engine oil CHEVROLET EQUINOX 2013 2.G Owner's Manual

Black plate (12,1)Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC - 5/21/12
10-12 Vehicle Care
How to Reset the Engine Oil
Life System
Reset the system whenever the
engine oil is changed so that the
system can calculate the next
engine oil change. To reset the
system:
1. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN,with the engine off.
2. Press the DIC MENU button to display the Vehicle
Information menu.
3. Press either the up or down arrows to view REMAINING
OIL LIFE.
4. Press the SET/CLR button until 100% is displayed.
5. Turn the key to LOCK/OFF.
Or:
1. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN with the engine off.
2. Fully press and release the accelerator pedal three times
within five seconds. The system is reset when the
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message goes off.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message comes back on when the
vehicle is started, the engine oil life
system has not been reset. Repeat
the procedure.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid
How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid
It is not necessary to check the
transmission fluid level.
A transmission fluid leak is the only
reason for fluid loss. If a leak
occurs, take the vehicle to your
dealer and have it repaired as soon
as possible.
There is a special procedure for
checking and changing the
transmission fluid. Because this
procedure is difficult, this should be
done at your dealer. Contact your
dealer for additional information or the procedure can be found in the
service manual. To purchase a
service manual, see
Service
Publications Ordering Information
on page 13‑11.
Change the fluid and filter at the
intervals listed in Maintenance
Schedule on page 11‑3, and be sure
to use the fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11‑12.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
See Engine Compartment Overview
on page 10‑5 for the location of the
engine air cleaner/filter.
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Inspect or replace the air cleaner/
filter at the scheduled maintenance
intervals. See Maintenance
Schedule on page 11‑3 for more
information. If driving in dusty/dirty
conditions, inspect the filter at each
engine oil change.

Black plate (14,1)Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC - 5/21/12
10-14 Vehicle Care
Cooling System
2.4L L4 Engine
1. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View)
2. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap
3.6L V6 Engine
1. Engine Cooling Fans (Out of View)
2. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap
{WARNING
An electric engine cooling fan
under the hood can start up even
when the engine is not running
and can cause injury. Keep
hands, clothing, and tools away
from any underhood electric fan. If the coolant inside the coolant
surge tank is boiling, do not do
anything else until it cools down.
The vehicle should be parked on a
level surface.
The coolant level should be at the
COLD FILL line. If it is not, the
vehicle may have a leak at the
radiator hoses, heater hoses,
radiator, water pump, or somewhere
else in the cooling system.
{WARNING
Heater and radiator hoses, and
other engine parts, can be very
hot. Do not touch them. If you do,
you can be burned.
Do not run the engine if there is a
leak. If you run the engine, it
could lose all coolant. That could
cause an engine fire, and you
could be burned. Get any leak
fixed before you drive the vehicle.

Black plate (15,1)Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC - 5/21/12
Vehicle Care 10-15
If there seems to be no leak, with
the engine on, check to see if the
electric engine cooling fan is
running. If the engine is
overheating, the fan should be
running. If it is not, the vehicle
needs service. Turn off the engine.
Notice:Using coolant other than
DEX-COOL
®can cause premature
engine, heater core, or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine
coolant could require changing
sooner, at 50 000 km (30,000 mi)
or 24 months, whichever occurs
first. Any repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Always use DEX-COOL
(silicate-free) coolant in the
vehicle.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the vehicle is
filled with DEX-COOL® engine
coolant. This coolant is designed to
remain in the vehicle for 5 years or
240 000 km (150,000 mi), whichever
occurs first. The following explains the cooling
system and how to check and add
coolant when it is low. If there is a
problem with engine overheating,
see
Engine Overheating on
page 10‑18.
What to Use
{WARNING
Adding only plain water or some
other liquid to the cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water
and other liquids, can boil before
the proper coolant mixture will.
The coolant warning system is set
for the proper coolant mixture.
With plain water or the wrong
mixture, the engine could get too
hot but you would not get the
overheat warning. The engine
could catch fire and you or
others could be burned. Use a
50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL coolant. Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
coolant. If using this mixture,
nothing else needs to be added.
This mixture:
.Gives freezing protection down
to
−37°C (−34°F), outside
temperature.
.Gives boiling protection up to
129°C (265°F), engine
temperature.
.Protects against rust and
corrosion.
.Will not damage aluminum parts.
.Helps keep the proper engine
temperature.
Notice: If an improper coolant
mixture is used, the engine could
overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Too much water in the mixture
can freeze and crack the engine,
radiator, heater core, and other
parts.

