Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9918169) - 2017 - CRC - 3/23/16
26 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Press the button on the RKE
transmitter to extend the key. Press
the button and the key blade to
retract the key.
See your dealer if a new key is
needed.
If it becomes difficult to turn the key,
inspect the key blade for debris.
Periodically clean with a brush
or pick.
If locked out of the vehicle, see
Roadside Assistance
Program0296. With an active OnStar subscription,
an OnStar Advisor may remotely
unlock the vehicle. See
OnStar
Overview 0306.
Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System
See Radio Frequency
Statement 0302.
If there is a decrease in the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) operating
range:
. Check the distance. The
transmitter may be too far from
the vehicle.
. Check the location. Other
vehicles or objects may be
blocking the signal.
. Check the transmitter's battery.
See “Battery Replacement” later
in this section.
. If the transmitter is still not
working correctly, see your
dealer or a qualified technician
for service.
Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation
The RKE transmitter may work up to
60 m (197 ft) away from the vehicle.
Other conditions can affect the
performance of the transmitter. See
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System 026.
With Remote Start and Power
Liftgate Shown
The following may be available:
Q: Press to lock all doors. The turn
signal indicators may flash and/or
the horn may sound on the second
press to indicate locking. See
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9918169) - 2017 - CRC - 3/23/16
28 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Programming without a
Recognized Transmitter
Program a new key to the vehicle
when a recognized key is not
available. Canadian regulations
require that owners see their dealer.
If there are no currently recognized
keys available, follow this procedure
to program the first key.
This procedure will take
approximately 30 minutes to
complete for the first key. The
vehicle must be off and all of the
keys you wish to program must be
with you.1. Insert the new vehicle key into the ignition.
2. Turn to ON/RUN. The security light will come on.
3. Wait 10 minutes until the security light turns off.
4. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.
5. Repeat Steps 2–4 two more times. After the third time, turn
to ON/RUN; the key is learned and all previously known keys
will no longer work with the
vehicle.
Remaining keys can be learned by
following the procedure in
“Programming with a Recognized
Transmitter.”
Battery Replacement
Replace the battery if the REPLACE
BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY
message displays in the DIC. See
Key and Lock Messages 0119.
Caution
When replacing the battery, do
not touch any of the circuitry on
the transmitter. Static from your
body could damage the
transmitter.
The battery is not rechargeable. To
replace the battery: 1. Press the button on the transmitter to extend the key.
2. Remove the battery cover by prying with a finger. 3. Remove the battery by pushing
on the battery and sliding it
toward the key blade.
4. Insert the new battery, positive side facing up. Push the
battery down until it is held in
place. Replace with a CR2032
or equivalent battery.
5. Snap the battery cover back on to the transmitter.
Remote Vehicle Start
The vehicle may have this feature
that allows you to start the engine
from outside the vehicle.
/:This button will be on the RKE
transmitter if the vehicle has remote
start.
The climate control system will use
the previous settings during a
remote start. The rear defog may
come on during remote start based
on cold ambient conditions. The
rear defog indicator light does not
come on during remote start.
If the vehicle has heated seats, they
may come on during a remote start.
See Heated Front Seats 051.
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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34 Keys, Doors, and Windows
If equipped, the power liftgate
switch is on the overhead console.
The vehicle must be in P (Park) to
operate. The taillamps flash when
the power liftgate moves.
The three modes are:
MAX :Opens to maximum height.
3/4 : Opens to a reduced height
that can be set by the vehicle
operator. Use this setting to prevent
the liftgate from opening into
overhead obstructions such as a
garage door or roof mounted cargo
during power operation. The liftgate
can still be fully opened manually.
OFF : Opens manually only. Manual operation of a liftgate that
also has power operation requires
more effort than a standard manual
liftgate.
To open or close the liftgate, select
MAX or 3/4 mode and then:
.
Press and hold
Yon the RKE
transmitter until the liftgate starts
moving. See Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System
Operation 026.
. Press the power liftgate switch
on the overhead console, with
the driver door unlocked.
Press and release8on the
liftgate next to the latch to close the
liftgate.
