CHEVROLET EQUINOX 2021 Owner's Guide

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/10/20
20 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Caution
Manually forcing the liftgate to open or
close during a power cycle can damage
the vehicle. Allow the power cycle to
complete.
The power liftgate may be temporarily
disabled under extreme low temperatures,
or after repeated power cycling over a short
period of time. If this occurs, the liftgate can
still be operated manually.
If the vehicle is shifted out of P (Park) while
the power function is in progress, the
liftgate will continue to completion. If the
vehicle is accelerated before the liftgate has
completed moving, the liftgate may stop or
reverse direction. Check for Driver
Information Center (DIC) messages and make
sure the liftgate is closed and latched before
driving.
Falling Liftgate Detection
If the power liftgate automatically closes
after a power opening cycle, it indicates that
the system is reacting to excess weight on
the liftgate or a possible support strut
failure. A repetitive chime will sound while
the falling liftgate detection feature is
operating. Remove any excess weight. If the liftgate continues to automatically close
after opening, see your dealer for service
before using the power liftgate.
Interfering with the power liftgate motion
or manually closing the liftgate too quickly
after power opening may resemble a
support strut failure. This could also activate
the falling liftgate detection feature. Allow
the liftgate to complete its operation and
wait a few seconds before manually closing
the liftgate.
Obstacle Detection Features
If the liftgate encounters an obstacle during
a power open or close cycle, the liftgate will
automatically reverse direction and move a
short distance away from the obstacle. After
removing the obstruction, the power liftgate
operation can be used again. If the liftgate
encounters multiple obstacles on the same
power cycle, the power function will
deactivate. After removing the obstructions,
manually close the liftgate, This will allow
normal power operation functions to
resume.
If the vehicle is locked while the liftgate is
closing, and an obstacle is encountered that
prevents the liftgate from completely
closing, the horn will sound as an alert that
the liftgate did not close.
Setting the 3/4 Mode
To change the position the liftgate stops at
when opening:
1. Select MAX or 3/4 mode and power open the liftgate.
2. Stop the liftgate movement at the desired height by pressing any liftgate
button. Manually adjust the liftgate
position if needed.
3. Press and hold
lnext to the pull cup
on the outside of the liftgate until the
turn signals flash and a beep sounds.
This indicates the setting has been
recorded.
The liftgate cannot be set below a minimum
programmable height. If there is no light
flash or sound, then the height adjustment
may be too low.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/10/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 21
Manual Operation
Select OFF to manually operate the liftgate.
See“Manual Liftgate” at the beginning of
this section.
Caution
Attempting to move the liftgate too
quickly and with excessive force may
result in damage to the vehicle.
Operate the liftgate manually with a
smooth motion and moderate speed. The
system includes a feature which limits the
manual closing speed to protect the
components.
Hands-Free Operation
The liftgate may be operated with a kicking
motion under the rear bumper between the
left exhaust pipe and the license plate.
The RKE transmitter must be within 1 m
(3 ft) of the rear bumper to operate the
power liftgate hands-free.
The hands-free feature will not work while
the liftgate is moving. To stop the liftgate
while in motion use one of the liftgate
buttons. The hands-free feature can be customized.
See
Vehicle Personalization 0108. Choose
from the following:
On-Open and Close : The kicking motion is
activated to both open and close the
liftgate.
On-Open Only : The kicking motion is
activated to only open the liftgate.
Off : The feature is disabled.
Kick Motion
Length of Kick Zone
To operate, kick your foot straight up in one
swift motion under the rear bumper
between the left exhaust pipe and the
license plate, then pull it back.
Caution
Splashing water may cause the liftgate to
open. Keep the RKE transmitter away
from the rear bumper detection area or
turn the liftgate mode to OFF when
cleaning or working near the rear bumper
to avoid accidental opening.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/10/20
22 Keys, Doors, and Windows
.Do not sweep your foot side to side.
.Do not keep your foot under the bumper;
the liftgate will not activate.
.Do not touch the liftgate until it has
stopped moving.
.This feature may be temporarily disabled
under some conditions. If the liftgate
does not respond to the kick, open or
close the liftgate by another method or
start the vehicle. The feature will be
re-enabled.
When closing the liftgate using this feature,
there will be a short delay. The taillamps
will flash and a chime will sound. Step away
from the liftgate before it starts moving.
Vehicle Security
This vehicle has theft-deterrent features;
however, they do not make the vehicle
impossible to steal.
