coolant level CHEVROLET EQUINOX 2018 Owner's Manual

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
10446639) - 2018 - CRC - 8/18/17
112 Instruments and Controls
Instruments and
Controls
Controls
Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . 113
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . 113
Heated Steering Wheel . . . . . . . 114
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . 114
Rear Window Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Wireless Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Warning Lights, Gauges, and
Indicators
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Engine Coolant Temperature
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127 Seat Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . . 128
Airbag Readiness Light . . . . . . . 129
Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Charging System Light . . . . . . . 130
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Check Engine Light) . . . . . . . . 130
Brake System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Service Electric Parking Brake Light (Uplevel Only) . . . . . . . . . 133
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Tow/Haul Mode Light . . . . . . . . . 134
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Vehicle Ahead Indicator . . . . . . 135
Traction Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
StabiliTrak OFF Light . . . . . . . . . 135
Traction Control System (TCS)/ StabiliTrak Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Wait-to-Start Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Tire Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Engine Oil Pressure Light . . . . 136
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . 137
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Security Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138 High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . 138
Front Fog Lamp Light . . . . . . . . . 138
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . 138
Cruise Control Light . . . . . . . . . . 139
Information Displays
Driver Information
Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Vehicle Messages
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Engine Power Messages . . . . . 145
Vehicle Speed Messages . . . . . 145
Vehicle Personalization
Vehicle Personalization . . . . . . . 145
Universal Remote System
Universal Remote System . . . . 154
Universal Remote SystemProgramming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Universal Remote System Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
10446639) - 2018 - CRC - 8/18/17
Instruments and Controls 127
Fuel Gauge
Metric Uplevel
English UplevelWhen the ignition is on, the fuel
gauge indicates about how much
fuel is left in the tank.
An arrow on the fuel gauge
indicates the side of the vehicle the
fuel door is on.
When the indicator nears empty, the
low fuel light comes on. There is a
small amount of fuel left, but the fuel
tank should be filled soon.
Here are four things that some
owners ask about. None of these
show a problem with the fuel gauge:
.
At the service station, the fuel
pump shuts off before the gauge
reads full.
. It takes a little more or less fuel
to fill up than the gauge
indicated. For example, the
gauge indicated the tank was
half full, but it actually took a
little more or less than half the
tank's capacity to fill the tank.
. The gauge moves a little while
turning a corner or speeding up. .
The gauge takes a few seconds
to stabilize after the ignition is
turned on, and goes back to
empty when the ignition is
turned off.
Engine Coolant
Temperature Gauge
Metric Uplevel

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
10446639) - 2018 - CRC - 8/18/17
128 Instruments and Controls
English Uplevel
This gauge shows the engine
coolant temperature.
If the pointer moves toward the
warning area at the high end of the
gauge, the engine is too hot.
If the engine coolant has
overheated and the vehicle has
been operating under normal driving
conditions, pull off the road, stop the
vehicle, and turn off the engine as
soon as possible. See Engine
Overheating 0299.
Seat Belt Reminders
Driver Seat Belt Reminder
Light
There is a driver seat belt reminder
light on the instrument cluster.
When the vehicle is started, this
light flashes and a chime may come
on to remind the driver to fasten
their seat belt. Then the light stays
on solid until the belt is buckled.
This cycle may continue several
times if the driver remains or
becomes unbuckled while the
vehicle is moving.
If the driver seat belt is buckled,
neither the light nor the chime
comes on.
Passenger Seat Belt Reminder
Light
There is a passenger seat belt
reminder light near the passenger
airbag status indicator. See
Passenger Sensing System 084.
When the vehicle is started, this
light flashes and a chime may come
on to remind passengers to fasten
their seat belt. Then the light stays
on solid until the belt is buckled.
This cycle continues several times if
the passenger remains or becomes
unbuckled while the vehicle is
moving.
If the passenger seat belt is
buckled, neither the chime nor the
light comes on.
The front passenger seat belt
reminder light and chime may turn
on if an object is put on the seat

