
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555863) - 2020 - CRC - 8/2/19
8 Keys, Doors, and Windows
The key that is part of the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter can
be used for all locks.
Remove the key by pressing the
button on the side of the RKE
transmitter near the bottom and pull
the key out. Never pull the key out
without pressing the button.
If it becomes difficult to turn the key,
inspect the key blade for debris.
See your dealer if a new transmitter
is needed.
If locked out of the vehicle, see
Roadside Assistance Program
0381.
With an active OnStar or connected
service plan, an OnStar Advisor
may remotely unlock the vehicle.
See OnStar Overview 0391.
Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System
See Radio Frequency Statement
0 387.
If there is a decrease in the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) operating
range: .
Check the distance. The
transmitter may be too far from
the vehicle.
. Check the location. Other
vehicles or objects may be
blocking the signal.
. Check the transmitter's battery.
See “Battery Replacement” later
in this section.
. If the transmitter is still not
working correctly, see your
dealer or a qualified technician
for service.
Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation
The Keyless Access system allows
for vehicle entry when the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter is
within 1 m (3 ft). See “Keyless
Access Operation” later in this
section.
The RKE transmitter may work up to
60 m (197 ft) away from the vehicle.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Keys, Doors, and Windows 11
the vehicle is off and at least one
RKE transmitter has been removed
or none remain in the interior.
If other electronic devices interfere
with the RKE transmitter signal, the
vehicle may not detect the RKE
transmitter inside the vehicle.
If passive locking is enabled, the
doors may lock with the RKE
transmitter inside the vehicle. Do
not leave the RKE transmitter in an
unattended vehicle.
To customize the doors to
automatically lock when exiting the
vehicle, see“Remote Lock, Unlock,
Start” under Vehicle Personalization
0 134.
Temporary Disable of Passive
Locking
Temporarily disable passive locking
by pressing and holding
Kon the
interior door switch with a door open
for at least four seconds, or until
three chimes are heard. Passive
locking will then remain disabled
until
Qon the interior door is
pressed, or until the vehicle is
turned on. Remote Left in Vehicle Alert
When the vehicle is turned off and
an RKE transmitter is left in the
vehicle, the horn will chirp three
times after all doors are closed. To
turn on or off, see
Vehicle
Personalization 0134.
Remote No Longer in Vehicle Alert
If the vehicle is on with a door open,
and then all doors are closed, the
vehicle will check for RKE
transmitters inside. If an RKE
transmitter is not detected, the
Driver Information Center (DIC) will
display NO REMOTE DETECTED
and the horn will chirp three times.
This occurs only once each time the
vehicle is driven.
To turn on or off see Vehicle
Personalization 0134
Keyless Liftgate Opening
When the doors are locked, press
the touch pad on the liftgate handle
to open the liftgate if the RKE
transmitter is within 1 m (3 ft). Key Access
To access a vehicle with a dead
transmitter battery, see
Door Locks
0 16.
Programming Transmitters to
the Vehicle
Only RKE transmitters programmed
to the vehicle will work. If a
transmitter is lost or stolen, a
replacement can be purchased and
programmed through your dealer.
The vehicle can be reprogrammed
so that lost or stolen transmitters no
longer work. Each vehicle can have
up to eight transmitters matched
to it.
Programming with Recognized
Transmitters
A new transmitter can be
programmed to the vehicle when
there are two recognized
transmitters.
To program, the vehicle must be off
and all of the transmitters, both
currently recognized and new, must
be with you.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Keys, Doors, and Windows 13
transmitter into the key lock
cylinder on the driver door
handle and turn the key,
counterclockwise, to the unlock
position five times within
10 seconds.
The DIC displays REMOTE
LEARN PENDING,
PLEASE WAIT.
3. Wait for 10 minutes until the DIC displays PRESS ENGINE
START BUTTON TO LEARN
and then press ENGINE
START/STOP.
The DIC display will again
show REMOTE LEARN
PENDING, PLEASE WAIT.
4. Repeat Step 2 two additional times. After the third time all
previously known transmitters
will no longer work with the
vehicle. Remaining transmitters
can be relearned during the
next steps.
The DIC display should now
show READY FOR REMOTE
# 1.
5. Place the new transmitter intothe cupholder.
6. Press ENGINE START/STOP. When the transmitter is learned
the DIC display will show that it
is ready to program the next
transmitter.
