2009 CHEVROLET EQUINOX power steering

Vehicle Symbols
The vehicle has components and labels that use
symbols instead of text. Symbols are shown along
with the text describing the operation or information
relating to a specic component, control, message,
gage, or indicator.
M:This symbol is shown when you need to see your
owner manual for additional instructions or information.
*:This symbol is shown when you need to see a
service manual for additional instructions or information.
Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols that may be found on
the vehicle and what they mean. For more information
on the symbol, refer to the index.
9:Airbag Readiness Light
#:Air Conditioning
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
g:Audio Steering Wheel Controls or OnStar®
$:Brake System Warning Light
":Charging System
I:Cruise Control
B:Engine Coolant Temperature
O:Exterior Lamps
#:Fog Lamps
.:Fuel Gage
+:Fuses
i:Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
j:LATCH System Child Restraints
*:Malfunction Indicator Lamp
::Oil Pressure
}:Power
/:Remote Vehicle Start
>:Safety Belt Reminders
7:Tire Pressure Monitor
F:Traction Control
M:Windshield Washer Fluid
iv

The main components of the instrument panel are the following:
A.Outlet Adjustment on page 3-21.
B.Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-7.
C.Instrument Panel Cluster on page 3-24.
D.Windshield Wipers on page 3-8.
E.DIC Operation and Displays on page 3-42.
F.Hazard Warning Flashers on page 3-6.
G.Passenger Airbag Status Indicator on page 3-28.
H.Rear Window Wiper/Washer on page 3-9.
Fog Lamps on page 3-14.
I.Outside Power Mirrors on page 2-36.
J.Instrument Panel Brightness on page 3-14.K.Cruise Control on page 3-10.
L.Tilt Wheel on page 3-6.
M.Horn on page 3-6.
N.Audio Steering Wheel Controls on page 3-116.
O.Audio System(s) on page 3-64.
P. Shift Lever. SeeShifting Into Park on page 2-32.
Q.Traction Control System (TCS) on page 4-7.
R.Power Windows on page 2-15.
S.Climate Control System on page 3-18.Heated Seats
on page 1-4(If Equipped).
T.Glove Box on page 2-41.
3-5

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

Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal
down rmly and let antilock work. The antilock pump or
motor might be heard operating and the brake pedal
might be felt to pulsate, but this is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows the driver to steer and brake at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can help more than
even the very best braking.
Brake Assist
This vehicle has a Brake Assist feature designed to assist
the driver in stopping or decreasing vehicle speed in
emergency driving conditions. This feature uses the
stability system hydraulic brake control module to
supplement the power brake system under conditions
where the driver has quickly and forcefully applied the
brake pedal in an attempt to quickly stop or slow down
the vehicle. The stability system hydraulic brake control
module increases brake pressure at each corner of the
vehicle until the ABS activates. Minor brake pedal
pulsations or pedal movement during this time is normal
and the driver should continue to apply the brake pedal
as the driving situation dictates The Brake Assist feature
will automatically disengage when the brake pedal is
released or brake pedal pressure is quickly decreased.
StabiliTrak®System
The vehicle has the StabiliTrak system, an advanced
computer controlled system that helps the driver
maintain directional control of the vehicle in difficult
driving conditions. This is accomplished by selectively
applying any one of the vehicle’s brakes and reducing
power. The Stabilitrak system comes on automatically
whenever the vehicle is started.
The STABILITRAK NOT READY message may be
displayed in the Driver Information Center (DIC) and
the StabiliTrak/Traction Control System (TCS) warning
light will come on the instrument panel cluster after rst
driving the vehicle and exceeding 30 mph 48 (km/h) for
30 seconds. The StabiliTrak system is off until the light
has turned off. This could take up to 15 minutes. SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-49for more
information.
The StabiliTrak/TCS
warning light on the
instrument panel cluster
will ash when the system
is operating.
4-6

