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2008 Chevrolet Equinox Owner's Manual - Page 145

2008 Chevrolet Equinox Manual

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Electric Power Management The vehicle has Electric Power Management (EPM) that estimates the battery's temperature and state of charge. It then adjusts the voltage for best performance and extended life of the battery. When the battery's state of charge is low, the voltage is raised slightly to quickly put the charge back in. When the state of charge is high, the voltage is lowered slightly to prevent overcharging. If the vehicle has a voltmeter gage or a voltage display on the Driver Information Center (DIC), you may see the voltage move up or down. This is normal. If there is a problem, an alert will be displayed. The battery can be discharged at idle if the electrical loads are very high. This is true for all vehicles. This is because the generator (alternator) may not be spinning fast enough at idle to produce all the power that is needed for very high electrical loads. A high electrical load occurs when several of the following loads are on: headlamps, high beams, fog lamps, rear window defogger, climate control fan at high speed, heated seats, engine cooling fans, trailer loads, and loads plugged into accessory power outlets. EPM works to prevent excessive discharge of the battery. It does this by balancing the generator's output and the vehicle's electrical needs. It can increase engine idle speed to generate more power, whenever needed. It can temporarily reduce the power demands of some accessories. Normally, these actions occur in steps or levels, without being noticeable. In rare cases at the highest levels of corrective action, this action may be noticeable to the driver. If so, a Driver Information Center (DIC) message might be displayed, such as Battery Saver Active or Service Battery Charging System. If this message is displayed, it is recommended that the driver reduce the electrical loads as much as possible. See DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-49. Battery Run-Down Protection Your vehicle has a battery saver feature designed to protect the vehicle's battery. When any interior lamp is left on and the ignition is turned off, the battery rundown protection system will automatically turn the lamp off after 20 minutes. This will avoid draining the battery. This vehicle also has a retained accessory power feature. If the radio is on, it will turn off after 10 minutes or if any door on the vehicle is opened. See Retained Accessory Power (RAP) on page 2-21. 3-17

