Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
10446639) - 2018 - CRC - 8/18/17
Lighting 163
Front Reading Lamps
The front reading lamps are in the
overhead console.
Press the lamp lenses to turn the
front reading lamps on or off.
Rear Reading Lamps
Press the lamp lens to turn the rear
passenger reading lamps on or off.
Lighting Features
Entry Lighting
Some exterior lamps and interior
lamps turn on briefly at night, or in
areas with limited lighting, when
K
is pressed on the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter. When a
door is opened, the interior lamps
come on. They stay on for about
20 seconds. When all of the doors
have been closed or the ignition is
turned on, they gradually fade out.
This feature can be changed. See
“Vehicle Locator Lights” under
Vehicle Personalization 0145.
Exit Lighting
Some exterior lamps and interior
lamps come on at night, or in areas
with limited lighting, when the driver
door is opened after the ignition is
turned off. The dome lamp comes
on after the ignition is turned off.
The exterior lamps and dome lamp
remain on for a set amount of time,
then automatically turn off.
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
10446639) - 2018 - CRC - 8/18/17
Driving and Operating 215
Starting and
Operating
New Vehicle Break-In
Caution
The vehicle does not need an
elaborate break-in. But it will
perform better in the long run if
you follow these guidelines:. Do not drive at any one
constant speed, fast or slow,
for the first 800 km (500 mi).
Do not make full-throttle
starts. Avoid downshifting to
brake or slow the vehicle.
. Avoid making hard stops for
the first 300 km (200 mi) or
so. During this time the new
brake linings are not yet
broken in. Hard stops with
new linings can mean
premature wear and earlier
replacement. Follow this
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
breaking-in guideline every
time you get new brake
linings.
Following break-in, engine speed
and load can be gradually
increased.
Ignition Positions
The vehicle has an electronic
keyless ignition with pushbutton
start. The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter must be in the vehicle for
the system to operate. If the
pushbutton start is not working, the
vehicle may be near a strong radio
antenna signal causing interference
to the Keyless Access system. See
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation
032.
Stopping the Engine/Off (No
Indicator Lights)
When the vehicle is stopped, press
ENGINE START/STOP once to turn
the engine off.
To shift out of P (Park), the vehicle
must be on and the brake pedal
must be applied.
If the vehicle is in P (Park), the
ignition will turn off, and Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) will remain
active. See Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) 0221.
If the vehicle is not in P (Park), the
ignition will return to ACC/
ACCESSORY and display the
message SHIFT TO PARK in the
Driver Information Center (DIC).
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
10446639) - 2018 - CRC - 8/18/17
248 Driving and Operating
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
If equipped, RCTA shows a red
warning triangle with a left or right
pointing arrow on the infotainment
display to warn of traffic coming
from the left or right. This system
detects objects coming from up to
20 m (65 ft) from the left or right side
of the vehicle. When an object is
detected, three beeps sound from
the left or right, depending on the
direction of the detected vehicle.
Use caution while backing up when
towing a trailer, as the RCTA
detection zones that extend out
from the back of the vehicle do not
move further back when a trailer is
towed.
Turning the Features On or Off
RPA can be turned on and off
through vehicle personalization. See
Vehicle Personalization0145.
Turn off RPA when towing a trailer.
To turn the rear parking assist
symbols or guidance lines on or off,
see “Rear Camera” underVehicle
Personalization 0145. On some models, select the guidance lines
button on the infotainment display to
turn them on or off.
RCTA can also be turned on or off
through vehicle personalization. see
“Collision/Detection Systems”
under
Vehicle Personalization 0145.
Assistance Systems for
Driving
If equipped, when driving the
vehicle in a forward gear, Forward
Collision Alert (FCA), Lane
Departure Warning (LDW), Lane
Keep Assist (LKA), Side Blind Zone
Alert (SBZA), Lane Change Alert
(LCA), and/or Forward Automatic
Braking (FAB) can help to avoid a
crash or reduce crash damage.
Forward Collision Alert
(FCA) System
If equipped, the FCA system may
help to avoid or reduce the harm
caused by front-end crashes. When
approaching a vehicle ahead too
quickly, FCA provides a red flashing
alert on the windshield and rapidly beeps or pulses the driver seat.
