CHEVROLET EQUINOX 2006 1.G Owners Manual

Fog Lamps
If your vehicle has this feature, use your fog lamps for
better visibility in foggy or misty conditions.
The button for your fog
lamps is located in the
instrument panel above
the radio.
Push the button to turn the fog lamps on or off.
When using fog lamps, the parking lamps or low-beam
headlamps must be on.
A light on the button will come on when the fog lamps
are on. Fog lamps will go off whenever you turn the
high-beam headlamps on. When the high-beam
headlamps are turned off, the fog lamps will come
on again.
Some localities have laws that require the headlamps to
be on along with the fog lamps.
Instrument Panel Brightness
This feature controls the brightness of the instrument
panel lights.
The control for this feature
is located on the instrument
panel to the left of the
steering column.
Turn the control up to brighten the lights or down to
dim them.
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Dome Lamp
The dome lamp switch has three positions.
*(Off):The lamp will not come on as long as the
switch is in this position.
1(Automatic):The lamp will come on when a door
is opened. SeeEntry Lighting on page 3-16.
+(On):The lamp will stay on as long as the switch
is in this position.
Entry Lighting
If the dome lamp is in the AUTO position, the dome
lamp and the cargo lamp inside your vehicle will come
on when any door is opened. In addition, the light
will come on when the remote keyless entry unlock
button is pressed. It will stay on for 20 seconds or until
a door is opened. After the door is opened the light
will remain on and stay on for 20 seconds after the doors
are closed, or until you put the key in the ignition and
turn the key to RUN.
Map Lamps
Your vehicle may have lamps located on the headliner
above the rearview mirror. Push on the lens in the
lamp to turn them on and off.
Cargo Lamp
The cargo lamp is located over the rear compartment,
and is controlled by the dome lamp. SeeDome Lamp on
page 3-16.
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Battery Run-Down Protection
Your vehicle has a battery saver feature designed to
protect your vehicle’s battery.
When any interior lamp is left on and the ignition is
turned off, the battery rundown protection system will
automatically turn the lamp off after 20 minutes. This will
avoid draining the battery. If the radio is on, it will turn
off after 10 minutes or if any door on the vehicle is
opened. SeeRetained Accessory Power (RAP)
on page 2-16.
Accessory Power Outlet(s)
The accessory power outlets can be used to connect
electrical equipment such as a cellular phone or
CB radio.
The accessory power outlets are located in front of the
center console storage area, at the rear of the center
console, and in the rear cargo area.
To use the outlets, remove the cover. When not in use,
always cover the outlet with the protective cap.
Notice:Leaving electrical equipment on for
extended periods will drain the battery. Always turn
off electrical equipment when not in use and do
not plug in equipment that exceeds the maximum
amperage rating.Certain electrical accessories may not be compatible
with the accessory power outlets and could result
in blown vehicle or adapter fuses. If you experience a
problem, see your dealer for additional information
on the accessory power outlet.
Notice:Adding any electrical equipment to your
vehicle may damage it or keep other components
from working as they should. The repairs would not
be covered by your warranty. Do not use equipment
exceeding maximum amperage rating of
20 amperes. Check with your retailer before
adding electrical equipment.
When adding electrical equipment, be sure to follow the
installation instructions included with the equipment.
Notice:Improper use of the power outlet can cause
damage not covered by your warranty. Do not
hang any type of accessory or accessory bracket
from the plug because the power outlets are
designed for accessory power plugs only.
The accessory power outlets can use equipment with a
maximum amperage rating up to 14. However, at
14 amperage, there is a potential to drain the battery.
Extended use of the auxiliary power outlets or large
current draws may drain the battery and/or shorten
battery life.
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Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter
Your vehicle may have an ashtray and cigarette lighter.
Lift the lid to expose the ashtray. To remove the
ashtray, lift it up.
Lift the lid to expose the cigarette lighter.
To use the lighter, push it in all the way and let go.
