Black plate (22,1)Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual - 2012
7-22 Infotainment System
Channel Off Air:This channel is
not currently in service. Tune in to
another channel.
Channel Unauth: This channel is
blocked or cannot be received with
your XM subscription package.
Channel Unavailable: This
previously assigned channel is no
longer assigned. Tune to another
station.
No Artist Info: The system is
working properly. No artist
information is available at this time
on this channel.
No Title Info: The system is
working properly. No song title
information is available at this time
on this channel.
No CAT Info: The system is
working properly. No category
information is available at this time
on this channel. No Information:
The system is
working properly. No text or
informational messages are
available at this time on this
channel.
No Subscription Please Renew:
The XM subscription needs to be
reactivated. Contact XM at
www.xmradio.com or
1-800-929-2100 in the U.S., and
www.xmradio.ca or
1-877-438-9677 in Canada.
No XM Signal: The system is
working properly. The vehicle may
be in a location where the XM signal
is being blocked. When the vehicle
is moved into an open area, the
signal should return.
CAT Not Found: The system is
working properly. There are no
channels available for the selected
category.
XM Radio ID: If tuned to channel 0,
this message alternates with the XM
Radio eight‐digit radio ID label. This
label is needed to activate the
service. Unknown:
If this message is
received when tuned to channel 0,
there could be a receiver fault.
Consult with your dealer.
Check Antenna: If this message
does not clear within a short period
of time, the receiver could have a
fault. Consult with your dealer.
XM Not Available: If this message
does not clear within a short period
of time, the receiver could have a
fault. Consult with your dealer.
Radio Reception
Frequency interference and static
can occur during normal radio
reception if items such as cell phone
chargers, vehicle convenience
accessories, and external electronic
devices are plugged into the
accessory power outlet. If there is
interference or static, unplug the
item from the accessory power
outlet.
Black plate (23,1)Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual - 2012
Infotainment System 7-23
FM
FM signals only reach about 16 to
65 km (10 to 40 mi). Although the
radio has a built-in electronic circuit
that automatically works to reduce
interference, some static can occur,
especially around tall buildings or
hills, causing the sound to fade in
and out.
AM
The range for most AM stations is
greater than for FM, especially at
night. The longer range can cause
station frequencies to interfere with
each other. Static can occur when
things like storms and power lines
interfere with radio reception. When
this happens, try reducing the treble
on the radio.
XM™Satellite Radio Service
XM Satellite Radio Service gives
digital radio reception from coast to
coast in the 48 contiguous United
States, and in Canada. Just as with
FM, tall buildings or hills can
interfere with satellite radio signals, causing the sound to fade in and
out. In addition, traveling or standing
under heavy foliage, bridges,
garages, or tunnels may cause loss
of the XM signal for a period of time.
Cellular Phone Usage
Cellular phone usage can cause
interference with the vehicle's radio.
Multi-Band Antenna
The multi-band antenna is on the
roof of the vehicle. The antenna is
used for the AM‐FM radio, OnStar,
the XM Satellite Radio Service
System, and GPS (Global
Positioning System), if the vehicle
has these features. Keep the
antenna clear of obstructions for
clear reception.
Audio Players
CD Player
For vehicles equipped with the
MyLink or IntelliLink infotainment
system, see the separate MyLink/
IntelliLink Features and Functions
Guide for more information.
The player can be used for CD and
MP3 audio.
With the vehicle on, insert a disc
into the slot, label side up. The
player pulls it in and begins playing.
While playing, the navigation
system is available.
The system is capable of playing:
.Most audio CDs
.CD-R
.CD-RW
.MP3 or unprotected WMA
formats
Black plate (41,1)Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual - 2012
Infotainment System 7-41
Making a Call
To make a call:
1. Press
5or5\?once or twice
(depending on the radio).
2. Enter the character sequence. See “Entering a Character
Sequence” inOperation on
page 7‑10 for more information.
3. Select Call to start dialing the number.
Accepting or Declining a Call
When an incoming call is received,
the infotainment system mutes and
a ring tone is heard in the vehicle.
Accepting a Call
Turn the MENU/SEL knob to
“Answer” and press the MENU/SEL
knob to accept the call.
Declining a Call
Turn the MENU/SEL knob to
“Decline” and press the MENU/SEL
knob to decline the call.
Call Waiting
Call waiting must be supported on
the Bluetooth phone and enabled by
the wireless service carrier to work.
Accepting a Call
Turn the MENU/SEL knob to
“Answer” and press the MENU/SEL
knob to accept the call.
