Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12145779) - 2019 - CRC - 7/30/18
Introduction 3
About Driving the Vehicle
As with other vehicles of this type,
failure to operate this vehicle
correctly may result in loss of
control or a crash. Be sure to read
the driving guidelines in this manual
in the section called“Driving and
Operating” and specifically Driver
Behavior 0178, Driving
Environment 0179, and Vehicle
Design 0179.
Danger, Warning, and
Caution
Warning messages found on vehicle
labels and in this manual describe
hazards and what to do to avoid or
reduce them.
{Danger
Danger indicates a hazard with a
high level of risk which will result
in serious injury or death.
{Warning
Warning indicates a hazard that
could result in injury or death.
Caution
Caution indicates a hazard that
could result in property or vehicle
damage.
A circle with a slash through it is a
safety symbol which means “Do
Not,” “Do not do this,” or“Do not let
this happen.”
Symbols
The vehicle has components and
labels that use symbols instead of
text. Symbols are shown along with the text describing the operation or
information relating to a specific
component, control, message,
gauge, or indicator.
M:
Shown when the owner ’s
manual has additional instructions
or information.
*: Shown when the service
manual has additional instructions
or information.
0: Shown when there is more
information on another page —
“see page.”
Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols
that may be found on the vehicle
and what they mean. See the
features in this manual for
information.
u: Air Conditioning System
G:Air Conditioning Refrigerant Oil
9:Airbag Readiness Light
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
$:Brake System Warning Light
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12145779) - 2019 - CRC - 7/30/18
In Brief 27
Resetting the Oil Life System1. Display REMAINING OIL LIFE on the DIC menu. See Driver
Information Center (DIC) (Base
Level and Midlevel) 0141 or
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Uplevel) 0146.
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
0 194.
2. Display REMAINING OIL LIFE on the DIC menu. See Driver
Information Center (DIC) (Base
Level and Midlevel) 0141 or
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Uplevel) 0146. 3. Fully press and release the
accelerator pedal three times
within five seconds.
4. If the display changes to 100%, the system is reset.
See Engine Oil Life System 0289.Driving for Better Fuel
Economy
Driving habits can affect fuel
mileage. Here are some driving tips
to get the best fuel economy
possible:
.
Set the climate controls to the
desired temperature after the
engine is started, or turn them
off when not required.
. Avoid fast starts and accelerate
smoothly.
. Brake gradually and avoid
abrupt stops.
. Avoid idling the engine for long
periods of time.
. When road and weather
conditions are appropriate, use
cruise control. .
Always follow posted speed
limits or drive more slowly when
conditions require.
. Keep vehicle tires properly
inflated.
. Combine several trips into a
single trip.
. Replace the vehicle's tires with
the same TPC Spec number
molded into the tire's sidewall
near the size.
. Follow recommended scheduled
maintenance.
Diesel Particulate Filter
The engine is equipped with a
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) that
will filter or trap particulates. 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 cleaning
action by warming the exhaust gas
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-
12145779) - 2019 - CRC - 7/30/18
138 Instruments and Controls
Tire Pressure Light
For vehicles with the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS), this light
comes on briefly when the engine is
started. It provides information
about tire pressures and the TPMS.
When the Light Is On Steady
This indicates that one or more of
the tires are significantly
underinflated.
A Driver Information Center (DIC)
tire pressure message may also
display. Stop as soon as possible,
and inflate the tires to the pressure
value shown on the Tire and
Loading Information label. SeeTire
Pressure 0324. When the Light Flashes First and
Then Is On Steady
If the light flashes for about a minute
and then stays on, there may be a
problem with the TPMS. If the
problem is not corrected, the light
will come on at every ignition cycle.
See
Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation 0326.
Engine Oil Pressure Light
Caution
Lack of proper engine oil
maintenance can damage the
engine. Driving with the engine oil
low can also damage the engine.
The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Check
the oil level as soon as possible.
Add oil if required, but if the oil
level is within the operating range
and the oil pressure is still low,
have the vehicle serviced. Always
follow the maintenance schedule
for changing engine oil.
This light should come on briefly as
the engine is started. If it does not
come on, have the vehicle serviced
by your dealer.
If the light comes on and stays on, it
means that oil is not flowing through
the engine properly. The vehicle
could be low on oil and might have
some other system problem. See
your dealer.