When it is ready, it will pop back out by itself.
Notice:Holding a cigarette lighter in while it is
heating will not allow the lighter to back away from
the heating element when it is hot. Damage from
overheating may occur to the lighter or heating
element, or a fuse could be blown. Do not hold a
cigarette lighter in while it is heating.
Notice:If you put papers, pins, or other ammable
items in the ashtray, hot cigarettes or other
smoking materials could ignite them and possibly
damage your vehicle. Never put ammable items in
the ashtray.
Climate Controls
Climate Control System
With this system you can control the heating, cooling
and ventilation for your vehicle.
Operation
Temperature Control:Turn the center knob clockwise
or counterclockwise to increase or decrease the
temperature inside your vehicle.
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9(Fan):Turn the left knob clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the fan speed.
In any setting other than off, the fan will run continuously
with the ignition on. To turn off the air completely,
turn fan to 0 and select Recirculate.
Use the right knob to select from the following modes:
There are two minor detents between each mode
to nely adjust airow position.
H(Vent):This mode directs air to the instrument
panel outlets.
)(Bi-Level):This mode directs approximately half of
the air to the instrument panel outlets, and then
directs the remaining air to the oor outlets. Cooler air is
directed to the upper outlets and warmer air to the
oor outlets.
6(Floor):This mode directs most of the air to the
oor outlets with some air directed to the windshield and
side window outlets. Recirculation mode cannot be
selected while in oor mode. This helps prevent window
fogging and moisture building up within the cabin.
The right mode knob may also be used to select the
defrost and defog modes that are described in this
section.You can also select modes by using the following
buttons:
@(Recirculate):Press this button on the center
knob to recirculate cabin air through the vehicle. It can
be used to prevent outside air and odors from
entering your vehicle or to help heat or cool the air
inside your vehicle more quickly. An indicator light below
the symbol will come on to let you know the recirculation
mode is activated. Operation in this mode during
periods of high humidity and cool outside temperatures
may result in increased window fogging. If window
fogging is experienced, select the defrost mode.
#(Air Conditioning):Press this button to turn the
air-conditioning system on or off. When this button
is pressed, an indicator light on the button will come on
to let you know the air conditioning is activated.
Air-conditioning can be selected in any mode as long as
the fan switch is on.
On hot days, activate the air conditioning system, select
maximum fan speed and the coldest temperature
setting. Open the windows long enough to let the hot
inside air escape, then close them. This helps reduce
the time it takes for your vehicle to cool down, it
also helps the system to operate more efficiently. Adjust
fan speed and temperature setting as required to
achieve comfort.
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The air-conditioning system removes moisture from the
air, so you may sometimes notice a small amount of
water dripping underneath your vehicle while idling
or after turning off the engine. This is normal.
Defogging and Defrosting
Fog or frost on the inside of windows is a result of high
humidity (moisture) condensing on the cool window
glass. This can be minimized if the climate control
system is used properly. Use the defog mode to clear
the windows of fog or moisture and warm the
passengers. To avoid fogging windows on rainy and
humid days at temperatures above freezing, run the air
conditioning compressor. Also, it is best to avoid the
use of recirculation mode except when maximum
A/C performance is needed or for short times to avoid
exterior odors. Use the defrost mode to remove fog
or frost from the windshield more quickly. When
you select either of these modes (or the oor mode
which also helps defog the windows slightly), the system
runs the air-conditioning and cancels recirculation
mode to dry the air; however, the recirculation light will
stay on. For best results, clear all snow and ice from
the windshield before defrosting.Turn the right knob to select the defog or defrost mode.
-(Defog):This mode directs half of the air to the
windshield, the side window outlets and to the oor
outlets. When this mode is selected, the system will turn
recirculation mode off and run the air conditioning
compressor unless the outside air is at or below
freezing. Recirculation mode cannot be selected while in
defog mode; however, the recirculation light will stay
on. It is best to avoid the use of recirculation mode
except when maximum A/C performance is needed or
for short times to avoid exterior odors.
