
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234773) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15
In Brief 5
In Brief
Instrument Panel
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Initial Drive Information
Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . . . 8
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Memory Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Heated Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Head Restraint Adjustment . . . . 12
Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Passenger Sensing System . . . 13
Mirror Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . . 14
Interior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . . . 15
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Vehicle Features
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . . 18
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Driver Information
Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Rear Vision Camera (RVC) . . . . 20
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Parking Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Universal Remote System . . . . . 21
Performance and Maintenance
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Tire Pressure Monitor . . . . . . . . . . 21
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . 22
E85 or FlexFuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Driving for Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Roadside Assistance Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234773) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15
20 In Brief
Lane Departure
Warning (LDW)
If equipped, LDW may help avoid
unintentional lane departures at
speeds of 56 km/h (35 mph) or
greater. LDW uses a camera sensor
to detect the lane markings. The
LDW light,
@, is green if a lane
marking is detected. If the vehicle
departs the lane without using a turn
signal in that direction, the light will
change to amber and flash. In
addition, beeps will sound.
See Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
0 184
ii.
Side Blind Zone
Alert (SBZA)
If equipped, SBZA will detect
moving vehicles in the next lane
over in the vehicle's side blind zone
area. When this happens, the SBZA
display will light up in the
corresponding outside side mirror
and will flash if the turn signal is on.
See Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
0 182
ii.
Rear Vision
Camera (RVC)
If equipped, RVC displays a view of
the area behind the vehicle, on the
infotainment system display, when
the vehicle is shifted into
R (Reverse).
See Rear Vision Camera (RVC)
0 176
ii.
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
(RCTA) System
If equipped, the RCTA system uses
a triangle with an arrow displayed
on the RVC screen to warn of traffic
behind your vehicle that may cross
your vehicle's path while in
R (Reverse). In addition, beeps will
sound.
See “Rear Cross Traffic Alert
(RCTA)” underRear Vision Camera
(RVC) 0176
ii.
Parking Assist
If equipped, Rear Parking Assist
(RPA) uses sensors on the rear
bumper to assist with parking and avoiding objects while in
R (Reverse). It operates at speeds
less than 8 km/h (5 mph) and uses
audible beeps to provide distance
and system information.
Keep the sensors on the vehicle's
rear bumper clean to ensure proper
operation.
See
Parking Assist 0178
ii.
Power Outlets
The accessory power outlets can be
used to connect electrical
equipment, such as a cell phone or
MP3 player.
There are four accessory power
outlets: inside the open storage
area in front of the shift lever, inside
the center console storage, on the
rear of the center console storage,
and in the rear cargo compartment.
To use the outlets, remove the cover
and close when not in use.
See Power Outlets 096
ii.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234773) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15
116 Instruments and Controls
to your destination. The
performance may be reduced the
next time the vehicle is driven. The
vehicle may be driven at a reduced
speed while this message is on, but
maximum acceleration and speed
may be reduced. Anytime this
message stays on, the vehicle
should be taken to your dealer for
service as soon as possible.
Fuel System Messages
ECO MODE ON
On some models, this message
displays when the Fuel Economy
Mode has been turned on by
pressing the eco button near the
shift lever. SeeFuel Economy Mode
0 169
ii.
FUEL LEVEL LOW
This message displays when the
vehicle is low on fuel. Refuel as
soon as possible.
TIGHTEN GAS CAP
This message may display when the
fuel cap is not on tight. Tighten the
fuel cap.
Key and Lock Messages
REPLACE BATTERY IN
REMOTE KEY
This message displays when the
battery in the Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) transmitter needs to be
replaced.
Object Detection System
Messages
FORWARD COLLISION
ALERT OFF
If your vehicle has the Forward
Collision Alert (FCA) system, this
message may display if the FCA
system cannot activate due to a
temporary condition. See Forward
Collision Alert (FCA) System 0180
ii.
