2021 CHEVROLET EQUINOX engine oil

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/12/20
106 Instruments and Controls
PressVwhile this display is active to
toggle Speed Limit sign on or off.
Trip 1 or Trip 2 : Shows the current distance
traveled, in either kilometers (km) or
miles (mi), since the trip odometer was last
reset.
If equipped, shows the average fuel
economy since the last reset. This number
reflects only the approximate average fuel
economy that the vehicle has right now,
and will change as driving conditions
change. The average fuel economy can be
displayed as mpg, km/L, or L/100km where
applicable.
If equipped, shows the average speed since
the last reset. This number reflects only the
approximate average speed that the vehicle
has, and will change as driving conditions
change. Average speed can be displayed
as mph or km/h where applicable.
Press
Vwhile this display is active to show
a confirmation window to reset all values to
zero. Use
oorpto select yes or no and
press
V.
Fuel Information or Fuel Range : Shows the
approximate distance the vehicle can be
driven without refueling. LOW will be displayed when the vehicle is low on fuel.
The fuel range estimate is based on an
average of the vehicle's fuel economy over
recent driving history and the amount of
fuel remaining in the fuel tank. If equipped,
may also show the instantaneous fuel
economy.
Oil Life :
Shows an estimate of the oil's
remaining useful life. If REMAINING OIL
LIFE 99% is displayed, that means 99% of
the current oil life remains.
When the remaining oil life is low, the
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message will
appear on the display. The oil should be
changed as soon as possible. See Engine Oil
0 255. In addition to the engine oil life
system monitoring the oil life, additional
maintenance is recommended in the
Maintenance Schedule. See Maintenance
Schedule 0323.
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, see Engine Oil Life
System 0257. 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
0 286 and
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation 0286.
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

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 201
the engine and transmission gently until
the oil warms up and lubricates all
moving parts.
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 Tachometer090. When
the brake pedal is released or the
accelerator pedal is pressed, the engine will
restart. To maintain vehicle performance, other
conditions may cause the engine to
automatically restart before the brake pedal
is released.
Auto Stops may not occur and/or auto
restarts may occur because:
.The climate control settings require the
engine to be running to cool or heat the
vehicle interior.
.The vehicle battery charge is low.
.The vehicle battery has recently been
disconnected.
.Minimum vehicle speed has not been
reached since the last Auto Stop
.The accelerator pedal is pressed.
.The engine or transmission is not at the
required operating temperature.
.The outside temperature is not in the
required operating range.
.The vehicle is in any gear other than
D (Drive).
.Tow/Haul Mode or other driver modes
have been selected.
.The vehicle is on a steep hill or grade.
.The driver door has been opened or driver
seat belt has been unbuckled.
.The hood has been opened.
.The Auto Stop has reached the maximum
allowed time.
Winter Cover
If equipped, the winter cover can be used to
enhance heater performance in extremely
cold conditions below
−0 °C (32 °F). The
winter cover installs over the grille and
restricts airflow to the engine compartment.
Usage Guidelines
The winter cover should only be used while
operating the vehicle in extremely cold
temperatures or in heavy snow for extended
periods. In these temperatures, the vehicle
does not need a large amount of air to
properly cool the engine. When more
airflow is required to cool the vehicle, the
winter cover should not be used. The
following usage guidelines will allow
adequate airflow for proper radiator and air
cooler performance:
.Do not use the winter cover if towing a
trailer. The vehicle may overheat if the
radiator is covered while towing.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/12/20
240 Driving and Operating
Fuels in Foreign Countries
The U.S., Canada, and Mexico post fuel
octane ratings in anti-knock index (AKI). For
fuel not to use in a foreign country, see
Prohibited Fuels0239.
Fuel Additives
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.
Filling the Tank
An arrow on the fuel gauge indicates which
side of the vehicle the fuel door is on. See
Fuel Gauge 090.
{Warning
Fuel vapors and fuel fires burn violently
and can cause injury or death.
Follow these guidelines to help avoid
injuries to you and others:
.Read and follow all the instructions on
the fuel pump island.
.Turn off the engine when refueling.
.Keep sparks, flames, and smoking
materials away from fuel.
.Do not leave the fuel pump
unattended.
.Avoid using electronic devices while
refueling.
.Do not re-enter the vehicle while
pumping fuel.
.Keep children away from the fuel
pump and never let children
pump fuel.
.Before touching the fill nozzle, touch a
metallic object to discharge static
electricity from your body.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Fuel can spray out if the fill nozzle is
inserted too quickly. This spray can
happen if the tank is nearly full, and is
more likely in hot weather. Insert the
fill nozzle slowly and wait for any hiss
noise to stop before beginning to
flow fuel.
To open the fuel door, push and release the
rearward center edge of the door.
The capless refueling system does not have
a fuel cap. Fully insert and latch the fill
nozzle, begin fueling.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/12/20
242 Driving and Operating
Trailer Towing
General Towing Information
Only use towing equipment that has been
designed for the vehicle. Contact your dealer
or trailering dealer for assistance with
preparing the vehicle to tow a trailer. Read
the entire section before towing a trailer.
To tow a disabled vehicle, seeTowing the
Vehicle 0310. To tow the vehicle behind
another vehicle such as a motor home, see
Recreational Vehicle Towing 0312.
Driving Characteristics and
Towing Tips
{Warning
You can lose control when towing a
trailer if the correct equipment is not
used or the vehicle is not driven properly.
For example, if the trailer is too heavy or
the trailer brakes are inadequate for the
load, the vehicle may not stop as
expected. You and others could be
seriously injured. The vehicle may also be
damaged, and the repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Pull a
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
trailer only if all the steps in this section
have been followed. Ask your dealer for
advice and information about towing a
trailer with the vehicle.
Driving with a Trailer
Trailering is different than just driving the
vehicle by itself. Trailering means changes in
handling, acceleration, braking, durability,
and fuel economy. Successful, safe trailering
takes correct equipment, and it has to be
used properly.
The following information has many
time-tested, important trailering tips and
safety rules. Many of these are important
for your safety and that of your passengers.
Read this section carefully before pulling a
trailer.
When towing a trailer:
.Become familiar with and follow all state
and local laws that apply to trailer
towing. These requirements vary from
state to state.
.State laws may require the use of
extended side view mirrors. Even if not
required, you should install extended side
view mirrors if your visibility is limited or
restricted while towing.
.Do not tow a trailer during the first
800 km (500 mi) of vehicle use to prevent
damage to the engine, axle, or other
parts.
.It is recommended to perform the first oil
change before heavy towing.
.During the first 800 km (500 mi) of trailer
towing, do not drive over 80 km/h
(50 mph) and do not make starts at full
throttle.
.Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). If the
transmission downshifts too often, a
lower gear may be selected using Manual
Mode SeeManual Mode 0208.
If equipped, the following driver assistance
features should be turned off when towing
a trailer:
.Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
.Super Cruise Control
.Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
.Park Assist
.Automatic Parking Assist (APA)
.Reverse Automatic Braking (RAB)

