Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9918169) - 2017 - CRC - 3/23/16
172 Driving and Operating
Operating Modes
The transmission may operate in a
lower gear than normal to improve
vehicle performance. The engine
speed may be higher and there may
be an increase in noise during the
following conditions:
.When climbing a grade.
. When driving downhill.
. When driving in hot
temperatures or at high altitude.
Manual Mode
Electronic Range Select
(ERS) Mode
ERS or manual mode allows for the
selection of the range of gear
positions. Use this mode when
driving downhill or towing a trailer to
limit the top gear and vehicle speed.
The shift position indicator within the
Driver Information Center (DIC) will
display a number next to the M
indicating the highest available gear
under manual mode and the driving
conditions when manual mode was
selected. To use this feature:
1. Move the shift lever to M (Manual Mode).
2. Press the plus/minus button on the shift lever, to increase or
decrease the gear range
available.
When shifting to M (Manual Mode),
the transmission will shift to a preset
lower gear range. For this preset
range, the highest gear available is
displayed next to the M in the DIC.
See Driver Information Center (DIC)
0 113 for more information. All gears
below that number are available to
use. For example, when 4 (Fourth)
is shown next to the M, 1 (First)
through 4 (Fourth) gears are shifted
automatically. To shift to 5 (Fifth)
gear, press the + (Plus) button or
shift into D (Drive).
M (Manual Mode) will prevent
shifting to a lower gear range if the
engine speed is too high. If vehicle
speed is not reduced within the time
allowed, the lower gear range shift
will not be completed. Slow the vehicle, then press the
−(Minus)
button to the desired lower gear
range.
While using the ERS, cruise control
can be used.
Fuel Economy Mode
Vehicles with a 2.4L engine have a
Fuel Economy Mode. When
engaged, Fuel Economy Mode can
improve the vehicle's fuel economy.
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9918169) - 2017 - CRC - 3/23/16
Driving and Operating 173
Press the eco (economy) button to
turn this feature on or off. The eco
light in the instrument cluster will
come on when engaged. SeeFuel
Economy Light 0111. A Driver
Information Center (DIC) message
is also displayed. See Fuel System
Messages 0119.
When Fuel Economy Mode is on:
. The transmission will upshift
sooner and downshift later.
. The torque converter clutch will
apply sooner and stay on longer.
. The gas pedal will be less
sensitive.
. The vehicle's computer will more
aggressively shut off fuel to the
engine under deceleration.
. The engine idle speed will be
lower.
. Driving performance is more
conservative.
. The climate controls may take
longer to heat or cool the cabin.
. The rear defogger will stay on
for shorter periods of time.Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive
Vehicles with this feature transfer
engine power, as required, to all
four wheels. It is fully automatic, and
adjusts itself as needed for road
conditions.
When using a compact spare tire on
an AWD vehicle, the system
automatically detects the compact
spare and reduces AWD
performance to protect the system.
To restore full AWD operation and
prevent excessive wear on the
system, replace the compact spare
with a full-size tire as soon as
possible. See Compact Spare
Tire 0259.
Brakes
Antilock Brake
System (ABS)
This vehicle has an Antilock Brake
System (ABS), an advanced
electronic braking system that helps
prevent a braking skid.
When the vehicle begins to drive
away, ABS checks itself.
A momentary motor or clicking noise
may be heard while this test is going
on, and it may even be noticed that
the brake pedal moves a little. This
is normal.
If there is a problem with ABS, this
warning light stays on. See Antilock
Brake System (ABS) Warning
Light 0108.
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 193
Warning (Continued)
.Fill the container no more
than 95% full to allow for
expansion.
. Do not smoke, light
matches, or use lighters
while pumping fuel.
. Avoid using cell phones or
other electronic devices.
Trailer Towing
General Towing
Information
Only use towing equipment that has
been designed for the vehicle.
Contact your dealer or trailering
dealer for assistance with preparing
the vehicle for towing a trailer. Read
the entire section before towing a
trailer.
For towing a disabled vehicle, see
Towing the Vehicle 0263. For
towing the vehicle behind another
vehicle such as a motor home, see
Recreational Vehicle Towing 0263.
Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips
Driving with a Trailer
When towing a trailer:
.
