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Seats and Restraints 67
Warning (Continued)
are close to an airbag when it
inflates. Avoid yellow connectors.
They are probably part of the
airbag system. Be sure to follow
proper service procedures, and
make sure the person performing
work for you is qualified to do so.
Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Adding accessories that change the
vehicle's frame, bumper system,
height, front end, or side sheet
metal may keep the airbag system
from working properly.
The operation of the airbag system
can also be affected by changing,
including improperly repairing or
replacing, any parts of the following:
.Airbag system, including airbag
modules, front or side impact
sensors, sensing and diagnostic
module, or airbag wiring .
Front seats, including stitching,
seams or zippers
. Seat belts
. Steering wheel, instrument
panel, overhead console, ceiling
trim, or pillar garnish trim
. Inner door seals, including
speakers
Your dealer and the service manual
have information about the location
of the airbag modules and sensors,
sensing and diagnostic module, and
airbag wiring along with the proper
replacement procedures.
In addition, the vehicle has a
passenger sensing system for the
front outboard passenger position,
which includes sensors that are part
of the passenger seat. The
passenger sensing system may not
operate properly if the original seat
trim is replaced with non-GM
covers, upholstery, or trim; or with
GM covers, upholstery, or trim
designed for a different vehicle. Any
object, such as an aftermarket seat
heater or a comfort-enhancing pad
or device, installed under or on top of the seat fabric, could also
interfere with the operation of the
passenger sensing system. This
could either prevent proper
deployment of the passenger
airbag(s) or prevent the passenger
sensing system from properly
turning off the passenger airbag(s).
See
Passenger Sensing System
0 62.
If the vehicle has rollover roof-rail
airbags, see Different Size Tires
and Wheels 0323 for additional
important information.
If the vehicle must be modified
because you have a disability and
have questions about whether the
modifications will affect the vehicle's
airbag system, or if you have
questions about whether the airbag
system will be affected if the vehicle
is modified for any other reason, call
Customer Assistance. See
Customer Assistance Offices 0379.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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164 Driving and Operating
Driving Environment
Be prepared for driving in inclement
weather, at night, or during other
times where visibility or traction may
be limited, such as on curves,
slippery roads, or hilly terrain.
Unfamiliar surroundings can also
have hidden hazards.
Learn more about driving in different
conditions and off-road driving in
this section.
Vehicle Design
Utility vehicles have a significantly
higher rollover rate than other types
of vehicles. This is because they
have a higher ground clearance and
a narrower track or shorter
wheelbase than passenger cars,
which makes them more capable for
off-road driving. While these design
characteristics provide the driver
with a better view of the road, these
vehicles do have a higher center of
gravity than other types of vehicles.
A utility vehicle does not handle thesame as a vehicle with a lower
center of gravity, like a car, in similar
situations.
Safe driver behavior and
understanding of the environment
can help avoid a rollover crash in
any type of vehicle, including utility
vehicles.
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.
Distracted Driving
Distraction comes in many forms
and can take your focus from the
task of driving. Exercise good
judgment and do not let other
activities divert your attention away
from the road. Many local
governments have enacted laws

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176 Driving and Operating
wheels stop spinning before shifting
gears. Release the accelerator
pedal while shifting, and press
lightly on the accelerator pedal
when the transmission is in gear.
Slowly spinning the wheels in the
forward and reverse directions
causes a rocking motion that could
free the vehicle. If that does not get
the vehicle out after a few tries, it
might need to be towed out. If the
vehicle does need to be towed out,
seeTowing the Vehicle 0344.
Vehicle Load Limits
It is very important to know how
much weight the vehicle can
carry. This weight is called the
vehicle capacity weight and
includes the weight of all
occupants, cargo, and all
nonfactory-installed options.
Two labels on the vehicle may
show how much weight it may
properly carry, the Tire and
Loading Information label and
the Certification/Tire label.
{Warning
Do not load the vehicle any
heavier than the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR), or either the
maximum front or rear Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).
This can cause systems to
break and change the way the
vehicle handles. This could
cause loss of control and a
crash. Overloading can also
reduce stopping distance,
damage the tires, and shorten
the life of the vehicle.Tire and Loading Information
Label
Example Label
A vehicle-specific Tire and
Loading Information label is
attached to the center pillar
(B-pillar). The tire and loading
information label shows the
number of occupant seating
positions (1), and the maximum
vehicle capacity weight (2) in
kilograms and pounds.
The Tire and Loading
Information label also shows the
size of the original equipment

