Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12145779) - 2019 - CRC - 7/30/18
188 Driving and Operating
{Warning
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral)
or with the ignition off is
dangerous. This can cause
overheating of the brakes and
loss of steering assist. Always
have the engine running and the
vehicle in gear.
. Drive at speeds that keep the
vehicle in its own lane. Do not
swing wide or cross the
center line.
. Be alert on top of hills;
something could be in your lane
(e.g., stalled car, crash).
. Pay attention to special road
signs (e.g., falling rocks area,
winding roads, long grades,
passing or no-passing zones)
and take appropriate action.
Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or Ice
Snow or ice between the tires and
the road creates less traction or
grip, so drive carefully. Wet ice can
occur at about 0 °C (32 °F) when
freezing rain begins to fall. Avoid
driving on wet ice or in freezing rain
until roads can be treated.
For Slippery Road Driving:
.Accelerate gently. Accelerating
too quickly causes the wheels to
spin and makes the surface
under the tires slick.
. Turn on Traction Control. See
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0218.
. The Antilock Brake System
(ABS) improves vehicle stability
during hard stops, but the
brakes should be applied sooner
than when on dry pavement.
See Antilock Brake System
(ABS) 0215. .
Allow greater following distance
and watch for slippery spots. Icy
patches can occur on otherwise
clear roads in shaded areas.
The surface of a curve or an
overpass can remain icy when
the surrounding roads are clear.
Avoid sudden steering
maneuvers and braking while
on ice.
. Turn off cruise control.
Blizzard Conditions
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and
signal for help. Stay with the vehicle
unless there is help nearby.
If possible, use Roadside
Assistance. See Roadside
Assistance Program 0391. To get
help and keep everyone in the
vehicle safe:
. Turn on the hazard warning
flashers.
. Tie a red cloth to an outside
mirror.
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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234 Driving and Operating
.Subjected to strong light from
opposing lane traffic in the front
of the vehicle, such as
high-beam headlamps from
oncoming traffic.
Accessory Installations and
Vehicle Modifications
Do not install or place any object
around the front camera windshield
area that would obstruct the front
camera view.
Do not install objects on top of the
vehicle that overhang and obstruct
the front camera, such as a canoe,
kayak, or other items that can be
transported on a roof rack system.
See Roof Rack System 0110.
Do not modify the hood, headlamps,
or fog lamps, as this may limit the
camera’s ability to detect an object. Cleaning the Sensing System
The camera sensor on the
windshield behind the rearview
mirror can become blocked by
snow, ice, dirt, mud, or debris. This
area needs to be cleaned for ACC
to operate properly.
The vehicle headlamps may need to
be cleaned due to dirt, snow, or ice.
Objects that are not illuminated
correctly may be difficult to detect.
If ACC will not operate, regular
cruise control may be available. See
“Switching Between ACC and
Regular Cruise Control”
in this
section. Always consider driving
conditions before using either cruise
control system.
For cleaning instructions, see
“Washing the Vehicle” under
Exterior Care 0359.Driver Assistance
Systems
This vehicle may have features that
work together to help avoid crashes
or reduce crash damage while
driving, backing, and parking. Read
this entire section before using
these systems.
{Warning
Do not rely on the Driver
Assistance Systems. These
systems do not replace the need
for paying attention and driving
safely. You may not hear or feel
alerts or warnings provided by
these systems. Failure to use
proper care when driving may
result in injury, death, or vehicle
damage. See Defensive Driving
0 180.
(Continued)
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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236 Driving and Operating
.Front and rear bumpers and the
area below the bumpers
. Front grille and headlamps
. Front camera lens in the front
grille or near the front emblem
. Front side and rear side panels
. Outside of the windshield in front
of the rearview mirror
. Side camera lens on the bottom
of the outside mirrors
. Rear side corner bumpers
. Rear Vision Camera above the
license plate
Assistance Systems for
Parking or Backing
If equipped, the Rear Vision Camera
(RVC), Rear Park Assist (RPA),
Surround Vision, and Rear Cross
Traffic Alert (RCTA) may help the
driver park or avoid objects. Always
check around the vehicle when
parking or backing.
