engine CHEVROLET EQUINOX 2021 Owner's Guide

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/12/20
Instruments and Controls 93
If there is a problem with the airbag
system, a Driver Information Center (DIC)
message may also come on.
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
The vehicle has a passenger sensing system.
SeePassenger Sensing System 051 for
important safety information. The overhead
console has a passenger airbag status
indicator.
When the vehicle is started, the passenger
airbag status indicator will light ON and OFF,
and the symbols for on and off, for several
seconds as a system check. Then, after
several more seconds, the status indicator
will light either ON or OFF, and either the
on or off symbol, to let you know the
status of the front outboard passenger
frontal airbag. If the word ON, and the on symbol, are lit
on the passenger airbag status indicator, it
means that the front outboard passenger
frontal airbag is allowed to inflate.
If the word OFF, and the off symbol, are lit
on the passenger airbag status indicator, it
means that the passenger sensing system
has turned off the front outboard passenger
frontal airbag.
If, after several seconds, both status
indicator lights remain on, or if there are no
lights at all, there may be a problem with
the lights or the passenger sensing system.
See your dealer for service.
{Warning
If the airbag readiness light ever comes
on and stays on, it means that
something may be wrong with the airbag
system. To help avoid injury to yourself
or others, have the vehicle serviced right
away. See
Airbag Readiness Light 092
for more information, including important
safety information.
Charging System Light
The charging system light comes on briefly
when the ignition is turned on, but the
engine is not running, as a check to show
the light is working. It should go out when
the engine is started.
If the light stays on, or comes on while
driving, there may be a problem with the
electrical charging system. Have it checked
by your dealer. Driving while this light is on
could drain the battery.
When this light comes on, or is flashing, the
Driver Information Center (DIC) also displays
a message.
If a short distance must be driven with the
light on, be sure to turn off all accessories,
such as the radio and air conditioner. Find a
safe place to stop the vehicle.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/12/20
94 Instruments and Controls
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Check Engine Light)
This light is part of the vehicle’s emission
control on-board diagnostic system. If this
light is on while the engine is running, a
malfunction has been detected and the
vehicle may require service. The light should
come on to show that it is working when
the ignition is in Service Mode. SeeIgnition
Positions 0198.
Malfunctions are often indicated by the
system before any problem is noticeable.
Being aware of the light and seeking service
promptly when it comes on may prevent
damage.
Caution
If the vehicle is driven continually with
this light on, the emission control system
may not work as well, the fuel economy
may be lower, and the vehicle may not
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
run smoothly. This could lead to costly
repairs that might not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Caution
Modifications to the engine, transmission,
exhaust, intake, or fuel system, or the
use of replacement tires that do not
meet the original tire specifications, can
cause this light to come on. This could
lead to costly repairs not covered by the
vehicle warranty. This could also affect
the vehicle’s ability to pass an Emissions
Inspection/Maintenance test. See
Accessories and Modifications 0252.
Light Flashing
If the light is flashing : A malfunction has
been detected that could damage the
emission control system and increase vehicle
emissions. Diagnosis and service may be
required. To help prevent damage, reduce vehicle
speed and avoid hard accelerations and
uphill grades. If towing a trailer, reduce the
amount of cargo being hauled as soon as
possible.
If the light continues to flash, find a safe
place to park. Turn the vehicle off and wait
at least 10 seconds before restarting the
engine. If the light is still flashing, follow
the previous guidelines and see your dealer
for service as soon as possible.
Light on Steady
If the light is on steady :
A malfunction has
been detected. Diagnosis and service may be
required.
Check the following:
.If fuel has been added to the vehicle
using the capless funnel adapter, make
sure that it has been removed. See
“Filling the Tank with a Portable Gas Can”
under Filling the Tank 0240. The
diagnostic system can detect if the
adapter has been left installed in the
vehicle, allowing fuel to evaporate into
the atmosphere. A few driving trips with
the adapter removed may turn off the
light.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/12/20
Instruments and Controls 95
.Poor fuel quality can cause inefficient
engine operation and poor driveability,
which may go away once the engine is
warmed up. If this occurs, change the fuel
brand. It may require at least one full
tank of the proper fuel to turn the light
off. SeeRecommended Fuel (LYX - 1.5L L4
Turbo Engine) 0239.
If the light remains on, see your dealer.
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs
If the vehicle requires an Emissions
Inspection/Maintenance test, the test
equipment will likely connect to the
vehicle's Data Link Connector (DLC).
The DLC is under the instrument panel to
the left of the steering wheel. Connecting
devices that are not used to perform an
Emissions Inspection/Maintenance test or to
service the vehicle may affect vehicle operation. See
Add-On Electrical Equipment
0 249. See your dealer if assistance is
needed.
