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Driving and Operating 203
If the vehicle is left parked and
running with the RKE transmitter
outside the vehicle, it will continue
to run for up to half an hour.
If the vehicle is left parked and
running with the RKE transmitter
inside the vehicle, it will continue to
run for up to an hour.
The vehicle could turn off sooner if it
is parked on a hill, due to lack of
available fuel.
The timer will reset if the vehicle is
taken out of P (Park) while it is
running.Engine Exhaust
{Warning
Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide (CO), which cannot be
seen or smelled. Exposure to CO
can cause unconsciousness and
even death.
Exhaust may enter the vehicle if:. The vehicle idles in areas
with poor ventilation
(parking garages, tunnels,
deep snow that may block
underbody airflow or tail
pipes).
. The exhaust smells or
sounds strange or different.
. The exhaust system leaks
due to corrosion or damage.
. The vehicle exhaust system
has been modified,
damaged, or improperly
repaired.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.There are holes or openings
in the vehicle body from
damage or aftermarket
modifications that are not
completely sealed.
If unusual fumes are detected or
if it is suspected that exhaust is
coming into the vehicle: . Drive it only with the
windows completely down.
. Have the vehicle repaired
immediately.
Never park the vehicle with the
engine running in an enclosed
area such as a garage or a
building that has no fresh air
ventilation.

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204 Driving and Operating
Running the Vehicle
While Parked
It is better not to park with the
engine running.
If the vehicle is left with the engine
running, follow the proper steps to
be sure the vehicle will not move.
SeeShifting Into Park 0201 and
Engine Exhaust 0203.
If parking on a hill and pulling a
trailer, see Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips 0264.
Diesel Particulate
Filter
The Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)
system filters soot particles out of
the exhaust gases. The DPF is
under the vehicle in the exhaust
system.
Depending on a number of factors
monitored by the engine computer,
the DPF will need to be cleaned of
accumulated solids. When a
cleaning is needed, the engine
computer will initiate a self-cleaning
function that runs automatically
during driving without any
notification. The filter is cleaned by
periodically burning off the soot
particles at high temperature. This
process takes place automatically
under set driving conditions and
may take up to 25 minutes. Fuel
consumption may be higher during
this period.
While the DPF cleaning is
automatically controlled by the
engine computer, the vehicle will
need to operate continuously for
approximately 25 minutes and at speeds greater than 50 km/h
(30 mph) to clean the DPF
effectively.
If the vehicle is used for numerous
short trips or extended slow-speed
operation, the engine computer may
not be able to adequately heat up
the exhaust system to clean the
DPF effectively. The engine
computer has been designed to
continuously monitor the condition
of the DPF. When the engine
computer detects that the DPF is
nearly full of particulates and that
the vehicle is not being operated in
a manner that would allow effective
automatic DPF cleaning, a Driver
Information Center (DIC) message
will display. Start the cleaning
process as soon as possible.
Cleaning Process
To activate the cleaning process,
continue driving safely, and keep
vehicle speed above 50 km/h (30
mph) until the warning message in
the DIC turns off.

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Driving and Operating 205
If the vehicle continues to be driven
with the DPF warning message on,
and the exhaust filter is not cleaned
as required, the malfunction
indicator lamp and the ENGINE
POWER IS REDUCED message
will come on. Dealer service is
necessary.
SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp
(Check Engine Light) 0132.
{Warning
During DPF self cleaning or
during extended idling while
parked, the exhaust system and
exhaust gases are very hot.
Things that burn could touch hot
exhaust parts under the vehicle
and ignite. You or others could be
burned. Do not park, or idle for an
extended period of time, near or
over papers, leaves, dry grass,
or other things that can burn.
Keep the exhaust area clear of
material that could ignite or burn.
See Parking over Things That
Burn 0202 for more information.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid
{Warning
Avoid getting Diesel Exhaust
Fluid (DEF) on your skin or in
your eyes as it could cause
irritation. For more safety,
handling, and storage information,
see the Diesel Exhaust Fluid
container label.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is used
with diesel engines to reduce the
amount of regulated emissions
produced. Products such as AdBlue
are types of DEF, and are approved
for use in the vehicle as long as
they have an API certification label
or meet ISO 22241.The fluid level in
the DEF tank must be maintained
for the vehicle to run properly. DEF
is not a fuel additive. DEF should
not be mixed with or added to diesel
fuel. DEF freezes when exposed to
temperatures below −11 °C (12 ° F).It is normal to hear the DEF system
purge fluid back into the tank after
the vehicle is shut off.
Locating Diesel Exhaust Fluid
DEF can be purchased at your
dealer. It can also be purchased at
authorized vehicle and truck
dealerships. Additionally, some
diesel truck fueling stations or
retailers may have DEF for
purchase. For vehicles with an
active OnStar or connected services
plan, OnStar can help to locate a
DEF retailer. See
Customer
Assistance Offices 0389 for phone
numbers to assist in contacting a
GM dealer. See Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0379.
Filling the DEF Tank
Caution
Use only DEF that is GM
approved, or fluid containing the
API certified or ISO 22241 label.
The use of other fluids could (Continued)

