2016 Chevrolet Equinox Owners Manual

The vehicle has a passenger sensing system for the front outboard passenger position. The passenger airbag status indicator will be visible on the overhead console when the vehicle is started.

Additional windshield breakage may also occur from the front outboard passenger airbag. . Airbags are designed to inflate

only once. After an airbag inflates, you will need some new parts for the airbag system. If you do not get them, the airbag system will not be there to help protect you in another crash. A new system will include airbag modules and possibly other parts. The service manual for the vehicle covers the need to replace other parts.

. The vehicle has a crash sensing

United States

and diagnostic module which records information after a crash. See Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy 0 300
and Event Data Recorders 0 301

ii

ii

. Let only qualified technicians work on the airbag systems. Improper service can mean that an airbag system will not work properly. See your dealer for service.

Canada and Mexico

The words ON and OFF, or the symbol for on and off, are visible during the system check When the system check is complete, either the word ON or OFF, or the symbol for

ii

on or off, will be visible. See Passenger Airbag Status Indicator 0 101
The passenger sensing system turns off the front outboard passenger frontal airbag under certain conditions. No other airbag is affected by the passenger sensing system. The passenger sensing system works with sensors that are part of the front outboard passenger seat. The sensors are designed to detect the presence of a properly-seated occupant and determine if the front outboard passenger frontal airbag should be allowed to inflate or not. According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly secured in a rear seat in the correct child restraint for their weight and size. Whenever possible, children age 12 and under should be secured in a rear seating position.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- 9234773) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15

66

Seats and Restraints

Never put a rear-facing child seat in the front. This is because the risk to the rear-facing child is so great, if the airbag inflates.

{ Warning

A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the passenger frontal airbag inflates. This is because the back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating airbag. A child in a forward-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the passenger frontal airbag inflates and the passenger seat is in a forward position. Even if the passenger sensing system has turned off the passenger frontal airbag, no system is fail-safe. No one can guarantee that an airbag will not deploy under some unusual circumstance, even though the airbag is turned off.

(Continued)

Warning (Continued)

Never put a rear-facing child restraint in the front seat, even if the airbag is off. If securing a forward-facing child restraint in the front outboard passenger seat, always move the seat as far back as it will go. It is better to secure child restraints in the rear seat. Consider using another vehicle to transport the child when a rear seat is not available.

The passenger sensing system is designed to turn off the front outboard passenger frontal airbag if: . The front outboard passenger

seat is unoccupied.

. The system determines that an

infant is present in a child restraint.

. A front outboard passenger

takes his/her weight off of the seat for a period of time.

. There is a critical problem with

the airbag system or the passenger sensing system.

ii

When the passenger sensing system has turned off the front outboard passenger frontal airbag, the off indicator will light and stay lit to remind you that the airbag is off. See Passenger Airbag Status Indicator 0 101
The passenger sensing system is designed to turn on the front outboard passenger frontal airbag anytime the system senses that a person of adult size is sitting properly in the front outboard passenger seat. When the passenger sensing system has allowed the airbag to be enabled, the on indicator will light and stay lit to remind you that the airbag is active. For some children, including children in child restraints, and for very small adults, the passenger sensing system may or may not turn off the front outboard passenger frontal airbag, depending upon the person’s seating posture and body

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- 9234773) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15

build. Everyone in the vehicle who has outgrown child restraints should wear a safety belt properly — whether or not there is an airbag for that person.

{ Warning

If the airbag readiness light ever comes on and stays on, it means that something may be wrong with the airbag system. To help avoid injury to yourself or others, have the vehicle serviced right away. See Airbag Readiness Light 0 101
including important safety information.

for more information,

ii

If the On Indicator is Lit for a Child Restraint The passenger sensing system is designed to turn off the front outboard passenger frontal airbag if the system determines that an infant is present in a child restraint. If a child restraint has been installed and the on indicator is lit:

1. Turn the vehicle off. 2. Remove the child restraint from

the vehicle.

3. Remove any additional items

from the seat such as blankets, cushions, seat covers, seat heaters, or seat massagers.

4. Reinstall the child restraint

5.

ii

ii

or Securing

following the directions provided by the child restraint manufacturer and refer to Securing Child Restraints (Rear Seat) 0 83
Child Restraints (Front Passenger Seat) 0 86
If, after reinstalling the child restraint and restarting the vehicle, the on indicator is still lit, turn the vehicle off. Then slightly recline the vehicle seatback and adjust the seat cushion, if adjustable, to make sure that the vehicle seatback is not pushing the child restraint into the seat cushion. Also make sure the child restraint is not trapped under the vehicle head restraint.

Seats and Restraints

67

If this happens, adjust the head restraint. See Head Restraints 0 44

ii

6. Restart the vehicle.

The passenger sensing system may or may not turn off the airbag for a child in a child restraint depending upon the child’s size. It is better to secure the child restraint in a rear seat. Never put a rear-facing child restraint in the front seat, even if the on indicator is not lit.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- 9234773) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15

68

Seats and Restraints

If the Off Indicator is Lit for an Adult-Sized Occupant

If a person of adult size is sitting in the front outboard passenger seat, but the off indicator is lit, it could be because that person is not sitting properly in the seat. If this happens, use the following steps to allow the system to detect that person and enable the front outboard passenger frontal airbag: 1. Turn the vehicle off. 2. Remove any additional material

from the seat, such as blankets, cushions, seat

covers, seat heaters, seat massagers, laptops, or other electronic devices.