Declining a Call
Turn the MENU/SEL knob to
“Decline” and press the MENU/SEL
knob to decline the call.
Switching Between Calls
(Call Waiting Calls Only)
To switch between calls:
1. Turn or press the MENU/ SEL knob.
2. Select Switch Call from the menu.
Conference Calling
Conference calling and three‐way
calling must be supported on the
Bluetooth phone and enabled by the
wireless service carrier to work.
To start a conference while in a
current call:
1. Turn or press the MENU/
SEL knob.
2. Select Enter Number.
3. Enter the character sequence then select Call. See “Entering a
Character Sequence” in
Operation on page 7‑10 for more
information.
4. After the call has been placed, turn or press the MENU/SEL
knob and choose Merge Calls.
5. To add more callers to the conference call, repeat Steps 1
through 4. The number of callers
that can be added is limited by
your wireless service carrier.
Black plate (46,1)Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual - 2012
7-46 Infotainment System
Using the“Digit Dial” Command
The digit dial command allows a
phone number to be dialed by
entering the digits one at a time.
After each digit is entered, the
system repeats back the digit it
heard followed by a tone.
If an unwanted number is
recognized by the system, say
“Clear” at any time to clear the last
number.
To hear all of the numbers
recognized by the system, say
“Verify” at any time.
1. Press
b/g. The system
responds “Ready,”followed by
a tone.
2. Say “Digit Dial.”
3. Say each digit, one at a time, that you want to dial. After each
digit is entered, the system
repeats back the digit it heard
followed by a tone. After the last
digit has been entered,
say “Dial.” Once connected, the person called
will be heard through the audio
speakers.
Using the
“Re‐dial”Command
1. Press
b/g. The system
responds “Ready,”followed by
a tone.
2. After the tone, say “Re‐dial.”The
system dials the last number
called from the connected cell
phone.
Once connected, the person called
will be heard through the audio
speakers.
Receiving a Call
When an incoming call is received,
the audio system mutes and a ring
tone is heard in the vehicle.
.Pressb/gto answer the call.
.Press$/ito ignore a call.
Call Waiting
Call waiting must be supported on
the cell phone and enabled by the
wireless service carrier.
.Pressb/gto answer an
incoming call when another call
is active. The original call is
placed on hold.
.Pressb/gagain to return to
the original call.
.To ignore the incoming call, no
action is required.
.Press$/ito disconnect the
current call and switch to the call
on hold.
Three‐Way Calling
Three‐way calling must be
supported on the cell phone and
enabled by the wireless service
carrier.
1. While on a call, press
b/g.
2. Say “Three‐way call.”
Black plate (6,1)Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual - 2012
8-6 Climate Controls
Maintenance
Passenger Compartment
Air Filter
The filter removes dust, pollen, and
other airborne irritants from outside
air that is pulled into the vehicle.
The filter should be replaced as part
of routine scheduled maintenance.
SeeMaintenance Schedule on
page 11‑3 for replacement intervals.
To find out what type of filter to use,
see Maintenance Replacement
Parts on page 11‑14.
The passenger compartment air
filter can be accessed by removing
the entire glove box.
1. Open the glove box completely and locate the stop tab on top of
the glove box door.
2. Push the stop tab upwards untilthe stop tab is under the
instrument panel assembly and
the glove box is released.
3. Unsnap the tabs beneath the glove box that connects it to the
bottom of the instrument panel
assembly.
4. Remove the glove box.
5. Locate the service door for the passenger compartment air filter.
6. Push the two tabs upwards and release the latches holding the
service door. Lift the
service door.7. Remove the old air filter.
8. Install the new air filter.
9. Close the service door andlatches.
10. Re‐install the glove box.
See your dealer if additional
assistance is needed.
Black plate (4,1)Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual - 2012
9-4 Driving and Operating
Control of a Vehicle
Braking, steering, and accelerating
are important factors in helping to
control a vehicle while driving.
Braking
Braking action involves perception
time and reaction time. Deciding to
push the brake pedal is perception
time. Actually doing it is
reaction time.
Average driver reaction time is
about three‐fourths of a second. In
that time, a vehicle moving at
100 km/h (60 mph) travels
20 m (66 ft), which could be a lot of
distance in an emergency.
Helpful braking tips to keep in mind
include:
.Keep enough distance between
you and the vehicle in front
of you.
.Avoid needless heavy braking.
