2008 CHEVROLET EQUINOX maintenance schedule

This schedule is for vehicles that:
carry passengers and cargo within recommended
limits. You will nd these limits on the Tire and
Loading Information label. SeeLoading Your
Vehicle on page 4-22.
are driven on reasonable road surfaces within legal
driving limits.
use the recommended fuel. SeeGasoline Octane
on page 5-5.
The services inScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4
should be performed when indicated. SeeAdditional
Required Services on page 6-6andMaintenance
Footnotes on page 6-7for further information.
{CAUTION:
Performing maintenance work on a vehicle can
be dangerous. In trying to do some jobs, you
can be seriously injured. Do your own
maintenance work only if you have the required
know-how and the proper tools and equipment
for the job. If you have any doubt, see your
dealer/retailer to have a qualied technician do
the work. SeeDoing Your Own Service Work
on page 5-4.Some maintenance services can be complex. So,
unless you are technically qualied and have the
necessary equipment, you should have your
dealer/retailer do these jobs.
When you go to your dealer/retailer for your service
needs, you will know that trained and supported service
technicians will perform the work using genuine parts.
If you want to purchase service information, seeService
Publications Ordering Information on page 7-15.
Owner Checks and Services on page 6-8tells you what
should be checked, when to check it, and what you can
easily do to help keep your vehicle in good condition.
The proper replacement parts, uids, and lubricants to
use are listed inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants
on page 6-12andMaintenance Replacement Parts
on page 6-14. When your vehicle is serviced, make sure
these are used. All parts should be replaced and all
necessary repairs done before you or anyone else
drives the vehicle. We recommend the use of genuine
parts from your dealer/retailer.
6-3

Scheduled Maintenance
When the change engine oil light and/or CHANGE
ENGINE OIL SOON message comes on, it means that
service is required for your vehicle. Have your vehicle
serviced as soon as possible within the next 600 miles
(1 000 km). It is possible that, if you are driving under the
best conditions, the engine oil life system may not
indicate that vehicle service is necessary for over a year.
However, the engine oil and lter must be changed at
least once a year and at this time the system must be
reset. Your dealer/retailer has trained service technicians
who will perform this work using genuine parts and reset
the system.
If the engine oil life system is ever reset accidentally,
you must service your vehicle within 3,000 miles
(5 000 km) since your last service. Remember to reset
the oil life system whenever the oil is changed. See
Engine Oil Life System on page 5-18for information on
the Engine Oil Life System and resetting the system.When the change engine oil light and/or CHANGE
ENGINE OIL SOON message appears, certain services,
checks, and inspections are required. Required services
are described in the following for “MaintenanceI” and
“MaintenanceII.” Generally, it is recommended that your
rst service be MaintenanceI, your second service be
MaintenanceII, and that you alternate MaintenanceIand
MaintenanceIIthereafter. However, in some cases,
MaintenanceIImay be required more often.
MaintenanceI— Use MaintenanceIif the
light/message comes on within 10 months since the
vehicle was purchased or MaintenanceIIwas
performed.
MaintenanceII— Use MaintenanceIIif the previous
service performed was MaintenanceI. Always use
MaintenanceIIwhenever the light/message comes on
10 months or more since the last service or if the
light/message has not come on at all for one year.
6-4

Scheduled Maintenance
Service MaintenanceIMaintenanceII
Change engine oil and lter. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-15. Reset oil life
system. SeeEngine Oil Life System on page 5-18.An Emission Control Service.••
Visually check for any leaks or damage.See footnote (k).••
Inspect engine air cleaner lter. If necessary, replace lter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-19.See footnote (l).•
Rotate tires and check ination pressures and wear. SeeTire Inspection and
Rotation on page 5-67and “Tire Wear Inspection” inAt Least Once a Month
on page 6-9.••
Inspect brake system.See footnote (a).••
Check engine coolant, power steering uid (3.6L V6 engine only), and windshield
washer uid levels and add uid as needed.••
Perform any needed additional services. See “Additional Required Services” in
this section.••
Inspect suspension and steering components.See footnote (b).•
Inspect engine cooling system.See footnote (c).•
Inspect wiper blades.See footnote (d).•
Inspect restraint system components.See footnote (e).•
Lubricate body components.See footnote (f).•
Replace passenger compartment air lter.See footnote (g).•
3.6L V6 Engine Only: Check automatic transmission uid level and add uid
as needed.•
Inspect throttle system.See footnote (j).•
6-5

Maintenance Record
After the scheduled services are performed, record the date, odometer reading, who performed the service, and the
type of services performed in the boxes provided. SeeMaintenance Requirements on page 6-2. Any additional
information fromOwner Checks and Services on page 6-8can be added on the following record pages. You should
retain all maintenance receipts.
Maintenance Record
DateOdometer
ReadingServiced ByMaintenanceIor
MaintenanceIIServices Performed
6-16

Online Owner Center
(United States only)
The Owner Center is a resource for your GM ownership
needs. Specic vehicle information can be found in
one place.
The Online Owner Center allows you to:
Get e-mail service reminders.
Access information about your specic vehicle,
including tips and videos and an electronic
version of this owner manual.
Keep track of your vehicle’s service history and
maintenance schedule.
Find GM dealers/retailers for service nationwide.
Receive special promotions and privileges only
available to members.
Refer to www.MyGMLink.com on the web for updated
information and to register your vehicle.
My GM Canada (Canada only)
My GM Canada is a password-protected section of
gmcanada.com where you can save information on GM
vehicles, get personalized offers, and use handy tools
and forms with greater ease.
Here are a few of the valuable tools and services you
will have access to:
My Showroom: Find and save information on
vehicles and current offers in your area.
My Dealers/Retailers: Save details such as
address and phone number for each of your
preferred GM Dealers or Retailers.
My Driveway: Receive service reminders and
helpful advice on owning and maintaining
your vehicle.
My Preferences: Manage your prole, subscribe to
E-News and use tools and forms with
greater ease.
To sign up to My GM Canada, visit the My GM Canada
section within www.gmcanada.com.
7-4