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206 Driving and Operating
Caution (Continued)
damage the system, requiring
costly repairs that will not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Caution
Do not mix fuel with DEF, and do
not put DEF in the fuel tank. This
could lead to costly repairs that
might not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
It is recommended to fill the DEF
tank on level ground and when the
vehicle is not running. When adding
fluid, it is recommended to fill the
DEF tank.
Caution
Do not overfill the DEF tank and
do not allow DEF to contact the
finished surfaces of the vehicle,
as it could damage the vehicle
finish. If DEF is spilled during
filling, wipe any affected surface
with a damp cloth.
Do not top off the DEF tank. If using
a bottle or jug to refill DEF, follow
the instructions on the container
label and use a dedicated fill aid.
In certain cold conditions, it is
possible to find some frozen DEF in
the DEF fill pipe opening. If this
condition prevents the filling of a
DEF tank, place the vehicle in a
warm garage overnight.
For information on how to fill the
DEF tank, see Filling the Tank
(Gasoline) 0259 orFilling the Tank
(Diesel) 0261. Exhaust Fluid Low
A full DEF tank will last for several
thousand kilometers (miles),
depending on vehicle usage. As the
exhaust fluid level drops, warnings
will automatically be displayed in the
DIC. Exhaust fluid level status is
available in the DIC. See
“Diesel
Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Level (Diesel
Engine Only)” inDriver Information
Center (DIC) (Base Level and
Midlevel) 0141 orDriver Information
Center (DIC) (Uplevel) 0146.
To avoid vehicle speed limitations,
the DEF tank should be refilled at
the first opportunity after a low
warning indication. If DEF is added
before the EXHAUST FLUID
EMPTY REFILL NOW message
appears, it may take several km/mi
for the DIC message to update.
If the vehicle speed has been
limited and DEF has been added, it
may take up to 30 seconds after
engine start with the vehicle
stopped for the EXHAUST FLUID
EMPTY REFILL NOW message to
clear. If the vehicle is driven prior to
the DIC message clearing, the

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210 Driving and Operating
TO 8 KM/H (5 MPH) displays.
A flashing warning light and a chime
also come on.
Service Emission System
If a problem occurs with the vehicle
emission system, the DIC message
SERVICE EMISSION SYSTEM -
SEE OWNERS MANUAL NOW–
282 KM (175 MI) UNTIL 104 KM/H
(65 MPH) MAX SPEED displays.
The displayed mileage will decrease
as driving continues. In some cases
this message will clear itself,
indicating that the emission system
was able to correct the condition.
If the DIC message persists, see
your dealer or additional DIC
messages may display.
When the mileage countdown is
zero, the DIC message SERVICE
EMISSION SYSTEM - SEE
OWNERS MANUAL NOW -
TRANSITIONING TO 104 KM/H
(65 MPH) MAX SPEED displays.
A chime also comes on. Vehicle
speed will be reduced to a
maximum speed limit of 104 km/h
(65 mph). After the transition to 104 km/h
(65 mph) is complete, the DIC
message SERVICE EMISSION
SYSTEM - SEE OWNERS
MANUAL NOW - SPEED LIMITED
TO 104 KM/H (65 MPH)
–120 KM
(75 MI) UNTIL 88 KM/H (55 MPH)
MAX SPEED displays. The
displayed mileage will decrease as
driving continues. A chime also
comes on.
When the mileage countdown is
zero, the DIC message SERVICE
EMISSION SYSTEM - SEE
OWNERS MANUAL NOW -
TRANSITIONING TO 88 KM/H
(55 MPH) MAX SPEED displays.
A chime also comes on. Vehicle
speed will be reduced to a
maximum speed limit of 88 km/h
(55 mph).
After the transition to 88 km/h
(55 mph) is complete, the DIC
message SERVICE EMISSION
SYSTEM - SEE OWNERS
MANUAL NOW - SPEED LIMITED
TO 88 KM/H (55 MPH) displays.
A chime also comes on.Automatic
Transmission
P : This position locks the front
wheels. Use P (Park) when starting
the engine because the vehicle
cannot move easily.
{Warning
It is dangerous to get out of the
vehicle if the shift lever is not fully
in P (Park) with the parking brake
firmly set. The vehicle can roll.
(Continued)

