2023 CHEVROLET EQUINOX Owners Manual

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16540728) - 2023 - crc - 6/16/22
248 Vehicle Care
General Information
For service and parts needs, visit your
dealer. You will receive genuine GM parts
and GM-trained and supported service
people.
Genuine GM parts have one of these marks:
California Perchlorate Materials
Requirements
Certain types of automotive applications,
such as airbag initiators, seat belt
pretensioners, and lithium batteries
contained in electronic keys, may contain
perchlorate materials. Perchlorate Material–
special handling may apply. See
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/
perchlorate.
Accessories and Modifications
Adding non-dealer accessories or making
modifications to the vehicle can affect
vehicle performance and safety, including
such things as airbags, braking, stability,
ride and handling, emissions systems,
aerodynamics, durability, Driver Assistance
Systems, and electronic systems like antilock
brakes, traction control, and stability control.
These accessories or modifications could
even cause malfunction or damage not
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Damage to suspension components caused
by modifying vehicle height outside of
factory settings will not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Damage to vehicle components resulting
from modifications or the installation or use
of non-GM certified parts, including control
module or software modifications, is not
covered under the terms of the vehicle
warranty and may affect remaining
warranty coverage for affected parts.
GM Accessories are designed to complement
and function with other systems on the
vehicle. See your dealer to accessorize the
vehicle using genuine GM Accessories
installed by a dealer technician.
Also, see
Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 056.
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own Service Work
{Warning
It can be dangerous to work on your
vehicle if you do not have the proper
knowledge, service manual, tools,
or parts. Always follow owner’s manual
procedures and consult the service
manual for your vehicle before doing any
service work.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Vehicle Care 249
If doing some of your own service work, use
the proper service manual. It tells you much
more about how to service the vehicle than
this manual can. To order the proper service
manual, seePublication Ordering
Information 0334.
This vehicle has an airbag system. Before
attempting to do your own service work,
see Servicing the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
0 56.
If equipped with remote vehicle start, open
the hood before performing any service
work to prevent remote starting the vehicle
accidentally. See Remote Vehicle Start 014.
Keep a record with all parts receipts and list
the mileage and the date of any service
work performed. See Maintenance Records
0 322.
Caution
Even small amounts of contamination can
cause damage to vehicle systems. Do not
allow contaminants to contact the fluids,
reservoir caps, or dipsticks.
Hood
{Warning
For vehicles with auto engine stop/start,
turn the vehicle off before opening the
hood. If the vehicle is on, the engine will
start when the hood is opened. You or
others could be injured.
{Warning
Components under the hood can get hot
from running the engine. To help avoid
the risk of burning unprotected skin,
never touch these components until they
have cooled, and always use a glove or
towel to avoid direct skin contact.
Clear any snow from the hood before
opening. To open the hood:
1. Pull the hood release lever with the
isymbol. It is on the lower left side
of the instrument panel.
2. Go to the front of the vehicle and locate the secondary release lever under the
front center of the hood. Push the
secondary hood release lever to the right
to release.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16540728) - 2023 - crc - 6/16/22
250 Vehicle Care
3. Lift the hood and release the hood proprod from its retainer in the front of the
engine compartment. Securely insert the
rod end into the slot marked with an
arrow, on the underside of the hood. To close the hood:
1. Before closing the hood, be sure all filler caps are on properly, and all tools are
removed.
2. Lift the hood and remove the hood prop rod from the underside of the hood.
Return the prop rod to its retainer. The
prop rod must click into place when
returning it to the retainer to prevent
hood damage.
3. Lower the hood 20 cm (8 in) above the vehicle and release it. Check to make
sure the hood is latched completely.
Repeat this process with additional force
if necessary.
{Warning
Do not drive the vehicle if the hood is
not latched completely. The hood could
open fully, block your vision, and cause a
crash. You or others could be injured.
Always close the hood completely before
driving.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Vehicle Care 251
Engine Compartment Overview

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16540728) - 2023 - crc - 6/16/22
252 Vehicle Care
1.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0255.
2. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See Engine Oil0252.
3. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine Oil0252.
