ignition CHEVROLET EQUINOX 2009 1.G Owner's Manual

Torque Lock
If you are parking on a hill and you do not shift the
transmission into P (Park) properly, the weight of the
vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl in
the transmission. You may nd it difficult to pull the
shift lever out of P (Park). This is called “torque lock.”
To prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and
then shift into P (Park) properly before you leave the
driver seat. To nd out how, seeShifting Into Park
on page 2-32.
When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out
of P (Park) before you release the parking brake.
If torque lock does occur, you may need to have another
vehicle push yours a little uphill to take some of the
pressure from the parking pawl in the transmission, so
you can pull the shift lever out of P (Park).
Shifting Out of Park
The 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 P (Park) with the shift lever button fully
released, and
Prevent movement of the shift lever out of
P (Park), 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 the vehicle has an uncharged battery or a battery
with low voltage, try charging or jump starting the
battery. SeeJump Starting on page 5-37for more
information.
To shift out of P (Park):
1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Press the shift lever button.
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If you still are unable to shift out of P (Park):
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 P (Park),
see your dealer/retailer.
2-33

Convenience Net
Use the convenience net, located in the rear, to store
small loads as far forward as possible. The net should
not be used to store heavy loads.
Cargo Tie Downs
Four cargo tie-downs are located in the rear
compartment of the vehicle. The tie-downs can
be used to secure small loads.
Sunroof
If the vehicle is equipped with a sunroof, the controls
to operate it are located on the headliner above the
rearview mirror. The ignition must be in RUN/ON or
ACC/ACCESSORY, or Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
must be active, to operate the sunroof. SeeRetained
Accessory Power (RAP) on page 2-21for more
information.To express-open the
sunroof glass panel and
sunshade, press the switch
rearward and release it.
To stop the sunroof before it is completely open, press
the switch rearward again. The sunshade cannot be
closed with the sunroof open.
To close the sunroof, press forward and hold the switch
until the sunroof stops, lifts and seals at the back of
the sunroof glass. Press forward on the switch again,
to make sure the sunroof is fully closed
To put the sunroof in the vent position, pull down on the
front of the switch. Push up on the front of the switch
to close it.
2-47

Reducing Speed While Using Cruise
Control
If the cruise control system is already engaged:
Press and hold the SET– button until the desired
lower speed is reached, then release it.
To slow down in small amounts, briey press SET−.
Each time this is done, the vehicle goes about
1 mph (1.6 km/h) slower.
Passing Another Vehicle While Using
Cruise Control
Use the accelerator pedal to increase the vehicle’s
speed. When you take your foot off the pedal, the
vehicle slows down to the cruise control speed that
was set earlier.
Using Cruise Control on Hills
How well the 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.
Ending Cruise Control
There are three ways to end cruise control:
Step lightly on the brake pedal.
Press theJbutton, to turn off the cruise control
system.
Press the[button.
When cruise control disengages, the cruise symbol
in the instrument panel cluster goes out.
Erasing Speed Memory
The cruise control set speed memory is erased when
the cruise control or the ignition is turned off.
3-12

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):Automatic
mode turns the exterior lamps on and off depending
upon how much light is available outside of the vehicle.
;(Parking Lamps):Turns on the parking lamps
together with the following:
Sidemarker Lamps
Taillamps
License Plate Lamps
Instrument Panel Lights
53(Headlamps):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.
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier for
others to see the front of your vehicle during the day.
Fully functional Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) are
required on all vehicles rst sold in Canada.
The DRL system will make the 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 P (Park).
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,
instrument panel lights and other lamps will not be on.
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.
3-13

Dome Lamp
For vehicles with a dome lamp, move the lever to
change the setting.
9(Off):Turns the lamp off, even when a door is open.
1(Door):The lamp comes on automatically when a
door is opened.
+(On):Turns 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
The 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 3-15.
3-15

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 bring the charge back up.
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 are on, such as: 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 increaseengine idle speed 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, BATTERY VOLTAGE LOW, or
LOW BATTERY. 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
The 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.
3-16

