maintenance CHEVROLET EQUINOX 2020 Owner's Guide

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555863) - 2020 - CRC - 8/2/19
Vehicle Care 327
Warning (Continued)
Use another type of traction
device only if its manufacturer
recommends it for the vehicle's
tire size combination and road
conditions. Follow that
manufacturer's instructions. To
avoid vehicle damage, drive slow
and readjust or remove the
traction device if it contacts the
vehicle. Do not spin the wheels.
If traction devices are used, install
them on the front tires.
If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blow out
while driving, especially if the tires
are maintained properly. SeeTires
0 307. If air goes out of a tire, it is
much more likely to leak out slowly.
But if there is ever a blowout, here
are a few tips about what to expect
and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the flat tire
creates a drag that pulls the vehicle
toward that side. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal and grip the
steering wheel firmly. Steer to
maintain lane position, and then
gently brake to a stop, well off the
road, if possible.
A rear blowout, particularly on a
curve, acts much like a skid and
may require the same correction as
used in a skid. Stop pressing the
accelerator pedal and steer to
straighten the vehicle. It may be
very bumpy and noisy. Gently brake
to a stop, well off the road,
if possible.
{Warning
Driving on a flat tire will cause
permanent damage to the tire.
Re-inflating a tire after it has been
driven on while severely
underinflated or flat may cause a
blowout and a serious crash.
Never attempt to re-inflate a tire
that has been driven on while
severely underinflated or flat.
Have your dealer or an authorized
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
tire service center repair or
replace the flat tire as soon as
possible.
{Warning
Lifting a vehicle and getting under
it to do maintenance or repairs is
dangerous without the
appropriate safety equipment and
training. If a jack is provided with
the vehicle, it is designed only for
changing a flat tire. If it is used for
anything else, you or others could
be badly injured or killed if the
vehicle slips off the jack. If a jack
is provided with the vehicle, only
use it for changing a flat tire.
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire
and wheel damage by driving slowly
to a level place, well off the road,
if possible. Turn on the hazard
warning flashers. See Hazard
Warning Flashers 0148.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555863) - 2020 - CRC - 8/2/19
Vehicle Care 337
Locate the notch on the sheet
metal weld flange. Place the
center of the jack lift head on
the center of the sheet metal
notch.
The jack must not be used in
any other position.
{Warning
Getting under a vehicle when it is
lifted on a jack is dangerous.
If the vehicle slips off the jack,
you could be badly injured or
killed. Never get under a vehicle
when it is supported only by
a jack.
{Warning
Raising the vehicle with the jack
improperly positioned can
damage the vehicle and even
make the vehicle fall. To help
avoid personal injury and vehicle(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
damage, be sure to fit the jack lift
head into the proper location
before raising the vehicle.
{Warning
Lifting a vehicle and getting under
it to do maintenance or repairs is
dangerous without the
appropriate safety equipment and
training. If a jack is provided with
the vehicle, it is designed only for
changing a flat tire. If it is used for
anything else, you or others could
be badly injured or killed if the
vehicle slips off the jack. If a jack
is provided with the vehicle, only
use it for changing a flat tire.
5. Attach the wheel wrench to the jack by fitting both ends over
one another.
6. Raise the vehicle by turning thewheel wrench clockwise. Raise
the vehicle far enough off the
ground so there is enough
room for the road tire to clear
the ground.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555863) - 2020 - CRC - 8/2/19
Vehicle Care 353
pads for wear and rotors for surface
condition. Inspect drum brake
linings/shoes for wear or cracks.
Inspect all other brake parts.
Steering, Suspension, and
Chassis Components
Visually inspect steering,
suspension, and chassis
components for damaged, loose,
or missing parts or signs of wear at
least once a year.
Inspect power steering for proper
attachment, connections, binding,
leaks, cracks, chafing, etc.
Visually check constant velocity joint
boots and axle seals for leaks.
Body Component Lubrication
Lubricate all key lock cylinders,
hood hinges, liftgate hinges, steel
fuel door hinges, and power assist
step hinges, unless the components
are plastic. Applying silicone grease
on weatherstrips with a clean cloth
will make them last longer, seal
better, and not stick or squeak.
