2009 CHEVROLET EQUINOX engine

R (Reverse):Use this gear to back up.
Notice:Shifting to R (Reverse) while the vehicle is
moving forward could damage the transmission.
The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Shift to R (Reverse) only after the vehicle
is stopped.
To rock the vehicle back and forth to get out of snow,
ice, or sand without damaging the transmission,
seeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow
on page 4-19.
N (Neutral):In this position, the engine does not
connect with the wheels. To restart the engine when the
vehicle is already moving, use N (Neutral) only.
{CAUTION:
Shifting into a drive gear while the engine is
running at high speed is dangerous. Unless your
foot is rmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle could
move very rapidly. You could lose control and hit
people or objects. Do not shift into a drive gear
while the engine is running at high speed.Notice:Shifting out of P (Park) or N (Neutral) with
the engine running at high speed may damage the
transmission. The repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Be sure the engine is not
running at high speed when shifting the vehicle.
D (Drive):This position is for normal driving. It provides
the best fuel economy. If the vehicle needs more power
for passing, and it is:
Going less than 35 mph (55 km/h), push the
accelerator pedal about halfway down.
Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the
accelerator pedal all the way down.
The vehicle will shift down to the next gear and have
more power.
Downshifting the transmission in slippery road conditions
could result in skidding, see Skidding underLoss of
Control on page 4-11.
Notice:Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle
in one place on a hill using only the accelerator
pedal may damage the transmission. The repair
will not be covered by the vehicle warranty. If you
are stuck, do not spin the tires. When stopping on
a hill, use the brakes to hold the vehicle in place.
MSM (Manual Shift Mode):This position, available on
the models with the MSM (Manual Shift Mode), allows
you to change gears similar to a manual transmission.
If the vehicle has this feature, see “MSM (Manual
Shift Mode)”.
2-28

MSM (Manual Shift Mode)
To use this feature, do the following:
1. Move the shift lever from D (Drive) to the left into
the manual gate.
While driving in manual shift mode, the transmission
will remain in the driver gear selected. When coming
to a stop in the manual position, the vehicle will
automatically shift to 1 (First) gear.
2. Push the shift lever forward toward the plus (+) to
upshift or rearward toward the minus (−) to downshift.
When using the MSM (Manual Shift Mode) the
number of the gear selected will appear on the
instrument cluster below the shift position display.
In manual shift mode all six forward gears can be
selected.While using the MSM (Manual Shift Mode) feature
the vehicle will have operation similar to a manual
transmission. You can use this for sport driving or when
driving hilly roads to stay in gear longer or to downshift
for more power or engine braking.
The transmission will only allow you to shift into gears
appropriate for the vehicle speed:
The transmission will not automatically shift to the
next higher gear without moving the shift lever.
The transmission will not allow shifting to the next
lower gear if the vehicle speed is too high.
If the vehicle does not respond to a gear change, or
detects a problem with the transmission, the range
of gears may be reduced and the Malfunction Indicator
Lamp will come on. SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp
on page 3-33.
2-29

Transmission Overheating
If the transmission uid temperature rises above
270°F (132°C) or rises rapidly, the Engine Coolant
Temperature Warning Light will ash. SeeEngine
Coolant Temperature Warning Light on page 3-31for
more information. When the transmission overheats
it will go into a protection mode and will default into a
different shift sequence to help cool the transmission
uid. This shift sequence is the same for both D (Drive)
position and manual mode. Continue driving the
vehicle in either position depending on the required
vehicle speed and load. Once the uid temperature
lowers to the normal temperature range, the
transmission will return to the normal shift patterns.
Towing or driving on long hills can cause the
transmission uid temperature to be higher than normal.
If the transmission uid temperature will not cool, you
may need to pull over and check the transmission
uid level. You should also check the engine coolant
temperature. If it is hot, seeEngine Overheating
on page 5-28.
2 (Second) and 3 (Third) Gear Start
Feature
When accelerating the vehicle from a stop in snowy
and icy conditions, you may want to select 2 (Second)
and 3 (Third) gear. A higher gear, and light application of
the gas pedal, may allow you to gain more traction on
slippery surfaces.
With the MSM (Manual Shift Mode), the vehicle can
accelerate from a stop in 2 (Second) or 3 (Third).
1. Move the shift lever from D (Drive) into the
manual gate.
2. With the vehicle stopped, move the shift lever
forward to select 2 (Second) or 3 (Third).
The vehicle will start from a stop position in
2 (Second) or 3 (Third).
3. Once the vehicle is moving select the desired drive
gear or move the shift lever to the D (Drive) position.
2-30

Shifting Into Park
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the
shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking
brake rmly set. The vehicle can roll. If you have
left the engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be
sure the vehicle will not move, even when you are
on fairly level ground, use the steps that follow.
If you are pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on
page 4-32.
1. Hold the brake pedal down and set the parking
brake. SeeParking Brake on page 2-31for more
information.
2. Move the shift lever into P (Park) by pressing the
button on the shift lever and pushing the lever all
the way toward the front of the vehicle.
3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK/OFF.
4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can
leave the vehicle with the key, the vehicle is in
P (Park).
Leaving the Vehicle With the Engine
Running
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to leave the vehicle with the
engine running. The vehicle could move suddenly if
the shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking
brake rmly set. And, if you leave the vehicle with
the engine running, it could overheat and even
catch re. You or others could be injured. Do not
leave the vehicle with the engine running.
If you have to leave the vehicle with the engine running,
be sure the vehicle is in P (Park) and the parking
brake is rmly set before you leave it. After you have
moved the shift lever into P (Park), hold the regular
brake pedal down. Then, see if you can move the shift
lever away from P (Park) without rst pressing the
button on the console shift lever. If you can, it means
that the shift lever was not fully locked into P (Park).
2-32

