brakes CHEVROLET EQUINOX 2009 1.G Owners Manual

I (Intermediate):This position is also used for normal
driving. However, it reduces vehicle speed without using
the brakes for slight downgrades where the vehicle
would otherwise accelerate due to steepness of grade.
If constant upshifting or downshifting occurs while
driving up steep hills, this position can be used to
prevent repetitive types of shifts. You might choose
I (Intermediate) instead of D (Drive) when driving
on hilly, winding roads and when towing a trailer,
so that there is less shifting between gears.
L (Low):This position reduces vehicle speed more than
I (Intermediate) without actually using the brakes. You
can use it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud.
If the shift lever is placed in L (Low), the transmission
will not shift into L (Low) until the vehicle is going slowly
enough.
Notice:Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle in
one place on a hill using only the accelerator pedal
may damage the transmission. The repair will not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. If you are stuck, do
not spin the tires. When stopping on a hill, use the
brakes to hold the vehicle in place.Transmission Overheating
If the transmission uid temperature rises above
284°F (140°C) or rises rapidly, the Engine Coolant
Temperature Warning Light will ash. SeeEngine
Coolant Temperature Warning Light on page 3-31for
more information. When the transmission overheats
it will go into a protection mode and will default shift into
fth gear if in the D (Drive) position, or second gear if
in the L (Low) position. Continue driving the vehicle
in either position depending on the required vehicle
speed and load. Once the uid temperature lowers to
the normal temperature range, the transmission will
return to the normal shift patterns. Towing or driving on
long hills can cause the transmission uid temperature
to be higher than normal. If the transmission uid
temperature will not cool, you may need to pull over and
check the transmission uid level. You should also
check the engine coolant temperature. If it is hot, see
Engine Overheating on page 5-28.
2-26

R (Reverse):Use this gear to back up.
Notice:Shifting to R (Reverse) while the vehicle is
moving forward could damage the transmission.
The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Shift to R (Reverse) only after the vehicle
is stopped.
To rock the vehicle back and forth to get out of snow,
ice, or sand without damaging the transmission,
seeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow
on page 4-19.
N (Neutral):In this position, the engine does not
connect with the wheels. To restart the engine when the
vehicle is already moving, use N (Neutral) only.
{CAUTION:
Shifting into a drive gear while the engine is
running at high speed is dangerous. Unless your
foot is rmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle could
move very rapidly. You could lose control and hit
people or objects. Do not shift into a drive gear
while the engine is running at high speed.Notice:Shifting out of P (Park) or N (Neutral) with
the engine running at high speed may damage the
transmission. The repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Be sure the engine is not
running at high speed when shifting the vehicle.
D (Drive):This position is for normal driving. It provides
the best fuel economy. If the vehicle needs more power
for passing, and it is:
Going less than 35 mph (55 km/h), push the
accelerator pedal about halfway down.
Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the
accelerator pedal all the way down.
The vehicle will shift down to the next gear and have
more power.
Downshifting the transmission in slippery road conditions
could result in skidding, see Skidding underLoss of
Control on page 4-11.
Notice:Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle
in one place on a hill using only the accelerator
pedal may damage the transmission. The repair
will not be covered by the vehicle warranty. If you
are stuck, do not spin the tires. When stopping on
a hill, use the brakes to hold the vehicle in place.
MSM (Manual Shift Mode):This position, available on
the models with the MSM (Manual Shift Mode), allows
you to change gears similar to a manual transmission.
If the vehicle has this feature, see “MSM (Manual
Shift Mode)”.
2-28

Cruise Control
Cruise control lets a speed of about 25 mph (40 km/h)
or more be maintained without keeping your foot on
the accelerator. Cruise control does not work at speeds
below 25 mph (40 km/h).
When the brakes are applied, the cruise control
shuts off.
If the vehicle is in cruise control and the Traction
Control System (TCS) begins to limit wheel spin, the
cruise control automatically disengages. SeeTraction
Control System (TCS) on page 4-7. When road
conditions allow, the cruise control can be used again.
{CAUTION:
Cruise control can be dangerous where you cannot
drive safely at a steady speed. So, do not use the
cruise control on winding roads or in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous on slippery roads.
On such roads, fast changes in tire traction can
cause excessive wheel slip, and you could lose
control. Do not use cruise control on slippery roads.
{CAUTION:
If you leave your cruise control on when you are
not using cruise, you might hit a button and go into
cruise when you do not want to. You could be
startled and even lose control. Keep the cruise
control switch off until you want to use cruise
control.
The cruise control buttons
are located on the steering
wheel.
3-10

