
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16540728) - 2023 - crc - 6/16/22
Climate Controls 171
Dual Automatic Climate Control System
The heating, cooling, and ventilation for the vehicle can be controlled with this system.
1. Driver and Passenger TemperatureControls
2. MAX Defrost
3. Air Delivery Mode Controls
4. A/C (Air Conditioning)
5. Heated and Ventilated Front Seats (If Equipped)
6. SYNC (Synchronized Temperature)
7. AUTO (Automatic Operation)
8. Fan Control
9. Power 10. Recirculation
11. Rear Window Defogger
Automatic Operation
The system automatically heats or cools the
vehicle to the desired temperature:
.Fan Speed
.Air Delivery Mode
.Air Conditioning
.Recirculation
When AUTO is lit, all four functions operate
automatically. Each function can also be
manually set and the selected setting is displayed. Functions not manually set will
continue to be automatically controlled,
even if the AUTO indicator is not lit.
For automatic operation:
1. Press AUTO.
2. Set the temperature. Allow the system time to stabilize. Adjust the temperature
as needed for best comfort.
To improve fuel efficiency and to cool the
vehicle faster, recirculation may be
automatically selected in warm weather. The
recirculation light will not come on. Press
@to select recirculation; press it again to
select outside air.
Driver and Passenger Temperature Control :
The temperature can be adjusted separately
for the driver and the passenger. Turn the
knob clockwise or counterclockwise to
increase or decrease the temperature.
SYNC : Press to link all climate zone settings
to the driver setting. The SYNC indicator
light will turn on. When the passenger
settings are adjusted, the SYNC indicator
light turns off.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16540728) - 2023 - crc - 6/16/22
172 Climate Controls
Manual Operation
O:Press to turn the fan off or on. When
off, no air will flow into the vehicle. Turning
the fan on, pressing any other button,
or turning a knob will turn the system back
on using the current setting.
^: Press to increase or decrease the fan
speed. The fan speed setting appears on the
main display. Pressing either button cancels
automatic fan control and the fan is
controlled manually. Press AUTO to return
to automatic operation.
Air Delivery Mode Controls : Press any
combination of
X,Y, or[to change the
direction of the airflow. The indicator light
in the button will turn on. The current mode
appears in the display screen. Pressing any
of the three buttons cancels automatic air
delivery control and the direction of the
airflow is controlled manually. Press AUTO
to return to automatic operation.
To change the current mode, select one or
more of the following:
X: Clears the windows of fog or moisture.
Air is directed to the windshield.
Y: Air is directed to the instrument panel
outlets.
[: Air is directed to the floor outlets.
0MAX : Air is directed to the windshield
and the fan runs at a higher speed. Fog or
frost is cleared from the windshield more
quickly. When the button is pressed again,
the system returns to the previous mode
setting.
For best results, clear all snow and ice from
the windshield before defrosting.
A/C : Press to turn the air conditioning
system on or off. If the climate control
system is turned off or the outside
temperature falls below freezing, the air
conditioner will not run.
Pressing this button cancels automatic air
conditioning and turns off the air
conditioner. Press AUTO to return to
automatic operation and the air conditioner
runs automatically as needed. When the
indicator light is on, the air conditioner runs
automatically to cool the air inside the
vehicle or to dry the air needed to defog
the windshield faster.
@: Press to turn on recirculation. An
indicator light comes on. Air is recirculated
to quickly cool the inside of the vehicle or
to reduce the entry of outside air and odors. Auto Defog :
The climate control system
may have a sensor to automatically detect
high humidity inside the vehicle. When high
humidity is detected, the climate control
system may adjust to outside air supply and
turn on the air conditioner. The fan speed
may slightly increase to help prevent
fogging. If the climate control system does
not detect possible window fogging, it
returns to normal operation.
To turn Auto Defog off or on, select Settings
> Climate and Air Quality > Auto Defog >
Select ON or OFF.
Rear Window Defogger
K: Press to turn the rear window defogger
on or off. An indicator light on the button
comes on to show that the rear window
defogger is on. The defogger only works
when the vehicle is on.
The rear window defogger can be turned off
by turning the vehicle off or to
accessory mode.
To turn Auto Rear Defog off or on, select
Settings > Climate and Air Quality > Auto
Rear Defog > Select ON or OFF. When auto
rear defog is selected, the rear window
defogger turns on automatically when the
interior temperature is cold and the outside

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16540728) - 2023 - crc - 6/16/22
Climate Controls 173
temperature is about 7 °C (44 °F) and below.
The Auto Rear Defogger turns off
automatically.
If the vehicle is equipped with heated
outside mirrors, they turn on when the rear
window defogger button is on and help to
clear fog or frost from the surface of the
mirror. SeeHeated Mirrors 025.
