ABS CHEVROLET EQUINOX 2021 User Guide

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/12/20
244 Driving and Operating
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with
one hand. To move the trailer to the left,
move that hand to the left. To move the
trailer to the right, move that hand to the
right. Always back up slowly and, if possible,
have someone guide you.
Making TurnsCaution
Turn more slowly and make wider arcs
when towing a trailer to prevent damage
to your vehicle. Making very sharp turns
could cause the trailer to contact the
vehicle.
Make wider turns than normal when towing,
so trailer will not go over soft shoulders,
over curbs, or strike road signs, trees,
or other objects. Always signal turns well in
advance. Do not steer or brake suddenly.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear
before starting down a long or steep
downhill grade. If the transmission is not
shifted down, the brakes may overheat and
result in reduced braking efficiency. The vehicle can tow in D (Drive). Shift the
transmission to a lower gear if the
transmission shifts too often under heavy
loads and/or hilly conditions.
When towing at higher altitudes, engine
coolant will boil at a lower temperature
than at lower 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, preferably on level ground, with the
transmission in P (Park) for a few minutes
before turning the engine off. If the
overheat warning comes on, see
Engine
Overheating 0262.
Parking on Hills
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death,
always park your vehicle and trailer on a
level surface when possible. When parking your vehicle and your trailer
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, gradually release the brake pedal to
allow the chocks to absorb the load of
the trailer.
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.
.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-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/10/20
Vehicle Care 259
How to Inspect/Replace the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Do not start the engine or have the engine
running with the engine air cleaner/filter
housing open. Before removing the engine
air cleaner/filter, make sure that the engine
air cleaner/filter housing and nearby
components are free of dirt and debris. Do
not clean the engine air cleaner/filter or
components with water or compressed air.
1. Screws
2. Air Duct Clamp
3. Electrical Connector
To inspect or replace the engine air cleaner/
filter:1. Open the hood. See Hood0252.
2. Loosen the screw on the air duct clamp (2) and remove the air duct hose
from the cover.
3. Remove the four screws (1) and remove the air cleaner/filter cover, keeping the
wiring harness electrical connector (3)
connected to the sensor.
4. Pull straight up on the cover, and while holding the cover, remove the air
cleaner/filter.
{Warning
If part replacement is necessary, the part
must be replaced with one of the same
part number or with an equivalent part.
Use of a replacement part without the
same fit, form, and function may result
in personal injury or damage to the
vehicle.
5. Inspect or replace the air cleaner/filter.
How to Reinstall the Engine Air Cleaner/
Filter
1. Align the air cleaner/filter with the indicated point on the base of the air
cleaner/filter housing and install the air
cleaner/filter. The outer air cleaner/filter
seal must be fitted properly in the air
cleaner/filter housing.
2. Align the air cleaner/filter housing cover tabs to the air cleaner/filter housing.
3. Install the air cleaner/filter housing cover using the four screws.
4. Slide the air duct onto the cover assembly and tighten the screw on the
air duct clamp.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/10/20
Vehicle Care 265
can change in many other ways if the
wrong replacement brake parts are installed
or if parts are improperly installed.
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder reservoir is filled
with GM approved DOT 3 brake fluid as
indicated on the reservoir cap. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview 0254 for the
location of the reservoir.
Checking Brake Fluid
With the vehicle in P (Park) on a level
surface, the brake fluid level should be
between the minimum and maximum marks
on the brake fluid reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the brake
fluid level in the reservoir may go down:
.Normal brake lining wear. When new
linings are installed, the fluid level goes
back up.
.A fluid leak in the brake hydraulic system.
Have the brake hydraulic system fixed.
With a leak, the brakes will not
work well.
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap
and the area around the cap before
removing it.
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 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 095. Brake fluid absorbs water over time which
degrades the effectiveness of the brake fluid.
Replace brake fluid at the specified intervals
to prevent increased stopping distance. See
Maintenance Schedule
0323.
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 3 brake fluid
from a clean, sealed container. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 0331.
{Warning
The wrong or contaminated brake fluid
could result in damage to the brake
system. This could result in the loss of
braking leading to a possible injury.
Always use the proper GM approved
brake fluid.
Caution
If brake fluid is spilled on the vehicle's
painted surfaces, the paint finish can be
damaged. Immediately wash off any
painted surface.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/10/20
266 Vehicle Care
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. SeeEngine Compartment
Overview 0254 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 0201.{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 HANDLING.
For more information go to
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/
passenger-vehicle.
See California Proposition 65 Warning 0251
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 0308 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.
Extended Storage: Remove the black,
negative (−) cable from the battery or use a
battery trickle charger.
All-Wheel Drive
Transfer Case
Under normal driving conditions, transfer
case fluid does not require maintenance
unless there is a fluid leak or unusual noise.
If required, have the transfer case serviced
by your dealer.
Starter Switch Check
{Warning
When you are doing this inspection, the
vehicle could move suddenly. If the
vehicle moves, you or others could be
injured.
1. Before starting this check, be sure there is enough room around the vehicle.
2. Apply both the parking brake and the regular brake.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/10/20
276 Vehicle Care
RelaysUsage
K07 –
K08 –
K09 Front wiper speed K10 –
K11 –
K12 High-beam headlamps
K13 Headlamp/Daytime running lamps
K14 Run/Crank K15 Rear window defoggerInstrument Panel Fuse Block
The instrument panel fuse block is under the
instrument panel on the driver side.
To access the fuses, press and release the
latch near the top center square.
Apply pressure to the two retaining tabs on
the sides of the cover, until the two
retaining tabs clear the sides of the
instrument panel. Allow the panel to move
downward and out of the way.
To reinstall the cover, reverse the steps.
The vehicle may not be equipped with all of
the fuses and relays shown.
Fuses Usage
F01 DC AC inverter
F02 Front windows

