Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/10/20
260 Vehicle Care
5. Verify that the wiring harness connectoris fully connected to the sensor on the
air cleaner/filter housing.
6. If equipped, reset the engine air filter life system after replacing the engine air
filter. See Engine Air Filter Life System
0 258.
{Warning
Operating the engine with the air
cleaner/filter off can cause you or others
to be burned. Use caution when working
on the engine. Do not start the engine or
drive the vehicle with the air cleaner/
filter off, as flames may be present if the
engine backfires.
Caution
If the air cleaner/filter is off, dirt can
easily get into the engine, which could
damage it. Always have the air cleaner/
filter in place when driving.
Cooling System
1. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View)
2. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and
Pressure Cap
{Warning
An underhood electric fan can start up
even when the engine is not running and
can cause injury. Keep hands, clothing,
and tools away from any underhood
electric fan.
If the coolant inside the coolant surge tank
is boiling, do not do anything else until it
cools down. The vehicle should be parked on
a level surface. The coolant level should be at the top rib on
the middle of the tank. If it is not, the
vehicle may have a leak at the radiator
hoses, heater hoses, radiator, water pump,
or somewhere else in the cooling system.
{Warning
Do not touch heater or radiator hoses,
or other engine parts. They can be very
hot and can burn you. Do not run the
engine if there is a leak; all coolant could
leak out. That could cause an engine fire
and can burn you. Fix any leak before
driving the vehicle.
If there seems to be no leak, with the
engine on, check to see if the electric engine
cooling fan is running. If the engine is
overheating, the fan should be running. If it
is not, the vehicle needs service. Turn off
the engine.
Engine Coolant
The engine cooling system in the vehicle is
filled with DEX-COOL engine coolant mixture.
This coolant needs to be checked and
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/10/20
Service and Maintenance 323
Because of the way people use vehicles,
maintenance needs vary. There may need to
be more frequent checks and services. The
Additional Required Services - Normal are for
vehicles that:
.Carry passengers and cargo within
recommended limits on the Tire and
Loading Information label. SeeVehicle
Load Limits 0195.
.Are driven on reasonable road surfaces
within legal driving limits.
.Use the recommended fuel. See
Recommended Fuel (LYX - 1.5L L4 Turbo
Engine) 0239.
Refer to the information in the Maintenance
Schedule Additional Required Services -
Normal chart.
The Additional Required Services - Severe are
for vehicles that are:
.Mainly driven in heavy city traffic in hot
weather.
.Mainly driven in hilly or mountainous
terrain.
.Frequently towing a trailer.
.Used for high speed or competitive
driving.
.Used for taxi, police, or delivery service. Refer to the information in the Maintenance
Schedule Additional Required Services -
Severe chart.
{Warning
Performing maintenance work can be
dangerous and can cause serious injury.
Perform maintenance work only if the
required information, proper tools, and
equipment are available. If they are not,
see your dealer to have a trained
technician do the work. See
Doing Your
Own Service Work 0252.
Maintenance Schedule
Owner Checks and Services
Check the engine oil level. See Engine Oil
0 255.
Once a Month
.Check the tire inflation pressures. See Tire
Pressure 0285.
.Inspect the tires for wear. See Tire
Inspection 0290.
.Check the windshield washer fluid level.
See Washer Fluid 0263.
Engine Oil Change
When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message displays, have the engine oil and
filter changed within the next 1 000 km/
600 mi. If driven under the best conditions,
the engine oil life system may not indicate
the need for vehicle service for up to a year.
The engine oil and filter must be changed at
least once a year and the oil life system
must be reset. Your trained dealer technician
can perform this work. If the engine oil life
system is reset accidentally, service the
vehicle within 5 000 km/3,000 mi since the
last service. Reset the oil life system when
the oil is changed. See Engine Oil Life
System 0257.
Air Conditioning Desiccant (Replace Every
Seven Years)
The air conditioning system requires
maintenance every seven years. This service
requires replacement of the desiccant to
help the longevity and efficient operation of
the air conditioning system. This service can
be complex. See your dealer.
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/10/20
324 Service and Maintenance
Tire Rotation and Required Services
Every 12 000 km/7,500 mi
Rotate the tires, if recommended for the
vehicle, and perform the following services.
SeeTire Rotation 0290.
.Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed, change engine
oil and filter, and reset oil life system.
See Engine Oil 0255 and
Engine Oil Life System 0257.
.If equipped with the engine air filter life
system, check the air filter
life percentage. If necessary, replace the
engine air filter and reset the engine air
filter life system. See Engine Air Filter Life
System 0258. If the vehicle is not
equipped with the engine air filter life
system, inspect the engine air cleaner
filter. See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0258.
.Check engine coolant level. See Cooling
System 0260.
.Check windshield washer fluid level. See
Washer Fluid 0263.
.Check tire inflation pressures. See Tire
Pressure 0285.
.Inspect tire wear. See Tire Inspection
0 290.
.Visually check for fluid leaks.
.Inspect brake system. See Exterior Care
0 314.
.Visually inspect steering, suspension, and
chassis components for damage, including
cracks or tears in the rubber boots, loose
or missing parts, or signs of wear at least
once a year. See Exterior Care0314.
.Inspect power steering for proper
attachment, connections, binding, leaks,
cracks, chafing, etc.
.Visually inspect halfshafts and drive
shafts for excessive wear, lubricant leaks,
and/or damage including: tube dents or
cracks, constant velocity joint or universal
joint looseness, cracked or missing boots,
loose or missing boot clamps, center
bearing excessive looseness, loose or
missing fasteners, and axle seal leaks.
.Check restraint system components. See
Safety System Check 045.
.Visually inspect fuel system for damage
or leaks.
.Visually inspect exhaust system and
nearby heat shields for loose or damaged
parts.
.Lubricate body components. See Exterior
Care 0314.
.Check starter switch. See Starter Switch
Check 0266.
.Check automatic transmission shift lock
control function. See Automatic
Transmission Shift Lock Control Function
Check (If Equipped) 0267.
.Check parking brake and automatic
transmission park mechanism. See Park
Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check
0 267.
.Check accelerator pedal for damage, high
effort, or binding. Replace if needed.
.Visually inspect gas strut for signs of
wear, cracks, or other damage. Check the
hold open ability of the strut. If the hold
open ability is low, service the gas strut.
See Gas Strut(s) 0269.
.Check tire sealant expiration date,
if equipped. See Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit 0297.
.Inspect sunroof track and seal,
if equipped. See Sunroof027.
