
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/12/20
Instruments and Controls 91
Here are three things that some owners ask
about. None of these show a problem with
the fuel gauge:
.It takes a little more, or less fuel to fill up
than the gauge indicated. For example,
the gauge may have indicated the tank
was half full, but it actually took a little
more, or less than half the tank's capacity
to fill the tank.
.The gauge moves a little while turning a
corner, speeding up or braking.
.The gauge takes a few seconds to
stabilize after the ignition is turned on
and goes back to empty when the
ignition is turned off.
Engine Coolant Temperature
Gauge
Metric Uplevel Shown, Base and MidlevelSimilar
English Uplevel Shown, Base and Midlevel Similar
This gauge shows the engine coolant
temperature.
If the pointer moves toward the warning
area at the high end of the gauge, the
engine is too hot.
If the engine coolant has overheated and
the vehicle has been operating under normal
driving conditions, pull off the road, stop the
vehicle, and turn off the engine as soon as
possible. See Engine Overheating 0262.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/12/20
94 Instruments and Controls
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Check Engine Light)
This light is part of the vehicle’s emission
control on-board diagnostic system. If this
light is on while the engine is running, a
malfunction has been detected and the
vehicle may require service. The light should
come on to show that it is working when
the ignition is in Service Mode. SeeIgnition
Positions 0198.
Malfunctions are often indicated by the
system before any problem is noticeable.
Being aware of the light and seeking service
promptly when it comes on may prevent
damage.
Caution
If the vehicle is driven continually with
this light on, the emission control system
may not work as well, the fuel economy
may be lower, and the vehicle may not
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
run smoothly. This could lead to costly
repairs that might not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Caution
Modifications to the engine, transmission,
exhaust, intake, or fuel system, or the
use of replacement tires that do not
meet the original tire specifications, can
cause this light to come on. This could
lead to costly repairs not covered by the
vehicle warranty. This could also affect
the vehicle’s ability to pass an Emissions
Inspection/Maintenance test. See
Accessories and Modifications 0252.
Light Flashing
If the light is flashing : A malfunction has
been detected that could damage the
emission control system and increase vehicle
emissions. Diagnosis and service may be
required. To help prevent damage, reduce vehicle
speed and avoid hard accelerations and
uphill grades. If towing a trailer, reduce the
amount of cargo being hauled as soon as
possible.
If the light continues to flash, find a safe
place to park. Turn the vehicle off and wait
at least 10 seconds before restarting the
engine. If the light is still flashing, follow
the previous guidelines and see your dealer
for service as soon as possible.
Light on Steady
If the light is on steady :
A malfunction has
been detected. Diagnosis and service may be
required.
Check the following:
.If fuel has been added to the vehicle
using the capless funnel adapter, make
sure that it has been removed. See
“Filling the Tank with a Portable Gas Can”
under Filling the Tank 0240. The
diagnostic system can detect if the
adapter has been left installed in the
vehicle, allowing fuel to evaporate into
the atmosphere. A few driving trips with
the adapter removed may turn off the
light.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/10/20
146 Infotainment System
Smart POI Icons on Map (If Equipped)
The smart POI icons such as fuel stations
and parking may appear based on time,
location, driver search behavior, driving
conditions, and vehicle conditions.
Touch a smart POI icon to open the
corresponding details:
.Left side: Name and address of the POI.
.Right side:E+ ETE (Estimated Time
Enroute.)
Smart Fuel Station Icons
Fuel station prices are shown if available for
nearby stations when the vehicle is low
on fuel.
Smart Parking Icons
When reaching a densely populated
destination and the system determines that
parking may be limited, the system will attempt to display nearby parking
destinations with pricing information,
if available.
Report an Issue Using POI Details (If
Equipped)
In the POI details page, a POI issue can be
reported if the data is not accurate or the
address is incorrect. Touch Report an Issue
near the bottom of the display to access the
issue selection page. Touch one of the
predefined issues on the selection page,
then touch Send. The system will send the
information for analysis.
Search
Touch Search on the infotainment display to
open the search display. It has a search field
entry box, quick category icon shortcuts,
recents icon, favorites icon, and keyboard.
Auto Complete
Enter a partial location in the field entry box
on the search display. Auto complete will
attempt to complete the destination based
on what is being entered. Touch the
suggested item to search.
Search While in Motion with No Front Seat
Passenger Present
The search display will not allow changes or
text input with the keyboard when the
vehicle is in motion. As a result, a display
showing three rows of the most commonly
used categories appears. Touching the search
box will activate speech recognition.