Section	Page
2008 Chevrolet Equinox BookTOC	1
Seats and Restraint Systems	5
Front Seats	6
Manual Seats	6
Seat Height Adjuster	7
Power Seat	7
Manual Lumbar	8
Heated Seats	8
Manual Reclining Seatbacks	9
Head Restraints	11
Passenger Folding Seatback	12
Rear Seats	14
Split Folding Rear Seat	14
Safety Belts	16
Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone	16
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly	21
Lap-Shoulder Belt	29
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy	34
Safety Belt Extender	34
Child Restraints	35
Older Children	35
Infants and Young Children	38
Child Restraint Systems	41
Where to Put the Restraint	44
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH)	46
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat Position	54
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position	56
Airbag System	60
Where Are the Airbags?	63
When Should an Airbag Inflate?	65
What Makes an Airbag Inflate?	67
How Does an Airbag Restrain?	67
What Will You See After an Airbag Inflates?	68
Passenger Sensing System	69
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle	74
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle	74
Restraint System Check	76
Checking the Restraint Systems	76
Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash	77
Features and Controls	79
Keys	81
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System	82
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation	83
Remote Vehicle Start	86
Doors and Locks	88
Door Locks	88
Power Door Locks	89
Delayed Locking	89
Programmable Automatic Door Locks	89
Rear Door Security Locks	90
Lockout Protection	90
Liftgate	91
Windows	93
Power Windows	94
Sun Visors	95
Theft-Deterrent Systems	95
Content Theft-Deterrent	95
PASS-Key® III+	96
PASS-Key® III+ Operation	96
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle	98
New Vehicle Break-In	98
Ignition Positions	98
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)	99
Starting the Engine	100
Engine Coolant Heater	101
Automatic Transmission Operation (3.4L V6 with 5-Speed)	102
Automatic Transmission Operation (3.6L V6 with 6-Speed)	105
Parking Brake	109
Shifting Into PARK (P)	110
Shifting Out of PARK (P)	112
Parking Over Things That Burn	112
Engine Exhaust	113
Running the Engine While Parked	114
Mirrors	115
Manual Rearview Mirror	115
Manual Rearview Mirror with OnStar®	115
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with OnStar®	115
Outside Power Mirrors	116
Outside Convex Mirrors	116
OnStar® System	117
Storage Areas	120
Glove Box	120
Cupholder(s)	120
Center Console Storage	120
Luggage Carrier	121
Rear Compartment Storage Panel/Cover	123
Rear Seat Armrest	125
Table	126
Convenience Net	127
Cargo Tie Downs	127
Sunroof	127
Instrument Panel	129
Instrument Panel Overview	132
Hazard Warning Flashers	134
Other Warning Devices	134
Horn	134
Tilt Wheel	134
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever	135
Turn and Lane-Change Signals	136
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer	136
Flash-to-Pass	136
Windshield Wipers	137
Windshield Washer	138
Rear Window Wiper/Washer	138
Cruise Control	138
Headlamps	141
Headlamps on Reminder	141
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)	142
Automatic Headlamp System	142
Fog Lamps	143
Instrument Panel Brightness	143
Dome Lamp	144
Entry Lighting	144
Map Lamps	144
Cargo Lamp	144
Electric Power Management	145
Battery Run-Down Protection	145
Accessory Power Outlet(s)	146
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter	146
Climate Controls	147
Climate Control System	147
Outlet Adjustment	150
Passenger Compartment Air Filter	150
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators	152
Instrument Panel Cluster	153
Speedometer and Odometer	154
Trip Odometer	154
Tachometer	154
Safety Belt Reminders	155
Airbag Readiness Light	155
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator	156
Charging System Light	158
Brake System Warning Light	159
Antilock Brake System Warning Light	160
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light	160
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light	161
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage	161
Tire Pressure Light	162
Malfunction Indicator Lamp	162
Oil Pressure Light	165
Change Engine Oil Light	166
Security Light	166
Fog Lamp Light	166
Cruise Control Light	166
Reduced Engine Power Light	167
Highbeam On Light	167
Service All-Wheel Drive Light	167
All-Wheel Drive Disabled Light	168
Gate Ajar Light	168
Door Ajar Light	168
Service Vehicle Soon Light	169
Fuel Gage	169
Low Fuel Warning Light	170
Driver Information Center (DIC)	170
DIC Operation and Displays	171
DIC Compass	174
DIC Warnings and Messages	177
DIC Vehicle Personalization	186
Audio System(s)	192
Setting the Time	193
Radio(s)	196
Using an MP3 (Radio with CD or Six-Disc CD Player)	215
Using an MP3 (Radio with CD and DVD Player)	220
XM Radio Messages	225
Navigation/Radio System	226
Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) System	227
Theft-Deterrent Feature	236
Audio Steering Wheel Controls	236
Radio Reception	238
Multi-Band Antenna	238
Driving Your Vehicle	239
Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle	240
Defensive Driving	240
Drunk Driving	240
Control of a Vehicle	241
Braking	242
Antilock Brake System (ABS)	243
Braking in Emergencies	244
Traction Control System (TCS)	244
StabiliTrak® System	245
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System	246
Steering	247
Off-Road Recovery	250
Passing	250
Loss of Control	251
Driving at Night	252
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads	252
Before Leaving on a Long Trip	254
Highway Hypnosis	254
Hill and Mountain Roads	254
Winter Driving	255
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow	259
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out	260
Loading Your Vehicle	260
Towing	266
Towing Your Vehicle	266
Recreational Vehicle Towing	266
Towing a Trailer	271
Service and Appearance Care	279
Service	281
Accessories and Modifications	281
California Proposition 65 Warning	281
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements	282
Doing Your Own Service Work	282
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle	283
Fuel	283
Gasoline Octane	283
Gasoline Specifications	284
California Fuel	284
Additives	285
Fuels in Foreign Countries	285
Filling the Tank	286
Filling a Portable Fuel Container	288
Checking Things Under the Hood	288
Hood Release	289
Engine Compartment Overview	290
Engine Oil	293
Engine Oil Life System	296
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter	297
Automatic Transmission Fluid	299
Engine Coolant	300
Engine Overheating	302
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode	304
Cooling System	304
Power Steering Fluid	309
Windshield Washer Fluid	310
Brakes	311
Battery	313
Jump Starting	314
All-Wheel Drive	320
Headlamp Aiming	322
Bulb Replacement	322
Halogen Bulbs	322
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker, and Parking Lamps	323
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and Back-up Lamps	326
License Plate Lamp	327
Replacement Bulbs	328
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement	328
Tires	330
Tire Sidewall Labeling	331
Tire Terminology and Definitions	334
Inflation - Tire Pressure	337
High-Speed Operation	339
Tire Pressure Monitor System	340
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation	341
Tire Inspection and Rotation	345
When It Is Time for New Tires	346
Buying New Tires	347
Different Size Tires and Wheels	349
Uniform Tire Quality Grading	349
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance	351
Wheel Replacement	351
Tire Chains	352
If a Tire Goes Flat	353
Changing a Flat Tire	354
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools	355
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire	357
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools	364
Compact Spare Tire	366
Appearance Care	367
Interior Cleaning	367
Fabric/Carpet	368
Leather	370
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic Surfaces	371
Care of Safety Belts	371
Weatherstrips	371
Washing Your Vehicle	372
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses	372
Finish Care	373
Windshield and Wiper Blades	373
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels and Trim	374
Tires	375
Sheet Metal Damage	375
Finish Damage	375
Underbody Maintenance	375
Chemical Paint Spotting	375
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials	376
Vehicle Identification	377
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)	377
Service Parts Identification Label	377
Electrical System	378
Add-On Electrical Equipment	378
Windshield Wiper Fuses	378
Fuses and Circuit Breakers	378
Instrument Panel Fuse Block	379
Engine Compartment Fuse Block	381
Capacities and Specifications	385
Maintenance Schedule	387
Maintenance Schedule	388
Introduction	388
Maintenance Requirements	388
Your Vehicle and the Environment	388
Using the Maintenance Schedule	388
Scheduled Maintenance	390
Additional Required Services	392
Maintenance Footnotes	393
Owner Checks and Services	394
At Each Fuel Fill	395
At Least Once a Month	395
At Least Once a Year	396
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants	398
Maintenance Replacement Parts	400
Engine Drive Belt Routing	401
Maintenance Record	402
Customer Assistance Information	405
Customer Assistance and Information	406
Customer Satisfaction Procedure	406
Online Owner Center	408
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users	409
Customer Assistance Offices	409
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program	410
Roadside Assistance Program	411
Scheduling Service Appointments	413
Courtesy Transportation	413
Collision Damage Repair	415
Reporting Safety Defects	418
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Government	418
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian Government	419
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors	419
Service Publications Ordering Information	419
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy	420
Event Data Recorders	421
OnStar®	422
Navigation System	422
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)	422

