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2011 Chevrolet Equinox Owner's Manual - Page 280

2011 Chevrolet Equinox Manual

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9-58 Driving and Operating . Pulling a Trailer Here are some important points: . There are many laws, including speed limit restrictions that apply to trailering. Check for legal requirements with state or provincial police. Do not tow a trailer at all during the first 1 600 km (1,000 miles) the new vehicle is driven. The engine, axle or other parts could be damaged. During the first 800 km (500 miles) that a trailer is towed, do not drive over 80 km/h (50 mph) and do not make starts at full throttle. This reduces wear on the vehicle. The vehicle can tow in D (Drive). Use a lower gear if the transmission shifts too often. Do not use the Fuel Saver Mode when towing. Obey speed limit restrictions. Do not drive faster than the maximum posted speed for trailers, or no more than 90 km/h (55 mph), to reduce wear on the vehicle. For vehicles with the Ultra Rear Parking Assist (URPA) system, turn the system off when towing a trailer. If the tow bar is installed while not towing a trailer, change the URPA system to the "Tow Bar" setting. See Ultrasonic Parking Assist on page 9‑45 for more information. has electric brakes, start the vehicle and trailer moving and then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure the brakes are working. During the trip, check regularly to be sure that the load is secure, and the lamps and trailer brakes are working properly. . . Towing with a Stability Control System When towing, the sound of the stability control system might be heard. The system is reacting to the vehicle movement caused by the trailer, which mainly occurs during cornering. This is normal when towing heavier trailers. . Driving with a Trailer Towing a trailer requires experience. Get familiar with handling and braking with the added trailer weight. The vehicle is now longer and not as responsive as the vehicle is by itself. Check all trailer hitch parts and attachments, safety chains, electrical connectors, lamps, tires and mirror adjustments. If the trailer Following Distance Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as you would when driving the vehicle without a trailer. This can help to avoid situations that require heavy braking and sudden turns. . .