Caution
Do not try to clear frost or other material
from the inside of the front windshield
and rear window with a razor blade or
anything else that is sharp. This may
damage the rear window defogger grid
and affect the radio's ability to pick up
stations clearly. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Driver and Passenger Heated and Ventilated
Front Seats : If equipped, press
LorMto
heat the driver or passenger seat.
If equipped, press
{orCto ventilate the
driver or passenger seat. See Heated and
Ventilated Front Seats 037.
Remote Start Climate Control Operation (If
Equipped) : If the vehicle is equipped with
the remote start feature, the climate control system may run when the vehicle is started
remotely. The system uses the driver’s
previous settings to heat or cool the inside
of the vehicle. The rear defog may come on
during remote start based on cold ambient
conditions. If the vehicle has heated or
ventilated seats, they may come on during a
remote start. See
Remote Vehicle Start 014
and
Heated and Ventilated Front Seats 037.
Sensor
The solar sensor on top of the instrument
panel near the windshield monitors the
solar heat.
The climate control system uses the sensor
information to adjust the temperature, fan
speed, recirculation, and air delivery mode
for best comfort.
Do not cover the sensor; otherwise the
automatic climate control system may not
work properly.
Afterblow Feature
If equipped, under certain conditions, the
fan may stay on or may turn on and off
several times after you turn off and lock the
vehicle. This is normal.
Air Vents
Use the louvers located on the air vents to
change the direction of the airflow.
To open or close off the airflow:
.On the center air vents, move the slider
knobs up or down.
.On the outer and rear air vents, move the
slider knobs right or left.
Operation Tips
.Clear away any ice, snow, or leaves from
air inlets at the base of the windshield
that could block the flow of air into the
vehicle.
.Clear snow off the hood to improve
visibility and help decrease moisture
drawn into the vehicle, which may
improve long term system performance.
.Keep the path under the front seats clear
of objects to help circulate the air inside
of the vehicle more effectively.
.Use of non-GM approved hood deflectors
can adversely affect the performance of
the system. Check with your dealer
before adding equipment to the outside
of the vehicle.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16540728) - 2023 - crc - 6/16/22
174 Climate Controls
.Do not attach any devices to the air vent
slats. This restricts airflow and may cause
damage to the air vents.
Maintenance
Passenger Compartment Air Filter
The filter removes dust, pollen, and other
airborne irritants from outside air that is
pulled into the vehicle.
The filter should be replaced as part of
routine scheduled maintenance. See
Maintenance Schedule0316. To find out
what type of filter to use, see Maintenance
Replacement Parts 0321.
1. Open the glove box.
2. Disconnect the glove box door damper (1) from the glove box door
assembly by squeezing the pivot (2) to
release the damper ring.
3. Squeeze both sides of the glove box bininward to lower beyond the stops.
4. Remove the two screws securingthe door.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16540728) - 2023 - crc - 6/16/22
Climate Controls 175
5. Press the latches on either side of theservice door inward to release. Open the
service door and remove the old filter.
6. Install the new air filter.
7. Close the service door completely.
8. Reverse the steps to reinstall the glove box.
See your dealer if additional assistance is
needed.
Service
All vehicles have a label underhood that
identifies the refrigerant used in the vehicle.
The refrigerant system should only be
serviced by trained and certified technicians.
The air conditioning evaporator should never
be repaired or replaced by one from a
salvage vehicle. It should only be replaced
by a new evaporator to ensure proper and
safe operation. During service, all refrigerants should be
reclaimed with proper equipment. Venting
refrigerants directly to the atmosphere is
harmful to the environment and may also
create unsafe conditions based on
inhalation, combustion, frostbite, or other
health-based concerns.
The air conditioning system requires periodic
maintenance. See
Maintenance Schedule
0 316.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16540728) - 2023 - crc - 6/16/22
178 Driving and Operating
Driving for Better Fuel Economy
Driving habits can affect fuel mileage. Here
are some driving tips to get the best fuel
economy possible:
.Set the climate controls to the desired
temperature after the engine is started,
or turn them off when not required.
.Avoid fast starts and accelerate smoothly.
.Brake gradually and avoid abrupt stops.
.Avoid idling the engine for long periods
of time.
.When road and weather conditions are
appropriate, use cruise control.
.Always follow posted speed limits or
drive more slowly when conditions
require.
.Keep vehicle tires properly inflated.
.Combine several trips into a single trip.
.Replace the vehicle's tires with the same
TPC Spec number molded into the tire's
sidewall near the size.
.Follow recommended scheduled
maintenance.
Distracted Driving
Distraction comes in many forms and can
take your focus from the task of driving.
Exercise good judgment and do not let other
activities divert your attention away from
the road. Many local governments have
enacted laws regarding driver distraction.
Become familiar with the local laws in
your area.
To avoid distracted driving, keep your eyes
on the road, keep your hands on the
steering wheel, and focus your attention on
driving.
.Do not use a phone in demanding driving
situations. Use a hands-free method to
place or receive necessary phone calls.
