Starting CHEVROLET EQUINOX 2008 1.G User Guide

Automatic Transmission Operation
(3.6L V6 with 6-Speed)
The shift lever for the automatic transmission is located
on the console between the seats.
Maximum engine speed is limited when the vehicle is in
PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) to protect driveline
components from improper operation.
There are several different positions for the shift lever.
When using the Manual Shift Mode (MSM), a number
indicating the gear selected will appear on the instrument
cluster below the shift position display. For more
information on the manual shift option see “Manual Shift
Mode” in this section.PARK (P):This position locks the front wheels. It is the
best position to use when the engine is started because
the vehicle cannot move easily.
{CAUTION:
It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the
shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake rmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
Do not leave your vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. If you have left the
engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be sure
your vehicle will not move, even when you are
on fairly level ground, always set your parking
brake and move the shift lever to PARK (P).
SeeShifting Into PARK (P) on page 2-32.
If you are pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer
on page 4-33.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before
starting the engine. The vehicle has an automatic
transmission shift lock control system. You must
fully apply the regular brakes rst and then press
the shift lever button, before you can shift from
PARK (P) when the ignition is in ON/RUN.
2-27

Shifting Out of PARK (P)
This vehicle is equipped with an electronic shift lock
release system. The shift lock release is designed to:
Prevent ignition key removal unless the shift
lever is in PARK (P) with the shift lever button
fully released, and
Prevent movement of the shift lever out of
PARK (P), unless the ignition is in ON/RUN
or ACC/ACCESSORY and the regular brake
pedal is applied.
The shift lock release is always functional except
in the case of an uncharged or low voltage
(less than 9 volt) battery.
If your vehicle has an uncharged battery or a battery
with low voltage, try charging or jump starting
the battery. SeeJump Starting on page 5-36for
more information.
To shift out of PARK (P) use the following:
1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Then press the shift lever button.
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.If you still are unable to shift out of PARK (P):
1. Fully release the shift lever button.
2. While holding down the brake pedal, press the
shift lever button again.
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If you still cannot move the shift lever from PARK (P),
consult your dealer/retailer or a professional towing
service.
Parking Over Things That Burn
{CAUTION:
Things that can burn could touch hot exhaust
parts under your vehicle and ignite. Do not
park over papers, leaves, dry grass, or other
things that can burn.
2-34

STABILITRAK NOT READY
This message may display and a warning light on the
instrument panel cluster may be on after rst driving the
vehicle and exceeding 30 mph (48 km/h) for 30 seconds.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) Warning Light on
page 3-32. The StabiliTrak
®System is not functional
until the light has turned off. SeeStabiliTrak®System
on page 4-7for more information.
STABILITRAK OFF
This message displays any time the StabiliTrak®System
turns off. When this message has been displayed,
StabiliTrak
®is no longer available to assist you with
directional control of the vehicle. Adjust your driving
accordingly. SeeStabiliTrak
®System on page 4-7.
This message displays only while the ignition is in
ON/RUN.
Any of the following conditions may cause the
StabiliTrak
®System to turn off:
The StabiliTrak®System is turned off by
pressing and holding the traction control button.
SeeStabiliTrak
®System on page 4-7for more
information.
The battery is low.
There is a StabiliTrak®System failure.
See your dealer/retailer for service.
STARTING DISABLD (Disabled)
SERVICE THRTTLE (Throttle)
This message displays if the starting of the engine is
disabled due to the electronic throttle control system.
Have your vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer
immediately.
This message only appears while the ignition is in
ON/RUN, and will not disappear until the problem
is resolved.
This message cannot be acknowledged.
THEFT ATTEMPTED
This message displays if the content theft-deterrent
system has detected a break-in attempt while you were
away from your vehicle. SeeContent Theft-Deterrent
on page 2-17for more information.
3-56