The All-Wheel Drive
Disabled Light comes on
along with the ALL WHEEL
DRIVE OFF message
when the rear drive system
is overheating.
This light will turn off when the rear drive system cools
down. If this light stays on, it must be reset. To reset
the light, turn the ignition off and then back on again.
If the light stays on, see your dealer/retailer for service.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-49for
more information.
Steering
Electric Power Steering
(3.4L V6 Engine)
If the engine stalls while driving, the power steering
assist system will continue to operate until you are able
to stop the vehicle. If power steering assist is lost
because the electric power steering system is not
functioning, the vehicle can be steered but it will take
more effort.
If you turn the steering wheel in either direction several
times until it stops, or hold the steering wheel in the
stopped position for an extended amount of time, youmay notice a reduced amount of power steering assist.
The normal amount of power steering assist should
return shortly after a few normal steering movements.
The electric power steering system does not require
regular maintenance. If you suspect steering system
problems, such as abnormally high steering effort for a
prolonged period of time, contact your dealer/retailer
for service repairs.
Hydraulic Power Steering
(3.6L V6 Engine)
If power steering assist is lost because the engine stops
or the power steering system is not functioning, the
vehicle can be steered but it will take more effort.
Steering Tips
It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
Traction in a curve depends on the condition of the tires
and the road surface, the angle at which the curve is
banked, and vehicle speed. While in a curve, speed is
the one factor that can be controlled.
If there is a need to reduce speed, do it before entering
the curve, while the front wheels are straight.
Try to adjust the speed so you can drive through the
curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait to
accelerate until out of the curve, and then accelerate
gently into the straightaway.
4-9

Service............................................................5-3
Accessories and Modications..........................5-3
California Proposition 65 Warning.....................5-4
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements......5-4
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside of the
Vehicle......................................................5-5
Fuel................................................................5-5
Gasoline Octane............................................5-5
Gasoline Specications....................................5-6
California Fuel...............................................5-6
Additives.......................................................5-6
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-7
Filling the Tank..............................................5-8
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................5-10
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-10
Hood Release..............................................5-11
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-12
Engine Oil...................................................5-15
Engine Oil Life System..................................5-18
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-20
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................5-22
Cooling System............................................5-22
Engine Coolant.............................................5-23
Engine Overheating.......................................5-28Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode........................................5-30
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-31
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-32
Brakes........................................................5-33
Battery........................................................5-36
Jump Starting...............................................5-37
All-Wheel Drive..............................................5-42
Headlamp Aiming...........................................5-44
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-45
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-45
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker,
and Parking Lamps....................................5-45
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Back-up Lamps.........................................5-48
License Plate Lamp......................................5-50
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-50
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-51
Tires..............................................................5-52
Tire Sidewall Labeling...................................5-53
Tire Terminology and Denitions.....................5-56
Ination - Tire Pressure.................................5-59
High-Speed Operation...................................5-60
Tire Pressure Monitor System.........................5-61
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

A. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-20.
B. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir (Out of View).
SeePower Steering Fluid on page 5-31.
C. Engine Oil Fill Cap (Out of View). See “When to Add
Engine Oil” underEngine Oil on page 5-15.
D. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-15.
E. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid” under
Brakes on page 5-33.
F. Underhood Fuse Block. SeeEngine Compartment
Fuse Block on page 5-100.
G. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting on
page 5-37.
H. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank. SeeCooling System
on page 5-22.
I. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-32.Engine Oil
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil
must be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-12
for the location of the engine oil dipstick.
1. Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes
to drain back into the oil pan. If you do not do this,
the oil dipstick might not show the actual level.
2. Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel
or cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it
again, keeping the tip down, and check the level.
5-15

Power Steering Fluid
SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 5-12
for reservoir location.
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
Power steering uid is used in all vehicles with the
3.6L V6 engine. Vehicles with the 3.4L V6 engine
have electric power steering and do not use power
steering uid.
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering
uid unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise. A uid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
How to Check Power Steering Fluid
To check the power steering uid, do the following:
1. Turn the key off and let the engine compartment
cool down.
2. Wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean.
3. Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a
clean rag.
4. Replace the cap and completely tighten it.
5. Remove the cap again and look at the uid level on
the dipstick.
The uid level should be between the Min (Minimum)
and Max (Maximum) marks when the engine is cold,
and at the Max mark when the engine is hot. If the
uid is at the Min mark when the engine is cold or hot,
power steering uid should be added.
What to Use
To determine what kind of uid to use, see
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-11.
Always use the proper uid.
Notice:Use of the incorrect uid may damage the
vehicle and the damages may not be covered by
the vehicle’s warranty. Always use the correct uid
listed inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants
on page 6-11.
5-31