Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 259
2. The vehicles should be closeenough for the jumper cables
to reach, but the vehicles
should not be touching.
Touching could cause
grounding and possible
electrical system damage.
Put both vehicles in P (Park)
and set the parking brake
firmly.
3. Unplug accessories plugged into the cigarette lighter or the
accessory power outlet. Turn
off the radio and all lamps that
are not needed. Turn off the
ignition on both vehicles.
4. Locate the positive (+) and negative (−) terminals on both
vehicles. Some vehicles have
remote jump starting terminals.
{Warning
An electric fan can start up even
when the engine is not running
and can injure you. Keep hands,
clothing, and tools away from any
underhood electric fan. 5. The remote positive (+)
terminal (1) is located on the
underhood fuse block, on the
driver side. Lift the red cap to
uncover the terminal.
The remote negative (−)
terminal (2) is a stud behind
the metal tab stamped with
GND (−) near the driver side
strut tower.
6. The jumper cables should be in good working condition with no
loose or missing insulation.
The vehicles could be
damaged if they are not.
7. Connect the red positive (+) cable to the positive (+)
terminal on the vehicle with the
dead battery. Use a remote
positive (+) terminal if the
vehicle has one.
8. Do not let the other end touch metal. Connect it to the
positive (+) terminal of the
good battery. Use a remote
positive (+) terminal if the
vehicle has one. 9. Connect the black negative (−)
cable to the negative (−)
terminal of the good battery.
Use a remote negative (−)
terminal if the vehicle has one.
Do not let the other end touch
anything until the next step.
The other end of the negative
(−) cable does not go to the
dead battery. It goes to a
heavy, unpainted metal engine
part or to a remote negative (−)
terminal on the vehicle with the
dead battery.
10. Connect the other end of the negative (−) cable away from
the dead battery, but not near
engine parts that move.
11. Start the vehicle with the good battery and run the engine.
12. Press the unlock symbol on the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter to disarm the
security system, if equipped.
13. Try to start the vehicle that had the dead battery. If it will not
start after a few tries, it needs
service.
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 261
Dinghy Towing
Front-wheel-drive and
all-wheel-drive vehicles may be
dinghy towed from the front. These
vehicles can also be towed by
placing them on a platform trailer
with all four wheels off of the
ground. For other towing options,
see“Dolly Towing” following in this
section.
For vehicles being dinghy towed,
the vehicle should be run at the
beginning of each day and at each
RV fuel stop for about five minutes.
This will ensure proper lubrication of
transmission components.
To tow the vehicle from the front
with all four wheels on the ground:
1. Position the vehicle to be towed and secure it to the
towing vehicle.
2. Turn the ignition key to ON/RUN.
3. Shift the transmission to N (Neutral).
4. Turn the ignition key to ACC/ ACCESSORY.
5. Turn all accessories off.
6. To prevent the battery from draining while the vehicle is
being towed, remove fuse 32,
the Discrete Logic Ignition
Switch fuse, from the
instrument panel fuse block
and store it in a safe location.
See Instrument Panel Fuse
Block 0227
ii.
Caution
If the vehicle is towed without
performing each of the steps
listed under “Dinghy Towing,” the
automatic transmission could be
damaged. Be sure to follow all
steps of the dinghy towing
procedure prior to and after
towing the vehicle.
Caution
If 105 km/h (65 mph) is exceeded
while towing the vehicle, it could
be damaged. Never exceed
105 km/h (65 mph) while towing
the vehicle.
Once the destination is reached: 1. Set the parking brake.
2. Shift the transmission to P (Park).
3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK/OFF.
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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262 Vehicle Care
4. Install fuse 32, the DiscreteLogic Ignition Switch fuse. See
Instrument Panel Fuse Block
0227
ii.
5. Start the engine and let it idle for more than three minutes
before driving the vehicle.
Caution
Do not tow a vehicle with the front
drive wheels on the ground if one
of the front tires is a compact
spare tire. Towing with two
different tire sizes on the front of
the vehicle can cause severe
damage to the transmission.
Caution
Use of a shield mounted in front
of the vehicle grille could restrict
airflow and cause damage to the
transmission. The repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. If using a shield, only
use one that attaches to the
towing vehicle.
Dolly Towing (All-Wheel-Drive
Vehicles)
All-wheel-drive vehicles should not
be towed with two wheels on the
ground. To properly tow these
vehicles, they should be placed on
a platform trailer with all four wheels
off of the ground or dinghy towed
from the front.
Dolly Towing
(Front-Wheel-Drive Vehicles)
To tow the vehicle from the front
with the rear wheels on the ground:
1. Put the front wheels on a dolly. 2. Move the shift lever to
P (Park).
3. Set the parking brake.
4. Secure the vehicle to the dolly.
5. Follow the dolly manufacturer's instructions for preparing the
vehicle and dolly for towing.
6. Release the parking brake.
Towing the Vehicle from
the Rear
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 263
Caution
Towing the vehicle from the rear
could damage it. Also, repairs
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Never have the
vehicle towed from the rear.
Appearance Care
Exterior Care
Locks
Locks are lubricated at the factory.
Use a de-icing agent only when
absolutely necessary, and have the
locks greased after using. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants0282
ii.
