
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555863) - 2020 - CRC - 8/2/19
Instruments and Controls 131
system monitoring the oil life,
additional maintenance is
recommended in the Maintenance
Schedule. SeeMaintenance
Schedule 0360.
The Oil Life display must be reset
after each oil change. It will not
reset itself. Do not reset the Oil Life
display at any time other than when
the oil has just been changed.
It cannot be reset accurately until
the next oil change. To reset the
engine oil life system, press
Vwhile
this display is active to show a
confirmation window. Use
oorpto
select yes or no and press
V. See
Engine Oil Life System 0279.
Fuel Filter Life Remaining (Diesel
Engine Only) : If equipped, an
estimate of the fuel filter's remaining
useful life is shown. If 90% Fuel
Filter Life Remaining is displayed, it
means 90% of the current fuel filter
life remains. The fuel filter life
system will alert when to change the
fuel filter on a schedule consistent
with your driving conditions. When the remaining fuel filter life is
low, the CHANGE FUEL FILTER
message will appear on the display.
Change the fuel filter as soon as
possible.
The Fuel Filter Life display must be
reset after each Fuel Filter change.
It will not reset itself. Do not reset
the Fuel Filter Life display at any
time other than when the fuel filter
has just been changed. To reset the
Fuel Filter Life system press
V
while the display is active to show a
confirmation window to reset. Press
oorpto select yes or no and
press
V. See Fuel Filter
Replacement (Diesel) 0249.
Tire Pressure : Shows the
approximate pressures of all four
tires. Tire pressure is displayed in
either kilopascal (kPa) or in pounds
per square inch (psi). If the pressure
is low, the value for that tire is
shown in amber. See Tire Pressure
Monitor System 0315 and
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
0 316. Average Speed :
Displays the
average vehicle speed of the
vehicle in kilometers per hour (km/h)
or miles per hour (mph). This
average is based on the various
vehicle speeds recorded since the
last reset. Reset the average speed
by pressing
Vwhile this display is
active to show a confirmation
window to select yes or no and
press
V.
Fuel Economy : The center
displays the approximate
instantaneous fuel economy as a
number and bar graph. Displayed
above the bar graph is a running
average of fuel economy for the
most recently traveled selected
distance. Displayed below the bar
graph is the best average fuel
economy that has been achieved for
the selected distance. The selected
distance is displayed at the top of
the page as “last xxx mi/km.”
Press
Vto select the distance or
reset best value. Use
wandxto
choose the distance and press
V. 

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555863) - 2020 - CRC - 8/2/19
132 Instruments and Controls
Presswandxto select“Reset
Best Score.” Press
Vto reset the
best average fuel economy. After
reset, the best value displays “-,-”
until the selected distance has been
traveled.
The display provides information on
how current driving behavior affects
the running average and how well
recent driving compares to the best
that has been achieved for the
selected distance.
Follow Distance/Gap Setting :
If equipped, the current follow time
to the vehicle ahead is displayed as
a time value on this page. When
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) has
been engaged, the display switches
to the gap setting page. This page
shows the current gap setting along
with the vehicle ahead indicator.
Driver Assistance : If equipped,
shows information for Lane Keep
Assist (LKA), Lane Departure
Warning (LDW), and Forward
Collision Alert (FCA). Economy Trend :
Shows history of
the Average Fuel Economy from the
last 50 km (30 mi). Each bar
represents about 5 km (3 mi) of
driving. During driving the bars will
shift to always reflect the most
recent distance on the right side.
Press
Vto open the menu while
this display is active to clear the
graph. Select yes or no and
press
V.
Timer : This display can be used as
a timer. To start the timer, press
V
to open the menu while this display
is active. Use
wandxto select
Start Timer or Reset. Press
V. To
stop the timer, press
Vwhile this
display is active. The display will
show the amount of time that has
passed since the timer was last
reset.
Speed Limit : Shows sign
information, which comes from a
roadway database in the onboard
navigation, if equipped. The sign will show
“− −”when there is no
detected speed limit or the system
is unavailable.
Press
Vwhile this display is active
to toggle Speed Limit sign on or off.
Battery Voltage : Displays the
current battery voltage, if equipped.
Battery voltage changes are normal
while driving. See Charging System
Light 0114. If there is a problem
with the battery charging system, a
DIC will display a message.
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. 