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Instruments and Controls 141
change. To reset the engine oil life
system, seeEngine Oil Life System
0 292.
Oil Pressure : Oil pressure is
displayed in either kilopascal (kPa)
or in pounds per square inch (psi).
Fuel Filter Life : This display shows
an estimate of the fuel filter's
remaining useful life. If 90% Fuel
Filter Life Remaining is displayed, it
means 90% of the current fuel filter
life remains. The fuel filter life
system will alert when to change the
fuel filter on a schedule consistent
with your driving conditions. When
the remaining fuel filter life is low,
the CHANGE FUEL FILTER
message will appear on the display.
Change the fuel filter as soon as
possible.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Level
(Diesel Engine Only) : The DEF
level will be displayed as either OK,
XX%, or LOW. When LOW appears
on the display, add DEF as soon as
possible. See Diesel Exhaust Fluid
0 226. Tire Pressure :
Displays a vehicle
with the approximate pressures of
all four tires. Tire pressure is
displayed in either kilopascal (kPa)
or in pounds per square inch (psi).
See Tire Pressure Monitor System
0 328 andTire Pressure Monitor
Operation 0329.
Battery Voltage : Displays the
current battery voltage, if equipped.
Battery voltage changes are normal
while driving. See Charging System
Light 0130. If there is a problem
with the battery charging system,
the DIC will display a message.
Coolant Temperature : Displays
the coolant temperature in degrees
Celsius (°C) or degrees Fahrenheit
(°F).
TC/Stabilitrak : If equipped, press
Vto turn on or off Traction Control
or Stabilitrak.
ECO Drive Assist Menu (ECO)
Items
Fuel Economy : The center
displays the approximate
instantaneous fuel economy as a
number and bar graph. Displayed above the bar graph is a running
average of fuel economy for the
most recently traveled selected
distance. Displayed below the bar
graph is the best average fuel
economy that has been achieved for
the selected distance. The selected
distance is displayed at the top of
the page as
“last xxx mi/km.” Press
Vto select the distance or reset
best value.
The display provides information on
how current driving behavior affects
the running average and how well
recent driving compares to the best
that has been achieved for the
selected distance.
Economy Trend : Shows history of
the Average Fuel Economy from the
last 50 km (30 mi). Each bar
represents about 5 km (3 mi) of
driving. During driving the bars will
shift to always reflect the most
recent distance on the right side.
Press and hold
Vto clear the graph
or press
Vto reset through
the menu.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
10446639) - 2018 - CRC - 8/18/17
144 Instruments and Controls
the timer to zero, press and holdV
while this display is active, or presspand select reset.
Speed Limit : Shows sign
information, which comes from a
roadway database in the onboard
navigation, if equipped.
Battery Voltage : Displays the
current battery voltage, if equipped.
Battery voltage changes are normal
while driving. See Charging System
Light 0130. If there is a problem
with the battery charging system,
the DIC will display a message.
Coolant Temperature : Displays
the coolant temperature in degrees
Celsius (°C) or degrees Fahrenheit
(°F).
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Level
(Diesel Engine Only) : The DEF
level will be displayed as either OK,
XX%, or LOW. When LOW appears
on the display, add DEF as soon as
possible. See Diesel Exhaust Fluid
0 226. Oil Pressure :
Oil pressure is
displayed in either kilopascal (kPa)
or pounds per square inch (psi). Oil
pressure can vary with engine
speed, outside temperature, and oil
viscosity. On some models, the oil
pump will vary engine oil pressure
according to engine needs. Oil
pressure may change quickly as the
engine speed or load varies. This is
normal. If the oil pressure warning
light or DIC message indicates oil
pressure outside the normal
operating range, check the vehicle's
oil as soon as possible.
Blank Page : Shows no
information.
Vehicle Messages
Messages displayed on the DIC
indicate the status of the vehicle or
some action that may be needed to
correct a condition. Multiple
messages may appear one after
another.
The messages that do not require
immediate action can be
acknowledged and cleared by
pressing
V. The messages that
require immediate action cannot be
cleared until that action is
performed.
All messages should be taken
seriously; clearing the message
does not correct the problem.
If a SERVICE message appears,
see your dealer.
Follow the instructions given in the
messages. The system displays
messages regarding the following
topics:
. Service Messages
. Fluid Levels
. Vehicle Security