Vehicle Alarm System
This vehicle has an anti-theft alarm system.
The indicator light, on the instrument panel
near the windshield, indicates the status of
the system:
Off : Alarm system is disarmed.
On Solid : Vehicle is secured during the
delay to arm the system.
Fast Flash : Vehicle is unsecured. A door, the
hood, or the liftgate is open.
Slow Flash : Alarm system is armed.
Arming the Alarm System
1. Turn off the vehicle.
2. Lock the vehicle in one of three ways:
.Use the RKE transmitter.
.With a door open, press the
interior
Q.
3. After 30 seconds the alarm system will arm, and the indicator light will begin to
slowly flash indicating the alarm system
is operating. Pressing
Qon the RKE
transmitter a second time will bypass
the 30-second delay and immediately
arm the alarm system.
The vehicle alarm system will not arm if the
doors are locked with the key.
If the driver door is opened without first
unlocking with the RKE transmitter, the horn
will chirp and the lights will flash to indicate
pre-alarm. If the vehicle is not started,
or the door is not unlocked by pressing
K
on the RKE transmitter during the 10-second
pre-alarm, the alarm will be activated.
If a door, the hood, or the liftgate is opened
without first disarming the system, the turn
signals will flash and the horn will sound for
about 30 seconds. The alarm system will
then re-arm to monitor for the next
unauthorized event.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/10/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 23
Disarming the Alarm System
To disarm the alarm system or turn off the
alarm if it has been activated:
.PressKon the RKE transmitter.
.Start the vehicle.
To avoid setting off the alarm by accident:
.Lock the vehicle after all occupants have
left the vehicle and all doors are closed.
.Always unlock a door with the RKE
transmitter.
Unlocking the driver door with the key will
not disarm the system or turn off the alarm.
How to Detect a Tamper Condition
IfKis pressed on the RKE transmitter and
the horn chirps and the lights flash three
times, an alarm occurred previously while
the alarm system was armed.
If the alarm has been activated, a message
will appear on the DIC.
Immobilizer
See Radio Frequency Statement 0346.
Immobilizer Operation
This vehicle has a passive theft-deterrent
system.
The system does not have to be manually
armed or disarmed.
The vehicle is automatically immobilized
when the vehicle is turned off.
The immobilization system is disarmed
when the ignition is on or in ACC/
ACCESSORY and a valid transmitter is
present in the vehicle.
The security light, in the instrument cluster,
comes on if there is a problem with arming
or disarming the theft-deterrent system.
The system has one or more RKE
transmitters matched to an immobilizer
control unit in your vehicle. Only a correctly
matched RKE transmitter will start the
vehicle. If the transmitter is ever damaged,
you may not be able to start your vehicle. When trying to start the vehicle, the
security light may come on briefly when the
ignition is turned on.
If the engine does not start and the security
light stays on, there is a problem with the
system. Turn the ignition off and try again.
If the vehicle will not change ignition
modes, and the RKE transmitter appears to
be undamaged, try another transmitter. Or,
you may try placing the transmitter in the
cupholder. See
“Starting the Vehicle with a
Low Transmitter Battery” inRemote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System Operation 07.
If the ignition mode will not change with
the other transmitter or in the cupholder,
your vehicle needs service. If the ignition
does change modes, the first transmitter
may be faulty. See your dealer who can
service the theft-deterrent system and have
a new RKE transmitter programmed to the
vehicle.
It is possible for the immobilizer system to
learn new or replacement RKE transmitters.
Up to eight transmitters can be
programmed for the vehicle. To program
additional transmitters, see “Programming
Transmitters to the Vehicle” underRemote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation 07.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/10/20
24 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Do not leave the transmitter or device that
disarms or deactivates the theft-deterrent
system in the vehicle.
Exterior Mirrors
Convex Mirrors
{Warning
A convex mirror can make things, like
other vehicles, look farther away than
they really are. If you cut too sharply
into the right lane, you could hit a
vehicle on the right. Check the inside
mirror or glance over your shoulder
before changing lanes.
The passenger side mirror is convex shaped.
A convex mirror's surface is curved so more
can be seen from the driver seat.
Power Mirrors
To adjust each mirror: 1. Press
jor|to select the driver or
passenger side mirror. The indicator light
will illuminate.
2. Press the arrows on the control pad to move the mirror in the desired direction.
3. Adjust each outside mirror so that a little of the vehicle and the area behind it can
be seen.
