tow CHEVROLET EQUINOX 2021 Owner's Manual

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/10/20
Introduction 5
1.Air Vents 0181.
2. Turn Signal Lever. See Turn and
Lane-Change Signals 0119.
IntelliBeam
®System Button (If Equipped).
See Exterior Lamp Controls 0116.
3. Instrument Cluster (Base and Midlevel)
085 or
Instrument Cluster (Uplevel) 088.
Driver Information Center (DIC) Display.
See Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base
and Midlevel) 0101 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
0 105.
4. Windshield Wiper/Washer 079.
5. Infotainment Controls. See Overview
0 124.
6. Light Sensor. See Automatic Headlamp
System 0118.
7. Hazard Warning Flashers 0119.
8. Climate Control Systems 0177 (If
Equipped).
Dual Automatic Climate Control System
0 179 (If Equipped).
9. Heated and Ventilated Front Seats 035
(If Equipped).
10. Power Outlets 081.
11. Wireless Charging 083 (If Equipped). 12.
USB Port 0132.
13. All-Wheel Drive 0209 (If Equipped).
Tow/Haul Mode 0208.
14. Electric Parking Brake 0210.
15. Shift Lever. See Automatic Transmission
0 206.
Manual Mode 0208.
16. ENGINE START/STOP Button. See Ignition
Positions 0198.
17. Steering Wheel Controls 079.
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control 0211.
18. Horn 079.
19. Steering Wheel Adjustment 079 (Out
of View).
20. Cruise Control 0215.
Adaptive Cruise Control (Camera) 0217
(If Equipped).
Heated Steering Wheel 079 (If
Equipped).
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System
0 230 (If Equipped).
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) 0237 (If
Equipped).
21. Hood Release. See Hood0252. 22.
Fog Lamps 0119 (If Equipped).
23. Exterior Lamp Controls 0116.
24. Data Link Connector (DLC) (Out of View). SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp (Check
Engine Light) 094.
25. Instrument Panel Illumination Control
0120.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/10/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 13
2. Separate the two halves of thetransmitter using a flat tool inserted into
the area near the key slot.
3. Remove the battery by pushing on thebattery and sliding it toward the bottom
of the transmitter.
4. Insert the new battery, positive side facing the back cover. Push the battery
down until it is held in place. Replace
with a CR2032 or equivalent battery.
5. Snap the battery cover back on to the transmitter.
6. Reinsert the key.
Remote Vehicle Start
The vehicle may have this feature that
allows you to start the engine from outside
the vehicle.
/: This button will be on the RKE
transmitter if the vehicle has remote start.
The climate control system will use the
previous settings during a remote start. The
rear defog may come on during remote
start based on cold ambient conditions. The
rear defog indicator light does not come on
during remote start.
If the vehicle has heated and ventilated
front seats, they may come on during a
remote start. See Heated and Ventilated
Front Seats 035. Laws in some local communities may restrict
the use of remote starters. For example,
some laws require a person using remote
start to have the vehicle in view. Check local
regulations for any requirements.
Do not use the remote start feature if the
vehicle is low on fuel. The vehicle could run
out of fuel.
Other conditions can affect the performance
of the transmitter. See
Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System 07.
Starting the Engine Using Remote Start
1. Press and release
Qon the RKE
transmitter.
2. Immediately press and hold
/for at
least four seconds or until the turn
signal lamps flash. The turn signal lamps
flashing confirms the request to remote
start the vehicle has been received.
The parking lamps will turn on and
remain on as long as the engine is
running. The vehicle's doors will be
locked.
3. Turn the ignition on before driving. The engine will shut off after 15 minutes
unless a time extension is done or the
ignition is turned on.

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-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/10/20
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
Seats and Restraints 37
seat; for example, if a child entered the
vehicle through the rear door and left the
vehicle without the vehicle being shut off.
The feature can be turned on or off. See
Vehicle Personalization0108.
Reclining the Seatback
To recline the seatback:
1. Pull the reclining seatback handle.
2. Move the seatback to the desired
position, and then release the handle to
lock the seatback in place.
3. Push and pull on the seatback to make sure it is locked.
Folding the Seatback
Either side of the seatback can be folded for
more cargo space. Fold a seatback only
when the vehicle is not moving.
Caution
Folding a rear seat with the seat belts
still fastened may cause damage to the
seat or the seat belts. Always unbuckle
the seat belts and return them to their
normal stowed position before folding a
rear seat.
To fold the seatback:
1. Pull the handle on top of the seatback to unlock it.
A tab near the seatback lever raises
when the seatback is unlocked.
