Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators Chevrolet Equinox
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators
Instrument Cluster (Base and Midlevel)
Instrument Cluster (Uplevel)
Speedometer
Odometer
Trip Odometer
Tachometer
Fuel Gauge
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
Seat Belt Reminders
Airbag Readiness Light
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
Charging System Light
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light)
Brake System Warning Light
Electric Parking Brake Light
Service Electric Parking Brake Light
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
Tow/Haul Mode Light
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) Light
Vehicle Ahead Indicator
Pedestrian Ahead Indicator
Traction Off Light
StabiliTrak OFF Light
Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak Light
Tire Pressure Light
Engine Oil Pressure Light
Low Fuel Warning Light
Security Light
High-Beam On Light
Front Fog Lamp Light
Lamps On Reminder
Cruise Control Light
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators Chevrolet Equinox
Warning lights and gauges can signal that something is wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause an expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention to the warning lights and gauges could prevent injury.
Some warning lights come on briefly when the engine is started to indicate they are working. When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on while driving, or when one of the gauges shows there may be a problem, check the section that explains what to do. Waiting to do repairs can be costly and even dangerous.
Instrument Cluster (Base and Midlevel).
Base Level English Shown, Metric Similar.
1. Fuel Gauge.
2. Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge.
3. Speedometer.
4. Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base and Midlevel) or Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel).
5. Tachometer.
Midlevel English Shown, Metric Similar.
1. Fuel Gauge.
2. Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge.
3. Speedometer.
4. Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base and Midlevel) or Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel).
5. Tachometer.
Cluster Menu (Midlevel).
There is an interactive display area in the center of the instrument cluster.
Use the right steering wheel control to open and scroll through the different items and displays.
Press ◄ to access the cluster applications.
Use ▲ or ▼ to scroll through the list of available applications. Not all applications will be available on all vehicles.
● Info App. This is where the selected Driver Information Center (DIC) displays can be viewed. See Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base and Midlevel) or Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel).
● Options.
Options.
Press ✔ to select the Options app, then press ► to enter the Options menu. Use ▲ or ▼ to scroll through items in the.
Options menu.
Units : Press ► while Units is displayed to enter the Units menu. Choose English or Metric units by pressing ✔ while the desired item is highlighted. A checkmark will be displayed next to the selected item.
Info Pages : Press ► while Info Pages is displayed to enter the Info Pages menu and select the items to be displayed in the Info app. See Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base and Midlevel) or Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel).
Speed Warning : The Speed Warning display allows the driver to set a speed that they do not want to exceed. To set the Speed Warning press ✔ when Speed Warning is displayed. Press ▲ or ▼ to adjust the value. Press ✔ to set the speed.
Once the speed is set, this feature can be turned off by pressing ✔ while viewing this page. If the selected speed limit is exceeded, a pop-up warning is displayed with a chime.
Traction and Stability : Press ► to enter the Traction and Stability menu. To turn the Traction Control System (TCS) on or off, choose Traction. To turn StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability Control (ESC) on or off, choose Stability. See Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control.
Instrument Cluster (Uplevel).
English Shown, Metric Similar.
1. Fuel Gauge.
2. Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge.
3. Speedometer.
4. Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base and Midlevel) or Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel).
5. Tachometer.
Uplevel Cluster Menu.
There is an interactive display area in the center of the instrument cluster.
Use the right steering wheel control to open and scroll through the different items and displays.
Press ◄ or ► to change between the cluster applications. Press ▲ or ▼ to scroll through the list of available features within each application. Press ✔ to select. Not all applications will be available on all vehicles.
Some may be temporarily restricted when the vehicle is off or in ACC/ACCESSORY.
● Home Page.
● Info App. This is where the selected Driver Information Center (DIC) displays can be viewed. See Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base and Midlevel) or Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel).
● Audio.
● Navigation.
● Phone.
● Options.
Home.
Information displayed here can be customized from the Options menu.
Speedometer : Displays how fast the vehicle is moving in either kilometers per hour.
(km/h) or miles per hour (mph).
Speed Sign : Shows sign information, which comes from a roadway database in the onboard navigation, if equipped.
Time : Displays the current time.
Fuel Range : Displays the approximate distance the vehicle can be driven without refueling. The fuel range estimate is based on an average of the vehicle’s fuel economy over recent driving history and the amount of fuel remaining in the fuel tank. Fuel range cannot be reset.
