2016 CHEVROLET EQUINOX coolant

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234773) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15
Vehicle Care 213
Caution
In cold weather, water can freeze
and crack the engine, radiator,
heater core, and other parts. Use
the recommended coolant and
the proper coolant mixture.
1. Remove the coolant surge tankpressure cap when the cooling
system, including the coolant
surge tank pressure cap and
upper radiator hose, is no
longer hot.
Turn the pressure cap slowly
counterclockwise about
one-quarter of a turn. If you
hear a hiss, wait for that to
stop. This will allow any
pressure still left to be vented
out the discharge hose. 2. Keep turning the pressure cap
slowly, and remove it.3. Fill the coolant surge tank withthe proper DEX-COOL coolant
mixture, to the COLD FILL line.
4. With the coolant surge tank pressure cap off, start the
engine and let it run until the
upper radiator hose can be felt
getting hot. Watch out for the
engine cooling fan(s).
By this time, the coolant level
inside the coolant surge tank
may be lower. If the level is
lower, add more of the proper
DEX-COOL coolant mixture to the coolant surge tank until the
level reaches the COLD
FILL line.
5. Replace the pressure cap. Be sure the pressure cap is
hand-tight.
Caution
If the pressure cap is not tightly
installed, coolant loss and
possible engine damage may
occur. Be sure the cap is properly
and tightly secured.
Check the level in the coolant surge
tank when the cooling system has
cooled down. If the coolant is not at
the proper level, repeat
Steps 1-3 and reinstall the pressure
cap. If the coolant still is not at the
proper level when the system cools
down again, see your dealer.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234773) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15
214 Vehicle Care
Engine Overheating
The vehicle has an indicator to warn
of engine overheating. There is an
engine coolant temperature warning
light on the vehicle's instrument
panel. SeeEngine Coolant
Temperature Gauge 0100
ii.
The decision may be made not to lift
the hood when this warning
appears, but instead get service
help right away. See Roadside
Assistance Program 0293
ii.
If the decision to lift the hood is
made, make sure the vehicle is
parked on a level surface.
Then check to see if the engine
cooling fan(s) are running. If the
engine is overheating, the fan(s)
should be running. If they are not,
do not continue to run the engine
and have the vehicle serviced.
Caution
Running the engine without
coolant may cause damage or a
fire. Vehicle damage would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
If Steam is Coming from the
Engine Compartment
{Warning
Steam from an overheated engine
can burn you badly, even if you
just open the hood. Stay away
from the engine if you see or hear
steam coming from it. Just turn it
off and get everyone away from
the vehicle until it cools down.
Wait until there is no sign of
steam or coolant before you open
the hood.
If you keep driving when the
engine is overheated, the liquids
in it can catch fire. You or others
could be badly burned. Stop the
engine if it overheats, and get out
of the vehicle until the engine
is cool.
If No Steam is Coming from
the Engine Compartment
If an engine overheat warning is
displayed but no steam can be seen
or heard, the problem may not be too serious. Sometimes the engine
can get a little too hot when the
vehicle:
.
Climbs a long hill on a hot day.
. Stops after high-speed driving.
. Idles for long periods in traffic.
. Tows a trailer.
If the overheat warning is displayed
with no sign of steam: 1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest temperature and to the
highest fan speed. Open the
windows as necessary.
3. When it is safe to do so, pull off the road, shift to P (Park) or
N (Neutral) and let the
engine idle.
If the temperature overheat gauge is
no longer in the overheat zone or an
overheat warning no longer
displays, the vehicle can be driven.
Continue to drive the vehicle slowly
for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe
vehicle distance from the vehicle in
front. If the warning does not come

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234773) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15
216 Vehicle Care
Washer Fluid
What to Use
When windshield washer fluid is
needed, be sure to read the
manufacturer's instructions before
use. If operating the vehicle in an
area where the temperature may fall
below freezing, use a fluid that has
sufficient protection against
freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the washer
symbol on it. Add washer fluid until
the tank is full. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview 0201
iifor
reservoir location.
Caution
. Do not use washer fluid that
contains any type of water
repellent coating. This can
cause the wiper blades to
chatter or skip.
. Do not use engine coolant
(antifreeze) in the
windshield washer. It can
damage the windshield
washer system and paint.
. Do not mix water with
ready-to-use washer fluid.
Water can cause the
solution to freeze and
damage the washer fluid
tank and other parts of the
washer system.
. When using concentrated
washer fluid, follow the
manufacturer instructions for
adding water.
. Fill the washer fluid tank
only three-quarters full when
it is very cold. This allows
for fluid expansion if
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
freezing occurs, which could
damage the tank if it is
completely full.
Brakes
Disc brake pads have built-in wear
indicators that make a high-pitched
warning sound when the brake pads
are worn and new pads are needed.
The sound can come and go or can
be heard all the time when the
vehicle is moving, except when
applying the brake pedal firmly.
{Warning
The brake wear warning sound
means that soon the brakes will
not work well. That could lead to
a crash. When the brake wear
warning sound is heard, have the
vehicle serviced.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234773) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15
Vehicle Care 235
Cold Tire Pressure:The
amount of air pressure in a tire,
measured in kPa (kilopascal)
or psi (pounds per square inch)
before a tire has built up heat
from driving. See Tire Pressure
0 237
ii.
Curb Weight
:The weight of a
motor vehicle with standard and
optional equipment including the
maximum capacity of fuel, oil,
and coolant, but without
passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings
:A code molded
into the sidewall of a tire
signifying that the tire is in
compliance with the U.S.
Department of Transportation
(DOT) Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards. The DOT code
includes the Tire Identification
Number (TIN), an alphanumeric
designator which can also
identify the tire manufacturer,
production plant, brand, and
date of production. GVWR
:Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating. See Vehicle Load Limits
0 156
ii.
GAWR FRT
:Gross Axle Weight
Rating for the front axle. See
Vehicle Load Limits 0156
ii.
GAWR RR
:Gross Axle Weight
Rating for the rear axle. See
Vehicle Load Limits 0156
ii.
Intended Outboard Sidewall
:
The side of an asymmetrical tire
that must always face outward
when mounted on a vehicle.
Kilopascal (kPa)
:The metric
unit for air pressure.
Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire
:A
tire used on light duty trucks and
some multipurpose passenger
vehicles.
Load Index
:An assigned
number ranging from 1 to 279
that corresponds to the load
carrying capacity of a tire. Maximum Inflation Pressure
:
The maximum air pressure to
which a cold tire can be inflated.
The maximum air pressure is
molded onto the sidewall.
Maximum Load Rating
:The
load rating for a tire at the
maximum permissible inflation
pressure for that tire.
Maximum Loaded Vehicle
Weight
:The sum of curb
weight, accessory weight,
vehicle capacity weight, and
production options weight.
Normal Occupant Weight
:The
number of occupants a vehicle
is designed to seat multiplied by
68 kg (150 lb). See Vehicle Load
Limits 0156
ii.
Occupant Distribution
:
Designated seating positions.
Outward Facing Sidewall
:The
side of an asymmetrical tire that
has a particular side that faces
outward when mounted on a
vehicle. The side of the tire that

