ignition CHEVROLET EQUINOX 2008 1.G Owner's Guide

Antilock Brake System
Warning Light
For vehicles with
the Antilock Brake
System (ABS), this
light will come on
briey when you
start the engine.
That is normal. If the light does not come on then,
have it xed so it will be ready to warn you if there
is a problem.
If the ABS light stays on, turn the ignition off, if the light
comes on when you are driving, stop as soon as it is
safely possible and turn the ignition off. Then start the
engine again to reset the system. If the ABS light still
stays on, or comes on again while you are driving,
your vehicle needs service. If the regular brake system
warning light is not on, you still have brakes, but you do
not have antilock brakes. If the regular brake system
warning light is also on, you do not have antilock
brakes and there is a problem with your regular brakes.
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 3-31
For vehicles with a Driver Information Center (DIC),
seeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-49for
all brake related DIC messages.
Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light
Your vehicle has a
Traction Control
System (TCS)
and StabiliTrak
®
warning light.
When the traction control is activated the light will
ash when the TCS is limiting wheel spin or when the
StabiliTrak
®system is active. You may feel or hear
the system working, but this is normal. This light may
also come on after extended heavy braking indicating
the brakes have become too hot to limit wheel spin.
This light will come on and stay on if the TCS is turned
off using the traction control on/off button, located
next to the gear shift lever.
If the TCS warning light comes on and stays on for
an extended period of time when the system is turned
on, your vehicle needs service. SeeTraction Control
System (TCS) on page 4-6andStabiliTrak
®System
on page 4-7for more information.
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Tire Pressure Light
This light comes on briey
when the engine is started.
This light will also come on when one or more of
your tires are signicantly underinated.
A tire pressure message in the Driver Information
Center (DIC), may accompany the light. SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-49for more
information.
Stop and check your tires as soon as it is safe to
do so. If underinated, inate to the proper pressure.
SeeTires on page 5-52for more information.
If a problem is detected with the Tire Pressure Monitor
System, this light will ash for approximately 60 seconds
and then stay on solid for the remainder of the ignition
cycle. SeeTire Pressure Monitor System on page 5-62
for more information.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Check Engine Light
A computer system called OBD II (On-Board
Diagnostics-Second Generation) monitors operation of
the fuel, ignition, and emission control systems. It makes
sure that emissions are at acceptable levels for the life of
the vehicle, helping to produce a cleaner environment.
The check engine light
comes on to indicate
that there is an OBD II
problem and service
is required.
Malfunctions often are indicated by the system before
any problem is apparent. This can prevent more serious
damage to your vehicle. This system is also designed
to assist your service technician in correctly diagnosing
any malfunction.
Notice:If you keep driving your vehicle with
this light on, after a while, the emission controls
might not work as well, your vehicle’s fuel economy
might not be as good, and the engine might not
run as smoothly. This could lead to costly repairs
that might not be covered by your warranty.
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Notice:Modications made to the engine,
transmission, exhaust, intake, or fuel system of
your vehicle or the replacement of the original tires
with other than those of the same Tire Performance
Criteria (TPC) can affect your vehicle’s emission
controls and can cause this light to come on.
Modications to these systems could lead to costly
repairs not covered by your warranty. This could
also result in a failure to pass a required Emission
Inspection/Maintenance test. SeeAccessories
and Modifications on page 5-3.
This light comes on, as a check to show it is working,
when the ignition is turned ON/RUN but the engine is not
running. If the light does not come on, have it repaired.
This light also comes on during a malfunction in
one of two ways:
Light Flashing— A misre condition has been
detected. A misre increases vehicle emissions
and could damage the emission control system
on your vehicle. Diagnosis and service might
be required.
Light On Steady— An emission control system
malfunction has been detected on your vehicle.
Diagnosis and service might be required.
If the Light is Flashing
The following can prevent more serious damage
to your vehicle:
Reduce vehicle speed.
Avoid hard accelerations.
Avoid steep uphill grades.
If you are towing a trailer, reduce the amount
of cargo being hauled as soon as it is possible.
If the light stops ashing and remains on steady,
see “If the Light Is On Steady” following.
If the light continues to ash, when it is safe to do so,
stop the vehicle. Find a safe place to park the vehicle.
Turn the ignition off, wait at least 10 seconds, and restart
the engine. If the light remains on steady, see “If the
Light Is On Steady” following. If the light is still ashing,
follow the previous steps and see your dealer/retailer
for service as soon as possible.
3-35