2. Fold the seatback forward.
3. Stow the seat belt in the belt stowage clip.
Repeat the steps to fold the other
seatback, if desired.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/10/20
38 Seats and Restraints
If equipped, the rear seatbacks can also be
folded forward by pulling the levers on the
passenger side of the rear cargo area.
Raising the Seatback
{Warning
If either seatback is not locked, it could
move forward in a sudden stop or crash.
That could cause injury to the person
sitting there. Always push and pull on
the seatbacks to be sure they are locked.
{Warning
A seat belt that is improperly routed, not
properly attached, or twisted will not
provide the protection needed in a crash.
The person wearing the belt could be
seriously injured. After raising the rear
seatback, always check to be sure that
the seat belts are properly routed and
attached, and are not twisted.
To raise a seatback:
1. Ensure the seat belt is in the belt stowage clip. 2. Lift the seatback up and push it rearward
to lock it in place.
A tab near the seatback lever retracts
when the seatback is locked in place.
3. Push and pull the top of the seatback to be sure it is locked into position.
4. Repeat the steps to raise the other seatback, if necessary.
When the seat is not in use, it should be
kept in the upright, locked position.
Heated Rear Seats
{Warning
If temperature change or pain to the skin
cannot be felt, the seat heater may cause
burns. See the Warning under Heated
and Ventilated Front Seats 035.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/10/20
42 Seats and Restraints
{Warning
The seat belt can be pinched if it is
routed under plastic trim on the seat,
such as trim around the rear seatback
folding handle or side airbag. In a crash,
pinched seat belts might not be able to
provide adequate protection. Never allow
seat belts to be routed under plastic trim
pieces.
Lap-Shoulder Belt
All seating positions in the vehicle have a
lap-shoulder belt.
The following instructions explain how to
wear a lap-shoulder belt properly.1. Adjust the seat, if the seat is adjustable, so you can sit up straight. To see how,
see “Seats” in the Index.2. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt
across you. Do not let it get twisted.
The lap-shoulder belt may lock if you
pull the belt across you very quickly.
If this happens, let the belt go back
slightly to unlock it. Then pull the belt
across you more slowly.
If the shoulder portion of a passenger
belt is pulled out all the way, the child
restraint locking feature may be
engaged. See Child Restraint Systems
0 60. If this occurs, let the belt go back
all the way and start again. If the
locking feature stays engaged after
letting the belt go back to stowed position on the seat, move the seat
rearward or recline the seat until the
shoulder belt retractor lock releases.
Engaging the child restraint locking
feature in the front outboard seating
position may affect the passenger
sensing system. See
Passenger Sensing
System 051.
If the webbing locks in the latch plate
before it reaches the buckle, tilt the latch
plate flat to unlock.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/10/20
Seats and Restraints 43
3. Push the latch plate into the buckle untilit clicks.
Pull up on the latch plate to make sure
it is secure. If the belt is not long
enough, see Seat Belt Extender 045.
Position the release button on the buckle
so that the seat belt could be quickly
unbuckled if necessary.4. To make the lap part tight, pull up on the shoulder belt.
To unlatch the belt, push the button on the
buckle. The belt should return to its stowed
position.
Always stow the seat belt slowly. If the seat
belt webbing returns quickly to the stowed
position, the retractor may lock and cannot
be pulled out. If this happens, pull the seat
belt straight out firmly to unlock the
webbing, and then release it. If the webbing
is still locked in the retractor, see your
dealer.
Before a door is closed, be sure the seat belt
is out of the way. If a door is slammed
against a seat belt, damage can occur to
both the seat belt and the vehicle.
Seat Belt Pretensioners
This vehicle has seat belt pretensioners for
the front outboard occupants. Although the
seat belt pretensioners cannot be seen, they
are part of the seat belt assembly. They can
help tighten the seat belts during the early
stages of a moderate to severe frontal, near
frontal, or rear crash if the threshold
conditions for pretensioner activation are
met. Seat belt pretensioners can also help
tighten the seat belts in a side crash or a
rollover event.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/10/20
50 Seats and Restraints
or rear impacts. A seat-mounted side impact
airbag is designed to inflate on the side of
the vehicle that is struck.
Roof-rail airbags are designed to inflate in
moderate to severe side crashes depending
on the location of the impact. In addition,
these roof-rail airbags are designed to inflate
during a rollover or in a severe frontal
impact. Roof-rail airbags are not designed to
inflate in rear impacts. Both roof-rail airbags
will inflate when either side of the vehicle is
struck or if the sensing system predicts that
the vehicle is about to roll over on its side,
or in a severe frontal impact.
