Vehicle Checks Chevrolet Equinox
Doing Your Own Service Work
Hood
Engine Compartment Overview
Engine Oil
Engine Oil Life System
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Engine Air Filter Life System
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
Cooling System
Engine Overheating
Washer Fluid
Brakes
Brake Fluid
Battery – North America
All-Wheel Drive
Starter Switch Check
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Function Check (If Equipped)
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check
Wiper Blade Replacement
Windshield Replacement
Gas Strut(s)
Vehicle Checks Chevrolet Equinox
Doing Your Own Service Work.
⚠ Warning.
It can be dangerous to work on your vehicle if you do not have the proper knowledge, service manual, tools, or parts. Always follow owner’s manual procedures and consult the service manual for your vehicle before doing any service work.
If doing some of your own service work, use the proper service manual. It tells you much more about how to service the vehicle than this manual can.
This vehicle has an airbag system. Before attempting to do your own service work, see Adding Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle.
If equipped with remote vehicle start, open the hood before performing any service work to prevent remote starting the vehicle accidentally. See Remote Vehicle Start.
Keep a record with all parts receipts and list the mileage and the date of any service work performed.
Caution.
Even small amounts of contamination can cause damage to vehicle systems. Do not allow contaminants to contact the fluids, reservoir caps, or dipsticks.
Hood.
⚠ Warning.
For vehicles with auto engine stop/start, turn the vehicle off before opening the hood. If the vehicle is on, the engine will start when the hood is opened. You or others could be injured.
⚠ Warning.
Components under the hood can get hot from running the engine. To help avoid the risk of burning unprotected skin, never touch these components until they have cooled, and always use a glove or towel to avoid direct skin contact.
Clear any snow from the hood before opening.
To open the hood:
1. Pull the hood release lever with the 
symbol. It is on the lower left side of the instrument panel.
2. Go to the front of the vehicle and locate the secondary release lever under the front center of the hood. Push the secondary hood release lever to the right to release.
3. Lift the hood and release the hood prop rod from its retainer in the front of the engine compartment. Securely insert the rod end into the slot marked with an arrow, on the underside of the hood.
To close the hood:
1. Before closing the hood, be sure all filler caps are on properly, and all tools are removed.
2. Lift the hood and remove the hood prop rod from the underside of the hood.
Return the prop rod to its retainer. The prop rod must click into place when returning it to the retainer to prevent hood damage.
3. Lower the hood 20 cm (8 in) above the vehicle and release it. Check to make sure the hood is latched completely.
Repeat this process with additional force if necessary.
⚠ Warning.
Do not drive the vehicle if the hood is not latched completely. The hood could open fully, block your vision, and cause a crash. You or others could be injured.
Always close the hood completely before driving.
Engine Compartment Overview.
1. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0 265.
2. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See Engine Oil.
3. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine Oil.
4. Engine Cooling Fan. See Cooling System.
5. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid.
6. Engine Compartment Fuse Block.
7. Remote Positive (+) Terminal (Under Cover). See Jump Starting – North America.
8. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Cooling System.
9. Battery – North America 0 273.
10. Remote Negative (−) Terminal. See Jump Starting – North America.
11. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See Washer Fluid.
Engine Oil.
To ensure proper engine performance and long life, careful attention must be paid to engine oil. Following these simple, but important steps will help protect your investment:
• Use engine oil approved to the proper specification and of the proper viscosity grade. See “Selecting the Right Engine Oil” in this section.
• Check the engine oil level regularly and maintain the proper oil level. See “Checking Engine Oil” and “When to Add Engine Oil” in this section.
• Change the engine oil at the appropriate time. See Engine Oil Life System.
• Always dispose of engine oil properly. See “What to Do with Used Oil” in this section.
Checking Engine Oil.
Check the engine oil level regularly, every 650 km (400 mi), especially prior to a long trip. The engine oil dipstick handle is a loop.
See Engine Compartment Overview for the location.
⚠ Warning.
The engine oil dipstick handle may be hot; it could burn you. Use a towel or glove to touch the dipstick handle.
