2012 Chevrolet Equinox Owner's Manual
Year:
2012
Make:
Chevrolet
Model:
Equinox
Rating:
Table of Contents
2012 Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual BookTOC
1
Introduction
3
Canadian Vehicle Owners
3
Using this Manual
4
Danger, Warnings, and Cautions
4
Symbols
4
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
14
Memory Features
16
Heated Seats
17
Head Restraint Adjustment
17
Safety Belts
18
Passenger Sensing System
18
Mirror Adjustment
19
Steering Wheel Adjustment
19
Interior Lighting
20
Exterior Lighting
20
Windshield Wiper/Washer
21
Climate Controls
22
Parking Brake
23
Transmission
24
Vehicle Features
24
Radio(s)
24
Satellite Radio
26
Portable Audio Devices
26
Bluetooth®
26
Steering Wheel Controls
26
Cruise Control
27
Navigation System
27
Driver Information Center (DIC)
28
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System
28
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
29
Rear Vision Camera (RVC)
29
Ultrasonic Parking Assist
30
Roof Rack System
30
Power Outlets
30
Performance and Maintenance
30
Traction Control System (TCS)
30
StabiliTrak® System
31
Tire Pressure Monitor
31
Engine Oil Life System
32
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)
32
Driving for Better Fuel Economy
32
Roadside Assistance Program
33
OnStar®
33
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
39
Door Locks
41
Power Door Locks
41
Safety Locks
42
Doors
43
Liftgate (Manual)
43
Liftgate (Power)
44
Vehicle Security
47
Anti-theft Alarm System
47
Immobilizer
48
Immobilizer Operation
48
Exterior Mirrors
49
Convex Mirrors
49
Power Mirrors
49
Heated Mirrors
50
Blind Spot Mirrors
50
Park Tilt Mirrors
51
Interior Mirrors
51
Manual Rearview Mirror
51
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror
52
Windows
52
Power Windows
53
Sun Visors
54
Roof
55
Sunroof
55
Seats and Restraints
57
Head Restraints
58
Front Seats
59
Seat Adjustment
59
Power Seat Adjustment
60
Lumbar Adjustment
61
Reclining Seatbacks
61
Memory Seats
63
Heated Front Seats
65
Rear Seats
66
Safety Belts
68
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly
69
Lap-Shoulder Belt
71
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy
74
Safety Belt Extender
75
Safety System Check
75
Safety Belt Care
76
Replacing Safety Belt System Parts after a Crash
76
Airbag System
77
Where Are the Airbags?
79
When Should an Airbag Inflate?
80
What Makes an Airbag Inflate?
82
How Does an Airbag Restrain?
82
What Will You See after an Airbag Inflates?
82
Passenger Sensing System
84
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
88
Adding Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
89
Airbag System Check
90
Replacing Airbag System Parts after a Crash
90
Child Restraints
91
Older Children
91
Infants and Young Children
93
Child Restraint Systems
95
Where to Put the Restraint
97
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System)
99
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
121
Compass
121
Clock
122
Power Outlets
123
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators
124
Instrument Cluster
125
Speedometer
126
Odometer
126
Tachometer
126
Fuel Gauge
126
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
127
Safety Belt Reminders
128
Airbag Readiness Light
129
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
129
Charging System Light
130
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
131
Brake System Warning Light
133
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
134
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) Light
134
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) Warning Light
135
Traction Off Light
135
StabiliTrak® OFF Light
136
Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak® Light
136
Tire Pressure Light
137
Engine Oil Pressure Light
137
Fuel Economy Light
138
Low Fuel Warning Light
138
Security Light
138
High-Beam On Light
139
Front Fog Lamp Light
139
Lamps On Reminder
139
Cruise Control Light
139
Information Displays
140
Driver Information Center (DIC)
140
Vehicle Messages
143
Battery Voltage and Charging Messages
143
Brake System Messages
144
Compass Messages
144
Cruise Control Messages
144
Door Ajar Messages
144
Engine Cooling System Messages
145
Engine Oil Messages
145
Engine Power Messages
146
Fuel System Messages
146
Key and Lock Messages
146
Object Detection System Messages
146
Ride Control System Messages
147
Airbag System Messages
148
Safety Belt Messages
148
Anti-theft Alarm System Messages
148
Service Vehicle Messages
149
Tire Messages
149
Transmission Messages
149
Vehicle Reminder Messages
150
Vehicle Personalization
150
Lighting
155
Exterior Lighting
155
Exterior Lamp Controls
155
