2011 Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual M In Brief ........................ 1-1 Instrument Panel .............. 1-2 Initial Drive Information ........ 1-4 Vehicle Features ............. 1-18 Performance and Maintenance ................ 1-24 Keys, Doors and Windows ... 2-1 Keys and Locks ............... 2-2 Doors .......................... 2-8 Vehicle Security .............. 2-12 Exterior Mirrors ............... 2-14 Interior Mirrors ................ 2-15 Windows ..................... 2-16 Roof .......................... 2-18 Seats and Restraints ......... 3-1 Head Restraints ............... 3-2 Front Seats .................... 3-3 Rear Seats .................... 3-9 Safety Belts .................. 3-10 Airbag System ................ 3-24 Child Restraints .............. 3-38 Storage ....................... 4-1 Storage Compartments ........ 4-1 Additional Storage Features . . . 4-2 Roof Rack System ............. 4-2 Instruments and Controls .... 5-1 Controls ....................... 5-2 Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators .................... 5-7 Information Displays .......... 5-20 Vehicle Messages ............ 5-23 Vehicle Personalization ....... 5-30 Lighting ....................... 6-1 Exterior Lighting ............... 6-1 Interior Lighting ................ 6-4 Lighting Features .............. 6-5 Infotainment System ......... 7-1 Introduction .................... 7-2 Radio ......................... 7-11 Audio Players ................ 7-18 Rear Seat Infotainment ....... 7-32 Phone ........................ 7-43 Climate Controls ............. 8-1 Climate Control Systems .... . . 8-1 Air Vents ....................... 8-5 Maintenance ................... 8-6 Driving and Operating ........ 9-1 Driving Information ............. 9-2 Starting and Operating ....... 9-27 Engine Exhaust .............. 9-33 Automatic Transmission ...... 9-34 Drive Systems ................ 9-37 Brakes ....................... 9-37 Ride Control Systems ........ 9-40 Cruise Control ................ 9-42 Object Detection Systems .... 9-45 Fuel .......................... 9-51 Towing ....................... 9-57 Conversions and Add-Ons . . . 9-64 Vehicle Care ................. 10-1 General Information .......... 10-2 Vehicle Checks ............... 10-4
2011 Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual M Headlamp Aiming ........... 10-31 Bulb Replacement .......... 10-33 Electrical System ............ 10-37 Wheels and Tires ........... 10-43 Jump Starting ............... 10-72 Towing ...................... 10-76 Appearance Care ........... 10-79 Service and Maintenance ... 11-1 General Information .......... 11-1 Scheduled Maintenance ...... 11-2 Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Parts ....... 11-6 Maintenance Records ........ 11-9 Technical Data ............... 12-1 Vehicle Identification ......... 12-1 Vehicle Data .................. 12-2 Customer Information ....... 13-1 Customer Information ........ 13-1 Reporting Safety Defects .... 13-13 Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy .................... 13-14 Index ..................... i-1
iv Introduction This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights. Use of this copyright protection technology must be authorized by Macrovision, and is intended for home and other limited viewing uses only unless otherwise authorized by Macrovision. Reverse engineering or disassembly is prohibited. "Made for iPod" means that an electronic accessory has been designed to connect specifically to iPod and has been certified by the developer to meet Apple performance standards. Apple is not responsible for the operation of this device or its compliance with safety and regulatory standards. iPod, iPod classic, iPod nano, and iPod touch are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Canadian Vehicle Owners Propriétaires Canadiens A French language copy of this manual can be obtained from your dealer or from: On peut obtenir un exemplaire de ce guide en français auprès du concessionnaire ou à l'adresse suivante: Helm, Incorporated P.O. Box 07130 Detroit, MI 48207 1-800-551-4123 Numéro de poste 6438 de langue française www.helminc.com
Introduction v 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. Danger, Warnings, and Cautions Warning messages found on vehicle labels and in this manual describe hazards and what to do to avoid or reduce them. Danger indicates a hazard with a high level of risk which will result in serious injury or death. Warning or Caution indicates a hazard that could result in injury or death. { WARNING These mean there is something that could hurt you or other people. Notice: This means there is something that could result in property or vehicle damage. This would not be covered by the vehicle's warranty. A circle with a slash through it is a safety symbol which means “Do Not,”“Do not do this,” or “Do not let this happen.” Symbols The vehicle has components and labels that use symbols instead of text. Symbols are shown along with the text describing the operation or information relating to a specific component, control, message, gauge, or indicator. M : This symbol is shown when you need to see your owner manual for additional instructions or information. * : This symbol is shown when you need to see a service manual for additional instructions or information.