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/10/20
308 Vehicle Care
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 0266.
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 HANDLING.
For more information go to
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/
passenger-vehicle.
See California Proposition 65 Warning 0251
and the back cover.
{Warning
Batteries can hurt you. They can be
dangerous because:
.They contain acid that can burn you.
.They contain gas that can explode or
ignite.
.They contain enough electricity to
burn you.
If you do not follow these steps exactly,
some or all of these things can hurt you.
Caution
Ignoring these steps could result in costly
damage to the vehicle that would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Trying
to start the vehicle by pushing or pulling
it will not work, and it could damage the
vehicle.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/10/20
314 Vehicle Care
For AWD vehicles only, a lubrication cycle is
recommended after 2 700 km (1,700 miles) of
recreational dolly towing. Drive the vehicle
in AWD up to 25 mph for a minimum of
30 seconds to distribute lubrication
throughout the rear drive module and
protect the system for additional dolly
towing.
Towing the Vehicle from the Rear
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. SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0331.
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 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.
If using an automatic car wash, follow the
car wash instructions. The windshield wiper
and rear window wiper, if equipped, must

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/10/20
Index 357
IndexA
About Driving the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Adaptive Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Additional InformationOnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350
Additional Maintenance and Care . . . . . . . . 328
Adjustments Lumbar, Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Agreements Trademarks and License . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177, 179
Air Filter
Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment . . . . . . . .182
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
How Does an Airbag Restrain? . . . . . . . . . . 50
Passenger Sensing System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . 50
What Will You See after an AirbagInflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
When Should an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . 49
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Airbags
Adding Equipment to the Vehicle . . . . . . . 55
Passenger Status Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Servicing Airbag-Equipped Vehicles . . . . . . 55
System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Alarm
Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Alert Lane Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Side Blind Zone (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209, 266
AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Antenna Multi-band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209 Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Appearance Care Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto . . . . . . . . . .158
Assistance Program, Roadside . . . . . . . . . . . . .341
Assistance Systems for Driving . . . . . . . . . . 230
Assistance Systems for Parking and Backing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Audio Bluetooth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/10/20
362 Index
InformationPublication Ordering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85, 88
Instrument Panel Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Interior Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1, 123
J
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . . . . 308
K
Keyless Entry Remote (RKE) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Lamps Courtesy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Daytime Running (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Dome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Exterior Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . 122
License Plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Malfunction Indicator (CheckEngine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120 Lamps (cont'd)
Taillamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Lane Change Alert (LCA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Lane Keep Assist Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
LATCH System Replacing Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . 68
LATCH, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Lighting Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Illumination Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
LED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Lights Airbag Readiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Antilock Brake System (ABS)Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Brake System Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Charging System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99 Lights (cont'd)
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Front Fog Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
High-Beam On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Lane Keep Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Low Fuel Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Seat Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Service Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . 96
StabiliTrak OFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Tow/Haul Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Traction Control System
(TCS)/StabiliTrak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Traction Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Locks Automatic Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Power Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62