2021 CHEVROLET EQUINOX radio

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/10/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 7
The key that is part of the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter can be used for all
locks.
Remove the key by pressing the button on
the side of the RKE transmitter near the
bottom and pull the key out. Never pull the
key out without pressing the button.
If it becomes difficult to turn the key,
inspect the key blade for debris. Periodically,
clean with a brush or a pick.
See your dealer if a new transmitter is
needed.
If locked out of the vehicle, seeRoadside
Assistance Program 0341.
With an active OnStar or connected service
plan, an OnStar Advisor may remotely
unlock the vehicle. See OnStar Overview
0 349.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System
See Radio Frequency Statement 0346.
If there is a decrease in the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) operating range:
.Check the distance. The transmitter may
be too far from the vehicle.
.Check the location. Other vehicles or
objects may be blocking the signal.
.Check the transmitter's battery. See
“Battery Replacement” later in this
section.
.If the transmitter is still not working
correctly, see your dealer or a qualified
technician for service.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation
The Keyless Access system allows for vehicle
entry when the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter is within 1 m (3 ft). See “Keyless
Access Operation” later in this section.
The RKE transmitter may work up to 60 m
(197 ft) away from the vehicle.
Other conditions can affect the performance
of the transmitter. See Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System 07.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/10/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 23
Disarming the Alarm System
To disarm the alarm system or turn off the
alarm if it has been activated:
.PressKon the RKE transmitter.
.Start the vehicle.
To avoid setting off the alarm by accident:
.Lock the vehicle after all occupants have
left the vehicle and all doors are closed.
.Always unlock a door with the RKE
transmitter.
Unlocking the driver door with the key will
not disarm the system or turn off the alarm.
How to Detect a Tamper Condition
IfKis pressed on the RKE transmitter and
the horn chirps and the lights flash three
times, an alarm occurred previously while
the alarm system was armed.
If the alarm has been activated, a message
will appear on the DIC.
Immobilizer
See Radio Frequency Statement 0346.
Immobilizer Operation
This vehicle has a passive theft-deterrent
system.
The system does not have to be manually
armed or disarmed.
The vehicle is automatically immobilized
when the vehicle is turned off.
The immobilization system is disarmed
when the ignition is on or in ACC/
ACCESSORY and a valid transmitter is
present in the vehicle.
The security light, in the instrument cluster,
comes on if there is a problem with arming
or disarming the theft-deterrent system.
The system has one or more RKE
transmitters matched to an immobilizer
control unit in your vehicle. Only a correctly
matched RKE transmitter will start the
vehicle. If the transmitter is ever damaged,
you may not be able to start your vehicle. When trying to start the vehicle, the
security light may come on briefly when the
ignition is turned on.
If the engine does not start and the security
light stays on, there is a problem with the
system. Turn the ignition off and try again.
If the vehicle will not change ignition
modes, and the RKE transmitter appears to
be undamaged, try another transmitter. Or,
you may try placing the transmitter in the
cupholder. See
“Starting the Vehicle with a
Low Transmitter Battery” inRemote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System Operation 07.
If the ignition mode will not change with
the other transmitter or in the cupholder,
your vehicle needs service. If the ignition
does change modes, the first transmitter
may be faulty. See your dealer who can
service the theft-deterrent system and have
a new RKE transmitter programmed to the
vehicle.
It is possible for the immobilizer system to
learn new or replacement RKE transmitters.
Up to eight transmitters can be
programmed for the vehicle. To program
additional transmitters, see “Programming
Transmitters to the Vehicle” underRemote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation 07.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/12/20
Instruments and Controls 83
(RAP) off and then back on. SeeRetained
Accessory Power (RAP) 0204. The power
restarts when equipment using 150 watts or
less is plugged into the outlet and a system
fault is not detected.
The power outlet is not designed for the
following and may not work properly if they
are plugged in:
.Equipment with high initial peak wattage,
such as compressor-driven refrigerators
and electric power tools.
.Other equipment requiring an extremely
stable power supply, such as
microcomputer-controlled electric blankets
and touch sensor lamps.
.Medical equipment.
