2010 CHEVROLET EQUINOX check transmission fluid

2010 Chevrolet Equinox Owner ManualM
Driving and Operating. . . . . . . . 8-1
Driving Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-2
Starting and Operating . . . . . . . 8-28
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-34
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 8-35
Drive Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-38
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-38
Ride Control Systems . . . . . . . . 8-41
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-44
Object Detection Systems . . . . 8-46
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-53
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-57
Conversions and Add-Ons . . . 8-64 Vehicle Care
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-1
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Vehicle Checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-27
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-30
Electrical System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-34
Wheels and Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-40
Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-69
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-72
Appearance Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-75
Service and Maintenance . . . 10-1
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 10-1
Scheduled Maintenance . . . . . . 10-2
Recommended Fluids,
Lubricants, and Parts . . . . . . . 10-7
Maintenance Records . . . . . . . 10-10 Technical Data
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-1
Vehicle Identification . . . . . . . . . . 11-1
Vehicle Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-2
Customer Information . . . . . . . 12-1
Customer Information . . . . . . . . 12-1
Reporting Safety Defects . . . . 12-13
Vehicle Data Recording and
Privacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-14
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i-1

8-20 Driving and Operating
Other Rainy Weather Tips
Besides slowing down, other wet
weather driving tips include:
.Allow extra following distance.
.Pass with caution.
.Keep windshield wiping
equipment in good shape.
.Keep the windshield washer fluid
reservoir filled.
.Have good tires with proper
tread depth. SeeTireson
page 9‑40.
.Turn off cruise control.
Highway Hypnosis
Always be alert and pay attention to
your surroundings while driving.
If you become tired or sleepy, find a
safe place to park your vehicle
and rest.
Other driving tips include:
.Keep the vehicle well ventilated.
.Keep interior temperature cool.
.Keep your eyes moving —scan
the road ahead and to the sides.
.Check the rearview mirror and
vehicle instruments often.
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through
mountains is different than driving
on flat or rolling terrain. Tips for
driving in these conditions include:
.Keep the vehicle serviced and in
good shape.
.Check all fluid levels and brakes,
tires, cooling system, and
transmission.
.Going down steep or long hills,
shift to a lower gear.
{WARNING
If you do not shift down, the
brakes could get so hot that they
would not work well. You would
then have poor braking or even
none going down a hill. You could
crash. Shift down to let the engine
assist the brakes on a steep
downhill slope.

Driving and Operating 8-61
3. When the wheel chocks are inplace, release the brake pedal
until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and shift
into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Start the engine.
3. Shift into a gear.
4. Release the parking brake.
5. Let up on the brake pedal.
6. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
7. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service more
often when pulling a trailer. See this
manual's Maintenance Schedule or
Index for more information. Things
that are especially important in
trailer operation are automatic
transmission fluid, engine oil, axle
lubricant, belts, cooling system and
brake system. Inspect these before
and during the trip.
Check periodically to see that all
hitch nuts and bolts are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer
Towing
The cooling system may temporarily
overheat during severe operating
conditions. See Engine Overheating
on page 9‑18.
Trailer Towing
Before pulling a trailer, there are
three important considerations that
have to do with weight:
.The weight of the trailer
.The weight of the trailer tongue
.The total weight on the vehicle's
tires
Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
Speed, altitude, road grades,
outside temperature, special
equipment, and the amount of
tongue weight the vehicle can carry
must be considered. See “Weight of
the Trailer Tongue” later in this
section for more information.
Maximum trailer weight is calculated
assuming only the driver is in the
tow vehicle and it has all the
required trailering equipment.
The weight of additional optional
equipment, passengers and cargo in
the tow vehicle must be subtracted
from the maximum trailer weight.

Vehicle Care 9-1
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-6
Engine Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-9
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-10
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 9-11
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-12 Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . 9-13
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-14
Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-15
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . 9-18
Power Steering Fluid (2.4L
L4 Engine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-20
Power Steering Fluid (3.0L V6 Engine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-20
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-21
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-21
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-22
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-24
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-24
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . 9-25
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control System
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-25
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-25
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . 9-26
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . 9-26
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-27
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . 9-30
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker, and Parking
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-30
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-31
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker, Stoplamps,
and Back-Up Lamps . . . . . . . 9-32
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 9-33
Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . 9-34
Electrical System
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-34
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-34
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-37

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.

