2023 CHEVROLET EQUINOX engine

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16540728) - 2023 - crc - 6/16/22
Driving and Operating 241
Parking on Hills
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death,
always park your vehicle and trailer on a
level surface when possible.
When parking your vehicle and your trailer
on a hill: 1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn the wheels into
the curb if facing downhill or into traffic
if facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, gradually release the brake pedal to
allow the chocks to absorb the load of
the trailer.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and shift into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
.Start the engine.
.Shift into a gear.
.Release the parking brake. 2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of
the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
The vehicle needs service more often when
used to tow trailers. See Maintenance
Schedule 0316. 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 0259.
Trailer Towing
Caution
Towing a trailer improperly can damage
the vehicle and result in costly repairs
not covered by the vehicle warranty. To
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
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:
.Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
.Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
.Maximum Trailer Weight Rating
.Maximum Trailer Tongue Weight Rating

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16540728) - 2023 - crc - 6/16/22
246 Driving and Operating
Overloading is another leading cause of
trailer tire blow-outs. Never load your trailer
with more weight than the tires are
designed to support. The load rating is
located on the trailer tire sidewall.
Always know the maximum speed rating for
the trailer tires before driving. This may be
significantly lower than the vehicle tire
speed rating. The speed rating may be on
the trailer tire sidewall. If the speed rating is
not shown, the default trailer tire speed
rating is 105 km/h (65 mph).Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical Equipment
{Warning
The Data Link Connector (DLC) is used for
vehicle service and Emission Inspection/
Maintenance testing. SeeMalfunction
Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light) 096.
A device connected to the DLC —such as
an aftermarket fleet or driver-behavior
tracking device —may interfere with
vehicle systems. This could affect vehicle
operation and cause a crash. Such devices
may also access information stored in the
vehicle’s systems.
Caution
Some electrical equipment can damage
the vehicle or cause components to not
work and would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Always check with your
dealer before adding electrical equipment. Add-on equipment can drain the vehicle's
12-volt battery, even if the vehicle is not
operating.
The vehicle has an airbag system. Before
attempting to add anything electrical to the
vehicle, see
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle 056 and
Adding Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle 056.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16540728) - 2023 - crc - 6/16/22
Vehicle Care 247
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
California Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . 248
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . 248
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . 251
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . 255
Engine Air Filter Life System . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Front Turn Signal and Fog Lamps . . . . . 268
Taillamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . 271
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . 275
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Tire Terminology and Definitions . . . . . 280
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . 283
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . 284 Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . 288
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . 290
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . 290
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . 292
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . 300
Towing the Vehicle
Transporting a Disabled Vehicle . . . . . . . 302
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . . . . . . . . 304
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16540728) - 2023 - crc - 6/16/22
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-
16540728) - 2023 - crc - 6/16/22
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.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16540728) - 2023 - crc - 6/16/22
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.