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Driving and Operating 179
weight of the driver, passengers,
and cargo should never exceed
the vehicle's capacity weight.
Certification/Tire Label
Label Example
A vehicle-specific Certification/
Tire label is attached to the
center pillar (B-pillar).
The label may show the size of
the vehicle's original tires and
the inflation pressures needed to
obtain the gross weight capacity
of the vehicle. The label shows
the gross weight capacity of the
vehicle. This is called the GrossVehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).
The GVWR includes the weight
of the vehicle, all occupants,
fuel, and cargo.
The Certification/Tire label may
also show the maximum weights
for the front and rear axles,
called the Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR). To find out the
actual loads on the front and
rear axles, weigh the vehicle at
a weigh station. Your dealer can
help with this. Be sure to spread
the load equally on both sides of
the centerline.
CautionOverloading the vehicle may
cause damage. Repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Do not overload the
vehicle.
{Warning
Things inside the vehicle can
strike and injure people in a
sudden stop or turn, or in a
crash.
.Put things in the cargo
area of the vehicle. In the
cargo area, put them as
far forward as possible.
Try to spread the weight
evenly.
.Never stack heavier
things, like suitcases,
inside the vehicle so that
some of them are above
the tops of the seats.
.Do not leave an
unsecured child restraint
in the vehicle.
.Secure loose items in the
vehicle.
(Continued)

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204 Driving and Operating
until the next key cycle. SeeDriving
Characteristics and Towing Tips
0 254.
Automatic Engine Grade
Braking
Automatic Engine Grade Braking
assists when driving downhill.
It maintains vehicle speed by
automatically implementing a shift
pattern that uses the engine and the
transmission to slow the vehicle.
The system will automatically
command downshifts to reduce
vehicle speed. The normal shift
pattern will return once the vehicle
is on a low grade or when the
accelerator pedal is pressed.
While in the Electronic Range
Select (ERS) mode, grade braking
is deactivated, allowing the driver to
select a range and limiting the
highest gear available. Grade
braking is available for normal
driving and in Tow/Haul Mode.
See Automatic Transmission 0200.
Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive
Vehicles with this feature can
operate in All-Wheel
Drive (AWD) Mode.
The AWD system delivers power to
all four wheels and the system
adjusts as needed to improve
traction.
Press the AWD switch on the center
console to activate the system. The
AWD light will flash briefly while the
system is engaging and stay lit to
indicate AWD is active. Press the
switch again to disable the system.
The light will flash briefly while the
system disables and then stay off.
The AWD Mode will stay selected
until the mode is changed.
When operated in two-wheel drive,
the vehicle will deliver power to the
front wheels only and may provide
better fuel economy. A system off message displays
when there is a temporary condition
making the AWD system
unavailable. The vehicle will run in
two-wheel drive.
This could be caused by:
.
A compact spare tire on the
vehicle.
. AWD system overheat.
. Loss of wheel or vehicle speed.
. Certain other vehicle electrical
conditions.
The message turns off when the
compact spare tire is replaced by a
full-size tire, the differential fluid
cools, or the above conditions are
no longer present and the warning
message is reset.
To reset the warning message
manually, turn the ignition off and
then back on again after
30 seconds. If the message stays
on, see your dealer.