Parking Over Things That Burn
{CAUTION:
Things that can burn could touch hot exhaust
parts under the vehicle and ignite. Do not park
over papers, leaves, dry grass, or other things that
can burn.
Engine Exhaust
{CAUTION:
Engine exhaust contains Carbon Monoxide (CO)
which cannot be seen or smelled. Exposure to CO
can cause unconsciousness and even death.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
Exhaust may enter the vehicle if:
The vehicle idles in areas with poor ventilation
(parking garages, tunnels, deep snow that
may block underbody airow or tail pipes).
The exhaust smells or sounds strange or
different.
The exhaust system leaks due to corrosion or
damage.
The vehicle’s exhaust system has been
modied, damaged or improperly repaired.
There are holes or openings in the vehicle
body from damage or after-market
modications that are not completely sealed.
If unusual fumes are detected or if it is suspected
that exhaust is coming into the vehicle:
Drive it only with the windows
completely down.
Have the vehicle repaired immediately.
Never park the vehicle with the engine running in
an enclosed area such as a garage or a building
that has no fresh air ventilation.
2-34

Running the Vehicle While Parked
It is better not to park with the engine running. But if you
ever have to, here are some things to know.
{CAUTION:
Idling a vehicle in an enclosed area with poor
ventilation is dangerous. Engine exhaust may
enter the vehicle. Engine exhaust contains Carbon
Monoxide (CO) which cannot be seen or smelled.
It can cause unconsciousness and even death.
Never run the engine in an enclosed area that has
no fresh air ventilation. For more information, see
Engine Exhaust on page 2-34.
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the
automatic transmission shift lever is not fully in
P (Park) with the parking brake rmly set. The
vehicle can roll. Do not leave the vehicle when the
engine is running unless you have to. If you have
left the engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be
sure the vehicle will not move, even when you are
on fairly level ground, always set the parking
brake and move the shift lever to P (Park).
Follow the proper steps to be sure the vehicle will not
move. SeeShifting Into Park on page 2-32.
If parking on a hill and pulling a trailer, seeTowing a
Trailer on page 4-32.
2-35

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Horn .............................................................3-6
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-6
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-7
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-7
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-8
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-8
Windshield Wipers..........................................3-8
Windshield Washer.........................................3-9
Rear Window Wiper/Washer.............................3-9
Cruise Control..............................................3-10
Headlamps..................................................3-13
Headlamps on Reminder................................3-13
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................3-13
Automatic Headlamp System..........................3-14
Fog Lamps ..................................................3-14
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-14
Dome Lamp .................................................3-15
Entry Lighting...............................................3-15
Map Lamps .................................................3-15
Cargo Lamp.................................................3-15
Electric Power Management...........................3-16
Battery Run-Down Protection..........................3-16
Accessory Power Outlet(s).............................3-17
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter......................3-17Climate Controls............................................3-18
Climate Control System.................................3-18
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-21
Passenger Compartment Air Filter...................3-22
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-23
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-24
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-25
Trip Odometer..............................................3-25
Tachometer.................................................3-25
Safety Belt Reminders...................................3-26
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-27
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................3-28
Charging System Light..................................3-29
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-29
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light.....3-30
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light......3-31
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light......3-31
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-32
Tire Pressure Light.......................................3-32
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-33
Oil Pressure Light.........................................3-36
Change Engine Oil Light................................3-36
Security Light...............................................3-37
Fog Lamp Light............................................3-37
Cruise Control Light......................................3-37
Reduced Engine Power Light.........................3-38
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

Electric Power Management
The vehicle has Electric Power Management (EPM) that
estimates the battery’s temperature and state of charge.
It then adjusts the voltage for best performance and
extended life of the battery.
When the battery’s state of charge is low, the voltage is
raised slightly to quickly bring the charge back up.
When the state of charge is high, the voltage is lowered
slightly to prevent overcharging. If the vehicle has a
voltmeter gage or a voltage display on the Driver
Information Center (DIC), you may see the voltage
move up or down. This is normal. If there is a problem,
an alert will be displayed.
The battery can be discharged at idle if the electrical
loads are very high. This is true for all vehicles.
This is because the generator (alternator) may not be
spinning fast enough at idle to produce all the power that
is needed for very high electrical loads.
A high electrical load occurs when several of the
following are on, such as: headlamps, high beams,
fog lamps, rear window defogger, climate control fan at
high speed, heated seats, engine cooling fans, trailer
loads, and loads plugged into accessory power outlets.
EPM works to prevent excessive discharge of the
battery. It does this by balancing the generator’s output
and the vehicle’s electrical needs. It can increaseengine idle speed to generate more power, whenever
needed. It can temporarily reduce the power demands of
some accessories.
Normally, these actions occur in steps or levels, without
being noticeable. In rare cases at the highest levels
of corrective action, this action may be noticeable to
the driver. If so, a Driver Information Center (DIC)
message might be displayed, such as BATTERY
SAVER ACTIVE, BATTERY VOLTAGE LOW, or
LOW BATTERY. If this message is displayed, it is
recommended that the driver reduce the electrical loads
as much as possible. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 3-49.
Battery Run-Down Protection
The vehicle has a battery saver feature designed to
protect the vehicle’s battery.
When any interior lamp is left on and the ignition is
turned off, the battery rundown protection system will
automatically turn the lamp off after 20 minutes. This will
avoid draining the battery. This vehicle also has a
retained accessory power feature. If the radio is on,
it will turn off after 10 minutes or if any door on
the vehicle is opened. SeeRetained Accessory Power
(RAP) on page 2-21.
3-16