Keys and Locks Chevrolet Equinox
Chevrolet Equinox
Keys
⚠ Warning
Leaving children in a vehicle with a Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter is dangerous and children or others could be seriously injured or killed. They could operate the power windows or other controls or make the vehicle move. The windows will function with the RKE transmitter in the vehicle, and children or others could be caught in the path of a closing window. Do not leave children in a vehicle with an RKE transmitter.
The key that is part of the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter can be used for all locks.
Remove the key by pressing the button on the side of the RKE transmitter near the bottom and pull the key out. Never pull the key out without pressing the button.
If it becomes difficult to turn the key, inspect the key blade for debris. Periodically, clean with a brush or a pick.
See your dealer if a new transmitter is needed.
If locked out of the vehicle, see Roadside Assistance Program.
With an active OnStar or connected service plan, an OnStar Advisor may remotely unlock the vehicle. See OnStar Overview.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
See Radio Frequency Statement .
If there is a decrease in the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) operating range:
- Check the The transmitter may be too far from the vehicle.
- Check the Other vehicles or objects may be blocking the signal.
- Check the transmitter’s See “Battery Replacement” later in this section.
- If the transmitter is still not working correctly, see your dealer or a qualified technician for
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation
The Keyless Access system allows for vehicle entry when the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter is within 1 m (3 ft). See “Keyless Access Operation” later in this section.
The RKE transmitter may work up to 60 m (197 ft) away from the vehicle.
Other conditions can affect the performance of the transmitter.
With Remote Start and Power Liftgate Shown
The following may be available:
: Press to lock all doors. The turn signal indicators may flash and/or the horn may sound on the second press to indicate locking. See Vehicle Personalization.
If the driver door is open when is pressed and Open Door Anti-Lockout is enabled, all doors will lock and then the driver door will immediately unlock. See Vehicle Personalization. If a passenger door is open when is pressed, all doors lock.
Pressing may also arm the theft-deterrent system. See Vehicle Alarm System.
: Press to unlock the driver door. Press again within five seconds to unlock all doors. The RKE transmitter can be programmed to unlock all doors on the first button press. See Vehicle Personalization. The turn signal indicators may flash to indicate unlocking has occurred. See Vehicle Personalization. Pressing may also disarm the theft-deterrent system. See Vehicle Alarm System.
If equipped with the manual liftgate, unlocking all doors will also unlock the liftgate.
Press and hold until the windows fully open. Windows will not operate unless remote window operation is enabled. See Vehicle Personalization.
: Press twice quickly to open or close the power liftgate, if equipped. Press again to stop the power liftgate.
: Press and release one time to initiate vehicle locator. The exterior lamps flash and the horn chirps three times. Press and hold for at least three seconds to sound the panic alarm. The horn sounds and the turn signals flash for 30 seconds or until is pressed again or the vehicle is started.
: If equipped, first press and release then immediately press and hold for at least four seconds to start the engine from outside the vehicle using the RKE transmitter.
Keyless Access Operation
With the Keyless Access system, you can lock and unlock the doors and access the liftgate without removing the RKE transmitter from your pocket, purse, briefcase, etc. The RKE transmitter should be within 1 m (3 ft) of the liftgate or door being opened. If equipped, there will be buttons on the outside front door handles.
Keyless Access can be programmed to unlock all doors on the first lock/unlock press from the driver door. See Vehicle Personalization.
If equipped with memory seats, RKE transmitters 1 and 2 are linked to seating positions of memory 1 or 2. See Memory Seats.
Keyless Unlocking/Locking from the Driver Door
When the doors are locked and the RKE transmitter is within 1 m (3 ft) of the driver door handle, pressing the lock/unlock button on the driver door handle will unlock the driver door. If the lock/unlock button is pressed again within five seconds, all passenger doors will unlock.
Driver Shown, Passenger Similar
Pressing the lock/unlock button will cause all doors to lock if any of the following occur:
- It has been more than five seconds since the first lock/unlock button
- Two lock/unlock button presses were used to unlock all doors.
- Any vehicle door has opened and all doors are now
Keyless Unlocking/Locking from the Front Passenger Door
When the doors are locked and the RKE transmitter is within 1 m (3 ft) of the passenger door handle, pressing the lock/ unlock button on the passenger door handle will unlock all doors.
Pressing the lock/unlock button will cause all doors to lock if any of the following occur:
- The lock/unlock button was used to unlock all
- Any vehicle door has opened and all doors are now
Passive Locking
If equipped with Keyless Access, this vehicle will lock several seconds after all doors are closed if the vehicle is off and at least one RKE transmitter has been removed or none remain in the interior.