FRONT CAMERA BLOCKED,
CLEAN WINDSHIELD
This message displays when the
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and
Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
systems are disabled because the
camera view is blocked and cannot
operate properly. It may also activate during heavy rain or due to
road spray. To clean the system,
clean the outside of the windshield
area in front of the LDW/FCA
camera sensor.
LANE DEPARTURE SYSTEM
UNAVAILABLE
If your vehicle has the Lane
Departure Warning (LDW) system,
this message may display if the
LDW system cannot activate due to
a temporary condition. See
Lane
Departure Warning (LDW) 0184
iifor
more information.
PARK ASSIST OFF
This message displays when the
park assist system has been turned
off or when there is a temporary
condition causing the system to be
disabled. See Parking Assist 0178
ii.
SERVICE SIDE DETECTION
SYSTEM
If this message appears, both SBZA
displays will remain on indicating
there is a problem with the SBZA
system. If these displays remain on

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234773) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15
Instruments and Controls 117
after continued driving, the system
needs service. Take the vehicle to
your dealer.
SERVICE FRONT CAMERA
This message displays when the
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and
Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
systems are disabled and need
service. See your dealer.
SERVICE PARK ASSIST
This message displays if there is a
problem with the Rear Parking
Assist (RPA) system. Do not use
this system to help you park. See
Parking Assist0178
ii.
SIDE BLIND ZONE ALERT
SYSTEM OFF
This message indicates that the
driver has turned the system off.
SIDE BLIND ZONE SYS.
UNAVAILABLE
This message indicates that the
SBZA system is disabled because
the sensor is blocked and cannot
detect vehicles in the blind zone.
The sensor may be blocked by mud, dirt, snow, ice, or slush. This
message may also activate during
heavy rain or due to road spray. The
vehicle does not need service. For
cleaning, see
Side Blind Zone Alert
(SBZA) 0182
ii.
Ride Control System
Messages
ALL WHEEL DRIVE OFF
If your vehicle has the All-Wheel
Drive (AWD) system, this message
displays when there is a temporary
condition making the AWD system
unavailable. The vehicle will run in
two-wheel drive. This could be
caused by:
.
A compact spare tire on the
vehicle.
. AWD system overheat.
. Loss of wheel or vehicle speed.
. Certain other vehicle electrical
conditions.
This message turns off when the
compact spare tire is replaced by a
full-size tire, the differential fluid
cools or the above conditions are no longer present and the warning
message is reset. To reset the
warning message manually, turn the
ignition off and then back on again
after 30 seconds. If the message
stays on, see your dealer.
SERVICE ALL WHEEL DRIVE
This message displays if a problem
occurs with the All-Wheel Drive
(AWD) system. The vehicle will run
in two-wheel drive. This could be
caused by:
.
An electronics problem.
. Worn out or overheated clutch
plates.
. Various electrical issues.
If this message appears, stop as
soon as possible and turn off the
ignition for 30 seconds. Restart the
vehicle and check for the message
on the DIC display. If the message
still displays or appears again when
you begin driving, the system needs
service. See your dealer right away.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234773) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15
144 Driving and Operating
Driving and
Operating
Driving Information
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Drunk Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Off-Road Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . 152
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . 153
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . 155
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . 159
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Retained AccessoryPower (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Engine Coolant Heater . . . . . . . 163
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . 165 Parking over Things
That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Running the Vehicle WhileParked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 167
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Fuel Economy Mode . . . . . . . . . 169
Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Brakes
Antilock BrakeSystem (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . 172
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Driver Assistance Systems
Rear Vision Camera (RVC) . . . 176
Parking Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178 Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Lane Departure
Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Fuel
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
California FuelRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . 187
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
E85 or FlexFuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Trailer Towing
General Towing
Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Towing Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) . . . 195
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234773) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15
154 Driving and Operating
{Warning
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral)
or with the ignition off is
dangerous. This can cause
overheating of the brakes and
loss of steering. Always have the
engine running and the vehicle
in gear.
. Drive at speeds that keep the
vehicle in its own lane. Do not
swing wide or cross the
center line.
. Be alert on top of hills;
something could be in your lane
(e.g., stalled car, accident).
