Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16540728) - 2023 - crc - 6/16/22
6 Introduction
1.Air Vents 0173.
2. Turn Signal Lever. See Turn and
Lane-Change Signals 0117.
IntelliBeam System Button (If Equipped).
See Exterior Lamp Controls 0114.
3. Instrument Cluster (Base and Midlevel)
087 or
Instrument Cluster (Uplevel) 090.
Driver Information Center (DIC) Display.
See Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base
and Midlevel) 0103 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
0 107.
4. Windshield Wiper/Washer 080.
5. Infotainment Controls. See Overview
0 122.
6. Light Sensor. See Automatic Headlamp
System 0116.
7. Hazard Warning Flashers 0117.
Auto Stop Disable Switch. See Stop/Start
System 0192.
8. Climate Control Systems 0169 (If
Equipped).
Dual Automatic Climate Control System
0 171 (If Equipped).
9. Heated and Ventilated Front Seats 037
(If Equipped). 10.
Power Outlets 082.
11. Wireless Charging 084 (If Equipped).
12. USB Port 0130.
13. All-Wheel Drive 0201 (If Equipped).
Tow/Haul Mode 0200.
Park Assist 0223 (If Equipped).
Automatic Parking Assist (APA) 0224 (If
Equipped).
14. Electric Parking Brake 0202.
15. Shift Lever. See Automatic Transmission
0 198.
Manual Mode 0200.
16. ENGINE START/STOP Button. See Ignition
Positions 0190.
17. Steering Wheel Controls 0123.
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control 0204.
18. Horn 080.
19. Steering Wheel Adjustment 080 (Out
of View).
20. Cruise Control 0207.
Adaptive Cruise Control (Camera) 0209
(If Equipped).
Heated Steering Wheel 080 (If
Equipped). Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System
0
227 (If Equipped).
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) 0233 (If
Equipped).
21. Hood Release. See Hood0249.
22. Fog Lamps 0117 (If Equipped).
23. Exterior Lamp Controls 0114.
24. Data Link Connector (DLC) (Out of View). SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp (Check
Engine Light) 096.
25. Instrument Panel Illumination Control
0118.
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16540728) - 2023 - crc - 6/16/22
48 Seats and Restraints
New parts and repairs may be necessary
even if the seat belt system was not being
used at the time of the crash.
Have the seat belt pretensioners checked if
the vehicle has been in a crash, or if the
airbag readiness light stays on after you
start the vehicle or while you are driving.
SeeAirbag Readiness Light 094.
Airbag System
The vehicle has the following airbags:
.A frontal airbag for the driver
.A frontal airbag for the front outboard
passenger
.A seat-mounted side impact airbag for the
driver
.A seat-mounted side impact airbag for the
front outboard passenger
.A roof-rail airbag for the driver and the
passenger seated directly behind the
driver
.A roof-rail airbag for the front outboard
passenger and the passenger seated
directly behind the front outboard
passenger All vehicle airbags have the word AIRBAG on
the trim or on a label near the deployment
opening.
For frontal airbags, the word AIRBAG is on
the center of the steering wheel for the
driver and on the instrument panel for the
front outboard passenger.
For seat-mounted side impact airbags, the
word AIRBAG is on the side of the seatback
or side of the seat closest to the door.
For roof-rail airbags, the word AIRBAG is on
the ceiling or trim.
Airbags are designed to supplement the
protection provided by seat belts. Even
though today's airbags are also designed to
help reduce the risk of injury from the force
of an inflating bag, all airbags must inflate
very quickly to do their job.
Here are the most important things to know
about the airbag system:{Warning
You can be severely injured or killed in a
crash if you are not wearing your seat
belt, even with airbags. Airbags are
designed to work with seat belts, not
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
replace them. Also, airbags are not
designed to inflate in every crash. In
some crashes seat belts are the only
restraint. SeeWhen Should an Airbag
Inflate? 050.
Wearing your seat belt during a crash
helps reduce your chance of hitting
things inside the vehicle or being ejected
from it. Airbags are “supplemental
restraints” to the seat belts. Everyone in
the vehicle should wear a seat belt
properly, whether or not there is an
airbag for that person.
{Warning
Because airbags inflate with great force
and faster than the blink of an eye,
anyone who is up against, or very close
to, any airbag when it inflates can be
seriously injured or killed. Do not sit
unnecessarily close to any airbag, as you
would be if sitting on the edge of the
seat or leaning forward. Seat belts help
keep you in position before and during a
(Continued)
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16540728) - 2023 - crc - 6/16/22
Seats and Restraints 49
Warning (Continued)
crash. Always wear a seat belt, even with
airbags. The driver should sit as far back
as possible while still maintaining control
of the vehicle. The seat belts and the
front outboard passenger airbags are
most effective when you are sitting well
back and upright in the seat with both
feet on the floor.
Occupants should not lean on or sleep
against the door or side windows in
seating positions with seat-mounted side
impact airbags and/or roof-rail airbags.