The vehicle may not pass inspection if:
.The light is on when the engine is
running.
.The light does not come on when the
ignition is in Service Mode.
.Critical emission control systems have not
been completely diagnosed. If this
happens, the vehicle would not be ready
for inspection and might require
several days of routine driving before the
system is ready for inspection. This can
happen if the 12-volt battery has recently
been replaced or run down, or if the
vehicle has been recently serviced.
See your dealer if the vehicle will not pass
or cannot be made ready for the test.
Brake System Warning Light
MetricEnglish This light should come on briefly when the
vehicle is turned on. If it does not come on
then, have it fixed so it will be ready to
warn you if there is a problem.
If the light comes on and stays on at start
up, there is a brake problem. Have the brake
system inspected right away.
If the light comes on while driving, pull off
the road and stop carefully. The brake pedal
might be harder to push, or the brake pedal
may go closer to the floor. It could take
longer to stop. If the light is still on, have
the vehicle towed for service. See
Towing
the Vehicle 0310.
{Warning
The brake system might not be working
properly if the brake system warning
light is on. Driving with the brake system
warning light on can lead to a crash.
If the light is still on after the vehicle has
been pulled off the road and carefully
stopped, have the vehicle towed for
service.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/12/20
Instruments and Controls 97
SeeTow/Haul Mode 0208.
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) Light
After the vehicle is started, this light turns
off and stays off if LKA has not been turned
on or is unavailable.
If equipped, this light is white if LKA is
turned on, but not ready to assist. This light
is green if LKA is turned on and is ready to
assist.
LKA may assist by gently turning the
steering wheel if the vehicle approaches a
detected lane marking. The LKA light is
amber when assisting.
This light flashes amber as a Lane Departure
Warning (LDW) alert, to indicate that the
lane marking has been crossed.
LKA will not assist or alert if the turn signal
is active in the direction of lane departure,
or if LKA detects that you are accelerating,
braking, or actively steering. See
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) 0237.
Vehicle Ahead Indicator
If equipped, this indicator will display green
when a vehicle is detected ahead.
See Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System
0 230.
Pedestrian Ahead Indicator
If equipped, this indicator will display amber
when a nearby pedestrian is detected in
front of the vehicle.
See Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB) System
0 233.
Traction Off Light
This light comes on briefly while starting
the engine. If it does not, have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer. If the system is
working normally, the indicator light then
turns off.
The traction off light comes on when the
Traction Control System (TCS) has been
turned off through the Driver Information
Center (DIC).
This light and the StabiliTrak/ESC OFF light
come on when StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) is turned off.
If the TCS is off, wheel speed will be limited
when necessary to protect the driveline
from damage. Adjust driving accordingly.
See Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control 0211.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/12/20
98 Instruments and Controls
StabiliTrak OFF Light
This light comes on briefly while starting
the vehicle. If it does not, have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer.
This light comes on when the StabiliTrak/
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system is
turned off. If StabiliTrak/ESC is off, the
Traction Control System (TCS) is also off.
If the StabiliTrak/ESC and TCS are off, the
system does not assist in controlling the
vehicle. Turn on the TCS and the StabiliTrak/
ESC systems and the warning light turns off.
SeeTraction Control/Electronic Stability
Control 0211.
Traction Control System (TCS)/
StabiliTrak Light
This light comes on briefly when the vehicle
is turned on.
If the light does not come on, have the
vehicle serviced by your dealer. If the
system is working normally, the indicator
light turns off.
If the light is on and not flashing, the TCS
and potentially the StabiliTrak/ESC system
are not fully operational and may not assist
in maintaining control. Adjust driving
accordingly. If the condition persists, see
your dealer as soon as possible. A Driver
Information Center (DIC) message may
display.
The light flashes when the TCS and/or the
StabiliTrak/ESC system is actively working.
See Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control 0211.
Tire Pressure Light
For vehicles with the Tire Pressure Monitor
System (TPMS), this light comes on briefly
when the engine is started. It provides
information about tire pressures and
the TPMS.
When the Light Is On Steady
This indicates that one or more of the tires
are significantly underinflated.
A Driver Information Center (DIC) tire
pressure message may also display. Stop as
soon as possible, and inflate the tires to the
pressure value shown on the Tire and
Loading Information label. See Tire Pressure
0 285.
When the Light Flashes First and Then Is On
Steady
If the light flashes for about a minute and
then stays on, there may be a problem with
the TPMS. If the problem is not corrected,

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Instruments and Controls 99
the light will come on at every ignition
cycle. SeeTire Pressure Monitor Operation
0 286.