4. Press
jor|again to deselect the
mirror. Memory Mirrors
The vehicle may have memory mirrors. See
Memory Seats
033.
Turn Signal Indicator
The vehicle may have a turn signal indicator
lamp built into the mirror housing. The turn
signal lamp flashes when the turn signals or
hazard flashers are used.
Lane Change Alert (LCA)
The vehicle may have LCA. See Lane Change
Alert (LCA) 0235.
Side Blind Zone Alert
The vehicle may have Side Blind Zone Alert.
See Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) 0235.
Folding Mirrors
Manual Folding Mirrors
The mirrors can be folded inward toward
the vehicle to prevent damage when going
through an automatic car wash. Push the
mirror outward to return it to the original
position.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Keys, Doors, and Windows 25
Heated Mirrors
If equipped, the heated outside mirrors turn
on when the rear window defogger is on
and help to clear fog or frost from the
surface of the mirrors.
K:This button is on the climate control
panel.
See “Rear Window Defogger” underDual
Automatic Climate Control System 0179.
Automatic Dimming Mirror
If the vehicle has the automatic dimming
mirror, the driver outside mirror
automatically adjusts for the glare of
headlamps behind you.
Reverse Tilt Mirrors
If equipped with reverse tilt mirrors and
memory seats, the passenger and/or driver
mirror tilts to a preselected position when
the vehicle is in R (Reverse). This allows the
curb to be seen when parallel parking.
The mirror(s) may move from their tilted
position when:
.The vehicle is shifted out of R (Reverse),
or remains in R (Reverse) for about
30 seconds.
.The vehicle is turned off.
.The vehicle is driven in R (Reverse) above
a set speed.
To turn this feature on or off, see Vehicle
Personalization 0108.
Interior Mirrors
Interior Rearview Mirrors
Adjust the rearview mirror for a clear view
of the area behind your vehicle.
Do not spray glass cleaner directly on the
mirror. Use a soft towel dampened with
water.
Manual Rearview Mirror
If equipped, push the tab forward for
daytime use and pull it rearward for
nighttime use to avoid glare of the
headlamps from behind.
Automatic Dimming Rearview
Mirror
If equipped, automatic dimming reduces the
glare of headlamps from behind. The
dimming feature comes on when the vehicle
is started.
Windows
{
Warning
Never leave a child, a helpless adult, or a
pet alone in a vehicle, especially with the
windows closed in warm or hot weather.
They can be overcome by the extreme
heat and suffer permanent injuries or
even death from heat stroke.
The vehicle aerodynamics are designed to
improve fuel economy performance. This
may result in a pulsing sound when either
rear window is down and the front windows
are up. To reduce the sound, open either a
front window or the sunroof, if equipped.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/10/20
26 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Power Windows
{Warning
Children could be seriously injured or
killed if caught in the path of a closing
window. Never leave the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter in a vehicle with
children. When there are children in the
rear seat, use the window lockout switch
to prevent operation of the windows. See
Keys06.
Power windows work when the ignition is
on, in ACC/ACCESSORY, or when Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) is active. See
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) 0204. Using the window switch, press to open or
pull to close the window.
The windows may be temporarily disabled if
they are used repeatedly within a
short time.
Window Lockout
This feature stops the rear door passenger
window switches from working.
.Press2to engage the rear window
lockout feature. The indicator light is on
when engaged.
.Press2again to disengage.
Window Express Movement
All windows can be opened without holding
the window switch. Press the switch down
fully and quickly release to express open the
window.
If equipped, pull the window switch up fully
and quickly release to express close the
window.
Briefly press or pull the window switch in
the same direction to stop that window’s
express movement.
Window Automatic Reversal System
The express-close feature will reverse
window movement if it comes in contact
with an object. Extreme cold or ice could
cause the window to auto-reverse. The
window will operate normally after the
object or condition is removed.
Automatic Reversal System Override
{Warning
If automatic reversal system override is
active, the window will not reverse
automatically. You or others could be
injured and the window could be
(Continued)

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Keys, Doors, and Windows 27
Warning (Continued)
damaged. Before using automatic reversal
system override, make sure that all
people and obstructions are clear of the
window path.
When the engine is on, override the
automatic reversal system by pulling and
holding the window switch if conditions
prevent it from closing.
Programming the Power Windows
Programming may be necessary if the
vehicle's battery has been disconnected or
discharged. If the window is unable to
express-up, program the window: 1. Close all doors.