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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220 Driving and Operating
brake pedal is released or the
accelerator pedal is pressed, the
engine may restart.
The engine may restart even if the
brake pedal is applied.
Auto Stop may be deactivated if:
.A minimum vehicle speed is not
reached.
. The engine or transmission is
not at the required operating
temperature.
. The outside temperature is not
in the required operating range,
typically between −10 °C (14 °F)
and 50 °C (122 °F).
. The shift lever is in any gear
other than D (Drive).
. The battery has been recently
disconnected.
. The battery charge is low.
. The interior comfort level has not
reached the required level for
the climate control system or
defog settings. See Dual
Automatic Climate Control
System 0192. .
The Auto Stop time is greater
than two minutes.
Engine Heater
{Warning
Do not plug in the engine block
heater while the vehicle is parked
in a garage or under a carport.
Property damage or personal
injury may result. Always park the
vehicle in a clear open area away
from buildings or structures. The engine heater, if available, can
help in cold weather conditions at or
below
−18 °C (0 °F) for easier
starting and better fuel economy
during engine warm-up. Plug in the
engine heater at least four hours
before starting the vehicle. An
internal thermostat in the plug end
of the cord will prevent engine
coolant heater operation at
temperatures above −18 °C (0 °F).
To Use the Engine Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Remove the heater cord from
the rear compartment.
3. Check the heater cord for damage. If it is damaged, do
not use it. See your dealer for
a replacement. Inspect the
cord for damage yearly.
4. Plug the cord into the receptacle in the front fascia.
5. Plug the other end of the cord into a normal, grounded
110-volt AC outlet.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
10446639) - 2018 - CRC - 8/18/17
Driving and Operating 273
bulbs on the trailer are burned out.
Check occasionally to be sure the
trailer bulbs are still working.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower
gear before starting down a long or
steep downgrade. If the
transmission is not shifted down, the
brakes might have to be used so
much that they would get hot and no
longer work well.
The vehicle can tow in D (Drive).
Use a lower gear if the transmission
shifts too often.
When towing at high altitude on
steep uphill grades, engine coolant
boils at a lower temperature than at
normal altitudes. If the engine is
turned off immediately after towing
at high altitude on steep uphill
grades, the vehicle could show
signs similar to engine overheating.
To avoid this, let the engine run
while parked, preferably on level
ground, with the transmission in
P (Park) for a few minutes beforeturning the engine off. If the
overheat warning comes on, see
Engine Overheating
0299.
Parking on Hills
{Warning
Parking the vehicle on a hill with
the trailer attached can be
dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move.
People can be injured, and both
the vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. When possible, always
park the rig on a flat surface.
If parking the rig on a hill: 1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn
the wheels into the curb if
facing downhill or into traffic if
facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels. 3. When the wheel chocks are in
place, release the brake pedal
until the chocks absorb
the load.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and
shift into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal while you:
.Start the engine.
. Shift into a gear.
. Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
10446639) - 2018 - CRC - 8/18/17
288 Vehicle Care
1.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0293.
2. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See Engine Oil 0288.
3. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine Oil 0288.
4. Engine Cooling Fan. See Cooling System 0295.
5. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid 0302.
6. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0312.
7. Remote Positive (+) Terminal (Under Cover). See Jump
Starting - North America 0354.
8. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See
Cooling System 0295.
9. Battery - North America 0303.
10. Remote Negative (−) Terminal. SeeJump Starting - North
America 0354.
11. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See Washer Fluid
0 300.Engine Oil
To ensure proper engine
performance and long life, careful
attention must be paid to engine oil.
Following these simple, but
important steps will help protect
your investment:
.
Use engine oil approved to the
proper specification and of the
proper viscosity grade. See
“Selecting the Right Engine Oil”
in this section.
. Check the engine oil level
regularly and maintain the
proper oil level. See “Checking
Engine Oil” and“When to Add
Engine Oil” in this section.
. Change the engine oil at the
appropriate time. See Engine Oil
Life System 0292.
. Always dispose of engine oil
properly. See “What to Do with
Used Oil” in this section.
Checking Engine Oil
Check the engine oil level regularly,
every 650 km (400 mi), especially
prior to a long trip. The engine oil
dipstick handle is a loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0283 for the location.
{Warning
The engine oil dipstick handle
may be hot; it could burn you.
Use a towel or glove to touch the
dipstick handle.
If a low oil Driver Information Center
(DIC) message displays, check the
oil level. If the oil is not low and the
low oil message remains on, take
the vehicle to your dealer for
service.
Follow these guidelines:
. To get an accurate reading, park
the vehicle on level ground.
Check the engine oil level after
the engine has been off for at
least two hours. Checking the
engine oil level on steep grades

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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296 Vehicle Care
2.0L Gas Engine
1. Engine Cooling Fan (Outof View)
2. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap
{Warning
An underhood electric fan 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
top rib on the middle of the tank. 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
Do not touch heater or radiator
hoses, or other engine parts.
They can be very hot and can
burn you. Do not run the engine if
there is a leak; all coolant could
leak out. That could cause an
engine fire and can burn you. Fix
any leak before driving the
vehicle.
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.
Engine Coolant
The engine cooling system in the
vehicle are filled with DEX-COOL
engine coolant mixture. This
coolant needs to be checked and
changed at appropriate levels.
See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0381 andMaintenance
Schedule 0373.
The following explains the cooling
systems and how to check and add
coolant when it is low. If there is a
problem with engine overheating,
see Engine Overheating 0299.
What to Use
{Warning
Plain water, or other liquids such
as alcohol, can boil before the
proper coolant mixture will. With
plain water or the wrong mixture,
the engine could get too hot but
(Continued)

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 297
Warning (Continued)
there would not be an 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. 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
Caution
Do not use anything other than a
mix of DEX-COOL coolant that
meets GM Standard
GMW3420 and clean, drinkable
water. Anything else can cause
damage to the engine cooling
system and the vehicle, which
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Never dispose of engine coolant by
putting it in the trash, pouring it on
the ground, or pouring 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 mark is not
visible, add a 50/50 mixture of
clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL coolant at the coolant
surge tank to the top rib on the
middle of the tank, but be sure the
cooling system is cool before this is
done. See Engine Overheating
0 299.