cooling CHEVROLET EQUINOX 2022 User Guide

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16540728) - 2023 - crc - 6/16/22
258 Vehicle Care
changed at appropriate levels. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants0320
and
Maintenance Schedule 0316.
The following explains the cooling system
and how to check and add coolant when it
is low. If there is a problem with engine
overheating, see Engine Overheating 0259.
What to Use
{Warning
Plain water, or other liquids such as
alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant mixture will. With plain water or
the wrong mixture, the engine could get
too hot but there would not be an
overheat warning. The engine could catch
fire and you or others could be burned.
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL coolant. If using this
mixture, nothing else needs to be added.
This mixture:
.Gives freezing protection down to −37 °C
(−34 °F), outside temperature.
.Gives boiling protection up to 129 °C
(265 °F), engine temperature.
.Protects against rust and corrosion.
.Will not damage aluminum parts.
.Helps keep the proper engine
temperature.
Caution
Do not use anything other than a mix of
DEX-COOL coolant that meets GM
Standard GMW3420 and clean, drinkable
water. Anything else can cause damage
to the engine cooling system and the
vehicle, which would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Never dispose of engine coolant by putting
it in the trash, pouring it on the ground,
or pouring into sewers, streams, or bodies of
water. Have the coolant changed by an
authorized service center, familiar with legal
requirements regarding used coolant
disposal. This will help protect the
environment and your health.
Checking Coolant
The vehicle must be on a level surface when
checking the coolant level.
Check to see if coolant is visible in the
coolant surge tank. If the coolant inside the
coolant surge tank is boiling, do not do
anything else until it cools down. If coolant
is visible but the coolant level mark is not
visible, add a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL coolant at
the coolant surge tank to the top rib on the
middle of the tank, but be sure the cooling
system is cool before this is done. See
Engine Overheating 0259.
The coolant surge tank is located in the
engine compartment on the driver side of
the vehicle. See Engine Compartment
Overview 0251.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16540728) - 2023 - crc - 6/16/22
Vehicle Care 259
How to Add Coolant to the Surge Tank
{Warning
Spilling coolant on hot engine parts can
burn you. Coolant contains ethylene
glycol and it will burn if the engine parts
are hot enough.
{Warning
Steam and scalding liquids from a hot
cooling system are under pressure.
Turning the pressure cap, even a little,
can cause them to come out at high
speed and you could be burned. Never
turn the cap when the cooling system,
including the pressure cap, is hot. Wait
for the cooling system and pressure cap
to cool.
Caution
Failure to follow the specific coolant fill
procedure could cause the engine to
overheat and could cause system
damage. If coolant is not visible in the
surge tank, contact your dealer.
The coolant surge tank pressure cap can be
removed when the cooling system, including
the surge tank pressure cap and upper
radiator hose, is no longer hot.1. Turn the pressure cap slowly counterclockwise. If a hiss is heard, wait
for that to stop. A hiss means there is
still some pressure left.
2. Keep turning the pressure cap slowly and remove it.
3. Fill the coolant surge tank with the proper mixture to the mark pointed to
on the front of the coolant surge tank.
4. With the coolant surge tank pressure cap off, start the engine and let it run until
you can feel the upper radiator hose
getting hot. Watch out for the engine
cooling fans. By this time, the coolant
level inside the coolant surge tank may
be lower. If the level is lower, add more
of the proper mixture to the coolant surge tank until the level reaches the
mark pointed to on the front of the
coolant surge tank.
5. Replace the pressure cap tightly.
Caution
If the pressure cap is not tightly installed,
coolant loss and engine damage may
occur. Be sure the cap is properly and
tightly secured.
Engine Overheating
The vehicle has an engine coolant
temperature gauge on the instrument
cluster and overheat messages in the Driver
Information Center (DIC) to warn of engine
overheating. See Engine Coolant
Temperature Gauge 093. The DIC also
displays overheat messages.
The decision may be made not to lift the
hood when the engine coolant temperature
gauge is in the overheat zone or an engine
overheat DIC message displays, but instead
to get service help right away. See Roadside
Assistance Program 0330.
If the decision to lift the hood is made,
make sure the vehicle is parked on a level
surface. Then check to see if the engine

