drive mode CHEVROLET EQUINOX 2023 Owners Manual

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16540728) - 2023 - crc - 6/16/22
2 Introduction
Introduction
The names, logos, emblems, slogans, vehicle
model names, and vehicle body designs
appearing in this manual including, but not
limited to, GM, the GM logo, CHEVROLET,
the CHEVROLET Emblem, and EQUINOX are
trademarks and/or service marks of General
Motors LLC, its subsidiaries, affiliates,
or licensors.
For vehicles first sold in Canada, substitute
the name“General Motors of Canada
Company” for Chevrolet Motor Division
wherever it appears in this manual.
This manual describes features that may or
may not be on the vehicle because of
optional equipment that was not purchased
on the vehicle, model variants, country
specifications, features/applications that may
not be available in your region, or changes
subsequent to the printing of this owner’s
manual, including changes in standard or
optional content. Refer to the purchase documentation
relating to your specific vehicle to confirm
the features.
Keep this manual in the vehicle for quick
reference.
Canadian Vehicle Owners
A French language manual can be obtained
from your dealer, at www.helminc.com,
or from:
Propriétaires Canadiens
On peut obtenir un exemplaire de ce guide
en français auprès du concessionnaire ou à
l'adresse suivante:
Helm, Incorporated
Attention: Customer Service
47911 Halyard Drive
Plymouth, MI 48170
USA
Using this Manual
To quickly locate information about the
vehicle, use the Index in the back of the
manual. It is an alphabetical list of what is
in the manual and the page number where
it can be found.
About Driving the Vehicle
As with other vehicles of this type, failure to
operate this vehicle correctly may result in
loss of control or a crash. Be sure to read
the driving guidelines in this manual in the
section called
“Driving and Operating” and
specifically Driver Behavior 0177, Driving
Environment 0177, and Vehicle Design 0177.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16540728) - 2023 - crc - 6/16/22
6 Introduction
1.Air Vents 0173.
2. Turn Signal Lever. See Turn and
Lane-Change Signals 0117.
IntelliBeam System Button (If Equipped).
See Exterior Lamp Controls 0114.
3. Instrument Cluster (Base and Midlevel)
087 or
Instrument Cluster (Uplevel) 090.
Driver Information Center (DIC) Display.
See Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base
and Midlevel) 0103 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
0 107.
4. Windshield Wiper/Washer 080.
5. Infotainment Controls. See Overview
0 122.
6. Light Sensor. See Automatic Headlamp
System 0116.
7. Hazard Warning Flashers 0117.
Auto Stop Disable Switch. See Stop/Start
System 0192.
8. Climate Control Systems 0169 (If
Equipped).
Dual Automatic Climate Control System
0 171 (If Equipped).
9. Heated and Ventilated Front Seats 037
(If Equipped). 10.
Power Outlets 082.
11. Wireless Charging 084 (If Equipped).
12. USB Port 0130.
13. All-Wheel Drive 0201 (If Equipped).
Tow/Haul Mode 0200.
Park Assist 0223 (If Equipped).
Automatic Parking Assist (APA) 0224 (If
Equipped).
14. Electric Parking Brake 0202.
15. Shift Lever. See Automatic Transmission
0 198.
Manual Mode 0200.
16. ENGINE START/STOP Button. See Ignition
Positions 0190.
17. Steering Wheel Controls 0123.
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control 0204.
18. Horn 080.
19. Steering Wheel Adjustment 080 (Out
of View).
20. Cruise Control 0207.
Adaptive Cruise Control (Camera) 0209
(If Equipped).
Heated Steering Wheel 080 (If
Equipped). Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System
0
227 (If Equipped).
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) 0233 (If
Equipped).
21. Hood Release. See Hood0249.
22. Fog Lamps 0117 (If Equipped).
23. Exterior Lamp Controls 0114.
24. Data Link Connector (DLC) (Out of View). SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp (Check
Engine Light) 096.
25. Instrument Panel Illumination Control
0118.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16540728) - 2023 - crc - 6/16/22
Keys, Doors, and Windows 11
To view available settings from the
infotainment screen, touch Settings >
Vehicle > Remote Lock, Unlock, Start.