Section	Page
2011 Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual BookTOC	1
Introduction	3
Canadian Vehicle Owners	4
Using this Manual	5
Danger, Warnings, and Cautions	5
Symbols	5
In Brief	7
Instrument Panel	8
Initial Drive Information	10
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System	10
Remote Vehicle Start	11
Door Locks	11
Liftgate	12
Windows	13
Seat Adjustment	13
Memory Features	15
Heated Seats	16
Head Restraint Adjustment	16
Safety Belts	17
Sensing System for Passenger Airbag	17
Mirror Adjustment	18
Steering Wheel Adjustment	18
Interior Lighting	19
Exterior Lighting	19
Windshield Wiper/Washer	20
Climate Controls	21
Parking Brake	22
Transmission	23
Vehicle Features	24
Radio(s)	24
Satellite Radio	25
Portable Audio Devices	25
Bluetooth®	26
Steering Wheel Controls	26
Cruise Control	27
Navigation System	27
Driver Information Center (DIC)	28
Vehicle Personalization	28
Rear Vision Camera (RVC)	28
Ultrasonic Parking Assist	29
Roof Rack System	29
Power Outlets	29
Performance and Maintenance	30
Traction Control System (TCS)	30
StabiliTrak® System	30
Tire Pressure Monitor	30
Engine Oil Life System	31
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)	31
Driving for Better Fuel Economy	31
Roadside Assistance Program	32
OnStar®	32
Keys, Doors and Windows	35
Keys and Locks	36
Keys	36
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System	37
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation	37
Remote Vehicle Start	38
Door Locks	40
Power Door Locks	41
Safety Locks	41
Doors	42
Liftgate (Manual)	42
Liftgate (Power)	42
Vehicle Security	46
Anti-Theft Alarm System	46
Immobilizer	47
Immobilizer Operation	47
Exterior Mirrors	48
Convex Mirrors	48
Power Mirrors	48
Heated Mirrors	48
Park Tilt Mirrors	49
Interior Mirrors	49
Manual Rearview Mirror	49
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror	49
Windows	50
Power Windows	50
Sun Visors	52
Roof	52
Sunroof	52
Seats and Restraints	55
Head Restraints	56
Front Seats	57
Seat Adjustment	57
Power Seat Adjustment	57
Lumbar Adjustment	60
Reclining Seatbacks	60
Heated Front Seats	62
Rear Seats	63
Safety Belts	64
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly	68
Lap-Shoulder Belt	72
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy	76
Safety Belt Extender	76
Safety System Check	76
Safety Belt Care	77
Replacing Safety Belt System Parts After a Crash	77
Airbag System	78
Where Are the Airbags?	80
When Should an Airbag Inflate?	81
What Makes an Airbag Inflate?	83
How Does an Airbag Restrain?	83
What Will You See After an Airbag Inflates?	83
Passenger Sensing System	85
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle	89
Adding Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle	90
Airbag System Check	91
Replacing Airbag System Parts After a Crash	91
Child Restraints	92
Older Children	92
Infants and Young Children	94
Child Restraint Systems	96
Where to Put the Restraint	98
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System)	100
Replacing LATCH System Parts After a Crash	105
Securing Child Restraints (Rear Seat )	106
Securing Child Restraints (Front Passenger Seat)	108
Storage	113
Storage Compartments	113
Instrument Panel Storage	113
Glove Box	113
Cupholders	113
Center Console Storage	113
Additional Storage Features	114
Cargo Cover	114
Cargo Tie Downs	114
Convenience Net	114
Roof Rack System	114
Instruments and Controls	117
Controls	118
Steering Wheel Adjustment	118
Steering Wheel Controls	118
Horn	119
Windshield Wiper/Washer	119
Rear Window Wiper/Washer	120
Compass	120
Clock (With Date Display)	121
Clock (Without Date Display)	122
Power Outlets	122
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators	123
Instrument Cluster	124
Speedometer	125
Odometer	125
Tachometer	125
Fuel Gauge	125
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge	126
Safety Belt Reminders	126
Airbag Readiness Light	127
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator	127
Charging System Light	128
Malfunction Indicator Lamp	129
Brake System Warning Light	131
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light	132
Traction Off Light	132
StabiliTrak® OFF Light	132
Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak® Light	133
Tire Pressure Light	133
Engine Oil Pressure Light	134
Fuel Economy Light	134
Low Fuel Warning Light	135
Security Light	135
High-Beam On Light	135
Front Fog Lamp Light	136
Lamps On Reminder	136
Cruise Control Light	136
Information Displays	136
Driver Information Center (DIC)	136
Vehicle Messages	139
Battery Voltage and Charging Messages	140
Brake System Messages	140
Compass Messages	140
Cruise Control Messages	140
Door Ajar Messages	141
Engine Cooling System Messages	141
Engine Oil Messages	142
Engine Power Messages	142
Fuel System Messages	143
Key and Lock Messages	143
Object Detection System Messages	143
Ride Control System Messages	143
Airbag System Messages	144
Safety Belt Messages	144
Anti-Theft Alarm System Messages	144
Service Vehicle Messages	144
Tire Messages	144
Transmission Messages	145
Vehicle Reminder Messages	145
Vehicle Personalization	146
Lighting	151
Exterior Lighting	151
Exterior Lamp Controls	151
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer	152
Flash-to-Pass	152
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)	152
Automatic Headlamp System	153
Hazard Warning Flashers	153
Turn and Lane-Change Signals	153
Fog Lamps	154
Interior Lighting	154
Instrument Panel Illumination Control	154
Dome Lamps	154
Reading Lamps	155
Lighting Features	155
Entry Lighting	155
Battery Load Management	155
Infotainment System	157
Introduction	158
Infotainment	158
Theft-Deterrent Feature	158
Overview (Radio with CD)	159
Overview (Radio with CD/DVD/MEM)	161
Operation	163
Radio	167
AM-FM Radio	167
Satellite Radio	169