Press any liftgate switch or the
touch pad while the liftgate is
moving to stop it. Pressing again
restarts the motion. There is a
minimum distance that the power
liftgate must already be open for the
system to hold it open. If movement
is stopped below that minimum, the
liftgate closes.
Caution
Manually forcing the liftgate to
open or close during a power
cycle can damage the vehicle.
Allow the power cycle to
complete.
The power liftgate may be
temporarily disabled under extreme
temperatures or low battery
conditions. If this occurs, the liftgate
can still be operated manually.
If the vehicle is shifted out of
P (Park) while the power function is
in progress, the liftgate will continue
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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36 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Manual Operation of Power
Liftgate
To change the liftgate to manual
operation, turn the mode switch to
the OFF position.
Caution
Attempting to move the liftgate
too quickly and with excessive
force may result in damage to the
vehicle.
With the power liftgate disabled and
all of the doors unlocked, the liftgate
can be manually opened and
closed. Manual operation of a
liftgate that also has power
operation requires more effort than
a standard manual liftgate. To open the liftgate, press the touch
pad under the liftgate handle and lift
up. To close the liftgate, use the pull
cup to lower the liftgate and close.
With the power liftgate disabled, the
liftgate electric latch will still power
latch once contact is made with the
striker. Always close the liftgate
before driving.
IfYon the RKE transmitter is
pressed while power operation is
disabled, the turn signals flash and
the liftgate will not move.
The liftgate has an electric latch.
If the battery is disconnected or has
low voltage, the liftgate will not
open. The liftgate will resume
operation when the battery is
reconnected and charged.
Vehicle Security
This vehicle has theft-deterrent
features; however, they do not make
the vehicle impossible to steal.
Vehicle Alarm System
This vehicle has an anti-theft alarm
system.
The indicator light, on the
instrument panel near the
windshield, indicates the status of
the system:
Off : Alarm system is disarmed.
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Seats and Restraints 71
vehicle and the airbag system. To
purchase a service manual, see
Service Publications Ordering
Information0301.
{Warning
For up to 10 seconds after the
vehicle is turned off and the
battery is disconnected, an airbag
can still inflate during improper
service. You can be injured if you
are close to an airbag when it
inflates. Avoid yellow connectors.
They are probably part of the
airbag system. Be sure to follow
proper service procedures, and
make sure the person performing
work for you is qualified to do so.
Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Adding accessories that change the
vehicle's frame, bumper system,
height, front end, or side sheet
metal, may keep the airbag system
from working properly. The
operation of the airbag system can also be affected by changing any
parts of the front seats, safety belts,
airbag sensing and diagnostic
module, steering wheel, instrument
panel, any of the airbag modules,
ceiling or pillar garnish trim,
overhead console, front sensors,
side impact sensors, or airbag
wiring.
Your dealer and the service manual
have information about the location
of the airbag sensors, sensing and
diagnostic module, and airbag
wiring.
In addition, the vehicle has a
passenger sensing system for the
front outboard passenger position,
which includes sensors that are part
of the passenger seat. The
passenger sensing system may not
operate properly if the original seat
trim is replaced with non-GM
covers, upholstery, or trim; or with
GM covers, upholstery, or trim
designed for a different vehicle. Any
object, such as an aftermarket seat
heater or a comfort-enhancing pad
or device, installed under or on top
of the seat fabric, could also
interfere with the operation of thepassenger sensing system. This
could either prevent proper
deployment of the passenger
airbag(s) or prevent the passenger
sensing system from properly
turning off the passenger airbag(s).
See
Passenger Sensing
System 066.
If the vehicle has rollover roof-rail
airbags, see Different Size Tires
and Wheels 0248 for additional
important information.
If you have to modify your vehicle
because you have a disability and
you have questions about whether
the modifications will affect the
vehicle's airbag system, or if you
have questions about whether the
airbag system will be affected if the
vehicle is modified for any other
reason, call Customer Assistance.
See Customer Assistance
Offices 0294.