Black plate (16,1)Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC - 5/21/12
10-16 Vehicle Care
Never dispose of engine coolant by
putting it in the trash, pouring it on
the ground, or into sewers, streams,
or bodies of water. Have the coolant
changed by an authorized service
center, familiar with legal
requirements regarding used
coolant disposal. This will help
protect the environment and your
health.
Checking Coolant
The vehicle must be on a level
surface when checking the coolant
level.
Check to see if coolant is visible in
the coolant surge tank. If the coolant
inside the coolant surge tank is
boiling, do not do anything else until
it cools down. If coolant is visible
but the coolant level is not at or
above the COLD FILL line, add a
50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL coolant at the
coolant surge tank, but be sure the
cooling system is cool before this is
done. SeeCooling System on
page 10‑14 for more information. The coolant surge tank is in the
engine compartment on the driver
side of the vehicle. See
Engine
Compartment Overview on
page 10‑5.
How to Add Coolant to the
Coolant Surge Tank
Notice: This vehicle has a
specific coolant fill procedure.
Failure to follow this procedure
could cause the engine to
overheat and be severely
damaged.
If you have not found a problem yet,
check to see if coolant is visible in
the coolant surge tank. If coolant is
visible but the coolant level is
not at the COLD FILL line, add a
50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL coolant at the
coolant surge tank, but be sure the
cooling system, including the
coolant surge tank pressure cap, is
cool before you do it. See Engine
Overheating on page 10‑18 for more
information.
{WARNING
Steam and scalding liquids from a
hot cooling system can blow out
and burn you badly. They are
under pressure, and if you turn
the coolant surge tank pressure
cap —even a little —they can
come out at high speed. Never
turn the cap when the cooling
system, including the coolant
surge tank pressure cap, is hot.
Wait for the cooling system and
coolant surge tank pressure cap
to cool if you ever have to turn
the pressure cap.
{WARNING
Adding only plain water or some
other liquid to the cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water
and other liquids, can boil before
the proper coolant mixture will.
(Continued)

Black plate (22,1)Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC - 5/21/12
10-22 Vehicle Care
There are only two reasons why the
brake fluid level in the reservoir
might go down:
.The brake fluid level goes down
because of normal brake lining
wear. When new linings are
installed, the fluid level goes
back up.
.A fluid leak in the brake
hydraulic system can also cause
a low fluid level. Have the brake
hydraulic system fixed, since a
leak means that sooner or later
the brakes will not work well.
Do not top off the brake fluid.
Adding fluid does not correct a leak.
If fluid is added when the linings are
worn, there will be too much fluid
when new brake linings are
installed. Add or remove brake fluid,
as necessary, only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic system.
{WARNING
If too much brake fluid is added, it
can spill on the engine and burn,
if the engine is hot enough. You
or others could be burned, and
the vehicle could be damaged.
Add brake fluid only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic
system.
When the brake fluid falls to a low
level, the brake warning light comes
on. See Brake System Warning
Light on page 5‑15.
What to Add
Use only new DOT 3 brake fluid
from a sealed container. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11‑12.
Always clean the brake fluid
reservoir cap and the area around
the cap before removing it. This
helps keep dirt from entering the
reservoir.
{WARNING
With the wrong kind of fluid in the
brake hydraulic system, the
brakes might not work well. This
could cause a crash. Always use
the proper brake fluid.
Notice
.Using the wrong fluid can
badly damage brake
hydraulic system parts. For
example, just a few drops of
mineral-based oil, such as
engine oil, in the brake
hydraulic system can
damage brake hydraulic
system parts so badly that
they will have to be replaced.
Do not let someone put in
the wrong kind of fluid.

Black plate (32,1)Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC - 5/21/12
10-32 Vehicle Care
J-CaseFuses Usage
7 Instrument Panel Fuse Block 1
8 Rear Defogger
9 Starter
10 AIR Pump Motor 11 Instrument Panel Fuse Block 2
12 Sunroof
13 Antilock Brake System Pump
14 Instrument Panel Fuse Block 3
15 Power Windows –Left
16 Antilock Brake System Module
77 Power Seat - Right Mini Fuses Usage
17 Transmission Control Module
Battery
18 Trailer Parking Light
19 AIR Pump Solenoid
20 Engine Control Module Battery
21 Canister Vent
22 Trailer Left Side (If Equipped)
23 Lift Gate Module
24 Power Lumbar
25 Trailer Right Side (If Equipped)
26 Rear Accessory Power Outlet
27 Memory Mirror Module
28 Regulated Voltage Control Battery
Sensor Mini Fuses Usage
29 Front Wiper
30 Rear Wiper
31 Air Conditioning Compressor
32 Rear Latch
33 Heated Mirrors
34 Horn
35 Right High-Beam Headlamp
36 Left High-Beam Headlamp
37 Ignition Even Coil
38 Ignition Odd Coil
39 Windshield Washer
40 Front Fog Lamps
41 Post Catalytic Converter Oxygen
Sensor
42 Engine Control Module