Radio Reception	173
Multi-Band Antenna	174
Audio Players	174
CD Player	174
CD/DVD Player	176
Mass Storage Media (MEM)	179
Auxiliary Devices (Radio with CD)	183
Auxiliary Devices (Radio with CD/DVD/MEM)	186
Rear Seat Infotainment	188
Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) System	188
Rear Seat Audio (RSA) System	197
Phone	199
Bluetooth (Overview)	199
Bluetooth (Infotainment Controls)	200
Bluetooth (Voice Recognition)	204
Climate Controls	217
Climate Control Systems	217
Automatic Climate Control System	219
Air Vents	221
Maintenance	222
Passenger Compartment Air Filter	222
Driving and Operating	223
Driving Information	224
Defensive Driving	224
Drunk Driving	224
Control of a Vehicle	225
Braking	225
Steering	226
Off-Road Recovery	228
Loss of Control	228
Off-Road Driving	229
Driving on Wet Roads	239
Highway Hypnosis	240
Hill and Mountain Roads	240
Winter Driving	241
If the Vehicle is Stuck	243
Vehicle Load Limits	243
Starting and Operating	249
New Vehicle Break-In	249
Ignition Positions	249
Starting the Engine	251
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)	252
Engine Coolant Heater	253
Shifting Into Park	253
Shifting Out of Park	254
Parking Over Things That Burn	254
Engine Exhaust	255
Running the Vehicle While Parked	255
Automatic Transmission	256
Manual Mode	258
Fuel Economy Mode	258
Drive Systems	259
All-Wheel Drive	259
Brakes	259
Antilock Brake System (ABS)	259
Parking Brake	260
Brake Assist	261
Hill Start Assist (HSA)	261
Ride Control Systems	262
Traction Control System (TCS)	262
StabiliTrak® System	263
Cruise Control	264
Object Detection Systems	267
Ultrasonic Parking Assist	267
Rear Vision Camera (RVC)	268
Fuel	273
Recommended Fuel	273
Gasoline Specifications (U.S. and Canada Only)	274
California Fuel Requirements	274
Fuels in Foreign Countries	274
Fuel Additives	274
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)	275
Filling the Tank	276
Filling a Portable Fuel Container	278
Towing	279
General Towing Information	279
Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips	279
Trailer Towing	282
Towing Equipment	285
Trailer Sway Control (TSC)	286
Conversions and Add-Ons	286
Add-On Electrical Equipment	286
Vehicle Care	287
General Information	288
California Proposition 65 Warning	289
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements	289
Accessories and Modifications	289
Vehicle Checks	290
Doing Your Own Service Work	290
Hood	291
Engine Compartment Overview	292
Engine Cover	295
Engine Oil	296
Engine Oil Life System	299
Automatic Transmission Fluid	301
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter	301
Cooling System	302
Engine Coolant	304
Engine Overheating	307
Power Steering Fluid (2.4L L4 Engine)	309
Power Steering Fluid (3.0L V6 Engine)	309
Washer Fluid	310
Brakes	310
Brake Fluid	311
Battery	313
All-Wheel Drive	313
Starter Switch Check	314
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Function Check	314
Ignition Transmission Lock Check	315
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check	315
Wiper Blade Replacement	315
Headlamp Aiming	317
Bulb Replacement	319
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker, and Parking Lamps	319
Fog Lamps	320
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker, Stoplamps, and Back-Up Lamps	320
License Plate Lamp	321
Replacement Bulbs	322
Electrical System	323
Fuses	323
Engine Compartment Fuse Block	323
Instrument Panel Fuse Block	326
Wheels and Tires	329
Tires	329
Tire Sidewall Labeling	330
Tire Designations	332
Tire Terminology and Definitions	332
Tire Pressure	335
Tire Pressure Monitor System	336
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation	338
Tire Inspection	341
Tire Rotation	341
When It Is Time for New Tires	342
Buying New Tires	343
Different Size Tires and Wheels	345
Uniform Tire Quality Grading	345
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance	347
Wheel Replacement	347
Tire Chains	348
If a Tire Goes Flat	348
Tire Changing	350
Compact Spare Tire	358
Jump Starting	358
Towing	362
Towing the Vehicle	362
Recreational Vehicle Towing	362
Appearance Care	365
Exterior Care	365
Interior Care	368
Floor Mats	371
Service and Maintenance	373
General Information	373
Scheduled Maintenance	374
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Parts	378
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants	378
Maintenance Replacement Parts	380
Maintenance Records	381
Technical Data	385
Vehicle Identification	385
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)	385
Service Parts Identification Label	385
Vehicle Data	386
Capacities and Specifications	386
Engine Drive Belt Routing	388
Customer Information	389
Customer Information	389
Customer Satisfaction Procedure	389
Customer Assistance Offices	391
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users	392
Online Owner Center	392
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program	393
Roadside Assistance Program	394
Scheduling Service Appointments	396
Courtesy Transportation Program	396
Collision Damage Repair	397
Service Publications Ordering Information	400
Reporting Safety Defects	401
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Government	401
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian Government	401
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors	402
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy	402
Event Data Recorders	402
OnStar®	403
Navigation System	403
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)	404
Radio Frequency Statement	404
Index	405
Index_A	405
Index_B	405
Index_C	406
Index_D	407
Index_E	408
Index_F	408
Index_G	409
Index_H	409
Index_I	410
Index_J	410
Index_K	410
Index_L	410
Index_M	411
Index_N	411
Index_O	411
Index_P	412
Index_R	412
Index_S	413
Index_T	415
Index_U	415
Index_V	416

