towing CHEVROLET EQUINOX 2017 2.G Owner's Manual

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9918169) - 2017 - CRC - 3/23/16
Vehicle Care 201
Wheel Alignment and TireBalance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 250
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . 259
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Towing the Vehicle
Towing the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Recreational VehicleTowing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
General Information
For service and parts needs, visit
your dealer. You will receive
genuine GM parts and GM-trained
and supported service people.
Genuine GM parts have one of
these marks:
California Proposition
65 Warning
WARNING: Most motor vehicles,
including this one, as well as many
of its service parts and fluids, contain and/or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to
cause cancer and birth defects or
other reproductive harm. Engine
exhaust, many parts and systems,
many fluids, and some component
wear by-products contain and/or
emit these chemicals.
See
Battery - North America 0221
and Jump Starting - North
America 0260.
California Perchlorate
Materials Requirements
Certain types of automotive
applications, such as airbag
initiators, safety belt pretensioners,
and lithium batteries contained in
Remote Keyless Entry transmitters,
may contain perchlorate materials.
Special handling may be necessary.
For additional information, see
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/
perchlorate.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9918169) - 2017 - CRC - 3/23/16
Vehicle Care 263
Towing the Vehicle
Caution
Incorrectly towing a disabled
vehicle may cause damage. The
damage would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Do not lash or hook to
suspension components. Use the
proper straps around the tires to
secure the vehicle.
Use only a flatbed tow truck for
towing a disabled vehicle. Never
use a sling type lift or damage will
occur. Use ramps to help reduce
approach angles if necessary.
A towed vehicle should have its
drive wheels off the ground.
Consult a professional towing
service if the disabled vehicle must
be towed.
Recreational Vehicle
Towing
Recreational vehicle towing means
towing the vehicle behind another
vehicle –such as behind a motor
home. The two most common types
of recreational vehicle towing are
known as dinghy towing and dolly
towing. Dinghy towing is towing the
vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground. Dolly towing is towing the
vehicle with two wheels on the
ground and two wheels up on a
device known as a dolly.
Here are some important things to
consider before recreational vehicle
towing:
. The towing capacity of the
towing vehicle. Be sure to read
the tow vehicle manufacturer's
recommendations.
. How far the vehicle will be
towed. Some vehicles have
restrictions on how far and how
long they can tow. .
The proper towing equipment.
See your dealer or trailering
professional for additional advice
and equipment
recommendations.
. If the vehicle is ready to be
towed. Just as preparing the
vehicle for a long trip, make sure
the vehicle is prepared to be
towed.
Dinghy Towing
Front-wheel-drive and
all-wheel-drive vehicles may be
dinghy towed from the front. These
vehicles can also be towed by
placing them on a platform trailer
with all four wheels off of the
ground. For other towing options,
see “Dolly Towing” following in this
section.
For vehicles being dinghy towed,
the vehicle should be run at the
beginning of each day and at each
RV fuel stop for about five minutes.
This will ensure proper lubrication of
transmission components.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9918169) - 2017 - CRC - 3/23/16
264 Vehicle Care
To tow the vehicle from the front
with all four wheels on the ground:1. Position the vehicle to be towed and secure it to the
towing vehicle.
2. Turn the ignition key to ON/RUN.
3. Shift the transmission to N (Neutral).
4. Turn the ignition key to ACC/ ACCESSORY.
5. Turn all accessories off.
6. To prevent the battery from draining while the vehicle is
being towed, remove fuse 32, the Discrete Logic Ignition
Switch fuse, from the
instrument panel fuse block
and store it in a safe location.
See
Instrument Panel Fuse
Block 0231.
Caution
If the vehicle is towed without
performing each of the steps
listed under “Dinghy Towing,” the
automatic transmission could be
damaged. Be sure to follow all
steps of the dinghy towing
procedure prior to and after
towing the vehicle.
Caution
If 105 km/h (65 mph) is exceeded
while towing the vehicle, it could
be damaged. Never exceed
105 km/h (65 mph) while towing
the vehicle. Once the destination is reached:
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Shift the transmission to P (Park).
3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK/OFF.
4. Install fuse 32, the Discrete Logic Ignition Switch fuse. See
Instrument Panel Fuse
Block 0231.
5. Start the engine and let it idle for more than three minutes
before driving the vehicle.
Caution
Do not tow a vehicle with the front
drive wheels on the ground if one
of the front tires is a compact
spare tire. Towing with two
different tire sizes on the front of
the vehicle can cause severe
damage to the transmission.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 265
Caution
Use of a shield mounted in front
of the vehicle grille could restrict
airflow and cause damage to the
transmission. The repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. If using a shield, only
use one that attaches to the
towing vehicle.
