automatic transmission CHEVROLET EQUINOX 2022 User Guide

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16540728) - 2023 - crc - 6/16/22
Driving and Operating 201
reactivated when the vehicle is turned on.
SeeDriving Characteristics and Towing Tips
0 238.
Automatic Engine Grade Braking
Automatic Engine Grade Braking assists
when driving downhill. It maintains vehicle
speed by automatically implementing a shift
pattern that uses the engine and the
transmission to slow the vehicle. The system
will automatically command downshifts to
reduce vehicle speed. The normal shift
pattern will return once the vehicle is on a
low grade or when the accelerator pedal is
pressed.
While in the Electronic Range Select (ERS)
mode, grade braking is deactivated, allowing
the driver to select a range and limiting the
highest gear available. Grade braking is
available for normal driving and in Tow/
Haul Mode.
See Automatic Transmission 0198.
Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive
Vehicles with this feature can operate in
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Mode. The AWD system delivers power to all four
wheels and the system adjusts as needed to
improve traction.
Press the AWD switch on the center console
to activate the system. The AWD light will
flash briefly while the system is engaging
and stay lit to indicate AWD is active. Press
the switch again to disable the system. The
light will flash briefly while the system
disables and then stay off.
The AWD Mode will stay selected until the
mode is changed.
When operated in Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Mode, the vehicle will deliver power to the
front wheels only and may provide better
fuel economy.
A system off message displays when there
is a temporary condition making the AWD
system unavailable. The vehicle will run
in FWD.
This could be caused by:
.A compact spare tire on the vehicle.
.AWD system overheat.
.Loss of wheel or vehicle speed.
.Certain other vehicle electrical conditions.
The message turns off when the compact
spare tire is replaced by a full-size tire, the
differential fluid cools, or the above
conditions are no longer present and the
warning message is reset.
To reset the warning message manually,
turn the ignition off and then back on again
after 30 seconds. If the message stays on,
see your dealer.
Brakes
Electric Brake Boost
Vehicles equipped with electric brake boost
have hydraulic brake circuits that are
electronically controlled when the brake
pedal is applied during normal operation.
The system performs routine tests and turns
off within a few minutes after the vehicle is
turned off. Noise may be heard during this
time. If the brake pedal is pressed during
the tests or when the electric brake boost
system is off, a noticeable change in pedal
force and travel may be felt. This is normal.
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) helps
prevent a braking skid and maintain steering
while braking hard.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Driving and Operating 209
The speedometer reading can be displayed
in either English or metric units. See
Instrument Cluster (Base and Midlevel)087
or
Instrument Cluster (Uplevel) 090. The
increment value used depends on the units
displayed.
Reducing Speed While Using Cruise Control
If the cruise control system is already
activated:
.Press and hold -SET until the desired
lower speed is reached, then release it.
.To slow down in small increments, briefly
press -SET. For each press, the vehicle
goes about 1 km/h (1 mph) slower.
The speedometer reading can be displayed
in either English or metric units. See
Instrument Cluster (Base and Midlevel) 087
or
Instrument Cluster (Uplevel) 090. The
increment value used depends on the units
displayed.
Passing Another Vehicle While Using Cruise
Control
Use the accelerator pedal to increase the
vehicle speed. When you take your foot off
the pedal, the vehicle will slow down to the
previous set cruise speed. While pressing the accelerator pedal or shortly following the
release to override cruise control, briefly
pressing -SET will result in cruise control set
to the current vehicle speed.
Using Cruise Control on Hills
How well the cruise control works on hills
depends upon the vehicle speed, load, and
the steepness of the hills. When going up
steep hills, you might have to step on the
accelerator pedal to maintain the vehicle
speed. When going downhill, you might
have to brake or shift to a lower gear to
keep your speed down. If the brake pedal is
applied, cruise control will disengage.
Ending Cruise Control
There are four ways to end cruise control:
.Step lightly on the brake pedal.
.Press*.
.Shift the transmission to N (Neutral).
.To turn off cruise control, press5.
Erasing Speed Memory
The cruise control set speed is erased from
memory if
5is pressed or if the ignition is
turned off.