. Pay attention to special road
signs (e.g., falling rocks area,
winding roads, long grades,
passing or no-passing zones)
and take appropriate action.
Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or Ice
Snow or ice between the tires and
the road creates less traction or
grip, so drive carefully. Wet ice can
occur at about 0 °C (32 °F) when
freezing rain begins to fall. Avoid
driving on wet ice or in freezing rain
until roads can be treated.
For Slippery Road Driving:
.Accelerate gently. Accelerating
too quickly causes the wheels to
spin and makes the surface
under the tires slick.
. Turn on Traction Control. See
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0172
ii.
. The Antilock Brake System
(ABS) improves vehicle stability
during hard stops, but the
brakes should be applied sooner
than when on dry pavement.
See Antilock Brake System
(ABS) 0170
ii.
. Allow greater following distance
and watch for slippery spots. Icy
patches can occur on otherwise clear roads in shaded areas.
The surface of a curve or an
overpass can remain icy when
the surrounding roads are clear.
Avoid sudden steering
maneuvers and braking while
on ice.
. Turn off cruise control.
Blizzard Conditions
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and
signal for help. Stay with the vehicle
unless there is help nearby.
If possible, use Roadside
Assistance. See Roadside
Assistance Program 0293
ii. To get
help and keep everyone in the
vehicle safe:
. Turn on the hazard warning
flashers.
. Tie a red cloth to an outside
mirror.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234773) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15
182 Driving and Operating
timing. The range of selectable alert
timing may not be appropriate for all
drivers and driving conditions.
Unnecessary Alerts
FCA may provide unnecessary
alerts for turning vehicles, vehicles
in other lanes, objects that are not
vehicles, or shadows. These alerts
are normal operation and the
vehicle does not need service.
Cleaning the System
If the FCA system does not seem to
operate properly, cleaning the
outside of the windshield in front of
the rearview mirror may correct the
issue.
Side Blind Zone
Alert (SBZA)
If equipped, the SBZA system is a
lane-changing aid that assists
drivers with avoiding crashes that
occur with moving vehicles in the
side blind zone (or spot) areas. The
SBZA warning display will light up inthe corresponding outside side
mirror and will flash if the turn signal
is on.
{Warning
SBZA does not alert the driver to
vehicles rapidly approaching
outside of the side blind zones,
pedestrians, bicyclists,
or animals. It may not provide
alerts when changing lanes under
all driving conditions. Failure to
use proper care when changing
lanes may result in injury, death,
or vehicle damage. Before
making a lane change, always
check mirrors, glance over your
shoulder, and use the turn
signals.
SBZA Detection Zones
The SBZA sensor covers a zone of
approximately one lane over from
both sides of the vehicle, or 3.5 m
(11 ft). The height of the zone is
approximately between 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
and 2 m (6 ft) off the ground. This
zone starts at approximately the
middle of the vehicle and goes back
5 m (16 ft).
How the System Works
The SBZA symbol lights up in the
side mirrors when the system
detects a moving vehicle in the next
lane over that is in the side blind
zone. This indicates it may be

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Index 317
Gauges (cont'd)Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Warning Lights and
Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
General Information Service and Maintenance . . . . . 272
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
H
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Hazard Warning Flashers . . . . . . . 132
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
HeadlampsAiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Daytime RunningLamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . 109
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . 130
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . .110
Heated Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Heater
Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Heating and Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137, 139
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . 153
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . . . 172
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
I
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Ignition Transmission LockCheck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Indicator Vehicle Ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Infants and Young Children,
Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Infotainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Interior Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . . . 39
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
J
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
K
Key and Lock Messages . . . . . . . . 116
Keyless EntryRemote (RKE) System . . . . . . . . . 26
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall . . . . . . . . . . 231
Lamps Daytime Running (DRL) . . . . . . 131
Dome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Exterior Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
License Plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Malfunction Indicator . . . . . . . . . 103
On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110
Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Lane Departure
Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Lane Departure Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
LATCH System
Replacing Parts after aCrash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83