\FWD (Fast Forward):Press to fast forward the
CD or DVD. The radio displays the elapsed time and
fast forwards ve times the normal speed. To stop fast
forwarding, press again. This button might not work
when the DVD is playing the copyright information or
the previews.
Z(Eject):Press to eject a CD or DVD. If a CD
or DVD is ejected, but not removed, the player
automatically pulls it back in after 15 seconds.
If loading and reading of a CD cannot be completed,
such as unknown format, etc., and the disc fails to eject,
press and hold for more than ve seconds to force
the disc to eject.
DVD-V (Video) Display Buttons
Once a DVD-V is inserted, the radio display menu
shows several tag options for DVD playing. Press the
pushbuttons located under any desired tag option during
DVD playback. See the tag options listed below for
more information.
The rear seat passenger navigates the DVD-V menus
and controls through the remote control. See “Remote
Control”, underRear Seat Entertainment (RSE)
System on page 3-99for more information. The Video
Screen automatically turns on when the DVD-V is
inserted into the DVD slot.
r/j(Play/Pause):Press either play or pause
displayed on the radio system, to toggle between
pausing or restarting playback of a DVD. If the forward
arrow is showing on the display, the system is in
pause mode. If the pause icon is showing on the display,
the system is in playback mode. If the DVD screen is
off, press this button to turn the screen on.
Some DVDs begin playing after the previews have
nished, although there might be a delay of up to
30 seconds. If the DVD does not begin playing the
movie automatically, press the pushbutton located
under the play/pause symbol tag displayed on the radio.
If the DVD still does not play, refer to the on-screen
instructions, if available.
c(Stop):Press to stop playing, rewinding, or fast
forwarding a DVD.
r(Enter):Press to select the choices that are
highlighted in any menu.
y(Menu):Press to access the DVD menu. The DVD
menu is different on every DVD. Use the pushbuttons
located under the navigation arrows to navigate
the cursor through the DVD menu. After making a
selection press the enter button. This button only
operates when using a DVD.
3-83

Nav (Navigate):Press to display directional arrows
for navigating through the menus.
q(Return):Press to exit the current active menu
and return to the previous menu. This button operates
only when a DVD is playing and a menu is active.
DVD-A (Audio) Display Buttons
Once a DVD-A is inserted, a radio display menu
shows several tag options for DVD playing. Press the
pushbuttons located under any desired tag option during
DVD playback. See the tag options listed below for
more information.
The rear seat operator navigates the DVD-A menus
and controls through the remote control. See “Remote
Control”, underRear Seat Entertainment (RSE)
System on page 3-99for more information. The Video
Screen does not automatically power on when the
DVD-A is inserted into the DVD slot. It must be manually
turned on by the rear seat occupant through the
remote control power button.
r/j(Play/Pause):Press either play or pause
displayed on the radio system, to toggle between
pausing or restarting playback of a DVD. If the
forward arrow is showing on the display, the system
is in pause mode. If the pause icon is showing on
the display, the system is in playback mode.
qGroupr:Press to cycle through musical
groupings on the DVD-A disc.
Nav (Navigate):Press to display directional arrows for
navigating through the menus.
e(Audio Stream):Press to cycle through audio
steam formats located on DVD-A disc. There is not any
type of notication for the customer to see through
the radio display, but video screen has a text eld that
shows audio stream changing.
Inserting a Disc
To play a disc, gently insert the disc, with the label side
up, into the loading slot. The DVD player might not
accept some paper labeled media. The player starts
loading the disc into the system and display “Loading
Disc” on the radio display. At the same time, the
radio displays a softkey menu of option(s). Some discs
automatically play the movie while others default to
the softkey menu display which requires the Play, Enter,
or Navigation softkeys to be pressed (either by softkey
or by the rear seat passenger using the remote control).
Loading a disc into the system, depending on media
type and format, ranges from 5 to 20 seconds for a CD,
and up to 30 seconds for a DVD.
3-84