3. Place the seatback in the fully

upright position.

4. Have the person sit upright in the seat, centered on the seat cushion, with legs comfortably extended.

5. Restart the vehicle and have

the person remain in this position for two to three minutes after the on indicator is lit.

{ Warning

If the front outboard passenger airbag is turned off for an adult-sized occupant, the airbag will not be able to inflate and help protect that person in a crash, resulting in an increased risk of serious injury or even death. An adult-sized occupant should not ride in the front outboard passenger seat, if the passenger airbag off indicator is lit.

Additional Factors Affecting System Operation Safety belts help keep the passenger in position on the seat during vehicle maneuvers and braking, which helps the passenger sensing system maintain the passenger airbag status. See “Safety Belts” and “Child Restraints” in the Index for additional information about the importance of proper restraint use. A thick layer of additional material, such as a blanket or cushion, or aftermarket equipment such as seat covers, seat heaters, and seat massagers can affect how well the passenger sensing system operates. We recommend that you not use seat covers or other aftermarket equipment except when approved by GM for your specific vehicle. See Adding Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 0 69
for more information about modifications that can affect how the system operates.

ii

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- 9234773) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15

A wet seat can affect the performance of the passenger sensing system. Here is how: . The passenger sensing system

may turn off the passenger airbag when liquid is soaked into the seat. If this happens, the off indicator will be lit, and the airbag readiness light on the instrument panel will also be lit.

. Liquid pooled on the seat that has not soaked in may make it more likely that the passenger sensing system will turn on the passenger airbag while a child restraint or child occupant is on the seat. If the passenger airbag is turned on, the on indicator will be lit.

If the passenger seat gets wet, dry the seat immediately. If the airbag readiness light is lit, do not install a child restraint or allow anyone to occupy the seat. See Airbag Readiness Light 0 101
safety information. The on indicator may be lit if an object, such as a briefcase, handbag, grocery bag, laptop or

for important

ii

other electronic device, is put on an unoccupied seat. If this is not desired remove the object from the seat.

{ Warning

Stowing of articles under the passenger seat or between the passenger seat cushion and seatback may interfere with the proper operation of the passenger sensing system.

Servicing the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle Airbags affect how the vehicle should be serviced. There are parts of the airbag system in several places around the vehicle. Your dealer and the service manual have information about servicing the vehicle and the airbag system. To purchase a service manual, see Service Publications Ordering Information 0 298

ii

Seats and Restraints

69

{ Warning

For up to 10 seconds after the vehicle is turned off and the battery is disconnected, an airbag can still inflate during improper service. You can be injured if you are close to an airbag when it inflates. Avoid yellow connectors. They are probably part of the airbag system. Be sure to follow proper service procedures, and make sure the person performing work for you is qualified to do so.

Adding Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle Adding accessories that change the vehicle's frame, bumper system, height, front end, or side sheet metal, may keep the airbag system from working properly. The operation of the airbag system can also be affected by changing or moving any parts of the front seats, safety belts, the airbag sensing and diagnostic module, steering wheel, instrument panel, any of the airbag

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- 9234773) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15

70

Seats and Restraints

modules, ceiling or pillar garnish trim, overhead console, front sensors, side impact sensors, or airbag wiring. Your dealer and the service manual have information about the location of the airbag sensors, sensing and diagnostic module, and airbag wiring. In addition, the vehicle has a passenger sensing system for the front outboard passenger position, which includes sensors that are part of the passenger seat. The passenger sensing system may not operate properly if the original seat trim is replaced with non-GM covers, upholstery, or trim; or with GM covers, upholstery, or trim designed for a different vehicle. Any object, such as an aftermarket seat heater or a comfort-enhancing pad or device, installed under or on top of the seat fabric, could also interfere with the operation of the passenger sensing system. This could either prevent proper deployment of the passenger airbag(s) or prevent the passenger sensing system from properly

ii

ii

turning off the passenger airbag(s). See Passenger Sensing System 0 65
If the vehicle has rollover roof-rail airbags, see Different Size Tires for additional and Wheels 0 245
important information. If you have to modify your vehicle because you have a disability and you have questions about whether the modifications will affect the vehicle's airbag system, or if you have questions about whether the airbag system will be affected if the vehicle is modified for any other reason, call Customer Assistance. See Customer Assistance Offices 0 291

ii

Airbag System Check The airbag system does not need regularly scheduled maintenance or replacement. Make sure the airbag readiness light is working. See Airbag Readiness Light 0 101

ii

Caution

If an airbag covering is damaged, opened, or broken, the airbag may not work properly. Do not open or break the airbag coverings. If there are any opened or broken airbag coverings, have the airbag covering and/or airbag module replaced. For the location of the airbags, see Where Are the Airbags? 0 61
for service.

. See your dealer

ii

Replacing Airbag System Parts after a Crash { Warning

A crash can damage the airbag systems in the vehicle. A damaged airbag system may not work properly and may not protect you and your passenger(s) in a crash, resulting (Continued)

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- 9234773) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15

Warning (Continued)

in serious injury or even death. To help make sure the airbag systems are working properly after a crash, have them inspected and any necessary replacements made as soon as possible.

If an airbag inflates, you will need to replace airbag system parts. See your dealer for service. If the airbag readiness light stays on after the vehicle is started or comes on when you are driving, the airbag system may not work properly. Have the vehicle serviced right away. See Airbag Readiness Light 0 101

ii

Child Restraints

Older Children

Seats and Restraints

71

. Sit all the way back on the seat.

