2021 CHEVROLET EQUINOX coolant temperature

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/12/20
104 Instruments and Controls
Air Filter Life :Shows an estimate of the
engine air filter’s remaining useful life and
the state of the system. Engine Air Filter Life
95% means 95% of the current air filter life
remains. Messages will display based on the
engine air filter life and the state of the
system. When the REPLACE AT NEXT OIL
CHANGE message displays, the engine air
filter should be replaced at the time of the
next oil change. When the REPLACE SOON
message displays, the engine air filter
should be replaced at the earliest
convenience.
The Air Filter Life display must be reset after
the engine air filter replacement. To reset,
see Engine Air Filter Life System 0258.
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.” Presspto select the distance or reset best
value. Use
wandxto choose the
distance and press
V. 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.
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. Press
and hold
Vwhile this display is active to
reset the average speed. Average speed can
also be reset by pressing
pand choosing
reset.
Timer : This display can be used as a timer.
To start the timer, press
Vto open the
menu while this display is active. The
display will show the amount of time that
has passed since the timer was last reset. To
stop the timer, press
Vbriefly while this display is active and the timer is running. To
reset the timer to zero, press and hold
V
while this display is active, or presspand
select reset.
Follow Distance : If equipped, the current
follow time to the vehicle ahead is displayed
as a time value on this page.
Battery Voltage : Displays the current
battery voltage, if equipped. Battery voltage
changes are normal while driving. See
Charging System Light 093. If there is a
problem with the battery charging system, a
DIC will display a message.
Coolant Temperature : Displays the coolant
temperature in degrees Celsius (°C) or
degrees Fahrenheit (°F).
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 and hold
V
to clear the graph or presspto reset
through the menu.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/12/20
Instruments and Controls 107
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. 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.
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. Timer :
This display can be used as a timer.
To start the timer, press
Vto open the
menu while this display is active. Use
w
andxto select Start Timer or Reset. Press
V. To stop the timer, pressVwhile this
display is active. The display will show the
amount of time that has passed since the
timer was last reset.
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).
Battery Voltage : Displays the current
battery voltage, if equipped. Battery voltage
changes are normal while driving. See
Charging System Light 093. If there is a
problem with the battery charging system, a
DIC will display a message. Coolant Temperature :
Displays the coolant
temperature in degrees Celsius (°C) or
degrees Fahrenheit (°F).
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.
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-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/12/20
Driving and Operating 203
3. If equipped with license plate bracketpull it toward the front of the vehicle
and install the cover behind the bottom
edge of the bracket.
4. Repeat for all hooks to fully engage cover to grille.
5. Make sure all clips remain engaged during installation. Cover should be
stretched to a tight fit when properly
installed.
Engine Heater
{Warning
Do not plug in the engine block heater
while the vehicle is parked in a garage or
under a carport. Property damage or
personal injury may result. Always park
the vehicle in a clear open area away
from buildings or structures.
The engine heater, if available, can help
in cold weather conditions at or below
−18 °C (0 °F) for easier starting and better
fuel economy during engine warm-up. Plug
in the engine heater at least four hours
before starting the vehicle. An internal
thermostat in the plug end of the cord will
prevent engine coolant heater operation at
temperatures above −18 °C (0 °F).
To Use the Engine Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Remove the heater cord from the rear
compartment.
3. Check the heater cord for damage. If it is damaged, do not use it. See your dealer
for a replacement. Inspect the cord for
damage yearly.
4. Plug the cord into the receptacle in the front fascia. 5. Plug the other end of the cord into a
normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
{Warning
Improper use of the heater cord or an
extension cord can damage the cord and
may result in overheating and fire.
.Plug the cord into a three-prong
electrical utility receptacle that is
protected by a ground fault detection
function. An ungrounded outlet could
cause an electric shock.
.Use a weatherproof, heavy-duty,
15 amp-rated extension cord if needed.
Failure to use the recommended
extension cord in good operating
condition, or using a damaged heater
or extension cord, could make it
overheat and cause a fire, property
damage, electric shock, and injury.
.Do not operate the vehicle with the
heater cord permanently attached to
the vehicle. Possible heater cord and
thermostat damage could occur.
(Continued)

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/12/20
244 Driving and Operating
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.
Making TurnsCaution
Turn more slowly and make wider arcs
when towing a trailer to prevent damage
to your vehicle. Making very sharp turns
could cause the trailer to contact the
vehicle.