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555863) - 2020 - CRC - 8/2/19
Driving and Operating 183
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 Operation08.
Caution
Cranking the engine for long
periods of time, by trying to start
the engine 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
0 120.
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-
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184 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) 0249.
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
0 275. When the outside
temperature drops below –18°C (0°
F), use of the engine heater is
recommended.
See Fuel for Diesel Engines 0243
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) 0249. If the vehicle is not out of fuel, and
the engine will not start:
If the battery does not have enough
charge to start the engine, see
Battery - North America
0290.
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 0243.
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
This vehicle has a Stop/Start
system to shut off the engine to help
conserve fuel. It has components
designed for the increased number
of starts.
{Warning
The automatic engine Stop/Start
feature causes the engine to shut
off while the vehicle is still on. Do
not exit the vehicle before shifting
to P (Park). The vehicle may
restart and move unexpectedly.
Always shift to P (Park), and then
turn the ignition off before exiting
the vehicle.
Auto Engine Stop/Start
When the brakes are applied and
the vehicle is at a complete stop,
the engine may turn off. When
stopped, the tachometer displays
AUTO STOP. See Tachometer
0 109. When the brake pedal is
released or the accelerator pedal is
pressed, the engine will restart. 

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555863) - 2020 - CRC - 8/2/19
192 Driving and Operating
Vehicles with the DPF have specific
fuel and engine oil requirements.
SeeFuel for Diesel Engines 0243
and
Engine Oil 0275.
Caution
Damage can occur to the DPF
components if the required Ultra
Low Sulfur Diesel (15 ppm sulfur
maximum) fuel and either CJ-4 or
CK-4 engine oil are not used.
This damage would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Under certain conditions, such as
idling or very short trips, the
self-cleaning process has less
efficiency and cannot be completed.
To resolve this, continue driving
safely at a steady speed as close to
the posted speed limit as possible,
preferably without stopping, until the
message turns off. This can take up
to 30 minutes.
{Warning
During DPF self-cleaning or
during extended idling in P (Park),
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 0190.
Caution
Avoid extended idling because
the DPF system is not capable of
self-cleaning at idle. During
extended idling, monitor the
instrument cluster lights and DIC
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
for messages and take
appropriate action. Continued
idling with the warning light/
message on could cause damage
to the DPF requiring repair and
possible replacement that might
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
During self-cleaning there will be a
change in the exhaust sound and
engine idle speed. Along with this, a
burning smell and reduction in fuel
economy may be noticed. This is
normal.
If the vehicle is idled or driven on
very short trips with the DPF
warning message on and the
exhaust filter is not cleaned as
required, the malfunction indicator
lamp and a DIC message will
display. See your dealer. Also see
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check
Engine Light) 0114. 

