awd CHEVROLET EQUINOX 2023 Owners Manual

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16540728) - 2023 - crc - 6/16/22
186 Driving and Operating
Assistance. SeeRoadside Assistance Program
0 330. To get help and keep everyone in the
vehicle safe:
.Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
.Tie a red cloth to an outside mirror.
{Warning
Snow can trap engine exhaust under the
vehicle. This may cause exhaust gases to
get inside. Engine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide (CO), which cannot be
seen or smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
If the vehicle is stuck in snow:
.Clear snow from the base of the
vehicle, especially any blocking the
exhaust pipe.
.Open a window about 5 cm (2 in) on
the vehicle side that is away from the
wind, to bring in fresh air.
.Fully open the air outlets on or under
the instrument panel.
.Adjust the climate control system to
circulate the air inside the vehicle and
set the fan speed to the highest
setting. See “Climate Control Systems.”
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
For more information about CO, see
Engine Exhaust 0197.
To save fuel, run the engine for short
periods to warm the vehicle and then shut
the engine off and partially close the
window. Moving about to keep warm also
helps.
If it takes time for help to arrive, when
running the engine, push the accelerator
pedal slightly so the engine runs faster than
the idle speed. This keeps the battery
charged to restart the vehicle and to signal
for help with the headlamps. Do this as
little as possible, to save fuel.
If the Vehicle Is Stuck
Slowly and cautiously spin the wheels to
free the vehicle when stuck in sand, mud,
ice, or snow.
If stuck too severely for the traction system
to free the vehicle, turn the traction system
off and use the rocking method. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control
0 204.
{Warning
If the vehicle's tires spin at high speed,
they can explode, and you or others
could be injured. The vehicle can
overheat, causing an engine compartment
fire or other damage. Spin the wheels as
little as possible and avoid going above
56 km/h (35 mph).
If equipped, select All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Mode. See All-Wheel Drive 0201.
Rocking the Vehicle to Get it Out
Turn the steering wheel left and right to
clear the area around the front wheels. Turn
off any traction system. Shift back and forth
between R (Reverse) and a low forward gear,
spinning the wheels as little as possible. To
prevent transmission wear, wait until the
wheels stop spinning before shifting gears.
Release the accelerator pedal while shifting,
and press lightly on the accelerator pedal
when the transmission is in gear. Slowly
spinning the wheels in the forward and
reverse directions causes a rocking motion
that could free the vehicle. If that does not
get the vehicle out after a few tries, it

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16540728) - 2023 - crc - 6/16/22
200 Driving and Operating
Manual Mode
Electronic Range Select (ERS) Mode
ERS or manual mode allows for the selection
of the range of gear positions. Use this
mode when driving downhill or towing a
trailer to limit the top gear and vehicle
speed. The shift position indicator within the
Driver Information Center (DIC) will display a
number next to the L indicating the highest
available gear under manual mode and the
driving conditions when manual mode was
selected.
To use this feature:1. Move the shift lever to L (Manual Mode).
2. Press the plus/minus button on the shift lever, to increase or decrease the gear
range available.
When shifting to L (Manual Mode), the
transmission will shift to a preset lower gear
range. For this preset range, the highest
gear available is displayed next to the L in
the DIC. See Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Base and Midlevel) 0103 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
0 107 for more information. All gears below
that number are available to use. For
example, when 4 (Fourth) is shown next to
the L, 1 (First) through 4 (Fourth) gears are
shifted automatically. To shift to 5 (Fifth)
gear, press the + (Plus) button or shift into
D (Drive).
L (Manual Mode) will prevent shifting to a
lower gear range if the engine speed is too
high. If vehicle speed is not reduced within
the time allowed, the lower gear range shift
will not be completed. Slow the vehicle,
then press the −(Minus) button to the
desired lower gear range.
While using the ERS, cruise control can
be used.Tow/Haul Mode
This feature can assist when towing or
hauling a heavy load.
_: Select Tow/Haul Mode by pressing
the button on the center console. Mode
availability is dependent upon vehicle trim
level, region, and optional features.
When Tow/Haul is activated, the Tow/Haul
symbol will come on in the instrument
cluster. A Tow/Haul ON message will also
appear in the DIC. For vehicles equipped
with All Wheel Drive (AWD), the AWD
indicator will come on. Tow/Haul Mode will
remain active until the vehicle is turned off.
If needed, Tow/Haul Mode can be