7. Remove the transmitter from the cupholder and press
Kor
Qon the transmitter.
To program additional
transmitters, repeat Steps 4–6. When all additional transmitters
are programmed, press and
hold ENGINE START/STOP for
12 seconds to exit
programming mode.
8. Put the key back into the transmitter.
9. Replace the key lock cylinder cap. See Door Locks 016.
Starting the Vehicle with a Low
Transmitter Battery
When the vehicle is started, if the
transmitter battery is weak, the DIC
may display NO REMOTE
DETECTED or NO REMOTE KEY
WAS DETECTED PLACE KEY IN
TRANSMITTER POCKET THEN
START YOUR VEHICLE. The DIC
may also display REPLACE
BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY.
To start the vehicle:

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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14 Keys, Doors, and Windows
1. Place the transmitter in thecupholder.
2. With the vehicle in P (Park) or N (Neutral), press the brake
pedal and ENGINE
START/STOP.
Replace the transmitter battery
as soon as possible.
Battery Replacement
Replace the battery if the DIC
displays REPLACE BATTERY IN
REMOTE KEY.
Caution
When replacing the battery, do
not touch any of the circuitry on
the transmitter. Static from your
body could damage the
transmitter.
The battery is not rechargeable. To
replace the battery:
1. Press the button on the side of the RKE transmitter and pull
the key out. Never pull the key
out without pressing the button.
2. Separate the two halves of thetransmitter using a flat tool
inserted into the area near the
key slot.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Keys, Doors, and Windows 15
3. Remove the battery by pushingon the battery and sliding it
toward the bottom of the
transmitter.
4. Insert the new battery, positive side facing the back cover.
Push the battery down until it is
held in place. Replace with a
CR2032 or equivalent battery.
5. Snap the battery cover back on to the transmitter.
6. Reinsert the key.
Remote Vehicle Start
The vehicle may have this feature
that allows you to start the engine
from outside the vehicle.
/: This button will be on the RKE
transmitter if the vehicle has remote
start.
The climate control system will use
the previous settings during a
remote start. The rear defog may
come on during remote start based
on cold ambient conditions. The
rear defog indicator light does not
come on during remote start. If the vehicle has heated and
ventilated front seats, they may
come on during a remote start. See
Heated and Ventilated Front Seats
0
43.
Laws in some local communities
may restrict the use of remote
starters. For example, some laws
require a person using remote start
to have the vehicle in view. Check
local regulations for any
requirements.
Do not use the remote start feature
if the vehicle is low on fuel. The
vehicle could run out of fuel.
Other conditions can affect the
performance of the transmitter. See
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System 08.
Starting the Engine Using Remote
Start
1. Press and release
Qon the
RKE transmitter.
2. Immediately press and hold
/
for at least four seconds or until
the turn signal lamps flash. The
turn signal lamps flashing confirms the request to remote
start the vehicle has been
received.
The parking lamps will turn on
and remain on as long as the
engine is running. The
vehicle's doors will be locked.
3. Turn the ignition on before driving.
The engine will shut off after
15 minutes unless a time
extension is done or the
ignition is turned on.
Extending Engine Run Time
For a 15-minute extension, after
30 seconds repeat Steps 1 and 2
while the engine is still running. The
remote start can be extended once.
When the remote start is extended,
the second 15 minutes will be
added for a total of 30 minutes.
A maximum of two remote starts or
a start with an extension are
allowed between ignition cycles.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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114 Instruments and Controls
Charging System Light
The charging system light comes on
briefly when the ignition is turned
on, but the engine is not running, as
a check to show the light is working.
The light turns off when the engine
is started. If it does not, have the
vehicle serviced by your dealer.
If the light stays on, or comes on
while driving, there may be a
problem with the electrical charging
system. Have it checked by your
dealer. Driving while this light is on
could drain the battery.
When this light comes on, the Driver
Information Center (DIC) also
displays a message.
If a short distance must be driven
with the light on, be sure to turn off
all accessories, such as the radio
and air conditioner.
