
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12145779) - 2019 - CRC - 7/30/18
Instruments and Controls 111
Instruments and
Controls
Controls
Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . 112
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . 112
Heated Steering Wheel . . . . . . . 112
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . 112
Rear Window Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Wireless Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Warning Lights, Gauges, and
Indicators
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Instrument Cluster (Base and
Midlevel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Instrument Cluster (Uplevel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127 Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Engine Coolant Temperature
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Seat Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . . 129
Airbag Readiness Light . . . . . . . 130
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Charging System Light . . . . . . . 131
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light) . . . . . . . . 132
Brake System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Service Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Tow/Haul Mode Light . . . . . . . . . 135
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Vehicle Ahead Indicator . . . . . . 136
Pedestrian Ahead Indicator . . . 136
Traction Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
StabiliTrak OFF Light . . . . . . . . . 137
Traction Control System (TCS)/ StabiliTrak Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Wait-to-Start Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Tire Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Engine Oil Pressure Light . . . . 138 Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . 139
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)
Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Security Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . 140
Front Fog Lamp Light . . . . . . . . . 140
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . 140
Cruise Control Light . . . . . . . . . . 140
Information Displays
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base Level and Midlevel) . . . 141
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Vehicle Messages
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Engine Power Messages . . . . . 151
Vehicle Speed Messages . . . . . 151
Vehicle Personalization
Vehicle Personalization . . . . . . . 151
Universal Remote System
Universal Remote System . . . . 156
Universal Remote SystemProgramming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Universal Remote System Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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134 Instruments and Controls
before the system is ready for
inspection. This can happen if
the 12-volt battery has recently
been replaced or run down, or if
the vehicle has been recently
serviced.
See your dealer if the vehicle will
not pass or cannot be made ready
for the test.
Brake System Warning
Light
The vehicle brake system consists
of two hydraulic circuits. If one
circuit is not working, the remaining
circuit can still work to stop the
vehicle. For normal braking
performance, both circuits need to
be working.
If the warning light comes on, there
is a brake problem. Have the brake
system inspected right away.
MetricEnglish
This light should come on briefly
when the engine is started. If it does
not come on then, have it fixed so it
will be ready to warn you if there is
a problem.
If the light comes on and stays on,
there is a brake problem.
{Warning
The brake system might not be
working properly if the brake
system warning light is on.
Driving with the brake system
warning light on can lead to a
crash. If the light is still on after
the vehicle has been pulled off
the road and carefully stopped,
have the vehicle towed for
service.
Electric Parking Brake
Light
MetricEnglish
This light comes on when the
parking brake is applied. If the light
continues flashing after the parking
brake is released, or while driving,
there is a problem with the Electric
Parking Brake system. A message
may also display in the Driver
Information Center (DIC).
If the light does not come on,
or remains flashing, see your dealer.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Instruments and Controls 135
Service Electric Parking
Brake Light
This light should come on briefly
when starting the vehicle. If it does
not come on, have it fixed so it will
be ready to warn if there is a
problem.
If this light stays on, take the vehicle
to your dealer as soon as possible.
See the information for the Electric
Parking Brake underElectric
Parking Brake 0216. A message
may also display in the Driver
Information Center (DIC).
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light
For vehicles with the Antilock Brake
System (ABS), this light comes on
briefly when the engine is started.
If the light does not come on, have it
fixed so it will be ready to warn if
there is a problem.
If the ABS light comes on and stays
on while driving, stop as soon as
possible and turn the ignition off.
Start the engine again to reset the
system. If the light stays on after
driving at a speed above 20 km/h
(13 mph), see your dealer for
service. A chime may also sound
when the light comes on steady.
If the regular brake system warning
light is not on, the vehicle still has
brakes, but not antilock brakes.
If the regular brake system warning light is also on, the vehicle does not
have antilock brakes and there is a
problem with the regular brakes.
See
Brake System Warning Light
0 134.
Tow/Haul Mode Light
For vehicles with the Tow/Haul
Mode feature, this light comes on
when the Tow/Haul Mode has been
activated.
