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
204 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
.While in use, do not let the heater
cord touch vehicle parts or sharp
edges. Never close the hood on the
heater cord.
.Before starting the vehicle, unplug the
cord, reattach the cover to the plug,
and securely fasten the cord. Keep the
cord away from any moving parts.
The length of time the heater should remain
plugged in depends on several factors. Ask a
dealer in the area where you will be parking
the vehicle for the best advice on this.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
When the ignition is turned from on to off,
the following features (if equipped) will
continue to function for up to 10 minutes,
or until the driver door is opened. These
features will also work when the ignition is
in RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY:
.Infotainment System
.Power Windows (during RAP this
functionality will be lost when any door
is opened)
.Sunroof (during RAP this functionality will
be lost when any door is opened)
.Auxiliary Power Outlet
.Audio System
.OnStar System
Shifting Into Park
{Warning
It can be dangerous to get out of the
vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in
P (Park) with the parking brake firmly set.
The vehicle can roll. If you have left the
engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured.
To be sure the vehicle will not move,
even when you are on fairly level ground,
use the steps that follow. If you are
pulling a trailer, see Driving
Characteristics and Towing Tips 0242.
To shift into P (Park): 1. Hold the brake pedal down and set the parking brake. See Electric Parking Brake
0 210 for more information.
2. Hold the button on the shift lever and push the lever toward the front of the
vehicle into P (Park).
3. Turn the ignition off.
Leaving the Vehicle with the Engine
Running
{Warning
It can be dangerous to leave the vehicle
with the engine running. It could
overheat and catch fire.
It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle
if the shift lever is not fully in P (Park)
with the parking brake firmly set. The
vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the engine
is running. If you have left the engine
running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be
sure the vehicle will not move, even
when you are on fairly level ground,
always set the parking brake and move
the shift lever to P (Park). See Shifting
Into Park 0204. If you are towing a
trailer, see Driving Characteristics and
Towing Tips 0242.
If you have to leave the vehicle with the
engine running, the vehicle must be in
P (Park) and the parking brake set.
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/12/20
Driving and Operating 225
droplets from rain or snow that remain on
the windshield may also limit ACC’s ability
to detect objects.
Lighting Conditions Affecting ACC
The ACC front camera can be affected by
poor lighting conditions, and ACC may have
limited performance when:
.There are changes in brightness, such as
entering and exiting tunnels, bridges, and
overpasses.
.Low sun angles cause the camera to not
detect objects, or it is more difficult to
detect objects in the same traffic lane.
.Lighting is poor in the evening or early
morning
.There are multiple changes in brightness
or shadows along the vehicle roadway.
.In a tunnel without the headlamps on,
or in a tunnel when there is a vehicle in
front that does not have its taillamps on.
.Subjected to strong light from opposing
lane traffic in the front of the vehicle,
such as high-beam headlamps from
oncoming traffic.Accessory Installations and Vehicle
Modifications
Do not install or place any object around
the front camera windshield area that would
obstruct the front camera view.
Do not install objects on top of the vehicle
that overhang and obstruct the front
camera, such as a canoe, kayak, or other
items that can be transported on a roof rack
system. See
Roof Rack System 076.
Do not modify the hood, headlamps, or fog
lamps, as this may limit the camera’s ability
to detect an object.
Cleaning the Sensing System
The camera sensor on the windshield behind
the rearview mirror can become blocked by
snow, ice, dirt, mud, or debris. This area
needs to be cleaned for ACC to operate
properly.
The vehicle headlamps may need to be
cleaned due to dirt, snow, or ice. Objects
that are not illuminated correctly may be
difficult to detect. If ACC will not operate, regular cruise control
may be available. See
“Switching Between
ACC and Regular Cruise Control” in this
section. Always consider driving conditions
before using either cruise control system.
For cleaning instructions, see “Washing the
Vehicle” underExterior Care 0314.
Driver Assistance Systems
This vehicle may have features that work
together to help avoid crashes or reduce
crash damage while driving, backing, and
parking. Read this entire section before
using these systems.