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12145779) - 2019 - CRC - 7/30/18
150 Instruments and Controls
Oil Pressure :Oil pressure is
displayed in either kilopascal (kPa)
or in pounds per square inch (psi).
Oil pressure can vary with engine
speed, outside temperature, and oil
viscosity. On some models, the oil
pump will vary engine oil pressure
according to engine needs. Oil
pressure may change quickly as the
engine speed or load varies. This is
normal. If the oil pressure warning
light or DIC message indicates oil
pressure outside the normal
operating range, check the vehicle's
oil as soon as possible.
Coolant Temperature : Displays
the coolant temperature in degrees
Celsius (°C) or degrees Fahrenheit
(°F).
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Level
Percent (Diesel Engine Only) :
If equipped, the DEF level will be
displayed as either OK, XX%,
or LOW. When LOW appears on the
display, add DEF as soon as
possible. See Diesel Exhaust Fluid
0 205. Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Level
Gauge (Diesel Engine Only) :
If equipped, the DEF level displays
as a horizontal bar gauge with E or
0 and F or 1 at both ends. If more of
the bar is filled green, the vehicle
has a higher level of DEF. When the
estimated level is low, the gauge will
turn red and LOW will display above
the bar. When there is an error, the
bar will be empty and
UNAVAILABLE will appear. When
LOW appears on the display, add
DEF as soon as possible. See
Diesel Exhaust Fluid
0205.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Range
(Diesel Engine Only) : If equipped,
this page displays how far the
vehicle can go before DEF needs to
be replaced. Range is displayed in
mi or km. When the estimated range
is low, LOW will display. If an error
occurs, “−−”will display. When DEF
range is high, a greater than sign is
shown before the range value.
When LOW appears on the display,
add DEF as soon as possible. See
Diesel Exhaust Fluid 0205.Vehicle Messages
Messages displayed on the DIC
indicate the status of the vehicle or
some action that may be needed to
correct a condition. Multiple
messages may appear one after
another.
The messages that do not require
immediate action can be
acknowledged and cleared by
pressing
V. The messages that
require immediate action cannot be
cleared until that action is
performed.
All messages should be taken
seriously; clearing the message
does not correct the problem.
If a SERVICE message appears,
see your dealer.
Follow the instructions given in the
messages. The system displays
messages regarding the following
topics:
. Service Messages
. Fluid Levels
. Vehicle Security
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12145779) - 2019 - CRC - 7/30/18
Driving and Operating 197
brake pedal applied. When the
engine begins cranking, let go
of the button.
The idle speed will go down as
the engine gets warm. Do not
race the engine immediately
after starting it.
If the RKE transmitter is not in
the vehicle, if there is
interference, or if the RKE
battery is low, a Driver
Information Center (DIC) will
display a message. See
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation030.
Caution
Cranking the engine for long
periods of time, by returning the
ignition to the START position
immediately after cranking has
ended, can overheat and damage
the cranking motor, and drain the
battery. Wait at least 15 seconds
between each try, to let the
cranking motor cool down. 2. If the engine does not start
after five to 10 seconds,
especially in very cold weather
(below −18 °C or 0 °F), it could
be flooded with too much
gasoline. Try pushing the
accelerator pedal all the way to
the floor and holding it there as
you press ENGINE START/
STOP. Wait at least 15 seconds
between each try, to allow the
cranking motor to cool down.
When the engine starts,
release the accelerator. If the
vehicle starts briefly but then
stops again, do the same thing.
This clears the extra gasoline
from the engine. Do not race
the engine immediately after
starting it. Operate the engine
and transmission gently until
the oil warms up and lubricates
all moving parts.
Diesel Engine Starting Procedure
The diesel engine starts differently
than a gasoline engine. 1. With the Keyless Access system, the RKE transmitter
must be in the vehicle. Press ENGINE START/STOP with the
brake pedal applied to start. If it
is too cold, the wait-to-start
light will come on and there will
be a short delay before
starting. See
Wait-to-Start Light
0 137.
The engine has a fast warm-up
glow plug system. The
wait-to-start light will illuminate
for a much shorter time than
most diesel engines, due to the
rapid heating of the glow plug
system.
Caution
If the wait-to-start light stays on
after starting the vehicle, the
vehicle may not run properly.
Have the vehicle serviced
right away.
2. If the engine does not start after 15 seconds of cranking,
wait one minute for the
cranking motor to cool, then try
the same step again.