Rear Vision Camera (RVC)
When the vehicle is shifted into
R (Reverse), the RVC displays an
image of the area behind the vehicle
in the infotainment display. The
previous screen displays when the
vehicle is shifted out of R (Reverse)
after a short delay. To return to the
previous screen sooner, press any
button on the infotainment system,
shift into P (Park), or reach a vehicle
speed of approximately 12 km/h (8
mph). The RVC is above the license
plate.
1. View Displayed by the
Camera
1. View Displayed by theCamera
2. Corners of the Rear Bumper
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 237
Displayed images may be farther or
closer than they appear. The area
displayed is limited and objects that
are close to either corner of the
bumper or under the bumper do not
display.
A warning triangle may display to
show that RPA has detected an
object. This triangle changes from
amber to red and increases in size
the closer the object.
Surround Vision
If equipped, Surround Vision shows
an image of the area surrounding
the vehicle, along with the front or
rear camera views on the
infotainment display. The front
camera is in the grille or near the
front emblem, the side cameras are
on the bottom of the outside mirrors,
and the rear camera is above the
license plate.
The Surround Vision system can be
accessed by selecting CAMERA in
the infotainment display or when the
vehicle is shifted into R (Reverse).
To return to the previous screen
sooner, press any button on theinfotainment system, shift into
P (Park), or reach a vehicle speed
of approximately 12 km/h (8 mph).
{Warning
The Surround Vision cameras
have blind spots and will not
display all objects near the
corners of the vehicle. Folding
outside mirrors that are out of
position may not display surround
view correctly. Always check
around the vehicle when parking
or backing.
1. Views Displayed by the
Surround Vision Cameras
2. Area Not Shown
1. Views Displayed by the Surround Vision Cameras
2. Area Not Shown
{Warning
The camera(s) do not display
children, pedestrians, bicyclists,
crossing traffic, animals, or any
other object outside of the
cameras’ field of view, below the
bumper, or under the vehicle.
Shown distances may be different
from actual distances. Do not
drive or park the vehicle using
only these camera(s). Always
check behind and around the
(Continued)
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 239
Top Down View :Displays an
image of the area surrounding the
vehicle, along with the rear camera
view in the infotainment display. The
rear camera view will be replaced
by the front camera view after
shifting from R (Reverse) to a
forward gear or when the vehicle is
moving forward slower than 8 km/h
(5 mph). This view can also be
accessed by touching the Top Down
View button when the CAMERA
view is active.
Park Assist
With RPA, as the vehicle backs up
at speeds of less than 8 km/h
(5 mph), the sensors on the rear
bumper may detect objects up to
2.5 m (8 ft) behind the vehicle within
a zone 25 cm (10 in) high off the
ground and below bumper level.
These detection distances may be
shorter during warmer or humid
weather.
Blocked sensors will not detect
objects and can also cause false
detections. Keep the sensors clean of mud, dirt, snow, ice, and slush;
and clean sensors after a car wash
in freezing temperatures.
{Warning
The Park Assist system does not
detect children, pedestrians,
bicyclists, animals, or objects
below the bumper or that are too
close or too far from the vehicle.
It is not available at speeds
greater than 8 km/h (5 mph). To
prevent injury, death, or vehicle
damage, even with Park Assist,
always check the area around the
vehicle and check all mirrors
before backing.
The instrument cluster may have a
Park Assist display with bars that
show
“distance to object” and object
location information for RPA. As the
object gets closer, more bars light
up and the bars change color from
yellow to amber to red.
When an object is first detected in
the rear, one beep will be heard
from the rear. When an object is
very close, <0.6 m (2 ft) in the
vehicle rear, five beeps will sound
from the rear.