In any particular crash, no one can say
whether an airbag should have inflated
simply because of the vehicle damage or
repair costs.
What Makes an Airbag Inflate?
In a deployment event, the sensing system
sends an electrical signal triggering a release
of gas from the inflator. Gas from the
inflator fills the airbag causing the bag to
break out of the cover. The inflator, the
airbag, and related hardware are all part of
the airbag module.
For airbag locations, seeWhere Are the
Airbags? 048.
How Does an Airbag Restrain?
In moderate to severe frontal or near frontal
collisions, even belted occupants can contact
the steering wheel or the instrument panel.
In moderate to severe side collisions, even
belted occupants can contact the inside of
the vehicle.
Airbags supplement the protection provided
by seat belts by distributing the force of the
impact more evenly over the
occupant's body.
Rollover capable roof-rail airbags are
designed to help contain the head and chest
of occupants in the outboard seating
positions in the first and second rows. The
rollover capable roof-rail airbags are
designed to help reduce the risk of full or
partial ejection in rollover events, although
no system can prevent all such ejections.
But airbags would not help in many types
of collisions, primarily because the
occupant's motion is not toward those
airbags. See When Should an Airbag Inflate?
0 49.
Airbags should never be regarded as
anything more than a supplement to seat
belts.
What Will You See after an
Airbag Inflates?
After frontal and seat-mounted side impact
airbags inflate, they quickly deflate, so
quickly that some people may not even
realize the airbags inflated. Roof-rail airbags
may still be at least partially inflated for
some time after they inflate. Some
components of the airbag module may be
hot for several minutes. For location of the
airbags, see Where Are the Airbags? 048.
The parts of the airbag that come into
contact with you may be warm, but not too
hot to touch. There may be some smoke
and dust coming from the vents in the
deflated airbags. Airbag inflation does not
prevent the driver from seeing out of the
windshield or being able to steer the
vehicle, nor does it prevent people from
leaving the vehicle.
{Warning
When an airbag inflates, there may be
dust in the air. This dust could cause
breathing problems for people with a
history of asthma or other breathing
trouble. To avoid this, everyone in the (Continued)

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14420010) - 2021 - CRC - 11/10/20
54 Seats and Restraints
If a person of adult size is sitting in the
front outboard passenger seat, but the OFF
indicator is lit, it could be because that
person is not sitting properly in the seat or
that the child restraint locking feature is
engaged. Use the following steps to allow
the system to detect that person and enable
the front outboard passenger frontal airbag:1. Turn the vehicle off.
2. Remove any additional material from the seat, such as blankets, cushions, seat
covers, seat heaters, or seat massagers.
3. Place the seatback in the fully upright position.
4. Have the person sit upright in the seat, centered on the seat cushion, with legs
comfortably extended.
5. If the shoulder portion of the belt is pulled out all the way, the child restraint
locking feature will be engaged. This
may unintentionally cause the passenger
sensing system to turn the airbag off for
some adult-sized occupants. If this
happens, unbuckle the belt, let the belt
go back all the way, and then buckle the
belt again without pulling the belt out
all the way. 6. Restart the vehicle and have the person
remain in this position for two to
three minutes after the ON indicator
is lit.
{Warning
If the front outboard passenger airbag is
turned off for an adult-sized occupant,
the airbag will not be able to inflate and
help protect that person in a crash,
resulting in an increased risk of serious
injury or even death. An adult-sized
occupant should not ride in the front
outboard passenger seat, if the passenger
airbag OFF indicator is lit.
Additional Factors Affecting System
Operation
Seat belts help keep the passenger in
position on the seat during vehicle
maneuvers and braking, which helps the
passenger sensing system maintain the
passenger airbag status. See “Seat Belts”
and “Child Restraints” in the Index for
additional information about the importance
of proper restraint use. A thick layer of additional material, such as
a blanket or cushion, or aftermarket
equipment such as seat covers, seat heaters,
and seat massagers can affect how well the
passenger sensing system operates. We
recommend that you not use seat covers or
other aftermarket equipment except when
approved by GM for your specific vehicle.
See
Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 055 for more
information about modifications that can
affect how the system operates.
The ON indicator may be lit if an object,
such as a briefcase, handbag, grocery bag,
laptop, or other electronic device, is put on
an unoccupied seat. If this is not desired,
remove the object from the seat.{Warning
Stowing articles under the passenger seat
or between the passenger seat cushion
and seatback may interfere with the
proper operation of the passenger
sensing system.