2020 CHEVROLET EQUINOX Climate

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555863) - 2020 - CRC - 8/2/19
256 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
.Do not drive with the
liftgate, trunk/hatch,
or rear-most window open.
. Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument
panel.
. Adjust the climate control
system to a setting that
brings in only outside air.
See “Climate Control
Systems” in the Index.
For more information about
carbon monoxide, see Engine
Exhaust 0190.
Towing a trailer requires experience.
The combination of the vehicle and
trailer is longer and not as
responsive as the vehicle itself. Get
used to the handling and braking of
the combination by driving on a
level road surface before driving on
public roads. The trailer structure, the tires, and
the brakes must be all be rated to
carry the intended cargo.
Inadequate trailer equipment can
cause the combination to operate in
an unexpected or unsafe manner.
Before driving, inspect all trailer
hitch parts and attachments, safety
chains, electrical connectors, lamps,
tires, and mirrors. See
Towing
Equipment 0261. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start the
combination moving and then
manually apply the trailer brake
controller to check that the trailer
brakes work. During the trip,
occasionally check that the cargo
and trailer are secure and that the
lamps and any trailer brakes are
working.
Towing with a Stability Control
System
When towing, the stability control
system might be heard. The system
reacts to vehicle movement caused
by the trailer, which mainly occurs
during cornering. This is normal
when towing heavier trailers.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the
vehicle ahead as you would when
driving without a trailer. This can
help to avoid heavy braking and
sudden turns.
Passing
More passing distance is needed
when towing a trailer. The
combination of the vehicle and
trailer will not accelerate as quickly
and is much longer than the vehicle
alone. It is necessary to go much
farther beyond the passed vehicle
before returning to the lane. Pass
on level roadways. Avoid passing
on hills if possible.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering
wheel with one hand. To move the
trailer to the left, move that hand to
the left. To move the trailer to the
right, move that hand to the right.
Always back up slowly and,
if possible, have someone
guide you.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555863) - 2020 - CRC - 8/2/19
288 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 0374.
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-
13555863) - 2020 - CRC - 8/2/19
Vehicle Care 325
graded 100. The relative
performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of
their use, however, and may
depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving
habits, service practices and
differences in road
characteristics and climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from
highest to lowest, are AA, A, B,
and C. Those grades represent
the tire's ability to stop on wet
pavement as measured under
controlled conditions on
specified government test
surfaces of asphalt and
concrete. A tire marked C may
have poor traction performance.
Warning: The traction grade
assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not includeacceleration, cornering,
hydroplaning, or peak traction
characteristics.
Temperature
The temperature grades are A
(the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire's resistance
to the generation of heat and its
ability to dissipate heat when
tested under controlled
conditions on a specified indoor
laboratory test wheel. Sustained
high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate
and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead
to sudden tire failure. The grade
C corresponds to a level of
performance which all
passenger car tires must meet
under the Federal Motor Safety
Standard No. 109. Grades B and
A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory
test wheel than the minimum
required by law. Warning: Thetemperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is
properly inflated and not
overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive
loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.
Wheel Alignment and Tire
Balance
The tires and wheels were aligned
and balanced at the factory to
provide the longest tire life and best
overall performance. Adjustments to
wheel alignment and tire balancing
are not necessary on a regular
basis. Consider an alignment check
if there is unusual tire wear or the
vehicle is significantly pulling to one
side or the other. Some slight pull to
the left or right, depending on the
crown of the road and/or other road
surface variations such as troughs
or ruts, is normal. If the vehicle is
vibrating when driving on a smooth

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555863) - 2020 - CRC - 8/2/19
352 Vehicle Care
a buildup of vehicle wash/wax
treatments may cause wiper
streaking.
Replace the wiper blades if they are
worn or damaged. Damage can be
caused by extreme dusty
conditions, sand, salt, heat, sun,
snow, and ice.
Weatherstrips
Apply weatherstrip lubricant on
weatherstrips to make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or
squeak. Lubricate weatherstrips at
least once a year. Hot, dry climates
may require more frequent
application. Black marks from
rubber material on painted surfaces
can be removed by rubbing with a
clean cloth. SeeRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0369.
Tires
Use a stiff brush with tire cleaner to
clean the tires.
Caution
Using petroleum-based tire
dressing products on the vehicle
may damage the paint finish and/
or tires. When applying a tire
dressing, always wipe off any
overspray from all painted
surfaces on the vehicle.
Wheels and Wheel Trim
Use a soft, clean cloth with mild
soap and water to clean the wheels.
After rinsing thoroughly with clean
water, dry with a soft, clean towel.
A wax may then be applied.
Caution
Chrome wheels and chrome
wheel trim may be damaged if the
vehicle is not washed after driving
on roads that have been sprayed
with magnesium chloride or
calcium chloride. These are used
on roads for conditions such as
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
dust and ice. Always wash the
chrome with soap and water after
exposure.
Caution
To avoid surface damage on
wheels and wheel trim, do not
use strong soaps, chemicals,
abrasive polishes, cleaners,
or brushes. Use only GM
approved cleaners. Do not drive
the vehicle through an automatic
car wash that uses silicon carbide
tire/wheel cleaning brushes.
Damage could occur and the
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Brake System
Visually inspect brake lines and
hoses for proper attachment,
connections, binding, leaks, cracks,
chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555863) - 2020 - CRC - 8/2/19
Service and Maintenance 363
Footnotes—Maintenance
Schedule Additional Required
Services - Normal
(1) Or every two years, whichever
comes first. More frequent
passenger compartment air filter
replacement may be needed if
driving in areas with heavy traffic,
poor air quality, high dust levels,
or environmental allergens.