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16540728) - 2023 - crc - 6/16/22
260 Vehicle Care
cooling fan is running. If the engine is
overheating, the fan should be running. If it
is not, do not continue to run the engine,
and have the vehicle serviced.
Caution
Do not run the engine if there is a leak
in the engine cooling system. This can
cause a loss of all coolant and can
damage the system and vehicle. Have
any leaks fixed right away.
If Steam Is Coming from the Engine
Compartment
{Warning
Steam and scalding liquids from a hot
cooling system are under pressure.
Turning the pressure cap, even a little,
can cause them to come out at high
speed and you could be burned. Never
turn the cap when the cooling system,
including the pressure cap, is hot. Wait
for the cooling system and pressure cap
to cool.
If No Steam Is Coming from the Engine
Compartment
If the engine coolant temperature gauge is
in the overheat zone or an engine overheat
DIC message is displayed but no steam can
be seen or heard, the problem may not be
too serious. Sometimes the engine can get a
little too hot when the vehicle:
.Climbs a long hill on a hot day
.Stops after high-speed driving
.Idles for long periods in traffic
.Tows a trailer
If the engine coolant temperature gauge is
in the overheat zone and an overheat DIC
message is displayed with no sign of steam: 1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest temperature and to the highest fan
speed. Open the windows as necessary.
3. When it is safe to do so, pull off the road, shift to P (Park) or N (Neutral), and
let the engine idle.
If the engine coolant temperature gauge is
no longer in the overheat zone or an
overheat DIC message no longer displays,
the vehicle can be driven. Continue to drive
the vehicle slowly for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in
front. If the engine coolant temperature
gauge does not go back to the overheat
zone or an overheat DIC message does not
display, continue to drive normally and have
the cooling system checked for proper fill
and function.
If the engine coolant temperature gauge is
still in the overheat zone or an overheat DIC
message still displays, pull over, stop, and
park the vehicle right away. If overheat
messages appear repeatedly, see your
dealer.
If there is no sign of steam, idle the engine
for three minutes while parked. If the
engine coolant temperature gauge is still in
the overheat zone or an overheat DIC
message displays, turn off the engine until
it cools down.
Washer Fluid
What to Use
When windshield washer fluid is needed, be
sure to read the manufacturer's instructions
before use. If operating the vehicle in an
area where the temperature may fall below
freezing, use a fluid that has sufficient
protection against freezing.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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292 Vehicle Care
Wheel Alignment and Tire
Balance
The tires and wheels were aligned and
balanced at the factory to provide the
longest tire life and best overall
performance. Adjustments to wheel
alignment and tire balancing are not
necessary on a regular basis. Consider an
alignment check if there is unusual tire wear
or the vehicle is significantly pulling to one
side or the other. Some slight pull to the
left or right, depending on the crown of the
road and/or other road surface variations
such as troughs or ruts, is normal. If the
vehicle is vibrating when driving on a
smooth road, the tires and wheels may
need to be rebalanced. See your dealer for
proper diagnosis.
Wheel Replacement
Replace any wheel that is bent, cracked,
or badly rusted or corroded. If wheel nuts
keep coming loose, the wheel, wheel bolts,
and wheel nuts should be replaced. If the
wheel leaks air, replace it. Some aluminum
wheels can be repaired. See your dealer if
any of these conditions exist.Your dealer will know the kind of wheel that
is needed.
Each new wheel should have the same
load-carrying capacity, diameter, width,
offset, and be mounted the same way as
the one it replaces.
Replace wheels, wheel bolts, wheel nuts,
or Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)
sensors with new GM original equipment
parts.
{Warning
Using the wrong replacement wheels,
wheel bolts, or wheel nuts can be
dangerous. It could affect the braking and
handling of the vehicle. Tires can lose air
and cause loss of control, resulting in a
crash. Always use the correct wheel,
wheel bolts, and wheel nuts for
replacement.
{Warning
Replacing a wheel with a used one is
dangerous. How it has been used or how
far it has been driven may be unknown.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
It could fail suddenly and cause a crash.
When replacing wheels, use a new GM
original equipment wheel.
Caution
The wrong wheel can also cause
problems with bearing life, brake cooling,
speedometer or odometer calibration,
headlamp aim, bumper height, vehicle
ground clearance, and tire or tire chain
clearance to the body and chassis.
Tire Chains
{Warning
Do not use tire chains. There is not
enough clearance. Tire chains used on a
vehicle without the proper amount of
clearance can cause damage to the
brakes, suspension, or other vehicle parts.
The area damaged by the tire chains
could cause loss of control and a crash.(Continued)