.Watch the road. Do not read, take notes,
or look up information on phones or
other electronic devices.
.Designate a front seat passenger to
handle potential distractions.
.Become familiar with vehicle features
before driving, such as programming
favorite radio stations and adjusting
climate control and seat settings. Program
all trip information into any navigation
device prior to driving.
.Wait until the vehicle is parked to
retrieve items that have fallen to the
floor.
.Stop or park the vehicle to tend to
children.
.Keep pets in an appropriate carrier or
restraint.
.Avoid stressful conversations while
driving, whether with a passenger or on a
cell phone.
{Warning
Taking your eyes off the road too long or
too often could cause a crash resulting in
injury or death. Focus your attention on
driving.
Refer to the infotainment section for more
information on using that system and the
navigation system, if equipped, including
pairing and using a cell phone.
Defensive Driving
Defensive driving means “always expect the
unexpected.” The first step in driving
defensively is to wear the seat belt. See
Seat Belts 041.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16540728) - 2023 - crc - 6/16/22
Driving and Operating 205
Drive the vehicle. Ifdcomes on and stays
on, the vehicle may need more time to
diagnose the problem. If the condition
persists, see your dealer.
Turning the Systems Off and On
(Uplevel Cluster)
Caution
Do not repeatedly brake or accelerate
heavily when TCS is off. The vehicle
driveline could be damaged.
At speeds of 56 km/h (35 mph) or above,
this ability to turn off or on is disabled.
TCS and StabiliTrak/ESC can be turned off or
on using the DIC controls as follows:
Pressoorpto scroll to the Options
application.
Press
worxto scroll through the items
in the Options menu.
Press
Vto select the Traction and Stability
page, then press
Vto select the menu. Use
worxto select Traction (TCS) or
Stability (ESC).
To turn TCS off, select Traction, then press
V. The TCS icon on the DIC will change
from On to Off and
iilluminates in the
instrument cluster. To turn TCS back on, select Traction, then
press
V. The TCS icon on the DIC will
change from Off to On and
igoes out in
the instrument cluster. TCS cannot be on
when StabiliTrak/ESC is off.
To turn StabiliTrak/ESC off, select Stability,
then press
V. The StabiliTrak/ESC icon on
the DIC will change from On to Off. If TCS
was on when StabiliTrak/ESC was turned off,
both will turn off and
iandgilluminate.
To turn StabiliTrak/ESC back on, select
Stability then press
V. The StabiliTrak/ESC
icon on the DIC will change from Off to On
and
ggoes out in the instrument cluster.
To turn both StabiliTrak/ESC and TCS back
on, select Traction, then press
V. The
StabiliTrak/ESC and TCS icons on the DIC will
change from Off to On and
gandigo
out in the instrument cluster.
Adding accessories can affect the vehicle
performance. See Accessories and
Modifications 0248.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16540728) - 2023 - crc - 6/16/22
206 Driving and Operating
Turning the Systems Off and On
(Midlevel Cluster)Caution
Do not repeatedly brake or accelerate
heavily when TCS is off. The vehicle
driveline could be damaged.
At speeds of 56 km/h (35 mph) or above,
this ability to turn off or on is disabled.
TCS and StabiliTrak/ESC can be turned off or
on using the DIC controls as follows:
Pressoto access the cluster applications.
Use
worxto scroll through the list of
available applications. Press
Vto select the Options application,
then press
pto enter the Options menu.
Use
worxto scroll through items in the
Options menu.
Press
Vto select the Traction and Stability
page, then press
pto select Traction menu.
Use
worxto select Traction (TCS) or
Stability (ESC).
To turn TCS off, select Traction, then press
V. The TCS icon on the DIC will change
from On to Off and
iilluminates in the
instrument cluster.
To turn TCS back on, select Traction, then
press
V. The TCS icon on the DIC will
change from Off to On and
igoes out in
the instrument cluster. TCS cannot be on
when StabiliTrak/ESC is off.
To turn StabiliTrak/ESC off, select Stability,
then press
V. The StabiliTrak/ESC icon on
the DIC will change from On to Off. If TCS
was on when StabiliTrak/ESC was turned off,
both will turn off and
iandgilluminate. To turn StabiliTrak/ESC back on, select
Stability then press
V. The StabiliTrak/ESC
icon on the DIC will change from Off to On
and
ggoes out in the instrument cluster.
To turn both StabiliTrak/ESC and TCS back
on, select Traction, then press
V. The
StabiliTrak/ESC and TCS icons on the DIC will
change from Off to On and
gandigo
out in the instrument cluster.
Adding accessories can affect the vehicle
performance. See Accessories and
Modifications 0248.
Turning the Systems Off and On (Base
Level DIC)
Caution
Do not repeatedly brake or accelerate
heavily when TCS is off. The vehicle
driveline could be damaged.
At speeds of 56 km/h (35 mph) or above,
this ability to turn off or on is disabled.