4. Engine Cooling Fan. See Cooling System
0 257.
5. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid
0 262.
6. Engine Compartment Fuse Block 0271.
7. Remote Positive (+) Terminal (Under Cover). See Jump Starting - North
America 0300.
8. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Cooling System 0257.
9. Battery - North America 0263.
10. Remote Negative (−) Terminal. See Jump
Starting - North America 0300.
11. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See Washer Fluid 0260.
Engine Oil
To ensure proper engine performance and
long life, careful attention must be paid to
engine oil. Following these simple, but
important steps will help protect your
investment:
.Use engine oil approved to the proper
specification and of the proper viscosity
grade. See “Selecting the Right Engine
Oil” in this section.
.Check the engine oil level regularly and
maintain the proper oil level. See
“Checking Engine Oil” and“When to Add
Engine Oil” in this section.
.Change the engine oil at the appropriate
time. SeeEngine Oil Life System 0254.
.Always dispose of engine oil properly. See
“What to Do with Used Oil” in this
section.
Checking Engine Oil
Check the engine oil level regularly, every
650 km (400 mi), especially prior to a long
trip. The engine oil dipstick handle is a loop.
See Engine Compartment Overview 0251 for
the location.
{Warning
The engine oil dipstick handle may be
hot; it could burn you. Use a towel or
glove to touch the dipstick handle. If a low oil Driver Information Center (DIC)
message displays, check the oil level. If the
oil is not low and the low oil message
remains on, take the vehicle to your dealer
for service.
Follow these guidelines:
.To get an accurate reading, park the
vehicle on level ground. Check the engine
oil level after the engine has been off for
at least two hours. Checking the engine
oil level on steep grades or too soon after
engine shutoff can result in incorrect
readings. Accuracy improves when
checking a cold engine prior to starting.
Remove the dipstick and check the level.
.If unable to wait two hours, the engine
must be off for at least 15 minutes if the
engine is warm, or at least 30 minutes if
the engine is not warm. Pull out the
dipstick, wipe it with a clean paper towel
or cloth, then push it back in all the way.
Remove it again, keeping the tip down,
and check the level.

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Vehicle Care 253
When to Add Engine Oil
If the oil is below the cross-hatched area at
the tip of the dipstick and the engine has
been off for at least 15 minutes, add 1 L (1
qt) of the recommended oil and then
recheck the level. See“Selecting the Right
Engine Oil” later in this section for an
explanation of what kind of oil to use. For
engine oil crankcase capacity, see Capacities
and Specifications 0324.
Caution
Do not add too much oil. Oil levels above
or below the acceptable operating range
shown on the dipstick are harmful to the
engine. If the oil level is above the
operating range (i.e., the engine has so
much oil that the oil level gets above the
cross-hatched area that shows the proper
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
operating range), the engine could be
damaged. Drain the excess oil or limit
driving of the vehicle, and seek a service
professional to remove the excess oil.
See Engine Compartment Overview 0251 for
the location of the engine oil fill cap.
Add enough oil to put the level somewhere
in the proper operating range. Push the
dipstick all the way back in when through.
Selecting the Right Engine Oil
Selecting the right engine oil depends on
both the proper oil specification and
viscosity grade. See Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants 0320.
Specification
Use full synthetic engine oils that meet the
dexos1 specification.
Engine oils that have been approved by GM
as meeting the dexos1 specification are
marked with the dexos1 approved logo. See
www.gmdexos.com.
Caution
Failure to use the recommended engine
oil or equivalent can result in engine
damage not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Viscosity Grade
Use SAE 0W-20 viscosity grade engine oil.
When selecting an oil of the appropriate
viscosity grade, it is recommended to select
an oil of the correct specification. See
“Specification” earlier in this section.
Engine Oil Additives/Engine Oil Flushes
Do not add anything to the oil. The
recommended oils meeting the dexos
specification are all that is needed for good
performance and engine protection.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16540728) - 2023 - crc - 6/16/22
254 Vehicle Care
Engine oil system flushes are not
recommended and could cause engine
damage not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain elements
that can be unhealthy for your skin and
could even cause cancer. Do not let used oil
stay on your skin for very long. Clean your
skin and nails with soap and water, or a
good hand cleaner. Wash or properly
dispose of clothing or rags containing used
engine oil. See the manufacturer's warnings
about the use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the environment.
