2018 CHEVROLET EQUINOX Owner's Manual

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
10446639) - 2018 - CRC - 8/18/17
224 Driving and Operating
Engine Exhaust
{Warning
Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide (CO), which cannot be
seen or smelled. Exposure to CO
can cause unconsciousness and
even death.
Exhaust may enter the vehicle if:. The vehicle idles in areas
with poor ventilation
(parking garages, tunnels,
deep snow that may block
underbody airflow or tail
pipes).
. The exhaust smells or
sounds strange or different.
. The exhaust system leaks
due to corrosion or damage.
. The vehicle exhaust system
has been modified,
damaged, or improperly
repaired.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.There are holes or openings
in the vehicle body from
damage or aftermarket
modifications that are not
completely sealed.
If unusual fumes are detected or
if it is suspected that exhaust is
coming into the vehicle: . Drive it only with the
windows completely down.
. Have the vehicle repaired
immediately.
Never park the vehicle with the
engine running in an enclosed
area such as a garage or a
building that has no fresh air
ventilation.
Running the Vehicle
While Parked
It is better not to park with the
engine running.
If the vehicle is left with the engine
running, follow the proper steps to
be sure the vehicle will not move.
See Shifting Into Park 0221 and
Engine Exhaust 0224.
If parking on a hill and pulling a
trailer, see Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips 0271.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
10446639) - 2018 - CRC - 8/18/17
Driving and Operating 225
Diesel Particulate
Filter
The Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)
system filters soot particles out of
the exhaust gases. The DPF is
under the vehicle in the exhaust
system.
Depending on a number of factors
monitored by the engine computer,
the DPF will need to be cleaned of
accumulated solids. When a
cleaning is needed, the engine
computer will initiate a self-cleaning
function that runs automatically
during driving without any
notification. The filter is cleaned by
periodically burning off the soot
particles at high temperature. This
process takes place automatically
under set driving conditions and
may take up to 25 minutes. Fuel
consumption may be higher during
this period.
While the DPF cleaning is
automatically controlled by the
engine computer, the vehicle will
need to operate continuously for
approximately 25 minutes and atspeeds greater than 50 km/h
(30 mph) to clean the DPF
effectively.
If the vehicle is used for numerous
short trips or extended slow-speed
operation, the engine computer may
not be able to adequately heat up
the exhaust system to clean the
DPF effectively. The engine
computer has been designed to
continuously monitor the condition
of the DPF. When the engine
computer detects that the DPF is
nearly full of particulates and that
the vehicle is not being operated in
a manner that would allow effective
automatic DPF cleaning, a Driver
Information Center (DIC) message
will display. Start the cleaning
process as soon as possible.
Cleaning Process
To activate the cleaning process,
continue driving safely, and keep
vehicle speed above 50 km/h (30
mph) until the warning message in
the DIC turns off.
If the vehicle continues to be driven
with the DPF warning message on,
and the exhaust filter is not cleaned
as required, the malfunction
indicator lamp and the ENGINE
POWER IS REDUCED message
will come on. Dealer service is
necessary.
See
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Check Engine Light) 0130.
{Warning
During DPF self cleaning or
during extended idling while
parked, the exhaust system and
exhaust gases are very hot.
Things that burn could touch hot
exhaust parts under the vehicle
and ignite. You or others could be
burned. Do not park, or idle for an
extended period of time, near or
over papers, leaves, dry grass,
or other things that can burn.
Keep the exhaust area clear of
material that could ignite or burn.
See Parking over Things That
Burn 0223 for more information.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
10446639) - 2018 - CRC - 8/18/17
226 Driving and Operating
Diesel Exhaust Fluid
{Warning
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is
corrosive. Do not allow it to come
in contact with your skin, eyes,
or the finished surfaces of the
vehicle. If exposed, it may cause
skin and eye irritation. Wear skin
and eye protection when
handling. Inhalation may cause
irritation to the upper respiratory
tract. Store in a cool,
well-ventilated area. For more
safety and storage information,
see the label of the Diesel
Exhaust Fluid container.
DEF is used with diesel engines to
reduce the amount of regulated
emissions produced. The fluid level
in the DEF tank must be maintained
for the vehicle to run correctly. The
capacity of the DEF tank is 18.5 L
(4.9 gal). It is normal to hear the DEF system
purge fluid back into the tank after
the vehicle is shut off.
