2008 CHEVROLET EQUINOX remote start

Manual Lumbar
If your vehicle has this
feature, the knob is
located on the front of the
driver seat lower cushion
on the inboard side.
Turn the knob clockwise or counterclockwise to increase
or decrease the lumbar support.
Heated Seats
If your vehicle has heated
seats, the switches are
located on the instrument
panel near the climate
controls.The ignition must be on for the heated seats to operate.
Press the switch, nearest to the seat, once to turn
the heated seat on to the high setting. Both indicator
lights will be lit. Press the switch a second time to
turn the heated seat to the low setting. One indicator
light will be lit. Press the switch a third time to turn
the heated seat off.
If your vehicle has remote vehicle start and is started
using the remote keyless entry transmitter, the heated
seats may automatically turn on if it is cold outside.
See″Remote Vehicle Start″underRemote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System Operation on page 2-5. When
the key is inserted into the ignition and the ignition is
turned to RUN, the heated seat feature will turn off.
To turn the heated seats back on, press the desired
button.
1-4

Keys...............................................................2-3
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System................2-4
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation...................................................2-5
Remote Vehicle Start......................................2-8
Doors and Locks............................................2-10
Door Locks..................................................2-10
Power Door Locks........................................2-11
Delayed Locking...........................................2-11
Programmable Automatic Door Locks..............2-11
Rear Door Security Locks..............................2-12
Lockout Protection........................................2-12
Liftgate........................................................2-13
Windows........................................................2-15
Power Windows............................................2-16
Sun Visors...................................................2-17
Theft-Deterrent Systems..................................2-17
Content Theft-Deterrent.................................2-17
PASS-Key
®III+............................................2-18
PASS-Key®III+ Operation..............................2-18Starting and Operating Your Vehicle................2-20
New Vehicle Break-In....................................2-20
Ignition Positions..........................................2-20
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)...................2-21
Starting the Engine.......................................2-22
Engine Coolant Heater..................................2-23
Automatic Transmission Operation
(3.4L V6 with 5-Speed)..............................2-24
Automatic Transmission Operation
(3.6L V6 with 6-Speed)..............................2-27
Parking Brake..............................................2-31
Shifting Into PARK (P)...................................2-32
Shifting Out of PARK (P)...............................2-34
Parking Over Things That Burn.......................2-34
Engine Exhaust............................................2-35
Running the Engine While Parked...................2-36
Mirrors...........................................................2-37
Manual Rearview Mirror.................................2-37
Manual Rearview Mirror with OnStar
®..............2-37
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with
OnStar
®...................................................2-37
Outside Power Mirrors...................................2-38
Outside Convex Mirrors.................................2-38
Section 2 Features and Controls
2-1

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation
The vehicle’s doors can be locked and unlocked
from about 3 feet (1 m) up to 65 feet (20 m) away
with the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter.
If your vehicle has the remote start feature you can
also start your vehicle with the RKE transmitter.
Your RKE transmitter, with the remote start button,
provides an increased range of 195 feet (60 m) away.
However, the range may be less while the vehicle
is running. As a result, you may need to be closer to
your vehicle to turn it off than you were to turn it on.
There are other conditions which can affect the
performance of the transmitter. SeeRemote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System on page 2-4.
/(Remote Vehicle Start):If your vehicle has this
feature, press
/to start the engine from outside
the vehicle using the RKE transmitter. SeeRemote
Vehicle Start on page 2-8for additional information. With Remote Start
Shown, Without Remote
Start Similar
2-5

Remote Vehicle Start
Your vehicle may have the remote start feature. This
feature allows you to start the engine from outside
the vehicle. See “REMOTE START” underDIC Vehicle
Personalization on page 3-58for instructions on how
to enable and disable this feature.
During a remote start, the climate control system will
turn on at the fan, temperature, and mode settings the
vehicle was set to when the vehicle was last turned
off. The rear window defogger will also turn on.
If your vehicle has heated seats, they may turn on
during colder outside temperatures and will shut
off when the key is turned to ON/RUN. You may not
notice an increase in seat surface temperature until the
seat is occupied for a short period of time.
Laws in some local communities may restrict the use of
remote starters. For example, some laws may require
a person using remote start to have the vehicle in view
when doing so. Check local regulations for any
requirements on remote starting of vehicles.
/(Remote Vehicle Start):This button will be on the
RKE transmitter if you have remote start.
Your RKE transmitter, with the remote start button,
provides an increased range of operation. However,
the range may be less while the vehicle is running.
As a result, you may need to be closer to your
vehicle to turn it off, than you were to turn it on.If your vehicle is low on fuel, do not use the remote
start feature. The vehicle may run out of fuel.
To start the engine using the remote start feature:
1. Aim the RKE transmitter, that has a remote vehicle
start button, at the vehicle.
2. Press and release the transmitter’s lock button,
then immediately press and hold the remote
vehicle start button. Hold the remote start button
until the vehicle’s turn signal lamps ash, or
for at least four seconds if the vehicle’s lights are
not visible. The vehicle’s doors will be locked.
Pressing the remote start button again after the
vehicle has started will turn off the ignition.
When the vehicle’s engine starts, the parking
lamps will turn on and remain on while the engine
is running.
3. To extend the engine run time by 10 minutes,
repeat Steps 1 and 2 while the engine is still
running. The engine run time can only be extended
if it is the rst remote start since the vehicle has
been driven. Remote start can be extended
one time.
If the remote start procedure is used again before
the rst 10 minute time frame has ended, the
rst 10 minutes will immediately expire and the
second 10 minute time frame will start.
2-8