If other electronic devices interfere with the RKE transmitter signal, the vehicle may not detect the RKE transmitter inside the vehicle. If passive locking is enabled, the doors may lock with the RKE transmitter inside the vehicle. Do not leave the RKE transmitter in an unattended vehicle.
To customize the doors to automatically lock when exiting the vehicle, see “Remote Lock, Unlock, Start” under Vehicle Personalization.
Temporary Disable of Passive Locking
Temporarily disable passive locking by pressing and holding on the interior door switch with a door open for at least four seconds, or until three chimes are heard. Passive locking will then remain disabled until on the interior door is pressed, or until the vehicle is turned on.
Remote Left in Vehicle Alert
When the vehicle is turned off and an RKE transmitter is left in the vehicle, the horn will chirp three times after all doors are closed. To turn on or off, see Vehicle Personalization.
Remote No Longer in Vehicle Alert
If the vehicle is on with a door open, and then all doors are closed, the vehicle will check for RKE transmitters inside. If an RKE transmitter is not detected, the Driver Information Center (DIC) will display NO REMOTE DETECTED and the horn will chirp three times. This occurs only once each time the vehicle is driven.
To turn on or off see Vehicle Personalization
Keyless Liftgate Opening
When the doors are locked, press the touch pad on the liftgate handle to open the liftgate if the RKE transmitter is within 1 m (3 ft).
Key Access
To access a vehicle with a dead transmitter battery.
Programming Transmitters to the Vehicle
Only RKE transmitters programmed to the vehicle will work. If a transmitter is lost or stolen, a replacement can be purchased and programmed through your dealer. The vehicle can be reprogrammed so that lost or stolen transmitters no longer work. Each vehicle can have up to eight transmitters matched to it.
Programming with Recognized Transmitters
A new transmitter can be programmed to the vehicle when there are two recognized transmitters.
To program, the vehicle must be off and all of the transmitters, both currently recognized and new, must be with you.
1. Remove the key from the RKE transmitter.
2. Remove the key lock cylinder cap on the driver door handle. Place the two recognized transmitters in the cupholder.
3. Insert the vehicle key of the transmitter into the key lock cylinder on the driver door handle and turn the key, counterclockwise, to the unlock position five times within 10 seconds.
The DIC displays READY FOR REMOTE #3, 4, 5, ETC.
4. Place the new transmitter into the cupholder.
5. Press ENGINE START/STOP. When the transmitter is learned the DIC display will show that it is ready to program the next transmitter.
6. Remove the transmitter from the cupholder and press or on the transmitter.
To program additional transmitters, repeat Steps 3–5.
When all additional transmitters are programmed, press and hold ENGINE START/STOP for 12 seconds to exit programming mode.
7. Put the key back into the transmitter.
8. Replace the key lock cylinder cap.
Programming without Recognized Transmitters
If two currently recognized transmitters are not available, follow this procedure to program up to eight transmitters. This feature is not available in Canada. This procedure will take approximately 30 minutes to complete. The vehicle must be off and all of the transmitters you wish to program must be with you.
1. Remove the key from the RKE transmitter.
2. Remove the key lock cylinder cap on the driver door handle. See Door Locks 0 14.
Insert the vehicle key of the transmitter into the key lock cylinder on the driver door handle and turn the key, counterclockwise, to the unlock position five times within 10 seconds.
The DIC displays REMOTE LEARN PENDING, PLEASE WAIT.
3. Wait for 10 minutes until the DIC displays PRESS ENGINE START BUTTON TO LEARN and then press ENGINE START/STOP.
The DIC display will again show REMOTE LEARN PENDING, PLEASE WAIT.
4. Repeat Step 2 two additional times. After the third time all previously known transmitters will no longer work with the vehicle. Remaining transmitters can be relearned during the next steps.
The DIC display should now show READY FOR REMOTE # 1.
5. Place the new transmitter into the cupholder.
6. Press ENGINE START/STOP. When the transmitter is learned the DIC display will show that it is ready to program the next transmitter.
7. Remove the transmitter from the cupholder and press or on the transmitter.
To program additional transmitters, repeat Steps 4–6.
When all additional transmitters are programmed, press and hold ENGINE START/STOP for 12 seconds to exit programming mode.
8. Put the key back into the transmitter.
9. Replace the key lock cylinder cap. See Door Locks 0 14.
Starting the Vehicle with a Low Transmitter Battery
When the vehicle is started, if the transmitter battery is weak, the DIC may display NO REMOTE DETECTED or NO REMOTE KEY WAS DETECTED PLACE KEY IN TRANSMITTER POCKET THEN START YOUR VEHICLE. The DIC may also display REPLACE BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY.
