Chevrolet 2011 Equinox User manual

Review this Quick Reference Guide for an overview of some important features in your Chevrolet Equinox.
More detailed information can be found in your Owner Manual. Some optional equipment described in this
guide may not be included in your vehicle. For easy reference, keep this guide with your Owner Manual in
your glove box.
www.chevrolet.com
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Remote Keyless Entry
Transmitter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . .4
Power Door Locks/Door Opening 4
Rear Door Safety Locks . . . . . . .4
Seat Adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Tilt/Telescopic Steering Wheel . .5
Exterior/Interior Lighting . . . . . . .6
Power Programmable Liftgate . . .6
Wipers and Washers . . . . . . . . . .7
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Audio System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
DVD Entertainment System . . .10
Audio Steering Wheel Controls .10
Bluetooth System . . . . . . . . . . .10
Navigation Entertainment
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Passenger Presence System . .11
Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Driver Information Center . . . . .12
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Automatic Transmission
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
StabiliTrak/Traction
Control Systems . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Roof Rack Cross Rails . . . . . . .15
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . .15
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . .15
Roadside Assistance . . . . . . . . .16
Chevrolet Owner Center . . . . . .16
This
Important
Information To Be
REMOVED
AND READ
BY THE
CUSTOMER

2
Turn Signal Lever/
Exterior Lamp Control
Instrument
Cluster
Tilt/Telescopic
Steering Wheel Lever
Windshield
Wipers Lever
Instrument Panel
Illumination Control
Cruise Control
Buttons
Instrument Panel
Safety Belt
Reminder
Check Engine
Low Tire Pressure
Brake System
Warning
Antilock Brake
System Warning
Charging System
Oil Pressure
Airbag Readiness
Security
Fog Lamps
Cruise Control On/Set
Traction Control Off
StabiliTrak/Traction
Control Off
StabiliTrak/Traction
Control Warning
Lights On
Audio Steering
Wheel Controls✦
Symbols
Express-Down
Power Windows (All)

3
Note: Refer to your Owner Manual to learn about the information being relayed by the lights, gauges
and indicators of the instrument cluster, as well as what to do to ensure safety and prevent damage.
See Instruments and Controls in your Owner Manual.
Audio System/
Navigation
System✦
POWER
DOOR LOCKS
BUTTON
StabiliTrak
Button
Center Vent
Open/Close
Control
Accessory
Power
Outlet
Rear Door
Safety Locks
Button
Hazard
Warning
Flashers Button
Driver
Information
Center Controls
✦denotes optional equipment
Climate Controls/
Heated Seat
Buttons✦
Center Vent
Open/Close
Control

4
Remote Keyless Entry Transmitter
Remote Vehicle Start (optional)
During a remote start, the vehicle’s manual climate control system will operate at the same
setting as when the vehicle was last turned off, or the automatic climate control system will
default to a heating or cooling mode depending on outside temperature.
Starting the Vehicle
1. Aim the Remote Keyless Entry transmitter at the vehicle. (Transmitter range depends
on operating conditions.)
2. Press and release the Lock button on the transmitter.
3. Immediately press and hold the Remote Start button for at least two seconds.
When the vehicle starts, the parking lamps will light and remain on while the engine is
running. The engine will continue running for 10 minutes.
4. Repeat these steps for a 10-minute time extension. Remote start can be extended once.
Before driving, insert the key in the ignition and turn it to the On position.
See Keys, Doors and Windows in your Owner Manual.
Vehicle Locator/Panic Alarm
Press and release to locate your vehicle.
The turn signal lamps will flash and the
horn will sound.
Press and hold to activate the alarm. The
turn signal lamps will flash and the horn
will sound until the button is pressed again
or the ignition is turned on.
Remote Vehicle Start
Use to start the engine from outside the
vehicle. See below for more information.
See Keys, Doors and Windows in your Owner Manual.
Power Door Locks/Door Opening
• Press the power door Unlock/ Lock buttons located just below the radio
controls on the center of the instrument panel to unlock or lock all doors. When
using this Lock button, use care to avoid engaging the adjacent Hazard/Flasher button.
• Pull the inside door handle to unlock a door; pull the handle again to open the door.
See Keys, Doors and Windows in your Owner Manual.
Unlock
Press to unlock the driver’s door. Press
again to unlock all doors and the liftgate.
Lock
Press to lock all doors and the liftgate.
The driver’s door will not lock if open.
TIP: The unlock and lock settings can be
changed in the Vehicle Settings menu by using
the audio system controls.
Liftgate
Press to open/stop/close the power liftgate
(optional).
Rear Door Safety Locks
• Press the rear door Safety Locks button located on the center of the instrument panel
to prevent the rear doors from opening from the inside. Press again for normal operation.
See Keys, Doors and Windows in your Owner Manual.