2. Turn the ignition on or to ACC/ ACCESSORY.
3. Partially open the window to be programmed, then close it and continue
to pull the switch briefly after the
window has fully closed.
4. Open the window and continue to press the switch briefly after the window has
fully opened.
Remote Window Operation
If equipped, this feature allows all the
windows to be opened remotely. If enabled
in vehicle personalization, press and hold
K
on the RKE transmitter. See Vehicle
Personalization 0108.
Sun Visors
Pull the sun visor down to block glare.
Detach the sun visor from the center mount
to pivot to the side window and,
if equipped, extend along the rod.
Roof
Sunroof
1. Sunroof Switch
2. Sunshade Switch
If equipped, the sunroof only operates when
the ignition is on or in ACC/ACCESSORY,
or when Retained Accessory Power (RAP) is
active. See Ignition Positions 0198 and
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) 0204.
Sunroof Switch
Vent : From the closed position, press and
release
e(1) to vent the sunroof. Press
and release
g(1) to close the vent.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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28 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Express-Open/Express-Close :To
express-open the sunroof, press and
release
e(1). Press and releasee(1) at
any time to stop movement. To
express-close the sunroof, press and
release
g(1). Press and releaseg(1)
at any time to stop movement.
Open/Close (Manual Mode) : To open
the sunroof, press and hold
e(1) until
the sunroof reaches the desired position. To
close the sunroof, press and hold
g(1).
Comfort Stop : The sunroof has a comfort
stop feature that stops the sunroof from
opening fully. Press and release the rear
of
gto move the sunroof to the
partially opened comfort stop position.
Pressing the rear of
gagain will open
the sunroof fully. If the sunshade is not
fully open when the comfort stop feature is
pressed the second time, the sunshade will
open fully.
Sunshade Switch
Express-open/Express-close : To express-open
the sunshade, press and release
r(2).
Press and release
r(2) at any time to
stop movement. To express-close the sunshade, press and release
Q(2). Press
and release
Q(2) at any time to stop
movement.
Open/Close (Manual Mode) : To open the
sunshade, press and hold
r(2) until the
sunshade reaches the desired position. To
close the sunshade, press and hold
Q(2).
When the sunroof is opened, an air deflector
will automatically raise. The air deflector will
retract when the sunroof is closed.
The sunroof cannot be opened or closed if
the vehicle has an electrical failure.
Automatic Reversal System
The sunroof has an automatic reversal
system that is only active when the sunroof
is operated in express-close mode.
If an object is in the path while express
closing, the reversal system will detect the
object, stop, and open the sunroof or power
shade slightly.
If frost or other conditions prevent closing,
override the feature by closing the sunroof
in manual mode. To stop movement, release
the switch.
Dirt and debris may collect on the sunroof
seal or in the track. This could cause an
issue with sunroof operation or noise.
It could also plug the water drainage
system. Periodically open the sunroof and
remove any obstacles or loose debris. Wipe
the sunroof seal and roof sealing area using
a clean cloth, mild soap, and water. Do not
remove grease from the sunroof.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/10/20
Seats and Restraints 29
Seats and Restraints
Head Restraints
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Front Seats
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Power Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Lumbar Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Memory Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Heated and Ventilated Front Seats . . . . . 35
Rear Seats
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Heated Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Seat Belts
Seat Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
How to Wear Seat Belts Properly . . . . . . 40
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Seat Belt Use During Pregnancy . . . . . . . . 45
Seat Belt Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Safety System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Seat Belt Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Replacing Seat Belt System Parts after aCrash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Airbag System
Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
When Should an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . 49
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . 50
How Does an Airbag Restrain? . . . . . . . . . 50
What Will You See after an AirbagInflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Passenger Sensing System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Adding Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Replacing Airbag System Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Child Restraints
Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Infants and Young Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Child Restraint Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Where to Put the Restraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children(LATCH System) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Replacing LATCH System Parts After a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Securing Child Restraints (With the Seat Belt in the Rear Seat) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Securing Child Restraints (With the Seat Belt in the Front Seat) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Head Restraints
The vehicle’s front seats have adjustable
head restraints in the outboard seating
positions.
{Warning
With head restraints that are not
installed and adjusted properly, there is a
greater chance that occupants will suffer
a neck/spinal injury in a crash. Do not
drive until the head restraints for all
occupants are installed and adjusted
properly.