{Warning
Children who are up against, or very
close to, any airbag when it inflates can
be seriously injured or killed. Always
secure children properly in the vehicle. To
read how, seeOlder Children 058 or
Infants and Young Children 059.
There is an airbag readiness light on the
instrument cluster, which shows the airbag
symbol.
The system checks the airbag electrical
system for malfunctions. The light tells you
if there is an electrical problem. See Airbag
Readiness Light 094.
Where Are the Airbags?
The driver frontal airbag is in the center of
the steering wheel.
The front outboard passenger frontal airbag
is in the passenger side instrument panel.
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16540728) - 2023 - crc - 6/16/22
50 Seats and Restraints
Driver Side Shown, Passenger Side Similar
The driver and front outboard passenger
seat-mounted side impact airbags are in the
side of the seatbacks closest to the door.Driver Side Shown, Passenger Side Similar
The roof-rail airbags for the driver, front
outboard passenger, and second row
outboard passengers are in the ceiling above
the side windows.
{Warning
If something is between an occupant and
an airbag, the airbag might not inflate
properly or it might force the object into
that person causing severe injury or even
death. The path of an inflating airbag
must be kept clear. Do not put anything
between an occupant and an airbag, and (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
do not attach or put anything on the
steering wheel hub or on or near any
other airbag covering.
Do not use seat accessories that block the
inflation path of a seat-mounted side
impact airbag.
Never secure anything to the roof of a
vehicle with roof-rail airbags by routing a
rope or tie‐down through any door or
window opening. If you do, the path of
an inflating roof-rail airbag will be
blocked.
When Should an Airbag Inflate?
This vehicle is equipped with airbags. See
Airbag System048. Airbags are designed to
inflate if the impact exceeds the specific
airbag system's deployment threshold.
Deployment thresholds are used to predict
how severe a crash is likely to be in time
for the airbags to inflate and help restrain
the occupants. The vehicle has electronic
sensors that help the airbag system
determine the severity of the impact.
Deployment thresholds can vary with
specific vehicle design.
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16540728) - 2023 - crc - 6/16/22
Seats and Restraints 51
Frontal airbags are designed to inflate in
moderate to severe frontal crashes to help
reduce the potential for severe injuries,
mainly to the driver's or front outboard
passenger's head and chest.
Whether the frontal airbags will or should
inflate is not based primarily on how fast
the vehicle is traveling. It depends on what
is hit, the direction of the impact, and how
quickly the vehicle slows down.
Frontal airbags may inflate at different crash
speeds depending on whether the vehicle
hits an object straight on or at an angle,
and whether the object is fixed or moving,
rigid or deformable, narrow or wide.
Frontal airbags are not intended to inflate
during vehicle rollovers, rear impacts,
or many side impacts.
In addition, the vehicle has advanced
technology frontal airbags. Advanced
technology frontal airbags adjust the
restraint according to crash severity.
Seat-mounted side impact airbags are
designed to inflate in moderate to severe
side crashes depending on the location of
the impact. These airbags may also inflate
in some moderate to severe frontal impacts.
Seat-mounted side impact airbags are notdesigned to inflate in rollovers or rear
impacts. A seat-mounted side impact airbag
is designed to inflate on the side of the
vehicle that is struck.
Roof-rail airbags are designed to inflate in
moderate to severe side crashes depending
on the location of the impact. In addition,
these roof-rail airbags may inflate during a
rollover or in a severe frontal impact.
Roof-rail airbags are not designed to inflate
in rear impacts. Both roof-rail airbags may
inflate when either side of the vehicle is
struck or if the sensing system predicts that
the vehicle is about to roll over on its side,
or in a severe frontal impact.
In any particular crash, no one can say
whether an airbag should have inflated
simply because of the vehicle damage or
repair costs.
What Makes an Airbag Inflate?
In a deployment event, the sensing system
sends an electrical signal triggering a release
of gas from the inflator. Gas from the
inflator fills the airbag causing the bag to
break out of the cover. The inflator, the
airbag, and related hardware are all part of
the airbag module.
For airbag locations, see
Where Are the
Airbags? 049.
How Does an Airbag Restrain?
In moderate to severe frontal or near frontal
collisions, even belted occupants can contact
the steering wheel or the instrument panel.
In moderate to severe side collisions, even
belted occupants can contact the inside of
the vehicle.
Airbags supplement the protection provided
by seat belts by distributing the force of the
impact more evenly over the
occupant's body.
Rollover capable roof-rail airbags are
designed to help contain the head and chest
of occupants in the outboard seating
positions in the first and second rows. The
rollover capable roof-rail airbags are
designed to help reduce the risk of full or
partial ejection in rollover events, although
no system can prevent all such ejections.
But airbags would not help in many types
of collisions, primarily because the
occupant's motion is not toward those
airbags. See When Should an Airbag Inflate?
0 50.
