2009 CHEVROLET EQUINOX immobilizer

Keys...............................................................2-3
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System................2-4
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation...................................................2-5
Remote Vehicle Start......................................2-7
Doors and Locks............................................2-10
Door Locks..................................................2-10
Power Door Locks........................................2-10
Delayed Locking...........................................2-10
Programmable Automatic Door Locks..............2-11
Rear Door Security Locks..............................2-11
Lockout Protection........................................2-12
Liftgate........................................................2-12
Windows........................................................2-14
Power Windows............................................2-15
Sun Visors...................................................2-16
Theft-Deterrent Systems..................................2-16
Content Theft-Deterrent.................................2-17
PASS-Key
®III+ Electronic Immobilizer.............2-17
PASS-Key®III+ Electronic Immobilizer
Operation.................................................2-18Starting and Operating Your Vehicle................2-19
New Vehicle Break-In....................................2-19
Ignition Positions..........................................2-20
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)...................2-21
Starting the Engine.......................................2-21
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..........................................2-32
Shifting Out of Park......................................2-33
Parking Over Things That Burn.......................2-34
Engine Exhaust............................................2-34
Running the Vehicle While Parked..................2-35
Mirrors...........................................................2-36
Manual Rearview Mirror.................................2-36
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror................2-36
Outside Power Mirrors...................................2-36
Outside Convex Mirrors.................................2-37
Section 2 Features and Controls
2-1

Content Theft-Deterrent
Your vehicle has a content theft-deterrent alarm system.
To activate the theft-deterrent system:
1. Open the door.
2. Lock the door with the power door lock switch or the
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter. If you are
using the RKE transmitter, the door does not need to
be open.
3. Close all doors.
The key must be removed from the ignition to arm
the system.
If the theft-deterrent system is activated and a door or
the liftgate is opened without using the RKE transmitter,
a 10 second pre-alarm will occur, and the security light
will ash. The horn will sound rapidly for 10 seconds. If
you do not press unlock on the RKE transmitter or insert
the key in the ignition and turn if from the LOCK/OFF
position, the alarm will go off. The horn will sound and the
headlamps will ash for 30 seconds.
After the alarm has sounded for 30 seconds, the system
will re-arm itself automatically.
To disarm the theft-deterrent system, do one of the
following:
1. Unlock the doors with the RKE transmitter.
2. Insert the key in the ignition and turn it from the
LOCK/OFF position.
PASS-Key®III+ Electronic
Immobilizer
The PASS-Key III+ system operates on a radio
frequency subject to Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry Canada.
This device 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.
This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry 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.
PASS-Key III+ uses a radio frequency transponder in
the key that matches a decoder in the vehicle.
2-17

PASS-Key®III+ Electronic
Immobilizer Operation
Your vehicle has PASS-Key®III+ (Personalized
Automotive Security System) theft-deterrent system.
PASS-Key
®III+ is a passive theft-deterrent system.
The system is automatically armed when the key
is removed from the ignition.
The system is automatically disarmed when the key is
turned to ON/RUN, ACC/ACCESSORY or START from
the LOCK/OFF position.
You do not have to manually arm or disarm the system.
The security light will come on if there is a problem
with arming or disarming the theft-deterrent system.
When the PASS-Key
®III+ system senses that someone
is using the wrong key, it prevents the vehicle from
starting. Anyone using a trial-and-error method to start
the vehicle will be discouraged because of the high
number of electrical key codes.
If the engine does not start and the security light on
the instrument panel comes on when trying to start the
vehicle, there may be a problem with your theft-deterrent
system. Turn the ignition off and try again.If the engine still does not start, and the key appears to
be undamaged, try another ignition key. At this time,
you may also want to check the fuse, seeFuses
and Circuit Breakers on page 5-97. If the engine still
does not start with the other key, your vehicle needs
service. If your vehicle does start, the rst key may be
faulty. See your dealer/retailer who can service the
PASS-Key
®III+ to have a new key made. In an
emergency, contact Roadside Assistance.
It is possible for the PASS-Key
®III+ decoder to “learn”
the transponder value of a new or replacement key.
Up to nine additional keys may be programmed for the
vehicle. The following procedure is for programming
additional keys only. If all the currently programmed
keys are lost or do not operate, you must see your
dealer/retailer or a locksmith who can service
PASS-Key
®III+ to have keys made and programmed
to the system.
See your dealer/retailer or a locksmith who can service
PASS-Key
®III+ to get a new key blank that is cut
exactly as the ignition key that operates the system.
2-18

