2009 CHEVROLET EQUINOX climate control

Using these settings together for long periods of time
may cause the air inside of the vehicle to become
too dry. To prevent this from happening, after the air
inside of the vehicle has cooled, turn the recirculation
mode off.
The air conditioning system removes moisture from the
air, so a small amount of water might drip under the
vehicle while idling or after turning off the engine.
;(Outside Air):Press to turn the outside air mode
on. An indicator light comes on to show that outside
air is on. Air from outside the vehicle will circulate
throughout the vehicle. The outside air mode can be
used with all modes, but it cannot be used with
the recirculation mode. Pressing
;will cancel the
recirculation mode.
@(Recirculation):Press to turn the recirculation
mode on. An indicator light comes on to show
recirculation is on. The air inside the vehicle will be
recirculated through the climate control system and the
vehicle, not from outside the vehicle. It can be used
to prevent outside air and odors from entering the
vehicle or to help cool the air inside the vehicle more
quickly. Avoid using the recirculation mode during highperiods of humidity and cool outside temperatures since
this may result in increased window fogging. If window
fogging is experienced, select the defrost mode.
Recirculation mode is not available in oor, defog or
defrost modes and will shut off automatically and change
to outside air. If the button is selected in these modes,
the indicator will ash. This helps prevent window
fogging and moisture building up within the cabin.
Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to
remove fog from the rear window.
The rear window defogger only works when the ignition
is in ON/RUN.
<(Rear Window Defogger):Press to turn the rear
window defogger on or off. An indicator light comes
on to show that the rear window defogger is on.
The rear window defogger stays on for about 10 minutes
if the vehicle remains at slower vehicle speeds, or
until the button is pressed or the ignition is turned to
ACC/ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF. If turned on again,
the defogger only runs for about ve minutes before
turning off again. At higher vehicle speeds, the defogger
may stay on continuously. The defogger can also be
turned off by turning off the engine.
3-20

For vehicles with the remote start feature, the rear
defogger will automatically turn on. 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 the vehicle warranty. Do not attach
a temporary vehicle license, tape, a decal or
anything similar to the defogger grid.
((Heated Seats):For vehicles with heated seats, see
Heated Seats on page 1-4.
Remote Start Climate Control Operation
For vehicles with the remote start feature 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. The rear defogger will also
automatically turn on. If the 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 the 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 the vehicle more
effectively.
3-21

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
V
TO 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

Blizzard Conditions
Being stuck in snow can be in a serious situation. Stay
with the vehicle unless there is help nearby. If possible,
use theRoadside Assistance Program on page 7-7.
To get help and keep everyone in the vehicle safe:
Turn on theHazard Warning Flashers on page 3-6.
Tie a red cloth to an outside mirror.
{CAUTION:
Snow can trap engine exhaust under the vehicle.
This may cause exhaust gases to get inside.
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO)
which cannot be seen or smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
If the vehicle is stuck in the snow:
Clear away snow from around the base of
your vehicle, especially any that is blocking
the exhaust pipe.
Check again from time to time to be sure
snow does not collect there.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)

Open a window about two inches (5 cm) on
the side of the vehicle that is away from the
wind to bring in fresh air.
Fully open the air outlets on or under the
instrument panel.
Adjust the Climate Control system to a setting
that circulates the air inside the vehicle and
set the fan speed to the highest setting. See
Climate Control System in the Index.
For more information about carbon monoxide, see
Engine Exhaust on page 2-34.
Snow can trap exhaust gases under your vehicle.
This can cause deadly CO (carbon monoxide) gas
to get inside. CO could overcome you and kill you.
You cannot see it or smell it, so you might not
know it is in your vehicle. Clear away snow from
around the base of your vehicle, especially any
that is blocking the exhaust.
Run the engine for short periods only as needed to
keep warm, but be careful.
To save fuel, run the engine for only short periods as
needed to warm the vehicle and then shut the engine off
and close the window most of the way to save heat.
4-18

Safety Chains
Always attach chains between the vehicle and the
trailer. Cross the safety chains under the tongue of the
trailer to help prevent the tongue from contacting
the road if it becomes separated from the hitch.
Instructions about safety chains may be provided by
the hitch manufacturer or by the trailer manufacturer.
Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for attaching
safety chains and do not attach them to the bumper.
Always leave just enough slack so the rig can turn.
Never allow safety chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
A loaded trailer that weighs more than 1,000 lbs
(900 kg) needs to have its own brake system that is
adequate for the weight of the trailer. Be sure to read
and follow the instructions for the trailer brakes so
they are installed, adjusted and maintained properly.
Because the vehicle has StabiliTrak, do not try to
tap into the vehicle’s hydraulic brake system. If you do,
both brake systems will not work well, or at all.
Driving with a Trailer
{CAUTION:
When towing a trailer, exhaust gases may collect
at the rear of the vehicle and enter if the liftgate,
trunk/hatch, or rear-most window is open.
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO)
which cannot be seen or smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
To maximize safety when towing a trailer:
Have the exhaust system inspected for leaks
and make necessary repairs before starting
a trip.
Never drive with the liftgate, trunk/hatch, or
rear-most window open.
Fully open the air outlets on or under the
instrument panel.
Adjust the Climate Control system to a setting
that brings in only outside air and set the fan
speed to the highest setting. See Climate
Control System in the Index.
For more information about carbon monoxide,
seeEngine Exhaust on page 2-34.
4-36

Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where applicable
on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder
and maximum section width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA
Temperature A
The following information relates to the
system developed by the United States National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA),
which grades tires by treadwear, traction, and
temperature performance. This applies only to
vehicles sold in the United States. The grades are
molded on the sidewalls of most passenger car
tires. The Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG)
system does not apply to deep tread, winter-type
snow tires, space-saver, or temporary use
spare tires, tires with nominal rim diameters
of 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm), or to some
limited-production tires.While the tires available on General Motors
passenger cars and light trucks may vary with
respect to these grades, they must also conform
to federal safety requirements and additional
General Motors Tire Performance Criteria (TPC)
standards.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specied
government test course. For example, a tire
graded 150 would wear one and a half (1.5) times
as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires
depends upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart signicantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service
practices, and differences in road characteristics
and climate.
5-71

Fuses Usage
8 Door Locks
9Automatic Occupant Sensing
Module
10 Power Mirrors
11 Passenger Side Turn Signal
12 Amplier
13 Steering Wheel Illumination
14 Infotainment
15Climate Control System,
Remote Function Actuator
16 Canister Vent
17 Radio
18 Cluster
19 Ignition Switch
20 Body Control ModuleFuses Usage
21Communications Integration
Module
22Center High-Mounted Stoplamp,
Dimmer
23 Interior Lights
Relays Usage
RAP RLY Retained Accessory Power Relay
REAR
DEFOG RLYRear Defogger Relay
Circuit
BreakersUsage
PWR WNDW Power Windows
PWR SEATS Power Seats
EMPTY Empty
5-99

Fuses Usage
54 Climate Control System Blower
57 Battery Main 1
63 Electric Power Steering
When changing relays,
observe the location of the
notch on the old relay.
Install new relays with the
notch in the same location.
Relays Usage
31 Ignition Main
46 Air Conditioning Compressor Clutch
47 Powertrain
Relays Usage
51 Spare
55 Crank
56 Fan 1
58Passenger Side Trailer Stoplamp,
Turn Signal
59Driver Side Trailer Stoplamp,
Turn Signal
60 Fan 3
61 Fan 2
62 Fuel Pump
Misc. Usage
PLR Fuse Puller
5-103