Dolly Towing (All-Wheel-Drive
Vehicles)
All-wheel-drive vehicles should not
be towed with two wheels on the
ground. To properly tow these
vehicles, they should be placed on
a platform trailer with all four wheels
off of the ground or dinghy towed
from the front.
Dolly Towing
(Front-Wheel-Drive Vehicles)
To tow the vehicle from the front
with the rear wheels on the ground:1. Put the front wheels on a dolly.
2. Move the shift lever to P (Park).
3. Set the parking brake.
4. Secure the vehicle to the dolly. 5. Follow the dolly manufacturer's
instructions for preparing the
vehicle and dolly for towing.
6. Release the parking brake.
Towing the Vehicle from
the Rear

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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266 Vehicle Care
Caution
Towing the vehicle from the rear
could damage it. Also, repairs
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Never have the
vehicle towed from the rear.
Appearance Care
Exterior Care
Locks
Locks are lubricated at the factory.
Use a de-icing agent only when
absolutely necessary, and have the
locks greased after using. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants0285.
Washing the Vehicle
To preserve the vehicle's finish,
wash it often and out of direct
sunlight.
Caution
Do not use petroleum-based,
acidic, or abrasive cleaning
agents as they can damage the
vehicle's paint, metal, or plastic
parts. If damage occurs, it would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Approved cleaning
products can be obtained from
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
your dealer. Follow all
manufacturer directions regarding
correct product usage, necessary
safety precautions, and
appropriate disposal of any
vehicle care product.
Caution
Avoid using high-pressure
washes closer than 30 cm (12 in)
to the surface of the vehicle. Use
of power washers exceeding
8,274 kPa (1,200 psi) can result
in damage or removal of paint
and decals.
Caution
Do not power wash any
component under the hood that
has this
esymbol.
(Continued)

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9918169) - 2017 - CRC - 3/23/16
276 Service and Maintenance
Because of the way people use
vehicles, maintenance needs vary.
There may need to be more
frequent checks and services. The
Additional Required Services -
Normal are for vehicles that:
.Carry passengers and cargo
within recommended limits on
the Tire and Loading Information
label. See Vehicle Load
Limits 0159.
. Are driven on reasonable road
surfaces within legal driving
limits.
. Use the recommended fuel. See
Fuel 0189.
Refer to the information in the
Maintenance Schedule Additional
Required Services - Normal chart.
The Additional Required Services -
Severe are for vehicles that are:
. Mainly driven in heavy city traffic
in hot weather.
. Mainly driven in hilly or
mountainous terrain.
. Frequently towing a trailer. .
Used for high speed or
competitive driving.
. Used for taxi, police, or delivery
service.
Refer to the information in the
Maintenance Schedule Additional
Required Services - Severe chart.
{Warning
Performing maintenance work can
be dangerous and can cause
serious injury. Perform
maintenance work only if the
required information, proper tools,
and equipment are available.
If they are not, see your dealer to
have a trained technician do the
work. See Doing Your Own
Service Work 0202.
Maintenance
Schedule
Owner Checks and Services
At Each Fuel Stop
.
Check the engine oil level. See
Engine Oil 0207.
Once a Month
. Check the tire inflation
pressures. See Tire
Pressure 0240.
. Inspect the tires for wear. See
Tire Inspection 0245.
. Check the windshield washer
fluid level. See Washer
Fluid 0219.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Customer Information 297
General Motors North America and
Chevrolet reserve the right to limit
services or payment to an owner or
driver if they decide the claims are
made too often, or the same type of
claim is made many times.
Services Provided
.Emergency Fuel Delivery:
Delivery of enough fuel for the
vehicle to get to the nearest
service station.
. Lock-Out Service: Service to
unlock the vehicle if you are
locked out. A remote unlock may
be available if you have OnStar.
For security reasons, the driver
must present identification
before this service is given.
. Emergency Tow from a Public
Road or Highway: Tow to the
nearest Chevrolet dealer for
warranty service, or if the vehicle
was in a crash and cannot be
driven. Assistance is not given
when the vehicle is stuck in the
sand, mud, or snow. .
Flat Tire Change: Service to
change a flat tire with the spare
tire. The spare tire, if equipped,
must be in good condition and
properly inflated. It is the owner's
responsibility for the repair or
replacement of the tire if it is not
covered by the warranty.
. Battery Jump Start: Service to
jump start a dead battery.
. Trip Interruption Benefits and
Assistance: If your trip is
interrupted due to a warranty
event, incidental expenses may
be reimbursed within the
Powertrain warranty period.
Items considered are reasonable
and customary hotel, meals,
rental car, or a vehicle being
delivered back to the customer,
up to 805 km (500 mi).
Services Not Included in
Roadside Assistance
. Impound towing caused by
violation of any laws.
. Legal fines. .