A CHANGE OIL SOON message will appear on the
DIC. For more information seeDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 3-49.
After having the oil changed you will need to reset the
light. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-15, andScheduled
Maintenance on page 6-4for more information.
Security Light
For information regarding
this light and the vehicle’s
security system, see
Content Theft-Deterrent
on page 2-17, and
PASS-Key
®III+ Electronic
Immobilizer Operation
on page 2-18.
Fog Lamp Light
The fog lamp light comes
on when the fog lamps
are in use.
The light goes out when the fog lamps are turned off.
SeeFog Lamps on page 3-14for more information.
Cruise Control Light
The cruise control light
comes on whenever the
cruise control is set.
The light goes out when the cruise control is turned off.
SeeCruise Control on page 3-10for more information.
3-37

SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM
This message displays and a chime sounds when the
brake uid level is low. The brake system warning
light also appears on the instrument panel cluster when
this message appears on the DIC. SeeBrake System
Warning Light on page 3-29. Have the brake system
serviced by your dealer/retailer as soon as possible.
SERVICE POWER STEERING
On some vehicles, this message displays when a
problem is detected with the power steering system.
When this message is displayed, you may notice
that the effort required to steer the vehicle increases or
feels heavier, but you will still be able to steer the
vehicle. Have your vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer immediately.
SERVICE STABILITRAK
This message displays if there has been a problem
detected with the StabiliTrak®System. A warning
light also appears on the instrument panel cluster.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) Warning Light on
page 3-31. SeeStabiliTrak
®System on page 4-6
for more information.If this message turns on while you are driving, pull off
the road as soon as possible and stop carefully.
Try resetting the system by turning the ignition off and
then back on. If this message still stays on or turns back
on again while you are driving, your vehicle needs
service. Have the StabiliTrak
®System inspected by your
dealer/retailer as soon as possible.
SERVICE THEFT DETERRENT SYSTEM
This message displays when there is a problem with
the theft-deterrent system. A fault has been detected in
the system which means that the system is disabled
and it is not protecting the vehicle. The vehicle usually
restarts; however, you may want to take the vehicle
to your dealer/retailer before turning off the engine.
SeePASS-Key
®III+ Electronic Immobilizer Operation
on page 2-18for more information.
SERVICE TIRE MONITOR SYSTEM
This message displays if a part on the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS) is not working properly. The tire
pressure light also ashes and then remains on during
the same ignition cycle. SeeTire Pressure Light on
page 3-32. Several conditions may cause this message
to appear. SeeTire Pressure Monitor Operation on
page 5-63for more information. If the warning comes on
and stays on, there may be a problem with the TPMS.
See your dealer/retailer.
3-54

Electronic Immobilizer
PASS-Key®III+...........................................2-17
Electronic Immobilizer Operation
PASS-Key
®III+...........................................2-18
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-20
Change Engine Oil Light...............................3-36
Check and Service Engine Soon Lamp...........3-33
Coolant......................................................5-23
Coolant Heater............................................2-23
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-32
Coolant Temperature Warning Light................3-31
Drive Belt Routing.......................................6-14
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-34
Oil .............................................................5-15
Oil Life System...........................................5-18
Overheated Protection Operating Mode...........5-30
Overheating................................................5-28
Reduced Power Light...................................3-38
Starting......................................................2-21
Entry Lighting.................................................3-15
Event Data Recorders.....................................7-17
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-32
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-20
Finish Damage...............................................5-95
Flashers, Hazard Warning.................................. 3-6
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-8
Flat Tire........................................................5-75
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-76
Flat Tire, Storing.............................................5-85
Fluid
Automatic Transmission................................5-22
Power Steering...........................................5-31
Windshield Washer......................................5-32
Fog Lamp
Fog ...........................................................3-14
Fog Lamp Light..............................................3-37
Folding Rear Seat...........................................1-10
Folding Seatback, Passenger............................. 1-8
Fuel............................................................... 5-5
Additives...................................................... 5-6
California Fuel.............................................. 5-6
Driving for Better Economy............................. 4-2
Filling a Portable Fuel Container....................5-10
Filling the Tank............................................. 5-8
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-7
5