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16540728) - 2023 - crc - 6/16/22
56 Seats and Restraints
A thick layer of additional material, such as
a blanket or cushion, or aftermarket
equipment such as seat covers, seat heaters,
and seat massagers can affect how well the
passenger sensing system operates. We
recommend that you not use seat covers or
other aftermarket equipment except when
approved by GM for your specific vehicle.
SeeAdding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 056 for more
information about modifications that can
affect how the system operates.
The ON indicator may be lit if an object,
such as a briefcase, handbag, grocery bag,
laptop, or other electronic device, is put on
an unoccupied seat. If this is not desired,
remove the object from the seat.
{Warning
Stowing articles under the passenger seat
or between the passenger seat cushion
and seatback may interfere with the
proper operation of the passenger
sensing system.
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle
Airbags affect how the vehicle should be
serviced. There are parts of the airbag
system in several places around the vehicle.
Your dealer and the service manual have
information about servicing the vehicle and
the airbag system. To purchase a service
manual, see Publication Ordering
Information 0334.
{Warning
For up to 10 seconds after the vehicle is
turned off and the battery is
disconnected, an airbag can still inflate
during improper service. You can be
injured if you are close to an airbag
when it inflates. Avoid yellow connectors.
They are probably part of the airbag
system. Be sure to follow proper service
procedures, and make sure the person
performing work for you is qualified to
do so.
Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Adding accessories that change the vehicle's
frame, bumper system, height, front end,
or side sheet metal may keep the airbag
system from working properly.
The operation of the airbag system can also
be affected by changing, including
improperly repairing or replacing, any parts
of the following:
.Airbag system, including airbag modules,
front or side impact sensors, sensing and
diagnostic module, or airbag wiring
.Front seats, including stitching, seams or
zippers
.Seat belts
.Steering wheel, instrument panel,
overhead console, ceiling trim, or pillar
garnish trim
.Inner door seals, including speakers
Your dealer and the service manual have
information about the location of the airbag
modules and sensors, sensing and diagnostic
module, and airbag wiring along with the
proper replacement procedures.
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16540728) - 2023 - crc - 6/16/22
Seats and Restraints 57
In addition, the vehicle has a passenger
sensing system for the front outboard
passenger position, which includes sensors
that are part of the passenger seat. The
passenger sensing system may not operate
properly if the original seat trim is replaced
with non-GM covers, upholstery, or trim; or
with GM covers, upholstery, or trim
designed for a different vehicle. Any object,
such as an aftermarket seat heater or a
comfort-enhancing pad or device, installed
under or on top of the seat fabric, could
also interfere with the operation of the
passenger sensing system. This could either
prevent proper deployment of the passenger
airbag(s) or prevent the passenger sensing
system from properly turning off the
passenger airbag(s). SeePassenger Sensing
System 053.
If the vehicle has rollover roof-rail airbags,
see Different Size Tires and Wheels 0290
for additional important information.
If the vehicle must be modified because you
have a disability and have questions about
whether the modifications will affect the
vehicle's airbag system, or if you have
questions about whether the airbag system will be affected if the vehicle is modified for
any other reason, call Customer Assistance.
See
Customer Assistance Offices 0329.
Airbag System Check
The airbag system does not need regularly
scheduled maintenance or replacement.
Make sure the airbag readiness light is
working. See Airbag Readiness Light 094.
Caution
If an airbag covering is damaged, opened,
or broken, the airbag may not work
properly. Do not open or break the airbag
coverings. If there are any opened or
broken airbag coverings, have the airbag
covering and/or airbag module replaced.
For the location of the airbags, see Where
Are the Airbags? 049. See your dealer
for service.
Replacing Airbag System Parts
after a Crash
{Warning
A crash can damage the airbag systems
in the vehicle. A damaged airbag system
may not properly protect you and your
passenger(s) in a crash, resulting in
serious injury or even death. To help
make sure the airbag systems are
working properly after a crash, have
them inspected and any necessary
replacements made as soon as possible.
If an airbag inflates, you will need to
replace airbag system parts. See your dealer
for service.
If the airbag readiness light stays on after
the vehicle is started or comes on when you
are driving, the airbag system may not work
properly. Have the vehicle serviced right
away. See Airbag Readiness Light 094.
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16540728) - 2023 - crc - 6/16/22
Instruments and Controls 79
Instruments and Controls
Controls
Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Heated Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Rear Window Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Wireless Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators
Warning Lights, Gauges, andIndicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Instrument Cluster (Base and Midlevel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Instrument Cluster (Uplevel) . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . . 93
Seat Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Airbag Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator . . . . . . 95
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95 Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check
Engine Light) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Brake System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Service Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . . 98
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Tow/Haul Mode Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) Light . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Vehicle Ahead Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Pedestrian Ahead Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Traction Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
StabiliTrak OFF Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Traction Control System (TCS)/ StabiliTrak Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Tire Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Engine Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Security Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Front Fog Lamp Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Cruise Control Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Information Displays
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base and Midlevel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Vehicle Messages
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Engine Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Vehicle Speed Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Universal Remote System
Universal Remote System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Universal Remote SystemProgramming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Universal Remote System Operation . . . 113