Reduced Engine Power Light
Your vehicle has
a reduced engine
power light.
This light, along with the service vehicle soon light,
will be displayed when a noticeable reduction in
the vehicle’s performance may occur. Stop the vehicle
and turn off the ignition. Wait for 10 seconds and
restart your vehicle. This may correct the condition.
SeeService Vehicle Soon Light on page 3-41for
more information.
The vehicle may be driven at a reduced speed when
the reduced engine power light is on, but acceleration
and speed may be reduced. The performance may
be reduced until the next time you drive your vehicle.
If this light stays on, see your dealer/retailer as soon
as possible for diagnosis and repair.
Highbeam On Light
This light comes on when
the high-beam headlamps
are in use.
SeeHeadlamp High/Low-Beam Changer on page 3-8
for more information.
Service All-Wheel Drive Light
This light is located in
the center of your
instrument panel cluster.
This light and the SERVICE ALL WHEEL DRIVE
message in the Driver Information Center (DIC) will
come on and stay on to indicate that there may be a
problem with the drive system and service is required.
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SeeAll-Wheel Drive (AWD) System on page 4-8
andDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-49for
more information.
All-Wheel Drive Disabled Light
This light will come
on when the rear drive
system is overheating.
An ALL WHEEL DRIVE OFF message will appear in
the Driver Information Center (DIC) too. This light
will turn off when the rear drive system cools down.
If this light stays on for a while, you need to reset
the light. To reset the light, turn the ignition off and
then back on again. If the light stays on, see your
dealer/retailer right away.
SeeAll-Wheel Drive on page 5-42andDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 3-49for more information.
Gate Ajar Light
If this light comes on, your
liftgate is not completely
closed. Driving with
the liftgate open can cause
carbon monoxide (CO)
to enter the vehicle.
SeeEngine Exhaust on page 2-35for more information.
Door Ajar Light
This light will come on
when a door is ajar.
Do not drive with a door ajar.
3-40

Service Vehicle Soon Light
For vehicles with this
light, it will come on if
a condition exists that
may require the vehicle
to be taken in for service.
If the light comes on, see your dealer/retailer for
service as soon as possible.
Fuel Gage
When the ignition is on,
the fuel gage tells you
about how much fuel you
have left in your tank.When the indicator nears empty, the low fuel light
will come on. You still have a little fuel left, but you
should get more soon. SeeLow Fuel Warning Light
on page 3-42for more information.
Here are four things that some owners ask about.
None of these show a problem with your fuel gage:
At the service station, the fuel pump shuts off
before the gage reads full.
It takes a little more or less fuel to ll up than the
gage indicated. For example, the gage may have
indicated the tank was half full, but it actually took
a little more or less than half the tank’s capacity
to ll the tank.
The gage moves a little when you turn a corner
or speed up.
The gage takes a few seconds to stabilize after
the ignition is turned on, and will go back to
empty when you turn the ignition off.
For your fuel tank capacity, seeCapacities and
Specifications on page 5-107.
3-41

Low Fuel Warning Light
This light is located in
the fuel gage. For more
information seeFuel
Gage on page 3-41.
This light comes on when the fuel tank is low on fuel.
When you add fuel the light should go off. If it does not,
have your vehicle serviced.
A “Fuel Level LOW” message also appears in the
Driver Information Center (DIC). SeeFuel Gage
on page 3-41for more information.
Driver Information Center (DIC)
Your vehicle has a Driver Information Center (DIC).
All messages will appear in the DIC display located in the
center of the instrument panel cluster. The DIC buttons
are located on the center of the instrument panel.The DIC comes on when the ignition is on. After a short
delay, the DIC will display the information that was
last displayed before the engine was turned off.
The DIC displays trip, fuel, and vehicle system
information, and warning messages if a system problem
is detected. The top of the DIC display shows the shift
lever position indicator. SeeAutomatic Transmission
Operation (3.4L V6 with 5-Speed) on page 2-24or
Automatic Transmission Operation (3.6L V6 with
6-Speed) on page 2-27for more information.
If your vehicle has these feature, the DIC also displays
the compass direction and the outside air temperature
when viewing the trip and fuel information. If there is a
problem with the system that controls the temperature
display, the numbers will be replaced with dashes. If this
occurs, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer.
If an abnormal temperature reading is displayed for an
extended period of time, consult your dealer/retailer.
Under certain circumstances, especially when the
engine is idling, a delay updating the temperature
display is normal.
The DIC also allows some features to be personalized.
SeeDIC Vehicle Personalization on page 3-58for
more information.
3-42