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Driving and Operating 211
Warning (Continued)
Do not leave the vehicle when the
engine is running. If you have left
the engine running, the vehicle
can move suddenly. You or others
could be injured. To be sure the
vehicle will not move, even when
you are on fairly level ground,
always set the parking brake and
move the shift lever to P (Park).
SeeShifting Into Park 0201 and
Driving Characteristics and
Towing Tips 0264.
The vehicle has an automatic
transmission shift lock control
system. You must fully apply the
regular brake first and then press
the shift lever button before shifting
from P (Park) when the ignition is
on. If you cannot shift out of
P (Park), ease pressure on the shift
lever, then push the shift lever all
the way into P (Park) as you
maintain brake application. Then press the shift lever button and
move the shift lever into another
gear. See
Shifting out of Park 0202.
R : Use this gear to back up.
Caution
Shifting to R (Reverse) while the
vehicle is moving forward could
damage the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Shift to
R (Reverse) only after the vehicle
is stopped.
To rock the vehicle back and forth to
get out of snow, ice, or sand without
damaging the transmission, see If
the Vehicle Is Stuck 0189.
N : In this position, the engine does
not connect with the wheels. To
restart the engine when the vehicle
is already moving, use
N (Neutral) only.
{Warning
Shifting into a drive gear while the
engine is running at high speed is
dangerous. Unless your foot is
firmly on the brake pedal, the
vehicle could move very rapidly.
You could lose control and hit
people or objects. Do not shift
into a drive gear while the engine
is running at high speed.
Caution
Shifting out of P (Park) or
N (Neutral) with the engine
running at high speed may
damage the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Be sure the
engine is not running at high
speed when shifting the vehicle.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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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).

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Driving and Operating 213
2. Press the plus/minus button onthe shift lever, to increase or
decrease the gear range
available.
When shifting to L (Manual Mode),
the transmission will shift to a preset
lower gear range. For this preset
range, the highest gear available is
displayed next to the L in the DIC.
See Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Base Level and Midlevel) 0141 or
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Uplevel) 0146 for more information. All gears below that
number are available to use. For
example, when 4 (Fourth) is shown
next to the L, 1 (First) through
4 (Fourth) gears are shifted
automatically. To shift to 5 (Fifth)
gear, press the + (Plus) button or
shift into D (Drive).
L (Manual Mode) will prevent
shifting to a lower gear range if the
engine speed is too high. If vehicle
speed is not reduced within the time
allowed, the lower gear range shift
will not be completed. Slow the
vehicle, then press the
−(Minus)
button to the desired lower gear
range.
While using the ERS, cruise control
can be used.
Tow/Haul Mode
This feature can assist when towing
or hauling a heavy load.
_: Select Tow/Haul Mode by
pressing the button on the center
console.
When Tow/Haul is activated, the
Tow/Haul symbol will come on in the
instrument cluster. A Tow/Haul ON
message will also appear in the
DIC. For vehicles equipped with
AWD, the AWD indicator will also
come on. See Driving
Characteristics and Towing Tips
0 264.