Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/10/20
Seats and Restraints 39
If equipped, the rear heated seat buttons
are on the rear of the center console. To
operate, the engine must be running.
Press
zto heat the left or right outboard
seat cushion and seatback.
Press
+to heat the left or right outboard
seatback only.
Press the button once for the highest
setting. With each press of the button, the
heated seat will change to the next lower
setting, and then to the off setting. The
lights indicate three for the highest setting
and one for the lowest.
Seat Belts
This section describes how to use seat belts
properly, and some things not to do.
{Warning
Do not let anyone ride where a seat belt
cannot be worn properly. In a crash,
if you or your passenger(s) are not
wearing seat belts, injuries can be much
worse than if you are wearing seat belts.
You can be seriously injured or killed by
hitting things inside the vehicle harder or
by being ejected from the vehicle. In
addition, anyone who is not buckled up
can strike other passengers in the vehicle.
It is extremely dangerous to ride in a
cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle.
In a collision, passengers riding in these
areas are more likely to be seriously
injured or killed. Do not allow passengers
to ride in any area of the vehicle that is
not equipped with seats and seat belts.
Always wear a seat belt, and check that
all passenger(s) are restrained
properly too. This vehicle has indicators as a reminder to
buckle the seat belts. See
Seat Belt
Reminders 092.
Why Seat Belts Work
When riding in a vehicle, you travel as fast
as the vehicle does. If the vehicle stops
suddenly, you keep going until something
stops you. It could be the windshield, the
instrument panel, or the seat belts!
When you wear a seat belt, you and the
vehicle slow down together. There is more
time to stop because you stop over a longer
distance and, when worn properly, your
strongest bones take the forces from the
seat belts. That is why wearing seat belts
makes such good sense.
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Seats and Restraints 51
Warning (Continued)
vehicle should get out as soon as it is
safe to do so. If you have breathing
problems but cannot get out of the
vehicle after an airbag inflates, then get
fresh air by opening a window or a door.
If you experience breathing problems
following an airbag deployment, you
should seek medical attention.
The vehicle has a feature that may
automatically unlock the doors, turn on the
interior lamps and hazard warning flashers,
and shut off the fuel system after the
airbags inflate. The feature may also
activate, without airbag inflation, after an
event that exceeds a predetermined
threshold. After turning the ignition off and
then on again, the fuel system will return to
normal operation; the doors can be locked,
the interior lamps can be turned off, and
the hazard warning flashers can be turned
off using the controls for those features.
If any of these systems are damaged in the
crash they may not operate as normal.
{Warning
A crash severe enough to inflate the
airbags may have also damaged
important functions in the vehicle, such
as the fuel system, brake and steering
systems, etc. Even if the vehicle appears
to be drivable after a moderate crash,
there may be concealed damage that
could make it difficult to safely operate
the vehicle.
Use caution if you should attempt to
restart the engine after a crash has
occurred.
In many crashes severe enough to inflate
the airbag, windshields are broken by
vehicle deformation. Additional windshield
breakage may also occur from the front
outboard passenger airbag.
.Airbags are designed to inflate only once.
After an airbag inflates, you will need
some new parts for the airbag system.
If you do not get them, the airbag
system will not be there to help protect
you in another crash. A new system will
include airbag modules and possibly other
parts. The service manual for the vehicle
covers the need to replace other parts.
.The vehicle has a crash sensing and
diagnostic module which records
information after a crash. See Vehicle
Data Recording and Privacy 0347 and
Event Data Recorders 0348.
.Let only qualified technicians work on the
airbag systems. Improper service can
mean that an airbag system will not work
properly. See your dealer for service.
Passenger Sensing System
The vehicle has a passenger sensing system
for the front outboard passenger position.
The passenger airbag status indicator will
light on the overhead console when the
vehicle is started.
The words ON and OFF, and the symbols for
on and off, will be visible during the system
check. When the system check is complete,
either the word ON or OFF, and the symbol
for on or off, will be visible. See Passenger
Airbag Status Indicator 093.
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/10/20
Seats and Restraints 55
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle
Airbags affect how the vehicle should be
serviced. There are parts of the airbag
system in several places around the vehicle.
Your dealer and the service manual have
information about servicing the vehicle and
the airbag system. To purchase a service
manual, seePublication Ordering
Information 0345.
{Warning
For up to 10 seconds after the vehicle is
turned off and the battery is
disconnected, an airbag can still inflate
during improper service. You can be
injured if you are close to an airbag
when it inflates. Avoid yellow connectors.