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
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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242 Driving and Operating
chosen setting will remain until it is
changed and will affect the timing of
both the Collision Alert and the
Tailgating Alert features. The timing
of both alerts will vary based on
vehicle speed. The faster the
vehicle speed, the farther away the
alert will occur. Consider traffic and
weather conditions when selecting
the alert timing. The range of
selectable alert timings may not be
appropriate for all drivers and
driving conditions.
Following Distance Indicator
The following distance to a moving
vehicle ahead in your path is
indicated in following time in
seconds on the Driver Information
Center (DIC). SeeDriver
Information Center (DIC) (Base
Level and Midlevel) 0141 orDriver
Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
0 146. The minimum following time
is 0.5 seconds away. If there is no
vehicle detected ahead, or the
vehicle ahead is out of sensor
range, dashes will be displayed.
Unnecessary Alerts
FCA may provide unnecessary
alerts for turning vehicles, vehicles
in other lanes, objects that are not
vehicles, or shadows. These alerts
are normal operation and the
vehicle does not need service.
Cleaning the System
If the FCA system does not seem to
operate properly, this may correct
the issue:
. Clean the outside of the
windshield in front of the
rearview mirror.
. Clean the entire front of the
vehicle.
. Clean the headlamps.
Forward Automatic
Braking (FAB)
If the vehicle has Forward Collision
Alert (FCA), it also has FAB, which
includes Intelligent Brake
Assist (IBA). When the system
detects a vehicle ahead in your path
that is traveling in the same direction that you may be about to
crash into, it can provide a boost to
braking or automatically brake the
vehicle. This can help avoid or
lessen the severity of crashes when
driving in a forward gear. Depending
on the situation, the vehicle may
automatically brake moderately or
hard. This forward automatic
braking can only occur if a vehicle is
detected. This is shown by the FCA
vehicle ahead indicator being lit.
See
Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
System 0240.
The system works when driving in a
forward gear between 8 km/h
(5 mph) and 80 km/h (50 mph).
It can detect vehicles up to
approximately 60 m (197 ft).
{Warning
FAB is an emergency crash
preparation feature and is not
designed to avoid crashes. Do
not rely on FAB to brake the
vehicle. FAB will not brake (Continued)
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246 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
not need service. To override
Automatic Braking, firmly press
the accelerator pedal, if it is safe
to do so.
Automatic Braking can be disabled
through vehicle personalization. See
“Front Pedestrian Detection” in
“Collision/Detection Systems” under
Vehicle Personalization 0151.
{Warning
Using the Front Pedestrian
Braking system while towing a
trailer could cause you to lose
control of the vehicle and crash.
Turn the system to Alert or Off
when towing a trailer.
Cleaning the System
If FPB does not seem to operate
properly, cleaning the outside of the
windshield in front of the rearview
mirror may correct the issue.
Side Blind Zone
Alert (SBZA)
If equipped, the SBZA system is a
lane-changing aid that assists
drivers with avoiding crashes that
occur with moving vehicles in the
side blind zone (or spot) areas.
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 that blind
zone. If the turn signal is activated
and a vehicle is also detected on
the same side, the display will flash
as an extra warning not to change
lanes. Since this system is part of
the Lane Change Alert (LCA)
system, read the entire LCA section
before using this feature.
Lane Change Alert (LCA)
If equipped, the LCA system is a
lane-changing aid that assists
drivers with avoiding lane change
crashes that occur with moving
vehicles in the side blind zone (or
spot) areas or with vehicles rapidly
approaching these areas from behind. The LCA warning display
will light up in the corresponding
outside side mirror and will flash if
the turn signal is on.
{Warning
LCA does not alert the driver to
vehicles outside of the system
detection zones, pedestrians,
bicyclists, or animals. It may not
provide alerts when changing
lanes under all driving conditions.
Failure to use proper care when
changing lanes may result in
injury, death, or vehicle damage.
Before making a lane change,
always check mirrors, glance over
your shoulder, and use the turn
signals.
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Driving and Operating 247
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 0151.
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