Audio.
Press ▲ or ▼ to scroll through options, browse for music, select from favorites, or change the audio source. In the main view, scroll to change the station or go to the next or previous track.
Navigation.
In the Navigation menu, if there is no active route, press ✔ to access Recents or Favorites. If there is an active route, press the thumbwheel to cancel or resume route guidance, mute or unmute voice guidance, or access Recents or Favorites.
Phone.
In the Phone menu, if there is no active phone call, view recent calls, scroll through contacts, select from the favorites, or change the phone source. If there is an active call, mute the phone or switch to handset operation.
Options.
Press ▲ or ▼ to scroll through items in the Options menu. Press ✔ to select the item. Press ◄ to exit the item.
Traction and Stability : Press ► to enter the Traction and Stability menu. To turn the Traction Control System (TCS) on or off, choose Traction. To turn StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability Control (ESC) on or off, choose Stability. See Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control.
Units : Choose US or Metric units. A selected mark will be displayed next to the selected item.
Info Page Options : Select the items to be displayed in the Info app. A selected mark will be displayed next to the selected item.
Home Page Options : Select the available elements to display. Not all elements will be available on all vehicles: Speedometer,.
Active Safety, Speed Sign, Time, and Fuel Range.
Speed Warning : Allows the driver to set a speed that they do not want to exceed. To set the Speed Warning, press ✔ when.
Speed Warning is displayed. Use ▲ or ▼ to adjust the value. Press ✔ to set the speed. Once the speed is set, this feature can be turned off by pressing the thumbwheel while viewing this page. If the selected speed limit is exceeded, a pop-up warning is displayed with a chime.
Software Information : Displays open source software information.
Speedometer.
The speedometer shows the vehicle’s speed in either kilometers per hour (km/h) or miles per hour (mph).
Odometer.
The odometer shows how far the vehicle has been driven, in either kilometers or miles.
Trip Odometer.
The trip odometer shows how far the vehicle has been driven since the trip odometer was last reset.
The trip odometer is accessed and reset through the Driver Information Center (DIC).
See Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base and Midlevel) or Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel).
Tachometer.
The tachometer displays the engine speed in revolutions per minute (rpm).
For vehicles with the Stop/Start system, when the ignition is on, the tachometer indicates the vehicle status. When pointing to AUTO STOP, the engine is off but the vehicle is on and can move. The engine could auto start at any time. When the indicator points to OFF, the vehicle is off.
When the engine is on, the tachometer will indicate the engine’s revolutions per minute.
(rpm). The tachometer may vary by several hundred rpm, during Auto Stop mode, when the engine is shutting off and restarting.
Fuel Gauge.
Metric Uplevel Shown, Base and Midlevel Similar.
English Uplevel Shown, Base and Midlevel Similar.
When the ignition is on, the fuel gauge indicates about how much fuel is left in the tank.
There is an arrow near the fuel gauge pointing to the side of the vehicle the fuel door is on.
When the indicator nears empty, the low fuel light comes on. There still is a little fuel left, but the vehicle should be refueled soon.
Here are three things that some owners ask about. None of these show a problem with the fuel gauge:.
● It takes a little more, or less fuel to fill up than the gauge indicated. For example, the gauge may have indicated the tank was half full, but it actually took a little more, or less than half the tank’s capacity to fill the tank.
● The gauge moves a little while turning a corner, speeding up or braking.
● The gauge takes a few seconds to stabilize after the ignition is turned on and goes back to empty when the ignition is turned off.
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge.
Metric Uplevel Shown, Base and Midlevel Similar.
English Uplevel Shown, Base and Midlevel Similar.
This gauge shows the engine coolant temperature.
If the pointer moves toward the warning area at the high end of the gauge, the engine is too hot.
If the engine coolant has overheated and the vehicle has been operating under normal driving conditions, pull off the road, stop the vehicle, and turn off the engine as soon as possible. See Engine Overheating.
Seat Belt Reminders.
Driver Seat Belt Reminder Light.
There is a driver seat belt reminder light on the instrument cluster.
When the vehicle is started, this light flashes and a chime may come on to remind the driver to fasten their seat belt.
Then the light stays on solid until the belt is buckled. This cycle may continue several times if the driver remains or becomes unbuckled while the vehicle is moving.