Keyless Liftgate Opening
When the doors are locked, press the touch
pad on the liftgate handle to open the
liftgate if the remote key is within
1 m (3 ft).
Key Access
To access a vehicle with a dead remote key
battery, seeDoor Locks015.
Programming Remote Keys to the
Vehicle
Only remote keys programmed to the
vehicle will work. If a remote key is lost or
stolen, a replacement can be purchased and
programmed through your dealer. The
vehicle can be reprogrammed so that lost or
stolen remote keys no longer work. Each
vehicle can have up to eight remote keys
matched to it.
Programming with Recognized Remote Keys
A new remote key can be programmed to
the vehicle when there are two recognized
remote keys. To program, the vehicle must be off and all
of the remote keys, both currently
recognized and new, must be with you.
1. Remove the key from the remote key.
2. Remove the key lock cylinder cap on the driver door handle. See Door Locks015.
Place the two recognized remote keys in
the cupholder.
3. Insert the vehicle key of the remote key into the key lock cylinder on the driver
door handle and turn the key,
counterclockwise, to the unlock position
five times within 10 seconds.
The DIC displays READY FOR REMOTE #3,
4, 5, ETC.
4. Place the new remote key into thecupholder.
5. Press ENGINE START/STOP. When the remote key is learned the DIC display
will show that it is ready to program the
next remote key.
6. Remove the remote key from the cupholder and press
KorQon the
remote key.
To program additional remote keys,
repeat Steps 3–5.
When all additional remote keys are
programmed, press and hold ENGINE
START/STOP for 12 seconds to exit
programming mode.
7. Put the key back into the remote key.
8. Replace the key lock cylinder cap. See Door Locks 015.
Programming without Recognized
Remote Keys
If two currently recognized remote keys are
not available, follow this procedure to
program up to eight remote keys. This
feature is not available in Canada. This
procedure will take approximately

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16540728) - 2023 - crc - 6/16/22
12 Keys, Doors, and Windows
30 minutes to complete. The vehicle must
be off and all of the remote keys you wish
to program must be with you.1. Remove the key from the remote key.
2. Remove the key lock cylinder cap on the driver door handle. See Door Locks015.
Insert the vehicle key of the remote key
into the key lock cylinder on the driver
door handle and turn the key,
counterclockwise, to the unlock position
five times within 10 seconds.
The DIC displays REMOTE LEARN
PENDING, PLEASE WAIT.
3. Wait for 10 minutes until the DIC displays PRESS ENGINE START BUTTON TO
LEARN and then press ENGINE
START/STOP.
The DIC display will again show REMOTE
LEARN PENDING, PLEASE WAIT.
4. Repeat Step 2 two additional times. After the third time all previously known
remote keys will no longer work with
the vehicle. Remaining remote keys can
be relearned during the next steps.
The DIC display should now show READY
FOR REMOTE # 1.
5. Place the new remote key into thecupholder.
6. Press ENGINE START/STOP. When the remote key is learned the DIC display
will show that it is ready to program the
next remote key.
7. Remove the remote key from the cupholder and press
KorQon the
remote key.
To program additional remote keys,
repeat Steps 4–6.
When all additional remote keys are
programmed, press and hold ENGINE
START/STOP for 12 seconds to exit
programming mode.
8. Put the key back into the remote key. 9. Replace the key lock cylinder cap. See
Door Locks 015.
Starting the Vehicle with a Low Remote
Key Battery
When the vehicle is started, if the remote
key battery is weak, the DIC may display
NO REMOTE DETECTED or NO REMOTE KEY
WAS DETECTED PLACE KEY IN TRANSMITTER
POCKET THEN START YOUR VEHICLE. The DIC
may also display REPLACE BATTERY IN
REMOTE KEY.
To start the vehicle:
1. Place the remote key in the cupholder.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16540728) - 2023 - crc - 6/16/22
18 Keys, Doors, and Windows
To unlock the doors:
.PressKon the power door lock switch.