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Instruments and Controls 95
Instruments and
Controls
Controls
Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . . 96
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . . 96
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . . . 96
Rear Window Wiper/Washer . . . 98
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Warning Lights, Gauges, and
Indicators
Warning Lights, Gauges, andIndicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Safety Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . 103
Airbag Readiness Light . . . . . . . 104
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104 Charging System Light . . . . . . . 105
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Check Engine Light) . . . . . . . . 106
Brake System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Vehicle Ahead Indicator . . . . . . 109
Traction Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
StabiliTrak
®OFF Light . . . . . . . . 110
Traction Control System (TCS)/ StabiliTrak
®Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Tire Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Engine Oil Pressure Light . . . . . 111
Fuel Economy Light . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . 112
Security Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . 112
Front Fog Lamp Light . . . . . . . . . 112
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . 113
Cruise Control Light . . . . . . . . . . 113
Information Displays
Driver Information Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Vehicle Messages
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Battery Voltage and ChargingMessages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Brake System Messages . . . . . 117
Compass Messages . . . . . . . . . . 117
Cruise Control Messages . . . . . 117
Door Ajar Messages . . . . . . . . . . 117
Engine Cooling System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Engine Oil Messages . . . . . . . . . 118
Engine Power Messages . . . . . 119
Fuel System Messages . . . . . . . 119
Key and Lock Messages . . . . . . 119
Object Detection System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Ride Control System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Airbag System Messages . . . . 121
Security Messages . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Service Vehicle Messages . . . . 122
Tire Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Transmission Messages . . . . . . 122
Vehicle Reminder Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Vehicle Personalization
Vehicle Personalization . . . . . . . 123
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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100 Instruments and Controls
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.
Caution
Leaving electrical equipment
plugged in for an extended period
of time while the vehicle is off will
drain the battery. Power is always
supplied to the rear cargo outlet.
Always unplug electrical
equipment when not in use and
do not plug in equipment that
exceeds the maximum 20 ampere
rating.Certain accessory plugs may not be
compatible with the accessory
power outlets and could overload
vehicle and adapter fuses. If a
problem is experienced, see your
dealer.
When adding electrical equipment,
be sure to follow the installation
instructions included with the
equipment. See
Add-On Electrical
Equipment 0199.
Caution
Hanging heavy equipment from
the power outlet can cause
damage not covered by the
vehicle warranty. The power
outlets are designed for
accessory power plugs only, such
as cell phone charge cords.
Warning Lights,
Gauges, and
Indicators
Warning lights and gauges can
signal that something is wrong
before it becomes serious enough
to cause an expensive repair or
replacement. Paying attention to the
warning lights and gauges could
prevent injury.
Some warning lights come on briefly
when the engine is started to
indicate they are working. When
one of the warning lights comes on
and stays on while driving, or when
one of the gauges shows there may
be a problem, check the section that
explains what to do. Waiting to do
repairs can be costly and even
dangerous.
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Instruments and Controls 105
United States
Canada and Mexico
When the vehicle is started, the
passenger airbag status indicator
will light ON and OFF, or the symbol
for on and off, for several seconds
as a system check. Then, after
several more seconds, the status
indicator will light either ON or OFF,
or either the on or off symbol to let
you know the status of the front
outboard passenger frontal airbag. If the word ON or the on symbol is
lit on the passenger airbag status
indicator, it means that the front
outboard passenger frontal airbag is
allowed to inflate.
If the word OFF or the off symbol is
lit on the passenger airbag status
indicator, it means that the
passenger sensing system has
turned off the front outboard
passenger frontal airbag.
If, after several seconds, both status
indicator lights remain on, or if there
are no lights at all, there may be a
problem with the lights or the
passenger sensing system. See
your dealer for service.
{Warning
If the airbag readiness light ever
comes on and stays on, it means
that something may be wrong
with the airbag system. To help
avoid injury to yourself or others,
have the vehicle serviced right
away. See
Airbag Readiness
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Light0104 for more information,
including important safety
information.
Charging System Light
The charging system light comes on
briefly when the ignition is turned
on, but the engine is not running, as
a check to show the light is working.
The light turns off when the engine
is started. If it does not, have the
vehicle serviced by your dealer.
If the light stays on, or comes on
while driving, there may be a
problem with the electrical charging
system. Have it checked by your
dealer. Driving while this light is on
could drain the battery.