If the driver seat belt is buckled, neither the light nor the chime comes on.
Front Passenger Seat Belt Reminder Light.
The vehicle may have a front passenger seat belt reminder light near the passenger airbag status indicator. See Passenger Sensing System.
When the vehicle is started, this light flashes and a chime may come on to remind passengers to fasten their seat belt.
Then the light stays on solid until the belt is buckled. This cycle continues several times if the front passenger remains or becomes unbuckled while the vehicle is moving.
If the front passenger seat belt is buckled, neither the chime nor the light comes on.
The front passenger seat belt reminder light and chime may come on if an object is put on the seat such as a briefcase, handbag, grocery bag, laptop, or other electronic device. To turn off the reminder light and/or chime, remove the object from the seat or buckle the seat belt.
Airbag Readiness Light.
This light shows if there is an electrical problem with the airbag system. It is located in the instrument cluster. The system check includes the airbag sensor (s), the passenger sensing system, the pretensioners, the airbag modules, the wiring, and the crash sensing and diagnostic module. For more information on the airbag system, see Airbag System.
The airbag readiness light comes on for several seconds when the vehicle is started.
If the light does not come on then, have it fixed immediately.
⚠ Warning.
If the airbag readiness light stays on after the vehicle is started or comes on while driving, it means the airbag system might not be working properly. The airbags in the vehicle might not inflate in a crash, or they could even inflate without a crash. To help avoid injury, have the vehicle serviced right away.
If there is a problem with the airbag system, a Driver Information Center (DIC) message may also come on.
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator.
The vehicle has a passenger sensing system.
See Passenger Sensing System for important safety information. The overhead console has a passenger airbag status indicator.
When the vehicle is started, the passenger airbag status indicator will light ON and OFF, and the symbols for on and off, for several seconds as a system check. Then, after several more seconds, the status indicator will light either ON or OFF, and either the on or off symbol, to let you know the status of the front outboard passenger frontal airbag.
If the word ON, and the on symbol, are lit on the passenger airbag status indicator, it means that the front outboard passenger frontal airbag is allowed to inflate.
If the word OFF, and the off symbol, are lit on the passenger airbag status indicator, it means that the passenger sensing system has turned off the front outboard passenger frontal airbag.
If, after several seconds, both status indicator lights remain on, or if there are no lights at all, there may be a problem with the lights or the passenger sensing system.
See your dealer for service.
⚠ 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 for more information, including important safety information.
Charging System Light.
The charging system light comes on briefly when the ignition is turned on, but the engine is not running, as a check to show the light is working. It should go out when the engine is started.
If the light stays on, or comes on while driving, there may be a problem with the electrical charging system. Have it checked by your dealer. Driving while this light is on could drain the battery.
When this light comes on, or is flashing, the.
Driver Information Center (DIC) also displays a message.
If a short distance must be driven with the light on, be sure to turn off all accessories, such as the radio and air conditioner. Find a safe place to stop the vehicle.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light).
This light is part of the vehicle’s emission control on-board diagnostic system. If this light is on while the engine is running, a malfunction has been detected and the vehicle may require service. The light should come on to show that it is working when the ignition is in Service Mode. See Ignition Positions.
Malfunctions are often indicated by the system before any problem is noticeable.
Being aware of the light and seeking service promptly when it comes on may prevent damage.
Caution.
If the vehicle is driven continually with this light on, the emission control system may not work as well, the fuel economy may be lower, and the vehicle may not run smoothly. This could lead to costly repairs that might not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Caution.
Modifications to the engine, transmission, exhaust, intake, or fuel system, or the use of replacement tires that do not meet the original tire specifications, can cause this light to come on. This could lead to costly repairs not covered by the vehicle warranty. This could also affect the vehicle’s ability to pass an Emissions Inspection/Maintenance test.
Light Flashing.
If the light is flashing : A malfunction has been detected that could damage the emission control system and increase vehicle emissions. Diagnosis and service may be required.
To help prevent damage, reduce vehicle speed and avoid hard accelerations and uphill grades. If towing a trailer, reduce the amount of cargo being hauled as soon as possible.
If the light continues to flash, find a safe place to park. Turn the vehicle off and wait at least 10 seconds before restarting the engine. If the light is still flashing, follow the previous guidelines and see your dealer for service as soon as possible.
Light on Steady.