.Shift into P (Park).
Automatic door locking cannot be disabled.
Automatic door unlocking can be
programmed. To view available settings
from the infotainment screen, touch Settings
> Vehicle > Power Door Locks.
Lockout Protection
If the ignition is on or in accessory mode
and the power door lock switch is pressed
with the driver door open, all the doors will
lock and only the driver door will unlock.
If the vehicle is off and locking is requested
while a door is open, when all doors are
closed the vehicle will check for remote keys
inside. If an remote key is detected and the
number of remote keys inside has not
reduced, the driver door will unlock and the
horn will chirp three times.
Lockout Protection can be manually
overridden by pressing and holding
Qon
the power door lock switch. This does not
apply to Open Door Anti-Lockout. Open Door Anti-Lockout
If Open Door Anti-Lockout is turned on, the
driver door is open, and locking is requested,
all the doors will lock and only the driver
door will unlock. The Open Door
Anti-Lockout feature can be turned on or off.
To view available settings from the
infotainment screen, touch Settings >
Vehicle > Power Door Locks.
Safety Locks
The rear door safety locks prevent
passengers from opening the rear doors
from inside the vehicle.
Manual Safety Locks
The safety lock is on the inside edge of the
rear doors. To use the safety lock:
1. Move the lever forward to the lock position.
2. Close the door.
3. Do the same for the other rear door.
To open a rear door when the safety lock
is on: 1. Unlock the door by activating the inside handle, by pressing the power door lock
switch, or by using the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter.
2. Open the door from the outside.
When the safety lock is enabled, adults and
older children will not be able to open the
rear door from the inside. Cancel the safety
locks to enable the doors to open from the
inside.
To cancel the safety lock: 1. Unlock the door and open it from the outside.
2. Move the lever rearward to unlock. Do the same for the other door.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16540728) - 2023 - crc - 6/16/22
20 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Power Liftgate Operation
{Warning
You or others could be injured if caught
in the path of the power liftgate. Make
sure there is no one in the way of the
liftgate as it is opening and closing.
Caution
Driving with an open and unsecured
liftgate may result in damage to the
power liftgate components.
The power liftgate switch is on the driver
door. The vehicle must be in P (Park). The
taillamps flash when the power liftgate
moves.
The modes are:
.MAX: Opens to maximum height.
.3/4: Opens to a reduced height that can
be set from 3/4 to fully open. Use to
prevent the liftgate from opening into
overhead obstructions such as a garage
door or roof-mounted cargo. The liftgate
can be manually opened all the way.
.OFF: Opens manually only.
To open or close the power liftgate, select
MAX or 3/4 mode.
.Pressbtwice quickly on the remote
key until the liftgate moves.
.Press8on the driver door. The driver
door must unlocked.
.Press the touch pad under the liftgate
handle after unlocking all doors. A locked
vehicle can be opened if the remote key
is within 1 m (3 ft) of the liftgate.
Presslon the bottom of the liftgate
next to the pull cup to close.
Press any liftgate button, the touch pad,
or
bon the remote key while the liftgate
is moving to stop it. Pressing any liftgate
button or pressing
btwice quickly on the
remote key again restarts the operation in
the reverse direction. Pressing the touch pad
on the liftgate handle will restart the
motion, but only in the opening direction.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16540728) - 2023 - crc - 6/16/22
Keys, Doors, and Windows 21
Caution
Manually forcing the liftgate to open or
close during a power cycle can damage
the vehicle. Allow the power cycle to
complete.
The power liftgate may be temporarily
disabled under extreme low temperatures,
or after repeated power cycling over a short
period of time. If this occurs, the liftgate can
still be operated manually.
If the vehicle is shifted out of P (Park) while
the power function is in progress, the
liftgate will continue to completion. If the
vehicle is accelerated before the liftgate has
completed moving, the liftgate may stop or
reverse direction. Check for Driver
Information Center (DIC) messages and make
sure the liftgate is closed and latched before
driving.
