light CHEVROLET EQUINOX 2009 1.G Owner's Manual

How OnStar Service Works
The OnStar system can record and transmit vehicle
information. This information is automatically sent to an
OnStar Call Center when the OnStar button is pressed,
the emergency button is pressed, or if the airbags or
AACN system deploy. This information usually includes
the vehicle’s GPS location and, in the event of a crash,
additional information regarding the crash that the vehicle
was involved in (e.g. the direction from which the vehicle
was hit). When the Virtual Advisor feature of OnStar
Hands-Free Calling is used, the vehicle also sends
OnStar the vehicle’s GPS location so they can provide
services where it is located.
OnStar service cannot work unless the vehicle is in a
place where OnStar has an agreement with a wireless
service provider for service in that area. OnStar
service also cannot work unless the vehicle is in a place
where the wireless service provider OnStar has hired
for that area has coverage, network capacity and
reception when the service is needed, and technology
that is compatible with the OnStar service. Not all
services are available everywhere, particularly in remote
or enclosed areas, or at all times.Location information about the vehicle is only available
if the GPS satellite signals are unobstructed and
available.
The vehicle must have a working electrical system,
including adequate battery power, for the OnStar
equipment to operate. There are other problems OnStar
cannot control that may prevent OnStar from providing
OnStar service at any particular time or place. Some
examples are damage to important parts of the vehicle
in a crash, hills, tall buildings, tunnels, weather or
wireless phone network congestion.
Your Responsibility
Increase the volume of the radio if the OnStar advisor
cannot be heard. If the light next to the OnStar buttons
is red, the system may not be functioning properly.
Press the OnStar button and request a vehicle
diagnostic. If the light appears clear (no light is
appearing), your OnStar subscription has expired and
all services have been deactivated. Press the OnStar
button to conrm that the OnStar equipment is active.
2-40

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Horn .............................................................3-6
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-6
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-7
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-7
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-8
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-8
Windshield Wipers..........................................3-8
Windshield Washer.........................................3-9
Rear Window Wiper/Washer.............................3-9
Cruise Control..............................................3-10
Headlamps..................................................3-13
Headlamps on Reminder................................3-13
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................3-13
Automatic Headlamp System..........................3-14
Fog Lamps ..................................................3-14
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-14
Dome Lamp .................................................3-15
Entry Lighting...............................................3-15
Map Lamps .................................................3-15
Cargo Lamp.................................................3-15
Electric Power Management...........................3-16
Battery Run-Down Protection..........................3-16
Accessory Power Outlet(s).............................3-17
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter......................3-17Climate Controls............................................3-18
Climate Control System.................................3-18
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-21
Passenger Compartment Air Filter...................3-22
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-23
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-24
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-25
Trip Odometer..............................................3-25
Tachometer.................................................3-25
Safety Belt Reminders...................................3-26
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-27
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................3-28
Charging System Light..................................3-29
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-29
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light.....3-30
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light......3-31
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light......3-31
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-32
Tire Pressure Light.......................................3-32
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-33
Oil Pressure Light.........................................3-36
Change Engine Oil Light................................3-36
Security Light...............................................3-37
Fog Lamp Light............................................3-37
Cruise Control Light......................................3-37
Reduced Engine Power Light.........................3-38
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

Highbeam On Light.......................................3-38
Service All-Wheel Drive Light.........................3-39
All-Wheel Drive Disabled Light........................3-39
Gate Ajar Light.............................................3-40
Door Ajar Light.............................................3-40
Service Vehicle Soon Light............................3-40
Fuel Gage...................................................3-40
Low Fuel Warning Light.................................3-41
Driver Information Center (DIC).......................3-42
DIC Operation and Displays...........................3-42
DIC Compass..............................................3-47
DIC Warnings and Messages.........................3-49
DIC Vehicle Personalization............................3-57Audio System(s).............................................3-64
Setting the Clock..........................................3-64
Radio(s)......................................................3-67
Using an MP3 (Radio with CD or
Six-Disc CD Player)...................................3-86
Using an MP3 (Radio with CD and
DVD Player).............................................3-91
XM Radio Messages.....................................3-96
Navigation/Radio System...............................3-97
Bluetooth
®...................................................3-97
Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) System.........3-107
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-116
Audio Steering Wheel Controls......................3-116
Radio Reception.........................................3-117
Multi-Band Antenna.....................................3-118
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-2

Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
To change the headlamps from low beam to high,
push the turn signal lever away from you. To change
from high beam to low beam, pull the turn signal
lever towards you. To ash the high beams from low
beam, pull the turn signal lever all the way towards you.
Then release it.
When the high beams are
on, this light on the
instrument panel cluster
will also be on.
Flash-to-Pass
This feature lets you use your high-beam headlamps to
signal a driver in front of you that you want to pass.
To ash the high beams from low beam, pull the turn
signal/multifunction lever all the way towards you.
Then release it.
Windshield Wipers
The windshield wiper lever is located on the right side of
the steering column.
Move the lever to the following positions:
1(High Speed):For steady wiping at high speed.
6(Low Speed):For steady wiping at low speed.
&(Delay):Sets a delay between wipes.
6(Delay Adjustment):Move the lever to the delay
position to choose a delayed wiping cycle. Turn
the intermittent adjust band down for a longer delay or
up for a shorter delay.
3-8

J(On/Off):Press to turn the cruise control system on
and off. The indicator light is on when cruise control
is on and turns off when cruise control is off.
+RES (Resume):Press to resume a set speed and to
accelerate the speed.
SET−(Set):Press to set a speed and to decrease the
speed.
[(Cancel):Press to cancel cruise control without
erasing the set speed from memory.
Setting Cruise Control
This instrument panel cluster lightJcomes on after
the cruise control has been set to the desired speed.
1. Press the on/off button to turn cruise control on.
2. Get up to the desired speed.
3. Press the SET−button and release it.
4. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal.
Resuming a Set Speed
If the cruise control is at a set speed and the brakes are
applied, this disengages the cruise control. The
instrument panel cluster light
Jalso goes out,
indicating cruise is no longer engaged. To return to the
previously set speed, it does not need to be reset.
Once the vehicle is going about 25 mph (40 km/h) or
more, press +RES. The vehicle goes back to the
previous set speed and stays there.
Increasing Speed While Using Cruise
Control
There are two ways to go to a higher speed.
Press and hold the +RES button until the desired
speed is reached, then release it.
To increase vehicle speed in small amounts, press
the +RES button. Each time this is done, the
vehicle goes about 1 mph (1.6 km/h) faster.
3-11

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

To idle your vehicle with the DRL off, move the shift
lever to P (Park). The DRL will stay off until the
shift lever is moved out of the P (Park) 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
come on automatically. SeeHeadlamps on page 3-13.
The 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 they are not needed.
The system may also turn on the headlamps when
driving through a parking garage or tunnel.
Fog Lamps
For vehicles with fog lamps, the button is located on the
instrument panel above the radio.
Use the fog lamps for better visibility in foggy or misty
conditions.
The parking lamps or low-beam headlamps must be on
to use the fog lamps.
#:Press 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.
3-14

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