290 CHEVROLET EQUINOX 2020 Owner's Manual

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555863) - 2020 - CRC - 8/2/19
184 Driving and Operating
If you are trying to start the engine
after you have run out of fuel, follow
the steps inRunning Out of Fuel
(Diesel) 0249.
When the engine is cold, let it run
for a few minutes before driving.
This lets oil pressure build up. The
engine will sound louder when it
is cold.
Cold Weather Starting (Diesel
Engine)
Use the recommended engine oil
when the outside temperature drops
below freezing. See Engine Oil
0 275. When the outside
temperature drops below –18°C (0°
F), use of the engine heater is
recommended.
See Fuel for Diesel Engines 0243
for information on what fuel to use in
cold weather.
If the Diesel Engine Will Not
Start
If you have run out of fuel, see
Running Out of Fuel (Diesel) 0249. If the vehicle is not out of fuel, and
the engine will not start:
If the battery does not have enough
charge to start the engine, see
Battery - North America
0290.
Check that the correct engine oil
has been used and changed at
appropriate intervals. If the wrong oil
is used, the engine may be harder
to start.
Be sure to use the proper fuel for
existing weather conditions. See
Fuel for Diesel Engines 0243.
If the engine starts, runs a short
time, then stops, the vehicle needs
service.
{Warning
Do not use gasoline or starting
aids, such as ether, in the air
intake. They could damage the
engine, which may not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
They could also cause a fire,
which could cause serious
personal injury.
Stop/Start System
This vehicle has a Stop/Start
system to shut off the engine to help
conserve fuel. It has components
designed for the increased number
of starts.
{Warning
The automatic engine Stop/Start
feature causes the engine to shut
off while the vehicle is still on. Do
not exit the vehicle before shifting
to P (Park). The vehicle may
restart and move unexpectedly.
Always shift to P (Park), and then
turn the ignition off before exiting
the vehicle.
Auto Engine Stop/Start
When the brakes are applied and
the vehicle is at a complete stop,
the engine may turn off. When
stopped, the tachometer displays
AUTO STOP. See Tachometer
0 109. When the brake pedal is
released or the accelerator pedal is
pressed, the engine will restart.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 265
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 266
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 267
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 279
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 280
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 286
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Battery - North America . . . . . . 290
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291 Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 291
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Park Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 292
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 292
Windshield Replacement . . . . . 293
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Front Turn Signal and Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Taillamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 298
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . 298
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 299
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299 Instrument Panel Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 308
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 326
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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266 Vehicle Care
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . 327
Tire Sealant andCompressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328
Storing the Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335
Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . 340
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341
Towing the Vehicle
Towing the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 344
Recreational VehicleTowing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 349
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 353
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357
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. For more information
go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/
passenger-vehicle.
See Battery - North America 0290
and
Jump Starting - North America
0 341 and the back cover.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 271
1.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0280.
2. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See Engine Oil 0275.
3. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine Oil 0275.
4. Engine Cooling Fan. See Cooling System 0282.
5. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid 0289.
6. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0299. 7. Remote Positive (+) Terminal
(Under Cover). See Jump
Starting - North America 0341.
8. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See
Cooling System 0282.
9. Battery - North America 0290.
10. Remote Negative (−) Terminal. SeeJump Starting - North
America 0341.
11. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See Washer Fluid
0 287.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 273
1.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0280.
2. Engine Cooling Fan. See Cooling System 0282.
3. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine Oil 0275.
4. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See Engine Oil 0275.
5. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid 0289.
6. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0299. 7. Remote Positive (+) Terminal
(Under Cover). See Jump
Starting - North America 0341.
8. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See
Cooling System 0282.
9. Battery - North America 0290.
10. Remote Negative (−) Terminal. SeeJump Starting - North
America 0341.
11. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See Washer Fluid
0 287.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555863) - 2020 - CRC - 8/2/19
Vehicle Care 275
1.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0280.
2. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See Engine Oil 0275.
3. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine Oil 0275.
4. Engine Cooling Fan. See Cooling System 0282.
5. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid 0289.
6. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0299.
7. Remote Positive (+) Terminal (Under Cover). See Jump
Starting - North America 0341.
8. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See
Cooling System 0282.
9. Battery - North America 0290.
10. Remote Negative (−) Terminal. SeeJump Starting - North
America 0341.
11. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See Washer Fluid
0 287.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 0279.
. 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
0270 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-
13555863) - 2020 - CRC - 8/2/19
290 Vehicle Care
Caution
If brake fluid is spilled on the
vehicle's painted surfaces, the
paint finish can be damaged.
Immediately wash off any painted
surface.
Battery - North America
The original equipment battery is
maintenance free. Do not remove
the cap and do not add fluid.
Refer to the replacement number
shown on the original battery label
when a new battery is needed. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0270 for battery location.
For replacement of the battery, see
your dealer.
The vehicle has an Absorbed Glass
Mat (AGM) 12-volt battery.
Installation of a standard 12-volt
battery will result in reduced 12-volt
battery life. When using a 12-volt battery
charger on the 12-volt AGM battery,
some chargers have an AGM
battery setting on the charger.
If available, use the AGM setting on
the charger, to limit charge voltage
to 14.8 volts. Follow the charger
manufacturer's instructions.
Stop/Start System
The vehicle has a Stop/Start system
to shut off the engine to help
conserve fuel. See
Stop/Start
System 0184.
{Warning
WARNING: Battery posts,
terminals, and related
accessories contain lead and lead
compounds, chemicals known to
the State of California to cause
cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Batteries also
contain other chemicals known to
the State of California to cause
cancer. WASH HANDS AFTER
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
HANDLING.For more information
go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/
passenger-vehicle.
See California Proposition
65 Warning 0266 and the back
cover.
Vehicle Storage
{Warning
Batteries have acid that can burn
you and gas that can explode.
You can be badly hurt if you are
not careful. See Jump Starting -
North America 0341 for tips on
working around a battery without
getting hurt.
Infrequent Usage: Remove the
black, negative (−) cable from the
battery to keep the battery from
running down.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555863) - 2020 - CRC - 8/2/19
Vehicle Care 341
the spare tire, have the standard tire
repaired or replaced as soon as
convenient and return the spare tire
to the storage area.
When using a compact spare tire,
the AWD (if equipped), ABS, and
Traction Control systems may
engage until the spare tire is
recognized by the vehicle,
especially on slippery roads. Adjust
driving to reduce possible
wheel slip.
Caution
When the compact spare is
installed, do not take the vehicle
through an automatic car wash
with guide rails. The compact
spare can get caught on the rails
which can damage the tire, wheel,
and other parts of the vehicle.
Do not use the compact spare on
other vehicles. Do not mix the compact spare tire or
wheel with other wheels or tires.
They will not fit. Keep the spare tire
and its wheel together.
Caution
Tire chains will not fit the compact
spare. Using them can damage
the vehicle and the chains. Do not
use tire chains on the compact
spare.
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North
America
For more information about the
vehicle battery, see
Battery - North
America 0290.
If the battery has run down, try to
use another vehicle and some
jumper cables to start your vehicle.
Be sure to use the following steps to
do it safely.
{Warning
WARNING: Battery posts,
terminals, and related
accessories contain lead and lead
compounds, chemicals known to
the State of California to cause
cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Batteries also
contain other chemicals known to
the State of California to cause
cancer. WASH HANDS AFTER
(Continued)