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236 Driving and Operating
If this happens, Automatic Braking
may engage the Electric Parking
Brake (EPB) to hold the vehicle at a
stop. Release the EPB. A firm press
of the accelerator pedal will also
release Automatic Braking and
the EPB.
{Warning
FPB may alert or automatically
brake the vehicle suddenly in
situations where it is unexpected
and undesired. It could falsely
alert or brake for objects similar in
shape or size to pedestrians,
including shadows. This is normal
operation and the vehicle does
not need service. To override
Automatic Braking, firmly press
the accelerator pedal, if it is safe
to do so.
Automatic Braking can be disabled
through vehicle personalization. See
“Front Pedestrian Detection” in
“Collision/Detection Systems” under
Vehicle Personalization 0134.
{Warning
Using the Front Pedestrian
Braking system while towing a
trailer could cause you to lose
control of the vehicle and crash.
Turn the system to Alert or Off
when towing a trailer.
Cleaning the System
If FPB does not seem to operate
properly, cleaning the outside of the
windshield in front of the rearview
mirror may correct the issue.
Side Blind Zone
Alert (SBZA)
If equipped, the SBZA system is a
lane-changing aid that assists
drivers with avoiding crashes that
occur with moving vehicles in the
side blind zone (or spot) areas.
When the vehicle is in a forward
gear, the left or right side mirror
display will light up if a moving
vehicle is detected in that blind
zone. If the turn signal is activated and a vehicle is also detected on
the same side, the display will flash
as an extra warning not to change
lanes. Since this system is part of
the Lane Change Alert (LCA)
system, read the entire LCA section
before using this feature.
Lane Change Alert (LCA)
If equipped, the LCA system is a
lane-changing aid that assists
drivers with avoiding lane change
crashes that occur with moving
vehicles in the side blind zone (or
spot) areas or with vehicles rapidly
approaching these areas from
behind. The LCA warning display
will light up in the corresponding
outside side mirror and will flash if
the turn signal is on.
{Warning
LCA does not alert the driver to
vehicles outside of the system
detection zones, pedestrians,
bicyclists, or animals. It may not
(Continued)

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Vehicle Care 265
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 266
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 267
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 279
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 280
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 286
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Battery - North America . . . . . . 290
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291 Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 291
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Park Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 292
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 292
Windshield Replacement . . . . . 293
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Front Turn Signal and Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Taillamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 298
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . 298
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 299
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299 Instrument Panel Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 308
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 326
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326

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308 Vehicle Care
performance on most road surfaces
and weather conditions. Original
equipment tires designed to GM's
specific tire performance criteria
have a TPC specification code
molded onto the sidewall. Original
equipment all-season tires can be
identified by the last two characters
of this TPC code, which will
be“MS.”
Consider installing winter tires on
the vehicle if frequent driving on
snow or ice-covered roads is
expected. All-season tires provide
adequate performance for most
winter driving conditions, but they
may not offer the same level of
traction or performance as winter
tires on snow or ice-covered roads.
See Winter Tires 0308.
Winter Tires
This vehicle was not originally
equipped with winter tires. Winter
tires are designed for increased
traction on snow and ice-covered
roads. Consider installing winter
tires on the vehicle if frequent
driving on ice or snow covered roads is expected. See your dealer
for details regarding winter tire
availability and proper tire selection.
Also, see
Buying New Tires 0322.
With winter tires, there may be
decreased dry road traction,
increased road noise, and shorter
tread life. After changing to winter
tires, be alert for changes in vehicle
handling and braking.
If using winter tires:
. Use tires of the same brand and
tread type on all four wheel
positions.
. Use only radial ply tires of the
same size, load range, and
speed rating as the original
equipment tires.
Winter tires with the same speed
rating as the original equipment tires
may not be available for H, V, W, Y,
and ZR speed rated tires. If winter
tires with a lower speed rating are
chosen, never exceed the tire's
maximum speed capability.
Tire Sidewall Labeling
Useful information about a tire is
molded into its sidewall. The
examples show a typical
passenger vehicle tire and a
compact spare tire sidewall.
Passenger (P-Metric) Tire Example
(1) Tire Size:The tire size is a
combination of letters and
numbers used to define a
particular tire's width, height,
aspect ratio, construction type,
and service description. See the
“Tire Size” illustration later in this
section.