Do the knees bend at the seat edge? If yes, continue. If no, return to the booster seat.

. Buckle the lap-shoulder belt.

Does the shoulder belt rest on the shoulder? If yes, continue. If no, try using the rear safety belt comfort guide, if equipped. See “Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides” under Lap-Shoulder Belt 0 54
available, or if the shoulder belt still does not rest on the shoulder, then return to the booster seat.

. If a comfort guide is not

ii

Older children who have outgrown booster seats should wear the vehicle safety belts. The manufacturer instructions that come with the booster seat state the weight and height limitations for that booster. Use a booster seat with a lap-shoulder belt until the child passes the fit test below:

. Does the lap belt fit low and

snug on the hips, touching the thighs? If yes, continue. If no, return to the booster seat.

. Can proper safety belt fit be

maintained for the length of the trip? If yes, continue. If no, return to the booster seat.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- 9234773) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15

{ Warning

{ Warning

Never allow more than one child to wear the same safety belt. The safety belt cannot properly spread the impact forces. In a crash, they can be crushed together and seriously injured. A safety belt must be used by only one person at a time.

Never allow a child to wear the safety belt with the shoulder belt behind their back. A child can be seriously injured by not wearing the lap-shoulder belt properly. In a crash, the child would not be restrained by the shoulder belt. The child could move too far forward increasing the chance of head and neck injury. The child might also slide under the lap belt. The belt force would then be applied right on the abdomen. That could cause serious or fatal injuries. The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across the chest.

72

Seats and Restraints

Q: What is the proper way to

wear safety belts?

A: An older child should wear a lap-shoulder belt and get the additional restraint a shoulder belt can provide. The shoulder belt should not cross the face or neck. The lap belt should fit snugly below the hips, just touching the top of the thighs. This applies belt force to the child's pelvic bones in a crash. It should never be worn over the abdomen, which could cause severe or even fatal internal injuries in a crash.

ii

Also see “Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides” under Lap-Shoulder Belt 0 54
According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in a rear seating position. In a crash, children who are not buckled up can strike other people who are buckled up, or can be thrown out of the vehicle. Older children need to use safety belts properly.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- 9234773) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15

Seats and Restraints

73

the vehicle's safety belt system nor its airbag system is designed for them. Children who are not restrained properly can strike other people, or can be thrown out of the vehicle.

{ Warning

Never hold an infant or a child while riding in a vehicle. Due to crash forces, an infant or a child will become so heavy it is not possible to hold it during a crash. For example, in a crash at only 40 km/h (25 mph), a 5.5 kg (12 lb) infant will suddenly become a 110 kg (240 lb) force on a person's arms. An infant should be secured in an appropriate restraint.

{ Warning

Children can be seriously injured or strangled if a shoulder belt is wrapped around their neck. The shoulder belt can tighten but cannot be loosened if it is locked. The shoulder belt locks when it is pulled all the way out of the retractor. It unlocks when the shoulder belt is allowed to go all the way back into the retractor, but it cannot do this if it is wrapped around a child’s neck. If the shoulder belt is locked and tightened around a child’s neck, the only way to loosen the belt is to cut it. Never leave children unattended in a vehicle and never allow children to play with the safety belts.

Every time infants and young children ride in vehicles, they should have the protection provided by appropriate child restraints. Neither

Infants and Young Children Everyone in a vehicle needs protection! This includes infants and all other children. Neither the distance traveled nor the age and size of the traveler changes the need, for everyone, to use safety restraints. In fact, the law in every state in the United States and in every Canadian province says children up to some age must be restrained while in a vehicle.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- 9234773) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15

74

Seats and Restraints

restraint will have a label saying that it meets federal motor vehicle safety standards. The restraint manufacturer instructions that come with the restraint state the weight and height limitations for a particular child restraint. In addition, there are many kinds of restraints available for children with special needs.

{ Warning

To reduce the risk of neck and head injury in a crash, infants and toddlers should be secured in a rear-facing child restraint until age two, or until they reach the maximum height and weight limits of their child restraint.

{ Warning

A young child's hip bones are still so small that the vehicle's regular safety belt may not remain low on (Continued)

{ Warning

Children who are up against, or very close to, any airbag when it inflates can be seriously injured or killed. Never put a rear-facing child restraint in the front outboard seat. Secure a rear-facing child restraint in a rear seat. It is also better to secure a forward-facing child restraint in a rear seat. If you must secure a forward-facing child restraint in the front outboard seat, always move the front passenger seat as far back as it will go.

Q: What are the different types of

add-on child restraints?

A: Add-on child restraints, which are purchased by the vehicle owner, are available in four basic types. Selection of a particular restraint should take into consideration not only the child's weight, height, and age but also whether or not the restraint will be compatible with the motor vehicle in which it will be used. For most basic types of child restraints, there are many different models available. When purchasing a child restraint, be sure it is designed to be used in a motor vehicle. If it is, the

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- 9234773) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15

Warning (Continued)

the hip bones, as it should. Instead, it may settle up around the child's abdomen. In a crash, the belt would apply force on a body area that is unprotected by any bony structure. This alone could cause serious or fatal injuries. To reduce the risk of serious or fatal injuries during a crash, young children should always be secured in appropriate child restraints.

Child Restraint Systems

Seats and Restraints

75

Forward-Facing Child Seat

A forward-facing child seat provides restraint for the child's body with the harness.