DIC Warnings and Messages
Messages are displayed on the DIC to notify the driver
that the status of the vehicle has changed and that
some action may be needed by the driver to correct
the condition. Multiple messages may appear one
after another.
Some messages may not require immediate action,
but you can press the set/reset button to acknowledge
that you received the messages and to clear them
from the display. Pressing any of the DIC buttons
also acknowledge and clear any messages.
Some messages cannot be cleared from the DIC
display because they are more urgent. These messages
require action before they can be cleared. You should
take any messages that appear on the display seriously
and remember that clearing the messages will only
make the messages disappear, not correct the problem.
The following are the possible messages that can
be displayed and some information about them.
ALL WHEEL DRIVE OFF
If your vehicle has the All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system,
this message displays along with the All-Wheel
Drive Disabled light when the rear drive system is
overheating. This message turns off when the rear
drive system cools down. If the warning message stays
on for a while, you need to reset the warning message.
To reset the warning message, turn the ignition off
and then back on again. If the message stays on, see
your dealer/retailer right away. SeeAll-Wheel Drive
(AWD) System on page 4-8andAll-Wheel Drive
Disabled Light on page 3-40for more information.
BATTERY SAVER ACTIVE
This message displays when the charging system
detects that the battery is being drained. You may
notice that the vehicle attempts to reduce the drain for
you by turning off accessories, such as interior fans, rear
defogger, and heated seats. Turn off all accessories.
If the vehicle is not running, start and run the engine
for at least 10 minutes to allow the battery to recharge.
If the engine is running and the condition persists,
see your dealer/retailer. SeeElectric Power
Management on page 3-17for more information.
3-49

BUCKLE PASSENGER SEATBELT
This message reminds you to buckle the passenger’s
safety belt. SeePassenger Sensing System on
page 1-65.
This message displays and a chime sounds when the
ignition is on, the driver’s safety belt is buckled, the
passenger’s safety belt is unbuckled with the passenger
airbag enabled, and the vehicle is in motion. You
should have the passenger buckle their safety belt.
This reminder will be repeated if the ignition is on,
the vehicle is in motion, the driver is buckled and the
passenger is still unbuckled, and the passenger airbag
is enabled. If the passenger’s safety belt is already
buckled, this message and chime will not come on.
BUCKLE SEATBELT
This message reminds you to buckle the driver’s
safety belt.
This message displays and a chime sounds when
the ignition is on, the driver’s safety belt is unbuckled,
and the vehicle is in motion. You should buckle
your safety belt.
If the driver remains unbuckled when the ignition is
on and the vehicle is in motion, the reminder will
be repeated. If the driver’s safety belt is already
buckled, this message and chime will not come on.This message is an additional reminder to the Safety
Belt Reminder Light in the instrument panel cluster.
SeeSafety Belt Reminders on page 3-27.
CALIBRATING: DRIVE IN CIRCLES
This message displays when calibrating the compass.
Drive the vehicle in circles at less than 5 mph (8 km/h)
to complete the calibration. SeeDIC Compass on
page 3-46for more information.
CALIBRATION COMPLETE
This message displays when the compass calibration
is complete. SeeDIC Compass on page 3-46for
more information.
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
This message displays and the Change Engine Oil Light
in the instrument panel cluster turns on when service
is required for the vehicle. See your dealer/retailer.
SeeChange Engine Oil Light on page 3-38,Engine Oil
on page 5-15andScheduled Maintenance on
page 6-4for more information.
Acknowledging this message will not reset the OIL
LIFE REMAINING display. That must be done at the
OIL LIFE screen under the vehicle information menu.
See “OIL LIFE” underDIC Operation and Displays
on page 3-43andEngine Oil Life System on page 5-18
for more information.
3-50

SERVICE ALL WHEEL DRIVE
If your vehicle has the All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system,
this message displays along with the service all-wheel
drive light if a problem occurs with this system. See
Service All-Wheel Drive Light on page 3-39. If this
message appears, stop as soon as possible and turn
off the vehicle. Restart the vehicle and check for
the message on the DIC display. If the message is still
displayed or appears again when you begin driving,
the AWD system needs service. See your dealer/retailer.
SERVICE BATTERY CHARGING
SYSTEM
This message displays when there is a problem with the
generator and battery charging systems. Driving with
this problem could drain the vehicle’s battery. Turn off all
unnecessary accessories. Stop and turn off the vehicle
as soon as it is safe to do so. Have the electrical
system checked by your dealer/retailer immediately.Connecting a battery charger to your vehicle while the
ignition is in any position other than LOCK/OFF may
cause this message to appear. If you need to charge
your vehicle, make sure that the key is in LOCK/OFF or
out of the ignition during charging.
SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM
This message displays and a chime sounds when the
brake uid level is low. The brake system warning
light also appears on the instrument panel cluster when
this message appears on the DIC. SeeBrake System
Warning Light on page 3-31. Have the brake system
serviced by your dealer/retailer as soon as possible.
SERVICE POWER STEERING
On some vehicles, this message displays when a
problem is detected with the power steering system.
When this message is displayed, you may notice
that the effort required to steer the vehicle increases
or feels heavier, but you will still be able to steer
the vehicle. Have your vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer immediately.
3-54