Black plate (3,1)Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC - 5/21/12
Service and Maintenance 11-3
Maintenance
Schedule
Owner Checks and Services
At Each Fuel Stop
.Check the engine oil level. See
Engine Oil on page 10‑8.
Once a Month
.Check the tire inflation
pressures. See Tire Pressure on
page 10‑43.
.Inspect the tires for wear. See
Tire Inspection on page 10‑48.
.Check the windshield washer
fluid level. See Washer Fluid on
page 10‑20.
Engine Oil Change
When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message displays, have the
engine oil and filter changed within
the next 1 000 km/600 mi. If driven
under the best conditions, the
engine oil life system might not
indicate the need for vehicle service
for more than a year. The engine oil
and filter must be changed at least
once a year and the oil life system
must be reset. Your trained dealer
technician can perform this work.
If the engine oil life system is reset
accidentally, service the vehicle
within 5 000 km/3,000 mi since the
last service. Reset the oil life
system when the oil is changed.
See Engine Oil Life System on
page 10‑11.
Tire Rotation and Required
Services Every 12 000 km/
7,500 mi
Rotate the tires, if recommended for
the vehicle, and perform the
following services. See Tire
Rotation on page 10‑49.
.Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed,
change engine oil and filter, and
reset oil life system. See Engine
Oil on page 10‑8 andEngine Oil
Life System on page 10‑11.
.Check engine coolant level. See
Engine Coolant on page 10‑15.
.Check windshield washer fluid
level. See Washer Fluid on
page 10‑20.
.Visually inspect windshield wiper
blades for wear, cracking,
or contamination. See Exterior
Care on page 10‑71. Replace
worn or damaged wiper blades.
See Wiper Blade Replacement
on page 10‑25.

Black plate (9,1)Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC - 5/21/12
Service and Maintenance 11-9
Additional
Maintenance and Care
Your vehicle is an important
investment and caring for it properly
may help to avoid future costly
repairs. To maintain vehicle
performance, additional
maintenance services may be
required. It is recommended that
your dealer perform these services
—their trained dealer technicians
know your vehicle best. Your dealer
can also perform a thorough
assessment with a multi‐point
inspection to recommend when your
vehicle may need attention. The
following list is intended to explain
the services and conditions to look
for that may indicate services are
required. Battery
The battery supplies power to start
the engine and operate any
additional electrical accessories.
.To avoid break‐down or failure to
start the vehicle, maintain a
battery with full cranking power.
.Trained dealer technicians have
the diagnostic equipment to test
the battery and ensure that the
connections and cables are
corrosion‐free.
Belts
.Belts may need replacing if they
squeak or show signs of
cracking or splitting.
.Trained dealer technicians can
inspect the belts and
recommend replacement when
necessary. Brakes
Brakes stop the vehicle and are
crucial to safe driving.
.Signs of brake wear may include
chirping, grinding, or squealing
noises, or difficulty stopping.
.Trained dealer technicians have
access to tools and equipment
to inspect the brakes and
recommend quality parts
engineered for the vehicle.
Fluids
Proper fluid levels and approved
fluids protect the vehicle’s systems
and components. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11‑12 for GM
approved fluids.
.Engine oil and windshield
washer fluid levels should be
checked at every fuel fill.
.Instrument cluster lights may
come on to indicate that fluids
may be low and need to be
filled.

Black plate (12,1)Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC - 5/21/12
11-12 Service and Maintenance
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Parts
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
UsageFluid/Lubricant
Engine Oil Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specfication, or equivalent, of
the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is
recommended. See Engine Oil on page 10‑8.
Engine Coolant 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and use only DEX-COOL Coolant.
See Engine Coolant on page 10‑15.
Hydraulic Brake System DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid (GM Part No. 88862806, in Canada 88863462).
Windshield Washer Automotive windshield washer fluid that meets regional freeze protection requirements.
Hydraulic Power Steering System (V6 engines only) DEXRON®-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Automatic Transmission DEXRON®-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Transfer Case (All-Wheel Drive) Transfer Case Fluid (GM Part No. 88900401, in Canada 89021678). Key Lock Cylinders Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube (GM Part No. 12346241, in Canada 10953474).

Black plate (13,1)Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC - 5/21/12
Service and Maintenance 11-13
UsageFluid/Lubricant
Hood Latch Assembly, Secondary Latch, Pivots, Spring Anchor, and
Release Pawl Lubriplate Lubricant Aerosol (GM Part No. 89021668, in
Canada 89021674) or lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI #2,
Category LB or GC-LB.
Hood and Door Hinges Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube (GM Part No. 12346241, in Canada 10953474).
Power Liftgate Actuator Ball Joint Multi-Purpose Lubricant (GM Part No. 89021668, in Canada 89021674). Weatherstrip Conditioning Weatherstrip Lubricant (GM Part No. 3634770, in Canada 10953518) or Dielectric Silicone Grease (GM Part No. 12345579, in Canada 10953481).
Maintenance Replacement Parts
Replacement parts identified below by name, part number, or specification can be obtained from your dealer.
Part GM Part Number ACDelco Part Number
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 25899727 A3138C
Engine Oil Filter 2.4L L4 Engine 12605566 PF457G
3.6L V6 Engine 89017525 PF63
Passenger Compartment Air Filter 20901295 CF177