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2009 Chevrolet Equinox Owner's Manual - Page 143

2009 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 bring the charge back up. 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 are on, such as: 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, BATTERY VOLTAGE LOW, or LOW BATTERY. 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 The 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
2009 Chevrolet Equinox BookTOC	1
Seats and Restraint System	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	53
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position	56
Airbag System	59
Where Are the Airbags?	62
When Should an Airbag Inflate?	64
What Makes an Airbag Inflate?	65
How Does an Airbag Restrain?	65
What Will You See After an Airbag Inflates?	66
Passenger Sensing System	67
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle	72
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle	72
Restraint System Check	74
Checking the Restraint Systems	74
Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash	75
Features and Controls	77
Keys	79
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System	80
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation	81
Remote Vehicle Start	83
Doors and Locks	86
Door Locks	86
Power Door Locks	86
Delayed Locking	86
Programmable Automatic Door Locks	87
Rear Door Security Locks	87
Lockout Protection	88
Liftgate	88
Windows	90
Power Windows	91
Sun Visors	92
Theft-Deterrent Systems	92
Content Theft-Deterrent	93
PASS-Key® III+ Electronic Immobilizer	93
PASS-Key® III+ Electronic Immobilizer Operation	94
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle	95
New Vehicle Break-In	95
Ignition Positions	96
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)	97
Starting the Engine	97
Engine Coolant Heater	99
Automatic Transmission Operation (3.4L V6 with 5-Speed)	100
Automatic Transmission Operation (3.6L V6 with 6-Speed)	103
Parking Brake	107
Shifting Into Park	108
Shifting Out of Park	109
Parking Over Things That Burn	110
Engine Exhaust	111
Running the Vehicle While Parked	112
Mirrors	113
Manual Rearview Mirror	113
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror	113
Outside Power Mirrors	114
Outside Convex Mirrors	114
OnStar® System	115
Storage Areas	118
Glove Box	118
Cupholders	118
Center Console Storage	118
Luggage Carrier	119
Rear Compartment Storage Panel/Cover	121
Rear Seat Armrest	123
Table	123
Convenience Net	124
Cargo Tie Downs	124
Sunroof	125
Instrument Panel	127
Instrument Panel Overview	130
Hazard Warning Flashers	132
Horn	132
Tilt Wheel	132
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever	133
Turn and Lane-Change Signals	133
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer	134
Flash-to-Pass	134
Windshield Wipers	134
Windshield Washer	135
Rear Window Wiper/Washer	136
Cruise Control	136
Headlamps	139
Headlamps on Reminder	139
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)	140
Automatic Headlamp System	140
Fog Lamps	141
Instrument Panel Brightness	141
Dome Lamp	142
Entry Lighting	142
Map Lamps	142
Cargo Lamp	142
Electric Power Management	143
Battery Run-Down Protection	143
Accessory Power Outlet(s)	144
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter	144
Climate Controls	145
Climate Control System	145
Outlet Adjustment	149
Passenger Compartment Air Filter	149
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators	150
Instrument Panel Cluster	151
Speedometer and Odometer	152
Trip Odometer	152
Tachometer	152
Safety Belt Reminders	153
Airbag Readiness Light	154
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator	155
Charging System Light	156
Brake System Warning Light	156
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light	157
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light	158
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light	158
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage	159
Tire Pressure Light	159
Malfunction Indicator Lamp	160
Oil Pressure Light (US-Canada)	162
Change Engine Oil Light	163
Security Light	163
Fog Lamp Light	163
Cruise Control Light	164
Reduced Engine Power Light	164
Highbeam On Light	164
Service All-Wheel Drive Light	165
All-Wheel Drive Disabled Light	165
Gate Ajar Light	166
Door Ajar Light	166
Service Vehicle Soon Light	166
Fuel Gage	166
Low Fuel Warning Light	167
Driver Information Center (DIC)	168
DIC Operation and Displays	168
DIC Compass	173
DIC Warnings and Messages	175
DIC Vehicle Personalization	183
Audio System(s)	190
Setting the Clock	191
Radio(s)	193
Using an MP3 (Radio with CD or Six-Disc CD Player)	212
Using an MP3 (Radio with CD and DVD Player)	217
XM Radio Messages	222
Navigation/Radio System	223
Bluetooth®	223
Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) System	234
Theft-Deterrent Feature	243
Audio Steering Wheel Controls	243
Radio Reception	244
Multi-Band Antenna	245
Driving Your Vehicle	247
Your Driving, the Road, and the Vehicle	248
Driving for Better Fuel Economy	248
Defensive Driving	248
Drunk Driving	249
Control of a Vehicle	250
Braking	250
Antilock Brake System (ABS)	251
Braking in Emergencies	251