Become familiar with the state
and local laws that apply
specifically to trailer towing. .
Do not tow a trailer during the
first 800 km (500 miles), to
prevent damage to the engine,
axle or other parts.
. Then, during the first 800 km
(500 miles) trailer towing, do not
drive over 80 km/h (50 mph) and
do not make starts at full throttle.
. The vehicle can tow in D (Drive).
Use a lower gear if the
transmission shifts too often.
. Do not use the Fuel Economy
Mode when towing.
. Turn off Park Assist when
towing.
{Warning
When towing a trailer, exhaust
gases may collect at the rear of
the vehicle and enter if the
liftgate, trunk/hatch, or rear-most
window is open.
(Continued)
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9918169) - 2017 - CRC - 3/23/16
Vehicle Care 239
contains a whitewall, bears
white lettering, or bears
manufacturer, brand, and/or
model name molding that is
higher or deeper than the same
moldings on the other sidewall
of the tire.
Passenger (P-Metric) Tire
:A
tire used on passenger cars and
some light duty trucks and
multipurpose vehicles.
Recommended Inflation
Pressure
:Vehicle
manufacturer's recommended
tire inflation pressure as shown
on the tire placard. See Tire
Pressure 0240 andVehicle
Load Limits 0159.
Radial Ply Tire
:A pneumatic
tire in which the ply cords that
extend to the beads are laid at
90 degrees to the centerline of
the tread.
Rim
:A metal support for a tire
and upon which the tire beads
are seated. Sidewall
:The portion of a tire
between the tread and the bead.
Speed Rating
:An
alphanumeric code assigned to
a tire indicating the maximum
speed at which a tire can
operate.
Traction
:The friction between
the tire and the road surface.
The amount of grip provided.
Tread
:The portion of a tire that
comes into contact with
the road.
Treadwear Indicators
:Narrow
bands, sometimes called wear
bars, that show across the tread
of a tire when only 1.6 mm
(1/16 in) of tread remains. See
When It Is Time for New
Tires 0246.
UTQGS (Uniform Tire Quality
Grading Standards)
:A tire
information system that provides
consumers with ratings for a
tire's traction, temperature, and
treadwear. Ratings are determined by tire
manufacturers using
government testing procedures.
The ratings are molded into the
sidewall of the tire. See
Uniform
Tire Quality Grading 0248.
Vehicle Capacity Weight
:The
number of designated seating
positions multiplied by
68 kg (150 lb) plus the rated
cargo load. See Vehicle Load
Limits 0159.
Vehicle Maximum Load on the
Tire
:Load on an individual tire
due to curb weight, accessory
weight, occupant weight, and
cargo weight.
Vehicle Placard
:A label
permanently attached to a
vehicle showing the vehicle
capacity weight and the original
equipment tire size and
recommended inflation pressure.
See “Tire and Loading
Information Label” underVehicle
Load Limits 0159.
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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296 Customer Information
.Retrieve your favorite articles,
quizzes, tips, and multimedia
galleries organized into the
Featured Articles and Auto Care
Sections.
. Download owner manuals.
. Find the
Chevrolet-recommended
maintenance services.
GM Mobility
Reimbursement Program
This program is available to
qualified applicants for cost
reimbursement of eligible
aftermarket adaptive equipment
required for the vehicle, such as
hand controls or a wheelchair/
scooter lift for the vehicle. For more information on the limited
offer, visit www.gmmobility.com or
call the GM Mobility Assistance
Center at 1-800-323-9935. Text
Telephone (TTY) users, call
1-800-833-9935.
General Motors of Canada also has
a Mobility Program. Visit www.gm.ca
or call 1-800-GM-DRIVE (463-7483)
for details. TTY users call
1-800-263-3830.
Roadside Assistance
Program
For U.S.-purchased vehicles, call
1-800-243-8872. (Text Telephone
(TTY): 1-888-889-2438.)
For Canadian-purchased vehicles,
call 1-800-268-6800.
Service is available 24 hours a day,
365 days a year.
Calling for Assistance
When calling Roadside Assistance,
have the following information
ready:
.
Your name, home address, and
home telephone number. .
Telephone number of your
location.
. Location of the vehicle.