Engine Oil Pressure Light
Caution
Lack of proper engine oil maintenance
can damage the engine. Driving with the
engine oil low can also damage the
engine. The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Check the oil
level as soon as possible. Add oil if
required, but if the oil level is within the
operating range and the oil pressure is
still low, have the vehicle serviced.
Always follow the maintenance schedule
for changing engine oil.
This light should come on briefly as the
engine is started. If it does not come on,
have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. If the light comes on and stays on, it means
that oil is not flowing through the engine
properly. The vehicle could be low on oil
and might have some other system
problem. See your dealer.
Low Fuel Warning Light
Base Level English Shown, Metric Similar
Uplevel
A Low Fuel Warning Light near the fuel
gauge comes on briefly when the ignition is
turned on as a check to show it is working.
It also comes on when the fuel gauge
indicator nears empty. The light turns off
when fuel is added. If it does not, have the
vehicle serviced.
Security Light
The security light should come on briefly as
the engine is started. If it does not come on,
have the vehicle serviced by your dealer.
If the system is working normally, the
indicator light turns off.
If the light stays on and the engine does
not start, there could be a problem with the
theft-deterrent system. See
Immobilizer
Operation 023.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/12/20
102 Instruments and Controls
stop the timer, pressVbriefly while Timer
is displayed. To reset the timer to zero,
press and hold
V.
Navigation : Used for the OnStar
Turn-by-Turn guidance.
Blank Display : Displays no information.
Vehicle Information Menu (VEHICLE) Items
Units : Choose between Metric or US when
Units is active. Press
Vto confirm the
setting. This will change the displays on the
DIC to the type of measurements you select.
Speed Warning : This display is used to set
the vehicle speed at which the speed
warning chime sounds and the alert is
displayed. The speed can be set by pressing
Vwhile the speed warning display is
showing.
Remaining Oil Life : Displays an estimate of
the oil's remaining useful life. If REMAINING
OIL LIFE 99% is displayed, that means 99%
of the current oil life remains.
When the remaining oil life is low, the
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message will
appear on the display. The oil should be
changed as soon as possible. See Engine Oil
0 255. In addition to the engine oil life
system monitoring the oil life, additional maintenance is recommended in the
Maintenance Schedule in this manual. See
Maintenance Schedule
0323.
The Oil Life display must be reset after each
oil change. Do not reset the Oil Life display
accidentally at any time other than when
the oil has just been changed. It cannot be
reset accurately until the next oil change. To
reset, see Engine Oil Life System 0257.
Oil Pressure : Oil pressure is displayed in
either kilopascal (kPa) or in pounds per
square inch (psi).
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
0 286 and
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation 0286.
Battery Voltage : Displays the current
battery voltage, if equipped. Battery voltage
changes are normal while driving. See
Charging System Light 093. 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/
Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
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
V
to clear the graph or pressVto reset
through the menu.

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Instruments and Controls 103
Midlevel DIC
Info Page Options
The info pages on the DIC can be turned on
or off through the Options menu.1. Press
oto access the cluster
applications.
2. Press
worxto scroll to the Options
application.
3. Press
Vto enter the Options menu.
4. Scroll to Info Pages and press
p.
5. Press
worxto move through the list
of possible information displays.
6. Press
Vwhile an item is highlighted to
select or deselect that item. When an
item is selected, a checkmark will appear
next to it.
Info Pages
The following is the list of all possible DIC
info page displays. Some may not be
available for your particular vehicle. Some
items may not be turned on by default but
can be turned on through the Options app.
See “Info Page Options” earlier in this
section. Speed :
Shows the vehicle speed in either
kilometers per hour (km/h) or miles per
hour (mph).
Trip A or Trip B : Shows the current distance
traveled, in either kilometers (km) or
miles (mi), since the trip odometer was last
reset.
This also shows the approximate average
liters per 100 kilometers (L/100 km) or miles
per gallon (mpg). This number is calculated
based on the number of L/100 km (mpg)
recorded since the last time this menu item
was reset. This number reflects only the
approximate average fuel economy that the
vehicle has right now, and will change as
driving conditions change.
Press and hold
Vwhile this display is active
to reset the trip odometer and the average
fuel economy. Trip 1 and Trip 2 can also be
reset by pressing
pand choosing reset.
Fuel Information or Fuel Range : Shows the
approximate distance the vehicle can be
driven without refueling. LOW will be
displayed when the vehicle is low on fuel.