Vehicle Care 9-13
There is a special procedure for
checking and changing the
transmission fluid. Because this
procedure is difficult, this should be
done at your dealer service
department. Contact your dealer for
additional information or the
procedure can be found in the
service manual. To purchase a
service manual, seeService
Publications Ordering Information
on
page 12‑12.
Change the fluid and filter at the
intervals listed in Scheduled
Maintenance
on page 10‑2, and be
sure to use the fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 10‑7.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
See Engine Compartment Overviewon page 9‑6for the location of the
engine air cleaner/filter.
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Inspect the air cleaner/filter at the
Maintenance IIintervals and replace
it at the first oil change after each
80 000 km (50,000 mile) interval.
See Scheduled Maintenance
on
page 10‑2for more information.
If driving in dusty/dirty conditions,
inspect the filter at each engine oil
change.
How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
To inspect the air cleaner/filter,
remove the filter from the vehicle
and lightly shake the filter to release
loose dust and dirt. If the filter
remains caked with dirt, a new filter
is required. To inspect or replace the engine air
cleaner/filter:
1. Open the hood. See
Hood
on
page 9‑5.
2. Locate the air filter housing on the front passenger side of the
engine compartment. See
Engine Compartment Overview
on page 9‑6.
3. Remove the four air cleaner
housing cover screws.
4. Pull straight up on cover, and while holding the cover, remove
the air filter.

Vehicle Care 9-25
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule
to determine what kind of lubricant
to use. SeeRecommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 10‑7.
Starter Switch Check
{WARNING
When you are doing this
inspection, the vehicle could
move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be
injured.
1. Before starting this check, be sure there is enough room
around the vehicle.
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake and the regular brake.
See Parking Brake
on
page 8‑40.
Do not use the accelerator
pedal, and be ready to turn off
the engine immediately if it
starts. 3. Try to start the engine in each
gear. The vehicle should start
only in P (Park) or N (Neutral).
If the vehicle starts in any other
position, contact your dealer for
service.
Automatic Transmission
Shift Lock Control
System Check
{WARNING
When you are doing this
inspection, the vehicle could
move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be
injured.
1. Before starting this check, be sure there is enough room
around the vehicle. It should be
parked on a level surface.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake. See Parking Brake
on
page 8‑40. Be ready to apply the regular
brake immediately if the vehicle
begins to move.
3. With the engine off, turn the ignition to ON/RUN, but do not
start the engine. Without
applying the regular brake, try to
move the shift lever out of
P (Park) with normal effort. If the
shift lever moves out of P (Park),
contact your dealer for service.
Ignition Transmission
Lock Check
While parked, and with the parking
brake set, try to turn the ignition to
LOCK/OFF in each shift lever
position.
.The ignition should turn to
LOCK/OFF only when the shift
lever is in P (Park).
.The ignition key should come
out only in LOCK/OFF.
Contact your dealer if service is
required.

10-4 Service and Maintenance
.Body hinges and latches, key
lock cylinders, folding seat
hardware, and sunroof (if
equipped) lubrication. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
on page 10‑7. More
frequent lubrication may be
required when vehicle is
exposed to a corrosive
environment. Applying silicone
grease on weatherstrips with a
clean cloth makes them last
longer, seal better, and not stick
or squeak.
.Restraint system component
check. See Safety System
Check on page 2‑21.
.Automatic transmission fluid
level check and adding fluid,
if needed. See Automatic
Transmission Fluid
on
page 9‑12.
.Engine air cleaner filter
inspection. See Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 9‑13.
.Passenger compartment air
filter replacement (or every
12 months, whichever comes
first). More frequent replacement
may be required if vehicle is
driven regularly under dusty
conditions.
Additional Required Services
At Each Fuel Stop
.Engine oil level check. See
Engine Oil on page 9‑10.
.Engine coolant level check. See
Engine Coolant on page 9‑15.
.Windshield washer fluid level
check. See Washer Fluidon
page 9‑21.
Once a Month
.Tire inflation check. See Tire
Pressure on page 9‑46.
.Tire wear inspection. See Tire
Inspection on page 9‑52. Once a Year
.See
Starter Switch Checkon
page 9‑25.
.See Automatic Transmission
Shift Lock Control System
Check on page 9‑25.
.See Ignition Transmission Lock
Check on page 9‑25.
.See Park Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Checkon
page 9‑26.
.Engine cooling system and
pressure cap pressure check.
Radiator and air conditioning
condenser outside cleaning. See
Cooling System on page 9‑14.
.Exhaust system and nearby heat
shields inspection for loose or
damaged components.
.Accelerator pedal check for
damage, high effort, or binding.
Replace if needed.