Falling Liftgate Detection
If the power liftgate automatically closes
after a power opening cycle, it indicates that
the system is reacting to excess weight on
the liftgate or a possible support strut
failure. A repetitive chime will sound while
the falling liftgate detection feature is
operating. Remove any excess weight. If the liftgate continues to automatically close
after opening, see your dealer for service
before using the power liftgate.
Interfering with the power liftgate motion
or manually closing the liftgate too quickly
after power opening may resemble a
support strut failure. This could also activate
the falling liftgate detection feature. Allow
the liftgate to complete its operation and
wait a few seconds before manually closing
the liftgate.
Obstacle Detection Features
If the liftgate encounters an obstacle during
a power open or close cycle, the liftgate will
automatically reverse direction and move a
short distance away from the obstacle. After
removing the obstruction, the power liftgate
operation can be used again. If the liftgate
encounters multiple obstacles on the same
power cycle, the power function will
deactivate. After removing the obstructions,
manually close the liftgate, This will allow
normal power operation functions to
resume.
If the vehicle is locked while the liftgate is
closing, and an obstacle is encountered that
prevents the liftgate from completely
closing, the horn will sound as an alert that
the liftgate did not close.
Setting the 3/4 Mode
To change the position the liftgate stops at
when opening:
1. Select MAX or 3/4 mode and power open the liftgate.
2. Stop the liftgate movement at the desired height by pressing any liftgate
button. Manually adjust the liftgate
position if needed.
3. Press and hold
lnext to the pull cup
on the outside of the liftgate until the
turn signals flash and a beep sounds.
This indicates the setting has been
recorded.
The liftgate cannot be set below a minimum
programmable height. If there is no light
flash or sound, then the height adjustment
may be too low.
Manual Operation
Select OFF to manually operate the liftgate.
See “Manual Liftgate” at the beginning of
this section.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16540728) - 2023 - crc - 6/16/22
Seats and Restraints 35
section. The memory recalls may be
canceled at any time during the recall. See
“Cancel Memory Seating Recalls”later in this
section.
Identifying Driver Number
The vehicle identifies the current driver by
their remote key number 1–8. The current
remote key number may be identified by
Driver Information Center (DIC) welcome
message, “You are driver x for memory
recalls.” This message is displayed the first
few times the vehicle is turned on when a
different remote key is used. For Seat Entry
Memory to work properly, save positions to
the 1 or 2 memory button matching the
driver number of this welcome message. To
aid in identifying remote key IDs, it is
recommended to only carry one remote key
when entering the vehicle. Perform the
following if the welcome message is not
displayed:
1. Move all keys and remote keys away from the vehicle.
2. Start the vehicle with another remote key. A DIC welcome message should
display indicating the driver number of
the other remote key. Turn the vehicle
off and remove the other key or remote
key from the vehicle. 3. Start the vehicle with the initial key or
remote key. The DIC welcome message
should display the driver number of the
initial remote key.
Saving Seating Positions
Read these instructions completely before
saving memory positions.
To save preferred driving positions to
1 and 2: 1. Turn the vehicle on or to accessory mode. A DIC welcome message may
indicate the driver number of the current
remote key. See “Identifying Driver
Number” previously in this section.
2. Adjust all available memory features to the desired driving position.
3. Press and release SET; a beep will sound.
4. Immediately upon releasing SET, press and hold memory button 1 or 2 matching
the current Driver’s remote key number
until two beeps sound. If too much time
passes between releasing SET and
pressing 1 or 2, the two beeps will not
sound indicating memory position were
not saved. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 to try
again. 5. Repeat Steps 1–4 for the other remote
key 1 or 2 using the other 1 or 2 memory
button.
It is recommended to save the preferred
driving positions to both 1 and 2 if you are
the only driver.
To save the common exit seating position to
Bthat is used by all drivers for Manually
Recalling Seating Positions and Auto Seat
Exit Memory Recall features, repeat Steps 1–
4 using
B, the exit button.
Manually Recalling Seating Positions
Press and hold 1, 2, or
Bbutton until the
recall is complete, to recall the positions
previously saved to that button.