See Tow/Haul Mode 0213.

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Instruments and Controls 151
.Brakes
. Steering
. Ride Control Systems
. Driver Assistance Systems
. Cruise Control
. Lighting and Bulb Replacement
. Wiper/Washer Systems
. Doors and Windows
. Seat Belts
. Airbag Systems
. Engine and Transmission
. Tire Pressure
. Battery
Engine Power Messages
ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED
This message displays when the
vehicle's propulsion power is
reduced. A reduction in propulsion
power can affect the vehicle's ability
to accelerate. If this message is on,
but there is no observed reduction
in performance, proceed to your
destination. The performance may be reduced the next time the vehicle
is driven. The vehicle may be driven
while this message is on, but
maximum acceleration and speed
may be reduced. Anytime this
message stays on, or displays
repeatedly, the vehicle should be
taken to your dealer for service as
soon as possible.
Vehicle Speed Messages
SPEED LIMITED TO
XXX KM/H (MPH)
This message shows that the
vehicle speed has been limited to
the speed displayed. The limited
speed is a protection for various
propulsion and vehicle systems,
such as lubrication, thermal,
suspension, Teen Driver if
equipped, or tires.
If equipped with a diesel engine,
see
Diesel Exhaust Fluid 0205.
Vehicle
Personalization
The following are all possible
vehicle personalization features.
Depending on the vehicle, some
may not be available.
For System, Apps, and Personal
features and functions, see
“Settings” in the infotainment
manual.
To access the vehicle
personalization menu:
1. Touch the Settings icon on the Home Page of the infotainment
display.
2. Touch Vehicle to display a list of available options.
3. Touch to select the desired feature setting.
4. Touch
9orRto turn a feature
off or on.
5. Touch
zto go to the top level
of the Settings menu.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Instruments and Controls 153
Alert Type
This feature will set the type of alert
received from the driver assistance
systems to help avoid crashes,
either Beeps or Safety Alert Seat
vibration pulses.
Touch Beeps or Safety Alert Seat.
Forward Collision System
This feature will turn on or off
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) and
Forward Automatic Braking (FAB).
The Off setting disables all FCA and
FAB functions. With the Alert and
Brake setting, both FCA and FAB
are available. The Alert setting
disables FAB. SeeForward
Automatic Braking (FAB) 0242.
Touch Off, Alert, or Alert and Brake.
Lane Change Alert
The LCA system is a lane-changing
aid that assists drivers with avoiding
lane change crashes. See Lane
Change Alert (LCA) 0246.
When Lane Change Alert is
disabled, Side Blind Zone Alert is
also disabled. Touch Off or On.
Park Assist
If equipped, this allows the feature
to be turned on or off. See
Assistance Systems for Parking or
Backing
0236.
Touch Off or On.
Rear Camera Park Assist Symbols
This setting enables the Rear
Camera Park Assist Symbols. See
Assistance Systems for Parking or
Backing 0236.
Touch Off or On.
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
This allows the Rear Cross Traffic
Alert feature to be turned on or off.
See Assistance Systems for Parking
or Backing 0236.
Touch Off or On.
Comfort and Convenience
Touch and the following may
display:
. Chime Volume
. Hands Free Liftgate Control .
Reverse Tilt Mirror
. Auto Wipe in Reverse Gear
. Extended Hill Start Assist
Chime Volume
This determines the chime volume
level.
Touch the controls on the
infotainment display to adjust the
volume.
Hands Free Liftgate Control
The liftgate may be operated with a
kicking motion under the rear
bumper between the left exhaust
pipe and the license plate. See
Liftgate 042.
Touch Off, On-Open and Close,
or On-Open Only.
Reverse Tilt Mirror
When on, the driver and/or
passenger mirrors will tilt downward
when the vehicle is shifted to
R (Reverse) to improve visibility of
the ground near the rear wheels.