Rear-Facing Infant Seat

A rear-facing infant seat provides restraint with the seating surface against the back of the infant. The harness system holds the infant in place and, in a crash, acts to keep the infant positioned in the restraint.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- 9234773) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15

76

Seats and Restraints

Warning (Continued)

restraint properly in the vehicle using the vehicle safety belt or LATCH system, following the instructions that came with that child restraint and the instructions in this manual.

To help reduce the chance of injury, the child restraint must be secured in the vehicle. Child restraint systems must be secured in vehicle seats by lap belts or the lap belt portion of a lap-shoulder belt, or by the LATCH system. See Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children . Children can (LATCH System) 0 78
be endangered in a crash if the child restraint is not properly secured in the vehicle. When securing an add-on child restraint, refer to the instructions that come with the restraint which may be on the restraint itself or in a booklet, or both, and to this manual. The child restraint instructions are

ii

important, so if they are not available, obtain a replacement copy from the manufacturer. Keep in mind that an unsecured child restraint can move around in a collision or sudden stop and injure people in the vehicle. Be sure to properly secure any child restraint in the vehicle — even when no child is in it. In some areas of the United States and Canada, Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs) are available to inspect and demonstrate how to correctly use and install child restraints. In the U.S., refer to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website to locate the nearest child safety seat inspection station. For CPST availability in Canada, check with Transport Canada or the Provincial Ministry of Transportation office.

Booster Seats

A booster seat is a child restraint designed to improve the fit of the vehicle's safety belt system. A booster seat can also help a child to see out the window. Securing an Add-On Child Restraint in the Vehicle { Warning

A child can be seriously injured or killed in a crash if the child restraint is not properly secured in the vehicle. Secure the child

(Continued)

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- 9234773) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15

Securing the Child Within the Child Restraint

{ Warning

{ Warning

A child can be seriously injured or killed in a crash if the child is not properly secured in the child restraint. Secure the child properly following the instructions that came with that child restraint.

Where to Put the Restraint According to accident statistics, children and infants are safer when properly restrained in a child restraint system or infant restraint system secured in a rear seating position. Whenever possible, children aged 12 and under should be secured in a rear seating position. Never put a rear-facing child seat in the front. This is because the risk to the rear-facing child is so great if the airbag deploys.

A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the front passenger airbag inflates. This is because the back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating airbag. A child in a forward-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the front passenger airbag inflates and the passenger seat is in a forward position. Even if the passenger sensing system has turned off the front passenger frontal airbag, no system is fail-safe. No one can guarantee that an airbag will not deploy under some unusual circumstance, even though it is turned off. Secure rear-facing child restraints in a rear seat, even if the airbag is off. If you secure a forward-facing child restraint in

(Continued)

Seats and Restraints

77

Warning (Continued)

the front seat, always move the front passenger seat as far back as it will go. It is better to secure the child restraint in a rear seat. See Passenger Sensing System 0 65

for additional information.

ii

When securing a child restraint in a rear seating position, study the instructions that came with the child restraint to make sure it is compatible with this vehicle. Child restraints and booster seats vary considerably in size, and some may fit in certain seating positions better than others. Depending on where you place the child restraint and the size of the child restraint, you may not be able to access adjacent safety belt assemblies or LATCH anchors for additional passengers or child restraints. Adjacent seating positions should not be used if the

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- 9234773) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15

78

Seats and Restraints

child restraint prevents access to or interferes with the routing of the safety belt. Wherever a child restraint is installed, be sure to secure the child restraint properly. Keep in mind that an unsecured child restraint can move around in a collision or sudden stop and injure people in the vehicle. Be sure to properly secure any child restraint in the vehicle — even when no child is in it.

Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System) The LATCH system secures a child restraint during driving or in a crash. LATCH attachments on the child restraint are used to attach the child restraint to the anchors in the vehicle. The LATCH system is designed to make installation of a child restraint easier. In order to use the LATCH system in your vehicle, you need a child restraint that has LATCH

attachments. LATCH-compatible rear-facing and forward-facing child seats can be properly installed using either the LATCH anchors or the vehicle’s safety belts. Do not use both the safety belts and the LATCH anchorage system to secure a rear-facing or forward-facing child seat. Booster seats use the vehicle’s safety belts to secure the child in the booster seat. If the manufacturer recommends that the booster seat be secured with the LATCH system, this can be done as long as the booster seat can be positioned properly and there is no interference with the proper positioning of the lap-shoulder belt on the child. Make sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint, and also the instructions in this manual. When installing a child restraint with a top tether, you must also use either the lower anchors or the safety belts to properly secure the

child restraint. A child restraint must never be attached using only the top tether. The LATCH anchorage system can be used until the combined weight of the child plus the child restraint is 29.5 kg (65 lbs). Use the safety belt alone instead of the LATCH anchorage system once the combined weight is more than 29.5 kg (65 lbs). The following explains how to attach a child restraint with these attachments in the vehicle. Not all vehicle seating positions or child restraints have lower anchors and attachments or top tether anchors and attachments. In this case, the safety belt must be used (with top tether where available) to secure the child restraint. See Securing Child Restraints (Rear Seat) 0 83
Restraints (Front Passenger Seat) 0 86

or Securing Child

ii

ii

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- 9234773) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15

Lower Anchors

Top Tether Anchor

Seats and Restraints

79

Some child restraints that have a top tether are designed for use with or without the top tether being attached. Others require the top tether always to be attached. In Canada, the law requires that forward-facing child restraints have a top tether, and that the tether be attached. Be sure to read and follow the instructions for your child restraint. Lower Anchor and Top Tether Anchor Locations

Lower anchors (1) are metal bars built into the vehicle. There are two lower anchors for each LATCH seating position that will accommodate a child restraint with lower attachments (2).

