CHEVROLET EQUINOX 2008 1.G Owners Manual

Using Cruise Control on Hills
How well your cruise control works on hills depends upon
the vehicle’s speed, load, and the steepness of the hills.
While going up steep hills, you might have to step on the
accelerator pedal to maintain the vehicle’s speed. While
going downhill, you might have to brake or shift to a lower
gear to keep the vehicle at a lower speed. However,
when the brakes are applied the cruise control turns off.
Many drivers nd this to be too much trouble and do not
use cruise control on steep hills.
Ending Cruise Control
There are three ways to end cruise control:
Step lightly on the brake pedal.
Press the[button on the steering wheel.
Press theJbutton on the steering wheel.
Erasing Speed Memory
The cruise control set speed memory is erased when
the cruise control or the ignition is turned off.
Headlamps
The exterior lamp control is located on the turn
signal/multifunction lever.
O(Exterior Lamp Control):Turn the control with
this symbol on it to operate the exterior lamps.The exterior lamp control has the following positions:
AUTO (Off/Automatic Headlamps):Turn the control
to this position to put the headlamps in automatic mode.
Automatic mode will turn the exterior lamps on and
off depending upon how much light is available outside
of the vehicle.
;(Parking Lamps):Turn the control to this position to
turn on the parking lamps together with the following:
Sidemarker Lamps
Taillamps
License Plate Lamps
Instrument Panel Lights
53(Headlamps):Turning the control to this
position turns on the headlamps, together with the
previously listed lamps and lights.
Headlamps on Reminder
If you open the driver’s door with the ignition off and
the lamps on, you will hear a warning chime.
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Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier for
others to see the front of your vehicle during the
day. DRL can be helpful in many different driving
conditions, but they can be especially helpful in the short
periods after dawn and before sunset. Fully functional
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) are required on all
vehicles rst sold in Canada.
The DRL system will make your low-beam headlamps
come on at a reduced brightness in daylight when
the following conditions are met:
The ignition is on.
The exterior lamp band is in the automatic position.
The transmission is not in PARK (P).
The light sensor determines it is daytime.
The parking brake is released.
When the DRL are on, the low-beam headlamps will be
on at a reduced brightness. The taillamps, sidemarker
and other lamps will not be on. The instrument panel will
not be lit up either.
When the exterior lamp band is turned to the headlamp
position, the low-beam headlamps come on. The
other lamps that come on with the headlamps will also
come on.When the headlamps are turned off, the regular lamps
will go off, and the low-beam headlamps come on
to the reduced brightness.
To idle your vehicle with the DRL off, move the shift
lever to PARK (P). The DRL will stay off until the shift
lever is moved out of the PARK (P) position.
The regular headlamp system should be turned on
when needed.
Automatic Headlamp System
When it is dark enough outside and the exterior lamps
control is in the automatic position, the headlamps
will come on automatically. SeeHeadlamps on
page 3-13.
Your vehicle has a light sensor located on top of the
instrument panel. Make sure it is not covered, or
the headlamps will be on when you do not need them.
The system may also turn on the headlamps when
driving through a parking garage or tunnel.
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Fog Lamps
If your vehicle has this feature, use the fog lamps for
better visibility in foggy or misty conditions.
The fog lamps button is
located on the instrument
panel above the radio.
To use the fog lamps, the parking lamps or low-beam
headlamps must be on.
Push the button to turn the fog lamps on or off.
The fog lamp button is lit when the lamps are on.
The fog lamps will go off whenever the high-beam
headlamps are turned 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
If the vehicle has a dome lamp with a switch, the
following are the settings.
9(Off):Move the lever to this position to turn the
lamp off, even when a door is open.
1(Door):Move the lever to this position so that the
lamp comes on when a door is opened.
+(On):Move the lever to this position to turn the
dome lamp on.
Entry Lighting
The dome lamp and the cargo lamp inside the vehicle
comes on when any door is opened, if the dome lamp is
in the door position. In addition, these lamps come on
when the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) unlock button is
pressed. It stays on for 20 seconds or until a door is
opened. After the door is opened and then closed, the
light remains on for 20 seconds, or until the key is
put in the ignition and turned to the ON/RUN position.
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.
3-16

Electric Power Management
The vehicle has Electric Power Management (EPM)
that estimates the battery’s temperature and state
of charge. It then adjusts the voltage for best
performance and extended life of the battery.
When the battery’s state of charge is low, the voltage is
raised slightly to quickly put the charge back in. When the
state of charge is high, the voltage is lowered slightly to
prevent overcharging. If the vehicle has a voltmeter gage
or a voltage display on the Driver Information Center
(DIC), you may see the voltage move up or down. This is
normal. If there is a problem, an alert will be displayed.
The battery can be discharged at idle if the electrical
loads are very high. This is true for all vehicles. This is
because the generator (alternator) may not be spinning
fast enough at idle to produce all the power that is
needed for very high electrical loads.
A high electrical load occurs when several of the following
loads are on: headlamps, high beams, fog lamps, rear
window defogger, climate control fan at high speed,
heated seats, engine cooling fans, trailer loads, and
loads plugged into accessory power outlets.
EPM works to prevent excessive discharge of the battery.
It does this by balancing the generator’s output and the
vehicle’s electrical needs. It can increase engine idlespeed to generate more power, whenever needed.
It can temporarily reduce the power demands of some
accessories.
Normally, these actions occur in steps or levels, without
being noticeable. In rare cases at the highest levels of
corrective action, this action may be noticeable to the
driver. If so, a Driver Information Center (DIC) message
might be displayed, such as Battery Saver Active or
Service Battery Charging System. If this message is
displayed, it is recommended that the driver reduce the
electrical loads as much as possible. SeeDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 3-49.
Battery Run-Down Protection
Your vehicle has a battery saver feature designed to
protect the 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. This vehicle also has a
retained accessory power feature. 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 2-21.
3-17