0(Defrost):This mode directs most of the air to the
windshield and the side window outlets, with some air
directed to the oor outlets. When this mode is selected,
the system will turn recirculation mode off automatically
and will run the air conditioning compressor unless the
outside air is at or below freezing. Recirculation mode
cannot be selected while in the defrost mode; however,
the recirculation light will stay on. To defrost the windows
faster, turn the temperature knob clockwise to the
warmest setting.
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Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to
remove fog from the rear window.
The rear window defogger will only work when the
ignition is in RUN.
<(Rear):Press this button to turn the rear window
defogger on or off. An indicator light on the button
will come on to let you know that the rear window
defogger is activated.
The rear window defogger will only work when the
ignition is in RUN. The rear window defogger will stay
on for approximately 15 minutes after the button is
pressed, unless the ignition is turned to ACC or LOCK.
If turned on again, the defogger will only run for
approximately ve minutes before turning off. The
defogger can also be turned off by pressing the button
again or by turning off the engine.
Notice:Do not use anything sharp on the inside of
the rear window. If you do, you could cut or
damage the warming grid, and the repairs would not
be covered by your warranty. Do not attach a
temporary vehicle license, tape, a decal or anything
similar to the defogger grid.
Outlet Adjustment
Use the louvers located on the air outlets to change the
direction of the airow.
Operation Tips

Clear away any ice, snow, or leaves from the air
inlets at the base of the vehicle that may block
the ow of air into your vehicle.
Use of non-GM approved hood deectors may
adversely affect the performance of the system.
Keep the path under the front seats clear of objects
to help circulate the air inside of your vehicle more
effectively.
Passenger Compartment Air Filter
The passenger compartment outside air is routed
through a passenger compartment lter. The lter
removes certain particles from the air, including pollen
and dust particles. Reductions in airow, which may
occur more quickly in dusty areas, indicate that the lter
needs to be replaced early.
The lter should be replaced as part of routine
scheduled maintenance. SeeScheduled Maintenance
on page 6-4for when to replace the lter.
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To change the passenger compartment air lter, use the
following steps:
1. Remove the push pins from the rear of the
passenger’s side air inlet panel. It is located in the
rear of the engine compartment on the passenger
side of the vehicle.
2. Open the hood.
3. Remove the push pins from the top and forward
edge of the passenger’s side air inlet panel.
4. Remove the air inlet panel.5. Remove the lter from the lter housing by pressing
the release tab at the inboard edge of the lter
housing.
6. Remove the lter from the vehicle.
7. Install a new passenger compartment air lter.
For the type of lter to use seeNormal Maintenance
Replacement Parts on page 6-13.
8. Reverse Steps 1 through 5.
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Warning Lights, Gages, and
Indicators
This part describes the warning lights and gages that
may be on your vehicle. The pictures will help you
locate them.
Warning lights and gages can signal that something is
wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause
an expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention to
your warning lights and gages could also save you
or others from injury.
Warning lights come on when there may be or is a
problem with one of your vehicle’s functions. As you will
see in the details on the next few pages, some warning
lights come on briey when you start the engine just to let
you know they’re working. If you are familiar with this
section, you should not be alarmed when this happens.Gages can indicate when there may be or is a problem
with one of your vehicle’s functions. Often gages
and warning lights work together to let you know when
there’s a problem with your vehicle.
When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on
when you are driving, or when one of the gages shows
there may be a problem, check the section that tells you
what to do about it. Please follow this manual’s advice.
Waiting to do repairs can be costly — and even
dangerous. So please get to know your warning lights
and gages. They’re a big help.
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Instrument Panel Cluster
Your instrument panel cluster is designed to let you know at a glance how your vehicle is running. You will know how fast
you are going, how much fuel you are using, and many other things you will need to drive safely and economically.
United States version shown, Canada similar
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