2009 CHEVROLET EQUINOX service indicator

When the indicator nears empty, the low fuel light will
come on. You still have a little fuel left, but you
should get more soon. SeeLow Fuel Warning Light
on page 3-41for more information.
Here are four things that some owners ask about.
None of these show a problem with your fuel gage:
At the service station, the fuel pump shuts off before
the gage reads full.
It takes a little more or less fuel to ll up than the
gage indicated. For example, the gage may have
indicated the tank was half full, but it actually took a
little more or less than half the tank’s capacity to
ll the tank.
The gage moves a little when you turn a corner or
speed up.
The gage takes a few seconds to stabilize after the
ignition is turned on, and will go back to empty
when you turn the ignition off.
For your fuel tank capacity, seeCapacities and
Specifications on page 5-104.
Low Fuel Warning Light
This light is located in
the fuel gage. For more
information seeFuel Gage
on page 3-40.
This light comes on when the fuel tank is low on fuel.
When you add fuel the light should go off. If it does not,
have your vehicle serviced.
A “Fuel Level LOW” message also appears in the Driver
Information Center (DIC). SeeFuel Gage on page 3-40
for more information.
3-41

Driver Information Center (DIC)
Your vehicle has a Driver Information Center (DIC).
All messages will appear in the DIC display located in the
center of the instrument panel cluster. The DIC buttons
are located on the center of the instrument panel.
The DIC comes on when the ignition is on. After a short
delay, the DIC will display the information that was
last displayed before the engine was turned off.
The DIC displays trip, fuel, and vehicle system
information, and warning messages if a system problem
is detected. The top of the DIC display shows the shift
lever position indicator. SeeAutomatic Transmission
Operation (3.4L V6 with 5-Speed) on page 2-24or
Automatic Transmission Operation (3.6L V6 with
6-Speed) on page 2-27for more information.
If your vehicle has these feature, the DIC also displays
the compass direction and the outside air temperature
when viewing the trip and fuel information. If there
is a problem with the system that controls the
temperature display, the numbers will be replaced with
dashes. If this occurs, have the vehicle serviced by
your dealer/retailer. If an abnormal temperature readingis displayed for an extended period of time, consult your
dealer/retailer. Under certain circumstances, especially
when the engine is idling, a delay updating the
temperature display is normal.
The DIC also allows some features to be personalized.
SeeDIC Vehicle Personalization on page 3-57for
more information.
DIC Operation and Displays
The DIC has different displays which can be accessed
by pressing the DIC buttons located on the center
of the instrument panel.
DIC Buttons
The buttons are the trip/fuel, vehicle information, and
set/reset buttons. The button functions are detailed
in the following pages.
3-42

Also, your dealer/retailer has additives that will help
correct and prevent most deposit-related problems.
Gasolines containing oxygenates, such as ethers and
ethanol, and reformulated gasolines might be available in
your area. We recommend that you use these gasolines,
if they comply with the specications described earlier.
However, E85 (85% ethanol) and other fuels containing
more than 10% ethanol must not be used in vehicles that
were not designed for those fuels.
Notice:This vehicle was not designed for fuel
that contains methanol. Do not use fuel containing
methanol. It can corrode metal parts in the fuel
system and also damage plastic and rubber parts.
That damage would not be covered under the
vehicle warranty.Some gasolines that are not reformulated for low
emissions can contain an octane-enhancing additive
called methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl
(MMT); ask the attendant where you buy gasoline
whether the fuel contains MMT. We recommend against
the use of such gasolines. Fuels containing MMT
can reduce the life of spark plugs and the performance
of the emission control system could be affected.
The malfunction indicator lamp might turn on. If this
occurs, return to your dealer/retailer for service.
Fuels in Foreign Countries
If you plan on driving in another country outside the
United States or Canada, the proper fuel might be hard
to nd. Never use leaded gasoline or any other fuel
not recommended in the previous text on fuel. Costly
repairs caused by use of improper fuel would not
be covered by the vehicle warranty.
To check the fuel availability, ask an auto club, or
contact a major oil company that does business in
the country where you will be driving.
5-7

If the coolant is not at the proper level, repeat Steps 1
through 3 and reinstall the pressure cap. If the coolant is
not at the proper level when the system cools down
again, see your dealer/retailer.
Notice:If the pressure cap is not tightly installed,
coolant loss and possible engine damage may
occur. Be sure the cap is properly and tightly
secured.
Engine Overheating
The vehicle has several indicators to warn of engine
overheating.
You will nd a coolant temperature gage on your
vehicle’s instrument panel. SeeEngine Coolant
Temperature Gage on page 3-32. There are also
several different types of engine overheating messages
that may be displayed in the Driver Information
Center (DIC). SeeDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 3-49.You may decide not to lift the hood when this warning
appears, but instead get service help right away.
SeeRoadside Assistance Program on page 7-7.
If you do decide to lift the hood, make sure the vehicle
is parked on a level surface.
Then check to see if the engine cooling fans are
running. If the engine is overheating, both fans should
be running. If they are not, do not continue to run
the engine and have the vehicle serviced.
Notice:Engine damage from running the engine
without coolant is not covered by the warranty.
Notice:If the engine catches re while driving
with no coolant, the vehicle can be badly damaged.
The costly repairs would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. SeeOverheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode on page 5-30for information on
driving to a safe place in an emergency.
5-28