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

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

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 4-7andStabiliTrak
®System on
page 4-6for more information.
Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light
The engine coolant
temperature warning light
will come on when the
engine has overheated.
If this happens you should pull over and turn off the
engine as soon as possible. SeeEngine Overheating on
page 5-28for more information.
Notice:Driving with the engine coolant temperature
warning light on could cause the vehicle to overheat.
SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-28. The vehicle’s
engine could be damaged, and it might not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Never drive with the
engine coolant temperature warning light on.
3-31

Drunk Driving
{CAUTION:
Drinking and then driving is very dangerous. Your
reexes, perceptions, attentiveness, and judgment
can be affected by even a small amount of alcohol.
You can have a serious — or even fatal — collision
if you drive after drinking. Do not drink and drive or
ride with a driver who has been drinking. Ride home
in a cab; or if you are with a group, designate a
driver who will not drink.
Death and injury associated with drinking and driving is
a global tragedy.
Alcohol affects four things that anyone needs to drive a
vehicle: judgment, muscular coordination, vision, and
attentiveness.
Police records show that almost 40 percent of all motor
vehicle-related deaths involve alcohol. In most cases,
these deaths are the result of someone who was drinking
and driving. In recent years, more than 17,000 annual
motor vehicle-related deaths have been associated with
the use of alcohol, with about 250,000 people injured.For persons under 21, it is against the law in every
U.S. state to drink alcohol. There are good medical,
psychological, and developmental reasons for
these laws.
The obvious way to eliminate the leading highway
safety problem is for people never to drink alcohol
and then drive.
Medical research shows that alcohol in a person’s system
can make crash injuries worse, especially injuries to the
brain, spinal cord, or heart. This means that when anyone
who has been drinking — driver or passenger — is in a
crash, that person’s chance of being killed or permanently
disabled is higher than if the person had not been
drinking.
Control of a Vehicle
The following three systems help to control the vehicle
while driving — brakes, steering, and accelerator. At
times, as when driving on snow or ice, it is easy to ask
more of those control systems than the tires and road can
provide. Meaning, you can lose control of the vehicle.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 4-7.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect
vehicle performance. SeeAccessories and Modifications
on page 5-3.
4-3

Braking
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 3-29.
Braking action involves perception time and reaction
time. Deciding to push the brake pedal is perception
time. Actually doing it is reaction time.
Average reaction time is about three-fourths of a second.
But that is only an average. It might be less with one
driver and as long as two or three seconds or more with
another. Age, physical condition, alertness, coordination,
and eyesight all play a part. So do alcohol, drugs,
and frustration. But even in three-fourths of a second,
a vehicle moving at 60 mph (100 km/h) travels
66 feet (20 m). That could be a lot of distance in an
emergency, so keeping enough space between the
vehicle and others is important.
And, of course, actual stopping distances vary greatly
with the surface of the road, whether it is pavement or
gravel; the condition of the road, whether it is wet, dry, or
icy; tire tread; the condition of the brakes; the weight of
the vehicle; and the amount of brake force applied.Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive
in spurts — heavy acceleration followed by heavy
braking — rather than keeping pace with traffic. This is a
mistake. The brakes might not have time to cool between
hard stops. The brakes will wear out much faster with a
lot of heavy braking. Keeping pace with the traffic and
allowing realistic following distances eliminates a lot of
unnecessary braking. That means better braking and
longer brake life.
If the engine ever stops while the vehicle is being driven,
brake normally but do not pump the brakes. If the brakes
are pumped, the pedal could get harder to push down.
If the engine stops, there will still be some power brake
assist but it will be used when the brake is applied. Once
the power assist is used up, it can take longer to stop and
the brake pedal will be harder to push.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect
vehicle performance. SeeAccessories and Modifications
on page 5-3.
4-4

Antilock Brake System (ABS)
This vehicle has the Antilock Brake System (ABS), an
advanced electronic braking system that will help
prevent a braking skid.
When the engine is started and the vehicle begins to
drive away, ABS checks itself. A momentary motor
or clicking noise might be heard while this test is going
on, and it might even be noticed that the brake pedal
moves a little. This is normal.
If there is a problem with
ABS, this warning light
stays on. SeeAntilock
Brake System (ABS)
Warning Light on
page 3-30.Let us say the road is wet and you are driving safely.
Suddenly, an animal jumps out in front of you. You slam
on the brakes and continue braking. Here is what
happens with ABS:
A computer senses that the wheels are slowing down.
If one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer
will separately work the brakes at each wheel.
ABS can change the brake pressure to each wheel, as
required, faster than any driver could. This can help the
driver steer around the obstacle while braking hard.
As the brakes are applied, the computer keeps receiving
updates on wheel speed and controls braking pressure
accordingly.
Remember: ABS does not change the time needed to get
a foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease stopping
distance. If you get too close to the vehicle in front of you,
there will not be enough time to apply the brakes if that
vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always leave enough
room up ahead to stop, even with ABS.
4-5