If a low oil Driver Information Center (DIC) message displays, check the oil level. If the oil is not low and the low oil message remains on, take the vehicle to your dealer for service.
Follow these guidelines:
• To get an accurate reading, park the vehicle on level ground. Check the engine oil level after the engine has been off for at least two hours. Checking the engine oil level on steep grades or too soon after engine shutoff can result in incorrect readings. Accuracy improves when checking a cold engine prior to starting.
Remove the dipstick and check the level.
• If unable to wait two hours, the engine must be off for at least 15 minutes if the engine is warm, or at least 30 minutes if the engine is not warm. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it with a clean paper towel or cloth, then push it back in all the way.
Remove it again, keeping the tip down, and check the level.
When to Add Engine Oil.
If the oil is below the cross-hatched area at the tip of the dipstick and the engine has been off for at least 15 minutes, add 1 L (1 qt) of the recommended oil and then recheck the level. See “Selecting the Right Engine Oil” later in this section for an explanation of what kind of oil to use. For engine oil crankcase capacity, see Capacities and Specifications.
Caution.
Do not add too much oil. Oil levels above or below the acceptable operating range shown on the dipstick are harmful to the engine. If the oil level is above the operating range (i.e., the engine has so much oil that the oil level gets above the cross-hatched area that shows the proper operating range), the engine could be damaged. Drain the excess oil or limit driving of the vehicle, and seek a service professional to remove the excess oil.
See Engine Compartment Overview for the location of the engine oil fill cap.
Add enough oil to put the level somewhere in the proper operating range. Push the dipstick all the way back in when through.
Selecting the Right Engine Oil
Selecting the right engine oil depends on both the proper oil specification and viscosity grade.
Specification.
Use full synthetic engine oils that meet the dexos1 specification.
Engine oils that have been approved by GM as meeting the dexos1 specification are marked with the dexos1 approved logo. See www.gmdexos.com.
Caution.
Failure to use the recommended engine oil or equivalent can result in engine damage not covered by the vehicle warranty.
Viscosity Grade.
Use SAE 0W-20 viscosity grade engine oil.
When selecting an oil of the appropriate viscosity grade, it is recommended to select an oil of the correct specification. See “Specification” earlier in this section.
Engine Oil Additives/Engine Oil Flushes.
Do not add anything to the oil. The recommended oils meeting the dexos specification are all that is needed for good performance and engine protection.
Engine oil system flushes are not recommended and could cause engine damage not covered by the vehicle warranty.
What to Do with Used Oil.
Used engine oil contains certain elements that can be unhealthy for your skin and could even cause cancer. Do not let used oil stay on your skin for very long. Clean your skin and nails with soap and water, or a good hand cleaner. Wash or properly dispose of clothing or rags containing used engine oil. See the manufacturer’s warnings about the use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the environment.
If you change your own oil, be sure to drain all the oil from the filter before disposal.
Never dispose of oil by putting it in the trash or pouring it on the ground, into sewers, or into streams or bodies of water.
Recycle it by taking it to a place that collects used oil.
Engine Oil Life System.
When to Change Engine Oil.
This vehicle has a computer system that indicates when to change the engine oil and filter. This is based on a combination of factors which include engine revolutions, engine temperature, and miles driven. Based on driving conditions, the mileage at which an oil change is indicated can vary considerably. For the oil life system to work properly, the system must be reset every time the oil is changed.
When the system has calculated that oil life has been diminished, it indicates that an oil change is necessary. A CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message comes on. Change the oil as soon as possible within the next 1 000 km (600 mi). It is possible that, if driving under the best conditions, the oil life system may indicate that an oil change is not necessary for up to a year. The engine oil and filter must be changed at least once a year and, at this time, the system must be reset. Your dealer has trained service people who will perform this work and reset the system.
It is also important to check the oil regularly over the course of an oil drain interval and keep it at the proper level.
If the system is ever reset accidentally, the oil must be changed at 5 000 km (3,000 mi) since the last oil change. Remember to reset the oil life system whenever the oil is changed.