Malfunction Indicator
Lamp (Check Engine
Light)
This light is part of the vehicle’s
emission control on-board
diagnostic system. If this light is on
while the engine is running, a
malfunction has been detected and
the vehicle may require service. The
light should come on to show that it
is working when the ignition is in
Service Mode. SeeIgnition
Positions 0180.
This light may also come on when
the system has detected a problem
with the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)
management system. See Diesel
Exhaust Fluid 0195.
Malfunctions are often indicated by
the system before any problem is
noticeable. Being aware of the light
and seeking service promptly when
it comes on may prevent damage.
Caution
If the vehicle is driven continually
with this light on, the emission
control system may not work as
well, the fuel economy may be
lower, and the vehicle may not
run smoothly. This could lead to
costly repairs that might not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Caution
Modifications to the engine,
transmission, exhaust, intake,
or fuel system, or the use of
replacement tires that do not
meet the original tire
specifications, can cause this light
to come on. This could lead to
(Continued)

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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116 Instruments and Controls
The DLC is under the instrument
panel to the left of the steering
wheel. Connecting devices that are
not used to perform an Emissions
Inspection/Maintenance test or to
service the vehicle may affect
vehicle operation. SeeAdd-On
Electrical Equipment 0263. See
your dealer if assistance is needed.
The vehicle may not pass
inspection if:
. The light is on when the engine
is running.
. The light does not come on
when the ignition is in
Service Mode.
. Critical emission control systems
have not been completely
diagnosed. If this happens, the
vehicle would not be ready for
inspection and might require
several days of routine driving before the system is ready for
inspection. This can happen if
the 12-volt battery has recently
been replaced or run down, or if
the vehicle has been recently
serviced.
See your dealer if the vehicle will
not pass or cannot be made ready
for the test.
Brake System Warning
Light
MetricEnglish
This light should come on briefly
when the vehicle is turned on. If it
does not come on then, have it fixed
so it will be ready to warn you if
there is a problem.
If the light comes on and stays on at
start up, there is a brake problem.
Have the brake system inspected
right away. If the light comes on while driving,
pull off the road and stop carefully.
The brake pedal might be harder to
push, or the brake pedal may go
closer to the floor. It could take
longer to stop. If the light is still on,
have the vehicle towed for service.
See
Towing the Vehicle 0344.
{Warning
The brake system might not be
working properly if the brake
system warning light is on.
Driving with the brake system
warning light on can lead to a
crash. If the light is still on after
the vehicle has been pulled off
the road and carefully stopped,
have the vehicle towed for
service.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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134 Instruments and Controls
.Brakes
. Steering
. Ride Control Systems
. Driver Assistance Systems
. Cruise Control
. Lighting and Bulb Replacement
. Wiper/Washer Systems
. Doors and Windows
. Seat Belts
. Airbag Systems
. Engine and Transmission
. Tire Pressure
. Battery
Engine Power Messages
ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED
This message displays when the
vehicle's propulsion power is
reduced. A reduction in propulsion
power can affect the vehicle's ability
to accelerate. If this message is on,
but there is no observed reduction
in performance, proceed to your
destination. The performance may be reduced the next time the vehicle
is driven. The vehicle may be driven
while this message is on, but
maximum acceleration and speed
may be reduced. Anytime this
message stays on, or displays
repeatedly, the vehicle should be
taken to your dealer for service as
soon as possible.
Under certain operating conditions,
propulsion will be disabled. Try
restarting after the vehicle has been
off for 30 seconds.
Vehicle Speed Messages
SPEED LIMITED TO XXX KM/
H (MPH)
This message shows that the
vehicle speed has been limited to
the speed displayed. The limited
speed is a protection for various
propulsion and vehicle systems,
such as lubrication, thermal, brakes,
suspension, Teen Driver if
equipped, or tires.
If equipped with a diesel engine,
see
Diesel Exhaust Fluid 0195.
Vehicle
Personalization
The following are all possible
vehicle personalization features.
Depending on the vehicle, some
may not be available.
For System, Apps, and Personal
features and functions, see
“Settings” in the infotainment
manual.
To access the vehicle
personalization menu:
1. Touch the Settings icon on the Home Page of the infotainment
display.
2. Touch Vehicle to display a list of available options.
3. Touch to select the desired feature setting.
4. Touch
9orRto turn a feature
off or on.
5. Touch
zto go to the top level
of the Settings menu.