Manual Memory recall movement for 1, 2 or
Bbuttons may be initiated and will
complete to the saved memory position if
the vehicle is in or out of P (Park).
Enabling Automatic Recalls
.Seat Entry Memory moves the driver seat
to the selected 1 or 2 position when the
vehicle is started. Select Settings > Vehicle
> Seating Position > Seat Entry Memory >
ON or OFF. See “Auto Seat Entry Memory
Recall” later in this section.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16540728) - 2023 - crc - 6/16/22
42 Seats and Restraints
displays in the Driver Information
Center (DIC) and the vehicle will be delayed
from shifting out of P (Park). Buckle the
driver seat belt to clear the message and
shift out of P (Park). Shifting from P (Park)
will be delayed once for each time the
vehicle is started.
For some fleet vehicles, shifting out of
P (Park) will be delayed each time the driver
attempts to do so while the driver seat belt
is not buckled, whether Teen Driver is ON or
OFF. Turning the vehicle off then on will not
change this condition.
On some models, Buckle to Drive may also
delay shifting out of P (Park) if a front
passenger is unbuckled under similar
conditions. A message displays in the DIC.
Buckle the front passenger seat belt to shift
out of P (Park). This feature may delay the
vehicle from shifting out of P (Park) if an
object, such as a briefcase, handbag, grocery
bag, laptop, or other electronic device, is on
the front passenger seat. If this happens,
remove the object from the seat or buckle
the seat belt to shift out of P (Park).
If the driver, or on some vehicles, the
present front passenger seat belt remains
unbuckled, the DIC message will turn off
after several seconds and the vehicle can beshifted out of P (Park). See
“Seat Belts”and
“Child Restraints” in the Index for
information about the importance of proper
restraint use.
If the driver seat belt or the front passenger
seat belt is unbuckled when driving, the seat
belt reminder chime and light(s) will come
on. See Seat Belt Reminders 094. This
feature may not function properly if the
airbag readiness light is on. See Airbag
Readiness Light 094.
How to Wear Seat Belts Properly
Follow these rules for everyone's protection.
There are additional things to know about
seat belts and children, including smaller
children and infants. If a child will be riding
in the vehicle, see Older Children058 or
Infants and Young Children 059. Review
and follow the rules for children in addition
to the following rules.
It is very important for all occupants to
buckle up. Statistics show that unbelted
people are hurt more often in crashes than
those who are wearing seat belts.
There are important things to know about
wearing a seat belt properly.
.Sit up straight and always keep your feet
on the floor in front of you (if possible).
.Wear the lap part of the belt low and
snug on the hips, just touching the
thighs. In a crash, this applies force to the
strong pelvic bones and you would be
less likely to slide under the lap belt.
If you slid under it, the belt would apply
force on your abdomen. This could cause
serious or even fatal injuries.
.Wear the shoulder belt over the shoulder
and across the chest. These parts of the
body are best able to take belt
restraining forces. The shoulder belt locks
if there is a sudden stop or crash.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Seats and Restraints 51
Frontal airbags are designed to inflate in
moderate to severe frontal crashes to help
reduce the potential for severe injuries,
mainly to the driver's or front outboard
passenger's head and chest.
Whether the frontal airbags will or should
inflate is not based primarily on how fast
the vehicle is traveling. It depends on what
is hit, the direction of the impact, and how
quickly the vehicle slows down.
Frontal airbags may inflate at different crash
speeds depending on whether the vehicle
hits an object straight on or at an angle,
and whether the object is fixed or moving,
rigid or deformable, narrow or wide.
Frontal airbags are not intended to inflate
during vehicle rollovers, rear impacts,
or many side impacts.
In addition, the vehicle has advanced
technology frontal airbags. Advanced
technology frontal airbags adjust the
restraint according to crash severity.
Seat-mounted side impact airbags are
designed to inflate in moderate to severe
side crashes depending on the location of
the impact. These airbags may also inflate
in some moderate to severe frontal impacts.
Seat-mounted side impact airbags are notdesigned to inflate in rollovers 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 may 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 may
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, see
Where Are the
Airbags? 049.
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 50.