Adaptive Cruise Control (Camera)
If equipped, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
allows the cruise control set speed and
following gap to be selected. Read this
entire section before using this system. The
following gap is the following time between
your vehicle and a vehicle detected directly
ahead in your path, moving in the same
direction. If no vehicle is detected in your
path, ACC works like regular cruise control.
ACC uses a windshield mounted front
camera sensor.
If a vehicle is detected in your path, ACC can
apply acceleration or limited, moderate
braking to maintain the selected following
gap. To disengage ACC, apply the brake.
If ACC is controlling the vehicle speed when
the Traction Control System (TCS) or
StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
system activates, ACC may automatically
disengage. See Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0204. When road
conditions allow ACC to be safely used, ACC
can be turned back on. Disabling the TCS or
StabiliTrak/ESC system will disengage and
prevent engagement of ACC.
ACC can reduce the need for you to
frequently brake and accelerate, especially
when used on expressways, freeways, and

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Driving and Operating 239
The following information has many
time-tested, important trailering tips and
safety rules. Many of these are important
for your safety and that of your passengers.
Read this section carefully before pulling a
trailer.
When towing a trailer:
.Become familiar with, and follow all state
and local laws that apply to trailer
towing. These requirements vary from
state to state.
.State laws may require the use of
extended side view mirrors. If your
visibility is limited or restricted while
towing, install extended side view mirrors
on your vehicle, even if not required.
.Do not tow a trailer during the first 800
km (500 mi) of vehicle use to prevent
damage to the engine, axle, or other
parts.
.Perform the first oil change before heavy
towing.
.Do not drive over 80 km/h (50 mph) and
do not make starts at full throttle during
the first 800 km (500 mi) of trailer
towing.
.Tow in D (Drive). If the transmission
downshifts too often, a lower gear may
be selected using Manual Mode See
Manual Mode0200.
If equipped, the following driver assistance
features should be turned off when towing
a trailer:
.Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
.Super Cruise Control
.Park Assist
.Automatic Parking Assist (APA)
.Reverse Automatic Braking (RAB)
If equipped, the following driver assistance
features should be turned to alert or off
when towing a trailer:
.Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
.Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA)
.Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB)
If equipped with Lane Change Alert (LCA),
the LCA detection zones that extend back
from the side of the vehicle do not move
further back when a trailer is towed. Use
caution while changing lanes when towing a
trailer.
If equipped with Rear Cross Traffic Alert
(RCTA), use caution while backing up when
towing a trailer, as the RCTA detection zones that extend out from the back of the vehicle
do not move further back when a trailer is
towed.
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death from
carbon monoxide (CO), when towing a
trailer:
.Do not drive with the liftgate, trunk/
hatch, or rear-most window open.
.Fully open the air outlets on or under
the instrument panel.
.Adjust the climate control system to a
setting that brings in only outside air.
See
“Climate Control Systems” in the
Index.
For more information about carbon
monoxide, see Engine Exhaust 0197.
Towing a trailer requires experience. The
combination of the vehicle and trailer is
longer and not as responsive as the vehicle
itself. Get used to the handling and braking
of the combination by driving on a level
road surface before driving on public roads.
The trailer structure, the tires, and the
brakes must be all be rated to carry the
intended cargo. Inadequate trailer

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Driving and Operating 241
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.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
The vehicle needs service more often when
used to tow trailers. See Maintenance
Schedule 0316. It is especially important to
check the automatic transmission fluid,
engine oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling
system, and brake system before and during
each trip.
Check periodically that all nuts and bolts on
the trailer hitch are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
The cooling system may temporarily
overheat during severe operating conditions.
See Engine Overheating 0259.
Trailer Towing
Caution
Towing a trailer improperly can damage
the vehicle and result in costly repairs
not covered by the vehicle warranty. To
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
tow a trailer correctly, follow the
directions in this section and see your
dealer for important information about
towing a trailer with the vehicle.
Trailer Weight
{Warning
Never exceed the towing capacity for
your vehicle.
Safe trailering requires monitoring the
weight, speed, altitude, road grades, outside
temperature, dimensions of the front of the
trailer, and how frequently the vehicle is
used to tow a trailer.