. Model, year, color, and license
plate number of the vehicle.
. Odometer reading, Vehicle
Identification Number (VIN), and
delivery date of the vehicle.
. Description of the problem.
Coverage
Services are provided for the
duration of the vehicle’s powertrain
warranty.
In the U.S., anyone driving the
vehicle is covered. In Canada, a
person driving the vehicle without
permission from the owner is not
covered.
Roadside Assistance is not a part of
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
General Motors North America and
Chevrolet reserve the right to make
any changes or discontinue the
Roadside Assistance program at
any time without notification.
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Customer Information 301
.Vehicle license plate number.
. Vehicle make, model, and
model year.
. Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN).
. Insurance company and policy
number.
. General description of the
damage to the other vehicle.
Choose a reputable repair facility
that uses quality replacement parts.
See “Collision Parts” earlier in this
section.
If the airbag has inflated, see What
Will You See after an Airbag
Inflates? 065.
Managing the Vehicle Damage
Repair Process
In the event that the vehicle requires
damage repairs, GM recommends
that you take an active role in its
repair. If you have a pre-determined
repair facility of choice, take the
vehicle there, or have it towed there. Specify to the facility that any
required replacement collision parts
be original equipment parts, either
new Genuine GM parts or recycled
original GM parts. Remember,
recycled parts will not be covered by
the GM vehicle warranty.
Insurance pays the bill for the repair,
but you must live with the repair.
Depending on your policy limits,
your insurance company may
initially value the repair using
aftermarket parts. Discuss this with
the repair professional, and insist on
Genuine GM parts. Remember,
if the vehicle is leased, you may be
obligated to have the vehicle
repaired with Genuine GM parts,
even if your insurance coverage
does not pay the full cost.
If another party's insurance
company is paying for the repairs,
you are not obligated to accept a
repair valuation based on that
insurance company's collision policy
repair limits, as you have no
contractual limits with that company.In such cases, you can have control
of the repair and parts choices as
long as the cost stays within
reasonable limits.
Service Publications
Ordering Information
Service Manuals
Service Manuals have the diagnosis
and repair information on the
engines, transmission, axle,
suspension, brakes, electrical,
steering, body, etc.
Service Bulletins
Service Bulletins give additional
technical service information
needed to knowledgeably service
General Motors cars and trucks.
Each bulletin contains instructions
to assist in the diagnosis and
service of the vehicle.
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9918169) - 2017 - CRC - 3/23/16
318 Index
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117
Connections OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
Control Traction and ElectronicStability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Convenience Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Coolant Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Engine Temperature Gauge . . 103
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212 Engine Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . .118
Courtesy Transportation
Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
Cover Cargo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117
Cupholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . 295 Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Text Telephone (TTY)Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295 Customer Information
Service Publications
Ordering Information . . . . . . . . 301
Customer Satisfaction Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
D
Damage Repair, Collision . . . . . . . 299
Danger, Warning, and Caution . . . . 3
Data CollectionInfotainment System . . . . . . . . . . 305
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Data Recorders, Event . . . . . . . . . 304
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Diagnostics OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Dome Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Door Ajar Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Power Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Drive Belt Routing, Engine . . . . . . 291
Drive Systems All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . 173, 222 Driver Information
Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Driving Characteristics andTowing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Defensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Drunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
For Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . 23
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . 156
If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . . 158
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Off-Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
E
E85 or FlexFuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
ECO Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Economy Mode Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Electrical Equipment, Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Electrical System Engine Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
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Index 319
Electrical System (cont'd)Instrument Panel Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Emergency
OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . .211
Check and Service EngineSoon Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . 204
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Coolant Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Cooling System Messages . . . .118
Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Oil Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118
Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . 170
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Equipment, Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198 Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . . . 304
Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Extender, Safety Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . 133
Exterior Lighting Battery
Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
F
FeaturesMemory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Filter, Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . .211
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . 135
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
FlexFuel
E85 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Fluid Automatic Transmission . . . . . . .211
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Power Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135 Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183 Forward Collision Alert
(FCA) Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . 109
Frequency Statement Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Front Fog Lamp Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112
Front Seats
Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Heated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189 Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Economy Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Economy Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Filling a Portable Fuel
Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . .112
Requirements, California . . . . . 189
System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . .119
Fuel Economy Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227 Engine Compartment FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231