A top tether (3, 4) anchors the top of the child restraint to the vehicle. A top tether anchor is built into the vehicle. The top tether attachment (2) on the child restraint connects to the top tether anchor in the vehicle in order to reduce the forward movement and rotation of the child restraint during driving or in a crash. Your child restraint may have a single tether (3) or a dual tether (4). Either will have a single attachment (2) to secure the top tether to the anchor.

Rear Seat

i : Seating positions with top tether anchors.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- 9234773) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15

80

Seats and Restraints

j : Seating positions with two lower anchors. The rear outboard seating positions have exposed metal anchors in the crease between the seatback and the seat cushion.

To assist in locating the top tether anchors, the top tether anchor symbol is near the top tether anchors.

Top Tether Anchors

The top tether anchors for each rear seating position are on the back of the rear seatback. The rear compartment storage panel/cover might need to be adjusted to access the anchors. Be sure to use an anchor on the same side of the vehicle as the seating position where the child restraint will be placed. Do not secure a child restraint in a position without a top tether anchor if a national or local law requires that the top tether be attached, or if

the instructions that come with the child restraint say that the top tether must be attached. According to accident statistics, children and infants are safer when properly restrained in a child restraint system or infant restraint system secured in a rear seating position. See Where to Put the Restraint 0 77
information. Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System

for additional

ii

{ Warning

If a LATCH-type child restraint is not attached to anchors, the child restraint will not be able to protect the child correctly. In a crash, the child could be seriously injured or killed. Install a LATCH-type child restraint properly using the anchors, or use the vehicle's safety belts to secure the restraint, following the instructions (Continued)

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- 9234773) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15

Warning (Continued)

Warning (Continued)

Caution

Seats and Restraints

81

that came with the child restraint and the instructions in this manual.

{ Warning

To reduce the risk of serious or fatal injuries during a crash, do not attach more than one child restraint to a single anchor. Attaching more than one child restraint to a single anchor could cause the anchor or attachment to come loose or even break during a crash. A child or others could be injured.

{ Warning

Children can be seriously injured or strangled if a shoulder belt is wrapped around their neck. The shoulder belt can tighten but

(Continued)

cannot be loosened if it is locked. The shoulder belt locks when it is pulled all the way out of the retractor. It unlocks when the shoulder belt is allowed to go all the way back into the retractor, but it cannot do this if it is wrapped around a child’s neck. If the shoulder belt is locked and tightened around a child’s neck, the only way to loosen the belt is to cut it. Buckle any unused safety belts behind the child restraint so children cannot reach them. Pull the shoulder belt all the way out of the retractor to set the lock, and tighten the belt behind the child restraint after the child restraint has been installed.

Do not let the LATCH attachments rub against the vehicle’s safety belts. This may damage these parts. If necessary, move buckled safety belts to avoid rubbing the LATCH attachments. Do not fold the rear seatback when the seat is occupied. Do not fold the empty rear seat with a safety belt buckled. This could damage the safety belt or the seat. Unbuckle and return the safety belt to its stowed position, before folding the seat.

If you need to secure more than one child restraint in the rear seat, see Where to Put the Restraint 0 77
This system is designed to make installation of child restraints easier. When using lower anchors, do not use the vehicle's safety belts. Instead, use the vehicle's anchors and child restraint attachments to

ii

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- 9234773) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15

82

Seats and Restraints

secure the restraints. Some restraints also use another vehicle anchor to secure a top tether. 1. Attach and tighten the lower

attachments to the lower anchors. If the child restraint does not have lower attachments or the desired seating position does not have lower anchors, secure the child restraint with the top tether and the safety belts. Refer to the child restraint manufacturer instructions and the instructions in this manual. 1.1. Find the lower anchors for

the desired seating position.

1.2. Put the child restraint on

the seat.

1.3. Attach and tighten the

lower attachments on the child restraint to the lower anchors.

2.

If the child restraint manufacturer recommends that the top tether be attached, attach and tighten the top

tether to the top tether anchor, if equipped. Refer to the child restraint instructions and the following steps: 2.1. Find the top tether anchor. 2.2. Route, attach and tighten the top tether according to your child restraint instructions and the following instructions:

If the position being used does not have a head restraint and a single tether is being used, route the tether over the seatback.

If the position being used does not have a head restraint and a dual tether is being used, route the tether over the seatback.

If the position being used has a fixed head restraint and a dual tether is being used, route the tether around the head restraint.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- 9234773) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15

Seats and Restraints

83

Replacing LATCH System Parts After a Crash { Warning

A crash can damage the LATCH system in the vehicle. A damaged LATCH system may not properly secure the child restraint, resulting in serious injury or even death in a crash. To help make sure the LATCH system is working properly after a crash, see your dealer to have the system inspected and any necessary replacements made as soon as possible.

If the vehicle has the LATCH system and it was being used during a crash, new LATCH system parts may be needed. New parts and repairs may be necessary even if the LATCH system was not being used at the time of the crash.

If the position being used has a fixed head restraint and a single tether is being used, route the tether over the head restraint.