Make wider turns than normal when towing,
so trailer will not go over soft shoulders,
over curbs, or strike road signs, trees,
or other objects. Always signal turns well in
advance. Do not steer or brake suddenly.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear
before starting down a long or steep
downhill grade. If the transmission is not
shifted down, the brakes may overheat and
result in reduced braking efficiency. The vehicle can tow in D (Drive). Shift the
transmission to a lower gear if the
transmission shifts too often under heavy
loads and/or hilly conditions.
When towing at higher altitudes, engine
coolant will boil at a lower temperature
than at lower altitudes. If the engine is
turned off immediately after towing at high
altitude on steep uphill grades, the vehicle
could show signs similar to engine
overheating. To avoid this, let the engine
run, preferably on level ground, with the
transmission in P (Park) for a few minutes
before turning the engine off. If the
overheat warning comes on, see
Engine
Overheating 0262.
Parking on Hills
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death,
always park your vehicle and trailer on a
level surface when possible. When parking your vehicle and your trailer
on a hill:
1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn the wheels into
the curb if facing downhill or into traffic
if facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, gradually release the brake pedal to
allow the chocks to absorb the load of
the trailer.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and shift into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
.Start the engine.
.Shift into a gear.
.Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/10/20
Vehicle Care 261
changed at appropriate levels. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants0331
and
Maintenance Schedule 0323.
The following explains the cooling system
and how to check and add coolant when it
is low. If there is a problem with engine
overheating, see Engine Overheating 0262.
What to Use
{Warning
Plain water, or other liquids such as
alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant mixture will. With plain water or
the wrong mixture, the engine could get
too hot but there would not be an
overheat warning. The engine could catch
fire and you or others could be burned.
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL coolant. If using this
mixture, nothing else needs to be added.
This mixture:
.Gives freezing protection down to −37 °C
(−34 °F), outside temperature.
.Gives boiling protection up to 129 °C
(265 °F), engine temperature.
.Protects against rust and corrosion.
.Will not damage aluminum parts.
.Helps keep the proper engine
temperature.
Caution
Do not use anything other than a mix of
DEX-COOL coolant that meets GM
Standard GMW3420 and clean, drinkable
water. Anything else can cause damage
to the engine cooling system and the
vehicle, which would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Never dispose of engine coolant by putting
it in the trash, pouring it on the ground,
or pouring into sewers, streams, or bodies of
water. Have the coolant changed by an
authorized service center, familiar with legal
requirements regarding used coolant
disposal. This will help protect the
environment and your health.
Checking Coolant
The vehicle must be on a level surface when
checking the coolant level.
Check to see if coolant is visible in the
coolant surge tank. If the coolant inside the
coolant surge tank is boiling, do not do
anything else until it cools down. If coolant
is visible but the coolant level mark is not
visible, add a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL coolant at
the coolant surge tank to the top rib on the
middle of the tank, but be sure the cooling
system is cool before this is done. See
Engine Overheating 0262.
The coolant surge tank is located in the
engine compartment on the driver side of
the vehicle. See Engine Compartment
Overview 0254.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/10/20
262 Vehicle Care
How to Add Coolant to the Surge Tank
{Warning
Spilling coolant on hot engine parts can
burn you. Coolant contains ethylene
glycol and it will burn if the engine parts
are hot enough.
{Warning
Steam and scalding liquids from a hot
cooling system are under pressure.
Turning the pressure cap, even a little,
can cause them to come out at high
speed and you could be burned. Never
turn the cap when the cooling system,
including the pressure cap, is hot. Wait
for the cooling system and pressure cap
to cool.
Caution
Failure to follow the specific coolant fill
procedure could cause the engine to
overheat and could cause system
damage. If coolant is not visible in the
surge tank, contact your dealer.
The coolant surge tank pressure cap can be
removed when the cooling system, including
the surge tank pressure cap and upper
radiator hose, is no longer hot.1. Turn the pressure cap slowly counterclockwise. If a hiss is heard, wait
for that to stop. A hiss means there is
still some pressure left.
2. Keep turning the pressure cap slowly and remove it.
3. Fill the coolant surge tank with the proper mixture to the mark pointed to
on the front of the coolant surge tank.
4. With the coolant surge tank pressure cap off, start the engine and let it run until
you can feel the upper radiator hose
getting hot. Watch out for the engine
cooling fans. By this time, the coolant
level inside the coolant surge tank may
be lower. If the level is lower, add more
of the proper mixture to the coolant surge tank until the level reaches the
mark pointed to on the front of the
coolant surge tank.