Locating Diesel Exhaust Fluid
DEF can be purchased at your
dealer. See
Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants 0381.
Filling the DEF Tank
Caution
Use only DEF that is GM
approved, or fluid containing the
API certified or ISO 22241 label.
The use of other fluids could
damage the system, requiring
costly repairs that will not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
When adding DEF to an empty or
very low tank, always add at least
7.6 L (2 gal) of fluid to release the
vehicle from speed limitation. To prevent damage to the system,
do not overfill the DEF tank. When
fluid reaches the top of the fill pipe,
stop filling. Do not top off the
DEF tank.
If you spill DEF during filling, wipe
any affected surface with a damp
cloth.
For information on how to fill the
DEF tank, see
Filling the Tank
(Gasoline) 0266 orFilling the Tank
(Diesel) 0268.
Exhaust Fluid Low
A full DEF tank will last for several
thousand kilometers (miles),
depending on vehicle usage. As the
exhaust fluid level drops, warnings
will automatically be displayed in the
DIC. Exhaust fluid level status is
available in the DIC. See “Diesel
Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Level (Diesel
Engine Only)” inDriver Information
Center (DIC) 0139.
To avoid vehicle speed limitations,
the DEF tank should be refilled at
the first opportunity after a low
warning indication. If DEF is added
before the EXHAUST FLUID

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
10446639) - 2018 - CRC - 8/18/17
Driving and Operating 227
EMPTY REFILL NOW message
appears, it may take several km/mi
for the DIC message to update.
If the vehicle speed has been
limited and DEF has been added, it
may take up to 30 seconds after
engine start with the vehicle
stopped for the EXHAUST FLUID
EMPTY REFILL NOW message to
clear. If the vehicle is driven prior to
the DIC message clearing, the
vehicle speed will still be limited.
If the DIC message clears while
driving, the speed limitation will be
removed gradually.
If DEF is added under freezing
conditions, additional time may be
required to remove speed limitations
and it may require less fluid to fill
the DEF tank.
The DIC message EXHAUST
FLUID RANGE: XXXX km (mi)
displays at approximately 1 600 km
(1,000 mi) of fluid range remaining.
This message appears again at
approximately 500 km (300 mi) of
remaining range before the exhaust
fluid tank becomes empty.Below 500 km (300 mi) of range
remaining, these messages will
appear every time the vehicle is
started.
Below 121 km (75 mi) of range
remaining, the DIC message
EXHAUST FLUID LOW SPEED
LIMITED SOON displays. This
message will display every time the
vehicle is started.
If these warnings are ignored and
the DEF tank becomes empty, the
DIC message EXHAUST FLUID
EMPTY REFILL NOW - 563 KM
(350 MI) UNTIL 104 KM/H (65 MPH)
MAX SPEED displays. The
displayed mileage will decrease as
driving continues. A warning light
also comes on.
When the mileage countdown is
zero, the DIC message EXHAUST
FLUID EMPTY REFILL NOW -
TRANSITIONING TO 104 KM/H
(65 MPH) MAX SPEED displays.
A warning light and a chime also
come on. Vehicle speed will be
reduced to a maximum speed limit
of 104 KM/h (65 MPH).After the transition to 104 KM/h
(65 MPH) is complete, the DIC
message EXHAUST FLUID EMPTY
REFILL NOW - SPEED LIMITED
TO 104 KM/H (65 MPH)
–120 KM
(75 MI) UNTIL 88 KM/H (55 MPH)
MAX SPEED displays. The
displayed mileage will decrease as
driving continues. A warning light
and a chime also come on.
When the mileage countdown is
zero, the DIC message EXHAUST
FLUID EMPTY REFILL NOW -
TRANSITIONING TO 88 KM/H
(55 MPH) MAX SPEED displays.
A flashing warning light and a chime
also come on. Vehicle speed will be
reduced to a maximum speed limit
of 88 KM/h (55 MPH).
After the transition to 88 KM/h
(55 MPH) is complete, the DIC
message EXHAUST FLUID EMPTY
REFILL NOW - SPEED LIMITED
TO 88 KM/H (55 MPH) –120 KM
(75 MI) UNTIL 8 KM/H (5 MPH) MAX
SPEED displays. The displayed
mileage will decrease as driving
continues. A flashing warning light
and a chime also come on.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
10446639) - 2018 - CRC - 8/18/17
228 Driving and Operating
When the mileage countdown is
zero, the DIC message EXHAUST
FLUID EMPTY REFILL NOW -
TRANSITIONING TO 8 KM/H
(5 MPH) MAX SPEED displays.