If the light is on steady : A malfunction has been detected. Diagnosis and service may be required.
Check the following:.
● If fuel has been added to the vehicle using the capless funnel adapter, make sure that it has been removed. See “Filling the Tank with a Portable Gas Can” under Filling the Tank. The diagnostic system can detect if the adapter has been left installed in the vehicle, allowing fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere. A few driving trips with the adapter removed may turn off the light.
● Poor fuel quality can cause inefficient engine operation and poor driveability, which may go away once the engine is warmed up. If this occurs, change the fuel brand. It may require at least one full tank of the proper fuel to turn the light off. See Recommended Fuel.
If the light remains on, see your dealer.
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Programs.
If the vehicle requires an Emissions.
Inspection/Maintenance test, the test equipment will likely connect to the vehicle’s Data Link Connector (DLC).
The DLC is under the instrument panel to the left of the steering wheel. Connecting devices that are not used to perform an.
Emissions Inspection/Maintenance test or to service the vehicle may affect vehicle operation. See your dealer if assistance is needed.
The vehicle may not pass inspection if:.
● The light is on when the engine is running.
● The light does not come on when the ignition is in Service Mode.
● Critical emission control systems have not been completely diagnosed. If this happens, the vehicle would not be ready for inspection and might require several days of routine driving before the system is ready for inspection. This can happen if the 12-volt battery has recently been replaced or run down, or if the vehicle has been recently serviced.
See your dealer if the vehicle will not pass or cannot be made ready for the test.
Brake System Warning Light.
Metric
English.
This light should come on briefly when the vehicle is turned on. If it does not come on then, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
If the light comes on and stays on at start up, there is a brake problem. Have the brake system inspected right away.
If the light comes on while driving, pull off the road and stop carefully. If equipped with electric brake boost, vehicle speed may be limited when the brake system warning light comes on. The brake pedal might be harder to push, or the brake pedal may go closer to the floor. It could take longer to stop. If the light is still on, have the vehicle towed for service. See Towing the Vehicle.
⚠ Warning.
The brake system might not be working properly if the brake system warning light is on. Driving with the brake system warning light on can lead to a crash.
If the light is still on after the vehicle has been pulled off the road and carefully stopped, have the vehicle towed for service.
Electric Parking Brake Light.
Metric
English.
This light comes on when the parking brake is applied. If the light continues flashing after the parking brake is released, or while driving, there is a problem with the Electric.
Parking Brake system. A message may also display in the Driver Information.
Center (DIC).
If the light does not come on, or remains flashing, see your dealer.
Service Electric Parking Brake Light.
This light should come on briefly when the vehicle is turned on. If it does not come on, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn if there is a problem.
If this light stays on or comes on while driving, there is a problem with the Electric Parking Brake (EPB). Take the vehicle to a dealer as soon as possible. In addition to the parking brake, other safety functions that utilize the EPB may also be degraded.
A message may also display in the Driver Information Center (DIC). See Electric Parking Brake.
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light.
This warning light should come on briefly when the vehicle is turned on. If the light does not come on, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn if there is a problem.
If the light comes on while driving, safely stop as soon as it is possible and turn off the vehicle. Then turn on the vehicle again to reset the system.
If the ABS warning light stays on, or comes on again while driving, the vehicle needs service. A chime may also sound when the light stays on.
If the ABS warning light is the only light on, the vehicle has regular brakes, but ABS is not functioning.
If both the ABS warning light and the brake system warning light are on, ABS is not functioning and there is a problem with the regular brakes. See your dealer for service.
See Brake System Warning Light.
Tow/Haul Mode Light.
For vehicles with the Tow/Haul Mode feature, this light comes on when the Tow/Haul Mode has been activated.
See Tow/Haul Mode.
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) Light.
If equipped, this light is white if LKA is turned on, but not ready to assist. This light is green if LKA is turned on and is ready to assist.
LKA may assist by gently turning the steering wheel if the vehicle approaches a detected lane marking. The LKA light is amber when assisting.
This light flashes amber as a Lane Departure Warning (LDW) alert, to indicate that the lane marking has been unintentionally crossed. If the system detects that the vehicle has been steered intentionally across a lane marker, the LDW may not be given.
Do not expect the LDW to occur when intentionally crossing the lane marker.
LKA will not assist or alert if the turn signal is active in the direction of lane departure, or if LKA detects that you are accelerating, braking, or actively steering.