FCA also lights an amber visual
alert if following another vehicle
much too closely.
FCA detects vehicles within a
distance of approximately 60 m
(197 ft) and operates at speeds
above 8 km/h (5 mph).
{Warning
FCA is a warning system and
does not apply the brakes. When
approaching a slower-moving or
stopped vehicle ahead too rapidly,
or when following a vehicle too
closely, FCA may not provide a
warning with enough time to help
avoid a crash. It also may not
provide any warning at all. FCA
does not warn of pedestrians,
animals, signs, guardrails,
bridges, construction barrels,
or other objects. Be ready to take
action and apply the brakes. See
Defensive Driving
0200.
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
10446639) - 2018 - CRC - 8/18/17
Driving and Operating 253
LCA Detection Zones
1. SBZA Detection Zone
2. LCA Detection Zone
The LCA 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. The
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
warning area starts at approximately
the middle of the vehicle and goes
back 5 m (16 ft). Drivers are also
warned of vehicles rapidly
approaching from up to 25 m (82 ft)
behind the vehicle.
How the System Works
The LCA 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 or rapidly approaching that
zone from behind. A lit LCA symbol
indicates it may be unsafe to
change lanes. Before making a lane
change, check the LCA display,
check mirrors, glance over your
shoulder, and use the turn signals.
Left Side MirrorDisplayRight Side Mirror Display
When the vehicle is started, both
outside mirror LCA displays will
briefly come on to indicate the
system is operating. When the
vehicle is in a forward gear, the left
or right side mirror display will light
up if a moving vehicle is detected in
the next lane over in that blind zone or rapidly approaching that zone.
If the turn signal is activated in the
same direction as a detected
vehicle, this display will flash as an
extra warning not to change lanes.
LCA can be disabled through
vehicle personalization. See
“Collision/Detection Systems”
under
Vehicle Personalization 0145.
If LCA is disabled by the driver, the
LCA mirror displays will not light up.
When the System Does Not
Seem to Work Properly
The LCA system requires some
driving for the system to calibrate to
maximum performance. This
calibration may occur more quickly if
the vehicle is driving on a straight
highway road with traffic and
roadside objects (e.g., guardrails,
barriers).
LCA displays may not come on
when passing a vehicle quickly, for
a stopped vehicle, or when towing a
trailer. The LCA detection zones
that extend back from the side of
the vehicle do not move further back
when a trailer is towed. Use caution
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
10446639) - 2018 - CRC - 8/18/17
356 Vehicle Care
4. Turn the ignition off. Turn off alllights and accessories in both
vehicles, except the hazard
warning flashers if needed.
{Warning
An electric fan can start up even
when the engine is not running
and can injure you. Keep hands,
clothing, and tools away from any
underhood electric fan.
{Warning
Using a match near a battery can
cause battery gas to explode.
People have been hurt doing this,
and some have been blinded.
Use a flashlight if you need more
light.
Battery fluid contains acid that
can burn you. Do not get it on
you. If you accidentally get it in
your eyes or on your skin, flush
the place with water and get
medical help immediately.
{Warning
Fans or other moving engine
parts can injure you badly. Keep
your hands away from moving
parts once the engine is running.
5. Connect one end of the red positive (+) cable to the
positive (+) terminal on the
discharged battery.
6. Connect the other end of the red positive (+) cable to the
positive (+) terminal of the good
battery.
7. Connect one end of the black negative (–) cable to the
negative (–) terminal of the
good battery.
8. Connect the other end of the black negative (–) cable to the
negative (–) grounding stud for
the discharged battery.
9. Start the engine in the vehicle with the good battery and run
the engine at idle speed for at
least four minutes. 10. Try to start the vehicle that had
the dead battery. If it will not
start after a few tries, it
probably needs service.
Caution
If the jumper cables are
connected or removed in the
wrong order, electrical shorting
may occur and damage the
vehicle. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Always connect and remove the
jumper cables in the correct order,
making sure that the cables do
not touch each other or other
metal.
Jumper Cable Removal
Reverse the sequence exactly when
removing the jumper cables.