A flashing warning light and a chime
also come on. Vehicle speed will be
reduced to a maximum speed limit
of 8 km/h (5 mph).
After the transition to 8 km/h (4 mph)
is complete, the DIC message
EXHAUST FLUID EMPTY REFILL
NOW - SPEED LIMITED TO 8 KM/
H (5 MPH) displays. A flashing
warning light and a chime also
come on.
Add at least 7.6 L (2 gal) of fluid to
release the vehicle from speed
limitation from a very low or empty
tank. The capacity of the DEF tank
is 18.5 L (4.9 gal).
SeeDiesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)
Warning Light 0137 and
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0381. Exhaust Fluid Quality Poor
Use only exhaust fluid that is GM
approved, or fluid containing the API
certified or ISO 22241 label.
All DEF has an expiration date.
If the system detects poor quality,
or contaminated or diluted DEF, the
DIC message EXHAUST FLUID
QUALITY POOR - SEE OWNERS
MANUAL NOW
–160 KM (99 MI)
UNTIL 104 KM/H (65 MPH) MAX
SPEED displays. The displayed
mileage will decrease as driving
continues. A warning light also
comes on. Adding fresh DEF to the
system may resolve the problem,
depending on several factors. If the
DIC message persists, see your
dealer or additional DIC messages
may display.
When the mileage countdown is
zero, a DIC message EXHAUST
FLUID QUALITY POOR - SEE
OWNERS MANUAL NOW -
TRANSITIONING TO 104 KM/H
(65 MPH) MAX SPEED displays.
A warning light and a chime also come on. Vehicle speed will be
reduced to a maximum speed limit
of 104 km/h (65 mph).
After the transition to 104 km/h
(65 mph) is complete, the DIC
message EXHAUST FLUID
QUALITY POOR - SEE OWNERS
MANUAL NOW - SPEED LIMITED
TO 104 KM/H (65 MPH)
–120 KM
(75 MI) UNTIL 88 KM/H (55 MPH)
MAX SPEED displays. The
displayed mileage will decrease as
driving continues. A warning light
and a chime also come on.
When the mileage countdown is
zero, the DIC message EXHAUST
FLUID QUALITY POOR - SEE
OWNERS MANUAL NOW -
TRANSITIONING TO 88 KM/H
(55 MPH) MAX SPEED displays.
A flashing warning light and a chime
also come on. Vehicle speed will be
reduced to a maximum speed limit
of 88 km/h (55 mph).
After the transition to 88 km/h
(55 mph) is complete, a DIC
message EXHAUST FLUID
QUALITY POOR - SEE OWNERS
MANUAL NOW - SPEED LIMITED

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
10446639) - 2018 - CRC - 8/18/17
Driving and Operating 229
TO 88 KM/H (55 MPH)–120 KM
(75 MI) UNTIL 8 KM/H (5 MPH) MAX
SPEED displays. The displayed
mileage will decrease as driving
continues. A flashing warning light
and a chime also come on.
When the mileage countdown is
zero, a DIC message EXHAUST
FLUID QUALITY POOR - SEE
OWNERS MANUAL NOW -
TRANSITIONING TO 8 KM/H
(5 MPH) MAX SPEED displays.
A flashing warning light and a chime
also come on. Vehicle speed will be
reduced to a maximum speed limit
of 8 km/h (5 mph).
After the transition to 8 km/h (5 mph)
is complete, a DIC message
EXHAUST FLUID QUALITY POOR
- SEE OWNERS MANUAL NOW -
SPEED LIMITED TO 8 KM/H
(5MPH) displays. A flashing warning
light and a chime also come on.
Service Exhaust Fluid System
If a problem occurs with the DEF
system, the DIC message SERVICE
EXHAUST FLUID SYSTEM - SEE
OWNERS MANUAL NOW –160 KM (99 MI) UNTIL 104 KM/H (65 MPH)
MAX SPEED displays. The
displayed mileage will decrease as
driving continues. A warning light
also comes on. In some cases this
message will clear itself, indicating
that the DEF system was able to
correct the condition. If the DIC
message persists, see your dealer
or additional DIC messages may
display.