Wireless Charging
If equipped, the vehicle has wireless
charging in the bin below the climate
control system. The system operates at
145 kHz and wirelessly charges one Qi
compatible smartphone. The power output
of the system is capable of charging at a
rate up to 3 amp (19.5W), as requested by
the compatible smartphone. See Radio
Frequency Statement 0346.
{Warning
Wireless charging can affect the
operation of an implanted pacemaker or
other medical devices. If you have one, it
is recommended to consult with your
doctor before using the wireless charging
system.
The vehicle must be on, in ACC/ACCESSORY,
or Retained Accessory Power (RAP) must be
active. The wireless charging feature may
not correctly indicate charging when the
vehicle is in RAP, or during Bluetooth phone
calls. See Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
0 204.
The operating temperature is −20 °C (−4 °F)
to 60 °C (140 °F) for the charging system
and 0 °C (32 °F) to 35 °C (95 °F) for the
phone.
{Warning
Remove all objects from the charging pad
before charging your compatible
smartphone. Objects, such as coins, keys,
rings, paper clips, or cards, between the
smartphone and charging pad will
become very hot. On the rare occasion
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
that the charging system does not detect
an object, and the object gets wedged
between the smartphone and charger,
remove the smartphone and allow the
object to cool before removing it from
the charging pad, to prevent burns.
To charge a compatible smartphone:
1. Remove all objects from the charging pad. The system may not charge if there
are any objects between the smartphone
and the charging pad.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/12/20
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-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/12/20
Instruments and Controls 113
Universal Remote System
SeeRadio Frequency Statement 0346.
Universal Remote System
Programming
If equipped, these buttons are in the
overhead console.
This system can replace up to three remote
control transmitters used to activate devices
such as garage door openers, security
systems, and home automation devices.
These instructions refer to a garage door
opener, but can be used for other devices. Do not use the Universal Remote system
with any garage door opener that does not
have the stop and reverse feature. This
includes any garage door opener model
manufactured before April 1, 1982.
Read the instructions completely before
programming the Universal Remote system.
It may help to have another person assist
with the programming process.
Keep the original hand-held transmitter for
use in other vehicles as well as for future
programming. Erase the programming when
vehicle ownership is terminated. See
“Erasing Universal Remote System Buttons”
later in this section.
To program a garage door opener, park
outside directly in line with and facing the
garage door opener receiver. Clear all people
and objects near the garage door.
Make sure the hand-held transmitter has a
new battery for quick and accurate
transmission of the radio-frequency signal.
Programming the Universal Remote
System
For questions or programming help, see
www.homelink.com/gm or call
1-800-355-3515. For calls placed outside the
U.S., Canada, or Puerto Rico, international
rates will apply and may differ based on
landline or mobile phone.
Programming involves time-sensitive actions,
and may time out causing the procedure to
be repeated.
To program up to three devices:
1. Hold the end of the hand-held transmitter about 3 to 8 cm (1 to 3 in)
away from the Universal Remote system
buttons with the indicator light in view.
The hand-held transmitter was supplied
by the manufacturer of the garage door
opener receiver.
2. Press and release one of the three Universal Remote system buttons to be
programmed. Press and hold the
hand-held transmitter button. Do not
release the hand-held transmitter button
until the indicator light changes from a
slow to a rapid flash or continuous light.
Then release the hand-held transmitter
button.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/12/20
114 Instruments and Controls
Some garage door openers may require
substitution of Step 2 with the procedure
under“Radio Signals for Some Gate
Operators” later in this section.
3. Press and hold the newly programmed Universal Remote system button for
five seconds while watching the indicator
light and garage door activation.
.If the indicator light stays on
continuously or the garage door
moves when the button is pressed,
then programming is complete. There
is no need to complete Steps 4–6.
.If the indicator light does not come
on or the garage door does not
move, a second button press may be
required. For a second time, press
and hold the newly programmed
button for five seconds. If the
indicator light is continuously lit,
or the garage door moves,
programming is complete.
.If the indicator light flashes rapidly
and the garage door does not move,
continue with programming
Steps 4–6.
Learn or Smart Button
4. After completing Steps 1–3, locate the Learn or Smart button inside the garage
on the garage door opener receiver. The
name and color of the button may vary
by manufacturer.
5. Press and release the Learn or Smart button. Step 6 must be completed within
30 seconds of pressing this button.