Underbody Maintenance
At least twice a year, spring and fall,
use plain water to flush any
corrosive materials from the
underbody. Take care to thoroughly
clean any areas where mud and
other debris can collect.
Do not directly power wash the
transfer case and/or front/rear axle
output seals. High pressure water
can overcome the seals and
contaminate the fluid. Contaminated
fluid will decrease the life of the
transfer case and/or axles and
should be replaced.
Sheet Metal Damage
If the vehicle is damaged and
requires sheet metal repair or
replacement, make sure the body
repair shop applies anti-corrosion
material to parts repaired or
replaced to restore corrosion
protection.
Original manufacturer replacement
parts will provide the corrosion
protection while maintaining the
vehicle warranty.
Finish Damage
Quickly repair minor chips and
scratches with touch-up materials
available from your dealer to avoid
corrosion. Larger areas of finish
damage can be corrected in your
dealer's body and paint shop.
Chemical Paint Spotting
Airborne pollutants can fall upon
and attack painted vehicle surfaces
causing blotchy, ring-shaped
discolorations, and small, irregular
dark spots etched into the paint
surface. See“Finish Care”
previously in this section.
Interior Care
To prevent dirt particle abrasions,
regularly clean the vehicle's interior.
Immediately remove any soils.
Newspapers or dark garments can
transfer color to the vehicle’s
interior.
Use a soft bristle brush to remove
dust from knobs and crevices on the
instrument cluster. Using a mild
soap solution, immediately remove

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555863) - 2020 - CRC - 8/2/19
358 Service and Maintenance
Service and
Maintenance
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 358
Maintenance Schedule
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . 360
Special Application Services
Special ApplicationServices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 366
Additional Maintenance
and Care
Additional Maintenanceand Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 366
Recommended Fluids,
Lubricants, and Parts
Recommended Fluids andLubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 369
Maintenance Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 370
Maintenance Records
Maintenance Records . . . . . . . . 372
General Information
Your vehicle is an important
investment. This section describes
the required maintenance for the
vehicle. Follow this schedule to help
protect against major repair
expenses resulting from neglect or
inadequate maintenance. It may
also help to maintain the value of
the vehicle if it is sold. It is the
responsibility of the owner to have
all required maintenance performed.
Your dealer has trained technicians
who can perform required
maintenance using genuine
replacement parts. They have
up-to-date tools and equipment for
fast and accurate diagnostics. Many
dealers have extended evening and
Saturday hours, courtesy
transportation, and online
scheduling to assist with service
needs.
Your dealer recognizes the
importance of providing
competitively priced maintenance
and repair services. With trained
technicians, the dealer is the place for routine maintenance such as oil
changes and tire rotations and
additional maintenance items like
tires, brakes, batteries, and wiper
blades.
Caution
Damage caused by improper
maintenance can lead to costly
repairs and may not be covered
by the vehicle warranty.
Maintenance intervals, checks,
inspections, recommended fluids,
and lubricants are important to
keep the vehicle in good working
condition.
Do not have chemical flushes that
are not approved by GM
performed on the vehicle. The
use of flushes, solvents, cleaners,
or lubricants that are not
approved by GM could damage
the vehicle, requiring expensive
repairs that are not covered by
the vehicle warranty.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555863) - 2020 - CRC - 8/2/19
Service and Maintenance 359
The Tire Rotation and Required
Services are the responsibility of the
vehicle owner. It is recommended to
have your dealer perform these
services every 12 000 km/7,500 mi.
Proper vehicle maintenance helps to
keep the vehicle in good working
condition, improves fuel economy,
and reduces vehicle emissions.
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
0 176.
. Are driven on reasonable road
surfaces within legal driving
limits.
. Use the recommended fuel. See
Recommended Fuel (LYX - 1.5L
L4 Turbo Engine) 0241 or
Recommended Fuel (LTG - 2.0L
L4 Turbo Engine) 0242. 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, (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
and equipment are available.