When the mileage countdown is
zero, the DIC message SERVICE
EXHAUST FLUID SYSTEM - SEE
OWNERS MANUAL NOW -
TRANSITIONING TO 104 KM/H
(65 MPH) MAX SPEED displays.
A warning light and a chime also
come on. Vehicle speed will be
reduced to a maximum speed limit
of 104 km/h (65 mph).
After the transition to 104 km/h
(65 mph) is complete, a DIC
message SERVICE EXHAUST
FLUID SYSTEM - SEE OWNERS
MANUAL NOW - SPEED LIMITED
TO 104 KM/H (65 MPH)
–120 KM
(75 MI) UNTIL 88 KM/H (55 MPH)
MAX SPEED displays. The displayed mileage will decrease as
driving continues. A warning light
and a chime also come on.
When the mileage countdown is
zero, the DIC message SERVICE
EXHAUST FLUID SYSTEM - SEE
OWNERS MANUAL NOW -
TRANSITIONING TO 88 KM/H
(55 MPH) MAX SPEED displays.
A flashing warning light and a chime
also come on. Vehicle speed will be
reduced down to a maximum speed
limit of 88 km/h (55 mph).
After the transition to 88 km/h
(55 mph) is complete, the DIC
message SERVICE EXHAUST
FLUID SYSTEM - SEE OWNERS
MANUAL NOW - SPEED LIMITED
TO 88 KM/H (55 MPH)
–120 KM
(75 MI) UNTIL 8 KM/H (5 MPH) MAX
SPEED displays. The displayed
mileage will decrease as driving
continues. A flashing warning light
and a chime also come on.
When the mileage countdown is
zero, the DIC message SERVICE
EXHAUST FLUID SYSTEM - SEE
OWNERS MANUAL NOW -
TRANSITIONING TO 8 KM/H

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
10446639) - 2018 - CRC - 8/18/17
230 Driving and Operating
(5 MPH) MAX SPEED displays.
A flashing warning light and a chime
also come on. Vehicle speed will be
reduced to a maximum speed limit
of 8 km/h (5 mph).
After the transition to 8 km/h (5 mph)
is complete, the DIC message
SERVICE EXHAUST FLUID
SYSTEM - SEE OWNERS
MANUAL NOW - SPEED LIMITED
TO 8 KM/H (5 MPH) displays.
A flashing warning light and a chime
also come on.
Service Emission System
If a problem occurs with the vehicle
emission system, the DIC message
SERVICE EMISSION SYSTEM -
SEE OWNERS MANUAL NOW–
282 KM (175 MI) UNTIL 104 KM/H
(65 MPH) MAX SPEED displays.
The displayed mileage will decrease
as driving continues. In some cases
this message will clear itself,
indicating that the emission system
was able to correct the condition.
If the DIC message persists, see
your dealer or additional DIC
messages may display. When the mileage countdown is
zero, the DIC message SERVICE
EMISSION SYSTEM - SEE
OWNERS MANUAL NOW -
TRANSITIONING TO 104 KM/H
(65 MPH) MAX SPEED displays.
A chime also comes on. Vehicle
speed will be reduced to a
maximum speed limit of 104 km/h
(65 mph).
After the transition to 104 km/h
(65 mph) is complete, the DIC
message SERVICE EMISSION
SYSTEM - SEE OWNERS
MANUAL NOW - SPEED LIMITED
TO 104 KM/H (65 MPH)
–120 KM
(75 MI) UNTIL 88 KM/H (55 MPH)
MAX SPEED displays. The
displayed mileage will decrease as
driving continues. A chime also
comes on. When the mileage countdown is
zero, the DIC message SERVICE
EMISSION SYSTEM - SEE
OWNERS MANUAL NOW -
TRANSITIONING TO 88 KM/H
(55 MPH) MAX SPEED displays.
A chime also comes on. Vehicle
speed will be reduced to a
maximum speed limit of 88 km/h
(55 mph).
After the transition to 88 km/h
(55 mph) is complete, the DIC
message SERVICE EMISSION
SYSTEM - SEE OWNERS
MANUAL NOW - SPEED LIMITED
TO 88 KM/H (55 MPH) displays.
A chime also comes on.

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.