See Lane Keep Assist (LKA).
Vehicle Ahead Indicator.
If equipped, this indicator will display green when a vehicle is detected ahead.
See Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System.
Pedestrian Ahead Indicator.
If equipped, this indicator will display amber when a nearby pedestrian is detected in front of the vehicle.
See Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB) System.
Traction Off Light.
This light comes on briefly when the vehicle is turned on. If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. If the system is working normally, the indicator light then turns off.
The traction off light comes on when the Traction Control System (TCS) has been turned off. If StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is turned off, TCS is also turned off. To turn TCS and ESC off and on, see Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control.
If TCS is off, wheel spin is not limited unless necessary to help protect the driveline from damage. Adjust driving accordingly.
StabiliTrak OFF Light.
This light comes on briefly when the vehicle is turned on. If the light does not come on, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer.
If the system is working normally, the indicator light then turns off.
This light comes on when the StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system is turned off. If StabiliTrak/ESC is off, the.
Traction Control System (TCS) is also off. To turn ESC off and on, see Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control.
If ESC and TCS are off, the systems do not assist in controlling the vehicle. Adjust driving accordingly.
Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak Light.
This light comes on briefly when the vehicle is turned on.
If the light does not come on, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. If the system is working normally, the indicator light turns off.
If the light is on and not flashing, the TCS and potentially the StabiliTrak/ESC system are not fully operational and may not assist in maintaining control. Adjust driving accordingly. If the condition persists, see your dealer as soon as possible. A Driver Information Center (DIC) message may display.
The light flashes when the TCS and/or the StabiliTrak/ESC system is actively working.
See Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control.
Tire Pressure Light.
For vehicles with the Tire Pressure Monitor.
System (TPMS), this light comes on briefly when the vehicle is started. It provides information about tire pressures and the TPMS.
When the Light Is On Steady.
This indicates that one or more of the tires are significantly underinflated.
A Driver Information Center (DIC) tire pressure message may also display. Stop as soon as possible, and inflate the tires to the pressure value shown on the Tire and Loading Information label. See Tire Pressure.
When the Light Flashes First and Then Is On Steady.
If the light flashes for about a minute and then stays on, there may be a problem with the TPMS. If the problem is not corrected, the light will come on at every ignition cycle. See Tire Pressure Monitor Operation.
Engine Oil Pressure Light.
Caution.
Lack of proper engine oil maintenance can damage the engine. Driving with the engine oil low can also damage the engine. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Check the oil level as soon as possible. Add oil if required, but if the oil level is within the operating range and the oil pressure is still low, have the vehicle serviced.
Always follow the maintenance schedule for changing engine oil.
This light should come on briefly as the engine is started. If it does not come on, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer.
If the light comes on and stays on, it means that oil is not flowing through the engine properly. The vehicle could be low on oil and might have some other system problem. See your dealer.
Low Fuel Warning Light.
Base Level English Shown, Metric Similar.
Uplevel.
A Low Fuel Warning Light near the fuel gauge comes on briefly when the ignition is turned on as a check to show it is working.
It also comes on when the fuel gauge indicator nears empty. The light turns off when fuel is added. If it does not, have the vehicle serviced.
Security Light.
The security light should come on briefly as the engine is started. If it does not come on, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer.
If the system is working normally, the indicator light turns off.
If the light stays on and the engine does not start, there could be a problem with the theft-deterrent system. See Immobilizer Operation.
High-Beam On Light.
This light comes on when the high-beam headlamps are in use. See Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer.
IntelliBeam Light.
This light comes on when the IntelliBeam system, if equipped, is enabled. See Exterior Lamp Controls.
Front Fog Lamp Light.
For vehicles with fog lamps, this light comes on when the fog lamps are turned on.
The light goes out when the fog lamps are turned off. See Fog Lamps.
Lamps On Reminder.
This light comes on when the exterior lamps are in use, except when only the Daytime.
Running Lamps (DRL) are active. See Exterior Lamp Controls.
Cruise Control Light.
The cruise control light is white when the cruise control is on and ready, and turns green when the cruise control is set and active. See Cruise Control .
Adaptive Cruise Control Light.
This light is white when the Adaptive Cruise.
Control (ACC, if equipped) is on and ready, and turns green when the ACC is set and active. See Adaptive Cruise Control (Camera).