If they are not, see your dealer to
have a trained technician do the
work. SeeDoing Your Own
Service Work 0267.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555863) - 2020 - CRC - 8/2/19
360 Service and Maintenance
Maintenance
Schedule
Owner Checks and Services
At Each Fuel Stop
.Check the engine oil level. See
Engine Oil 0275.
Once a Month
. Check the tire inflation
pressures. See Tire Pressure
0 313.
. Inspect the tires for wear. See
Tire Inspection 0320.
. Check the windshield washer
fluid level. See Washer Fluid
0 287.
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 may not
indicate the need for vehicle service
for up to 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 0279.
On vehicles with diesel engines, it is
recommended to drain the diesel
fuel filter of water when the oil is
changed or when the WATER IN
FUEL CONTACT SERVICE
message displays.
Air Conditioning Desiccant
(Replace Every Seven Years)
The air conditioning system requires
maintenance every seven years.
This service requires replacement of
the desiccant to help the longevity
and efficient operation of the air
conditioning system. This service
can be complex. See your dealer.
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 0320.
. Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed,
change engine oil and filter, and
reset oil life system. See Engine
Oil 0275 and
Engine Oil Life System 0279.
. Check engine coolant level. See
Cooling System 0282.
. Check windshield washer fluid
level. See Washer Fluid 0287.
. Check tire inflation pressures.
See Tire Pressure 0313.
. Inspect tire wear. See Tire
Inspection 0320.
. Visually check for fluid leaks.
. Inspect engine air cleaner filter.
See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
0 280.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555863) - 2020 - CRC - 8/2/19
Service and Maintenance 361
.Inspect brake system. See
Exterior Care 0349.
. Visually inspect steering,
suspension, and chassis
components for damage,
including cracks or tears in the
rubber boots, loose or missing
parts, or signs of wear at least
once a year. See Exterior Care
0 349.
. Inspect power steering for
proper attachment, connections,
binding, leaks, cracks,
chafing, etc.
. Visually inspect halfshafts and
drive shafts for excessive wear,
lubricant leaks, and/or damage
including: tube dents or cracks,
constant velocity joint or
universal joint looseness,
cracked or missing boots, loose
or missing boot clamps, center
bearing excessive looseness,
loose or missing fasteners, and
axle seal leaks.
. Check restraint system
components. See Safety System
Check 055. .
Visually inspect fuel system for
damage or leaks.
. Visually inspect exhaust system
and nearby heat shields for
loose or damaged parts.
. Lubricate body components. See
Exterior Care 0349.
. Check starter switch. See Starter
Switch Check 0291.
. Check automatic transmission
shift lock control function. See
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function Check
0291.
. Check parking brake and
automatic transmission park
mechanism. See Park Brake and
P (Park) Mechanism Check
0 292.
. Check accelerator pedal for
damage, high effort, or binding.
Replace if needed.
. Visually inspect gas strut for
signs of wear, cracks, or other
damage. Check the hold open
ability of the strut. If the hold open ability is low, service the
gas strut. See
Gas Strut(s)
0 294.
. Check tire sealant expiration
date, if equipped. See Tire
Sealant and Compressor Kit
0 328.
. Inspect sunroof track and seal,
if equipped. See Sunroof033.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555863) - 2020 - CRC - 8/2/19
362 Service and Maintenance
Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required
Services - Normal12 000 km/7,500 mi
24 000 km/15,000 mi
36 000 km/22,500 mi
48 000 km/30,000 mi
60 000 km/37,500 mi
72 000 km/45,000 mi
84 000 km/52,500 mi
96 000 km/60,000 mi
108 000 km/67,500 mi
120 000 km/75,000 mi
132 000 km/82,500 mi
144 000 km/90,000 mi
156 000 km/97,500 mi
168 000 km/105,000 mi 180 000 km/112,500 mi
192 000 km/120,000 mi
204 000 km/127,500 mi
216 000 km/135,000 mi
228 000 km/142,500 mi
240 000 km/150,000 mi
Rotate tires and perform Required Services.
Check engine oil level and oil life percentage.
