
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/10/20
328 Service and Maintenance
Footnotes—Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services - Severe
(1) Or every two years, whichever comes
first. More frequent passenger compartment
air filter replacement may be needed if
driving in areas with heavy traffic, poor air
quality, high dust levels, or environmental
allergens. Passenger compartment air filter
replacement may also be needed if there is
reduced airflow, window fogging, or odors.
Your GM dealer can help determine when to
replace the filter.
(2) Visually check all fuel and vapor lines
and hoses for proper attachment,
connection, routing, and condition.
(3) Or every four years, whichever comes
first. If driving in dusty conditions, inspect
the filter at each oil change or more often
as needed. See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
0 258.
(4) Do not directly power wash the transfer
case and/or front/rear axle output seals.
High pressure water can overcome the seals
and contaminate the transfer case fluid.
Contaminated fluid will decrease the life of
the transfer case and/or axles and should be
replaced. (5)
Or every five years, whichever comes
first. See Cooling System 0260.
(6) Or every 10 years, whichever comes first.
Inspect for fraying, excessive cracking,
or damage; replace, if needed.
(7) Replace brake fluid every five years. See
Brake Fluid 0265.
(8) Or every 12 months, whichever comes
first. See Wiper Blade Replacement 0267.
(9) Or every 10 years, whichever comes first.
See Gas Strut(s) 0269.
(10) Replace air conditioning desiccant every
seven years.
Special Application Services
.Severe Commercial Use Vehicles Only:
Lubricate chassis components every oil
change.
.Have underbody flushing service
performed. See "Underbody Maintenance"
in Exterior Care 0314.
Additional Maintenance
and Care
Your vehicle is an important investment and
caring for it properly may help to avoid
future costly repairs. To maintain vehicle
performance, additional maintenance
services may be required.
It is recommended that your dealer perform
these services —their trained dealer
technicians know your vehicle best. Your
dealer can also perform a thorough
assessment with a multi-point inspection to
recommend when your vehicle may need
attention.
The following list is intended to explain the
services and conditions to look for that may
indicate services are required.
Battery
The 12-volt battery supplies power to start
the engine and operate any additional
electrical accessories.
.To avoid break-down or failure to start
the vehicle, maintain a battery with full
cranking power.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/10/20
Service and Maintenance 329
.Trained dealer technicians have the
diagnostic equipment to test the battery
and ensure that the connections and
cables are corrosion-free.
Belts
.Belts may need replacing if they squeak
or show signs of cracking or splitting.
.Trained dealer technicians have access to
tools and equipment to inspect the belts
and recommend adjustment or
replacement when necessary.
Brakes
Brakes stop the vehicle and are crucial to
safe driving.
.Signs of brake wear may include chirping,
grinding, or squealing noises, or difficulty
stopping.
.Trained dealer technicians have access to
tools and equipment to inspect the brakes
and recommend quality parts engineered
for the vehicle.
Fluids
Proper fluid levels and approved fluids
protect the vehicle’s systems and
components. See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0331 for GM approved fluids.
.Engine oil and windshield washer fluid
levels should be checked at every fuel fill.
.Instrument cluster lights may come on to
indicate that fluids may be low and need
to be filled.
Hoses
Hoses transport fluids and should be
regularly inspected to ensure that there are
no cracks or leaks. With a multi-point
inspection, your dealer can inspect the hoses
and advise if replacement is needed.
Lamps
Properly working headlamps, taillamps, and
brake lamps are important to see and be
seen on the road.
.Signs that the headlamps need attention
include dimming, failure to light, cracking,
or damage. The brake lamps need to be
checked periodically to ensure that they
light when braking.
.With a multi-point inspection, your dealer
can check the lamps and note any
concerns.
Shocks and Struts
Shocks and struts help aid in control for a
smoother ride.
.Signs of wear may include steering wheel
vibration, bounce/sway while braking,
longer stopping distance, or uneven
tire wear.
.As part of the multi-point inspection,
trained dealer technicians can visually
inspect the shocks and struts for signs of
leaking, blown seals, or damage, and can
advise when service is needed.
Tires
Tires need to be properly inflated, rotated,
and balanced. Maintaining the tires can save
money and fuel, and can reduce the risk of
tire failure.
.Signs that the tires need to be replaced
include three or more visible treadwear
indicators; cord or fabric showing through
the rubber; cracks or cuts in the tread or
sidewall; or a bulge or split in the tire.
.Trained dealer technicians can inspect and
recommend the right tires. Your dealer
can also provide tire/wheel balancing
services to ensure smooth vehicle
operation at all speeds. Your dealer sells
and services name brand tires.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/10/20
342 Customer Information
Services Provided
.Emergency Fuel Delivery:Delivery of
enough fuel for the vehicle to get to the
nearest service station.