Mounting, dismounting,
or changing of snow tires,
chains, or other traction devices.
Service is not provided if a vehicle
is in an area that is not accessible
to the service vehicle or is not a
regularly traveled or maintained
public road, which includes ice and
winter roads. Off-road use is not
covered.
Services Specific to
Canadian-Purchased Vehicles
. Fuel Delivery: Reimbursement
is up to 7 liters. If available,
diesel fuel delivery may be
restricted. Propane and other
fuels are not provided through
this service.
. Lock-Out Service: Vehicle
registration is required.
. Trip Interruption Benefits and
Assistance: Must be over
150 km from where your trip
was started to qualify.
Pre-authorization, original
detailed receipts, and a copy of
the repair orders are required.
Once authorization has been

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300 Customer Information
performance; however, the history of
these parts is not known. Such parts
are not covered by the GM New
Vehicle Limited Warranty, and any
related failures are not covered by
that warranty.
Aftermarket collision parts are also
available. These are made by
companies other than GM and may
not have been tested for the vehicle.
As a result, these parts may fit
poorly, exhibit premature durability/
corrosion problems, and may not
perform properly in subsequent
collisions. Aftermarket parts are not
covered by the GM New Vehicle
Limited Warranty, and any vehicle
failure related to such parts is not
covered by that warranty.
Repair Facility
GM also recommends that you
choose a collision repair facility that
meets your needs before you ever
need collision repairs. Your dealer
may have a collision repair center
with GM-trained technicians and
state-of-the-art equipment, or be
able to recommend a collision repaircenter that has GM-trained
technicians and comparable
equipment.
Insuring the Vehicle
Protect your investment in the GM
vehicle with comprehensive and
collision insurance coverage. There
are significant differences in the
quality of coverage afforded by
various insurance policy terms.
Many insurance policies provide
reduced protection to the GM
vehicle by limiting compensation for
damage repairs through the use of
aftermarket collision parts. Some
insurance companies will not
specify aftermarket collision parts.
When purchasing insurance, we
recommend that you ensure that the
vehicle will be repaired with GM
original equipment collision parts.
If such insurance coverage is not
available from your current
insurance carrier, consider switching
to another insurance carrier.
If the vehicle is leased, the leasing
company may require you to have
insurance that ensures repairs with
Genuine GM Original EquipmentManufacturer (OEM) parts or
Genuine Manufacturer replacement
parts. Read the lease carefully, as
you may be charged at the end of
the lease for poor quality repairs.If a Crash Occurs
If there has been an injury, call
emergency services for help. Do not
leave the scene of a crash until all
matters have been taken care of.
Move the vehicle only if its position
puts you in danger, or you are
instructed to move it by a police
officer.
Give only the necessary information
to police and other parties involved
in the crash.
For emergency towing see
Roadside Assistance
Program
0296.
Gather the following information:
. Driver name, address, and
telephone number.
. Driver license number.
. Owner name, address, and
telephone number.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9918169) - 2017 - CRC - 3/23/16
318 Index
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117
Connections OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
Control Traction and ElectronicStability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Convenience Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Coolant Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Engine Temperature Gauge . . 103
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212 Engine Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . .118
Courtesy Transportation
Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
Cover Cargo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117
Cupholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . 295 Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Text Telephone (TTY)Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295 Customer Information
Service Publications
Ordering Information . . . . . . . . 301
Customer Satisfaction Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
D
Damage Repair, Collision . . . . . . . 299
Danger, Warning, and Caution . . . . 3
Data CollectionInfotainment System . . . . . . . . . . 305
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Data Recorders, Event . . . . . . . . . 304
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Diagnostics OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Dome Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Door Ajar Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Power Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Drive Belt Routing, Engine . . . . . . 291
Drive Systems All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . 173, 222 Driver Information
Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Driving Characteristics andTowing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Defensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Drunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
For Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . 23
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . 156
If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . . 158
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Off-Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
E
E85 or FlexFuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
ECO Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Economy Mode Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Electrical Equipment, Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Electrical System Engine Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Index 319
Electrical System (cont'd)Instrument Panel Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Emergency
OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . .211
Check and Service EngineSoon Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . 204
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Coolant Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Cooling System Messages . . . .118
Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Oil Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118
Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . 170
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Equipment, Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198 Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . . . 304
Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Extender, Safety Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . 133
Exterior Lighting Battery
Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
F
FeaturesMemory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Filter, Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . .211
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . 135
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
FlexFuel
E85 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Fluid Automatic Transmission . . . . . . .211
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Power Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135 Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183 Forward Collision Alert
(FCA) Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . 109
Frequency Statement Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Front Fog Lamp Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112
Front Seats
Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Heated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189 Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Economy Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Economy Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Filling a Portable Fuel
Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . .112
Requirements, California . . . . . 189
System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . .119
Fuel Economy Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227 Engine Compartment FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231