They are probably part of the airbag
system. Be sure to follow proper service
procedures, and make sure the person
performing work for you is qualified to
do so.
Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Adding accessories that change the vehicle's
frame, bumper system, height, front end,
or side sheet metal may keep the airbag
system from working properly.
The operation of the airbag system can also
be affected by changing, including
improperly repairing or replacing, any parts
of the following:
.Airbag system, including airbag modules,
front or side impact sensors, sensing and
diagnostic module, or airbag wiring
.Front seats, including stitching, seams or
zippers
.Seat belts
.Steering wheel, instrument panel,
overhead console, ceiling trim, or pillar
garnish trim
.Inner door seals, including speakers
Your dealer and the service manual have
information about the location of the airbag
modules and sensors, sensing and diagnostic
module, and airbag wiring along with the
proper replacement procedures. In addition, the vehicle has a passenger
sensing system for the front outboard
passenger position, which includes sensors
that are part of the passenger seat. The
passenger sensing system may not operate
properly if the original seat trim is replaced
with non-GM covers, upholstery, or trim; or
with GM covers, upholstery, or trim
designed for a different vehicle. Any object,
such as an aftermarket seat heater or a
comfort-enhancing pad or device, installed
under or on top of the seat fabric, could
also interfere with the operation of the
passenger sensing system. This could either
prevent proper deployment of the passenger
airbag(s) or prevent the passenger sensing
system from properly turning off the
passenger airbag(s). See
Passenger Sensing
System 051.
If the vehicle has rollover roof-rail airbags,
see Different Size Tires and Wheels 0293 for
additional important information.
If the vehicle must be modified because you
have a disability and have questions about
whether the modifications will affect the
vehicle's airbag system, or if you have
questions about whether the airbag system
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/10/20
74 Storage
Storage
Storage Compartments
Storage Compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Cupholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Sunglasses Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Center Console Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Additional Storage Features
Rear Compartment/Storage PanelCover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Cargo Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Cargo Tie-Downs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Convenience Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Roof Rack System
Roof Rack System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Storage Compartments
{
Warning
Do not store heavy or sharp objects in
storage compartments. In a crash, these
objects may cause the cover to open and
could result in injury.
Glove Box
Open the glove box by lifting up on the
lever.
Cupholders
Two cupholders are in the center console.
Cupholders may be located in the second
row seat armrest. To access, pull the
armrest down.
Sunglasses Storage
If equipped, sunglasses storage is on the
overhead console. Press the fixed button on
the cover and release to access.
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Storage 75
Center Console Storage
There is storage in the center console; lift
the lever on the front to open.
If equipped, there are two USB ports for
data and charging.
Additional Storage Features
Rear Compartment/Storage Panel
Cover
There may be a storage area under the load
floor.
Lift the load floor and fold it forward to
access the storage area.
After storing items, make sure to properly
secure the load floor.
Cargo Cover
{Warning
An unsecured cargo cover could strike
people in a sudden stop or turn, or in a
crash. Store the cargo cover securely or
remove it from the vehicle.
{Warning
Do not place objects on the cargo cover.
Sudden stops or turns can cause objects
to be thrown in the vehicle. You or
others could be injured.
If equipped, use the cargo cover to cover
items in the rear of the vehicle.
To remove the cover from the vehicle, pull
both ends toward each other.
To store the cargo cover:
1. Press the buttons on both ends until locked.
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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82 Instruments and Controls
There are power outlets:
.On the center stack below the climate
control system.
.In the rear cargo area.
To use the outlet, remove the cover.
Caution
Leaving electrical equipment plugged in
for an extended period of time while the
vehicle is off will drain the battery.
Always unplug electrical equipment when
not in use and do not plug in equipment
that exceeds the maximum 20 amp
rating.
{Warning
Power is always supplied to the rear
cargo power outlet. Do not leave
electrical equipment plugged in when the
vehicle is not in use because the vehicle
could catch fire and cause injury or
death. Certain accessory plugs may not be
compatible with the accessory power outlet
and could overload vehicle and adapter
fuses. If a problem is experienced, see your
dealer.
When adding electrical equipment, be sure
to follow the proper installation instructions
included with the equipment. See
Add-On
Electrical Equipment 0249.
Caution
Hanging heavy equipment from the
power outlet can cause damage not
covered by the vehicle warranty. The
power outlets are designed for accessory
power plugs only, such as cell phone
charge cords.
Power Outlet 110/120 Volt Alternating
Current
If equipped, this power outlet can be used
to plug in electrical equipment that uses a
maximum limit of 150 watts.
The power outlet is on the rear of the
center console.
An indicator light on the outlet turns on to
show it is in use. The light comes on when
the ignition is on and equipment requiring
less than 150 watts is plugged into the
outlet, and no system fault is detected.
The indicator light does not come on when
the ignition is off or if the equipment is not
fully seated into the outlet.
If equipment is connected using more than
150 watts or a system fault is detected, a
protection circuit shuts off the power supply
and the indicator light turns off. To reset
the circuit, unplug the item and plug it back
in or turn the Retained Accessory Power
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Instruments and Controls 93
If there is a problem with the airbag
system, a Driver Information Center (DIC)
message may also come on.
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
The vehicle has a passenger sensing system.
SeePassenger Sensing System 051 for
important safety information. The overhead
console has a passenger airbag status
indicator.
When the vehicle is started, the passenger
airbag status indicator will light ON and OFF,
and the symbols for on and off, for several
seconds as a system check. Then, after
several more seconds, the status indicator
will light either ON or OFF, and either the
on or off symbol, to let you know the
status of the front outboard passenger
frontal airbag. If the word ON, and the on symbol, are lit
on the passenger airbag status indicator, it
means that the front outboard passenger
frontal airbag is allowed to inflate.
If the word OFF, and the off symbol, are lit
on the passenger airbag status indicator, it
means that the passenger sensing system
has turned off the front outboard passenger
frontal airbag.
If, after several seconds, both status
indicator lights remain on, or if there are no
lights at all, there may be a problem with
the lights or the passenger sensing system.
See your dealer for service.
{Warning
If the airbag readiness light ever comes
on and stays on, it means that
something may be wrong with the airbag
system. To help avoid injury to yourself
or others, have the vehicle serviced right
away. See
Airbag Readiness Light 092
for more information, including important
safety information.
Charging System Light
The charging system light comes on briefly
when the ignition is turned on, but the
engine is not running, as a check to show
the light is working. It should go out when
the engine is started.
If the light stays on, or comes on while
driving, there may be a problem with the
electrical charging system. Have it checked
by your dealer. Driving while this light is on
could drain the battery.
When this light comes on, or is flashing, the
Driver Information Center (DIC) also displays
a message.
If a short distance must be driven with the
light on, be sure to turn off all accessories,
such as the radio and air conditioner. Find a
safe place to stop the vehicle.
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Instruments and Controls 109
4. Touch9orRto turn a feature off or on.
5. Touch
zto go to the top level of the
Settings menu.
The menu may contain the following:
Rear Seat Reminder
This allows for a chime and a message when
the rear door has been opened before or
during operation of the vehicle.
Touch Off or On.
Climate and Air Quality
Touch and the following may display:
.Auto Fan Speed
.Air Quality Sensor
.Auto Cooled Seats
.Auto Heated Seats
.Auto Defog
.Auto Rear Defog
Auto Fan Speed
This setting specifies the amount of airflow
when the climate control fan setting is
Auto Fan.
Touch Low, Medium, or High. Air Quality Sensor
This setting switches the system into
Recirculation Mode based on the quality of
the outside air.
Touch Off, Low Sensitivity, or High
Sensitivity.
Auto Cooled Seats
When enabled, this feature will
automatically activate ventilated seats at
the level required by the interior
temperature. See
Heated and Ventilated
Front Seats 035.
Touch Off or On.
Auto Heated Seats
When enabled, this feature will
automatically activate the heated seats at
the level required by the interior
temperature. The auto heated seats can be
turned off by using the heated seat buttons
on the center console. See Heated and
Ventilated Front Seats 035.
Touch Off or On.
Auto Defog
This setting automatically turns the front
defogger on when the engine is started.
Touch Off or On. Auto Rear Defog
This setting automatically turns the rear
defogger on when the engine is started.
Touch Off or On.
Collision/Detection Systems
Touch and the following may display:
.Alert Type
.Forward Collision System
.Front Pedestrian Detection
.Adaptive Cruise Go Notifier
.Lane Change Alert
.Park Assist
.Rear Camera Park Assist Symbols
.Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Alert Type
This feature will set the type of alert
received from the driver assistance systems
to help avoid crashes, either Beeps or Safety
Alert Seat vibration pulses.
Touch Beeps or Safety Alert Seat.
Forward Collision System
This setting can alert of a potential crash
with a detected vehicle ahead and can apply
brakes to help reduce a collision’s severity.