vi Introduction Vehicle Symbol Chart Here are some additional symbols that may be found on the vehicle and what they mean. For more information on the symbol, refer to the Index. 9 : Airbag Readiness Light # : Air Conditioning ! : Antilock Brake System (ABS) $ : Brake System Warning Light " : Charging System I : Cruise Control B : Engine Coolant Temperature O : Exterior Lamps # : Fog Lamps . : Fuel Gauge + : Fuses 3 : Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer j : LATCH System Child Restraints * : Malfunction Indicator Lamp : : Oil Pressure J : OnStar ® } : Power / : Remote Vehicle Start > : Safety Belt Reminders % : Steering Wheel Controls 7 : Tire Pressure Monitor d : Traction Control M : Windshield Washer Fluid
In Brief 1-1 In Brief Instrument Panel Instrument Panel .............. 1-2 Initial Drive Information Initial Drive Information ........ 1-4 Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System ...................... 1-4 Remote Vehicle Start ......... 1-5 Door Locks ................... 1-5 Liftgate ........................ 1-6 Windows ...................... 1-7 Seat Adjustment .............. 1-7 Memory Features ............. 1-9 Heated Seats ................ 1-10 Head Restraint Adjustment ................. 1-10 Safety Belts .................. 1-11 Sensing System for Passenger Airbag .......... 1-11 Mirror Adjustment ............ 1-12 Steering Wheel Adjustment ................. 1-12 Interior Lighting .............. 1-13 Exterior Lighting ............. 1-13 Windshield Wiper/Washer .... 1-14 Climate Controls ............. 1-15 Parking Brake ............... 1-16 Transmission ................ 1-17 Vehicle Features Radio(s) ..................... 1-18 Satellite Radio ............... 1-19 Portable Audio Devices ...... 1-19 Bluetooth ® ................... 1-20 Steering Wheel Controls ..... 1-20 Cruise Control ............... 1-21 Navigation System ........... 1-21 Driver Information Center (DIC) ............... 1-22 Vehicle Personalization ...... 1-22 Rear Vision Camera (RVC) ............. 1-22 Ultrasonic Parking Assist .... 1-23 Roof Rack System ........... 1-23 Power Outlets ............... 1-23 Performance and Maintenance Traction Control System (TCS) .............. 1-24 StabiliTrak ® System ......... 1-24 Tire Pressure Monitor ........ 1-24 Engine Oil Life System .... . . 1-25 Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol) .... . 1-25 Driving for Better Fuel Economy ................... 1-25 Roadside Assistance Program .................... 1-26 OnStar ® ..................... 1-26
1-2 In Brief Instrument Panel
In Brief 1-3 A. Air Vents on page 8‑5. B. Turn and Lane‐Change Lever. See Turn and Lane-Change Signals on page 6‑3. Exterior Lamp Controls on page 6‑1. Fog Lamps on page 6‑4 (If Equipped). C. Instrument Cluster on page 5‑8. D. Windshield Wiper/Washer on page 5‑3. Rear Window Wiper/Washer on page 5‑4. E. Power Door Locks on page 2‑7. F. Instrument Panel Storage on page 4‑1. G. Safety Locks on page 2‑7. H. Infotainment on page 7‑2. Navigation System (If Equipped). See Navigation System Manual. I. Data Link Connector (DLC) (Out of View). See Malfunction Indicator Lamp on page 5‑13. J. Cruise Control on page 9‑42. K. Instrument Panel Illumination Control on page 6‑4. L. Steering Wheel Adjustment on page 5‑2. M. Horn on page 5‑3. N. Steering Wheel Controls on page 5‑2. O. Ignition Positions on page 9‑27. P. Climate Control Systems on page 8‑1 (If Equipped). Automatic Climate Control System on page 8‑3 (If Equipped). Q. Shift Lever. See Shifting Into Park on page 9‑31. R. Fuel Economy Mode on page 9‑36 (If Equipped). S. StabiliTrak ® System on page 9‑41. T. Cupholders on page 4‑1. U. Power Outlets on page 5‑6. V. CD Player on page 7‑18. W. Driver Information Center Buttons (If Equipped). See Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 5‑20. X. Hazard Warning Flashers on page 6‑3. Y. Glove Box on page 4‑1.
1-4 In Brief Initial Drive Information This section provides a brief overview about some of the important features that may or may not be on your specific vehicle. For more detailed information, refer to each of the features which can be found later in this owner manual. Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter will work up to 60 m (195 ft) away from the vehicle. Press this button to extend the key. The key can be used for the ignition and all locks. K : Press to unlock the driver door or all doors. Q : Press to lock all doors. Lock and unlock feedback can be personalized. V : For vehicles with the power liftgate, press and hold until the liftgate begins to move to open the liftgate. For vehicles without the power liftgate, first press K, then press and hold V to unlock the liftgate. 7 : Press and release to locate the vehicle. Press and hold for at least two seconds to sound the panic alarm. Press 7 again to cancel the panic alarm. See Keys on page 2‑2 and Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation on page 2‑3.
The 2011 Chevrolet Equinox Owners Manual is a comprehensive guide that offers essential information and instructions for 2011 Chevrolet Equinox owners. It is designed to help you understand and operate your vehicle efficiently by covering a broad range of topics, including routine maintenance, advanced engine diagnostics, and the proper use of safety features such as seat belts and airbags.
Whether you are a new owner or have been driving your 2011 Chevrolet Equinox for some time, this manual serves as a valuable resource. It is organized in a clear and easy-to-follow format, ensuring that you can quickly locate the information you need.
This manual covers the following Equinox models:
2011 CHEVY / CHEVROLET Equinox LS
2011 CHEVY / CHEVROLET Equinox LT
2011 CHEVY / CHEVROLET Equinox LTZ
From basic tasks such as oil changes and tire rotations to more complex procedures like engine diagnostics, the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox Owners Manual provides detailed instructions and clear illustrations. It also includes important safety information and tips to help you maximize fuel efficiency and optimize your vehicle's technology features.
This manual is an essential companion for every owner of a 2011 Chevrolet Equinox.