ABC
5
Seat Adjustments
A. Seat Fore/Aft Adjustment
Lift the handle under the front of the
seat to manually slide the seat forward
or rearward.
B. Seat Height Adjustment
Press the vertical control to raise or
lower the seat.
C. Lumbar Adjustment
Press the horizontal control to adjust
the amount of lumbar support.
D. Seatback Recline Adjustment
Lift the lever to manually recline or
raise the seatback.
Tilt/Telescopic Steering Wheel
• With the vehicle in Park, push down the lever on the left side of the steering column to
adjust the steering wheel. The steering wheel can then be moved up or down and in or
out. After adjustment, pull up the lever to lock the steering wheel in place.
See Instruments and Controls in your Owner Manual.
Manual Driver’s Seat
Power Driver’s Seat (optional)
Rear Seat
A. Seat Adjustment
Move the front horizontal control to
move the seat forward or rearward and
to raise, lower or tilt the seat.
B. Seatback Recline Adjustment
Move the vertical control to recline or
raise the seatback.
C. Lumbar Adjustment
Press the rear horizontal control to
adjust the amount of lumbar support.
A. Seat Fore/Aft Adjustment
Lift the bar under the front of the seat
to manually slide the seat forward or
rearward.
B. Folding/Reclining Seatback
Lift the lever on top of each seatback to
fold down the seatback.
Lift and hold the lever to adjust the seat-
back to any of three recline positions.
See Seats and Restraints in your Owner Manual.
ABC
A B
D

6
Exterior/Interior Lighting
Automatic Headlamp System Headlamps
Manual operation of the headlamps.
Parking Lamps
Manual operation of the parking lamps.
AUTO Automatic Headlamp System
Activates the Daytime Running Lamps
(DRLs) in the daytime and the headlamps
and other exterior lamps at night or when
necessary.
Off/On
Fog Lamps (optional)
Rotate the inner band to turn the fog
lamps on or off.
Rotate the outer band to operate the
exterior lamps.
TIP: Push the lever to turn on the high beam
headlamps; pull the lever to return to low beam
operation. Pull the lever to activate the flash-to-
pass feature.
Instrument Panel Lighting
The control knob is located on the left side
of the instrument panel.
Instrument Panel Brightness
Turn the knob to increase or decrease
the instrument panel lighting.
Dome Lamp
The dome lamp buttons are located on the
overhead console.
Dome Lamp Override/Off
Door Open (Default position)
On
See Lighting in your Owner Manual.
Power Programmable Liftgate (optional)
Programming the Liftgate Height
1. Turn the power liftgate switch to the
3/4 mode position.
2. Open the liftgate by pressing the RKE
transmitter liftgate button or the touch-
pad on the center of the liftgate.
3. Stop the liftgate at the desired height
by pressing any liftgate button. Adjust
manually to the desired height if
necessary.
4. To save the setting, press and hold the
touchpad next to the liftgate latch for
three seconds. The taillamps will flash
when the setting is saved.
See Keys, Doors and Windows in your Owner Manual.
MAX
Fully open the liftgate.
3/4
Open the liftgate to the programmed height.
OFF
Operate the liftgate manually.
Note: The second-row dome lamps also can be
turned on/off using the buttons by the lamps.