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Index 403
Assistance Systems forParking and Backing . . . . . . . . . . 226
Auto Stop Stop/Start System . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Automatic Dimming Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Emergency Braking (AEB) . . . . 232
Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Automatic Transmission Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Shift Lock Control FunctionCheck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
B
BatteryExterior Lighting BatterySaver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Load Management . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Power Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Battery - North America . . . . 290, 341
Biodiesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Blade Replacement, Wiper . . . . . 292
Brake Parking, Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
System Warning Light . . . . . . . . .116 Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Antilock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166 AutomaticEmergency (AEB) . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Braking System Front Pedestrian (FPB) . . . . . . . 234
Break-In, New Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . 180
Bulb Replacement Front Turn Signal and FogLamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295, 296
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
License Plate Lamps . . . . . . . . . 298
Taillamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322
C
Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96 California
Perchlorate Materials
Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
California Proposition
65 Warning . . . . . . . . . .266, 290, 341, Back Cover
Canadian Vehicle Owners . . . . . . . . 2
Capacities and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 374
Carbon Monoxide
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Cargo Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Tie-Downs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Caution, Danger, and Warning . . . . 3
Center Console Storage . . . . . . . . . 89
Chains, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326
Charging Wireless . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . 114
Check Engine Light (Malfunction
Indicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114
Child Restraints Infants and Young Children . . . . . 70

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555863) - 2020 - CRC - 8/2/19
Index 409
N
NavigationConnected Services . . . . . . . . . . 399
Net, Convenience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . . . 180
O
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109 Trip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Off-Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168 Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Oil Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 279
Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Older Children, Restraints . . . . . . . 68
Online Owner Center . . . . . . . . . . . 380
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 390
OnStar Additional Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 393
OnStar Emergency . . . . . . . . . . . . . 392
OnStar Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 391
OnStar Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 393
Operation Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Outlets Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 Overheating, Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Overview
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
P
ParkShifting Out of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Park Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Parking Brake and P (Park)Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 292
Extended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Over Things That Burn . . . . . . . 190
Parking or Backing Assistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . 226
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Passenger Compartment Air Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Passenger Sensing System . . . . . 62
Pedestrian Ahead Indicator . . . . . 119
Perchlorate Materials Requirements, California . . . . . . 267
Personalization Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Power
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Power (cont'd)
Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Protection, Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Retained Accessory (RAP) . . . 188
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts . . . . 54
Privacy Vehicle Data Recording . . . . . . . 389
Program Courtesy Transportation . . . . . . 383
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Proposition 65 Warning,
California . . . . . . . . . . . .266, 290, 341,
Back Cover
Publication Ordering Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386
R
Radio Frequency Statement . . . . 387
Reading Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Rear Compartment/StoragePanel Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Heated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Rear Vision Camera (RVC) . . . . . 226
Rear Window Washer/Wiper . . . . . 96