Reporting Safety Defects to the
Canadian Government
If you live in Canada, and you believe that your vehicle
has a safety defect, notify Transport Canada
immediately, in addition to notifying General Motors of
Canada Limited. Call them at 1-800-333-0510 or write to:
Transport Canada
Road Safety Branch
2780 Sheffield Road
Ottawa, Ontario K1B 3V9
Reporting Safety Defects to General
Motors
In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada) in
a situation like this, please notify General Motors.
Call 1-800-222-1020, or write:
Chevrolet Motor Division
Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center
P.O. Box 33170
Detroit, MI 48232-5170
In Canada, call 1-800-263-3777 (English) or
1-800-263-7854 (French), or write:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Communication Centre, CA1-163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
Service Publications Ordering
Information
Service Manuals
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair
information on engines, transmission, axle suspension,
brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc.
Service Bulletins
Service Bulletins’ give additional technical service
information needed to knowledgeably service General
Motors cars and trucks. Each bulletin contains
instructions to assist in the diagnosis and service of
your vehicle.
Owner Information
Owner publications are written specically for owners
and intended to provide basic operational information
about the vehicle. The owner manual includes the
Maintenance Schedule for all models.
In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio, Owner Manual, and
Warranty Booklet.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $35.00 (U.S.) plus processing fee
Without Portfolio: Owner Manual only.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $25.00 (U.S.) plus processing fee
7-15

Lights............................................................3-13
Flash-to-Pass............................................... 3-8
High/Low Beam Changer................................ 3-8
On Reminder..............................................3-13
Loading Your Vehicle.......................................4-22
Lockout Protection..........................................2-12
Locks
Delayed Locking..........................................2-11
Door..........................................................2-10
Lockout Protection.......................................2-12
Power Door................................................2-11
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.............2-11
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-12
Loss of Control...............................................4-13
Low Fuel Warning Light...................................3-42
Luggage Carrier..............................................2-43
Lumbar
Manual Controls............................................ 1-4
M
Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services........................... 6-6
At Each Fuel Fill........................................... 6-9
At Least Once a Month.................................. 6-9
At Least Once a Year..................................6-10Maintenance Schedule (cont.)
Introduction.................................................. 6-2
Maintenance Footnotes.................................. 6-7
Maintenance Record....................................6-16
Maintenance Replacement Parts....................6-14
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Owner Checks and Services........................... 6-8
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.............6-12
Scheduled Maintenance................................. 6-4
Using.......................................................... 6-2
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2
Malfunction Indicator Light................................3-34
Manual Lumbar Controls.................................... 1-4
Manual Reclining Seatbacks............................... 1-5
Manual Seats................................................... 1-2
Manual, Using.................................................... iii
Map Lamps....................................................3-16
Message
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-49
Mirrors
Automatic Dimming Rearview with OnStar
®.....2-37
Manual Rearview Mirror................................2-37
Manual Rearview Mirror with OnStar
®.............2-37
Outside Convex Mirrors................................2-38
Outside Power Mirrors..................................2-38
MP3 .....................................................3-87, 3-92
MyGMLink.com................................................ 7-4
8

S
Safety Belt
Reminder Light............................................3-27
Safety Belts
Care of......................................................5-93
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly................1-17
Lap-Shoulder Belt........................................1-25
Safety Belt Extender....................................1-30
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy.................1-30
Safety Belts Are for Everyone.......................1-12
Safety Warnings and Symbols.............................. iii
Scheduled Maintenance..................................... 6-4
Seatback, Folding Passenger............................. 1-8
Seats
Driver Seat Height Adjuster............................. 1-3
Head Restraints............................................ 1-7
Heated Seats............................................... 1-4
Manual Lumbar............................................. 1-4
Manual Reclining Seatbacks........................... 1-5
Passenger Folding Seatback........................... 1-8
Power Seat.................................................. 1-3
Split Folding Rear Seat................................1-10
Securing a Child Restraint
Rear Seat Position......................................1-50
Right Front Seat Position..............................1-52Security Light.................................................3-38
Service........................................................... 5-3
Accessories and Modications......................... 5-3
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your
Vehicle..................................................... 5-5
All-Wheel-Drive Light....................................3-39
California Pershlorate Materials Requirements . . . 5-4
California Proposition 65 Warning.................... 5-3
Doing Your Own Work................................... 5-4
Engine Soon Light.......................................3-34
Publications Ordering Information...................7-15
Vehicle Soon Light.......................................3-41
Service, Scheduling Appointments....................... 7-9
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle..............1-70
Sheet Metal Damage.......................................5-97
Shifting Into Park (P).......................................2-32
Shifting Out of Park (P)...................................2-34
Signals, Turn and Lane-Change.......................... 3-8
Spare Tire
Compact....................................................5-88
Installing....................................................5-79
Removing...................................................5-77
Storing.......................................................5-86
Specications, Capacities...............................5-107
Speedometer..................................................3-26
Split Folding Rear Seat....................................1-10
11