7
Wipers and Washers
Windshield Wipers and Washer 2 High Continuous Speed
1 Low Continuous Speed
Intermittent
Rotate the band to adjust the delay
between wipes.
Off
Mist
Washer Fluid
Pull the lever toward you to spray washer
fluid on the windshield.
Rear Wiper and Washer
Press the rear wiper switch on the end of
the wipers lever to operate the rear wiper.
Cruise Control
Adjusting Cruise Control
RES+ Resume/Accelerate
Rotate the switch up to resume a
set speed.
When the system is active, rotate the
switch up to increase speed.
SET– Set/Coast
When the system is active, rotate the
switch down to decrease speed.
Cancel
Press to cancel the cruise control
but retain the set speed in memory.
The cruise control set speed is erased
when cruise control or the vehicle ignition
is turned off.
See Driving and Operating in your Owner Manual.
A. Low Continuous Speed
B. Off
C. Delay
Washer Fluid
Push the lever away from you to spray
washer fluid on the rear window.
See Instruments and Controls in your Owner Manual.
AB
C
Setting Cruise Control
1. Press the On/Off button. The
Cruise Control symbol will illuminate in
white in the instrument cluster.
2. When traveling at the desired speed,
rotate the SET– switch down to set the
speed. The Cruise Control symbol
will illuminate in green in the instrument
cluster.
Move the lever to operate the
windshield wipers.

8
Audio System
Audio system with CD shown
POWER/
VOLUME
TONE:
Open the
Tone menu
CONFIG:
Open the
Settings
menu
AUX:
Play a
portable
audio device
RADIO/BAND
(FM, AM,
XM✦)
FAV:
Display pages
of favorite
radio stations
MENU/SELECT:
Tune radio
stations and
open/select
menus
SEEK:
Previous or
Next radio
station
INFO:
Display
available
song
information
EJECT
DISC
CD:
Play a
CD
PHONE/MUTE:
Open the Phone
menu and mute
speakers
BACK:
Move
back one
level in
the
menus
CLOCK:
Open the
Time/Date
menu
See Infotainment System in your Owner Manual.
✦denotes optional equipment
PLAY/
PAUSE

9
Audio System
Note: Avoid extended searching for specific items or configuring system settings while driving.
Setting the Time
1. Turn on the radio.
2. Press the Clock button.
3. Turn the MENU/SELECT knob to highlight the desired time or date item; press the
knob to select it.
4. Turn the MENU/SELECT knob to change the value; press the knob to confirm the
set value.
5. Press the BACK button to exit each menu.
Storing Favorite Stations
Radio stations from all bands (AM, FM or XM) can be stored in any order on up to six
pages of favorites.
1. Tune in the desired radio station.
2. Press the FAV button to display the page where the station is to be stored.
3. Press and hold one of the six numeric pushbuttons until a beep sounds.
4. Repeat the steps for each pushbutton on each page.
Portable Audio Devices
A 3.5mm auxiliary input jack, a 12V accessory power outlet,
and a USB port (optional) are located in the center console.
A portable audio device connected to the auxiliary input jack
can be controlled only by using the portable device controls.
To optimize speaker volume, fully increase the volume level
of the portable device.
Compatible devices connected to the USB port can be
controlled by the audio system. Use the MENU/SELECT
radio knob and the audio steering wheel controls to access
various functions. NOT ALL DEVICES ARE SUPPORTED.
SEE YOUR DEALER FOR MORE DETAILS.
Mass Storage Media (MEM) or Hard Drive Device (HDD)
(with optional Navigation or Rear Seat Entertainment system)
The MEM or HDD player can time shift live audio from AM, FM and XM stations. MEM or
HDD storage also is able to record music from CDs, MP3s and USB storage devices.
Note: MEM or HDD storage is unable to record music from Apple®iPod®files.
Active Noise Cancellation (4-cylinder models only)
The Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) system monitors and effectively cancels out poten-
tially undesirable vehicle noises at certain vehicle speeds. For optimal ANC performance,
do not block the rear speaker located on the right side of the cargo area.
See Infotainment System in your Owner Manual.