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234773) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15
274 Service and Maintenance
Engine Oil Change
When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message displays, have the
engine oil and filter changed within
the next 1 000 km/600 mi. If driven
under the best conditions, the
engine oil life system may not
indicate the need for vehicle service
for up to a year. The engine oil and
filter must be changed at least once
a year and the oil life system must
be reset. Your trained dealer
technician can perform this work.
If the engine oil life system is reset
accidentally, service the vehicle
within 5 000 km/3,000 mi since the
last service. Reset the oil life
system when the oil is changed.
SeeEngine Oil Life System 0207
ii.
Tire Rotation and Required
Services Every 12 000 km/
7,500 mi
Rotate the tires, if recommended for
the vehicle, and perform the
following services. See Tire
Rotation 0242
ii. .
Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed,
change engine oil and filter, and
reset oil life system. See Engine
Oil 0204
iiand Engine Oil Life
System 0207ii.
. Check engine coolant level. See
Engine Coolant 0210
ii.
. Check windshield washer fluid
level. See Washer Fluid 0216
ii.
. Visually inspect windshield wiper
blades for wear, cracking,
or contamination. See Exterior
Care 0263
ii. Replace worn or
damaged wiper blades. See
Wiper Blade Replacement
0 220
ii.
. Check tire inflation pressures.
See Tire Pressure 0237
ii.
. Inspect tire wear. See Tire
Inspection 0242
ii.
. Visually check for fluid leaks. .
Inspect engine air cleaner filter.
See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
0 208
ii.
. Inspect brake system. See
Exterior Care 0263
ii.
. Visually inspect steering,
suspension, and chassis
components for damaged, loose,
or missing parts or signs of
wear. See Exterior Care 0263
ii.
. Check restraint system
components. See Safety System
Check 058
ii.
. Visually inspect fuel system for
damage or leaks.
. Visually inspect exhaust system
and nearby heat shields for
loose or damaged parts.
. Lubricate body components. See
Exterior Care 0263
ii.
. Check starter switch. See Starter
Switch Check 0219
ii.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234773) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15
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).

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234773) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15
Index 315
ConnectionsOnStar®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Control Traction and ElectronicStability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Convenience Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Coolant Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Engine Temperature Gauge . . 100
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209 Engine Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . .114
Courtesy Transportation Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Cover
Cargo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174 Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114
Cupholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . 292 Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Text Telephone (TTY)Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292 Customer Information
Service Publications
Ordering Information . . . . . . . . 298
Customer Satisfaction Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
D
Damage Repair, Collision . . . . . . . 296
Danger, Warning, and Caution . . . . 2
Data Recorders, Event . . . . . . . . . 301
Daytime RunningLamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Diagnostics OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Dome Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Door
Ajar Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Power Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Drive Belt Routing, Engine . . . . . . 288
Drive Systems All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . 170, 219
Driver Information Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 Driving
Characteristics and
Towing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Defensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Drunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
For Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . 22
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . 153
If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . . 155
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Off-Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154E
E85 or FlexFuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
ECO Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Economy Mode Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Electrical Equipment,
Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Electrical System Engine Compartment FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Instrument Panel Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234773) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15
316 Index
EmergencyOnStar®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Check and Service EngineSoon Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . 201
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Coolant Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Cooling System Messages . . . .114
Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Oil Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115
Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . 166
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Equipment, Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . . . 301
Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Extender, Safety Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . 130F
Features
Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Filter, Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . 132
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
FlexFuel
E85 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Fluid Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 208
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Power Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Fog Lamps Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . 133, 222
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . 106
Frequency Statement
Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Front Fog Lamp Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109 Front Seats
Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Heated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185 Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Economy Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Economy Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Filling a Portable FuelContainer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . 109
Requirements, California . . . . . 186
System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . .116
Fuel Economy Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Engine Compartment FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
G
Garage Door Opener . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Gauges
Engine CoolantTemperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99