Match case Limit results 1 per page

Electric Power Management

The vehicle has Electric Power Management (EPM)

that estimates the battery’s temperature and state

of charge. It then adjusts the voltage for best

performance and extended life of the battery.

When the battery’s state of charge is low, the voltage is

raised slightly to quickly put the charge back in. When the

state of charge is high, the voltage is lowered slightly to

prevent overcharging. If the vehicle has a voltmeter gage

or a voltage display on the Driver Information Center

(DIC), you may see the voltage move up or down. This is

normal. If there is a problem, an alert will be displayed.

The battery can be discharged at idle if the electrical

loads are very high. This is true for all vehicles. This is

because the generator (alternator) may not be spinning

fast enough at idle to produce all the power that is

needed for very high electrical loads.

A high electrical load occurs when several of the following

loads are on: headlamps, high beams, fog lamps, rear

window defogger, climate control fan at high speed,

heated seats, engine cooling fans, trailer loads, and

loads plugged into accessory power outlets.

EPM works to prevent excessive discharge of the battery.

It does this by balancing the generator’s output and the

vehicle’s electrical needs. It can increase engine idle

speed to generate more power, whenever needed.

It can temporarily reduce the power demands of some

accessories.

Normally, these actions occur in steps or levels, without

being noticeable. In rare cases at the highest levels of

corrective action, this action may be noticeable to the

driver. If so, a Driver Information Center (DIC) message

might be displayed, such as Battery Saver Active or

Service Battery Charging System. If this message is

displayed, it is recommended that the driver reduce the

electrical loads as much as possible. See

DIC Warnings

and Messages on page 3-49

Battery Run-Down Protection

Your vehicle has a battery saver feature designed to

protect the vehicle’s battery.

When any interior lamp is left on and the ignition is

turned off, the battery rundown protection system will

automatically turn the lamp off after 20 minutes. This

will avoid draining the battery. This vehicle also has a

retained accessory power feature. If the radio is on,

it will turn off after 10 minutes or if any door on the

vehicle is opened. See

Retained Accessory Power (RAP)

on page 2-21

3-17