If you change your own oil, be sure to drain
all the oil from the filter before disposal.
Never dispose of oil by putting it in the
trash or pouring it on the ground, into
sewers, or into streams or bodies of water.
Recycle it by taking it to a place that
collects used oil.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system that
indicates when to change the engine oil and
filter. This is based on a combination offactors which include engine revolutions,
engine temperature, and miles driven. Based
on driving conditions, the mileage at which
an oil change is indicated can vary
considerably. For the oil life system to work
properly, the system must be reset every
time the oil is changed.
When the system has calculated that oil life
has been diminished, it indicates that an oil
change is necessary. A CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message comes on. Change the oil as
soon as possible within the next 1 000 km
(600 mi). It is possible that, if driving under
the best conditions, the oil life system may
indicate that an oil change is not necessary
for up to a year. The engine oil and filter
must be changed at least once a year and,
at this time, the system must be reset. Your
dealer has trained service people who will
perform this work and reset the system.
It is also important to check the oil regularly
over the course of an oil drain interval and
keep it at the proper level.
If the system is ever reset accidentally, the
oil must be changed at 5 000 km (3,000 mi)
since the last oil change. Remember to reset
the oil life system whenever the oil is
changed.
How to Reset the Engine Oil Life System
Reset the system whenever the engine oil is
changed so that the system can calculate
the next engine oil change. To reset the
system:
1. Display REMAINING OIL LIFE on the DIC menu. See Driver Information Center
(DIC) (Base and Midlevel) 0103 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
0 107.
2. Press and hold
Vfor several seconds
while the Oil Life display is active to
reset the Oil Life system.
3. REMAINING OIL LIFE 100% will be displayed when the oil life system is
successfully reset.
The oil life system can also be reset as
follows: 1. Place the ignition in Service Mode. See Ignition Positions 0190.
2. Display REMAINING OIL LIFE on the DIC menu. See Driver Information Center
(DIC) (Base and Midlevel) 0103 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
0 107.
3. Fully press and release the accelerator pedal three times within five seconds.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Vehicle Care 255
4. If the display changes to 100%, thesystem is reset.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message
comes back on when the vehicle is started,
the engine oil life system has not reset.
Repeat the procedure.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
It is not necessary to check the transmission
fluid level. A transmission fluid leak is the
only reason for fluid loss. If a leak occurs,
take the vehicle to your dealer and have it
repaired as soon as possible.
Change the fluid at the intervals listed in
Maintenance Schedule 0316, and be sure to
use the transmission fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 0320.
Caution
Use of the incorrect automatic
transmission fluid may damage the
vehicle, and the damage may not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Always
use the correct automatic transmission
fluid. See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0320. There is a special procedure for checking and
changing the transmission fluid. Because this
procedure is difficult, this should be done by
your dealer.
Engine Air Filter Life System
If equipped, this feature provides the engine
air filter’s remaining life and best timing for
a change. The timing to change an engine
air filter depends on driving and
environmental conditions.
When to Change the Engine Air Filter
When the Driver Information Center (DIC)
displays a message to replace the engine air
filter at the next oil change, follow this
timing.
When the DIC displays a message to replace
the engine air filter soon, replace the engine
air filter at the earliest convenience.
The system must be reset after the engine
air filter is changed.
If the DIC displays a message to check the
engine air filter system, see your dealer.
How to Reset the Engine Air Filter Life
System
To reset:
1. Place the vehicle in P (Park).
2. Display the Air Filter Life on the DIC. See Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base and
Midlevel) 0103 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
0 107.
3. Press
pon the steering wheel to move
to the Reset/Disable display area. Select
Reset then press
V.
4. Press
Vto confirm the reset.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
The engine air cleaner/filter is in the engine
compartment on the passenger side of the
vehicle. See Engine Compartment Overview
0 251.
When to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/
Filter
If the vehicle is not equipped with the
engine air filter life system, see
Maintenance Schedule 0316.