Audio Steering Wheel Controls (optional)
Next/Previous
Rotate up or down to go to the next or
previous favorite radio station, CD track
or MP3 file.
Push to Talk
Press to interact with the OnStar or
Bluetooth system.
End Call/Mute
Press to end or reject an OnStar or
Bluetooth call.
Press and hold to mute the vehicle
speakers.
See Infotainment System in your Owner Manual.
10
DVD Entertainment System (optional)
Play a DVD Video
1. Press the release buttons on the seatback consoles to raise the screens.
2. Insert a DVD into the audio system.
3. Press the MEM/CD/AUX button to select the DVD source. Sound will play through the
vehicle speakers.
4. To use the wireless headphones, press the On/Off button on the headphones,
select Channel 1, and adjust volume using the headphone volume control.
5. To control DVD playback, use the audio controls or the remote control. Aim the remote
control at the driver-side seatback console for proper operation.
Changing the Source on the Video Screens
Continually press the AUX button on the remote control to play a DVD or an auxilary
device such as a video game on both screens, or a different source on each screen.
TIP: The DVD also will play on the navigation screen (optional) when the vehicle is in Park.
See Infotainment System in your Owner Manual.
+ –Volume
Press + or – to increase or decrease
the volume.
SRC Source
Press to select an audio source.
Bluetooth®System (optional)
The in-vehicle Bluetooth system allows users with a Bluetooth-enabled cell phone to make
and receive hands-free calls using the vehicle’s audio system, microphone and controls.
The Bluetooth-enabled cell phone must be paired with the in-vehicle Bluetooth system
before it can be used in the vehicle. Not all phones will support all functions.
Visit www.gm.com/bluetooth for pairing instructions and to determine if your phone
is compatible with the Bluetooth system in your vehicle.
See Infotainment System in your Owner Manual.

11
Passenger Presence System
The passenger’s frontal airbag On indicator located on the overhead console may illuminate
if an object, such as a handbag, briefcase, notebook computer or other electronic device,
is on the unoccupied front seat. If this is not desired, remove the object from the seat.
See Seats and Restraints in your Owner Manual.
Parking Brake
• To set the parking brake, hold down the regular brake pedal; then push down the
parking brake pedal.
• To release the parking brake, hold down the regular brake pedal; then push down the
parking brake pedal until you feel the pedal release.
See Driving and Operating in your Owner Manual.
Navigation Entertainment System (optional)
A. NAV Navigation
Press to view the vehicle’s current
position on the map screen.
B. DEST Destination
Press to access the Route screen to
enter a destination.
C. RPT Navigation Repeat
Press to repeat the last voice guidance
prompt.
OnStar Turn-by-Turn
• With a current OnStar Turn-by-Turn subscription, press the OnStar button, provide
the desired destination, and the information will be entered into the navigation system
automatically.
Entering a Destination
1. With the vehicle in Park, press the DEST hard key.
2. The Select Destination screen displays several route options. If you know the specific
address, touch the Address Entry screen button.
3. Ensure the correct state is selected. Touch the Street screen button and enter the
street name; then select the desired name from the generated list.
4. Enter the house number. Touch the OK screen button.
5. If there is more than one city, select the desired city from the list.
6. If the displayed address is correct, touch the Go screen button.
7. Select the route preference and touch the Start Guidance screen button.
To plan a route using another method, select one of the other options from the Select
Destination screen.
See your Navigation System Owner Manual.
AB C