.Keep pace with traffic.If the engine ever stops while the
vehicle is being driven, brake
normally but do not pump the
brakes. Doing so could make the
pedal harder to push down. If the
engine stops, there will be some
power brake assist but it will be
used when the brake is applied.
Once the power assist is used up, it
can take longer to stop and the
brake pedal will be harder to push.
Steering
Electric Power Steering
(2.4L L4 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 due
to a system malfunction, the vehicle
can be steered, but may require
increased effort.
If the steering wheel is turned in
either direction several times until it
stops, or it is held until it is stopped
for an extended time, power
steering assist may be reduced. The
normal 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 for service repairs.Hydraulic Power Steering
(3.0L V6 Engine)
If power steering assist is lost due
to a system malfunction, the vehicle
can be steered, but may require
increased effort.
Black plate (6,1)Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual - 2012
9-6 Driving and Operating
Defensive drivers avoid most skids
by taking reasonable care suited to
existing conditions, and by not
overdriving those conditions. But
skids are always possible.
If the vehicle starts to slide, follow
these suggestions:
.Ease your foot off the
accelerator pedal and quickly
steer the way you want the
vehicle to go. The vehicle may
straighten out. Be ready for a
second skid if it occurs.
.Slow down and adjust your
driving according to weather
conditions. Stopping distance
can be longer and vehicle
control can be affected when
traction is reduced by water,
snow, ice, gravel, or other
material on the road. Learn to
recognize warning clues—such
as enough water, ice, or packed
snow on the road to make a
mirrored surface —and slow
down when you have any doubt.
.Try to avoid sudden steering,
acceleration, or braking,
including reducing vehicle speed
by shifting to a lower gear. Any
sudden changes could cause
the tires to slide.
Remember: Antilock brakes help
avoid only the braking skid.
Off-Road Driving
All-wheel-drive vehicles can be
used for off-road driving. Vehicles
without all-wheel drive and vehicles
not equipped with All Terrain (AT) or
On-Off Road (OOR) tires must not
be driven off-road except on a level,
solid surface. To contact the tire
manufacturer for more information
about the original equipment tires,
see the Limited Warranty and
Owner Assistance Information
manual.
Controlling the vehicle is the key to
successful off-road driving. One of
the best ways to control the vehicle
is to control the speed.
{WARNING
When driving off-road, bouncing
and quick changes in direction
can easily throw you out of
position. This could cause you to
lose control and crash. You and
your passengers should always
wear safety belts.
Before Driving Off-Road
.Have all necessary maintenance
and service work completed.
.Fuel the vehicle, fill fluid levels,
and check inflation pressure in
all tires, including the spare,
if equipped.
.Read all the information about
all-wheel-drive vehicles in this
manual.
.Make sure all underbody
shields, if equipped, are properly
attached.
.Know the local laws that apply to
off-road driving.
Black plate (11,1)Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual - 2012
Driving and Operating 9-11
While the exhaust pipe is under
water, you will not be able to start
the engine. When going through
water, the brakes get wet, and it
might take longer to stop. See
Driving on Wet Roads on page 9‑11.
After Off-Road Driving
Remove any brush or debris that
has collected on the underbody or
chassis, or under the hood. These
accumulations can be a fire hazard.
After operation in mud or sand,
have the brake linings cleaned and
checked. These substances can
cause glazing and uneven braking.
Check the body structure, steering,
suspension, wheels, tires, and
exhaust system for damage and
check the fuel lines and cooling
system for any leakage.
More frequent maintenance service
is required. Refer to the
Maintenance Schedule on
page 11‑3for more information.
Driving on Wet Roads
Rain and wet roads can reduce
vehicle traction and affect your
ability to stop and accelerate.
Always drive slower in these types
of driving conditions and avoid
driving through large puddles and
deep‐standing or flowing water.
{WARNING
Wet brakes can cause crashes.
They might not work as well in a
quick stop and could cause
pulling to one side. You could
lose control of the vehicle.
After driving through a large
puddle of water or a car/vehicle
wash, lightly apply the brake
pedal until the brakes work
normally.
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
Flowing or rushing water creates
strong forces. Driving through
flowing water could cause the
vehicle to be carried away. If this
happens, you and other vehicle
occupants could drown. Do not
ignore police warnings and be
very cautious about trying to drive
through flowing water.
Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous. Water
can build up under the vehicle's
tires so they actually ride on the
water. This can happen if the road is
wet enough and you are going fast
enough. When the vehicle is
hydroplaning, it has little or no
contact with the road.
There is no hard and fast rule about
hydroplaning. The best advice is to
slow down when the road is wet.