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12145779) - 2019 - CRC - 7/30/18
198 Driving and Operating
If you are trying to start the engine
after you have run out of fuel, follow
the steps inRunning Out of Fuel
(Diesel) 0258.
When the engine is cold, let it run
for a few minutes before driving.
This lets oil pressure build up. The
engine will sound louder when it
is cold.
Cold Weather Starting (Diesel
Engine)
Use the recommended engine oil
when the outside temperature drops
below freezing. See Engine Oil
0 285. When the outside
temperature drops below –18°C
(0°F), use of the engine heater is
recommended.
See Fuel for Diesel Engines 0252
for information on what fuel to use in
cold weather.
If the Diesel Engine Will Not
Start
If you have run out of fuel, see
Running Out of Fuel (Diesel) 0258. If the vehicle is not out of fuel, and
the engine will not start:
Press ENGINE START/STOP.
Immediately after the wait-to-start
light goes off, press ENGINE
START/STOP to start the vehicle.
If the light does not go off, wait a
few seconds, then try starting the
engine again. See your dealer for a
starting system check.
If the light comes on and then goes
off, and it is known that the battery
is charged, but the engine still will
not start, the vehicle needs service.
If the light does not come on when
the engine is cold, the vehicle
needs service.
If the battery does not have enough
charge to start the engine, see
Battery - North America
0300.
Check that the correct engine oil
has been used and changed at
appropriate intervals. If the wrong oil
is used, the engine may be harder
to start. Be sure to use the proper fuel for
existing weather conditions. See
Fuel for Diesel Engines
0252.
If the engine starts, runs a short
time, then stops, the vehicle needs
service.
{Warning
Do not use gasoline or starting
aids, such as ether, in the air
intake. They could damage the
engine, which may not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
They could also cause a fire,
which could cause serious
personal injury.
Stop/Start System
If equipped, the Stop/Start system
will shut off the engine to help
conserve fuel. It has components
designed for the increased number
of starts.
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12145779) - 2019 - CRC - 7/30/18
Driving and Operating 255
refueled with biodiesel-free fuel, and
driven several kilometers (miles)
before storage.
Cold Weather Operation
(Diesel)
In cold weather, the fuel filter may
become clogged by wax naturally
present in the fuel. To unclog it,
move the vehicle to a warm garage
area and allow the filter to warm up.
The fuel filter may need to be
replaced. SeeFuel Filter
Replacement (Diesel) 0258.
At temperatures below 0 °C (32 °F),
it is recommended to avoid using
biodiesel blends above 5% blend.
This blend may cause fuel filter
plugging, system gelling, and
freezing that may affect vehicle
starting. You may need to turn the
ignition on and off a few times
before the vehicle will start. Also,
idle the vehicle for a couple of
minutes before accelerating.
It is recommended to use Ultra Low
Sulfur No. 1-D diesel fuel or a blend
of No. 1-D and No. 2-D diesel fuel to enhance vehicle operation in cold
weather at temperatures below 0 °C
(32 °F). Use of No. 1-D diesel fuel
may lower the fuel economy. For
additional information for better cold
weather operation, see
Engine
Heater 0199.
Water in Fuel (Diesel)
Improper fuel tank inspection or
cleaning, or contaminated fuel from
suppliers, can cause water to be
pumped into the fuel tank along with
the diesel fuel. If a WATER IN FUEL
- CONTACT SERVICE message
displays, the water must be drained
immediately.
{Warning
Diesel fuel containing water is still
combustible. You or others could
be burned. If the fuel needs to be
drained, keep sparks, flames, and
smoking materials away from the
mixture.
Caution
Water in the diesel fuel can
corrode internal components of
the fuel system and lead to
severe damage. It can also
support fungus or bacteria
growth, which can damage the
fuel system and Fuel Operated
Heater (FOH) (if equipped). Even
with a diesel fuel biocide, the fuel
system may still need to be
cleaned. Your dealer can advise
of the appropriate solution.
If the fuel tank needs to be
purged to remove water, see your
dealer or a qualified technician.
Improper purging can damage the
fuel system and block the FOH.
As an added precaution, drain the
diesel fuel filter of residual water at
every engine oil change. If the
WATER IN FUEL - CONTACT
SERVICE message comes on
frequently, even after draining water
from the fuel filter, see your dealer.