How to Reset the Engine Oil Life System Reset the system whenever the engine oil is changed so that the system can calculate the next engine oil change. To reset the system:
1. Display REMAINING OIL LIFE on the DIC menu. See Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base and Midlevel) or Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel).
2. Press and hold V for several seconds while the Oil Life display is active to reset the Oil Life system.
3. REMAINING OIL LIFE 100% will be displayed when the oil life system is successfully reset.
The oil life system can also be reset as follows:
1. Place the ignition in Service Mode. See Ignition Positions.
2. Display REMAINING OIL LIFE on the DIC menu. See Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base and Midlevel) or Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel).
3. Fully press and release the accelerator pedal three times within five seconds.
4. If the display changes to 100%, the system is reset.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message comes back on when the vehicle is started, the engine oil life system has not reset.
Repeat the procedure.
Automatic Transmission Fluid.
It is not necessary to check the transmission fluid level. A transmission fluid leak is the only reason for fluid loss. If a leak occurs, take the vehicle to your dealer and have it repaired as soon as possible.
⚠ Caution.
Use of the incorrect automatic transmission fluid may damage the vehicle, and the damage may not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Always use the correct automatic transmission fluid.
There is a special procedure for checking and changing the transmission fluid. Because this procedure is difficult, this should be done by your dealer.
Engine Air Filter Life System.
If equipped, this feature provides the engine air filter’s remaining life and best timing for a change. The timing to change an engine air filter depends on driving and environmental conditions.
When to Change the Engine Air Filter.
When the Driver Information Center (DIC) displays a message to replace the engine air filter at the next oil change, follow this timing.
When the DIC displays a message to replace the engine air filter soon, replace the engine air filter at the earliest convenience.
The system must be reset after the engine air filter is changed.
If the DIC displays a message to check the engine air filter system, see your dealer.
How to Reset the Engine Air Filter Life System.
To reset:.
1. Place the vehicle in P (Park).
2. Display the Air Filter Life on the DIC. See Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base and Midlevel) or Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel).
3. Press ► on the steering wheel to move to the Reset/Disable display area. Select Reset then press ✔.
4. Press ✔ to confirm the reset.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter.
The engine air cleaner/filter is in the engine compartment on the passenger side of the vehicle. See Engine Compartment Overview.
When to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter.
How to Inspect/Replace the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter.
Do not start the engine or have the engine running with the engine air cleaner/filter housing open. Before removing the engine air cleaner/filter, make sure that the engine air cleaner/filter housing and nearby components are free of dirt and debris. Do not clean the engine air cleaner/filter or components with water or compressed air.
To inspect or replace the engine air cleaner/ filter:
1. Screws
2. Air Duct Clamp
3. Electrical Connector
1. Loosen the screw on the air duct clamp (2) and remove the air duct hose from the cover.
2. Remove the four screws (1) and remove the air cleaner/filter cover, keeping the wiring harness electrical connector (3) connected to the sensor.
3. Pull straight up on the cover, and while holding the cover, remove the air cleaner/filter.
⚠ Warning.
If part replacement is necessary, the part must be replaced with one of the same part number or with an equivalent part.
Use of a replacement part without the same fit, form, and function may result in personal injury or damage to the vehicle.
4. Inspect or replace the air cleaner/filter.
How to Reinstall the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter.
1. Align the air cleaner/filter with the indicated point on the base of the air cleaner/filter housing and install the air cleaner/filter. The outer air cleaner/filter seal must be fitted properly in the air cleaner/filter housing.
2. Align the air cleaner/filter housing cover tabs to the air cleaner/filter housing.
3. Install the air cleaner/filter housing cover using the four screws.
4. Slide the air duct onto the cover assembly and tighten the screw on the air duct clamp.
5. Verify that the wiring harness connector is fully connected to the sensor on the air cleaner/filter housing.
6. If equipped, reset the engine air filter life system after replacing the engine air filter. See Engine Air Filter Life System.
⚠ Warning.