Match case Limit results 1 per page

9-58

Driving and Operating

Pulling a Trailer

Here are some important points:

There are many laws, including

speed limit restrictions that apply

to trailering. Check for legal

requirements with state or

provincial police.

Do not tow a trailer at all during

the first 1 600 km (1,000 miles)

the new vehicle is driven. The

engine, axle or other parts could

be damaged.

During the first 800 km

(500 miles) that a trailer is

towed, do not drive over 80 km/h

(50 mph) and do not make starts

at full throttle. This reduces wear

on the vehicle.

The vehicle can tow in D (Drive).

Use a lower gear if the

transmission shifts too often.

Do not use the Fuel Saver Mode

when towing.

Obey speed limit restrictions.

Do not drive faster than the

maximum posted speed for

trailers, or no more than 90 km/h

(55 mph), to reduce wear on the

vehicle.

For vehicles with the Ultra Rear

Parking Assist (URPA) system,

turn the system off when towing

a trailer. If the tow bar is

installed while not towing a

trailer, change the URPA system

to the

“

Tow Bar

”

setting. See

Ultrasonic Parking Assist on

page 9

‑

for more information.

Driving with a Trailer

Towing a trailer requires experience.

Get familiar with handling and

braking with the added trailer

weight. The vehicle is now longer

and not as responsive as the

vehicle is by itself.

Check all trailer hitch parts and

attachments, safety chains,

electrical connectors, lamps, tires

and mirror adjustments. If the trailer

has electric brakes, start the vehicle

and trailer moving and then apply

the trailer brake controller by hand

to be sure the brakes are working.

During the trip, check regularly to be

sure that the load is secure, and the

lamps and trailer brakes are working

properly.

Towing with a Stability Control

System

When towing, the sound of the

stability control system might be

heard. The system is reacting to the

vehicle movement caused by the

trailer, which mainly occurs during

cornering. This is normal when

towing heavier trailers.

Following Distance

Stay at least twice as far behind the

vehicle ahead as you would when

driving the vehicle without a trailer.

This can help to avoid situations

that require heavy braking and

sudden turns.