Passenger compartment air filter
replacement may also be needed if
there is reduced airflow, window
fogging, or odors. Your GM dealer
can help determine when to replace
the filter.
(2) Visually check all fuel and vapor
lines and hoses for proper
attachment, connection, routing, and
condition. (3)
Or as indicated by the Driver
Information Center (DIC) or
two years whichever comes first.
The fuel filter may need to be
replaced more often based on
biodiesel usage, driving in climates
with severe dust, off-road driving,
or towing a trailer for extended
periods.
(4) Or every four years, whichever
comes first. If driving in dusty
conditions, inspect the filter at each
oil change or more often as needed.
See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0280.
(5) Do not directly power wash the
transfer case and/or front/rear axle
output seals. High pressure water
can overcome the seals and
contaminate the transfer case fluid.
Contaminated fluid will decrease the
life of the transfer case and/or axles
and should be replaced.
(6) Or every five years, whichever
comes first. See Cooling System
0 282. (7)
Or every 10 years, whichever
comes first. Inspect for fraying,
excessive cracking, or damage;
replace, if needed.
(8) Replace brake fluid every five
years. See Brake Fluid 0289.
(9) Or every 12 months, whichever
comes first. See Wiper Blade
Replacement 0292.
(10) Or every 10 years, whichever
comes first. See Gas Strut(s)0294.
(11) Replace air conditioning
desiccant every seven years.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555863) - 2020 - CRC - 8/2/19
Service and Maintenance 365
Footnotes—Maintenance
Schedule Additional Required
Services - Severe
(1) Or every two years, whichever
comes first. More frequent
passenger compartment air filter
replacement may be needed if
driving in areas with heavy traffic,
poor air quality, high dust levels,
or environmental allergens.
Passenger compartment air filter
replacement may also be needed if
there is reduced airflow, window
fogging, or odors. Your GM dealer
can help determine when to replace
the filter.
(2) Visually check all fuel and vapor
lines and hoses for proper
attachment, connection, routing, and
condition. (3)
Or as indicated by the Driver
Information Center (DIC) or
two years whichever comes first.
The fuel filter may need to be
replaced more often based on
biodiesel usage, driving in climates
with severe dust, off-road driving,
or towing a trailer for extended
periods.
(4) Or every four years, whichever
comes first. If driving in dusty
conditions, inspect the filter at each
oil change or more often as needed.
See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0280.
(5) Do not directly power wash the
transfer case and/or front/rear axle
output seals. High pressure water
can overcome the seals and
contaminate the transfer case fluid.
Contaminated fluid will decrease the
life of the transfer case and/or axles
and should be replaced.
(6) Or every five years, whichever
comes first. See Cooling System
0 282. (7)
Or every 10 years, whichever
comes first. Inspect for fraying,
excessive cracking, or damage;
replace, if needed.
(8) Replace brake fluid every five
years. See Brake Fluid 0289.
(9) Or every 12 months, whichever
comes first. See Wiper Blade
Replacement 0292.
(10) Or every 10 years, whichever
comes first. See Gas Strut(s)0294.
(11) Replace air conditioning
desiccant every seven years.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555863) - 2020 - CRC - 8/2/19
404 Index
Child Restraints (cont'd)Lower Anchors and Tethers
for Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Securing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83, 85
Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Cleaning Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 349
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 353
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . . 154 Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Dual Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Cluster, Instrument . . . . . . . . 102, 106
Cold Weather Operation . . . . . . . . 245
Collision Damage Repair . . . . . . . 384
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . 340
Compartments Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Compressor Kit, Tire Sealant . . . 328
Connected Services Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 400
Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 401
Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 399 Connections
Connected Services . . . . . . . . . . 400
Control Traction and ElectronicStability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Convenience Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Coolant Engine Temperature Gauge . . . 111
Cooling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154, 156
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Courtesy Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Courtesy Transportation
Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 383
Cover
Cargo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Covers Rear Compartment/StoragePanel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212 Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Cruise Control, Adaptive . . . . . . . . 214
Cupholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . 380 Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379 Customer Assistance (cont'd)
Text Telephone (TTY)
Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 380
Customer Information
Publications OrderingInformation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386
Customer Satisfaction Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 377
Cybersecurity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 389
D
Damage Repair, Collision . . . . . . . 384
Danger, Warning, and Caution . . . . 3
Data Collection
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . 390
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 390
Data Recorders, Event . . . . . . . . . 389
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Diagnostics Connected Services . . . . . . . . . . 401
Diesel Exhaust Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)
Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Diesel Particulate Filter . . . . . . . . . 191
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555863) - 2020 - CRC - 8/2/19
Index 405
Dome Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
DoorDelayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Power Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Drive Belt Routing, Engine . . . . . . 376
Drive Systems All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . 204, 291
Driver Assistance Systems . . . . . 225
Driver Behavior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Driver Information Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123, 129
Driving Assistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . 230
Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . . . 164
Characteristics andTowing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Defensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Drunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . 173
If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . . 175
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Off-Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174 Driving the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Dual Automatic Climate
Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
E
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . 205
Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . 117
Electrical Equipment,Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Electrical System Engine Compartment FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 299
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Emergency OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 392
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Check Light (MalfunctionIndicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . 270
Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282 Engine (cont'd)
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . 376
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . 191
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Engines Diesel Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Equipment, Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . . . 389
Exhaust Fluid Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Extender, Seat Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . 144
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
F
Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Replacement (Fuel) . . . . . . . . . . . 249