{Warning
Do not rely on the Driver Assistance
Systems. These systems do not replace
the need for paying attention and driving
safely. You may not hear or feel alerts or
warnings provided by these systems.
Failure to use proper care when driving
may result in injury, death, or vehicle
damage. See Defensive Driving 0186.
(Continued)
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/10/20
Vehicle Care 279
FusesUsage
F3 Trailer auxiliary power
F4 Power seat co-driver F5 Memory seat module
F6 Sunroof F7 Side blind zone alert
F8 Trailer reverse lamps
F9 Rear heated seat 1
F10 Park lamps F11 Rear heated seat 2
F12 –
F13 Trailer parking lamp
F14 Right trailer stoplamp/ Turn signal lamp
F15 Left parking lamp
F16 Right parking lamp F17 Video processing module
F18 Left trailer stoplamp/ Turn signal lamp
F19 All-wheel drive
F20 Lumbar Fuses
Usage
F21 Rear auxiliary power outlet
F22 Rear drive unit
Relays Usage
K1 Right trailer stoplamp/ Turn signal lamp
K2 Trailer reverse lamps
K3 Left trailer stoplamp/ Turn signal lamp
K4 Park lamps K5 –
Wheels and Tires
Tires
Every new GM vehicle has high-quality
tires made by a leading tire
manufacturer. See the warranty manual
for information regarding the tire
warranty and where to get service. For
additional information refer to the tire
manufacturer.
{Warning
.Poorly maintained and improperly
used tires are dangerous.
.Overloading the tires can cause
overheating as a result of too
much flexing. There could be a
blowout and a serious crash. See
Vehicle Load Limits 0195.
.Underinflated tires pose the same
danger as overloaded tires. The
resulting crash could cause serious
injury. Check all tires frequently to
maintain the recommended
pressure. Tire pressure should be
checked when the tires are cold.
.Overinflated tires are more likely
to be cut, punctured, or broken by
a sudden impact —such as when
hitting a pothole. Keep tires at the
recommended pressure.
.Worn or old tires can cause a
crash. If the tread is badly worn,
replace them.
(Continued)
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.
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/10/20
Index 365
RoofSunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Roof Rack System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Rotation, Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Routing, Engine Drive Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . . . . 206
S
Safety Defects Reporting Canadian Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
General Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
U.S. Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
Safety Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Safety System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Satellite Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Scheduling Appointments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342
Sealant Kit, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Seat Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
How to Wear Seat Belts Properly . . . . . . . 40
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Replacing after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Use During Pregnancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Seats
Adjustment, Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Seats (cont'd)
Heated and Ventilated Front . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Heated, Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Lumbar Adjustment, Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Power Adjustment, Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Securing Child Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69, 70
Security Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Vehicle Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .183 Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . 252
Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Doing Your Own Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Maintenance Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
Maintenance, General Information . . . . . 322
Parts Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
Scheduling Appointments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342
Service Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . . . . 96
Services Special Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328
Servicing System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Servicing the Airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159 Shift Lock Control Function Check,
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Signals, Turn and Lane-Change . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Software Updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Spare Tire Compact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Special Application Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328
Specifications and Capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
StabiliTrak
OFF Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Start Assist, Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Start Vehicle, Remote . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .187 Heated Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Wheel Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Stop/Start System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Storage Areas Cargo Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Center Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/10/20
366 Index
Storage Areas (cont'd)Convenience Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Rear Compartment/Storage Panel
Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Roof Rack System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Sunglasses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Storage Compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Storing the Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Struts Gas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Stuck Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Sunglass Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
System Engine Air Filter Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Global Positioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Infotainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Roof Rack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Systems
Driver Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225T
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Taillamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Teen Driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Text Telephone (TTY) Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340
Theft-Deterrent Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279 All-Season . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Compact Spare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Different Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Sealant and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Sealant and Compressor Kit,
Storing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Terminology and Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . 283 Tires (cont'd)
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . 293
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . 294
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . 291
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Top Tier Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Tow/Haul Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Tow/Haul Mode Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Towing
Driving Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Recreational Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrakLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Trademarks and License Agreements . . . . . 168
Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Transmission
Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Fluid, Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258