To start the vehicle:
1. Place the transmitter in the cupholder.
2. With the vehicle in P (Park) or N (Neutral), press the brake pedal and ENGINE START/STOP.
Replace the transmitter battery as soon as possible.
Battery Replacement
⚠ Warning.
Never allow children to play with the RKE transmitter. The transmitter contains a small battery, which can be a choking hazard. If swallowed, internal burns can occur, resulting in severe injury or death.
Seek medical attention immediately if a battery is swallowed.
⚠ Warning.
To avoid personal injury, do not touch metal surfaces on the RKE transmitter when it has been exposed to extreme heat. These surfaces can be hot to the touch at temperatures above 59 °C (138 °F).
Caution.
When replacing the battery, do not touch any of the circuitry on the transmitter.
Static from your body could damage the transmitter.
Caution.
Always replace the battery with the correct type. Replacing the battery with an incorrect type could potentially create a risk of battery explosion. Dispose of used batteries according to instructions and local laws. Do not attempt to burn, crush, or cut the used battery, and avoid exposing the battery to environments with extremely low air pressures or high temperatures.
Replace the battery if the DIC displays REPLACE BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY.
The battery is not rechargeable. To replace the battery:
1. Press the button on the side of the RKE transmitter and pull the key out. Never pull the key out without pressing the button.
2. Separate the two halves of the transmitter using a flat tool inserted into the area near the key slot.
3. Remove the battery by pushing on the battery and sliding it toward the bottom of the transmitter.
4. Insert the new battery, positive side facing the back cover. Push the battery down until it is held in place. Replace with a CR2032 or equivalent battery.
5. Snap the battery cover back on to the transmitter.
6. Reinsert the key.
Remote Vehicle Start
The vehicle may have this feature that allows you to start the engine from outside the vehicle.
: This button will be on the RKE transmitter if the vehicle has remote start.
The climate control system will use the previous settings during a remote start. The rear defog may come on during remote start based on cold ambient conditions. The rear defog indicator light does not come on during remote start.
If the vehicle has heated and ventilated front seats, they may come on during a remote start. See Heated and Ventilated Front Seats 0 35.
Laws in some local communities may restrict the use of remote starters. For example, some laws require a person using remote start to have the vehicle in view. Check local regulations for any requirements.
Do not use the remote start feature if the vehicle is low on fuel. The vehicle could run out of fuel.
Other conditions can affect the performance of the transmitter. See Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System 0 7.
Starting the Engine Using Remote Start
1. Press and release on the RKE transmitter.
2. Immediately press and hold for at least four seconds or until the turn signal lamps flash. The turn signal lamps flashing confirms the request to remote start the vehicle has been received.
The parking lamps will turn on and remain on as long as the engine is running. The vehicle’s doors will be locked.
3. Turn the ignition on before driving.
The engine will shut off after 15 minutes unless a time extension is done or the ignition is turned on.
Extending Engine Run Time
For a 15-minute extension, after 30 seconds repeat Steps 1 and 2 while the engine is still running. The remote start can be extended once.
When the remote start is extended, the second 15 minutes will be added for a total of 30 minutes.
A maximum of two remote starts or a start with an extension are allowed between ignition cycles.
The ignition must be turned on and then back off to use remote start again.
Canceling a Remote Start
To shut off the engine: . Press and hold until the parking lamps turn off.
• Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
• Turn the ignition on and then off.
Conditions in Which Remote Start Will Not Work
The remote vehicle start feature will not operate if: . A transmitter is in the vehicle.
• The vehicle is on.
• The hood is not closed.
• The hazard warning flashers are on.
• There is an emission control system malfunction.
• The engine coolant temperature is too high.
• The oil pressure is low.
• Two remote vehicle starts or a start with an extension have already been used.
• The vehicle is not in P (Park).
Remote Start Ready
If the vehicle does not have the remote vehicle start feature, it may have the remote start ready feature. This feature allows your dealer to add the manufacturer’s remote vehicle start feature.
See your dealer to add the manufacturer’s remote vehicle start feature to the vehicle.
Door Locks
⚠ Warning.
Unlocked doors can be dangerous.
• Passengers, especially children, can easily open the doors and fall out of a moving vehicle. The doors can be (Continued) Warning (Continued) unlocked and opened while the vehicle is moving. The chance of being thrown out of the vehicle in a crash is increased if the doors are not locked.
So, all passengers should wear seat belts properly and the doors should be locked whenever the vehicle is driven.
