service reset CHEVROLET EQUINOX 2021 Owner's Manual

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/12/20
96 Instruments and Controls
Electric Parking Brake Light
MetricEnglish
This light comes on when the parking brake
is applied. If the light continues flashing
after the parking brake is released, or while
driving, there is a problem with the Electric
Parking Brake system. A message may also
display in the Driver Information
Center (DIC).
If the light does not come on, or remains
flashing, see your dealer.
Service Electric Parking Brake
Light
This light should come on briefly when the
vehicle is turned on. If it does not come on,
have it fixed so it will be ready to warn if
there is a problem.
If this light stays on or comes on while
driving, there is a problem with the Electric
Parking Brake (EPB). Take the vehicle to a
dealer as soon as possible. In addition to the
parking brake, other safety functions that
utilize the EPB may also be degraded.
A message may also display in the Driver
Information Center (DIC). See Electric Parking
Brake 0210.
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Warning Light
This warning light should come on briefly
when the vehicle is turned on. If the light
does not come on, have it fixed so it will be
ready to warn if there is a problem. If the light comes on while driving, safely
stop as soon as it is possible and turn off
the vehicle. Then turn on the vehicle again
to reset the system.
If the ABS warning light stays on, or comes
on again while driving, the vehicle needs
service. A chime may also sound when the
light stays on.
If the ABS warning light is the only light on,
the vehicle has regular brakes, but ABS is
not functioning.
If both the ABS warning light and the brake
system warning light are on, ABS is not
functioning and there is a problem with the
regular brakes. See your dealer for service.
See
Brake System Warning Light 095.
Tow/Haul Mode Light
For vehicles with the Tow/Haul Mode
feature, this light comes on when the Tow/
Haul Mode has been activated.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/10/20
130 Infotainment System
Direct Tune display. Directly enter a station
or channel using the keypad. When a new
station or channel is entered, the
information about that station or channel
displays on the right side. This information
will update with each new valid frequency.
Touch
Hto save the station or channel as
a favorite.
The keypad will gray out entries that do not
contribute to a valid frequency and will
automatically place a decimal point within
the frequency number.
Touch (X) to delete one number at a time.
Touch and hold (X) to delete all numbers.
A valid AM or FM station will automatically
tune to the new frequency but not close the
Direct Tune display. When listening to SXM
(if equipped), touch Go after entering the
channel. Touch the Back icon on the
infotainment display or touch
zto exit out
of Direct Tune.
The tune arrows on the right side of the
Direct Tune display will tune through the
complete station or channel list one station
step at a time per touch. A touch and hold
advances through stations or channels
quickly. If equipped, HD Radio multicast stations
cannot be tuned directly through the Direct
Tune feature. Only the analog or
HD1 station can use that feature. Use the
display arrows to adjust to the multicast
stations.
AM, FM, and SXM Categories
From the AM stations, if equipped with HD
Radio, FM, or SXM (if equipped) display,
touch Categories at the top of the Browse
menu to access the categories list. The list
contains names associated with the AM or
FM stations, or SXM channels. Touch a
category name to display a list of stations
or channels for that category. Touching a
station or channel from the list will tune the
radio to that station or channel.
Storing Radio Station Presets
Favorites show in the area at the top of the
display.
AM, FM, SXM (if equipped), and HD Radio
Stations (if equipped) :
Press and hold a
preset to store the current station or
channel as a favorite. Touch a saved favorite
to recall a favorite station or channel.
Favorites can also be stored by touching
H
in a station or channel list. This will
highlight indicating that it is now saved as a
favorite.
The number of favorites displayed is
automatically adjusted by default, but can
be manually adjusted in Settings in the
System tab under Favorites and then Set
Number of Audio Favorites. It can also be
adjusted in Settings in the Apps tab under
Audio and then Set Number of Audio
Favorites.
HD Radio Technology
If equipped, HD Radio is a free service with
features such as digital quality sound, more
stations available on a single frequency such
as HD2 and HD3, and display information
such as artist and song title.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/12/20
Driving and Operating 205
Release the button and check that the shift
lever cannot be moved out of P (Park).