Brake Wear
This vehicle has disc brakes. Disc brake pads have
built-in wear indicators that make a high-pitched warning
sound when the brake pads are worn and new pads are
needed. The sound can come and go or be heard all the
time the vehicle is moving, except when applying the
brake pedal rmly.
{CAUTION:
The brake wear warning sound means that soon
the brakes will not work well. That could lead to an
accident. When the brake wear warning sound is
heard, have the vehicle serviced.
Notice:Continuing to drive with worn-out brake
pads could result in costly brake repair.Some driving conditions or climates can cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are rst applied or lightly applied.
This does not mean something is wrong with the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help
prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect
brake pads for wear and evenly tighten wheel nuts
in the proper sequence to torque specications
inCapacities and Specifications on page 5-104.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer/retailer if the brake pedal does not
return to normal height, or if there is a rapid increase
in pedal travel. This could be a sign that brake service
might be required.
Brake Adjustment
Every time the brakes are applied, with or without the
vehicle moving, the brakes adjust for wear.
5-35

Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper
tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to
maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-ination
has not reached the level to trigger illumination of
the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS
malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is
not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator
is combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When the
system detects a malfunction, the telltale will ash for
approximately one minute and then remain continuously
illuminated. This sequence will continue upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction
exists.
When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the
system may not be able to detect or signal low tire
pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur
for a variety of reasons, including the installation of
replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle
that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly.
Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale after
replacing one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle
to ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and
wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function properly.
SeeTire Pressure Monitor Operation on page 5-63for
additional information.Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) and
Industry and Science Canada
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) operates
on a radio frequency and complies with Part 15 of
the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
The TPMS operates on a radio frequency and complies
with RSS-210 of Industry and Science Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Changes or modications to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.
5-62

A
Accessories and Modications............................ 5-3
Accessory Power Outlets.................................3-17
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle.......................................................1-72
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-6
Add-On Electrical Equipment............................5-97
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-20
Air Conditioning..............................................3-18
Airbag
Passenger Status Indicator...........................3-28
Readiness Light..........................................3-27
Airbag System................................................1-58
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle...................................................1-72
How Does an Airbag Restrain?......................1-65
Passenger Sensing System...........................1-67
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle..........1-72
What Makes an Airbag Inate?......................1-65
What Will You See After an Airbag Inates?....1-66
When Should an Airbag Inate?....................1-63
Where Are the Airbags?...............................1-61
All-Wheel Drive...............................................5-42
All-Wheel Drive Disabled Light..........................3-39
All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) System........................... 4-8
All-Wheel-Drive Service Light............................3-39
Antilock Brake System (ABS)............................. 4-5Antilock Brake, System Warning Light................3-30
Appearance Care
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels..............5-94
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-91
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-95
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses....................5-92
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-89
Finish Care.................................................5-93
Finish Damage............................................5-95
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic
Surfaces.................................................5-91
Interior Cleaning..........................................5-88
Leather
......................................................5-90
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-95
Tires..........................................................5-94
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-95
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-92
Weatherstrips..............................................5-91
Windshield and Wiper Blades........................5-93
Appointments, Scheduling Service.....................7-10
Ashtray.........................................................3-17
Audio System.................................................3-64
Audio Steering Wheel Controls....................3-116
Navigation/Radio System,
see Navigation Manual..............................3-97
Radio Reception........................................3-117
Setting the Clock.........................................3-64
Theft-Deterrent Feature...............................3-116
1

Light (cont.)
Safety Belt Reminders..................................3-26
Security.....................................................3-37
Service All-Wheel-Drive................................3-39
Service Vehicle Soon...................................3-40
TCS Warning Light......................................3-31
Tire Pressure..............................................3-32
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning..........3-31
Lighting
Entry.........................................................3-15
Lights............................................................3-13
Flash-to-Pass............................................... 3-8
High/Low Beam Changer................................ 3-8
On Reminder..............................................3-13
Loading Your Vehicle.......................................4-20
Lockout Protection..........................................2-12
Locks
Delayed Locking..........................................2-10
Door ..........................................................2-10
Lockout Protection.......................................2-12
Power Door ................................................2-10
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.............2-11
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-11
Loss of Control...............................................4-11
Low Fuel Warning Light...................................3-41Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children.............1-45
Luggage Carrier..............................................2-41
Lumbar
Manual Controls............................................ 1-4
M
Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services........................... 6-6
At Each Fuel Fill........................................... 6-8
At Least Once a Month.................................. 6-9
At Least Once a Year.................................... 6-9
Introduction.................................................. 6-2
Maintenance Footnotes.................................. 6-7
Maintenance Record....................................6-15
Maintenance Replacement Parts....................6-13
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Owner Checks and Services........................... 6-8
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.............6-11
Scheduled Maintenance................................. 6-4
Using.......................................................... 6-2
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2
Malfunction Indicator Lamp...............................3-33
Manual Lumbar Controls.................................... 1-4
Manual Reclining Seatbacks............................... 1-5
8