.Lock-Out Service: Service to unlock the
vehicle if you are locked out. A remote
unlock may be available if you have
OnStar. For security reasons, the driver
must present identification before this
service is given.
.Emergency Tow from a Public Road or
Highway: Tow to the nearest Chevrolet
dealer for warranty service, or if the
vehicle was in a crash and cannot be
driven. Assistance is not given when the
vehicle is stuck in the sand, mud,
or snow.
.Flat Tire Change: Service to change a flat
tire with the spare tire. The spare tire,
if equipped, must be in good condition
and properly inflated. It is the owner's
responsibility for the repair or
replacement of the tire if it is not covered
by the warranty.
.Battery Jump Start: Service to jump start
a dead battery.
.Trip Interruption Benefits and Assistance:
If your trip is interrupted due to a
warranty event, incidental expenses may be reimbursed within the Powertrain
warranty period. Items considered are
reasonable and customary hotel, meals,
rental car, or a vehicle being delivered
back to the customer, up to 500 miles.
Services Not Included in Roadside
Assistance
.Impound towing caused by violation of
any laws
.Legal fines
.Mounting, dismounting, or changing of
snow tires, chains, or other traction
devices
Service is not provided if a vehicle is in an
area that is not accessible to the service
vehicle or is not a regularly traveled or
maintained public road, which includes ice
and winter roads. Off-road use is not
covered.
Services Specific to Canadian-Purchased
Vehicles
.Fuel Delivery: Reimbursement is up to
7 liters. Propane and other fuels are not
provided through this service.
.Lock-Out Service: Vehicle registration is
required.
.Trip Interruption Benefits and Assistance:
Must be over 150 km from where your
trip was started to qualify.
Pre-authorization, original detailed
receipts, and a copy of the repair orders
are required. Once authorization has been
received, the Roadside Assistance advisor
will help to make arrangements and
explain how to receive payment.
.Alternative Service: If assistance cannot
be provided right away, the Roadside
Assistance advisor may give permission to
get local emergency road service. You will
receive payment, up to $100, after
sending the original receipt to Roadside
Assistance. Mechanical failures may be
covered, however any cost for parts and
labor for repairs not covered by the
warranty are the owner responsibility.
Scheduling Service Appointments
When the vehicle requires warranty service,
contact your dealer and request an
appointment. By scheduling a service
appointment and advising the service
consultant of your transportation needs,
your dealer can help minimize your
inconvenience.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/10/20
358 Index
Auto StopStop/Start System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Automatic Dimming Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Emergency Braking (AEB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Automatic Transmission Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Shift Lock Control Function Check . . . . . . 267
Avoiding Untrusted Media Devices . . . . . . . . 132
B
Battery Exterior Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . 122
Load Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Power Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . 266, 308
Blade Replacement, Wiper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Bluetooth Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154, 155
Bluetooth Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Brake Parking, Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264 Brakes (cont'd)
Antilock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .187 Automatic Emergency (AEB) . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Braking System
Front Pedestrian (FPB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Break-In, New Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Bulb Replacement Front Turn Signal and Fog Lamps . . . . . . . 271
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
High Intensity Discharge (HID)Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
License Plate Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Taillamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
C
Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . 251
California Proposition 65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251, 266, 308,
Back Cover
Canadian Vehicle Owners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Capacities and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335
Carbon Monoxide
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Cargo Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Tie-Downs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Caution, Danger, and Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Center Console Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75
Chains, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Charging Wireless . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator) . . . . 94
Child Restraints Infants and Young Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Lower Anchors and Tethers forChildren . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Securing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69, 70
Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Cleaning Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/10/20
364 Index
Passenger Sensing System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Pedestrian Ahead Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Perchlorate Materials Requirements,California . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Personalization Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Phone
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto . . . . . . . 158
Bluetooth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154, 155
Port USB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Positioning Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Power Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Protection, Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Retained Accessory (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Privacy Vehicle Data Recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
Problems with Route Guidance . . . . . . . . . . 148
Program
Courtesy Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239 Proposition 65 Warning,
California . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251, 266, 308,
Back Cover
Publication Ordering Information . . . . . . . . 345
R
Radio HD Radio Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Radio Data System (RDS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Radio Frequency Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
Radio Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Radios AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Satellite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Reading Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Rear Compartment/Storage Panel Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Heated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Rear Vision Camera (RVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Rear Window Washer/Wiper . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Automatic Dimming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Recognition Voice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Recommended Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239 Recommended Fluids and Lubricants . . . . . . 331
Records
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
Reimbursement Program, GM Mobility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .341
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System . . . . . . . .7
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Replacement Parts
Airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332
Replacing Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Replacing LATCH System Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Replacing Seat Belt System Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Reporting Safety Defects Canadian Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
General Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
U.S. Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
Restraints
Where to Put . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . 204
Reverse Tilt Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Roads Driving, Wet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Roadside Assistance Program . . . . . . . . . . . . .341