Accessory Power Outlet(s)
The accessory power outlets can be used to connect
electrical equipment such as a cellular phone or
CB radio.
The two accessory power outlets are located in the front
and at the rear of the center console storage area.
To use the outlets, remove the cover. When not in use,
always cover the outlet with the protective cap.
Notice:If electrical devices are left plugged into a
power outlet, the battery may drain causing your
vehicle not to start or damage to the battery. This
would not be covered by the warranty. Always unplug
all electrical devices when turning off your vehicle.
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/retailer 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 dealer/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.
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter
Your vehicle may have a removable ashtray and
cigarette lighter. The ashtray can be placed into the
front console cupholders.
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. Do not use
equipment exceeding maximum amperage rating
of 15 amperes.
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.
3-18

Climate Controls
Climate Control System
The heating, cooling, and ventilation for the vehicle can
be controlled with this system. If your vehicle has the
remote start feature, the climate control system functions
as part of the remote start feature. SeeRemote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation on page 2-5.
Operation
9
(Fan):Turn the left knob clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the fan speed.
In any setting other than off, the fan runs continuously
with the ignition on. To turn off the air completely,
turn the fan to 0 and select the recirculation button.Temperature Control:Turn the center knob clockwise
or counterclockwise to increase or decrease the
temperature inside the vehicle.
Use the right knob to select from the following modes:
There is one position between each mode to nely
adjust airow position.
H(Vent):This mode directs air to the instrument
panel outlets.
)(Bi-Level):This mode splits the air between the
instrument panel outlets and 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 windows.
The right 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:
;(Outside Air):Press this button to turn the
outside air mode on. When this mode is on, outside air
will circulate throughout the vehicle. When the button
is pressed, an indicator light in the button comes on
to show that it is activated. The outside air mode can
be used with all modes, but it cannot be used with
the recirculation mode.
3-19

@(Recirculation):Press this button to recirculate
cabin air through the vehicle. It can be used to prevent
outside air and odors from entering the vehicle or to
help heat or cool the air inside the vehicle more quickly.
An indicator light will come on in this mode. 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.
The recirculation mode cannot be used with oor,
defrost, or defogging modes. If you try to select
recirculation in one of those modes, the indicator
light ashes several times and turns off.
#(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 comes
on to show that the air conditioning is activated.
The air conditioning can be selected in any mode
as long as the fan switch is on.
The air conditioning compressor does not operate
when outside temperatures fall below 38°F (3°C).
The indicator light ashes several times and turns off
when outside conditions affect air conditioning operation.
This is normal.On hot days, open the windows to let hot inside air
escape; then close them. This helps to reduce the time
it takes for the vehicle to cool down. It also helps the
system to operate more efficiently.
For quick cool down on hot days, select the following
settings together:
1. Vent mode.
2. Outside air.
3. Air conditioning.
4. The coolest temperature.
5. The highest fan speed.
6. Once the vehicle’s interior temperature is below the
outside temperature, select recirculation mode for
enhanced cooling.
Using these settings together for long periods of time
may cause the air inside of the vehicle to become
too dry. To prevent this from happening, after the air
inside of the vehicle has cooled, turn the recirculation
mode off.
The air conditioning system removes moisture from the
air, so a small amount of water might drip underneath
the vehicle while idling or after turning off the engine.
This is normal.
((Heated Seats):If your vehicle has heated seats,
seeHeated Seats on page 1-4.
3-20

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. Use the defrost
mode to remove fog or frost from the windshield more
quickly. When either of these modes are selected, the
system runs the air conditioning compressor and cancels
the recirculation mode to dry the air. 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 and the side window outlets, and half to
the oor outlets.
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.
Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to
remove fog from the rear window.
The rear window defogger only works when the ignition
is in ON/RUN.
<(Rear):Press this button 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
activated.
The rear window defroster stays on for about 10
minutes if the vehicle remains at slower vehicle speeds
or until the button is pressed, or unless the ignition
is turned to ACC/ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF. If turned
on again, the defogger only runs for about ve
minutes before turning off again. At higher vehicle
speeds, the defogger may stay on continuously. The
defogger can always be turned off by pressing the
button again or by turning off the ignition.
3-21

If your vehicle has the remote start feature, the rear
defogger automatically turns on if it is cold outside.
When the vehicle transitions out of the remote start
mode, the rear defogger will turn off. SeeRemote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation on page 2-5.
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.
Remote Start Climate Control Operation
If your vehicle has the remote start feature and it
is activated, the climate control system heats and cools
the inside of the vehicle using the modes that were
set before the vehicle was turned off and the rear
defogger automatically turns on. If your vehicle has
heated seats, they may turn on if it is cold outside
and will shut off when the key is turned to ON/RUN.
SeeHeated Seats on page 1-4.
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.
Do not use any non-GM approved hood deectors
that could 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
Outside air is routed through a passenger compartment
air lter before entering the vehicle. This 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 6-4
for when to replace the lter.
3-22