Search While in Motion with Front Seat
Passenger Present
If the system detects that the front seat
passenger is present with both driver and
passenger seat belts buckled, touching the
search icon will display an alert message
that allows the passenger to search for a
destination as if the vehicle were stopped.Connected Navigation
Connected Navigation is a subscription
service that enables certain capabilities
within the navigation system, such as
Traffic, Smart Search/Routing, and Predictive
Navigation capabilities. The system will
show an alert when the subscription is
expiring and will ask to renew the plan.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/12/20
Driving and Operating 197
Example 2
1.Vehicle Capacity Weight for
Example 2 = 453 kg (1,000 lbs).
2.Subtract Occupant Weight @
68 kg (150 lbs) × 5 = 340 kg
(750 lbs).
3.Available Cargo Weight = 113 kg
(250 lbs).
Example 3
1.Vehicle Capacity Weight for
Example 3 = 453 kg (1,000 lbs).
2.Subtract Occupant Weight @ 91 kg
(200 lbs) × 5 = 453 kg (1,000 lbs).
3.Available Cargo Weight =
0 kg (0 lbs).
Refer to the vehicle's tire and loading
information label for specific
information about the vehicle's capacity
weight and seating positions. The
combined weight of the driver,
passengers, and cargo should never
exceed the vehicle's capacity weight.
Certification/Tire Label
Label Example
A vehicle-specific Certification/Tire label
is attached to the center pillar (B-pillar).
The label may show the size of the
vehicle's original tires and the inflation
pressures needed to obtain the gross
weight capacity of the vehicle. The label
shows the gross weight capacity of the
vehicle. This is called the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR). The GVWR
includes the weight of the vehicle, all
occupants, fuel, and cargo.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/12/20
240 Driving and Operating
Fuels in Foreign Countries
The U.S., Canada, and Mexico post fuel
octane ratings in anti-knock index (AKI). For
fuel not to use in a foreign country, see
Prohibited Fuels0239.
Fuel Additives
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline is highly
recommended for use with your vehicle.
If your country does not have TOP TIER
Detergent Gasoline, add ACDelco Fuel
System Treatment Plus−Gasoline to the
vehicle’s gasoline fuel tank at every oil
change or 15 000 km (9,000 mi), whichever
occurs first. TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline and
ACDelco Fuel System Treatment Plus
−Gasoline will help keep your vehicle’s
engine fuel deposit free and performing
optimally.
Filling the Tank
An arrow on the fuel gauge indicates which
side of the vehicle the fuel door is on. See
Fuel Gauge 090.
{Warning
Fuel vapors and fuel fires burn violently
and can cause injury or death.
Follow these guidelines to help avoid
injuries to you and others:
.Read and follow all the instructions on
the fuel pump island.
.Turn off the engine when refueling.
.Keep sparks, flames, and smoking
materials away from fuel.
.Do not leave the fuel pump
unattended.
.Avoid using electronic devices while
refueling.
.Do not re-enter the vehicle while
pumping fuel.
.Keep children away from the fuel
pump and never let children
pump fuel.
.Before touching the fill nozzle, touch a
metallic object to discharge static
electricity from your body.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Fuel can spray out if the fill nozzle is
inserted too quickly. This spray can
happen if the tank is nearly full, and is
more likely in hot weather. Insert the
fill nozzle slowly and wait for any hiss
noise to stop before beginning to
flow fuel.
To open the fuel door, push and release the
rearward center edge of the door.
The capless refueling system does not have
a fuel cap. Fully insert and latch the fill
nozzle, begin fueling.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/12/20
Driving and Operating 241
{Warning
Overfilling the fuel tank by more than
three clicks of a standard fill nozzle may
cause:
.Vehicle performance issues, including
engine stalling and damage to the fuel
system.
.Fuel spills.
.Under certain conditions, fuel fires.
Be careful not to spill fuel. Wait five seconds
after you have finished pumping before
removing the fill nozzle. Clean fuel from
painted surfaces as soon as possible. See
Exterior Care 0314. Push the fuel door
closed until it latches.
{Warning
If a fire starts while you are refueling, do
not remove the fill nozzle. Shut off the
flow of fuel by shutting off the pump or
by notifying the station attendant. Leave
the area immediately. Filling the Tank with a Portable Fuel
Container
If the vehicle runs out of fuel and must be
filled from a portable fuel container:
1. Locate the capless funnel adapter from
under the spare tire.
2. Insert and latch the funnel into the capless fuel system.
{Warning
Attempting to refuel from a portable fuel
container without using the funnel
adapter may cause fuel spillage and
damage the capless fuel system. This
could cause a fire. You or others could be
badly burned and the vehicle could be
damaged.