Trailer Weight Ratings
When towing a trailer, the combined weight
of the vehicle, vehicle contents, trailer, and
trailer contents must be below all of the
maximum weight ratings for the vehicle,
including:
.Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
.Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
.Maximum Trailer Weight Rating
.Maximum Trailer Tongue Weight Rating

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Vehicle Care 247
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
California Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . 248
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . 248
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . 251
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . 255
Engine Air Filter Life System . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Front Turn Signal and Fog Lamps . . . . . 268
Taillamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . 271
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . 275
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Tire Terminology and Definitions . . . . . 280
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . 283
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . 284 Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . 288
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . 290
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . 290
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . 292
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . 300
Towing the Vehicle
Transporting a Disabled Vehicle . . . . . . . 302
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . . . . . . . . 304
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Vehicle Care 255
4. If the display changes to 100%, thesystem is reset.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message
comes back on when the vehicle is started,
the engine oil life system has not reset.
Repeat the procedure.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
It is not necessary to check the transmission
fluid level. A transmission fluid leak is the
only reason for fluid loss. If a leak occurs,
take the vehicle to your dealer and have it
repaired as soon as possible.
Change the fluid at the intervals listed in
Maintenance Schedule 0316, and be sure to
use the transmission fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 0320.
Caution
Use of the incorrect automatic
transmission fluid may damage the
vehicle, and the damage may not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Always
use the correct automatic transmission
fluid. See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0320. There is a special procedure for checking and
changing the transmission fluid. Because this
procedure is difficult, this should be done by
your dealer.
Engine Air Filter Life System
If equipped, this feature provides the engine
air filter’s remaining life and best timing for
a change. The timing to change an engine
air filter depends on driving and
environmental conditions.
When to Change the Engine Air Filter
When the Driver Information Center (DIC)
displays a message to replace the engine air
filter at the next oil change, follow this
timing.
When the DIC displays a message to replace
the engine air filter soon, replace the engine
air filter at the earliest convenience.
The system must be reset after the engine
air filter is changed.
If the DIC displays a message to check the
engine air filter system, see your dealer.
How to Reset the Engine Air Filter Life
System
To reset:
1. Place the vehicle in P (Park).
2. Display the Air Filter Life on the DIC. See Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base and
Midlevel) 0103 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
0 107.
3. Press
pon the steering wheel to move
to the Reset/Disable display area. Select
Reset then press
V.
4. Press
Vto confirm the reset.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
The engine air cleaner/filter is in the engine
compartment on the passenger side of the
vehicle. See Engine Compartment Overview
0 251.
When to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/
Filter
If the vehicle is not equipped with the
engine air filter life system, see
Maintenance Schedule 0316.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Vehicle Care 273
FusesUsage
F33 –
F34 Horn F35 –
F36 Headlamps/Daytime Running Lamps Right
F37 –
F38 Automatic Headlamp Leveling
F39 –
F40 –
F41 Transmission Range Control Module
F42 Motorized Headlamp
F43 –
F44 Interior Rearview Mirror F45 Passenger Side Ventilated Seat
F46 Driver Side Ventilated Seat
F47 Steering Column Lock Assembly
F48 Rear Wiper Fuses
Usage
F49 –
F50 Heated Steering Wheel F51 –
F52 Engine Control Module/ Transmission Control
F53 –
F54 –
F55 Front Wiper Speed/ Control
F56 –
F57 Headlamps/Daytime Running Lamps Left
Relays Usage
K01 Starter Solenoid
K02 Air Conditioning Control
K03 Engine Control Module
K04 Front Wiper Control K05 Starter Solenoid 2
K06 –
K07 – Relays
Usage
K08 –
K09 Front Wiper Speed K10 –
K11 –
K12 Headlamps/Daytime Running Lamps Right
K13 Headlamps/Daytime Running Lamps Left
K14 Run/Crank K15 Rear Window Defogger
Instrument Panel Fuse Block

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Vehicle Care 305
The chime will ring continuously for
30 minutes. Leave the transmission in
N (Neutral).
6. Turn off all accessories that are not needed.
It is required to charge the battery of the
towed vehicle during recreational vehicle
towing.