StabiliTrak® System	252
Traction Control System (TCS)	253
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System	255
Steering	256
Off-Road Recovery	258
Passing	258
Loss of Control	258
Driving at Night	260
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads	260
Before Leaving on a Long Trip	261
Highway Hypnosis	262
Hill and Mountain Roads	262
Winter Driving	263
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow	266
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out	267
Loading the Vehicle	267
Towing	273
Towing Your Vehicle	273
Recreational Vehicle Towing	273
Towing a Trailer	280
Service and Appearance Care	289
Service	291
Accessories and Modifications	291
California Proposition 65 Warning	292
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements	292
Doing Your Own Service Work	292
Adding Equipment to the Outside of the Vehicle	293
Fuel	293
Gasoline Octane	293
Gasoline Specifications	294
California Fuel	294
Additives	294
Fuels in Foreign Countries	295
Filling the Tank	296
Filling a Portable Fuel Container	298
Checking Things Under the Hood	298
Hood Release	299
Engine Compartment Overview	300
Engine Oil	303
Engine Oil Life System	306
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter	307
Automatic Transmission Fluid	309
Cooling System	310
Engine Coolant	311
Engine Overheating	316
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode	318
Power Steering Fluid	318
Windshield Washer Fluid	319
Brakes	320
Battery	323
Jump Starting	324
All-Wheel Drive	329
Headlamp Aiming	331
Bulb Replacement	332
Halogen Bulbs	332
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker, and Parking Lamps	332
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and Back-up Lamps	335
License Plate Lamp	336
Replacement Bulbs	337
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement	337
Tires	339
Tire Sidewall Labeling	340
Tire Terminology and Definitions	343
Inflation - Tire Pressure	346
High-Speed Operation	348
Tire Pressure Monitor System	349
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation	350
Tire Inspection and Rotation	354
When It Is Time for New Tires	355
Buying New Tires	356
Different Size Tires and Wheels	358
Uniform Tire Quality Grading	359
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance	360
Wheel Replacement	360
Tire Chains	362
If a Tire Goes Flat	363
Changing a Flat Tire	364
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools	365
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire	367
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools	373
Compact Spare Tire	375
Appearance Care	376
Interior Cleaning	376
Fabric/Carpet	377
Leather	378
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic Surfaces	378
Care of Safety Belts	379
Weatherstrips	379
Washing Your Vehicle	379
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses	380
Finish Care	380
Windshield and Wiper Blades	381
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels and Trim	382
Tires	382
Sheet Metal Damage	383
Finish Damage	383
Underbody Maintenance	383
Chemical Paint Spotting	383
Vehicle Identification	384
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)	384
Service Parts Identification Label	384
Electrical System	384
Add-On Electrical Equipment	384
Windshield Wiper Fuses	385
Fuses and Circuit Breakers	385
Instrument Panel Fuse Block	385
Engine Compartment Fuse Block	387
Capacities and Specifications	391
Maintenance Schedule	393
Maintenance Schedule	394
Introduction	394
Maintenance Requirements	394
Your Vehicle and the Environment	394
Using the Maintenance Schedule	394
Scheduled Maintenance	396
Additional Required Services	399
Maintenance Footnotes	400
Owner Checks and Services	402
At Each Fuel Fill	402
At Least Once a Month	403
At Least Once a Year	403
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants	405
Maintenance Replacement Parts	407
Engine Drive Belt Routing	408
Maintenance Record	409
Customer Assistance Information	413
Customer Assistance and Information	414
Customer Satisfaction Procedure	414
Online Owner Center	417
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users	418
Customer Assistance Offices	418
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program	419
Roadside Assistance Program	419
Scheduling Service Appointments	423
Courtesy Transportation Program	423
Collision Damage Repair	425
Reporting Safety Defects	428
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Government	428
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian Government	428
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors	428
Service Publications Ordering Information	429
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy	430
Event Data Recorders	430
OnStar®	431
Navigation System	431
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)	431

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 bring the charge back up.

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 are on, such as: 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,

BATTERY VOLTAGE LOW, or LOW BATTERY. 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

The 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