3. Remove and clean the funnel adapter and return it to the storage location.
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
{Warning
Never fill a portable fuel container while
it is in the vehicle. Static electricity
discharge from the container can ignite
the fuel vapor. You or others could be
badly burned and the vehicle could be
damaged. To help avoid injury to you
and others:
.Dispense fuel only into approved
containers.
.Do not fill a container while it is
inside a vehicle, in a vehicle's trunk, in
a pickup bed, or on any surface other
than the ground.
.Bring the fill nozzle in contact with
the inside of the fill opening before
operating the nozzle. Maintain contact
until filling is complete.
.Keep sparks, flames, and smoking
materials away from fuel.
.Avoid using electronic devices while
pumping fuel.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 245
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
The vehicle needs service more often when
used to tow trailers. SeeMaintenance
Schedule 0323. It is especially important to
check the automatic transmission fluid,
engine oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling
system, and brake system before and during
each trip.
Check periodically that all nuts and bolts on
the trailer hitch are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
The cooling system may temporarily
overheat during severe operating conditions.
See Engine Overheating 0262.
Trailer Towing
Caution
Towing a trailer improperly can damage
the vehicle and result in costly repairs
not covered by the vehicle warranty. To
tow a trailer correctly, follow the
directions in this section and see your
dealer for important information about
towing a trailer with the vehicle.
Trailer Weight
{Warning
Never exceed the towing capacity for
your vehicle.
Safe trailering requires monitoring the
weight, speed, altitude, road grades, outside
temperature, dimensions of the front of the
trailer, and how frequently the vehicle is
used to tow a trailer.
Trailer Weight Ratings
When towing a trailer, the combined weight
of the vehicle, vehicle contents, trailer, and
trailer contents must be below all of the
maximum weight ratings for the vehicle,
including:
.GCWR: Gross Combined Weight Rating
.GVWR: Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
.Maximum Trailer Weight Rating
.Maximum Trailer Tongue Weight Rating
See “Trailer Brakes” underTowing
Equipment 0247 to determine if brakes are
required based on your trailer's weight. The only way to be sure the weight is not
exceeding any of these ratings is to weigh
the tow vehicle and trailer combination,
fully loaded for the trip, getting individual
weights for each of these items.
{Warning
You and others could be seriously injured
or killed if the trailer is too heavy or the
trailer brakes are inadequate for the load.
The vehicle may be damaged, and the
repairs would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Only tow a trailer if all the steps in this
section have been followed. Ask your
dealer for advice and information about
towing a trailer.
Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
GCWR is the total allowable weight of the
completely loaded vehicle and trailer
including any fuel, passengers, cargo,
equipment, and accessories. Do not exceed
the GCWR for your vehicle. The GCWR for
the vehicle is on the Tow Rating Chart
following.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/10/20
266 Vehicle Care
Battery - North America
The original equipment battery is
maintenance free. Do not remove the cap
and do not add fluid.
Refer to the replacement number shown on
the original battery label when a new
battery is needed. SeeEngine Compartment
Overview 0254 for battery location.
For replacement of the battery, see your
dealer.
The vehicle has an Absorbed Glass Mat
(AGM) 12-volt battery. Installation of a
standard 12-volt battery will result in
reduced 12-volt battery life.
When using a 12-volt battery charger on the
12-volt AGM battery, some chargers have an
AGM battery setting on the charger.
If available, use the AGM setting on the
charger, to limit charge voltage to 14.8 volts.
Follow the charger manufacturer's
instructions.
Stop/Start System
The vehicle has a Stop/Start system to shut
off the engine to help conserve fuel. See
Stop/Start System 0201.{Warning
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals, and
related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds, chemicals known to the
State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Batteries also contain other chemicals
known to the State of California to cause
cancer. WASH HANDS AFTER HANDLING.
For more information go to
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/
passenger-vehicle.
See California Proposition 65 Warning 0251
and the back cover.
Vehicle Storage
{Warning
Batteries have acid that can burn you and
gas that can explode. You can be badly
hurt if you are not careful. See Jump
Starting - North America 0308 for tips
on working around a battery without
getting hurt. Infrequent Usage: Remove the black,
negative (−) cable from the battery to keep
the battery from running down.
Extended Storage: Remove the black,
negative (−) cable from the battery or use a
battery trickle charger.
All-Wheel Drive
Transfer Case
Under normal driving conditions, transfer
case fluid does not require maintenance
unless there is a fluid leak or unusual noise.
If required, have the transfer case serviced
by your dealer.
Starter Switch Check
{Warning
When you are doing this inspection, the
vehicle could move suddenly. If the
vehicle moves, you or others could be
injured.
1. Before starting this check, be sure there is enough room around the vehicle.
2. Apply both the parking brake and the regular brake.