3. Before placing a child in the

child restraint, make sure it is securely held in place. To check, grasp the child restraint at the LATCH path and attempt to move it side to side and back and forth. There should be no more than 2.5 cm (1 in) of movement, for proper installation.

for how and where to

Securing Child Restraints (Rear Seat) When securing a child restraint in a rear seating position, study the instructions that came with the child restraint to make sure it is compatible with this vehicle. If the child restraint has the LATCH system, see Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System) 0 78
install the child restraint using LATCH. If a child restraint is secured in the vehicle using a safety belt and it uses a top tether, see Lower Anchors and Tethers for for Children (LATCH System) 0 78
top tether anchor locations. Do not secure a child seat in a position without a top tether anchor if a national or local law requires that the top tether be anchored, or if the instructions that come with the child restraint say that the top strap must be anchored.

ii

ii

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- 9234773) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15

84

Seats and Restraints

In Canada, the law requires that forward-facing child restraints have a top tether, and that the tether be attached. If the child restraint or vehicle seat position does not have the LATCH system, you will be using the safety belt to secure the child restraint in this position. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say. If more than one child restraint needs to be installed in the rear seat, be sure to read Where to Put the Restraint 0 77
1. Put the child restraint on

ii

the seat.

2. Pick up the latch plate, and run

the lap and shoulder portions of the vehicle's safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how.

3. Push the latch plate into the

4. Pull the shoulder belt all the

buckle until it clicks. Position the release button on the buckle so that the safety belt could be quickly unbuckled if necessary.

way out of the retractor to set the lock. When the retractor lock is set, the belt can be tightened but not pulled out of the retractor.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- 9234773) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15

6.

If the child restraint has a top tether, follow the child restraint manufacturer's instructions regarding the use of the top tether. See Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System) 0 78
information.

for more

ii

7. Before placing a child in the

child restraint, make sure it is securely held in place. To check, grasp the child restraint at the safety belt path and attempt to move it side to side and back and forth. When the child restraint is properly installed, there should be no more than 2.5 cm (1 in) of movement.

To remove the child restraint, unbuckle the vehicle safety belt and let it return to the stowed position. If the top tether is attached to a top tether anchor, disconnect it.

5. To tighten the belt, push down on the child restraint, pull the shoulder portion of the belt to tighten the lap portion of the belt, and feed the shoulder belt back into the retractor. When installing a forward-facing child restraint, it may be helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt. Try to pull the belt out of the retractor to make sure the retractor is locked. If the retractor is not locked, repeat Steps 4 and 5.

Seats and Restraints

85

Armrest Retaining Strap

{ Warning

A rear center armrest that is not properly stowed and secured could fall forward during a sudden stop or collision. The armrest could contact an infant secured in a rear‐facing child restraint in the center seat position. Fasten the retaining strap onto the stowed armrest before installing a rear‐ facing child restraint in the rear center seat position.

When new, the vehicle's glove box materials included an armrest retaining strap. Use it to secure the center armrest before installing a rear-facing child restraint in the second row center seat position.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- 9234773) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15

86

Seats and Restraints

ii

Securing Child Restraints (Front Passenger Seat) This vehicle has airbags. A rear seat is a safer place to secure a forward-facing child restraint. See Where to Put the Restraint 0 77
In addition, the vehicle has a passenger sensing system which is designed to turn off the front outboard passenger frontal airbag under certain conditions. See Passenger Sensing System 0 65
and Passenger Airbag Status Indicator 0 101
information, including important safety information. Never put a rear-facing child seat in the front. This is because the risk to the rear-facing child is so great, if the airbag deploys.

for more

ii

ii

{ Warning

A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the front outboard passenger frontal airbag inflates.

(Continued)

Warning (Continued)

This is because the back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating airbag. A child in a forward-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the front outboard passenger frontal airbag inflates and the passenger seat is in a forward position. Even if the passenger sensing system has turned off the front outboard passenger frontal airbag, no system is fail-safe. No one can guarantee that an airbag will not deploy under some unusual circumstance, even though it is turned off. Secure rear-facing child restraints in a rear seat, even if the airbag is off. If you secure a forward-facing child restraint in the front seat, always move the

(Continued)

Stow the rear seat center armrest. Attach the retaining strap to the armrest loop (1) and to the center top tether anchor on the seatback (2). Make sure the retaining strap's clips are firmly attached. Install the rear-facing child restraint using the child restraint manufacturer's instructions and the instructions described previously. Remove the armrest retaining strap before installing a forward facing child restraint in the center seat position, as it may interfere with the attachment of the top tether to the top tether anchor on the seatback.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- 9234773) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15

Seats and Restraints

87

Warning (Continued)

front passenger seat as far back as it will go. It is better to secure the child restraint in a rear seat. See Passenger Sensing System 0 65

for additional information.

ii

ii

for top tether anchor

If the child restraint uses a top tether, see Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System) 0 78
locations. Do not secure a child seat in a position without a top tether anchor if a national or local law requires that the top tether be anchored, or if the instructions that come with the child restraint say that the top strap must be anchored. In Canada, the law requires that forward-facing child restraints have a top tether, and that the tether be attached.

When using the lap-shoulder belt to secure the child restraint in this position, follow the instructions that came with the child restraint and the following instructions: 1. Move the seat as far back as it

will go before securing the forward-facing child restraint. When the passenger sensing system has turned off the front outboard passenger frontal airbag, the off indicator on the passenger airbag status indicator should light and stay lit when you start the vehicle. See Passenger Airbag Status Indicator 0 101

ii

2. Put the child restraint on

the seat.

