Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16540728) - 2023 - crc - 6/16/22
180 Driving and Operating
Electric Power Steering
The vehicle is equipped with an electric
power steering system, which reduces the
amount of effort needed to steer the
vehicle. It does not have power steering
fluid. Regular maintenance is not required.
If the vehicle experiences a system
malfunction and loses power steering,
greater steering effort may be required.
Power steering assist also may be reduced if
you turn the steering wheel as far as it can
turn and hold it there with force for an
extended period of time.
See your dealer if there is a problem.
Curve Tips
.Take curves at a reasonable speed.
.Reduce speed before entering a curve.
.Maintain a reasonable steady speed
through the curve.
.Wait until the vehicle is out of the curve
before accelerating gently into the
straightaway.
Steering in Emergencies
.There are some situations when steering
around a problem may be more effective
than braking.
.Holding both sides of the steering wheel
allows you to turn 180 degrees without
removing a hand.
.The Antilock Brake System (ABS) allows
steering while braking.
Off-Road Recovery
The vehicle's right wheels can drop off the
edge of a road onto the shoulder while
driving. Follow these tips:1. Ease off the accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the way, steer the
vehicle so that it straddles the edge of
the pavement. 2. Turn the steering wheel about
one-eighth of a turn, until the right front
tire contacts the pavement edge.
3. Turn the steering wheel to go straight down the roadway.
Loss of Control
Skidding
There are three types of skids that
correspond to the vehicle's three control
systems:
.Braking Skid —wheels are not rolling.
.Steering or Cornering Skid —too much
speed or steering in a curve causes tires
to slip and lose cornering force.
.Acceleration Skid —too much throttle
causes the driving wheels to spin.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking
reasonable care suited to existing conditions,
and by not overdriving those conditions. But
skids are always possible.
If the vehicle starts to slide, follow these
suggestions:
.Ease your foot off the accelerator pedal
and steer the way you want the vehicle
to go. The vehicle may straighten out. Be
ready for a second skid if it occurs.
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16540728) - 2023 - crc - 6/16/22
Driving and Operating 191
Stopping the Engine/Off (No Indicator
Lights)
When the vehicle is stopped, press ENGINE
START/STOP once to turn the engine off.
To shift out of P (Park), the vehicle must be
on and the brake pedal must be applied.
If the vehicle is in P (Park), the ignition will
turn off, and Retained Accessory Power
(RAP) will remain active. SeeRetained
Accessory Power (RAP) 0196.
If the vehicle is not in P (Park), the ignition
will return to accessory mode and display
the message SHIFT TO PARK in the Driver
Information Center (DIC). When the vehicle
is shifted into P (Park), the ignition system
will turn off.
The vehicle may have an electric steering
column lock. The lock is activated when the
vehicle is turned off and either front door is
opened. A sound may be heard as the lock
actuates or releases. The steering column
lock may not release with the wheels turned
off center. If this happens, the vehicle may
not start. Move the steering wheel from left
to right while attempting to start the
vehicle. If this does not work, the vehicle
needs service. Do not turn the engine off when the vehicle
is moving. This will cause a loss of power
assist in the brake and steering systems and
disable the airbags.
If the vehicle must be turned off in an
emergency:
1. Brake using a firm and steady pressure. Do not pump the brakes repeatedly. This
may deplete power assist, requiring
increased brake pedal force.
2. Shift the vehicle to N (Neutral). This can be done while the vehicle is moving.
After shifting to N (Neutral), firmly apply
the brakes and steer the vehicle to a
safe location.
3. Come to a complete stop. Shift to P (Park) and turn the ignition off.
4. Set the electric parking brake. See Electric
Parking Brake 0202.
{Warning
Turning off the vehicle while moving may
cause loss of power assist in the brake
and steering systems and disable the
airbags. While driving, only shut the
vehicle off in an emergency. If the vehicle cannot be pulled over and
must be turned off while driving, press and
hold ENGINE START/STOP for longer than
two seconds, or press twice in five seconds.
Accessory Mode (Amber Indicator Light) :
This mode allows you to use some electrical
accessories when the engine is off.
With the ignition off, pressing the button
once without the brake pedal applied will
place the ignition system in accessory mode.
The ignition will switch from accessory
mode to OFF after five minutes to prevent
battery rundown.
ON/RUN/START (Green Indicator Light) :
This
mode is for driving and starting. With the
ignition off and the brake pedal applied,
pressing the button once will place the
ignition system in ON/RUN/START. Once
engine cranking begins, release the button.
Engine cranking will continue until the
engine starts. See Starting the Engine 0192.
The ignition will then remain in ON/RUN.
