on. SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp
on page 3-34.
Transmission Overheating
If the transmission uid temperature rises above
270°F (132°C) or rises rapidly, the Engine Coolant
Temperature Warning Light will ash. SeeEngine
Coolant Temperature Warning Light on page 3-33for
more information. When the transmission overheats
it will go into a protection mode and will default into a
different shift sequence to help cool the transmission
uid. This shift sequence is the same for both DRIVE (D)
position and manual mode. 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
transmission will return to the normal shift patterns.
Towing or driving on long hills can cause the
transmission uid temperature to be higher than
normal. If the transmission uid temperature will
not cool, you may need to pull over and check the
transmission uid level. You should also check
the engine coolant temperature. If it is hot, see
Engine Overheating on page 5-24.
2-30

SECOND (2) and THIRD (3) Gear
Start Feature
When accelerating your vehicle from a stop in snowy
and icy conditions, you may want to select SECOND (2)
and THIRD (3) gear. A higher gear, and light application
of the gas pedal, may allow you to gain more traction
on slippery surfaces.
With the Manual Shift Mode, the vehicle can accelerate
from a stop in SECOND (2) or THIRD (3).
1. Move the shift lever from DRIVE (D) into the
manual gate.
2. With the vehicle stopped, move the shift lever
forward to select SECOND (2) or THIRD (3).
The vehicle will start from a stop position in
SECOND (2) or THIRD (3).
3. Once the vehicle is moving select the desired
drive gear or move the shift lever to the
DRIVE (D) position.
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.
2-31

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.
Make sure to release the parking brake before driving
the vehicle.
If the parking brake is applied and the vehicle is
moving at least 4 mph (6 km/h), a chime will activate
to remind you to release the parking brake.
Notice:Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause premature
wear or damage to brake system parts. Make
sure that the parking brake is fully released and
the brake warning light is off before driving.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 4-33.
1. Hold the brake pedal down with your foot and set
the parking brake. SeeParking Brake on page 2-31
for more information.
2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) by pressing the
button on the shift lever and pushing the lever all
the way toward the front of the vehicle.
3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK/OFF.
4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can
leave your vehicle with the key, your vehicle is
in PARK (P).
2-32

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Other Warning Devices...................................3-6
Horn.............................................................3-6
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-6
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-7
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-8
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-8
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-8
Windshield Wipers..........................................3-9
Windshield Washer.......................................3-10
Rear Window Wiper/Washer...........................3-10
Cruise Control..............................................3-10
Headlamps..................................................3-13
Headlamps on Reminder................................3-13
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................3-14
Automatic Headlamp System..........................3-14
Fog Lamps..................................................3-15
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-15
Dome Lamp.................................................3-16
Entry Lighting...............................................3-16
Map Lamps.................................................3-16
Cargo Lamp.................................................3-16
Electric Power Management...........................3-17
Battery Run-Down Protection..........................3-17
Accessory Power Outlet(s).............................3-18Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter......................3-18
Climate Controls............................................3-19
Climate Control System.................................3-19
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-22
Passenger Compartment Air Filter...................3-22
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-24
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-25
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-26
Trip Odometer..............................................3-26
Tachometer.................................................3-26
Safety Belt Reminders...................................3-27
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-27
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................3-28
Charging System Light..................................3-30
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-31
Antilock Brake System Warning Light...............3-32
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light . . .3-32
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light......3-33
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-33
Tire Pressure Light.......................................3-34
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-34
Oil Pressure Light.........................................3-37
Change Engine Oil Light................................3-38
Security Light...............................................3-38
Fog Lamp Light............................................3-38
Cruise Control Light......................................3-38
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

Reduced Engine Power Light.........................3-39
Highbeam On Light.......................................3-39
Service All-Wheel Drive Light.........................3-39
All-Wheel Drive Disabled Light........................3-40
Gate Ajar Light.............................................3-40
Door Ajar Light.............................................3-40
Service Vehicle Soon Light............................3-41
Fuel Gage...................................................3-41
Low Fuel Warning Light.................................3-42
Driver Information Center (DIC).......................3-42
DIC Operation and Displays...........................3-43
DIC Compass..............................................3-46
DIC Warnings and Messages.........................3-49
DIC Vehicle Personalization............................3-58Audio System(s).............................................3-64
Setting the Time...........................................3-65
Radio(s)......................................................3-68
Using an MP3 (Radio with CD
or Six-Disc CD Player)...............................3-87
Using an MP3 (Radio with CD
and DVD Player).......................................3-92
XM Radio Messages.....................................3-97
Navigation/Radio System...............................3-98
Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) System...........3-99
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-108
Audio Steering Wheel Controls......................3-108
Radio Reception.........................................3-110
Multi-Band Antenna.....................................3-110
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-2