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 - 11/12/20
Driving and Operating 245
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
The vehicle needs service more often when
used to tow trailers. SeeMaintenance
Schedule 0323. It is especially important to
check the automatic transmission fluid,
engine oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling
system, and brake system before and during
each trip.
Check periodically that all nuts and bolts on
the trailer hitch are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
The cooling system may temporarily
overheat during severe operating conditions.
See Engine Overheating 0262.
Trailer Towing
Caution
Towing a trailer improperly can damage
the vehicle and result in costly repairs
not covered by the vehicle warranty. To
tow a trailer correctly, follow the
directions in this section and see your
dealer for important information about
towing a trailer with the vehicle.
Trailer Weight
{Warning
Never exceed the towing capacity for
your vehicle.
Safe trailering requires monitoring the
weight, speed, altitude, road grades, outside
temperature, dimensions of the front of the
trailer, and how frequently the vehicle is
used to tow a trailer.
Trailer Weight Ratings
When towing a trailer, the combined weight
of the vehicle, vehicle contents, trailer, and
trailer contents must be below all of the
maximum weight ratings for the vehicle,
including:
.GCWR: Gross Combined Weight Rating
.GVWR: Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
.Maximum Trailer Weight Rating
.Maximum Trailer Tongue Weight Rating
See “Trailer Brakes” underTowing
Equipment 0247 to determine if brakes are
required based on your trailer's weight. The only way to be sure the weight is not
exceeding any of these ratings is to weigh
the tow vehicle and trailer combination,
fully loaded for the trip, getting individual
weights for each of these items.
{Warning
You and others could be seriously injured
or killed if the trailer is too heavy or the
trailer brakes are inadequate for the load.
The vehicle may be damaged, and the
repairs would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Only tow a trailer if all the steps in this
section have been followed. Ask your
dealer for advice and information about
towing a trailer.
Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
GCWR is the total allowable weight of the
completely loaded vehicle and trailer
including any fuel, passengers, cargo,
equipment, and accessories. Do not exceed
the GCWR for your vehicle. The GCWR for
the vehicle is on the Tow Rating Chart
following.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/10/20
250 Vehicle Care
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
California Proposition 65 Warning . . . . . 251
California Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . 252
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . . 252
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . 254
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . 258
Engine Air Filter Life System . . . . . . . . . . 258
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266 All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock
Control Function Check (If
Equipped) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Front Turn Signal and Fog Lamps . . . . . . 271
Taillamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . 274
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . 276
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . 278
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Tire Terminology and Definitions . . . . . . 283
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . 286
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . 286
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . 291
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . 293
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . 293
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . 294
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294