Torque Lock
Torque lock is when the weight of the
vehicle puts too much force on the parking
pawl in the transmission. This happens when
parking on a hill and shifting the
transmission into P (Park) is not done
properly and then it is difficult to shift out
of P (Park). To prevent torque lock, set the
parking brake and then shift into P (Park). To
find out how, see“Shifting Into Park” listed
previously.
If torque lock does occur, the vehicle may
need to be pushed uphill by another vehicle
to relieve the parking pawl pressure, so you
can shift out of P (Park).
Shifting out of Park
To shift out of P (Park):
1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Turn the ignition on.
3. Press the shift lever button.
4. Move the shift lever.
If you still are unable to shift out of
P (Park): 1. Fully release the shift lever button. 2. Hold the brake pedal down and press the
shift lever button again.
3. Move the shift lever.
If you still cannot move the shift lever from
P (Park), see your dealer for service.
Parking over Things That Burn
{Warning
Things that can burn could touch hot
exhaust parts under the vehicle and
ignite. Do not park over papers, leaves,
dry grass, or other things that can burn.
Extended Parking
It is best not to park with the vehicle
running. If the vehicle is left running, be
sure it will not move and there is adequate
ventilation.
See Shifting Into Park 0204 and
Engine Exhaust 0205.
If the vehicle is left parked and running with
the RKE transmitter outside the vehicle, it
will continue to run for up to 20 minutes.
If the vehicle is left parked and running with
the RKE transmitter inside the vehicle, it will
continue to run for up to 60 minutes. The vehicle could turn off sooner if it is
parked on a hill, due to lack of
available fuel.
The timer will reset if the vehicle is taken
out of P (Park) while it is running.
Engine Exhaust
{
Warning
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide
(CO), which cannot be seen or smelled.
Exposure to CO can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
Exhaust may enter the vehicle if:
.The vehicle idles in areas with poor
ventilation (parking garages, tunnels,
deep snow that may block underbody
airflow or tail pipes).
.The exhaust smells or sounds strange
or different.
.The exhaust system leaks due to
corrosion or damage.
.The vehicle exhaust system has been
modified, damaged, or improperly
repaired. (Continued)

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/10/20
Vehicle Care 257
Engine oil system flushes are not
recommended and could cause engine
damage not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain elements
that can be unhealthy for your skin and
could even cause cancer. Do not let used oil
stay on your skin for very long. Clean your
skin and nails with soap and water, or a
good hand cleaner. Wash or properly
dispose of clothing or rags containing used
engine oil. See the manufacturer's warnings
about the use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the environment.
If you change your own oil, be sure to drain
all the oil from the filter before disposal.
Never dispose of oil by putting it in the
trash or pouring it on the ground, into
sewers, or into streams or bodies of water.
Recycle it by taking it to a place that
collects used oil.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system that
indicates when to change the engine oil and
filter. This is based on a combination offactors which include engine revolutions,
engine temperature, and miles driven. Based
on driving conditions, the mileage at which
an oil change is indicated can vary
considerably. For the oil life system to work
properly, the system must be reset every
time the oil is changed.
When the system has calculated that oil life
has been diminished, it indicates that an oil
change is necessary. A CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message comes on. Change the oil as
soon as possible within the next 1 000 km
(600 mi). It is possible that, if driving under
the best conditions, the oil life system may
indicate that an oil change is not necessary
for up to a year. The engine oil and filter
must be changed at least once a year and,
at this time, the system must be reset. Your
dealer has trained service people who will
perform this work and reset the system.
It is also important to check the oil regularly
over the course of an oil drain interval and
keep it at the proper level.
If the system is ever reset accidentally, the
oil must be changed at 5 000 km (3,000 mi)
since the last oil change. Remember to reset
the oil life system whenever the oil is
changed.
How to Reset the Engine Oil Life System
Reset the system whenever the engine oil is
changed so that the system can calculate
the next engine oil change. To reset the
system:
1. Display REMAINING OIL LIFE on the DIC menu. See Driver Information Center
(DIC) (Base and Midlevel) 0101 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
0 105.