3. Pick up the latch plate, and run

the lap and shoulder portions of the vehicle's safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how.

Tilt the latch plate to adjust the belt if needed.

4. Push the latch plate into the

buckle until it clicks.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- 9234773) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15

88

Seats and Restraints

Position the release button on the buckle, so that the safety belt could be quickly unbuckled if necessary.

5. Pull the shoulder belt all the

way out of the retractor to set the lock. When the retractor lock is set, the belt can be tightened but not pulled out of the retractor.

6. To tighten the belt, push down on the child restraint, pull the shoulder portion of the belt to tighten the lap portion of the belt, and feed the shoulder belt back into the retractor. When installing a forward-facing child restraint, it may be helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt. Try to pull the belt out of the retractor to make sure the retractor is locked. If the retractor is not locked, repeat Steps 5 and 6.

7. Before placing a child in the

child restraint, make sure it is securely held in place. To check, grasp the child restraint at the safety belt path and attempt to move it side to side and back and forth. When the child restraint is properly installed, there should be no more than 2.5 cm (1 in) of movement.

If the airbag is off, the off indicator in the passenger airbag status indicator will come on and stay on when the vehicle is started. If a child restraint has been installed and the on indicator is lit, see “If the On Indicator is Lit for a Child Restraint” under Passenger Sensing System 0 65
To remove the child restraint, unbuckle the vehicle safety belt and let it return to the stowed position.

ii

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- 9234773) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15

Storage

Storage Compartments

Storage Compartments . . . . . . . . 89
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Cupholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Center Console Storage . . . . . . . 89

Additional Storage Features

Cargo Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Cargo Tie-Downs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Convenience Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Roof Rack System

Roof Rack System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Storage Compartments { Warning

Do not store heavy or sharp objects in storage compartments. In a crash, these objects may cause the cover to open and could result in injury.

Glove Box Open the glove box by lifting up on the lever.

Cupholders Two cupholders are in the center console. Cupholders may be located in the second row seat armrest. To access, pull the armrest down.

Storage

89

Center Console Storage

There is storage in the center console; lift the lever on the front to open. There may be a USB port and auxiliary input jack inside.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- 9234773) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15

90

Storage

Additional Storage Features

Cargo Cover For vehicles with a cargo cover, use it to cover items in the rear of the vehicle. To remove the cover from the vehicle, pull both ends toward each other. To reinstall, place each end of the cover in the holes behind the rear seat.

Cargo Tie-Downs

The vehicle may be equipped with four cargo tie-downs located in the rear compartment.

Convenience Net This vehicle may have a convenience net in the rear of the vehicle. Attach it to the cargo tie-downs for storing small loads. Do not use the net to store heavy loads.

Roof Rack System

{ Warning

If something is carried on top of the vehicle that is longer or wider than the roof rack — like paneling, plywood, or a mattress — the wind can catch it while the vehicle is being driven. The item being carried could be violently torn off, and this could cause a collision and damage the vehicle. Never carry something longer or wider than the roof rack on top of the vehicle unless using a GM certified accessory carrier.

If equipped, the roof rack can be used to load items. For roof racks that do not have crossrails included, GM certified crossrails can be purchased as an accessory. See your dealer.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- 9234773) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15

Storage

91

Caution

Loading cargo on the roof rack that weighs more than 100 kg (220 lb) or hangs over the rear or sides of the vehicle may damage the vehicle. Load cargo so that it rests evenly between the crossrails, making sure to fasten cargo securely.

of gravity higher. Avoid high speeds, sudden starts, sharp turns, sudden braking, or abrupt maneuvers; otherwise it may result in loss of control. If driving for a long distance, on rough roads, or at high speeds, occasionally stop the vehicle to make sure the cargo remains in its place. Do not exceed the maximum vehicle capacity when loading the vehicle. For more information on vehicle capacity and loading, see Vehicle Load Limits 0 156

ii

To prevent damage or loss of cargo when driving, check to make sure crossrails and cargo are securely fastened. Loading cargo on the roof rack will make the vehicle’s center

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- 9234773) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15

Instruments and Controls

92
Instruments and Controls

Controls

Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . . 93
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . . 93
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . . . 93
Rear Window Wiper/Washer . . . 94
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators

Warning Lights, Gauges, and

Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Engine Coolant Temperature

Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Safety Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . 100
Airbag Readiness Light . . . . . . . 101
Passenger Airbag Status

Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Charging System Light . . . . . . . 102

Malfunction Indicator Lamp

(Check Engine Light) . . . . . . . . 103

Brake System Warning

Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Antilock Brake System (ABS)

Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Lane Departure Warning

(LDW) Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

Forward Collision Alert (FCA)

Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Vehicle Ahead Indicator . . . . . . 106
Traction Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
StabiliTrak® OFF Light . . . . . . . . 107
Traction Control System (TCS)/

StabiliTrak® Light . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Tire Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Engine Oil Pressure Light . . . . 108
Fuel Economy Light . . . . . . . . . . 108
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . 109
Security Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . 109
Front Fog Lamp Light . . . . . . . . . 109
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . 110
Cruise Control Light . . . . . . . . . . 110