Caution
If the vehicle is towed without
performing each of the steps listed under
“Dinghy Towing,” the automatic
transmission and AWD system could be
damaged. Be sure to follow all steps of
the dinghy towing procedure prior to and
after towing the vehicle.
Caution
If 105 km/h (65 mph) is exceeded while
towing the vehicle, it could be damaged.
Never exceed 105 km/h (65 mph) while
towing the vehicle.
Once the destination is reached: 1. Set the parking brake.
2. Move the shift lever to P (Park). 3. Turn the vehicle off.
4. Start the vehicle and let it idle for more
than three minutes before driving the
vehicle.
Caution
Do not tow a vehicle with the front drive
wheels on the ground if one of the front
tires is a compact spare tire. Towing with
two different tire sizes on the front of
the vehicle can cause severe damage to
the transmission.
Caution
Use of a shield mounted in front of the
vehicle grille could restrict airflow and
cause damage to the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. If using a shield, only
use one that attaches to the towing
vehicle.
Dolly Towing
To tow the vehicle from the front with the
rear wheels on the ground:
1. Put the front wheels on a dolly.
2. Move the shift lever to P (Park).
3. Set the parking brake.
4. Secure the vehicle to the dolly.
5. Follow the dolly manufacturer's instructions for preparing the vehicle and
dolly for towing.
6. Release the parking brake.
7. Turn vehicle off.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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318 Service and Maintenance
suitable service maintenance intervals for
your vehicle, please contact your
authorized GM Dealer.
Extreme service is for vehicles mainly
driven off-road in four-wheel drive or used
in farming, mining, forestry, or snow
plowing.
Additional Required Services—Severe
Service
Every 72 000 km (45,000 mi)
.Change automatic transmission fluid.
Every 75 000 km (120,000 mi)
.Change rear axle fluid, if equipped with
AWD. Do not directly power wash the
transfer case and/or front/rear axle
output seals. High pressure water can
overcome the seals and contaminate the
transfer case fluid. Contaminated fluid will
decrease the life of the transfer case and/
or axles and should be replaced.
Owner Checks and Services
Every Five Years
.Replace brake fluid every five years. See
Brake Fluid 0262. Every Seven Years
.Replace Air Conditioning Desiccant 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.
Multi-Point Vehicle
Inspection (MPVI)
A Multi Point Vehicle Inspection (MPVI)
completed by a GM dealer technician is a
maintenance assessment of your vehicle.
The benefit of the MPVI is to identify and
inform the customer of service items that
require immediate attention and those that
may require attention in the future.
The technician will perform the following
checks on your vehicle. For a complete list
of checks, inspections, and services, see your
dealer.
Some items may not apply to your vehicle
and/or region.
Diagnostics
.OnStar active, if equipped
.Service history/recall check
Engine Oil and Filter
.Engine oil
.Oil life monitor
‐
Reset oil life monitor
Exterior Lights
.Visual inspection
Windshield and Wipers
.Visual inspection
Battery
.Battery visual inspection
.Battery test results
.Battery cables and connections
Systems, Fluids, and Visible Leak
Inspection
.Engine oil
.Transmission
.Drive axle
.Transfer case
.Engine cooling system
.Power steering, if equipped

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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320 Service and Maintenance
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Parts
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identified below by name or specification, including fluids or lubricants not listed here, can be obtained from your dealer.Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Automatic Transmission DEXRON-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid. Engine Coolant 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and use only DEX-COOL Coolant. See Cooling
System 0257.
Engine Oil Engine oil meeting the dexos1 specification of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco
dexos1 full synthetic is recommended. See Engine Oil0252.
Hood and Door Hinges, and Key Lock Cylinders Multi-Purpose Lubricant. See your dealer. Hood Latch Assembly, Secondary Latch, Pivots, Spring Anchor, and Release Pawl Lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI #2, Category LB or GC-LB.
Hydraulic Brake System DOT 4 Hydraulic Brake Fluid.
Rear Axle (All-Wheel Drive) See your dealer.
Transfer Case (All-Wheel Drive) Transfer Case Fluid. See your dealer. Windshield Washer Automotive windshield washer fluid that meets regional freeze protection requirements.