2. Press and hold
Vfor several seconds
while the Oil Life display is active to
reset the Oil Life system.
3. REMAINING OIL LIFE 100% will be displayed when the oil life system is
successfully reset.
The oil life system can also be reset as
follows: 1. Place the ignition in Service Mode. See Ignition Positions 0198.
2. Display REMAINING OIL LIFE on the DIC menu. See Driver Information Center
(DIC) (Base and Midlevel) 0101 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
0 105.
3. Fully press and release the accelerator pedal three times within five seconds.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/10/20
260 Vehicle Care
5. Verify that the wiring harness connectoris fully connected to the sensor on the
air cleaner/filter housing.
6. If equipped, reset the engine air filter life system after replacing the engine air
filter. See Engine Air Filter Life System
0 258.
{Warning
Operating the engine with the air
cleaner/filter off can cause you or others
to be burned. Use caution when working
on the engine. Do not start the engine or
drive the vehicle with the air cleaner/
filter off, as flames may be present if the
engine backfires.
Caution
If the air cleaner/filter is off, dirt can
easily get into the engine, which could
damage it. Always have the air cleaner/
filter in place when driving.
Cooling System
1. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View)
2. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and
Pressure Cap
{Warning
An underhood electric fan can start up
even when the engine is not running and
can cause injury. Keep hands, clothing,
and tools away from any underhood
electric fan.
If the coolant inside the coolant surge tank
is boiling, do not do anything else until it
cools down. The vehicle should be parked on
a level surface. The coolant level should be at the top rib on
the middle of the tank. If it is not, the
vehicle may have a leak at the radiator
hoses, heater hoses, radiator, water pump,
or somewhere else in the cooling system.
{Warning
Do not touch heater or radiator hoses,
or other engine parts. They can be very
hot and can burn you. Do not run the
engine if there is a leak; all coolant could
leak out. That could cause an engine fire
and can burn you. Fix any leak before
driving the vehicle.
If there seems to be no leak, with the
engine on, check to see if the electric engine
cooling fan is running. If the engine is
overheating, the fan should be running. If it
is not, the vehicle needs service. Turn off
the engine.
Engine Coolant
The engine cooling system in the vehicle is
filled with DEX-COOL engine coolant mixture.
This coolant needs to be checked and

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/10/20
270 Vehicle Care
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp aim has been preset and should
need no further adjustment.
If the vehicle is damaged in a crash, the
headlamp aim may be affected.
If adjustment to the headlamps is necessary,
see your dealer.
Bulb Replacement
For the proper type of replacement bulbs,
or any bulb changing procedure not listed in
this section, contact your dealer.
Caution
Do not replace incandescent bulbs with
aftermarket LED replacement bulbs. This
can cause damage to the vehicle electrical
system.
Halogen Bulbs
{Warning
Halogen bulbs have pressurized gas inside
and can burst if you drop or scratch the
bulb. You or others could be injured. Be
sure to read and follow the instructions
on the bulb package.
High Intensity Discharge (HID)
Lighting
{Warning
The High Intensity Discharge (HID)
lighting system operates at a very high
voltage. If you try to service any of the
system components, you could be
seriously injured. Have your dealer or a
qualified technician service them.
After an HID headlamp bulb has been
replaced, the beam might be a slightly
different shade than it was originally. This is
normal.
LED Lighting
This vehicle has several LED lamps. For
replacement of any LED lighting assembly,
contact your dealer.
Headlamps
Bi-halogen headlamp shown.
Driver Side Shown, Passenger Side Similar
1. Headlamp

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/10/20
Service and Maintenance 323
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. SeeVehicle
Load Limits 0195.
.Are driven on reasonable road surfaces
within legal driving limits.
.Use the recommended fuel. See
Recommended Fuel (LYX - 1.5L L4 Turbo
Engine) 0239.
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, and
equipment are available. If they are not,
see your dealer to have a trained
technician do the work. See
Doing Your
Own Service Work 0252.