Climate Controls
Climate Control System
The heating, cooling, and ventilation for the vehicle can
be controlled with this system. For vehicles with 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.
A. Fan Control
B. Outside Air
C. Temperature Control
D. Recirculation
E. Air Delivery Mode
ControlF. Air Conditioning
G. Heated Seats
H. Rear Window
Defogger
9(Fan Control):Turn clockwise or counterclockwise
to increase or decrease the fan speed. To turn the
fan off, turn the fan knob all the way counterclockwise.
In any setting other than off, the fan runs continuously
with the ignition on. The fan must be turned on to run the
air conditioning compressor. There will be some airow
noticeable from the various outlets when driving,
even with the fan in the off position. This is so fresh
air is always available in the vehicle. To turn off
the air completely, turn the fan to
9and select the
recirculation button.
Temperature Control:Turn clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the
temperature inside the vehicle.
Air Delivery Mode Control:Turn clockwise or
counterclockwise to change the direction of the airow
inside the vehicle.
There is one position between each mode to nely
adjust airow position.
Select from the following modes:
H(Vent):Air is directed to the instrument panel
outlets.
)(Bi-Level):Air is divided between the instrument
panel outlets and the oor outlets.
3-18

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 under the
vehicle while idling or after turning off the engine.
;(Outside Air):Press to turn the outside air mode
on. An indicator light comes on to show that outside
air is on. Air from outside the vehicle will circulate
throughout the vehicle. The outside air mode can be
used with all modes, but it cannot be used with
the recirculation mode. Pressing
;will cancel the
recirculation mode.
@(Recirculation):Press to turn the recirculation
mode on. An indicator light comes on to show
recirculation is on. The air inside the vehicle will be
recirculated through the climate control system and the
vehicle, not from outside the vehicle. It can be used
to prevent outside air and odors from entering the
vehicle or to help cool the air inside the vehicle more
quickly. Avoid using the recirculation mode during highperiods of humidity and cool outside temperatures since
this may result in increased window fogging. If window
fogging is experienced, select the defrost mode.
Recirculation mode is not available in oor, defog or
defrost modes and will shut off automatically and change
to outside air. If the button is selected in these modes,
the indicator will ash. This helps prevent window
fogging and moisture building up within the cabin.
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 Window Defogger):Press to turn the rear
window defogger on or off. An indicator light comes
on to show that the rear window defogger is on.
The rear window defogger stays on for about 10 minutes
if the vehicle remains at slower vehicle speeds, or
until the button is pressed or 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 also be
turned off by turning off the engine.
3-20

Charging System Light
If this light comes on while
you are driving, you may
have a problem with
the charging system.
A charging system Driver Information Center (DIC)
message may also appear. SeeDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 3-49for more information.
This light could indicate that you have problems with a
generator drive belt, or another electrical problem.
Have it checked right away. If you must drive a short
distance with the light on, be certain to turn off all your
accessories, such as the radio and air conditioner.
Brake System Warning Light
Your vehicle’s hydraulic brake system is divided into
two parts. If one part is not working, the other part can
still work and stop you. For good braking, though,
you need both parts working well.
If the brake system warning light comes on, there is a
brake problem. Have your brake system inspected
right away.
The brake light is located in the instrument panel cluster.
This light should come on briey when you turn the
ignition key to ON/RUN. If it does not come on then, have
it xed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
United StatesCanada
3-29

When the ignition is on, the brake light will come on
when you set your parking brake. The light will stay on
if your parking brake does not release fully. A chime
will also sound if the parking brake is not fully released
and the vehicle is moving. If it stays on after your
parking brake is fully released, it means you have a
brake problem.
The brake light will also come on to indicate a low brake
uid level. SeeBrakes on page 5-33for more information.
If the light comes on while you are driving, pull off the
road and stop carefully. You may notice that the pedal is
harder to push or the pedal may go closer to the oor.
It may take longer to stop. If the light is still on, have
the vehicle towed for service. SeeTowing Your Vehicle
on page 4-26.
{CAUTION:
The brake system might not be working properly if
the brake system warning light is on. Driving with
the brake system warning light on can lead to a
crash. If the light is still on after the vehicle has
been pulled off the road and carefully stopped,
have the vehicle towed for service.
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Warning Light
For vehicles with the
Antilock Brake System
(ABS), this light comes on
briey when the engine
is started.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer. If the system is working normally the
indicator light then goes off.
If the ABS light stays on, turn the ignition off. If the light
comes on while 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 stays on,
or comes on again while driving, the vehicle needs
service. If the regular brake system warning light is
not on, the vehicle still has brakes, but not antilock
brakes. If the regular brake system warning light is also
on, the vehicle does not have antilock brakes and
there is a problem with the regular brakes. SeeBrake
System Warning Light on page 3-29.
For vehicles with a Driver Information Center (DIC),
seeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-49for all
brake related DIC messages.
3-30