They will return to their previous
driving position when the vehicle is

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Driving and Operating 177
Driving and
Operating
Driving Information
Driver Behavior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Driving Environment . . . . . . . . . . 179
Vehicle Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Drunk Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Off-Road Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . 186
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . 187
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . 189
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . 194
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Stop/Start System . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Engine Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Parking over Things That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Diesel Particulate Filter
Diesel Particulate Filter . . . . . . . 204
Diesel Exhaust Fluid
Diesel Exhaust Fluid . . . . . . . . . . 205
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 210
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Tow/Haul Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Brakes
Antilock BrakeSystem (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . 216 Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . 218
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Adaptive Cruise Control . . . . . . 224
Driver Assistance Systems
Driver Assistance Systems . . . 234
Assistance Systems forParking or Backing . . . . . . . . . . 236
Assistance Systems for Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Forward Automatic Braking (FAB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Lane Change Alert (LCA) . . . . . 246
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) . . . . . . 248

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180 Driving and Operating
.Avoid stressful conversations
while driving, whether with a
passenger or on a cell phone.
{Warning
Taking your eyes off the road too
long or too often could cause a
crash resulting in injury or death.
Focus your attention on driving.
Refer to the infotainment section for
more information on using that
system and the navigation system,
if equipped, including pairing and
using a cell phone.
Defensive Driving
Defensive driving means “always
expect the unexpected.” The first
step in driving defensively is to wear
the seat belt. See Seat Belts069.
. Assume that other road users
(pedestrians, bicyclists, and
other drivers) are going to be
careless and make mistakes.
Anticipate what they might do
and be ready. .
Allow enough following distance
between you and the driver in
front of you.
. Focus on the task of driving.
Drunk Driving
Death and injury associated with
drinking and driving is a global
tragedy.
{Warning
Drinking and then driving is very
dangerous. Your reflexes,
perceptions, attentiveness, and
judgment can be affected by even
a small amount of alcohol. You
can have a serious —or even
fatal —collision if you drive after
drinking.
Do not drink and drive or ride with
a driver who has been drinking.
Ride home in a cab; or if you are
with a group, designate a driver
who will not drink.
Control of a Vehicle
Braking, steering, and accelerating
are important factors in helping to
control a vehicle while driving.
Braking
Braking action involves perception
time and reaction time. Deciding to
push the brake pedal is perception
time. Actually doing it is
reaction time.
Average driver reaction time is
about three-quarters of a second. In
that time, a vehicle moving at
100 km/h (60 mph) travels 20 m
(66 ft), which could be a lot of
distance in an emergency.
Helpful braking tips to keep in mind
include:
. Keep enough distance between
you and the vehicle in front
of you.
. Avoid needless heavy braking.
. Keep pace with traffic.

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Driving and Operating 181
If the engine ever stops while the
vehicle is being driven, brake
normally but do not pump the
brakes. Doing so could make the
pedal harder to push down. If the
engine stops, there will be some
power brake assist but it will be
used when the brake is applied.
Once the power assist is used up, it
can take longer to stop and the
brake pedal will be harder to push.
Steering
Electric Power Steering
The vehicle has electric power
steering. It does not have power
steering fluid. Regular maintenance
is not required.
If power steering assist is lost due
to a system malfunction, the vehicle
can be steered, but may require
increased effort.
If the steering assist is used for an
extended period of time while the
vehicle is not moving, power assist
may be reduced.If the steering wheel is turned until it
reaches the end of its travel and is
held against that position for an
extended period of time, power
steering assist may be reduced.
Normal use of the power steering
assist should return when the
system cools down.
See your dealer if there is a
problem.
Curve Tips
.
Take curves at a reasonable
speed.
. Reduce speed before entering a
curve.
. Maintain a reasonable steady
speed through the curve.
. Wait until the vehicle is out of
the curve before accelerating
gently into the straightaway.
Steering in Emergencies
.There are some situations when
steering around a problem may
be more effective than braking. .
Holding both sides of the
steering wheel allows you to turn
180 degrees without removing
a hand.
. The Antilock Brake System
(ABS) allows steering while
braking.
Off-Road Recovery
The vehicle's right wheels can drop
off the edge of a road onto the
shoulder while driving. Follow
these tips: