2018 CHEVROLET EQUINOX Owner's Manual

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
10446639) - 2018 - CRC - 8/18/17
288 Vehicle Care
1.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0293.
2. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See Engine Oil 0288.
3. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine Oil 0288.
4. Engine Cooling Fan. See Cooling System 0295.
5. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid 0302.
6. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0312.
7. Remote Positive (+) Terminal (Under Cover). See Jump
Starting - North America 0354.
8. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See
Cooling System 0295.
9. Battery - North America 0303.
10. Remote Negative (−) Terminal. SeeJump Starting - North
America 0354.
11. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See Washer Fluid
0 300.Engine Oil
To ensure proper engine
performance and long life, careful
attention must be paid to engine oil.
Following these simple, but
important steps will help protect
your investment:
.
Use engine oil approved to the
proper specification and of the
proper viscosity grade. See
“Selecting the Right Engine Oil”
in this section.
. Check the engine oil level
regularly and maintain the
proper oil level. See “Checking
Engine Oil” and“When to Add
Engine Oil” in this section.
. Change the engine oil at the
appropriate time. See Engine Oil
Life System 0292.
. Always dispose of engine oil
properly. See “What to Do with
Used Oil” in this section.
Checking Engine Oil
Check the engine oil level regularly,
every 650 km (400 mi), especially
prior to a long trip. The engine oil
dipstick handle is a loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0283 for the location.
{Warning
The engine oil dipstick handle
may be hot; it could burn you.
Use a towel or glove to touch the
dipstick handle.
If a low oil Driver Information Center
(DIC) message displays, check the
oil level. If the oil is not low and the
low oil message remains on, take
the vehicle to your dealer for
service.
Follow these guidelines:
. To get an accurate reading, park
the vehicle on level ground.
Check the engine oil level after
the engine has been off for at
least two hours. Checking the
engine oil level on steep grades

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Vehicle Care 289
or too soon after engine shutoff
can result in incorrect readings.
Accuracy improves when
checking a cold engine prior to
starting. Remove the dipstick
and check the level.
. If unable to wait two hours, the
engine must be off for at least
15 minutes if the engine is
warm, or at least 30 minutes if
the engine is not warm. Pull out
the dipstick, wipe it with a clean
paper towel or cloth, then push it
back in all the way. Remove it
again, keeping the tip down, and
check the level.
When to Add Engine Oil
LYX 1.5L L4 Turbo Engine
LTG 2.0L L4 Turbo Engine
LH7 1.6L L4 Diesel Engine
If the oil is below the cross-hatched
area at the tip of the dipstick and
the engine has been off for at least
15 minutes, add 1 L (1 qt) of the
recommended oil and then recheck
the level. See “Selecting the Right
Engine Oil” later in this section for
an explanation of what kind of oil to
use. For engine oil crankcase
capacity, see Capacities and
Specifications 0386.
Caution
Do not add too much oil. Oil
levels above or below the
acceptable operating range
shown on the dipstick are harmful
to the engine. If you find that you
have an oil level above the
operating range, i.e., the engine
has so much oil that the oil level
gets above the cross-hatched
area that shows the proper
operating range, the engine could
be damaged. You should drain
out the excess oil or limit driving
of the vehicle and seek a service
professional to remove the
excess amount of oil.
See Engine Compartment Overview
0 283 for the location of the engine
oil fill cap.
Add enough oil to put the level
somewhere in the proper operating
range. Push the dipstick all the way
back in when through.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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290 Vehicle Care
Selecting the Right Engine Oil
(Gasoline Engines)
Selecting the right engine oil
depends on both the proper oil
specification and viscosity grade.
SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0381.
Specification
Ask for and use engine oils that
meet the dexos1 specification.
Engine oils that have been
approved by GM as meeting the
dexos1 specification are marked
with the dexos1 approved logo. See
www.gmdexos.com.
Caution
Failure to use the recommended
engine oil or equivalent can result
in engine damage not covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Viscosity Grade
For the LYX 1.5L turbo engine, use:
. dexos1 approved ACDelco Full
Synthetic 0W20 engine oil.
. dexos1 approved Mobil 1 Full
Synthetic 0W20 engine oil.
. Or any other 0W20 engine oil
meeting dexos1 second
generation requirements.
Use SAE 5W-30 viscosity grade
engine oil for the LTG 2.0L turbo
engine. Cold Temperature
Operation: In an area of extreme
cold, where the temperature falls
below −29 °C (−20 °F), an
SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil
of this viscosity grade will provide
easier cold starting for the engine at
extremely low temperatures. When selecting an oil of the
appropriate viscosity grade, it is
recommended to select an oil of the
correct specification. See
“Specification”
earlier in this section.
Selecting the Right Engine Oil
(Diesel Engines)
Selecting the right engine oil
depends on both the proper oil
specification and viscosity grade:
Specification
Ask for and use engine oils that
meet the dexos2 specification.
Engine oils that have been
approved by GM as meeting the
dexos2 specification are marked
with the dexos2 approved logo. See
www.gmdexos.com.
Use of Substitute Engine Oils if
dexos2 is unavailable: In the event
that dexos2-approved engine oil is
not available at an oil change or for
maintaining proper oil level, you
may use substitute engine oil that
meets ACEA C3 of the appropriate
viscosity grade.

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Caution
Use only engine oil that is
approved to the dexos2
specification or equivalent engine
oil as defined in the preceding
paragraph. Failure to use the
recommended engine oil can
result in engine damage not
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Viscosity Grade
Use SAE 5W-30 viscosity grade
engine oil.
Cold Temperature Operation: In an
area of extreme cold, where the
temperature falls below −29 °C
(−20 °F), an SAE 0W-40 oil may be
used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for
the engine at extremely low
temperatures. When selecting an oil
of the appropriate viscosity grade, it
is recommended to select an oil of
the correct specification. See
“Specification”
earlier in this section.
Engine Oil Additives/Engine
Oil Flushes
Do not add anything to the oil. The
recommended oils meeting the
dexos specification are all that is
needed for good performance and
engine protection.
Engine oil system flushes are not
recommended and could cause
engine damage not covered by the
vehicle warranty.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain
elements that can be unhealthy for
your skin and could even cause
cancer. Do not let used oil stay on
your skin for very long. Clean your
skin and nails with soap and water,
or a good hand cleaner. Wash or
properly dispose of clothing or rags

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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292 Vehicle Care
containing used engine oil. See the
manufacturer's warnings about the
use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the
environment. If you change your
own oil, be sure to drain all the oil
from the filter before disposal. Never
dispose of oil by putting it in the
trash or pouring it on the ground,
into sewers, or into streams or
bodies of water. Recycle it by taking
it to a place that collects used oil.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system
that indicates when to change the
engine oil and filter. This is based
on a combination of factors which
include engine revolutions, engine
temperature, and miles driven.
Based on driving conditions, the
mileage at which an oil change is
indicated can vary considerably. For
the oil life system to work properly,
the system must be reset every time
the oil is changed.When the system has calculated
that oil life has been diminished, it
indicates that an oil change is
necessary. A CHANGE ENGINE
OIL SOON message comes on.
Change the oil as soon as possible
within the next 1 000 km (600 mi).
It is possible that, if driving under
the best conditions, the oil life
system may indicate that an oil
change is not necessary for up to a
year. The engine oil and filter must
be changed at least once a year
and, at this time, the system must
be reset. Your dealer has trained
service people who will perform this
work and reset the system. It is also
important to check the oil regularly
over the course of an oil drain
interval and keep it at the proper
level.
If the system is ever reset
accidentally, the oil must be
changed at 5 000 km (3,000 mi)
since the last oil change.
Remember to reset the oil life
system whenever the oil is changed.
How to Reset the Engine Oil
Life System
Reset the system whenever the
engine oil is changed so that the
system can calculate the next
engine oil change. To reset the
system:
1. Display REMAINING OIL LIFE on the DIC menu. See Driver
Information Center (DIC) 0139.
2. Press and hold
Vfor several
seconds while the Oil Life
display is active to reset the Oil
Life system.
3. REMAINING OIL LIFE 100% will be displayed when the oil
life system is successfully
reset.
The oil life system can also be reset
as follows: 1. Place the ignition in Service Mode. See Ignition Positions
0 215.
2. Display REMAINING OIL LIFE on the DIC menu. See Driver
Information Center (DIC) 0139.

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3. Fully press and release theaccelerator pedal three times
within five seconds.
4. If the display changes to 100%, the system is reset.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message comes back on when the
vehicle is started, the engine oil life
system has not reset. Repeat the
procedure.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid
How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid
It is not necessary to check the
transmission fluid level.
A transmission fluid leak is the only
reason for fluid loss. If a leak
occurs, take the vehicle to your
dealer and have it repaired as soon
as possible.
There is a special procedure for
checking and changing the
transmission fluid. Because this
procedure is difficult, this should be
done at your dealer. Contact your dealer for additional information or
the procedure can be found in the
service manual. To purchase a
service manual, see
Service
Publications Ordering Information
0 398.
Change the fluid at the intervals
listed in Maintenance Schedule
0 373, and be sure to use the fluid
listed in Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0381.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
The engine air cleaner/filter is in the
engine compartment on the
passenger side of the vehicle. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0283.
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
For intervals on changing and
inspecting the engine air cleaner/
filter, see Maintenance Schedule
0 373.
How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Do not start the engine or have the
engine running with the engine air
cleaner/filter housing open. Before
removing the engine air cleaner/
filter, make sure that the engine air
cleaner/filter housing and nearby
components are free of dirt and
debris. Remove the engine air
cleaner/filter. Lightly tap and shake
the engine air cleaner/filter (away
from the vehicle), to release loose
dust and dirt. Inspect the engine air
cleaner/filter for damage, and
replace if damaged. Do not clean
the engine air cleaner/filter or
components with water or
compressed air.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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294 Vehicle Care
To inspect or replace the engine air
cleaner/filter:
1.5L Gas Engine Shown, 1.6LDiesel Engine and 2.0L Gas Engine Similar
1. Screws
2. Air Duct Clamp
3. Electrical Connector
1. Open the hood. See Hood
0 281.
2. Loosen the screw on the air duct clamp (2) and remove the
air duct hose from the cover. 3. Remove the four screws (1)
and remove the air cleaner/
filter cover, keeping the wiring
harness electrical connector (3)
connected to the sensor.
4. Pull straight up on the cover, and while holding the cover,
remove the air cleaner/filter.
5. Inspect or replace the air cleaner/filter.
How to Reinstall the Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter
1. Align the air cleaner/filter withthe indicated point on the base
of the air cleaner/filter housing and install the air cleaner/filter.
The outer air cleaner/filter seal
must be fitted properly in the
air cleaner/filter housing.
2. Align the air cleaner/filter housing cover tabs to the air
cleaner/filter housing.
3. Install the air cleaner/filter housing cover using the four
screws.
4. Slide the air duct onto the cover assembly and tighten the
screw on the air duct clamp.
5. Verify that the wiring harness connector is fully connected to
the sensor on the air cleaner/
filter housing.
{Warning
Operating the engine with the air
cleaner/filter off can cause you or
others to be burned. The air
cleaner not only cleans the air; it
helps to stop flames if the engine
(Continued)

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Vehicle Care 295
Warning (Continued)
backfires. Use caution when
working on the engine and do not
drive with the air cleaner/filter off.
Caution
If the air cleaner/filter is off, dirt
can easily get into the engine,
which could damage it. Always
have the air cleaner/filter in place
when driving.
Cooling System
1.5L Gas Engine
1. Engine Cooling Fan (Outof View)
2. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap
1.6L Diesel Engine
1. Engine Cooling Fan (Out
of View)
2. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap