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Driving and Operating 211
2. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
3. Press the EPB switch momentarily.
The EPB is released when the red parking
brake status light is off.
If the amber service parking brake warning
light is on, release the EPB by pressing and
holding the EPB switch. Continue to hold the
switch until the red parking brake status
light is off. If either light stays on after
release is attempted, see your dealer.
Caution
Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause
premature wear or damage to brake
system parts. Make sure that the parking
brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
If you are towing a trailer and parking on a
hill, see Driving Characteristics and Towing
Tips 0242.
Automatic EPB Release
The EPB will automatically release if the
vehicle is running, placed into gear, and an
attempt is made to drive away. Avoid rapid
acceleration when the EPB is applied, to
preserve parking brake lining life.
Brake Assist
Brake Assist detects rapid brake pedal
applications due to emergency braking
situations and provides additional braking to
activate the Antilock Brake System (ABS) if
the brake pedal is not pushed hard enough
to activate ABS normally. Minor noise, brake
pedal pulsation, and/or pedal movement
during this time may occur. Continue to
apply the brake pedal as the driving
situation dictates. Brake Assist disengages
when the brake pedal is released.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
{Warning
Do not rely on the HSA feature. HSA does
not replace the need to pay attention
and drive safely. You may not hear or
feel alerts or warnings provided by this
system. Failure to use proper care when
driving may result in injury, death,
or vehicle damage. See Defensive Driving
0 186.
When the vehicle is stopped on a grade, Hill
Start Assist (HSA) prevents the vehicle from
rolling in an unintended direction during the
transition from brake pedal release to accelerator pedal apply. The brakes release
when the accelerator pedal is applied. HSA
brake hold duration may be selectable.
Standard Hold automatically releases the
brakes after a few seconds. Extended Hold
applies the Electric Parking Brake if the
accelerator pedal is not applied within a few
minutes. If hold duration is selectable, see
"Extended Hill Start Assist" in
Vehicle
Personalization 0108. The brakes may also
release under other conditions. Do not rely
on HSA to hold the vehicle.
HSA is available when the vehicle is facing
uphill in a forward gear, or when facing
downhill in R (Reverse). The vehicle must
come to a complete stop on a grade for HSA
to activate.
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control
System Operation
The vehicle has a Traction Control System
(TCS) and StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability
Control (ESC), an electronic stability control

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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230 Driving and Operating
{Warning
The Park Assist system does not detect
children, pedestrians, bicyclists, animals,
or objects below the bumper or that are
too close or too far from the vehicle. It is
not available at speeds greater than
8 km/h (5 mph). To prevent injury, death,
or vehicle damage, even with Park Assist,
always check the area around the vehicle
and check all mirrors before backing.
The instrument cluster may have a Park
Assist display with bars that show“distance
to object” and object location information
for the Park Assist system. As the object
gets closer, more bars light up and the bars
change color from yellow to amber to red. When an object is first detected in the rear,
one beep will be heard from the rear,
or both sides of the Safety Alert Seat will
pulse two times. When an object is very
close, <0.6 m (2 ft) in the vehicle rear, five
beeps will sound from the rear or both sides
of the Safety Alert Seat will pulse five times.
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
If equipped, when the vehicle is shifted into
R (Reverse), RCTA displays a red warning
triangle with a left or right pointing arrow
on the infotainment display to warn of
traffic coming from the left or right. This
system detects objects coming from up to
20 m (65 ft) from the left or right side of
the vehicle. When an object is detected,
three beeps sound from the left or right,
depending on the direction of the detected
vehicle.
Use caution while backing up when towing
a trailer, as the RCTA detection zones that
extend out from the back of the vehicle do
not move further back when a trailer is
towed.
Turning the Features On or Off
RPA can be turned on and off through
vehicle personalization. See
Vehicle
Personalization 0108. Turn off RPA when towing a trailer.
To turn the Rear Park Assist symbols or
guidance lines on or off, see
“Rear Camera”
under Vehicle Personalization 0108. On
some models, select the guidance lines
button on the infotainment display to turn
them on or off.
RCTA can also be turned on or off through
vehicle personalization. see “Collision/
Detection Systems” underVehicle
Personalization 0108.
Assistance Systems for Driving
If equipped, when driving the vehicle in a
forward gear, Forward Collision Alert (FCA),
Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keep
Assist (LKA), Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA),
Lane Change Alert (LCA), Automatic
Emergency Braking (AEB), and/or the Front
Pedestrian Braking (FPB) System can help to
avoid a crash or reduce crash damage.
Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
System
If equipped, the FCA system may help to
avoid or reduce the harm caused by
front-end crashes. When approaching a
vehicle ahead too quickly, FCA provides a

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 243
If equipped, the following driver assistance
features should be turned to alert or off
when towing a trailer:
.Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
.Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA)
.Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB)
If equipped with Lane Change Alert (LCA),
the LCA detection zones that extend back
from the side of the vehicle do not move
further back when a trailer is towed. Use
caution while changing lanes when towing a
trailer.
If equipped with Rear Cross Traffic Alert
(RCTA), use caution while backing up when
towing a trailer, as the RCTA detection zones
that extend out from the back of the vehicle
do not move further back when a trailer is
towed.
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death from
carbon monoxide (CO), when towing a
trailer:
.Do not drive with the liftgate, trunk/
hatch, or rear-most window open. (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Fully open the air outlets on or under
the instrument panel.
.Adjust the climate control system to a
setting that brings in only outside air.
See“Climate Control Systems” in the
Index.
For more information about carbon
monoxide, see Engine Exhaust 0205.
Towing a trailer requires experience. The
combination of the vehicle and trailer is
longer and not as responsive as the vehicle
itself. Get used to the handling and braking
of the combination by driving on a level
road surface before driving on public roads.
The trailer structure, the tires, and the
brakes must be all be rated to carry the
intended cargo. Inadequate trailer
equipment can cause the combination to
operate in an unexpected or unsafe manner.
Before driving, inspect all trailer hitch parts
and attachments, safety chains, electrical
connectors, lamps, tires, and mirrors. See
Towing Equipment 0247. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start the combination
moving and then manually apply the trailer
brake controller to check that the trailer brakes work. During the trip, occasionally
check that the cargo and trailer are secure
and that the lamps and any trailer brakes
are working.Towing with a Stability Control System
When towing, the stability control system
might be heard. The system reacts to
vehicle movement caused by the trailer,
which mainly occurs during cornering. This is
normal when towing heavier trailers.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle
ahead as you would when driving without a
trailer. This can help to avoid heavy braking
and sudden turns.
Passing
More passing distance is needed when
towing a trailer. The combination of the
vehicle and trailer will not accelerate as
quickly and is much longer than the vehicle
alone. It is necessary to go much farther
beyond the passed vehicle before returning
to the lane. Pass on level roadways. Avoid
passing on hills if possible.

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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.

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Customer Information 345
If a Crash Occurs
If there has been an injury, call emergency
services for help. Do not leave the scene of
a crash until all matters have been taken
care of. Move the vehicle only if its position
puts you in danger, or you are instructed to
move it by a police officer.
Give only the necessary information to
police and other parties involved in the
crash.
For emergency towing seeRoadside
Assistance Program 0341.
Gather the following information:
.Driver name, address, and telephone
number
.Driver license number
.Owner name, address, and telephone
number
.Vehicle license plate number
.Vehicle make, model, and model year
.Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
.Insurance company and policy number
.General description of the damage to the
other vehicle Choose a reputable repair facility that uses
quality replacement parts. See
“Collision
Parts” earlier in this section.
If the airbag has inflated, see What Will You
See after an Airbag Inflates? 050.
Managing the Vehicle Damage Repair
Process
In the event that the vehicle requires
damage repairs, GM recommends that you
take an active role in its repair. If you have
a pre-determined repair facility of choice,
take the vehicle there, or have it towed
there. Specify to the facility that any
required replacement collision parts be
original equipment parts, either new
Genuine GM parts or recycled original GM
parts. Remember, recycled parts will not be
covered by the GM vehicle warranty.
Insurance pays the bill for the repair, but
you must live with the repair. Depending on
your policy limits, your insurance company
may initially value the repair using
aftermarket parts. Discuss this with the
repair professional, and insist on Genuine
GM parts. Remember, if the vehicle is
leased, you may be obligated to have the vehicle repaired with Genuine GM parts,
even if your insurance coverage does not
pay the full cost.
If another party's insurance company is
paying for the repairs, you are not obligated
to accept a repair valuation based on that
insurance company's collision policy repair
limits, as you have no contractual limits
with that company. In such cases, you can
have control of the repair and parts choices
as long as the cost stays within reasonable
limits.
Publication Ordering Information
Service Manuals
Service manuals have the diagnosis and
repair information on the engine,
transmission, axle, suspension, brakes,
electrical system, steering system, body, etc.
Customer Literature
Owner’s manuals are written specifically for
owners and are intended to provide basic
operational information about the vehicle.
The owner’s manual includes the
Maintenance Schedule for all models.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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360 Index
Driving (cont'd)If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Impaired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Off-Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Driving the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Dual Automatic Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
E
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Electrical Equipment, Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Electrical System
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . 274
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . 278
Emergency OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350 Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Check Light (Malfunction Indicator) . . . . . 94
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Engine Air Filter Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Equipment, Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Extender, Seat Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . . . . 122
F
Filter,
Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
Fluid Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . 230
Frequency Statement Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
Front Fog Lamp Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Front Seats Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Heated and Ventilated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35