• Young children who get into unlocked vehicles may be unable to get out.
A child can be overcome by extreme heat and can suffer permanent injuries or even death from heat stroke.
Always lock the vehicle whenever leaving it.
• Outsiders can easily enter through an unlocked door when you slow down or stop the vehicle. Locking the doors can help prevent this from happening.
To lock or unlock the doors from the outside:
• Press or on the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter.
• Use the key in the driver door. The key lock cylinder is covered with a cap.
To lock or unlock the doors from the inside:
• Press or on the power door lock switch.
• Push down on the door lock knob to lock a door.
• Pull the door handle once to unlock the door. Pull the handle again to unlatch it.
Keyless Access
The RKE transmitter must be within 1 m (3 ft) of the liftgate or door being opened.
Press the button on the front door handle to open. See Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation 0 7.
Driver Door Key Lock Cylinder Access (In Case of Dead Battery)
To access the driver door key lock cylinder:
1. Pull the door handle (1) to the open 1. Pull the door handle (1) to the open position and hold it open until cap removal is complete.
2. Insert the key into the slot (3) on the bottom of the cap (2) and lift the key upward.
3. Move the cap (2) rearward and remove.
4. Use the key in the cylinder.
To replace the cap:
1. Pull the door handle (1) to the open position and hold it open until cap installation is complete.
2. Insert the two tabs (6) at the back of the cap between the seal (5) and the metal base (4).
3. Slide the cap forward and press the forward edge to install the cap in place.
4. Release the door handle.
5. Check that the cap is secure.
Free-Turning Locks
The door key lock cylinder turns freely when either the wrong key is used, or the correct key is not fully inserted. The free-turning door lock feature prevents the lock from being forced open. To reset the lock, turn it to the vertical position with the correct key fully inserted. Remove the key and insert it again. If this does not reset the lock, turn the key halfway around in the cylinder and repeat the reset procedure.
Power Door Locks
: Press to lock the doors. The indicator light in the switch will come on when the door is locked.
K : Press to unlock the doors.
Delayed Locking
This feature delays the actual locking of the doors until five seconds after all doors are closed.
Delayed locking can only be turned on when the Open Door Anti-Lockout feature has been turned off.
When is pressed on the power door lock switch with the door open, a chime will sound three times indicating that delayed locking is active.
The doors will then lock automatically five seconds after all doors are closed. If a door is reopened before five seconds have elapsed, the five-second timer will reset once all the doors are closed again.
Press on the door lock switch again, or press on the RKE transmitter, to override this feature and lock the doors immediately.
Delayed locking can be programmed. See Vehicle Personalization 0 108.
Automatic Door Locks
The doors will lock automatically when all doors are closed, the ignition is on, and the vehicle is shifted out of P (Park).
If a vehicle door is unlocked and then opened and closed, the doors will lock either when your foot is removed from the brake or the vehicle speed becomes faster than 13 km/h (8 mph).
To unlock the doors:
• Press on the power door lock switch.
• Shift into P (Park).
Automatic door locking cannot be disabled.
Automatic door unlocking can be programmed. See Vehicle Personalization 0 108.
Lockout Protection
If the ignition is on or in ACC/ACCESSORY and the power door lock switch is pressed with the driver door open, all the doors will lock and only the driver door will unlock.
If the vehicle is off and locking is requested while a door is open, when all doors are closed the vehicle will check for RKE transmitters inside. If an RKE transmitter is detected and the number of RKE transmitters inside has not reduced, the driver door will unlock and the horn will chirp three times.
Lockout Protection can be manually overridden by pressing and holding on the power door lock switch. This does not apply to Open Door Anti-Lockout.
Open Door Anti-Lockout
If Open Door Anti-Lockout is turned on, the driver door is open, and locking is requested, all the doors will lock and only the driver door will unlock. The Open Door Anti-Lockout feature can be turned on or off.
See Vehicle Personalization 0 108.
Safety Locks
The rear door safety locks prevent passengers from opening the rear doors from inside the vehicle.
Manual Safety Locks
The safety lock is on the inside edge of the rear doors. To use the safety lock:
1. Move the lever forward to the lock position.
2. Close the door.
3. Do the same for the other rear door.
To open a rear door when the safety lock is on:
1. Unlock the door by activating the inside handle, by pressing the power door lock switch, or by using the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter.
2. Open the door from the outside.
When the safety lock is enabled, adults and older children will not be able to open the rear door from the inside. Cancel the safety locks to enable the doors to open from the inside.
To cancel the safety lock:
1. Unlock the door and open it from the outside.
2. Move the lever rearward to unlock. Do the same for the other door.