For example, if the lock button and then the remote
start buttons are pressed again after the vehicle
has been running for ve minutes, 10 minutes are
added, allowing the engine to run for 15 minutes.
4. After entering the vehicle during a remote start, insert
and turn the key to ON/RUN to drive the vehicle.
After a remote start, the engine will automatically
shut off after 10 minutes unless a time extension
has been done or the vehicle’s key is inserted into
the ignition switch and turned to ON/RUN.
A maximum of two remote starts or remote start
attempts are allowed between ignition cycles.
After your vehicle’s engine has been started two times
using the remote start button, the vehicle’s ignition
switch must be turned to ON/RUN and then back to
LOCK/OFF using the key before the remote start
procedure can be used again.
To manually shut off the engine after a remote start,
do any of the following:
Aim the RKE transmitter at the vehicle and press
the remote start button until the parking lamps
turn off.
Turn on the hazard warning ashers.
Insert the vehicle’s key into the ignition switch
and turn the switch to ON/RUN and then back
to LOCK/OFF.The remote vehicle start feature will not operate if
any of the following occur:
The vehicle’s key is in the ignition.
The vehicle’s hood, liftgate or doors are
not closed.
The hazard warning ashers are on.
There is an emission control system
malfunction.
The engine coolant temperature is too high.
The oil pressure is low.
Two remote vehicle starts have already been
used. The maximum number of remote starts
or remote start attempts between ignition cycles
with the key is two.
The remote start feature may be disabled.
The system may be enabled or disabled through
the DIC. See “REMOTE START” underDIC
Vehicle Personalization on page 3-58for
additional information.
Vehicles that have the remote vehicle start
feature are shipped from the factory with
the remote vehicle start system enabled.
2-9

Remote Start Ready
If your vehicle does not have the remote vehicle start
feature, it may have the remote start ready feature.
This feature allows your dealer/retailer to add the
manufacturer’s remote vehicle start feature.
If your vehicle has the remote start ready feature,
your RKE transmitter will have extended range that
will allow you to lock or unlock your vehicle from
approximately 195 feet (60 m) away.
See your dealer/retailer if you would like to add
the manufacturer’s remote vehicle start feature
to your vehicle.
Doors and Locks
Door Locks
{CAUTION:
Unlocked doors can be dangerous.
Passengers, especially children, can easily
open the doors and fall out of a moving
vehicle. When a door is locked, the handle
will not open it. You increase the chance
of being thrown out of the vehicle in a
crash if the doors are not locked. So, wear
safety belts properly and lock the doors
whenever you drive.
Young children who get into unlocked
vehicles may be unable to get out. A child
can be overcome by extreme heat and can
suffer permanent injuries or even death
from heat stroke. Always lock your vehicle
whenever you leave it.
Outsiders can easily enter through an
unlocked door when you slow down or
stop your vehicle. Locking your doors
can help prevent this from happening.
2-10

Climate Controls
Climate Control System
The heating, cooling, and ventilation for the vehicle can
be controlled with this system. If your vehicle has the
remote start feature, the climate control system functions
as part of the remote start feature. SeeRemote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation on page 2-5.
Operation
9
(Fan):Turn the left knob clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the fan speed.
In any setting other than off, the fan runs continuously
with the ignition on. To turn off the air completely,
turn the fan to 0 and select the recirculation button.Temperature Control:Turn the center knob clockwise
or counterclockwise to increase or decrease the
temperature inside the vehicle.
Use the right knob to select from the following modes:
There is one position between each mode to nely
adjust airow position.
H(Vent):This mode directs air to the instrument
panel outlets.
)(Bi-Level):This mode splits the air between the
instrument panel outlets and the oor outlets.
6(Floor):This mode directs most of the air to the
oor outlets with some air directed to the windshield
and side windows.
The right knob may also be used to select the defrost
and defog modes that are described in this section.
You can also select modes by using the following buttons:
;(Outside Air):Press this button to turn the
outside air mode on. When this mode is on, outside air
will circulate throughout the vehicle. When the button
is pressed, an indicator light in the button comes on
to show that it is activated. The outside air mode can
be used with all modes, but it cannot be used with
the recirculation mode.
3-19

If your vehicle has the remote start feature, the rear
defogger automatically turns on if it is cold outside.
When the vehicle transitions out of the remote start
mode, the rear defogger will turn off. SeeRemote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation on page 2-5.
Notice:Do not use anything sharp on the inside
of the rear window. If you do, you could cut or
damage the warming grid, and the repairs would
not be covered by your warranty. Do not attach
a temporary vehicle license, tape, a decal or
anything similar to the defogger grid.
Remote Start Climate Control Operation
If your vehicle has the remote start feature and it
is activated, the climate control system heats and cools
the inside of the vehicle using the modes that were
set before the vehicle was turned off and the rear
defogger automatically turns on. If your vehicle has
heated seats, they may turn on if it is cold outside
and will shut off when the key is turned to ON/RUN.
SeeHeated Seats on page 1-4.
Outlet Adjustment
Use the louvers located on the air outlets to change
the direction of the airow.
Operation Tips

Clear away any ice, snow, or leaves from the air
inlets at the base of the vehicle that may block
the ow of air into your vehicle.
Do not use any non-GM approved hood deectors
that could adversely affect the performance of the
system.
Keep the path under the front seats clear of objects
to help circulate the air inside of your vehicle more
effectively.
Passenger Compartment Air Filter
Outside air is routed through a passenger compartment
air lter before entering the vehicle. This lter removes
certain particles from the air, including pollen and
dust particles. Reductions in airow, which may occur
more quickly in dusty areas, indicate that the lter needs
to be replaced early.
The lter should be replaced as part of routine scheduled
maintenance. SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4
for when to replace the lter.
3-22