Washing the Vehicle
To preserve the vehicle's finish,
wash it often and out of direct
sunlight.
Caution
Do not use petroleum-based,
acidic, or abrasive cleaning
agents as they can damage the
vehicle's paint, metal, or plastic
parts. If damage occurs, it would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Approved cleaning
products can be obtained from
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
your dealer. Follow all
manufacturer directions regarding
correct product usage, necessary
safety precautions, and
appropriate disposal of any
vehicle care product.
Caution
Avoid using high-pressure
washes closer than 30 cm (12 in)
to the surface of the vehicle. Use
of power washers exceeding
8,274 kPa (1,200 psi) can result
in damage or removal of paint
and decals.
The
esymbol is on any
underhood compartment electrical
center that should not be power
washed. This could cause damage
that would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 267
Inspect power steering for proper
hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks,
chafing, etc.
Visually check constant velocity joint
boots and axle seals for leaks.
Body Component Lubrication
Lubricate all key lock cylinders,
hood hinges, liftgate hinges, and the
steel fuel door hinges, unless the
components are plastic. Applying
silicone grease on weatherstrips
with a clean cloth will make them
last longer, seal better, and not stick
or squeak.
Underbody Maintenance
At least twice a year, spring and fall,
use plain water to flush any
corrosive materials from the
underbody. Take care to thoroughly
clean any areas where mud and
other debris can collect.
Do not directly power wash the
transfer case and/or front/rear axle
output seals. High pressure water
can overcome the seals and
contaminate the fluid. Contaminatedfluid will decrease the life of the
transfer case and/or axles and
should be replaced.
Sheet Metal Damage
If the vehicle is damaged and
requires sheet metal repair or
replacement, make sure the body
repair shop applies anti-corrosion
material to parts repaired or
replaced to restore corrosion
protection.
Original manufacturer replacement
parts will provide the corrosion
protection while maintaining the
vehicle warranty.
Finish Damage
Quickly repair minor chips and
scratches with touch-up materials
available from your dealer to avoid
corrosion. Larger areas of finish
damage can be corrected in your
dealer's body and paint shop.
Chemical Paint Spotting
Airborne pollutants can fall upon
and attack painted vehicle surfaces
causing blotchy, ring-shaped
discolorations, and small, irregulardark spots etched into the paint
surface. See
“Finish Care”
previously in this section.
Interior Care
To prevent dirt particle abrasions,
regularly clean the vehicle's interior.
Immediately remove any soils.
Newspapers or dark garments can
transfer color to the vehicle’s
interior.
Use a soft bristle brush to remove
dust from knobs and crevices on the
instrument cluster. Using a mild
soap solution, immediately remove
hand lotions, sunscreen, and insect
repellent from all interior surfaces or
permanent damage may result.
Use cleaners specifically designed
for the surfaces being cleaned to
prevent permanent damage. Apply
all cleaners directly to the cleaning
cloth. Do not spray cleaners on any
switches or controls. Remove
cleaners quickly.
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 271
.Use the floor mat with the
correct side up. Do not turn
it over.
. Do not place anything on top of
the driver side floor mat.
. Use only a single floor mat on
the driver side.
. Do not place one floor mat on
top of another.
Removing and Replacing the
Floor Mat
The driver side floor mat is held in
place by two retainers. 1. Pull up on the rear of the floor
mat to unlock each retainer
and remove.
2. Reinstall by lining up the floor mat retainer openings over the
carpet retainers and snap into
position.
3. Make sure the floor mat is properly secured in place.
Verify the floor mat does not
interfere with the pedals.
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Service and Maintenance 275
.Check automatic transmission
shift lock control function. See
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function Check
0219
ii.
. Check ignition transmission lock.
See Ignition Transmission Lock
Check 0219
ii.
. Check parking brake and
automatic transmission park
mechanism. See Park Brake and
P (Park) Mechanism Check
0 220
ii.
. Check accelerator pedal for
damage, high effort, or binding.
Replace if needed.
. Visually inspect gas strut for
signs of wear, cracks, or other
damage. Check the hold open
ability of the strut. See your
dealer if service is required.
. Inspect sunroof track and seal,
if equipped. See Sunroof041
ii.
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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282 Service and Maintenance
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Parts
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
UsageFluid/Lubricant
Engine Oil Engine oil meeting the dexos1™ specification of the proper SAE viscosity
grade. AC Delco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. See Engine Oil
0 204
ii.
Engine Coolant 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and use only DEX-COOL
®Coolant.
See Engine Coolant 0210ii.
Hydraulic Brake System DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid (GM Part No. 19299818, in Canada 19299819).
Windshield Washer Automotive windshield washer fluid that meets regional freeze protection requirements.
Hydraulic Power Steering System (V6 engines only) DEXRON
®-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Automatic Transmission DEXRON
®-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Transfer Case (All-Wheel Drive) Transfer Case Fluid (GM Part No. 88900401, in Canada 89021678).
Power Liftgate Actuator Ball Joint, Hood Latch Assembly, Secondary
Latch, Pivots, Spring Anchor, and Release Pawl Lubriplate Lubricant Aerosol (GM Part No. 89021668, in
Canada 89021674) or lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI #2,
Category LB or GC-LB.
Key Lock Cylinders, Hood and Door Hinges Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube (GM Part No. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474).