Service Mode : This power mode is available
for service and diagnostics, and to verify the
proper operation of the malfunction
indicator lamp as may be required for
emission inspection purposes. With the
vehicle off and the brake pedal not applied,
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16540728) - 2023 - crc - 6/16/22
Driving and Operating 201
reactivated when the vehicle is turned on.
SeeDriving Characteristics and Towing Tips
0 238.
Automatic Engine Grade Braking
Automatic Engine Grade Braking assists
when driving downhill. It maintains vehicle
speed by automatically implementing a shift
pattern that uses the engine and the
transmission to slow the vehicle. The system
will automatically command downshifts to
reduce vehicle speed. The normal shift
pattern will return once the vehicle is on a
low grade or when the accelerator pedal is
pressed.
While in the Electronic Range Select (ERS)
mode, grade braking is deactivated, allowing
the driver to select a range and limiting the
highest gear available. Grade braking is
available for normal driving and in Tow/
Haul Mode.
See Automatic Transmission 0198.
Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive
Vehicles with this feature can operate in
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Mode. The AWD system delivers power to all four
wheels and the system adjusts as needed to
improve traction.
Press the AWD switch on the center console
to activate the system. The AWD light will
flash briefly while the system is engaging
and stay lit to indicate AWD is active. Press
the switch again to disable the system. The
light will flash briefly while the system
disables and then stay off.
The AWD Mode will stay selected until the
mode is changed.
When operated in Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Mode, the vehicle will deliver power to the
front wheels only and may provide better
fuel economy.
A system off message displays when there
is a temporary condition making the AWD
system unavailable. The vehicle will run
in FWD.
This could be caused by:
.A compact spare tire on the vehicle.
.AWD system overheat.
.Loss of wheel or vehicle speed.
.Certain other vehicle electrical conditions.
The message turns off when the compact
spare tire is replaced by a full-size tire, the
differential fluid cools, or the above
conditions are no longer present and the
warning message is reset.
To reset the warning message manually,
turn the ignition off and then back on again
after 30 seconds. If the message stays on,
see your dealer.
Brakes
Electric Brake Boost
Vehicles equipped with electric brake boost
have hydraulic brake circuits that are
electronically controlled when the brake
pedal is applied during normal operation.
The system performs routine tests and turns
off within a few minutes after the vehicle is
turned off. Noise may be heard during this
time. If the brake pedal is pressed during
the tests or when the electric brake boost
system is off, a noticeable change in pedal
force and travel may be felt. This is normal.
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) helps
prevent a braking skid and maintain steering
while braking hard.
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16540728) - 2023 - crc - 6/16/22
202 Driving and Operating
ABS performs a system check when the
vehicle is first driven. A momentary motor
or clicking noise may be heard while this
test is going on, and the brake pedal may
move slightly. This is normal.
If there is a problem with ABS, this warning
light stays on. SeeAntilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light 098.
ABS does not change the time needed to
get a foot on the brake pedal and does not
always decrease stopping distance. If you
get too close to the vehicle ahead, there will
not be enough time to apply the brakes if
that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always
leave enough room ahead to stop, even
with ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake
pedal down firmly. Hearing or feeling ABS
operate is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows steering and braking at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can
help even more than braking.
Electric Parking Brake
The Electric Parking Brake (EPB) can always
be applied, even if the vehicle is off. In case
of insufficient electrical power, the EPB
cannot be applied or released. To prevent
draining the battery, avoid unnecessary
repeated cycles of the EPB.
The system has a red parking brake status
light and an amber service parking brake
warning light. See Electric Parking Brake
Light 098 and Service Electric Parking Brake Light
098.
There are also parking brake-related Driver
Information Center (DIC) messages.
Before leaving the vehicle, check the red
parking brake status light to ensure that the
parking brake is applied.
EPB Apply
To apply the EPB:
1. Be sure the vehicle is at a complete stop.
2. Pull the EPB switch momentarily.
The red parking brake status light will flash
and then stay on once the EPB is fully
applied. If the red parking brake status light
flashes continuously, the EPB is only
partially applied or there is a problem with
the EPB. A DIC message will display. Release
the EPB and try to apply it again. If the
light does not come on, or keeps flashing,
have the vehicle serviced. Do not drive the
vehicle if the red parking brake status light
is flashing. See your dealer.
If the amber service parking brake warning
light is on, pull the EPB switch. Continue to
hold the switch until the red parking brake
status light remains on. If the amber service
parking brake warning light is on, see your
dealer.