Driving with a Trailer
{CAUTION:
If you have the liftgate open and you pull a
trailer with your vehicle, carbon monoxide (CO)
could come into your vehicle. You cannot see
or smell CO. It can cause unconsciousness or
death. SeeEngine Exhaust on page 2-35.To
maximize your safety when towing a trailer:
Have your exhaust system inspected for
leaks, and make necessary repairs before
starting on your trip.
Keep the liftgate closed.
If exhaust does come into your vehicle
through a window in the rear or another
opening, drive with your front, main
heating or cooling system on and with the
fan on any speed. This will bring fresh,
outside air into your vehicle. Do not use
the climate control setting for maximum air
because it only recirculates the air inside
your vehicle. SeeClimate Control System
on page 3-19.Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Before setting out for the open road, you will want to
get to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel of
handling and braking with the added weight of the trailer.
And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are
driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly as
responsive as your vehicle is by itself.
Before you start, check all trailer hitch parts and
attachments, safety chains, electrical connector, lamps,
tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has electric
brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and then
apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure the
brakes are working. This lets you check your electrical
connection at the same time.
During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer brakes
are still working.
4-37

Service............................................................5-3
Accessories and Modications..........................5-3
California Proposition 65 Warning.....................5-3
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements.....5-4
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your
Vehicle......................................................5-5
Fuel................................................................5-5
Gasoline Octane............................................5-5
Gasoline Specications....................................5-6
California Fuel...............................................5-6
Additives.......................................................5-7
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-7
Filling the Tank..............................................5-8
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................5-10
Checking Things Under
the Hood....................................................5-10
Hood Release..............................................5-11
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-12
Engine Oil...................................................5-15
Engine Oil Life System..................................5-18
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-19Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................5-21
Engine Coolant.............................................5-22
Engine Overheating.......................................5-24
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode . . .5-26
Cooling System............................................5-26
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-31
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-32
Brakes........................................................5-33
Battery........................................................5-35
Jump Starting...............................................5-36
All-Wheel Drive..............................................5-42
Headlamp Aiming...........................................5-44
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-44
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-44
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker,
and Parking Lamps....................................5-45
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Back-up Lamps.........................................5-48
License Plate Lamp......................................5-49
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-50
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-50
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

A. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-19.
B. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-15.
C. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-15.
D. Brake Fluid Reservoir. SeeBrakes on page 5-33.
E. Engine Compartment Fuse Block. SeeFuses
and Circuit Breakers on page 5-100.F. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting on
page 5-36.
G. Engine Coolant Surge Tank. SeeEngine Coolant on
page 5-22.
H. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. SeeWindshield
Washer Fluid on page 5-32.
5-13

A. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-19.
B. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir (Out of View). See
Power Steering Fluid on page 5-31.
C. Engine Oil Fill Cap (Out of View). See “When to Add
Engine Oil” underEngine Oil on page 5-15.
D. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-15.
E. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See″Brake Fluid″under
Brakes on page 5-33.
F. Underhood Fuse Block. SeeEngine Compartment
Fuse Block on page 5-103.
G. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting
on page 5-36.
H. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank. SeeCooling System
on page 5-26.
I. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-32.Engine Oil
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil
must be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-12for
the location of the engine oil dipstick.
1. Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes
to drain back into the oil pan. If you do not do this,
the oil dipstick might not show the actual level.
2. Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel
or cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it
again, keeping the tip down, and check the level.
5-15

What Kind of Engine Oil to Use
Look for three things:
GM6094M
Your vehicle’s engine requires oil meeting
GM Standard GM6094M. Look for and use only an
oil that meets GM Standard GM6094M.
SAE 5W-30
As shown in the viscosity chart, SAE 5W-30 is
best for your vehicle. If you are in an area of
extreme cold, where the temperature fallsbelow−20°F (−29°C), it is recommended that you
use either an SAE 5W-30 synthetic oil or an
SAE 0W-30 oil. Both will provide easier cold starting
and better protection for the engine at extremely low
temperatures.
These numbers on an oil container show its
viscosity, or thickness. Do not use other viscosity oils
such as SAE 20W-50.
American Petroleum Institute (API) starburst symbol
Oils meeting these
requirements should have
the starburst symbol on
the container. This symbol
indicates that the oil
has been certied by the
American Petroleum
Institute (API).
Look for this information on the oil container, and use
only those oils that are identied as meeting
GM Standard GM6094M and have the starburst symbol
on the front of the oil container.
Notice:Use only engine oil identied as meeting
GM Standard GM6094M and showing the American
Petroleum Institute Certied For Gasoline Engines
starburst symbol. Failure to use the recommended
oil can result in engine damage not covered by
your warranty.
5-17