Parking
Over Things That Burn.................................2-34
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator.....................3-28
Passenger Compartment Air Filter.....................3-22
Passenger Sensing System..............................1-67
Passing.........................................................4-11
PASS-Key
®III+ Electronic Immobilizer...............2-17
PASS-Key®III+ Electronic Immobilizer
Operation...................................................2-18
Perchlorate Materials Requirements,
California..................................................... 5-4
Phone
Bluetooth
®..................................................3-97
Power
Door Locks.................................................2-10
Reduced Engine Light..................................3-38
Retained Accessory.....................................2-21
Seat ............................................................ 1-3
Steering Fluid.............................................5-31
Windows....................................................2-15
Privacy..........................................................7-16
Event Data Recorders..................................7-17
Navigation System.......................................7-18
OnStar .......................................................7-18
Radio Frequency Identication.......................7-18
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.................2-11
R
Radio Frequency Identication (RFID),
Privacy......................................................7-18
Radio(s)........................................................3-67
Radios
Navigation/Radio System,
see Navigation Manual..............................3-97
Reception.................................................3-117
Setting the Clock.........................................3-64
Theft-Deterrent..........................................3-116
Rear Compartment Storage Panel/Cover............2-44
Rear Door Security Locks................................2-11
Rear Seat Armrest..........................................2-46
Rear Seat Entertainment System.....................3-107
Rear Windshield Washer/Wiper........................... 3-9
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming..................2-36
Rearview Mirrors.............................................2-36
Reclining Seatbacks, Manual.............................. 1-5
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.................6-11
Recreational Vehicle Towing.............................4-26
Reduced Engine Power Light............................3-38
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System.................. 2-4
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System,
Operation..................................................... 2-5
Remote Vehicle Start........................................ 2-7
10

Service (cont.)
Doing Your Own Work................................... 5-4
Engine Soon Lamp......................................3-33
Publications Ordering Information...................7-15
Vehicle Soon Light.......................................3-40
Service, Scheduling Appointments.....................7-10
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle..............1-72
Setting the Clock............................................3-64
Sheet Metal Damage.......................................5-95
Shifting Into Park............................................2-32
Shifting Out of Park........................................2-33
Signals, Turn and Lane-Change.......................... 3-7
Spare Tire
Compact....................................................5-87
Installing....................................................5-78
Removing...................................................5-77
Storing.......................................................5-85
Specications, Capacities...............................5-104
Speedometer..................................................3-25
Split Folding Rear Seat....................................1-10
StabiliTrak
®System.......................................... 4-6
Start Vehicle, Remote....................................... 2-7
Starting the Engine.........................................2-21
Steering.......................................................... 4-9
Steering Wheel Controls, Audio.......................3-116
Steering Wheel, Tilt Wheel................................. 3-6Storage Areas
Center Console Storage Area........................2-41
Convenience Net.........................................2-47
Cupholders.................................................2-41
Glove Box..................................................2-41
Luggage Carrier..........................................2-41
Rear Compartment Storage Panel/Cover.........2-44
Rear Seat Armrest.......................................2-46
Table.........................................................2-46
Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow.....................4-19
Sun Visors.....................................................2-16
Sunroof.........................................................2-47
T
Table............................................................2-46
Tachometer....................................................3-25
Taillamps
Turn Signal, Stoplamps and Back-up Lamps......5-48
TCS Warning Light..........................................3-31
Theft-Deterrent, Radio....................................3-116
Theft-Deterrent Systems...................................2-16
Content Theft-Deterrent................................2-17
PASS-Key
®III+ Electronic Immobilizer............2-17
PASS-Key®III+ Electronic Immobilizer
Operation................................................2-18
12