12
Driver Information Center
A. MENU
Press to display the:
–Vehicle Information menu (units,
tire pressures, remaining oil life).
–Trip/Fuel menu (trip odometers,
fuel range, average fuel economy,
instantaneous fuel economy, aver-
age vehicle speed, timer, digital
speedometer, OnStar Turn-by-Turn
guidance).
B.
Press the up or down button to scroll
through the items of each menu.
C. SET/CLR
Press to set or clear the displayed
menu item or warning message. Some
urgent messages cannot be cleared
from the DIC display.
The Driver Information Center (DIC) on the instrument cluster displays a variety of vehicle
system information and warning messages.
TIP: To display an easy-to-read digital speedometer, open the Trip/Fuel menu and scroll to tab 8.
DIC Controls
AB C
Use the controls on the audio system to
change the settings.
1. Press the CONFIG button (A) to enter
the System Configuration menu.
2. Turn the MENU/SELECT knob (B) to
highlight the Vehicle Settings menu;
press the knob to select it.
3. Turn the MENU/SELECT knob to
highlight desired menu item; press the
knob to select it.
4. Turn the MENU/SELECT knob to
highlight the desired selection; press
the knob to select it and move back to
the last menu.
5. Press the BACK button (C) to move
back within a menu and to exit a menu.
See Instruments and Controls in your Owner Manual.
Vehicle Personalization
ACB
Vehicle personalization items may include
climate and air quality, comfort and
convenience, collision/detection systems,
language, lighting, power door locks, remote
lock/unlock/start, and factory settings.

13
Fan
control On/Off
AUTO✦:
Automatic
operation
Defrost
mode
Driver’s
heated seat
control✦
Air delivery modes:
Vent
Bi-level
Floor
Defog
Rear window
defogger
Passenger’s
heated seat
control✦
Automatic climate control system with heated seats shown
Air conditioning
control
Temperature
control
Climate Controls
Recirculation Mode
The recirculation mode can help to quickly cool the air inside the vehicle or prevent out-
side odors from entering the vehicle. It is not available while the defog or defrost mode is
selected. When the recirculation mode is used without air conditioning, the air humidity
increases and the windows may fog.
Air Outlets
• Use the thumbwheels below the center outlets to open or close the center outlets.
• Use the chrome-accented sliding knob on each outlet to direct airflow.
Automatic Operation (optional)
1. Press AUTO.
2. Set the temperature. Allow time for the system to automatically reach the desired
temperature.
Note: When outside temperature and vehicle temperature are cold, fan speed will not increase until
warmer air is available.
See Climate Controls in your Owner Manual.
Recirculation
mode
✦denotes optional equipment

14
Automatic Transmission Features
Electronic Range Select (ERS) Mode
The Electronic Range Select mode allows
the driver to manually select the range of
gear positions. This feature can be used
to limit the top gear while towing or to
downshift when driving on a downhill
grade to provide engine braking. ERS
is not designed to provide sportier
performance or to be used to shift
gears similar to a manual transmission.
• Move the shift lever to the Manual (M)
position.
• Press the +/– button (B) on the shift
lever to increase/decrease the gear
range available. All gears below the
selected gear will be available to use.
If vehicle speed is too high or too low for
the requested gear, the shift will not occur.
See Driving and Operating in your Owner Manual.
StabiliTrak®/Traction Control Systems
Fuel Economy (eco) Mode
The Fuel Economy (eco) mode (on
4-cylinder models only) can improve the
vehicle’s fuel economy by changing the
transmission shift points and making
several other fuel-saving adjustments.
Driving performance is more conservative
when the eco mode is active.
• Press the eco button (A) by the shift
lever to turn the eco mode on or off.
The eco light will illuminate in the
instrument cluster when active.
AB
Turning the Systems Off/On
• To turn off traction control, press the
StabiliTrak/Traction Control button.
The Traction Control Off light will
illuminate. Turn off traction control if the
vehicle is stuck and rocking the vehicle
is required.
• To turn off both traction control and
StabiliTrak, press and hold the button.
The Traction Control Off/
StabiliTrak Off light will illuminate.
• Press the button again to turn on both
systems.
See Driving and Operating in your Owner Manual.
The traction control system limits wheel-
spin and the StabiliTrak stability control
system assists with directional control of
the vehicle in difficult driving conditions.
Both systems turn on automatically every
time the vehicle is started.

