Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
10446639) - 2018 - CRC - 8/18/17
Driving and Operating 277
Trailer Sway
Control (TSC)
The vehicle has a Trailer Sway
Control (TSC) feature as part of the
StabiliTrak system. If TSC detects
that the trailer is swaying, the
vehicle's brakes are automatically
applied.
When TSC is applying the brakes,
the TCS/StabiliTrak indicator light
flashes to notify the driver to reduce
speed. If the trailer continues to
sway, StabiliTrak will reduce engine
torque to help slow the vehicle.
TSC will not function if StabiliTrak is
turned off. SeeTraction Control/
Electronic Stability Control 0238.
Conversions and
Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical
Equipment
{Warning
The Data Link Connector (DLC) is
used for vehicle service
and Emission Inspection/
Maintenance testing. See
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Check Engine Light) 0130.
A device connected to the DLC —
such as an aftermarket fleet or
driver-behavior tracking device —
may interfere with vehicle
systems. This could affect vehicle
operation and cause a crash.
Such devices may also access
information stored in the vehicle’s
systems.
Caution
Some electrical equipment can
damage the vehicle or cause
components to not work and
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Always check
with your dealer before adding
electrical equipment.
Add-on equipment can drain the
vehicle's 12-volt battery, even if the
vehicle is not operating.
The vehicle has an airbag system.
Before attempting to add anything
electrical to the vehicle, see
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle 088 and Adding Equipment
to the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
0 88.
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
10446639) - 2018 - CRC - 8/18/17
Vehicle Care 301
Caution (Continued)
.Do not mix water with
ready-to-use washer fluid.
Water can cause the
solution to freeze and
damage the washer fluid
tank and other parts of the
washer system.
. When using concentrated
washer fluid, follow the
manufacturer instructions for
adding water.
. Fill the washer fluid tank
only three-quarters full when
it is very cold. This allows
for fluid expansion if
freezing occurs, which could
damage the tank if it is
completely full.
Brakes
Disc brake pads have built-in wear
indicators that make a high-pitched
warning sound when the brake pads
are worn and new pads are needed.
The sound can come and go or can be heard all the time when the
vehicle is moving, except when
applying the brake pedal firmly.
{Warning
The brake wear warning sound
means that soon the brakes will
not work well. That could lead to
a crash. When the brake wear
warning sound is heard, have the
vehicle serviced.
Caution
Continuing to drive with worn-out
brake pads could result in costly
brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates
can cause a brake squeal when the
brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean
something is wrong with the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are
necessary to help prevent brake
pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect brake pads for wear and
evenly tighten wheel nuts in the
proper sequence to torque
specifications. See
Capacities and
Specifications 0386.
Brake pads should be replaced as
complete sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal
does not return to normal height,
or if there is a rapid increase in
pedal travel. This could be a sign
that brake service may be required.
Replacing Brake System Parts
Always replace brake system parts
with new, approved replacement
parts. If this is not done, the brakes
may not work properly. The braking
performance expected can change
in many other ways if the wrong
replacement brake parts are
installed or if parts are improperly
installed.
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
10446639) - 2018 - CRC - 8/18/17
380 Service and Maintenance
Shocks and Struts
Shocks and struts help aid in control
for a smoother ride.
.Signs of wear may include
steering wheel vibration, bounce/
sway while braking, longer
stopping distance, or uneven
tire wear.
. As part of the multi-point
inspection, trained dealer
technicians can visually inspect
the shocks and struts for signs
of leaking, blown seals,
or damage, and can advise
when service is needed.
Tires
Tires need to be properly inflated,
rotated, and balanced. Maintaining
the tires can save money and fuel,
and can reduce the risk of tire
failure.
. Signs that the tires need to be
replaced include three or more
visible treadwear indicators; cord
or fabric showing through the rubber; cracks or cuts in the
tread or sidewall; or a bulge or
split in the tire.
. Trained dealer technicians can
inspect and recommend the right
tires. Your dealer can also
provide tire/wheel balancing
services to ensure smooth
vehicle operation at all speeds.
Your dealer sells and services
name brand tires.
Vehicle Care
To help keep the vehicle looking like
new, vehicle care products are
available from your dealer. For
information on how to clean and
protect the vehicle’s interior and
exterior, see Interior Care 0366 and
Exterior Care 0361.
Wheel Alignment
Wheel alignment is critical for
ensuring that the tires deliver
optimal wear and performance.
. Signs that the alignment may
need to be adjusted include
pulling, improper vehicle
handling, or unusual tire wear. .
Your dealer has the required
equipment to ensure proper
wheel alignment.
Windshield
For safety, appearance, and the
best viewing, keep the windshield
clean and clear.
. Signs of damage include
scratches, cracks, and chips.
. Trained dealer technicians can
inspect the windshield and
recommend proper replacement
if needed.
Wiper Blades
Wiper blades need to be cleaned
and kept in good condition to
provide a clear view.
. Signs of wear include streaking,
skipping across the windshield,
and worn or split rubber.
. Trained dealer technicians can
check the wiper blades and
replace them when needed.
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
10446639) - 2018 - CRC - 8/18/17
Index 417
Center Console Storage . . . . . . . . 108
Chains, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
ChargingWireless . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . 130
Check Engine Light (Malfunction
Indicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Child Restraints Infants and Young Children . . . . . 92
Lower Anchors and Tethersfor Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Securing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103, 105
Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
Cleaning
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 366
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . . 190 Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Dual Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Cluster, Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Cold Weather Operation . . . . . . . . 262
Collision Damage Repair . . . . . . . 396
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . 353 Compartments
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Compressor Kit, Tire Sealant . . . 341
Connections OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 406
Control
Traction and ElectronicStability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Coolant Engine Temperature Gauge . . 127
Cooling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190, 192
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Courtesy Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Courtesy Transportation Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 395
Cover Cargo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Cupholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . 392 Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 391
Text Telephone (TTY)
Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 392 Customer Information
Service Publications
Ordering Information . . . . . . . . 398
Customer Satisfaction Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 389
D
Damage Repair, Collision . . . . . . . 396
Danger, Warning, and Caution . . . . 3
Data CollectionInfotainment System . . . . . . . . . . 402
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 402
Data Recorders, Event . . . . . . . . . 401
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Devices Auxiliary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Diagnostics OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 408
Diesel Exhaust Fluid . . . . . . . . 30, 226
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Diesel Particulate Filter . . . . . . . . . 225
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Dome Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
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
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
10446639) - 2018 - CRC - 8/18/17
422 Index
N
NavigationOnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 405
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . . . 215
O
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126 Trip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Off-Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203 Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Oil Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 292
Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Older Children, Restraints . . . . . . . 90
Online Owner Center . . . . . . . . . . . 392
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 402
OnStar Additional Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 409
OnStar Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . 406
OnStar Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . 408
OnStar Emergency . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404
OnStar Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 405
OnStar Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403
OnStar Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 405
Operation Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161 Operation (cont'd)
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . 168
Ordering Service Publications . . . . . . . . . . 398
Outlets Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118
Overheating, Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
P
Park Shifting Into . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Shifting Out of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Parking
Brake and P (Park)Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 304
Extended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Over Things That Burn . . . . . . . 223
Parking Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Parking or Backing
Assistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . 245
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Passenger Compartment Air
Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Passenger Sensing System . . . . . 84
Perchlorate Materials Requirements, California . . . . . . 280 Personalization
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Phone Apple CarPlay andAndroid Auto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Bluetooth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180, 181
Hands-Free . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Port USB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Power Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118
Protection, Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Retained Accessory (RAP) . . . 221
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts . . . . 76
Privacy Vehicle Data Recording . . . . . . . 401
Program
Courtesy Transportation . . . . . . 395
Proposition 65 Warning,
California . . . . . . . . . . . .279, 303, 354, Back Cover