Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/10/20
318 Vehicle Care
Inspect power steering for proper
attachment, connections, binding, leaks,
cracks, chafing, etc.
Visually check constant velocity joint boots
and axle seals for leaks.
Body Component Lubrication
Lubricate all key lock cylinders, hood hinges,
liftgate hinges, steel fuel door hinges, and
power assist step hinges, unless the
components are plastic. Applying silicone
grease on weatherstrips with a clean cloth
will make them last longer, seal better, and
not stick or squeak.
Underbody Maintenance
At least twice a year, spring and fall, use
plain water to flush any corrosive materials
from the underbody. Take care to
thoroughly clean any areas where mud and
other debris can collect.
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 fluid. Contaminated
fluid will decrease the life of the transfer
case and/or axles and should be replaced.
Sheet Metal Damage
If the vehicle is damaged and requires sheet
metal repair or replacement, make sure the
body repair shop applies anti-corrosion
material to parts repaired or replaced to
restore corrosion protection.
Original manufacturer replacement parts will
provide the corrosion protection while
maintaining the vehicle warranty.
Finish Damage
Quickly repair minor chips and scratches
with touch-up materials available from your
dealer to avoid corrosion. Larger areas of
finish damage can be corrected in your
dealer's body and paint shop.
Chemical Paint Spotting
Airborne pollutants can fall upon and attack
painted vehicle surfaces causing blotchy,
ring-shaped discolorations, and small,
irregular dark spots etched into the paint
surface. See“Finish Care” previously in this
section.
Interior Care
To prevent dirt particle abrasions, regularly
clean the vehicle's interior. Immediately
remove any soils. Newspapers or dark
garments can transfer color to the vehicle’s
interior.
Use a soft bristle brush to remove dust from
knobs and crevices on the instrument
cluster. Using a mild soap solution,
immediately remove hand lotions,
sunscreen, and insect repellent from all
interior surfaces or permanent damage may
result.
Use cleaners specifically designed for the
surfaces being cleaned to prevent
permanent damage. Apply all cleaners
directly to the cleaning cloth. Do not spray
cleaners on any switches or controls.
Remove cleaners quickly.
Before using cleaners, read and follow all
safety instructions on the label. While
cleaning the interior, open the doors and
windows to get proper ventilation.
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/10/20
Vehicle Care 319
To prevent damage, do not clean the
interior using the following cleaners or
techniques:
.Never use a razor or any other sharp
object to remove soil from any interior
surface.
.Never use a brush with stiff bristles.
.Never rub any surface aggressively or
with too much pressure.
.Do not use laundry detergents or
dishwashing soaps with degreasers. For
liquid cleaners, use approximately
20 drops per 3.8 L (1 gal) of water.
A concentrated soap solution will create
streaks and attract dirt. Do not use
solutions that contain strong or
caustic soap.
.Do not heavily saturate the upholstery
when cleaning.
.Do not use solvents or cleaners containing
solvents.
Interior Glass
To clean, use a terry cloth fabric dampened
with water. Wipe droplets left behind with a
clean dry cloth. If necessary, use a
commercial glass cleaner after cleaning with
plain water.
Caution
To prevent scratching, never use abrasive
cleaners on automotive glass. Abrasive
cleaners or aggressive cleaning may
damage the rear window defogger.
Cleaning the windshield with water during
the first three to six months of ownership
will reduce tendency to fog.
Speaker Covers
Vacuum around a speaker cover gently, so
that the speaker will not be damaged. Clean
spots with water and mild soap.
Coated Moldings
Coated moldings should be cleaned.
.When lightly soiled, wipe with a sponge
or soft, lint-free cloth dampened with
water.
.When heavily soiled, use warm soapy
water.
Fabric/Carpet/Suede
Start by vacuuming the surface using a soft
brush attachment. If a rotating vacuum
brush attachment is being used, only use it on the floor carpet. Before cleaning, gently
remove as much of the soil as possible:
.Gently blot liquids with a paper towel.
Continue blotting until no more soil can
be removed.
.For solid soils, remove as much as
possible prior to vacuuming.
To clean: 1. Saturate a clean, lint-free colorfast cloth with water. Microfiber cloth is
recommended to prevent lint transfer to
the fabric or carpet.
2. Remove excess moisture by gently wringing until water does not drip from
the cleaning cloth.
3. Start on the outside edge of the soil and gently rub toward the center. Fold the
cleaning cloth to a clean area frequently
to prevent forcing the soil in to the
fabric.
4. Continue gently rubbing the soiled area until there is no longer any color
transfer from the soil to the cleaning
cloth.
5. If the soil is not completely removed, use a mild soap solution followed only
by plain water.
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/10/20
320 Vehicle Care
If the soil is not completely removed, it may
be necessary to use a commercial upholstery
cleaner or spot lifter. Test a small hidden
area for colorfastness before using a
commercial upholstery cleaner or spot lifter.
If ring formation occurs, clean the entire
fabric or carpet.
After cleaning, use a paper towel to blot
excess moisture.
Cleaning High Gloss Surfaces and Vehicle
Information and Radio Displays
Use a microfiber cloth on high gloss surfaces
or vehicle displays. First, use a soft bristle
brush to remove dirt that can scratch the
surface. Then gently clean by rubbing with a
microfiber cloth. Never use window cleaners
or solvents. Periodically hand wash the
microfiber cloth separately, using mild soap.
Do not use bleach or fabric softener. Rinse
thoroughly and air dry before next use.
Caution
Do not attach a device with a suction cup
to the display. This may cause damage
and would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Instrument Panel, Leather, Vinyl, Other
Plastic Surfaces, Low Gloss Paint
Surfaces, and Natural Open Pore Wood
Surfaces
Use a soft microfiber cloth dampened with
water to remove dust and loose dirt. For a
more thorough cleaning, use a soft
microfiber cloth dampened with a mild soap
solution.
Caution
Soaking or saturating leather, especially
perforated leather, as well as other
interior surfaces, may cause permanent
damage. Wipe excess moisture from
these surfaces after cleaning and allow
them to dry naturally. Never use heat,
steam, or spot removers. Do not use
cleaners that contain silicone or
wax-based products. Cleaners containing
these solvents can permanently change
the appearance and feel of leather or soft
trim, and are not recommended.
Do not use cleaners that increase gloss,
especially on the instrument panel. Reflected
glare can decrease visibility through the
windshield under certain conditions.
Caution
Use of air fresheners may cause
permanent damage to plastics and
painted surfaces. If an air freshener
comes in contact with any plastic or
painted surface in the vehicle, blot
immediately and clean with a soft cloth
dampened with a mild soap solution.
Damage caused by air fresheners would
not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Cargo Cover and Convenience Net
If equipped, wash with warm water and
mild detergent. Do not use chlorine bleach.
Rinse with cold water, and then dry
completely.
Care of Seat Belts
Keep belts clean and dry.
{Warning
Do not bleach or dye seat belt webbing.
It may severely weaken the webbing. In
a crash, they might not be able to
provide adequate protection. Clean and (Continued)
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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326 Service and Maintenance
Footnotes—Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services - Normal
(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.
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.
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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
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Index 367
Transportation Program, Courtesy . . . . . . . 343
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Turn and Lane-Change Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Universal Remote System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Updates Map Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
USB Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Using the Navigation System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Using the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Using This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
V
Vehicle Alarm System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Canadian Owners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Identification Number (VIN) . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Personalization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Remote Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Vehicle (cont'd)
Speed Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Vehicle Ahead Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Vehicle Care Storing the Tire Sealant andCompressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy . . . . . . 347
Vehicle Positioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Ventilation, Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Voice Recognition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
W
Warning Brake System Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Caution and Danger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Warnings Hazard Flashers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Wheels Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Different Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . 291 Where to Put the Restraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Winter
Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Winter Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Wipers Rear Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Wireless Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83