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-
16540728) - 2023 - crc - 6/16/22
Driving and Operating 243
VehicleMaximum Trailer Weight
with Trailer Brakes† GCWR*
1.5L Gas FWD 680 kg (1,500 lb) 2 380 kg (5,247 lb)
1.5L Gas AWD 680 kg (1,500 lb) 2 480 kg (5,467 lb)
† For trailers without trailer brakes the maximum trailer weight is 454 kg (1,000 lb). See
Towing Equipment 0244.
* The Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) is the total allowable weight of the
completely loaded vehicle and trailer including any passengers, cargo, equipment, and
conversions. Do not exceed the GCWR for the vehicle.
Maximum Trailer Tongue Weight
The Maximum Trailer Tongue Weight Rating
is the allowable trailer tongue weight that
the vehicle can support using a conventional
trailer hitch. It may be necessary to reduce
the overall trailer weight to stay within the
maximum trailer tongue weight rating while
still maintaining the correct trailer load
balance.
Do not exceed a maximum trailer tongue
weight of 68 kg (150 lb). The trailer tongue weight contributes to the
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). GVW includes
the CURB WEIGHT of your vehicle, any
passengers, cargo, equipment and the trailer
tongue weight. Vehicle options, passengers,
cargo, and equipment reduce the maximum
allowable tongue weight the vehicle can
carry, which also reduces the maximum
allowable trailer weight.
Trailer Load Balance
The correct trailer load balance must be
maintained to ensure trailer stability.
Incorrect load balance is a leading cause of
trailer sway.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16540728) - 2023 - crc - 6/16/22
Vehicle Care 299
6. Route the strap through the wheel, asshown.
7. Attach the other end of the strap to the other cargo tie-down in the rear of the
vehicle.
8. Tighten the strap.
The compact spare is for temporary use
only. Replace the compact spare tire with a
full-size tire as soon as you can.
Compact Spare Tire
{Warning
Driving with more than one compact
spare tire at a time could result in loss of
braking and handling. This could lead to a
crash and you or others could be injured.
Use only one compact spare tire at
a time.
If this vehicle has a compact spare tire, it
was fully inflated when new; however, it
can lose air over time. Check the inflation
pressure regularly. It should be 420 kPa
(60 psi).
Stop as soon as possible and check that the
spare tire is correctly inflated after being
installed on the vehicle. The compact spare
tire is designed for temporary use only. The
vehicle will perform differently with the
spare tire installed and it is recommended
that the vehicle speed be limited to 80 km/h
(50 mph). To conserve the tread of the spare
tire, have the standard tire repaired or
replaced as soon as convenient and return
the spare tire to the storage area. When using a compact spare tire, the AWD
(if equipped), ABS, and Traction Control
systems may engage until the spare tire is
recognized by the vehicle, especially on
slippery roads. Adjust driving to reduce
possible wheel slip.
Caution
When the compact spare is installed, do
not take the vehicle through an
automatic car wash with guide rails. The
compact spare can get caught on the rails
which can damage the tire, wheel, and
other parts of the vehicle.
Do not use the compact spare on other
vehicles.
Do not mix the compact spare tire or wheel
with other wheels or tires. They will not fit.
Keep the spare tire and its wheel together.
Caution
Tire chains will not fit the compact spare.
Using them can damage the vehicle and
the chains. Do not use tire chains on the
compact spare.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16540728) - 2023 - crc - 6/16/22
304 Vehicle Care
Install the tow eye into the socket and turn
it until it is fully tightened.
When the tow eye is removed, reinstall the
cover with the notch in the original position.
To tow the vehicle behind another vehicle
for recreational purposes, such as behind a
motor home, seeRecreational Vehicle
Towing 0304.
Recreational Vehicle Towing
Recreational vehicle towing means towing
the vehicle behind another vehicle, such as
behind a motor home. The two most
common types of recreational vehicle
towing are known as dinghy towing and
dolly towing. Dinghy towing is towing the
vehicle with all four wheels on the ground.
Dolly towing is towing the vehicle with two
wheels on the ground and two wheels up
on a device known as a dolly.
Here are some important things to consider
before recreational vehicle towing:
.Become familiar with the local laws that
apply to recreational vehicle towing.
These laws may vary by region.
.Be sure you know the towing capacity of
the towing vehicle. Read the tow vehicle
manufacturer's recommendations.
.Know how far the vehicle will be towed.
Some vehicles have restrictions on how
far and how long they can tow.
.Get the proper towing equipment. See
your dealer or trailering professional for
additional advice and equipment
recommendations.
.If the vehicle is ready to be towed, just
as preparing the vehicle for a long trip,
ensure the vehicle is prepared to be
towed.
Dinghy Towing
All vehicles may be dinghy towed from the
front. These vehicles can also be towed by
placing them on a platform trailer with all
four wheels off of the ground. All other
engine/transmission combinations must be
towed by platform trailer. Also see the
information on dolly towing later in this
section.
For vehicles being dinghy towed, the vehicle
should be run at the beginning of each day
and at each RV fuel stop for about
five minutes. This will ensure proper
lubrication of transmission components.To tow the vehicle from the front with all
four wheels on the ground:
1. Position the vehicle to be towed and secure it to the towing vehicle.
2. Start the vehicle.
3. If equipped with AWD, engage the AWD system and confirm that it is on. See
All-Wheel Drive 0201.
4. Move the shift lever to N (Neutral).
5. Then, put the vehicle into accessory mode by pressing ENGINE START/STOP
one time without the brake pedal
applied. An amber light will appear in
the button when in accessory mode. See
Ignition Positions 0190.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16540728) - 2023 - crc - 6/16/22
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-
16540728) - 2023 - crc - 6/16/22
306 Vehicle Care
For AWD vehicles only, a lubrication cycle is
recommended after 2 700 km (1,700 miles) of
recreational dolly towing. Drive the vehicle
in AWD up to 25 mph for a minimum of
30 seconds to distribute lubrication
throughout the rear drive module and
protect the system for additional dolly
towing.
Towing the Vehicle from the Rear
Caution
Towing the vehicle from the rear could
damage it. Also, repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Never
have the vehicle towed from the rear.
Appearance Care
Exterior Care
Locks
Locks are lubricated at the factory. Use a
de-icing agent only when absolutely
necessary, and have the locks greased after
using. SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0320.
Washing the Vehicle
To preserve the vehicle's finish, wash it
often and out of direct sunlight.
Caution
Do not use petroleum-based, acidic,
or abrasive cleaning agents as they can
damage the vehicle's paint, metal,
or plastic parts. If damage occurs, it
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Approved cleaning products can
be obtained from your dealer. Follow all
manufacturer directions regarding correct
product usage, necessary safety
precautions, and appropriate disposal of
any vehicle care product.
Caution
Avoid using high-pressure washes closer
than 30 cm (12 in) to the surface of the
vehicle. Use of power washers exceeding
8 274 kPa (1,200 psi) can result in
damage or removal of paint and decals.
If using an automatic car wash, follow the
car wash instructions. The windshield wiper
and rear window wiper, if equipped, must

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