The main components of your instrument panel are the following:
A. Air Outlets. SeeOutlet Adjustment on page 3-22.
B. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever. SeeTurn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-7.
C. Instrument Panel Cluster. SeeInstrument Panel
Cluster on page 3-25.
D. Windshield Wiper/Washer Lever. SeeWindshield
Wipers on page 3-9.
E. Driver Information Center Controls. SeeDIC
Operation and Displays on page 3-43.
F. Hazard Warning Flashers. SeeHazard Warning
Flashers on page 3-6.
G. Passenger Airbag Status Indicator. SeePassenger
Airbag Status Indicator on page 3-28.
H. Rear Window Wiper/Washer Buttons. SeeRear
Window Wiper/Washer on page 3-10. Fog Lamps
Button. SeeFog Lamps on page 3-15.
I. Power Mirror Control. SeeOutside Power Mirrors
on page 2-38.
J. Instrument Panel Brightness Control. See
Instrument Panel Brightness on page 3-15.K. Cruise Controls. SeeCruise Control on page 3-10.
L. Tilt Wheel. SeeTilt Wheel on page 3-6.
M. Horn. SeeHorn on page 3-6.
N. Audio Steering Wheel Controls. SeeAudio
Steering Wheel Controls on page 3-108.
O. Audio System. SeeAudio System(s) on page 3-64.
P. Shift Lever. SeeShifting Into PARK (P)
on page 2-32.
Q. Traction Control System (TCS) Button. See
Traction Control System (TCS) on page 4-6.
R. Power Window Switches. SeePower Windows
on page 2-16.
S. Climate Control System. SeeClimate Control
System on page 3-19. Heated Seat Buttons
(If Equipped). SeeHeated Seats on page 1-4.
T. Glove Box. SeeGlove Box on page 2-42.
3-5

Hazard Warning Flashers
The hazard warning ashers let you warn the police and
others that you have a problem. The front and rear
turn signal lamps will ash on and off.
The hazard warning
asher button is located
towards the center of
the instrument panel.
Press the button to make the front and rear turn signal
lamps ash on and off. Press the button again to
turn the ashers off.
While the hazard warning ashers are on, the turn
signals do not work.
The hazard warning ashers work no matter what
position the key is in, and even if the key is not in the
ignition switch.
Other Warning Devices
If you carry reective triangles, you can set them up at
the side of the road about 300 feet (100 m) behind
your vehicle.
Horn
Press near or on the horn symbols on the steering
wheel pad to sound the horn.
Tilt Wheel
Your vehicle has a tilt wheel that allows you to adjust
the steering wheel.
3-6

Using Cruise Control on Hills
How well your cruise control works on hills depends upon
the vehicle’s speed, load, and the steepness of the hills.
While going up steep hills, you might have to step on the
accelerator pedal to maintain the vehicle’s speed. While
going downhill, you might have to brake or shift to a lower
gear to keep the vehicle at a lower speed. However,
when the brakes are applied the cruise control turns off.
Many drivers nd this to be too much trouble and do not
use cruise control on steep hills.
Ending Cruise Control
There are three ways to end cruise control:
Step lightly on the brake pedal.
Press the[button on the steering wheel.
Press theJbutton on the steering wheel.
Erasing Speed Memory
The cruise control set speed memory is erased when
the cruise control or the ignition is turned off.
Headlamps
The exterior lamp control is located on the turn
signal/multifunction lever.
O(Exterior Lamp Control):Turn the control with
this symbol on it to operate the exterior lamps.The exterior lamp control has the following positions:
AUTO (Off/Automatic Headlamps):Turn the control
to this position to put the headlamps in automatic mode.
Automatic mode will turn the exterior lamps on and
off depending upon how much light is available outside
of the vehicle.
;(Parking Lamps):Turn the control to this position to
turn on the parking lamps together with the following:
Sidemarker Lamps
Taillamps
License Plate Lamps
Instrument Panel Lights
53(Headlamps):Turning the control to this
position turns on the headlamps, together with the
previously listed lamps and lights.
Headlamps on Reminder
If you open the driver’s door with the ignition off and
the lamps on, you will hear a warning chime.
3-13