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555863) - 2020 - CRC - 8/2/19
Driving and Operating 243
Fuel Additives (Gasoline)
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline is
highly recommended for use with
your vehicle. If your country does
not have TOP TIER Detergent
Gasoline, add ACDelco Fuel
System Treatment Plus−Gasoline to
the vehicle’s gasoline fuel tank at
every oil change or 15 000 km
(9,000 mi), whichever occurs first.
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline and
ACDelco Fuel System Treatment
Plus−Gasoline will help keep your
vehicle’s engine fuel deposit free
and performing optimally.
Fuel Additives (Diesel)
TOP TIER Detergent Diesel is
highly recommended for use with
your vehicle. If your area does not
have TOP TIER Detergent Diesel,
GM recommends the use of
ACDelco Diesel Fuel Conditioner.
This will help maintain optimal
engine performance. GM does not
recommend other aftermarket diesel
additives. If low-quality diesel is used for
refueling, GM recommends adding
ACDelco Fuel System Treatment
Plus-Diesel to help clean engine
deposits. This is available only at
your GM dealer.
Fuel for Diesel Engines
The selection of a high-quality fuel
is important for maintaining optimum
vehicle performance. Diesel fuel
should meet or exceed the minimum
requirements in the most current
versions of the local fuel standards.
Do not use fuel with more than 15
ppm sulfur.
Do not use a diesel blend containing
more than 20% biodiesel by volume.
Caution
Use of fuel that does not comply
with the required technical
standards can lead to engine
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
power loss, increased wear,
or engine damage and may void
your warranty.
Some improper fuels are:
. Diesel fuel with the addition
of gasoline.
. Diesel fuel mixed with
engine oil or automatic
transmission fluid.
. Triglyceride fuels, such as
raw vegetable oil or animal
fat, in any form, including
with blends of diesel or
biodiesel.
. Marine diesel fuel and
fuel oils.
. Diesel-water emulsions,
such as Aquazole.
. Aftermarket diesel fuel
additives, which contain
alcohols, organo-metallic
additives, or water
emulsifiers. 

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555863) - 2020 - CRC - 8/2/19
244 Driving and Operating
Caution
If the vehicle is accidentally
refueled with gasoline, do not
continue driving the vehicle.
Driving the vehicle will damage
the fuel system. Have the vehicle
towed to a qualified technician to
have the gasoline removed from
the tank and fuel system. Refuel
with Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel fuel.
It is also recommended to have
the fuel system flushed with Ultra
Low Sulfur Diesel, to ensure all
gasoline is removed.
Some conditions, such as dirty fuel,
may decrease fuel filter life and a
CHANGE FUEL FILTER message
may come on in the Driver
Information Center (DIC).
Climate Grade Diesel Fuels
At temperatures below 0 °C (32 °F),
avoid using biodiesel blends above
5% by volume. Using such a fuel
may cause fuel filter plugging, system gelling, and freezing, which
may adversely impact vehicle
starting.
Severe winter grade diesel fuel,
such as 1-D diesel fuel or Arctic
grade diesel fuel, can be used in
extreme cold temperatures (below
−18 °C or 0 °F); however, doing so
will reduce power and fuel economy.
Avoid using severe winter grade fuel
in warm or hot climates. It can result
in stalling, poor starting, and
damage to the fuel injection system.
Fuels improperly blended for cold
temperature operation may result in
restricted fuel filters. The vehicle is
equipped with a fuel heating system
to prevent gelling or waxing of
conventional diesel fuel and
biodiesel blends, but may not
prevent all cases.
In case of severe winter conditions,
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. See
Fuel Filter
Replacement (Diesel) 0249.
Biodiesel
Biodiesel is a renewable fuel
produced from vegetable oils or
animal fats that have been
chemically modified to make it
compatible with diesel fuel.
Caution
Do not use home-made biodiesel
or home test kits because the
quality cannot be verified by
approved scientific methods. Do
not use raw vegetable oil or other
unmodified bio-oils, fats,
or blends of vegetable oil with
diesel. They could damage the
fuel system and engine, and
damages would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty.
Biodiesel Blends
Fuels with a biodiesel content up to
20% by volume may be used (e.g.,
named B20). Only use biodiesel
blends up to 20% by volume that
comply with your country’ s or
region’s fuel standards. 

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555863) - 2020 - CRC - 8/2/19
246 Driving and Operating
{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.(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
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.
Water in Fuel Troubleshooting
If the WATER IN FUEL - CONTACT
SERVICE message comes on: Problem
Recommended
Action
Message
displays but
goes off during
the ignition
cycle. The fuel filter is
partially filled
with water. Drain
the water as
soon as
possible. See
"Removing
Water from the
Fuel Filter"
following.