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16540728) - 2023 - crc - 6/16/22
Service and Maintenance 317
Reset the oil life system when the oil is
changed. SeeEngine Oil Life System
0 254.
.When the REPLACE AT NEXT OIL CHANGE
message displays, the engine air filter
should be replaced at the next engine oil
change. When the REPLACE ENGINE AIR
FILTER SOON message displays, the
engine air filter should be replaced at the
earliest convenience. Reset the engine air
filter life system after the engine air filter
is replaced. See Engine Air Filter Life
System 0255.
Every 36 000 km (22,500 mi)
.Passenger compartment air filter
replacement (or every 24 months,
whichever occurs first). More frequent
replacement may be needed if the vehicle
is driven in areas with heavy traffic, poor
air quality, areas with high dust levels or
are sensitive to environmental allergens.
Filter replacement may also be needed if
you notice reduced airflow, windows
fogging up, or odors. Your local GM
Service location can help you determine
when it is the right time to replace your
filter. Every 96 000 km (60,000 mi)
.Replace spark plugs. Inspect spark plug
wires and/or boots.
Every 161 000 km (100,000 mi)
.Replace hood and/or body lift support gas
struts. Or every 10 years, whichever
comes first. See Gas Strut(s)0265.
Every 240 000 km (150,000 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.
.Drain and fill engine cooling system. Or
every six years, whichever comes first.
See Cooling System 0257.
Severe Conditions Requiring More
Frequent Maintenance*
.Public service, military, or commercial use
vehicles to include the following:
‐ Ambulances, police cars, and
emergency rescue vehicles. ‐
Civilian vehicles such as light duty
pick-up trucks, SUVs, and passenger
cars that are used in military
applications.
‐ Recovery vehicles such as tow trucks
and flatbed single vehicle carriers or
any vehicle that is consistently used in
towing trailers or other loads.
‐ High use commercial vehicles such as
courier delivery vehicles, private
security patrol vehicles, or any vehicles
that operate on a 24–hour basis.
‐ Any vehicle consistently operated in a
high sand or dust environment such as
those used on oil pipelines and similar
applications.
.Vehicles that are regularly used for short
trips of 6 km (4 mi) or less.
The oil life indicator will show you when
to change the oil and filter. Under severe
conditions the indicator may come on
before 12 000 km (7,500 mi).
* Footnote: Under extreme driving
conditions listed above, it may be
necessary to replace your spark plugs at
more frequent intervals. For further
assistance in determining the most

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16540728) - 2023 - crc - 6/16/22
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-
16540728) - 2023 - crc - 6/16/22
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.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16540728) - 2023 - crc - 6/16/22
324 Technical Data
Vehicle Data
Capacities and Specifications
ApplicationCapacities
Metric English
Air Conditioning Refrigerant For the air conditioning system refrigerant type and charge amount, see the refrigerant label under the hood. See yourdealer for more information.
Engine Cooling System* 6.6 L 7.0 qt
Engine Oil with Filter
IFWD 4.0 L 4.2 qt
IAWD 5.0 L 5.3 qt
Fuel Tank IFWD 56.0 L
14.8 gal
IAWD 59.0 L
15.6 gal
Transfer Case Fluid 0.5 L0.53 qt
Wheel Nut Torque 140Y 100 lb ft

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16540728) - 2023 - crc - 6/16/22
Technical Data 325
ApplicationCapacities
Metric English
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill to the approximate level, as recommended in this manual. Recheck fluid level
after filling.
*Engine cooling system capacity values are based on the entire cooling system and its components.
Engine Specifications
Engine VIN CodeTransmission Spark Plug Gap
1.5L L4 Gas Engine (LSD) GAutomatic0.60–0.70 mm (0.024–0.028 in)
Spark plug gaps are preset by the manufacturer. Re-gapping the spark plug is not recommended and can damage the spark plug.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16540728) - 2023 - crc - 6/16/22
Index 349
Child RestraintsInfants and Young Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Lower Anchors and Tethers for
Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Securing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70, 71
Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Child Safety Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Cleaning Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169 Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Dual Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Cluster, Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87, 90
Collision Damage Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Compartments Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Connected Services Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344
Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344 Connections
Connected Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344
Control Traction and Electronic Stability . . . . . . . 204
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Controls Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Convenience Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Coolant Engine Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Cooling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169, 171
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Courtesy Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Courtesy Transportation Program . . . . . . . . 332
Cover Cargo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Coverage Explanations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Covers Rear Compartment/Storage Panel . . . . . . . 76
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207 Adaptive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Cupholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75
Customer Assistance
Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
Text Telephone (TTY) Users . . . . . . . . . . . . 329 Customer Information
Publications Ordering Information . . . . . 334
Customer Satisfaction Procedure . . . . . . . . . 327
Cybersecurity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337
D
Damage Repair, Collision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
Danger, Warning, and Caution . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Dashboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Data Collection Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338
Data Recorders, Event . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337
Database Coverage Explanations . . . . . . . . . 144
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .178
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Destination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .138
Diagnostics Connected Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
Disabled Vehicle
Transporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .178
Dome Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Door Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Power Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17