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
156
Flash-to-Pass
156
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
156
Automatic Headlamp System
157
Hazard Warning Flashers
157
Turn and Lane-Change Signals
157
Fog Lamps
158
Interior Lighting
158
Instrument Panel Illumination Control
158
Dome Lamps
158
Reading Lamps
159
Lighting Features
159
Entry Lighting
159
Battery Load Management
159
Infotainment System
161
Introduction
161
Infotainment
161
Theft-Deterrent Feature
162
Overview (Radio with CD)
163
Overview (Radio with CD and Touchscreen)
165
Operation
170
Radio
174
AM-FM Radio (Radio with CD)
174
AM-FM Radio (Radio withCD and Touchscreen)
176
Satellite Radio
179
Radio Reception
183
Multi-Band Antenna
183
Audio Players
184
CD Player
184
MP3
187
Auxiliary Devices
188
Rear Seat Infotainment
194
Rear Seat Audio (RSA) System
194
Phone
196
Bluetooth (Overview)
196
Bluetooth (Infotainment Controls)
198
Bluetooth (Voice Recognition)
202
Trademarks and License Agreements
209
Climate Controls
211
Climate Control Systems
211
Automatic Climate Control System
213
Air Vents
215
Maintenance
216
Passenger Compartment Air Filter
216
Driving and Operating
217
Driving Information
218
Distracted Driving
218
Defensive Driving
219
Drunk Driving
219
Control of a Vehicle
220
Braking
220
Steering
220
Off-Road Recovery
221
Loss of Control
221
Off-Road Driving
222
Driving on Wet Roads
227
Highway Hypnosis
228
Hill and Mountain Roads
228
Winter Driving
229
If the Vehicle Is Stuck
231
Vehicle Load Limits
232
Starting and Operating
237
New Vehicle Break-In
237
Ignition Positions
237
Starting the Engine
240
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
241
Engine Coolant Heater
241
Shifting Into Park
242
Shifting out of Park
243
Parking over Things That Burn
244
Engine Exhaust
244
Running the Vehicle While Parked
245
Automatic Transmission
245
Manual Mode
247
Fuel Economy Mode
248
Drive Systems
249
All-Wheel Drive
249
Brakes
249
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
249
Parking Brake
250
Brake Assist
251
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
251
Ride Control Systems
251
Traction Control System (TCS)
251
StabiliTrak® System
253
Cruise Control
254
Object Detection Systems
257
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System
257
Ultrasonic Parking Assist
259
Rear Vision Camera (RVC)
261
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
264
Fuel
267
Recommended Fuel
267
Gasoline Specifications (U.S. and Canada Only)
267
California Fuel Requirements
268
Fuels in Foreign Countries
268
Fuel Additives
268
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)
269
Filling the Tank
270
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
272
Towing
272
General Towing Information
272
Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips
273
Trailer Towing
276
Towing Equipment
278
Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
279
Conversions and Add-Ons
279
Add-On Electrical Equipment
279
Vehicle Care
281
General Information
282
California Proposition 65 Warning
283
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements
283
Accessories and Modifications
283
Vehicle Checks
284
Doing Your Own Service Work
284
Hood
285
Engine Compartment Overview
286
Engine Cover
290
Engine Oil
290
Engine Oil Life System
292
Automatic Transmission Fluid
293
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
294
Cooling System
295
Engine Coolant
297
Engine Overheating
300
Power Steering Fluid (2.4L L4 Engine)
302
Power Steering Fluid (3.0L V6 Engine)
302
Washer Fluid
303
Brakes
303
Brake Fluid
304
Battery
306
All-Wheel Drive
306
Starter Switch Check
307
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Function Check
307
Ignition Transmission Lock Check
308
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check
308
Wiper Blade Replacement
309
Headlamp Aiming
310
Bulb Replacement
312
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker, and Parking Lamps
313
Fog Lamps
314
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker, Stoplamps, and Back-Up Lamps
314
License Plate Lamp
315
Replacement Bulbs
316
Electrical System
316
Fuses
316
Engine Compartment Fuse Block
317
Instrument Panel Fuse Block
320
Wheels and Tires
322
Tires
322
Tire Sidewall Labeling
323
Tire Designations
326
Tire Terminology and Definitions
326
Tire Pressure
330
Tire Pressure Monitor System
331
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
333
Tire Inspection
336
Tire Rotation
336
When It Is Time for New Tires
337
Buying New Tires
338
Different Size Tires and Wheels
340
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
340
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