After starting the disabled vehicle
and removing the jumper cables,
allow it to idle for several minutes.
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
10446639) - 2018 - CRC - 8/18/17
Service and Maintenance 379
Battery
The 12-volt battery supplies power
to start the engine and operate any
additional electrical accessories.
.To avoid break-down or failure to
start the vehicle, maintain a
battery with full cranking power.
. Trained dealer technicians have
the diagnostic equipment to test
the battery and ensure that the
connections and cables are
corrosion-free.
Belts
. Belts may need replacing if they
squeak or show signs of
cracking or splitting.
. Trained dealer technicians have
access to tools and equipment
to inspect the belts and
recommend adjustment or
replacement when necessary. Brakes
Brakes stop the vehicle and are
crucial to safe driving.
.
Signs of brake wear may include
chirping, grinding, or squealing
noises, or difficulty stopping.
. Trained dealer technicians have
access to tools and equipment
to inspect the brakes and
recommend quality parts
engineered for the vehicle.
Fluids
Proper fluid levels and approved
fluids protect the vehicle’s systems
and components. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0381 for GM approved
fluids.
. Engine oil and windshield
washer fluid levels should be
checked at every fuel fill.
. Instrument cluster lights may
come on to indicate that fluids
may be low and need to be
filled. Hoses
Hoses transport fluids and should
be regularly inspected to ensure
that there are no cracks or leaks.
With a multi-point inspection, your
dealer can inspect the hoses and
advise if replacement is needed.
Lamps
Properly working headlamps,
taillamps, and brake lamps are
important to see and be seen on
the road.
.
Signs that the headlamps need
attention include dimming, failure
to light, cracking, or damage.
The brake lamps need to be
checked periodically to ensure
that they light when braking.
. With a multi-point inspection,
your dealer can check the lamps
and note any concerns.
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
10446639) - 2018 - CRC - 8/18/17
Index 419
Filter,Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . 160
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 369
Fluid
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 293
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Diesel Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Forward Automatic Braking . . . . . 250
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Frequency Statement Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 399
Front Fog Lamp Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Front Seats Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Heated and Ventilated . . . . . . . . . . 66
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Biodiesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Cold Weather Operation . . . . . . 262 Fuel (cont'd)
Diesel Engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Economy Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Filling a Portable Fuel
Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . 266, 268
Filter Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . 137
Requirements, California . . . . . 257
Running out of Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Water in Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
What to Use in Canada and Mexico . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
What to Use in the U.S. . . . . . . 259
Fuel for Diesel Engines . . . . . . . . . 258
Fuses Engine Compartment FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 312
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318
G
Garage Door Opener . . . . . . . . . . . 154 Garage Door Opener (cont'd)
Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Gauges Engine CoolantTemperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Warning Lights and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
General Information
Service and Maintenance . . . . . 371
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
GM Mobility Reimbursement
Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 393
H
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
Hands-Free Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Hazard Warning Flashers . . . . . . . 160
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
10446639) - 2018 - CRC - 8/18/17
Index 421
Lighting (cont'd)Illumination Control . . . . . . . . . . . 162
LED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
Lights
Airbag Readiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Antilock Brake System(ABS) Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Brake System Warning . . . . . . . 132
Charging System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) . . . 137
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . 133
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . 136
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Front Fog Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
High-Beam On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . 159
Lane Keep Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Low Fuel Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Seat Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . . . 128
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Service Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
StabiliTrak OFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Tow/Haul Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134 Lights (cont'd)
Traction Control System
(TCS)/StabiliTrak . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Traction Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Wait to Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Locks Automatic Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Power Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . . 137
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH
System) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Lumbar Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
M
MaintenanceRecords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 384
Maintenance and Care
Additional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . . . 373 Maintenance Schedule (cont'd)
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 381
Malfunction Indicator Lamp . . . . . 130
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Media
Avoiding Untrusted Devices . . 173
Memory Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Memory Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Messages Engine Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Vehicle Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Mirrors
Automatic Dimming . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Automatic DimmingRearview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Convex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Folding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Heated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Manual Rearview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Tilt in Reverse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Mirrors, Interior Rearview . . . . . . . . 52
Monitor System, Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328
Multi-band Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173