Seats and Restraint Systems........................... 1-1
Front Seats
............................................... 1-2
Rear Seats
..............................................1-10
Safety Belts
.............................................1-12
Child Restraints
.......................................1-31
Airbag System
.........................................1-56
Restraint System Check
............................1-72
Features and Controls..................................... 2-1
Keys
........................................................ 2-3
Doors and Locks
......................................2-10
Windows
.................................................2-15
Theft-Deterrent Systems
............................2-17
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
...........2-20
Mirrors
....................................................2-37
OnStar
®System
......................................2-39
Storage Areas
.........................................2-42
Sunroof
..................................................2-49
Instrument Panel............................................. 3-1
Instrument Panel Overview
.......................... 3-4
Climate Controls
......................................3-19
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators
........3-24
Driver Information Center (DIC)
..................3-42
Audio System(s)
.......................................3-64Driving Your Vehicle....................................... 4-1
Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle
..... 4-2
Towing
...................................................4-28
Service and Appearance Care.......................... 5-1
Service
..................................................... 5-3
Fuel
......................................................... 5-5
Checking Things Under the Hood
...............5-10
All-Wheel Drive
........................................5-42
Headlamp Aiming
.....................................5-44
Bulb Replacement
....................................5-44
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
.........5-50
Tires
......................................................5-52
Appearance Care
.....................................5-89
Vehicle Identi cation
.................................5-99
Electrical System
....................................5-100
Capacities and Speci cations
...................5-107
Maintenance Schedule..................................... 6-1
Maintenance Schedule
................................ 6-2
Customer Assistance Information.................... 7-1
Customer Assistance and Information
........... 7-2
Reporting Safety Defects
...........................7-14
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy
...........7-16
Index................................................................ 1
2008 Chevrolet Equinox Owner ManualM
OnStar®System.............................................2-39
Storage Areas................................................2-42
Glove Box...................................................2-42
Cupholder(s)................................................2-42
Center Console Storage.................................2-42
Luggage Carrier...........................................2-43Rear Compartment Storage Panel/Cover..........2-45
Rear Seat Armrest........................................2-47
Table..........................................................2-48
Convenience Net..........................................2-49
Cargo Tie Downs..........................................2-49
Sunroof.........................................................2-49
Section 2 Features and Controls
2-2
The ignition switch cannot be turned to LOCK/OFF
unless the shift lever is in PARK (P).
ACC (ACC/ACCESSORY):This position operates
some of your electrical accessories.
R(ON/RUN):This is the position the switch returns
to after you start your engine and release the switch.
The switch stays in the ON/RUN position when the
engine is running. But even when the engine is
not running, you can use ON/RUN to operate your
electrical accessories and to display some warning
and indicator lights.
The battery could be drained if you leave the key in
the ACC/ACCESSORY or ON/RUN position with
the engine off. You may not be able to start your
vehicle if the battery is allowed to drain for an
extended period of time.
/(START):This position starts the engine. When
the engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch
will return to ON/RUN for normal driving.
Key In the Ignition
Never leave your vehicle with the keys inside, as it is
an easy target for joy riders or thieves. If you leave
the key in the ignition and park your vehicle, a chime
will sound, when you open the driver’s door. Always
remember to remove your key from the ignition and take
it with you. This will lock your ignition and transmission.
Also, always remember to lock the doors.
The battery could be drained if you leave the key in the
ignition while your vehicle is parked. You may not be
able to start your vehicle after it has been parked for
an extended period of time.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
These vehicle accessories can be used for up to
10 minutes after the engine is turned off:
Audio System
Power Windows
Sunroof (if equipped)
Power to these accessories will continue to operate for
up to 10 minutes or until the driver’s door is opened.
All these features will work when the key is in ON/RUN
or ACC/ACCESSORY.
2-21
Convenience Net
Your vehicle may have a convenience net in the
rear of the vehicle. Store small loads as far forward
as possible. The net should not be used to store
heavy loads.
Cargo Tie Downs
Cargo tie-downs located in the rear of the vehicle
are used to secure small loads.