342
Wheel Replacement
342
Tire Chains
343
If a Tire Goes Flat
344
Tire Changing
345
Compact Spare Tire
353
Jump Starting
354
Towing
357
Towing the Vehicle
357
Recreational Vehicle Towing
358
Appearance Care
361
Exterior Care
361
Interior Care
364
Floor Mats
366
Service and Maintenance
369
General Information
369
Maintenance Schedule
371
Special Application Services
376
Additional Maintenance and Care
377
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Parts
380
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
380
Maintenance Replacement Parts
382
Maintenance Records
383
Technical Data
387
Vehicle Identification
387
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
387
Service Parts Identification Label
387
Vehicle Data
388
Capacities and Specifications
388
Engine Drive Belt Routing
390
Customer Information
391
Customer Information
391
Customer Satisfaction Procedure
391
Customer Assistance Offices
393
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users
394
Online Owner Center
395
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program
396
Roadside Assistance Program
396
Scheduling Service Appointments
398
Courtesy Transportation Program
399
Collision Damage Repair
400
Service Publications Ordering Information
403
Reporting Safety Defects
404
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Government
404
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian Government
404
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors
405
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy
405
Event Data Recorders
405
OnStar®
406
Navigation System
407
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
407
Radio Frequency Statement
407
OnStar
409
OnStar Overview
409
OnStar Services
410
Emergency
410
Security
410
Navigation
410
Connections
412
Diagnostics
413
OnStar Additional Information
413
Index
417
Index_A
417
Index_B
418
Index_C
418
Index_D
419
Index_E
420
Index_F
420
Index_G
421
Index_H
421
Index_I
421
Index_J
422
Index_K
422
Index_L
422
Index_M
423
Index_N
423
Index_O
423
Index_P
424
Index_R
424
Index_S
425
Index_T
427
Index_U
427
Index_V
428
Index_W
428
2012 Chevrolet Equinox Overview
Introduction
The 2012 Chevrolet Equinox stands out in the compact SUV market, blending a sleek design with practical functionality and versatility. With its spacious interior, modern technology, and solid performance, the Equinox appeals to a diverse clientele, making it an ideal choice for families, professionals, and adventurers alike. It embodies a well-rounded vehicle option for those seeking comfort and capabilities in their daily drives.
Powertrains
The 2012 Equinox offers two efficient and capable powertrain options. The base model is powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 182 horsepower while achieving impressive fuel economy of up to 32 mpg on the highway. For those desiring more power, a 3.0-liter V6 engine is available, delivering 264 horsepower with a slightly lower fuel efficiency. Both engines are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth shifts and responsive acceleration.
Trims
The Equinox comes in several trims: the base LS, the mid-level LT, and the premium LTZ. Each trim level offers a range of features and options. The LS offers essentials like full power accessories and a touchscreen interface, while the LT adds upgraded audio and alloy wheels. The LTZ tops the lineup with luxurious leather seating, advanced navigation, and a rearview camera, ensuring the utmost in comfort and convenience.
Features
Equipped with a bounty of technology and safety features, the 2012 Equinox prioritizes both comfort and protection. Standard features include Bluetooth connectivity, OnStar, and available features like a sunroof, heated front seats, and premium audio systems. The spacious cabin provides ample legroom and cargo space, making it perfect for longer journeys or family adventures.
Owners Manual
The 2012 Chevrolet Equinox comes with a comprehensive owner's manual that provides essential information for maximizing your ownership experience. This manual covers everything from operating the vehicle’s features, maintenance schedules, safety guidelines, and troubleshooting tips, ensuring that every owner can fully utilize their Equinox and keep it in tip-top shape for years to come.
User manual download
The Chevrolet Equinox owner manual for the 2012 model year is to be found in PDF downloadable format on this page. The owner manual for the model year 2012 is free and in English, but the repair manuals are usually not easy to get and may cost more.
Posted by, John Mana
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