6. Return to the vehicle and firmly press and hold the trained Universal Remote
system button for two seconds and
release. Repeat the “press/hold/release”
sequence up to three times to complete
the training process.
The Universal Remote system should now
activate the garage door.
Repeat the process for programming the
two remaining buttons.
Radio Signals for Some Gate Operators
For questions or programming help, see
www.homelink.com/gm or call
1-800-355-3515. For calls placed outside the
U.S., Canada, or Puerto Rico, international
rates will apply and may differ based on
landline or mobile phone.
Some radio-frequency laws and gate
operators require transmitter signals to time
out or quit after several seconds of
transmission. This may not be long enough
for the Universal Remote system to pick up
the signal during programming.
If the programming did not work, replace
Step 2 under “Programming the Universal
Remote System” with the following:
Press and hold the Universal Remote system
button while pressing and releasing the
hand-held transmitter button every
two seconds until the signal has been
successfully accepted by the Universal
Remote system. The Universal Remote
system indicator light will flash slowly at
first and then change to a rapid flash or
continuous solid-light. Proceed with Step 3
under “Programming the Universal Remote
System” to complete.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/10/20
Infotainment System 123
Infotainment System
Introduction
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Using the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Software Updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Radio
AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
HD Radio Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Radio Data System (RDS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Satellite Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Radio Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Multi-Band Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Audio Players
Avoiding Untrusted Media Devices . . . . . 132
USB Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Bluetooth Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
OnStar System
OnStar System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Navigation
Using the Navigation System . . . . . . . . . . 137
Maps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Navigation Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Destination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
OnStar System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147Global Positioning System (GPS) . . . . . . . 147
Vehicle Positioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Problems with Route Guidance . . . . . . . . 148
If the System Needs Service . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Map Data Updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Database Coverage Explanations . . . . . . . 149
Voice Recognition
Voice Recognition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Phone
Bluetooth (Overview) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Bluetooth (Pairing and Using a
Phone) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto . . . . . . . 158
Settings
Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Teen Driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Trademarks and License Agreements
Trademarks and License Agreements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Introduction
Read the following pages to become familiar
with the features.
{Warning
Taking your eyes off the road for too
long or too often while using any
infotainment feature can cause a crash.
You or others could be injured or killed.
Do not give extended attention to
infotainment tasks while driving. Limit
your glances at the vehicle displays and
focus your attention on driving. Use voice
commands whenever possible.
The infotainment system has built-in
features intended to help avoid distraction
by disabling some features when driving.
These features may gray out when they are
unavailable. Many infotainment features are
also available through the instrument cluster
and steering wheel controls.
Before driving:
.Become familiar with the operation,
center stack controls, steering wheel
controls, and infotainment display.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/10/20
124 Infotainment System
.Set up the audio by presetting favorite
stations, setting the tone, and adjusting
the speakers.
.Set up phone numbers in advance so they
can be called easily by pressing a single
control or by using a single voice
command.
See Distracted Driving 0186.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
If equipped, ANC reduces engine noise in the
vehicle’s interior. ANC requires the
factory-installed audio system, radio,
speakers, amplifier (if equipped), induction
system, and exhaust system to work
properly. Deactivation is required by your
dealer if related aftermarket equipment is
installed.
Overview
Infotainment System
The infotainment system is controlled by
using the infotainment display, controls on
the center stack, steering wheel controls,
and voice recognition (if equipped).
Uplevel Radio Shown. Base Radio Similar.
1.{(Home Page)
.Press to go to the Home Page. See
“Home Page” later in this section.
.Press to exit Android Auto or Apple
CarPlay. To enter back into Android
Auto or Apple CarPlay, press and
hold. SeeApple CarPlay and
Android Auto 0158.
2.7
.Radio: Press and release to go to
the previous station or channel.
Press and hold to fast seek the
next strongest previous station or
channel. See AM-FM Radio 0129.
.USB/Bluetooth: Press to seek to
the beginning of the current or
previous track. Press and hold to
quickly reverse through a track.
Release to return to playing speed.
See USB Port 0132 or
Bluetooth Audio 0135.
3.O(Power)
.Press to turn the power on.
.Press and hold to turn the
power off.
.Press to mute/unmute the system
when on.