Sunroof
If the vehicle is equipped with a sunroof, the controls
to operate it are located on the headliner above
the rearview mirror. The ignition must be in RUN or
ACC, or Retained Accessory Power (RAP) must
be active, to operate the sunroof. SeeRetained
Accessory Power (RAP) on page 2-21for more
information.To express-open the
sunroof glass panel
and sunshade, press
the switch rearward
and release it.
To stop the sunroof before it is completely open, press
the switch rearward again. The sunshade cannot be
closed with the sunroof open.
To close the sunroof, press forward and hold the switch
until the sunroof stops, lifts and seals at the back of
the sunroof glass. Press forward on the switch again,
to make sure the sunroof is fully closed
To put the sunroof in the vent position, pull down on
the front of the switch. Push up on the front of the
switch to close it.
2-49
Compass Calibration
The compass can be manually calibrated. Only calibrate
the compass in a magnetically clean and safe location,
such as an open parking lot, where driving the vehicle
in circles is not a danger. It is suggested to calibrate
away from tall buildings, utility wires, manhole covers,
or other industrial structures, if possible.
If CAL should ever appear in the DIC display,
the compass should be calibrated.
If the DIC display does not show a heading, for example,
N for North, or the heading does not change after
making turns, there may be a strong magnetic eld
interfering with the compass. Such interference may
be caused by a magnetic CB or cell phone antenna
mount, a magnetic emergency light, magnetic note
pad holder, or any other magnetic item. Turn off
the vehicle, move the magnetic item, then turn on
the vehicle and calibrate the compass.To calibrate the compass, use the following procedure:Compass Calibration Procedure
1. Before calibrating the compass, make sure the
compass zone is set to the variance zone in
which the vehicle is located. See “Compass
Variance (Zone) Procedure” earlier in this section.
Do not operate any switches such as window,
sunroof, climate controls, seats, etc. during
the calibration procedure.
2. Press the vehicle information button until
PRESS
VTO CALIBRATE COMPAS (Compass)
displays.
3. Press the set/reset button to start the compass
calibration.
4. The DIC will display CALIBRATING: DRIVE IN
CIRCLES. Drive the vehicle in tight circles at
less than 5 mph (8 km/h) to complete the calibration.
The DIC will display CALIBRATION COMPLETE
for a few seconds when the calibration is
complete. The DIC display will then return to
the previous menu.
3-48
Radio Reception
Frequency interference and static can occur during
normal radio reception if items such as cell phone
chargers, vehicle convenience accessories, and external
electronic devices are plugged into the accessory
power outlet. If there is interference or static, unplug
the item from the accessory power outlet.
AM
The range for most AM stations is greater than for
FM, especially at night. The longer range can cause
station frequencies to interfere with each other.
For better radio reception, most AM radio stations
boost the power levels during the day, and then
reduce these levels during the night. Static can also
occur when things like storms and power lines interfere
with radio reception. When this happens, try reducing
the treble on your radio.
FM Stereo
FM stereo gives the best sound, but FM signals only
reach about 10 to 40 miles (16 to 65 km). Tall buildings
or hills can interfere with FM signals, causing the
sound to fade in and out.
XM™ Satellite Radio Service
XM™ Satellite Radio Service gives digital radio
reception from coast-to-coast in the 48 contiguous
United States, and in Canada. Just as with FM,
tall buildings or hills can interfere with satellite radio
signals, causing the sound to fade in and out. In
addition, traveling or standing under heavy foliage,
bridges, garages, or through tunnels could cause
loss of the XM signal for a period of time. The radio
may display NO XM SIGNAL to indicate interference.
Multi-Band Antenna
The multi-band antenna is located on the roof of your
vehicle. This type of antenna is used with the AM/FM
radio, as well as OnStar
®and the XM™ Satellite Radio
Service System, if your vehicle has these features.
Keep this antenna clear of snow and ice build up for
clear radio reception. If your vehicle has a sunroof,
the performance of the radio system may be affected if
the sunroof is open. Loading items onto the roof of
your vehicle can interfere with the performance of
the radio system and, if your vehicle has this feature,
OnStar
®. Make sure the multi-band antenna is not
obstructed.
3-110