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16540728) - 2023 - crc - 6/16/22
Vehicle Care 275
FusesUsage
F21 Body Control Module 4
F22 –
F23 –
F24 Sensing and Diagnostic Module
F25 Occupancy Sensor
F26 –
F27 Power Seats
F28 Rear Windows
F29 –
F30 –
F31 Steering Wheel Controls
F32 Body Control Module 8
F33 Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
F34 Passive Entry, Passive Start
F35 Liftgate Latch
F36 Wireless Charger Module/ USB Accessory
F37 Cigarette Lighter Fuses
Usage
F38 OnStar
F39 Instrument Panel USB
F40 Camera Module/Liftgate Module
F41 Park Assist Module/ Center Stack Display/
Heating, Ventilation and
Air Conditioner Display/
Universal Garage Door
Opener/Overhead Control
Switchbank
F42 Radio
Relays Usage
K01 –
K02 Retained Accessory Power
K03 Liftgate
K04 –
K05 –
Circuit Breakers Usage CB1 –
CB2 –Rear Compartment Fuse Block
The rear compartment fuse block is behind a
trim panel on the side of the rear
compartment.
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16540728) - 2023 - crc - 6/16/22
310 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. 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. Newspapers or dark
garments can transfer color to the vehicle’s
interior.
Caution
Immediately remove cleaners, hand
lotions, sunscreen, and insect repellent
from all interior surfaces or permanent
damage may result.
Caution
Use cleaners specifically designed for the
surfaces being cleaned to prevent
permanent damage to the vehicle. Apply
all cleaners directly to a cleaning cloth.
Do not spray cleaners on any switches or
controls.
When using liquid soap cleaners, follow the
directions on the specific cleaner or soap
solution for dilution instructions.
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16540728) - 2023 - crc - 6/16/22
318 Service and Maintenance
suitable service maintenance intervals for
your vehicle, please contact your
authorized GM Dealer.
Extreme service is for vehicles mainly
driven off-road in four-wheel drive or used
in farming, mining, forestry, or snow
plowing.
Additional Required Services—Severe
Service
Every 72 000 km (45,000 mi)
.Change automatic transmission fluid.
Every 75 000 km (120,000 mi)
.Change rear axle fluid, if equipped with
AWD. 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.
Owner Checks and Services
Every Five Years
.Replace brake fluid every five years. See
Brake Fluid 0262. Every Seven Years
.Replace Air Conditioning Desiccant every
seven years. The air conditioning system
requires maintenance every seven years.
This service requires replacement of the
desiccant to help the longevity and
efficient operation of the air conditioning
system. This service can be complex. See
your dealer.
Multi-Point Vehicle
Inspection (MPVI)
A Multi Point Vehicle Inspection (MPVI)
completed by a GM dealer technician is a
maintenance assessment of your vehicle.
The benefit of the MPVI is to identify and
inform the customer of service items that
require immediate attention and those that
may require attention in the future.
The technician will perform the following
checks on your vehicle. For a complete list
of checks, inspections, and services, see your
dealer.
Some items may not apply to your vehicle
and/or region.
Diagnostics
.OnStar active, if equipped
.Service history/recall check
Engine Oil and Filter
.Engine oil
.Oil life monitor
‐
Reset oil life monitor
Exterior Lights
.Visual inspection
Windshield and Wipers
.Visual inspection
Battery
.Battery visual inspection
.Battery test results
.Battery cables and connections
Systems, Fluids, and Visible Leak
Inspection
.Engine oil
.Transmission
.Drive axle
.Transfer case
.Engine cooling system
.Power steering, if equipped
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Index 349
Child RestraintsInfants and Young Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Lower Anchors and Tethers for
Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Securing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70, 71
Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Child Safety Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Cleaning Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169 Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Dual Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Cluster, Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87, 90
Collision Damage Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Compartments Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Connected Services Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344
Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344 Connections
Connected Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344
Control Traction and Electronic Stability . . . . . . . 204
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Controls Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Convenience Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Coolant Engine Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Cooling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169, 171
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Courtesy Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Courtesy Transportation Program . . . . . . . . 332
Cover Cargo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Coverage Explanations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Covers Rear Compartment/Storage Panel . . . . . . . 76
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207 Adaptive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Cupholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75
Customer Assistance
Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
Text Telephone (TTY) Users . . . . . . . . . . . . 329 Customer Information
Publications Ordering Information . . . . . 334
Customer Satisfaction Procedure . . . . . . . . . 327
Cybersecurity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337
D
Damage Repair, Collision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
Danger, Warning, and Caution . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Dashboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Data Collection Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338
Data Recorders, Event . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337
Database Coverage Explanations . . . . . . . . . 144
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .178
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Destination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .138
Diagnostics Connected Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
Disabled Vehicle
Transporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .178
Dome Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Door Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Power Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17