The fuel range estimate is based on an
average of the vehicle's fuel economy over
recent driving history and the amount of
fuel remaining in the fuel tank. Oil Life :
Shows an estimate of the oil's
remaining useful life. If REMAINING OIL
LIFE 99% is displayed, that means 99% of
the current oil life remains.
When the remaining oil life is low, the
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message will
appear on the display. The oil should be
changed as soon as possible. See Engine Oil
0 255. In addition to the engine oil life
system monitoring the oil life, additional
maintenance is recommended. See
Maintenance Schedule 0323.
The Oil Life display must be reset after each
oil change. It will not reset itself. Do not to
reset the Oil Life display at any time other
than when the oil has just been changed.
It cannot be reset accurately until the next
oil change. To reset, see Engine Oil Life
System 0257.
Tire Pressure : Shows the approximate
pressures of all four tires. Tire pressure is
displayed in either kilopascal (kPa) or in
pounds per square inch (psi). If the pressure
is low, the value for that tire is shown in
amber. See Tire Pressure Monitor System
0 286 and
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation 0286.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/12/20
104 Instruments and Controls
Air Filter Life :Shows an estimate of the
engine air filter’s remaining useful life and
the state of the system. Engine Air Filter Life
95% means 95% of the current air filter life
remains. Messages will display based on the
engine air filter life and the state of the
system. When the REPLACE AT NEXT OIL
CHANGE message displays, the engine air
filter should be replaced at the time of the
next oil change. When the REPLACE SOON
message displays, the engine air filter
should be replaced at the earliest
convenience.
The Air Filter Life display must be reset after
the engine air filter replacement. To reset,
see Engine Air Filter Life System 0258.
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.” Presspto select the distance or reset best
value. Use
wandxto choose the
distance and press
V. Presswandxto
select “Reset Best Score.” Press
Vto reset
the best average fuel economy. After reset,
the best value displays “-,-”until the
selected distance has been traveled.
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.
Average Speed : Displays the average
vehicle speed of the vehicle in kilometers
per hour (km/h) or miles per hour (mph).
This average is based on the various vehicle
speeds recorded since the last reset. Press
and hold
Vwhile this display is active to
reset the average speed. Average speed can
also be reset by pressing
pand choosing
reset.
Timer : This display can be used as a timer.
To start the timer, press
Vto open the
menu while this display is active. The
display will show the amount of time that
has passed since the timer was last reset. To
stop the timer, press
Vbriefly while this display is active and the timer is running. To
reset the timer to zero, press and hold
V
while this display is active, or presspand
select reset.
Follow Distance : If equipped, the current
follow time to the vehicle ahead is displayed
as a time value on this page.
Battery Voltage : Displays the current
battery voltage, if equipped. Battery voltage
changes are normal while driving. See
Charging System Light 093. If there is a
problem with the battery charging system, a
DIC will display a message.
Coolant Temperature : Displays the coolant
temperature in degrees Celsius (°C) or
degrees Fahrenheit (°F).
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
V
to clear the graph or presspto reset
through the menu.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Instruments and Controls 105
Oil Pressure :Oil pressure is displayed in
either kilopascal (kPa) or in 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
Driver Information Center (DIC) message
indicates oil pressure outside the normal
operating range, check the vehicle's oil as
soon as possible.
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Uplevel)
The DIC displays are shown in the center of
the instrument cluster in the Info App. See
Instrument Cluster (Base and Midlevel) 085
or
Instrument Cluster (Uplevel) 088. The
displays show the status of many vehicle
systems.
worx: Press to move up or down in
a list.
oorp: Press to move between the
interactive display zones in the cluster.
V: Press to open a menu or select a menu
item. Press and hold to reset values on
certain screens.
Info Page Options
The info pages on the DIC can be turned on
or off through the Options menu.
1. Press
oorpto scroll to the Options
application.
2. Press
worxto scroll to the Info Page
Options and press
V. 3. Press
worxto move through the list
of possible information displays.
4. Press
Vwhile an item is highlighted to
select or deselect that item. When an
item is selected, a checkmark will appear
next to it.
Info Pages
The following is the list of all possible DIC
info page displays. Some may not be
available for your particular vehicle. Some
items may not be turned on by default but
can be turned on through the Options app.
See “Info Page Options” earlier in this
section.
Speed : Shows the vehicle speed in either
kilometers per hour (km/h) or miles per
hour (mph). If equipped, press
Vto open
the menu and select to display speed limit
signs. The sign will show “− −”when there
is no detected speed limit or the system is
unavailable.
Speed Limit : Shows sign information, which
comes from a roadway database in the
onboard navigation, if equipped. The sign
will show “− −”when there is no detected
speed limit or the system is unavailable.