
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12145779) - 2019 - CRC - 7/30/18
212 Driving and Operating
Caution
A transmission hot message may
display if the automatic
transmission fluid is too hot.
Driving under this condition can
damage the vehicle. Stop and idle
the engine to cool the automatic
transmission fluid. This message
clears when the transmission fluid
has cooled sufficiently.
D : This position is for normal
driving. If more power is needed for
passing, press the accelerator
pedal down.
Caution
If the vehicle does not shift gears,
the transmission could be
damaged. Have the vehicle
serviced right away.
Caution
Spinning the tires or holding the
vehicle in one place on a hill
using only the accelerator pedal
may damage the transmission.
The repair will not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. If the vehicle
is stuck, do not spin the tires.
When stopping on a hill, use the
brakes to hold the vehicle in
place.
L : Allows the driver to select the
range of gear positions. See Manual
Mode 0212.
Operating Modes
The transmission may operate in a
lower gear than normal to improve
vehicle performance. The engine
speed may be higher and there may
be an increase in noise during the
following conditions:
. When climbing a grade.
. When driving downhill. .
When driving in hot
temperatures or at high altitude.Manual Mode
Electronic Range Select
(ERS) Mode
ERS or manual mode allows for the
selection of the range of gear
positions. Use this mode when
driving downhill or towing a trailer to
limit the top gear and vehicle speed.
The shift position indicator within the
Driver Information Center (DIC) will
display a number next to the L
indicating the highest available gear
under manual mode and the driving
conditions when manual mode was
selected.
To use this feature:
1. Move the shift lever to L (Manual Mode).

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12145779) - 2019 - CRC - 7/30/18
232 Driving and Operating
{Warning
On curves, ACC may respond to
a vehicle in another lane, or may
not have time to react to a vehicle
in your lane. You could crash into
a vehicle ahead of you, or lose
control of your vehicle. Give extra
attention in curves and be ready
to use the brakes if necessary.
Select an appropriate speed while
driving in curves.
ACC may operate differently in a
sharp curve. It may reduce the
vehicle speed if the curve is too
sharp.
When following a vehicle and
entering a curve, ACC may not
detect the vehicle ahead and
accelerate to the set speed. When
this happens, the vehicle ahead
indicator will not appear.
ACC may detect a vehicle that is
not in your lane and apply the
brakes.
ACC may occasionally provide an
alert and/or braking that is
considered unnecessary. It could
respond to vehicles in different
lanes or stationary objects when
entering or exiting a curve. This is
normal operation. The vehicle does
not need service. Other Vehicle Lane Changes
ACC will not detect a vehicle ahead
until it is completely in the lane. The
brakes may need to be manually
applied.
Objects Not Directly in Front of
Your Vehicle
The detection of objects in front of
the vehicle may not be possible if:
.
The vehicle or object ahead is
not within your lane.
. The vehicle ahead is shifted, not
centered, or is shifted to one
side of the lane.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12145779) - 2019 - CRC - 7/30/18
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)

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12145779) - 2019 - CRC - 7/30/18
244 Driving and Operating
{Warning
Using FAB or IBA 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.
A system unavailable message may
display if:
. The front of the vehicle or
windshield is not clean.
. Heavy rain or snow is interfering
with object detection.
. There is a problem with the
StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) system.
The FAB system does not need
service.
Front Pedestrian Braking
(FPB) System
If equipped, the Front Pedestrian
Braking (FPB) system may help
avoid or reduce the harm caused by
front-end crashes with nearby pedestrians when driving in a
forward gear. FPB displays an
amber indicator,
~, when a nearby
pedestrian is detected directly
ahead. When approaching a
detected pedestrian too quickly,
FPB provides a red flashing alert on
the windshield and rapidly beeps.
FPB can provide a boost to braking
or automatically brake the vehicle.
This system includes Intelligent
Brake Assist (IBA), and the Forward
Automatic Braking (FAB) system
may also respond to pedestrians.
See Forward Automatic Braking
(FAB) 0242.
The FPB system can detect and
alert to pedestrians in a forward
gear at speeds between 8 km/h
(5 mph) and 80 km/h (50 mph).
During daytime driving, the system
detects pedestrians up to a distance
of approximately 40 m (131 ft).
During nighttime driving, system
performance is very limited.
{Warning
FPB does not provide an alert or
automatically brake the vehicle,
unless it detects a pedestrian.
FPB may not detect pedestrians,
including children: . When the pedestrian is not
directly ahead, fully visible,
or standing upright, or when
part of a group.
. Due to poor visibility,
including nighttime
conditions, fog, rain,
or snow.
. If the FPB sensor is blocked
by dirt, snow, or ice.
. If the headlamps or
windshield are not cleaned
or in proper condition.
Be ready to take action and apply
the brakes. For more information,
see Defensive Driving 0180.
Keep the windshield, headlamps,
and FPB sensor clean and in
good repair.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12145779) - 2019 - CRC - 7/30/18
Driving and Operating 273
Trailer Lamps
Always check all trailer lamps are
working at the beginning of each
trip, and periodically on longer trips.
Turn Signals When Towing a
Trailer
When properly connected, the trailer
turn signals should will illuminate to
indicate the vehicle is turning,
changing lanes, or stopping. When
towing a trailer, the arrows on the
instrument cluster will illuminate
even if the trailer is not properly
connected or the bulbs are
burned out.
Trailer Tires
Special Trailer (ST) tires differ from
vehicle tires. Trailer tires are
designed with stiff sidewalls to help
prevent sway and to support heavy
loads. These features can make it
difficult to determine if the trailer tire
pressures are low only based on a
visual inspection.Always check all trailer tire
pressures before each trip when the
tires are cool. Low trailer tire
pressure is a leading cause of trailer
tire blow-outs.
Trailer tires deteriorate over time.
The trailer tire sidewall will show the
week and year the tire was
manufactured. Many trailer tire
manufacturers recommend
replacing tires more than six
years old.
Overloading is another leading
cause of trailer tire blow-outs. Never
load your trailer with more weight
than the tires are designed to
support. The load rating is located
on the trailer tire sidewall.
Always know the maximum speed
rating for the trailer tires before
driving. This may be significantly
lower than the vehicle tire speed
rating. The speed rating may be on
the trailer tire sidewall. If the speed
rating is not shown, the default
trailer tire speed rating is 105 km/h
(65 mph).
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)
0132.
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.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12145779) - 2019 - CRC - 7/30/18
298 Vehicle Care
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 0384.
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-
12145779) - 2019 - CRC - 7/30/18
Service and Maintenance 377
Fluids
Proper fluid levels and approved
fluids protect the vehicle’s systems
and components. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants0379 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.
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.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12145779) - 2019 - CRC - 7/30/18
Index 417
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . 163
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 367
Fluid Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 290
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Diesel Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Forward Automatic Braking . . . . . 242
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Frequency Statement Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 397
Front Fog Lamp Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Front Seats
Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Heated and Ventilated . . . . . . . . . . 64
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Biodiesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Cold Weather Operation . . . . . . 255
Diesel Engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252 Fuel (cont'd)
Economy Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Filling a Portable Fuel
Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . 259, 261
Filter Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . 139
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Recommended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Running out of Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Top Tier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250, 251
Water in Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Fuel for Diesel Engines . . . . . . . . . 252
Fuses Engine Compartment FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 309
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
G
Garage Door Opener . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303 Gauges
Engine Coolant
Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Warning Lights and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119
General Information
Service and Maintenance . . . . . 368
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 391
H
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Hazard Warning Flashers . . . . . . . 163
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Daytime RunningLamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162