2018 CHEVROLET EQUINOX automatic transmission

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
10446639) - 2018 - CRC - 8/18/17
Driving and Operating 231
Automatic
Transmission
P :This position locks the front
wheels. Use P (Park) when starting
the engine because the vehicle
cannot move easily.
{Warning
It is dangerous to get out of the
vehicle if the shift lever is not fully
in P (Park) with the parking brake
firmly set. The vehicle can roll.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Do not leave the vehicle when the
engine is running. If you have left
the engine running, the vehicle
can move suddenly. You or others
could be injured. To be sure the
vehicle will not move, even when
you are on fairly level ground,
always set the parking brake and
move the shift lever to P (Park).
SeeShifting Into Park 0221 and
Driving Characteristics and
Towing Tips 0271.
The vehicle has an automatic
transmission shift lock control
system. You must fully apply the
regular brake first and then press
the shift lever button before shifting
from P (Park) when the ignition is
on. If you cannot shift out of
P (Park), ease pressure on the shift
lever, then push the shift lever all
the way into P (Park) as you
maintain brake application. Then press the shift lever button and
move the shift lever into another
gear. See
Shifting out of Park 0223.
R : Use this gear to back up.
Caution
Shifting to R (Reverse) while the
vehicle is moving forward could
damage the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Shift to
R (Reverse) only after the vehicle
is stopped.
To rock the vehicle back and forth to
get out of snow, ice, or sand without
damaging the transmission, see If
the Vehicle Is Stuck 0210.
N : In this position, the engine does
not connect with the wheels. To
restart the engine when the vehicle
is already moving, use
N (Neutral) only.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
10446639) - 2018 - CRC - 8/18/17
232 Driving and Operating
{Warning
Shifting into a drive gear while the
engine is running at high speed is
dangerous. Unless your foot is
firmly on the brake pedal, the
vehicle could move very rapidly.
You could lose control and hit
people or objects. Do not shift
into a drive gear while the engine
is running at high speed.
Caution
Shifting out of P (Park) or
N (Neutral) with the engine
running at high speed may
damage the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Be sure the
engine is not running at high
speed when shifting the vehicle.
Caution
A transmission hot message may
display if the automatic
transmission fluid is too hot.
Driving under this condition can
damage the vehicle. Stop and idle
the engine to cool the automatic
transmission fluid. This message
clears when the transmission fluid
has cooled sufficiently.
D : This position is for normal
driving. If more power is needed for
passing, press the accelerator
pedal down.
Caution
If the vehicle does not shift gears,
the transmission could be
damaged. Have the vehicle
serviced right away.
Caution
Spinning the tires or holding the
vehicle in one place on a hill
using only the accelerator pedal
may damage the transmission.
The repair will not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. If the vehicle
is stuck, do not spin the tires.
When stopping on a hill, use the
brakes to hold the vehicle in
place.
L : Allows the driver to select the
range of gear positions. See Manual
Mode 0233.
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.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
10446639) - 2018 - CRC - 8/18/17
Driving and Operating 233
.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 L
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 L (Manual Mode).
2. Press the plus/minus button on
the shift lever, to increase or
decrease the gear range
available.
When shifting to L (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 L in the DIC. See
Driver Information Center (DIC)
0 139 for more information. All
gears below that number are
available to use. For example, when
4 (Fourth) is shown next to the L,
1 (First) through 4 (Fourth) gears are
shifted automatically. To shift to
5 (Fifth) gear, press the + (Plus)
button or shift into D (Drive).
L (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.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
10446639) - 2018 - CRC - 8/18/17
234 Driving and Operating
Tow/Haul Mode
This feature can assist when towing
or hauling a heavy load.
_:Select Tow/Haul Mode by
pressing the button on the center
console.
When Tow/Haul is activated, the
Tow/Haul symbol will come on in the
instrument cluster. A Tow/Haul ON
message will also appear in the
DIC. For vehicles equipped with
AWD, the AWD indicator will also
come on. See Driving
Characteristics and Towing Tips
0 271.
Automatic Engine Grade
Braking
Automatic Engine Grade Braking
assists when driving downhill.
It maintains vehicle speed by
automatically implementing a shift
pattern that uses the engine and the
transmission to slow the vehicle.
The system will automatically
command downshifts to reduce
vehicle speed. The normal shift
pattern will return once the vehicle
is on a low grade or when the
accelerator pedal is pressed.
While in the Electronic Range
Select (ERS) mode, grade braking
is deactivated, allowing the driver to
select a range and limiting the
highest gear available. Grade
braking is available for normal
driving and in Tow/Haul Mode.
See Automatic Transmission 0231.
Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive
Vehicles with this feature can
operate in All-Wheel
Drive (AWD) Mode.
The AWD system delivers power to
all four wheels and the system
adjusts as needed to improve
traction.
Press the AWD switch on the center
console to activate the system. The
AWD light will flash briefly while the
system is engaging and stay lit to
indicate AWD is active. Press the
switch again to disable the system.
The light will flash briefly while the
system disables and then stay off.
The AWD Mode will stay selected
until the mode is changed.
When operated in two-wheel drive,
the vehicle will deliver power to the
front wheels only and may provide
better fuel economy.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
10446639) - 2018 - CRC - 8/18/17
Driving and Operating 237
If the EPB switch is pulled while the
vehicle is moving, the vehicle will
decelerate as long as the switch is
pulled. If the switch is pulled until
the vehicle comes to a stop, the
EPB will remain applied.
The EPB applies automatically
when shifting to P (Park) on a steep
incline. The EPB releases as soon
as the vehicle is shifted out of
P (Park) and the vehicle
accelerates.
If the EPB fails to apply, the rear
wheels should be blocked to
prevent vehicle movement.
EPB Release
To release the EPB:1. Turn the ignition on or to ACC/ ACCESSORY.
2. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
3. Press the EPB switch momentarily. The EPB is released when the
Y
or PARK light is off.
If the
8Service Parking Brake light
or message is on, release the EPB
by pressing and holding the EPB
switch. Continue to hold the switch
until the
Yor PARK light is off.
If either light stays on after release
is attempted, see your dealer.
Caution
Driving with the parking brake on
can overheat the brake system
and cause premature wear or
damage to brake system parts.
Make sure that the parking brake
is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
Automatic EPB Release
Avoid rapid acceleration when the
EPB is applied, to preserve parking
brake lining life. The EPB will automatically release
when the engine is running, the
transmission is placed into gear,
and an attempt is made to drive
away by pressing the accelerator
pedal.
If parking on a hill, or if the vehicle
is pulling a trailer, see
Driving
Characteristics and Towing Tips
0 271.
Brake Assist
The Brake Assist feature is
designed to assist the driver in
stopping or decreasing vehicle
speed in emergency driving
conditions. This feature uses the
stability system hydraulic brake
control module to supplement the
power brake system under
conditions where the driver has
quickly and forcefully applied the
brake pedal in an attempt to quickly
stop or slow down the vehicle. The
stability system hydraulic brake

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
10446639) - 2018 - CRC - 8/18/17
258 Driving and Operating
occurs, return to your authorized
dealer for diagnosis. If it is
determined that the condition is
caused by the type of fuel used,
repairs may not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Fuels in Foreign
Countries (Gasoline)
The U.S., Canada, and Mexico post
fuel octane ratings in anti-knock
index (AKI). For fuel not to use in a
foreign country, see“Prohibited
Fuels” inFuel (Gasoline) 0256.
Fuel Additives (Gasoline)
To keep fuel systems clean, TOP
TIER detergent gasoline is
recommended. See Fuel (Gasoline)
0 256.
If TOP TIER detergent gasoline is
not available, one bottle of GM Fuel
System Treatment Cleaner added to
the fuel tank at every engine oil
change, can help. GM Fuel System
Treatment Cleaner is the only gasoline additive recommended by
General Motors. It is available at
your dealer.
Fuel for Diesel Engines
The selection of a high quality fuel
is important for maintaining optimum
performance. Do not use diesel fuel
with more than 15 ppm sulfur
content. Do not use a diesel blend
containing more than 20% biodiesel
by volume. Both diesel and
biodiesel blends must meet all the
requirements as defined in the most
current versions of the local fuel
standards. See the recommended
fuels under
What Fuel to Use in the
U.S. (Diesel) 0259 andWhat Fuel
to Use in Canada and Mexico
(Diesel) 0260.
Caution
Engine damage may occur if
recommended fuels are not used,
which may void the vehicle
warranty. Some improper
fuels are:
. Diesel fuel with the addition
of gasoline.
. Diesel fuel mixed with
engine oil or automatic
transmission fluid.
. Triglyceride fuels, such as
raw vegetable oil or animal
fat, in any form, including
with blends of diesel or
biodiesel.
. Marine diesel fuel and
fuel oils.
. Diesel-water emulsions,
such as Aquazole.
(Continued)

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
10446639) - 2018 - CRC - 8/18/17
274 Driving and Operating
Maintenance When Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service more
often when pulling a trailer. See
Maintenance Schedule0373.
Things that are especially important
in trailer operation are automatic
transmission fluid, engine oil, axle
lubricant, belts, cooling system, and
brake system. Inspect these before
and during the trip.
Check periodically to see that all
hitch nuts and bolts are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer
Towing
The cooling system may temporarily
overheat during severe operating
conditions. See Engine Overheating
0 299.
Trailer Towing
Before pulling a trailer, there are
three important considerations that
have to do with weight:
.
The weight of the trailer
. The weight of the trailer tongue
. The total weight on the vehicle's
tires
Weight of the Trailer
Safe trailering requires monitoring
the weight, speed, altitude, road
grades, outside temperature, the
dimensions of the front of the trailer,
and how frequently the vehicle is
used to pull a trailer. Take into
consideration any special equipment
on the vehicle, and the amount of
tongue weight the vehicle can carry.
See “Weight of the Trailer Tongue”
later in this section for more
information. Trailer weight rating (TWR) is
calculated assuming the tow vehicle
has the driver, a front seat
passenger, and all required trailering
equipment. Weight of additional
optional equipment, passengers,
and cargo in the tow vehicle must
be subtracted from the trailer weight
rating.
Ask your dealer for trailering
information or advice. For kingpin
weight and trailer tongue weight
information, see
“Weight of the
Trailer Tongue” later in this section.
Use the following chart to determine
how much the vehicle can weigh,
based upon the vehicle model and
options.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
10446639) - 2018 - CRC - 8/18/17
278 Vehicle Care
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 279
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 280
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 292
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 293
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 299
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Battery - North America . . . . . . 303
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303 Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 304
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
Park Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 304
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 305
Windshield Replacement . . . . . 306
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309
Front Turn Signal and Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309
Taillamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 311
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . 311
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 312
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312 Instrument Panel Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 321
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 338