2010 CHEVROLET EQUINOX Owners Manual

Vehicle Care 9-5
If doing some of your own service
work, use the proper service
manual. It tells you much more
about how to service the vehicle
than this manual can. To order the
proper service manual, seeService
Publications Ordering Information
on
page 12‑12.
This vehicle has an airbag system.
Before attempting to do your own
service work, see Servicing the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
on
page 2‑34.
Keep a record with all parts receipts
and list the mileage and the date of
any service work performed. See
Maintenance Records
on
page 10‑10.
Hood
To open the hood:
1. Pull the release handle with the symbol on it. It is below the
instrument panel, to the left of
the steering wheel.
2. Move the secondary hoodrelease lever to the right to
release the striker. The lever is
near the middle of the hood.
3. Lift the hood.
Before closing the hood, check all
filler caps are properly installed.

9-6 Vehicle Care
Engine Compartment Overview
2.4L L4 Engine

Vehicle Care 9-7
A.Engine Air Cleaner/Filteron
page 9‑13.
B. Engine Cover on page 9‑9.
C. Engine Oil Dipstick (out of view). See Engine Oil
on
page 9‑10.
D. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See Engine
Oil on page 9‑10. E. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See
Brakes on page 9‑21.
F. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block on page 9‑34.
G. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. See Jump Startingon
page 9‑69.
H. Remote Negative (−) Terminal. See Jump Starting
on
page 9‑69. I.
Battery on page 9‑24.
J. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Engine
Coolant on page 9‑15.
K. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See Washer Fluid
on
page 9‑21.

9-8 Vehicle Care
3.0L V6 Engine

Vehicle Care 9-9
A.Engine Air Cleaner/Filteron
page 9‑13.
B. Power Steering Fluid (2.4L L4
Engine)
on page 9‑20or
Power Steering Fluid (3.0L
V6 Engine) on page 9‑20.
C. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See Engine
Oil on page 9‑10.
D. Engine Cover on page 9‑9.
E. Engine Oil Dipstick (out of view). See Engine Oil
on
page 9‑10.
F. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brakes on page 9‑21. G.
Engine Compartment Fuse
Block on page 9‑34.
H. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. See Jump Starting
on
page 9‑69.
I. Remote Negative (−) Terminal. See Jump Starting
on
page 9‑69.
J. Battery on page 9‑24.
K. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Engine
Coolant on page 9‑15.
L. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See Washer Fluid
on
page 9‑21.
Engine Cover
3.0L V6 Engine Cover
To remove:
1. Remove the oil fill cap.
2. Hold cover on both sides and pull upward.
3. Lift and remove the engine cover.
4. Install cover by aligning on oil fill tube, then firmly pushing down
onto the intake manifold.
5. Install the oil fill cap.

9-10 Vehicle Care
Engine Oil
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the engine
oil level at each fuel fill. 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 9‑6for 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 this is not
done, 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.
When to Add Engine Oil
If the oil is below the cross-hatched
area at the tip of the dipstick, add at
least one liter/quart of the
recommended oil. This section
explains what kind of oil to use. For
engine oil crankcase capacity, see
Capacities and Specifications
on
page 11‑2.
Notice: Do not add too much oil.
If the engine has so much oil that
the oil level gets above the
cross-hatched area that shows
the proper operating range, the
engine could be damaged.
See Engine Compartment Overviewon page 9‑6for the location of the
engine oil fill cap.
Add enough oil to put the level
somewhere in the proper operating
range. Push the dipstick all the way
back in when through.
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use
Look for three things:
.GM6094M
Use only an oil that meets GM
Standard GM6094M.
.SAE 5W-30
SAE 5W-30 is best for the
vehicle. These numbers on an
oil container show its viscosity,
or thickness. Do not use other
viscosity oils such as
SAE 20W-50.

Vehicle Care 9-11
.American Petroleum Institute
(API) starburst symbol
Oils meeting these requirements
should have the starburst
symbol on the container. This
symbol indicates that the oil has
been certified by the American
Petroleum Institute (API).
Notice: Use only engine oil
identified as meeting GM
Standard GM6094M and showing
the American Petroleum Institute
Certified For Gasoline Engines
starburst symbol. Failure to use
the recommended oil can result
in engine damage not covered by
the vehicle warranty. Cold Temperature Operation
If in an area of extreme cold, where
the temperature falls below
−29°C
(−20°F), use either an SAE 5W-30
synthetic oil or an SAE 0W-30
engine oil. Both provide easier cold
starting for the engine at extremely
low temperatures. Always use an oil
that meets the required
specification, GM6094M.
Engine Oil Additives / Engine
Oil Flushes
Do not add anything to the oil. The
recommended oils with the starburst
symbol that meet GM standards are
all that is needed for good
performance and engine protection.
Engine oil system flushes are not
recommended and could cause
engine damage not covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system
that indicates when to change the
engine oil and filter. This is based
on engine revolutions and engine
temperature, and not on mileage.
Based on driving conditions, the
mileage at which an oil change is
indicated can vary considerably. For
the oil life system to work properly,
the system must be reset every time
the oil is changed.
When the system has calculated
that oil life has been diminished, it
indicates that an oil change is
necessary. A “Change Engine Oil
Soon” message comes on. See
Engine Oil Messages
on
page 4‑30. Change the oil as soon
as possible within the next 1 000 km
(600 miles). It is possible that,
if driving under the best conditions,
the oil life system might not indicate
that an oil change is necessary for
over a year. However, the engine oil
and filter must be changed at least

9-12 Vehicle Care
once a year and at this time the
system must be reset. Your dealer
has trained service people who will
perform this work using genuine
parts and reset the system. It is also
important to check the oil regularly
and keep it at the proper level.
If the system is ever reset
accidentally, the oil must be
changed at 5 000 km (3,000 miles)
since the last oil change.
Remember to reset the oil life
system whenever the oil is changed.
How to Reset the Engine Oil
Life System
Reset the system whenever the
engine oil is changed so that the
system can calculate the next
engine oil change. To reset the
system:
1. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN withthe engine off.
2. Fully press and release the accelerator pedal three times
within five seconds. If the vehicle has Driver Information
Center (DIC) buttons:
1. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN,
with the engine off.
2. Press the DIC menu button until “Remaining Oil Life” displays.
3. Press and hold the set/clear button until “100%”is displayed.
4. Turn the key to LOCK/OFF.
The system is reset when the
“Change Engine Oil Soon” message
goes off.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains elements
that can be unhealthy for your skin
and could even cause cancer. Do
not let used oil stay on your skin.
Clean your skin and nails with soap
and water, or a good hand cleaner.
Wash or properly dispose of clothing
or rags. See the manufacturer's
warnings about the use and
disposal of oil products. Used oil can be a threat to the
environment. If you change your
own oil, be sure to drain all the oil
from the filter before disposal. Never
dispose of oil by putting it in the
trash, pouring it on the ground, into
sewers, or into streams or bodies of
water. Recycle it by taking it to a
place that collects used oil.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid
How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid
It is not necessary to check the
transmission fluid level.
A transmission fluid leak is the only
reason for fluid loss. If a leak
occurs, take the vehicle to your
dealer service department and have
it repaired as soon as possible.