5. Replace the pressure cap tightly.
Caution
If the pressure cap is not tightly installed,
coolant loss and engine damage may
occur. Be sure the cap is properly and
tightly secured.
Engine Overheating
The vehicle has an engine coolant
temperature gauge on the instrument
cluster and overheat messages in the Driver
Information Center (DIC) to warn of engine
overheating. See Engine Coolant
Temperature Gauge 091. The DIC also
displays overheat messages.
The decision may be made not to lift the
hood when the engine coolant temperature
gauge is in the overheat zone or an engine
overheat DIC message displays, but instead
to get service help right away. See Roadside
Assistance Program 0341.
If the decision to lift the hood is made,
make sure the vehicle is parked on a level
surface. Then check to see if the engine

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/10/20
Vehicle Care 263
cooling fan is running. If the engine is
overheating, the fan should be running. If it
is not, do not continue to run the engine,
and have the vehicle serviced.
Caution
Do not run the engine if there is a leak
in the engine cooling system. This can
cause a loss of all coolant and can
damage the system and vehicle. Have
any leaks fixed right away.
If Steam Is Coming from the Engine
Compartment
{Warning
Steam and scalding liquids from a hot
cooling system are under pressure.
Turning the pressure cap, even a little,
can cause them to come out at high
speed and you could be burned. Never
turn the cap when the cooling system,
including the pressure cap, is hot. Wait
for the cooling system and pressure cap
to cool.
If No Steam Is Coming from the Engine
Compartment
If the engine coolant temperature gauge is
in the overheat zone or an engine overheat
DIC message is displayed but no steam can
be seen or heard, the problem may not be
too serious. Sometimes the engine can get a
little too hot when the vehicle:
.Climbs a long hill on a hot day
.Stops after high-speed driving
.Idles for long periods in traffic
.Tows a trailer
If the engine coolant temperature gauge is
in the overheat zone and an overheat DIC
message is displayed with no sign of steam: 1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest temperature and to the highest fan
speed. Open the windows as necessary.
3. When it is safe to do so, pull off the road, shift to P (Park) or N (Neutral), and
let the engine idle.
If the engine coolant temperature gauge is
no longer in the overheat zone or an
overheat DIC message no longer displays,
the vehicle can be driven. Continue to drive
the vehicle slowly for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in
front. If the engine coolant temperature
gauge does not go back to the overheat
zone or an overheat DIC message does not
display, continue to drive normally and have
the cooling system checked for proper fill
and function.
If the engine coolant temperature gauge is
still in the overheat zone or an overheat DIC
message still displays, pull over, stop, and
park the vehicle right away. If overheat
messages appear repeatedly, see your
dealer.
If there is no sign of steam, idle the engine
for three minutes while parked. If the
engine coolant temperature gauge is still in
the overheat zone or an overheat DIC
message displays, turn off the engine until
it cools down.
Washer Fluid
What to Use
When windshield washer fluid is needed, be
sure to read the manufacturer's instructions
before use. If operating the vehicle in an
area where the temperature may fall below
freezing, use a fluid that has sufficient
protection against freezing.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/10/20
Index 359
Climate Control Systems (cont'd)Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Dual Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81
Cluster, Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85, 88
Collision Damage Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Compartments Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81
Compressor Kit, Tire Sealant . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Connected Services Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355
Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 356
Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 354
Connections Connected Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355
Control Traction and Electronic Stability . . . . . . . . 211
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .187
Controls
Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Convenience Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Coolant Engine Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Cooling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177, 179 Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Courtesy Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Courtesy Transportation Program . . . . . . . . 343
Cover
Cargo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Coverage Explanations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Covers Rear Compartment/Storage Panel . . . . . . . 75
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215 Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Cruise Control, Adaptive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Cupholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340 Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340
Text Telephone (TTY) Users . . . . . . . . . . . . 340
Customer Information Publications Ordering Information . . . . . 345
Customer Satisfaction Procedure . . . . . . . . . 338
Cybersecurity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
D
Damage Repair, Collision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344
Danger, Warning, and Caution . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Data Collection Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
Data Recorders, Event . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348 Database Coverage Explanations . . . . . . . . . 149
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Destination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Diagnostics
Connected Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 356
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Dome Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Door Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Power Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Drive Belt Routing, Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337
Drive Systems All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209, 266
Driver Teen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Driver Assistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Driver Behavior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .185
Driver Information Center (DIC) . . . . . . 101, 105
Driving Assistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Characteristics and Towing Tips . . . . . . . . 242
Defensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193