15
Tire Pressure Monitor
The Tire Pressure Monitor alerts you when a significant reduction in pressure occurs in
one or more of your vehicle’s tires by illuminating the Low Tire Pressure warning
light on the instrument cluster. The warning light will remain on until the tire pressure is
corrected. Current tire pressures can be displayed using the Driver Information
Center controls. The proper tire pressures for your vehicle are listed on the Tire and
Loading Information label, located below the driver’s door latch.
You may notice during cooler conditions that the low tire pressure warning light will
appear when the vehicle is first started and then turn off as you drive. This may be an
early indicator that your tire pressures are getting low and the tires need to be inflated to
the proper pressure.
Note: The Tire Pressure Monitor can alert you about low tire pressure, but it doesn’t replace normal
monthly tire maintenance. It is the driver’s responsibility to maintain correct tire pressures.
See Vehicle Care in your Owner Manual.
Tires
The roof rack cross rails can be secured in four positions along the roof rack side rails.
When adjusting the cross rails, slide each cross rail slightly back and forth until the lock
pins fully engage the holes. An audible click will be heard.
To help reduce wind noise when not in use, move the front cross rail to the forwardmost
position and the rear cross rail to the rearwardmost position.
See Storage in your Owner Manual.
Roof Rack Cross Rails (optional)
The Oil Life System calculates engine oil life based on vehicle use and illuminates the
Change Engine Oil light in the instrument cluster when it’s necessary to change the
engine oil and filter. The Oil Life System should be reset to 100% only following an oil change.
Resetting the Oil Life System:
1. Turn the ignition to the On position, but do not start the engine.
2. Press the MENU button to display the Vehicle Information menu.
3. Press the up or down arrow to view Remaining Oil Life.
4. Press and hold the SET/CLR button until 100% is displayed.
5. Turn off the ignition.
See Vehicle Care in your Owner Manual.
Engine Oil Life System
Recreational towing means towing the vehicle behind another vehicle. Your vehicle can be
towed from the front with all wheels on the ground (dinghy towing). See your Owner
Manual for the proper towing procedure.
See Vehicle Care in your Owner Manual.
Recreational Vehicle Towing

16
Roadside Assistance
1-800-CHEV-USA TTY Users: 1-888-889-2438
(1-800-243-8872)
As the owner of a new Chevrolet, you are automatically enrolled in the Chevrolet Roadside
Assistance program. This value-added service is intended to provide you with peace of mind
as you drive in the city or travel the open road.
Chevrolet’s Roadside Assistance toll-free number is staffed by a team of technically trained
advisors who are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to provide minor repair information
or make arrangements to tow your vehicle to the nearest Chevrolet dealer.
Chevrolet will provide the following services for 5 years/100,000 miles at no expense to you:
• Fuel delivery
• Lockout service (identification required)
• Tow to nearest dealer for warranty service
• Flat tire assistance
• Jump starts
When calling, please provide the following information to the advisor:
• Location of the vehicle
• Telephone number and your location
• Vehicle model, year and color
• Vehicle mileage
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• Vehicle license plate number
Roadside Assistance and OnStar
If you have a current OnStar subscription, press the OnStar button and the vehicle will send
your current GPS location to an OnStar Advisor who will speak to you, assess your problem,
contact Roadside Assistance and relay your exact location so you will get the help you need.
Chevrolet Owner Center
The Chevrolet Owner Center, a complimentary service for Chevrolet owners, is a one-stop
resource designed to enhance your Chevrolet ownership experience. Exclusive member
benefits include online service reminders, vehicle maintenance tips, online owner manual,
special privileges and more. Sign up today at www.gmownercenter.com/chevrolet.
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Certain restrictions, precautions and safety procedures apply to your vehicle. Please read your Owner Manual
for complete instructions. All information contained herein is based on the latest information available at the time
of printing and is subject to change without notice. Copyright 2010 General Motors. All rights reserved.
Always demand genuine GM Parts