Maintenance Schedule
Owner Checks and Services
Check the engine oil level. See Engine Oil
0 255.
Once a Month
.Check the tire inflation pressures. See Tire
Pressure 0285.
.Inspect the tires for wear. See Tire
Inspection 0290.
.Check the windshield washer fluid level.
See Washer Fluid 0263.
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 0257.
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.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/10/20
324 Service and Maintenance
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.
SeeTire Rotation 0290.
.Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed, change engine
oil and filter, and reset oil life system.
See Engine Oil 0255 and
Engine Oil Life System 0257.
.If equipped with the engine air filter life
system, check the air filter
life percentage. If necessary, replace the
engine air filter and reset the engine air
filter life system. See Engine Air Filter Life
System 0258. If the vehicle is not
equipped with the engine air filter life
system, inspect the engine air cleaner
filter. See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0258.
.Check engine coolant level. See Cooling
System 0260.
.Check windshield washer fluid level. See
Washer Fluid 0263.
.Check tire inflation pressures. See Tire
Pressure 0285.
.Inspect tire wear. See Tire Inspection
0 290.
.Visually check for fluid leaks.
.Inspect brake system. See Exterior Care
0 314.
.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 Care0314.
.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 045.
.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 0314.
.Check starter switch. See Starter Switch
Check 0266.
.Check automatic transmission shift lock
control function. See Automatic
Transmission Shift Lock Control Function
Check (If Equipped) 0267.
.Check parking brake and automatic
transmission park mechanism. See Park
Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check
0 267.
.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) 0269.
.Check tire sealant expiration date,
if equipped. See Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit 0297.
.Inspect sunroof track and seal,
if equipped. See Sunroof027.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/10/20
Customer Information 347
and notify General Motors of Canada
Company. Call Transport Canada at
1-800-333-0510; go to:
www.tc.gc.ca/recalls (English)
www.tc.gc.ca/rappels (French)
or write to:
Transport Canada
Motor Vehicle Safety Directorate
Defect Investigations and Recalls
Division
80 Noel Street
Gatineau
,QC J8Z 0A1
Reporting Safety Defects to
General Motors
In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport
Canada) in a situation like this, notify
General Motors.
In the U.S., call 1-800-222-1020, or write:
Chevrolet Motor Division
Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center
P.O. Box 33170
Detroit, MI 48232-5170In Canada, call 1-800-263-3777 (English) or
1-800-263-7854 (French), or write:
General Motors of Canada Company
Customer Care Centre, Mail Code:
CA1-163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
In Mexico, call 800-466-0811 or
800-508-0000.
In other Central America and Caribbean
Countries, call 52-555-901-2369.
Vehicle Data Recording and
Privacy
The vehicle has a number of computers that
record information about the vehicle’s
performance and how it is driven or used.
For example, the vehicle uses computer
modules to monitor and control engine and
transmission performance, to monitor the
conditions for airbag deployment and
deploy them in a crash, and, if equipped, to
provide antilock braking to help the driver
control the vehicle. These modules may
store data to help the dealer technician
service the vehicle or to help GM improve
safety or features. Some modules may also
store data about how the vehicle isoperated, such as rate of fuel consumption
or average speed. These modules may retain
personal preferences, such as radio presets,
seat positions, and temperature settings.
Cybersecurity
GM collects information about the use of
your vehicle including operational and safety
related information. We collect this
information to provide, evaluate, improve,
and troubleshoot our products and services
and to develop new products and services.
The protection of vehicle electronics systems
and customer data from unauthorized
outside electronic access or control is
important to GM. GM maintains appropriate
security standards, practices, guidelines and
controls aimed at defending the vehicle and
the vehicle service ecosystem against
unauthorized electronic access, detecting
possible malicious activity in related
networks, and responding to suspected
cybersecurity incidents in a timely,
coordinated and effective manner. Security
incidents could impact your safety or
compromise your private data. To minimize
security risks, please do not connect your
vehicle electronic systems to unauthorized
devices or connect your vehicle to any
unknown or untrusted networks (such as