Change engine oil and filter, if needed.
Drain the diesel fuel filter of water. (Diesel Only)@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Replace passenger compartment air filter. (1)@ @@@@@
Inspect evaporative control system. (2)@ @@
Diesel Engine Only: Replace fuel filter. (3)@@@@
Replace engine air cleaner filter. (4)@ @@
Replace spark plugs. Inspect spark plug wires.@ @
Change rear axle fluid, if equipped with AWD. (5)@
Drain and fill engine cooling system. (6)@
Visually inspect accessory drive belts. (7)@
Replace brake fluid. (8)
Replace windshield wiper blades. (9)
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Replace hood and/or body lift support gas
struts. (10)@ @
Replace air conditioning desiccant. (11)

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555863) - 2020 - CRC - 8/2/19
Service and Maintenance 363
Footnotes—Maintenance
Schedule Additional Required
Services - Normal
(1) Or every two years, whichever
comes first. More frequent
passenger compartment air filter
replacement may be needed if
driving in areas with heavy traffic,
poor air quality, high dust levels,
or environmental allergens.
Passenger compartment air filter
replacement may also be needed if
there is reduced airflow, window
fogging, or odors. Your GM dealer
can help determine when to replace
the filter.
(2) Visually check all fuel and vapor
lines and hoses for proper
attachment, connection, routing, and
condition. (3)
Or as indicated by the Driver
Information Center (DIC) or
two years whichever comes first.
The fuel filter may need to be
replaced more often based on
biodiesel usage, driving in climates
with severe dust, off-road driving,
or towing a trailer for extended
periods.
(4) Or every four years, whichever
comes first. If driving in dusty
conditions, inspect the filter at each
oil change or more often as needed.
See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0280.
(5) Do not directly power wash the
transfer case and/or front/rear axle
output seals. High pressure water
can overcome the seals and
contaminate the transfer case fluid.
Contaminated fluid will decrease the
life of the transfer case and/or axles
and should be replaced.
(6) Or every five years, whichever
comes first. See Cooling System
0 282. (7)
Or every 10 years, whichever
comes first. Inspect for fraying,
excessive cracking, or damage;
replace, if needed.
(8) Replace brake fluid every five
years. See Brake Fluid 0289.
(9) Or every 12 months, whichever
comes first. See Wiper Blade
Replacement 0292.
(10) Or every 10 years, whichever
comes first. See Gas Strut(s)0294.
(11) Replace air conditioning
desiccant every seven years.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555863) - 2020 - CRC - 8/2/19
364 Service and Maintenance
Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required
Services - Severe12 000 km/7,500 mi
24 000 km/15,000 mi
36 000 km/22,500 mi
48 000 km/30,000 mi
60 000 km/37,500 mi
72 000 km/45,000 mi
84 000 km/52,500 mi
96 000 km/60,000 mi
108 000 km/67,500 mi
120 000 km/75,000 mi
132 000 km/82,500 mi
144 000 km/90,000 mi
156 000 km/97,500 mi
168 000 km/105,000 mi 180 000 km/112,500 mi
192 000 km/120,000 mi
204 000 km/127,500 mi
216 000 km/135,000 mi
228 000 km/142,500 mi
240 000 km/150,000 mi
Rotate tires and perform Required Services.
Check engine oil level and oil life percentage.
Change engine oil and filter, if needed.
Drain the diesel fuel filter of water. (Diesel Only)@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Replace passenger compartment air filter. (1)@ @@@@@
Inspect evaporative control system. (2)@ @@
Diesel Engine Only: Replace fuel filter. (3)@@@@
Replace engine air cleaner filter. (4)@ @@
Change automatic transmission fluid.@@@
Replace spark plugs. Inspect spark plug wires.@ @
Change rear axle fluid, if equipped with AWD. (5)@ @
Drain and fill engine cooling system. (6)@
Visually inspect accessory drive belts. (7)@
Replace brake fluid. (8)
Replace windshield wiper blades. (9)
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Replace hood and/or body lift support gas
struts. (10)@@
Replace air conditioning desiccant. (11)