Information Displays

Driver Information

Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

Vehicle Messages

Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

Battery Voltage and Charging

Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Brake System Messages . . . . . 114
Compass Messages . . . . . . . . . . 114
Cruise Control Messages . . . . . 114
Door Ajar Messages . . . . . . . . . . 114
Engine Cooling System

Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Engine Oil Messages . . . . . . . . . 115
Engine Power Messages . . . . . 115
Fuel System Messages . . . . . . . 116
Key and Lock Messages . . . . . . 116
Object Detection System

Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116

Ride Control System

Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Airbag System Messages . . . . . 118
Security Messages . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Service Vehicle Messages . . . . 118
Tire Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Transmission Messages . . . . . . 119
Vehicle Reminder

Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

Vehicle Personalization

Vehicle Personalization . . . . . . . 120

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- 9234773) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15

Universal Remote System

Universal Remote System . . . . 126
Universal Remote System

Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126

Universal Remote System

Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129

Controls

Steering Wheel Adjustment

Instruments and Controls

93

Steering Wheel Controls The infotainment system can be operated by using the steering wheel controls. See "Steering Wheel Controls" in the infotainment manual.

Horn Press a on the steering wheel pad to sound the horn.

Windshield Wiper/Washer

To adjust the steering wheel: 1. Pull the lever down. 2. Move the steering wheel up

or down.

3. Pull or push the steering wheel

closer or away from you.

4. Pull the lever up to lock the

steering wheel in place.

Do not adjust the steering wheel while driving.

The windshield wiper/washer lever is located on the right side of the steering column. With the ignition in ACC/ACCESSORY or ON/RUN/ START, move the windshield wiper lever to select the wiper speed. HI : Use for fast wipes. LO : Use for slow wipes.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- 9234773) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15

94

Instruments and Controls

INT (Intermittent Wipes) : Move the lever up to INT for intermittent wipes, then turn the 3 INT band up for more frequent wipes or down for less frequent wipes.

activated. See Washer Fluid 0 216
for information on filling the windshield washer fluid reservoir.

ii

{ Warning

In freezing weather, do not use the washer until the windshield is warmed. Otherwise the washer fluid can form ice on the windshield, blocking your vision.

If the windshield wiper lever is then moved to OFF before the driver door is opened or within 10 minutes, the wipers will restart and move to the base of the windshield. If the ignition is turned to LOCK/ OFF while the wipers are performing wipes due to windshield washing, the wipers continue to run until they reach the base of the windshield.

Rear Window Wiper/ Washer The rear wiper controls are on the end of the windshield wiper lever.

OFF : Use to turn the wipers off. 1X (Mist) : For a single wipe, briefly move the wiper lever down. For several wipes, hold the wiper lever down. n L FRONT (Windshield Washer) : Pull the windshield wiper lever toward you to spray windshield washer fluid and activate the wipers. The wipers will continue until the lever is released or the maximum wash time is reached. When the windshield wiper lever is released, additional wipes may occur depending on how long the windshield washer had been

Clear snow and ice from the wiper blades before using them. If frozen to the windshield, carefully loosen or thaw them. Damaged blades should be replaced. See Wiper Blade Replacement 0 220
Heavy snow or ice can overload the wiper motor.

ii

Wiper Parking If the ignition is turned to LOCK/ OFF while the wipers are on LO, HI, or INT, they will immediately stop.

ON : Press the upper portion of the button for continuous rear window wipes.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- 9234773) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15

OFF : The rear wiper turns off when the button is returned to the middle position. INT (Intermittent Rear Wipes) : Press the lower portion of the button to set a delay between wipes. a (Rear Washer) : Push the windshield wiper lever forward to spray washer fluid on the rear window. The lever returns to its starting position when released.

Rear Wiper Arm Assembly Protection When using an automatic car wash, move the rear wiper control to OFF. This disables the rear wiper. If the transmission is in N (Neutral) and the vehicle speed is very slow, the rear wiper will automatically stop at the base of the rear window. The wiper operations return to normal when the transmission is no longer in N (Neutral) or the vehicle speed has increased.

Instruments and Controls

95

The windshield washer reservoir is used for the windshield and the rear window. Check the fluid level in the reservoir if either washer is not working. See Washer Fluid 0 216

ii

Compass The vehicle may have a compass display in the Driver Information Center (DIC). The compass receives its heading and other information from the Global Positioning System (GPS) antenna, StabiliTrak, and vehicle speed information. Avoid covering the GPS antenna, located on the roof, for long periods of time with objects that may interfere with the antenna's ability to receive a satellite signal. The compass system is designed to operate for a certain number of miles or degrees of turn before needing a signal from the GPS satellites. When the compass display shows CAL, drive the vehicle for a short distance in an open area where it can receive a GPS signal. The compass system

will automatically determine when the GPS signal is restored and provide a heading again.

Clock The infotainment system controls are used to access the time and date settings through the menu system. See “Using the System” in the infotainment manual. Setting the Clock Using the Faceplate To set the time and date: 1. Turn the infotainment

system on.

2. Press the CONFIG button and select Time and Date, or press the H button.

3. Select Set Time or Set Date. 4. Turn the MENU/SEL knob to adjust the highlighted value.

5. Press the MENU/SEL knob to

select the next value.

6. To save the settings and return

to the Time and Date menu, press E BACK.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- 9234773) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15

96

Instruments and Controls

To set the 12/24 hour format: 1. Turn the infotainment

system on.

2. Press the CONFIG button and select Time and Date, or press the H button.

3. Highlight 12 hr/24 hr Format. 4. Press the MENU/SEL knob