Operating the engine with the air cleaner/filter off can cause you or others to be burned. Use caution when working on the engine. Do not start the engine or drive the vehicle with the air cleaner/ filter off, as flames may be present if the engine backfires.
Caution.
If the air cleaner/filter is off, dirt can easily get into the engine, which could damage it. Always have the air cleaner/ filter in place when driving.
Cooling System.
1. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View).
2. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap.
⚠ Warning.
An underhood electric fan can start up even when the engine is not running and can cause injury. Keep hands, clothing, and tools away from any underhood electric fan.
If the coolant inside the coolant surge tank is boiling, do not do anything else until it cools down. The vehicle should be parked on a level surface.
The coolant level should be at the top rib on the middle of the tank. If it is not, the vehicle may have a leak at the radiator hoses, heater hoses, radiator, water pump, or somewhere else in the cooling system.
⚠ Warning.
Do not touch heater or radiator hoses, or other engine parts. They can be very hot and can burn you. Do not run the engine if there is a leak; all coolant could leak out. That could cause an engine fire and can burn you. Fix any leak before driving the vehicle.
If there seems to be no leak, with the engine on, check to see if the electric engine cooling fan is running. If the engine is overheating, the fan should be running. If it is not, the vehicle needs service. Turn off the engine.
Engine Coolant.
The engine cooling system in the vehicle is filled with DEX-COOL engine coolant mixture.
This coolant needs to be checked and changed at appropriate levels.
The following explains the cooling system and how to check and add coolant when it is low. If there is a problem with engine overheating, see Engine Overheating.
What to Use.
⚠ Warning.
Plain water, or other liquids such as alcohol, can boil before the proper coolant mixture will. With plain water or the wrong mixture, the engine could get too hot but there would not be an overheat warning. The engine could catch fire and you or others could be burned.
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and DEX-COOL coolant. If using this mixture, nothing else needs to be added.
This mixture:
• Gives freezing protection down to −37 °C (−34 °F), outside temperature.
• Gives boiling protection up to 129 °C (265 °F), engine temperature.
• Protects against rust and corrosion.
• Will not damage aluminum parts.
• Helps keep the proper engine temperature.
Caution.
Do not use anything other than a mix of DEX-COOL coolant that meets GM.
Standard GMW3420 and clean, drinkable water. Anything else can cause damage to the engine cooling system and the vehicle, which would not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Never dispose of engine coolant by putting it in the trash, pouring it on the ground, or pouring into sewers, streams, or bodies of water. Have the coolant changed by an authorized service center, familiar with legal requirements regarding used coolant disposal. This will help protect the environment and your health.
Checking Coolant.
The vehicle must be on a level surface when checking the coolant level.
Check to see if coolant is visible in the coolant surge tank. If the coolant inside the coolant surge tank is boiling, do not do anything else until it cools down. If coolant is visible but the coolant level mark is not visible, add a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and DEX-COOL coolant at the coolant surge tank to the top rib on the middle of the tank, but be sure the cooling system is cool before this is done. See Engine Overheating.
The coolant surge tank is located in the engine compartment on the driver side of the vehicle. See Engine Compartment Overview.
How to Add Coolant to the Surge Tank.
⚠ Warning.
Spilling coolant on hot engine parts can burn you. Coolant contains ethylene glycol and it will burn if the engine parts are hot enough.
⚠ Warning.
Steam and scalding liquids from a hot cooling system are under pressure.
Turning the pressure cap, even a little, can cause them to come out at high speed and you could be burned. Never turn the cap when the cooling system, including the pressure cap, is hot. Wait for the cooling system and pressure cap to cool.
Caution.
Failure to follow the specific coolant fill procedure could cause the engine to overheat and could cause system damage. If coolant is not visible in the surge tank, contact your dealer.
The coolant surge tank pressure cap can be removed when the cooling system, including the surge tank pressure cap and upper radiator hose, is no longer hot.
1. Turn the pressure cap slowly counterclockwise. If a hiss is heard, wait for that to stop. A hiss means there is still some pressure left.
2. Keep turning the pressure cap slowly and remove it.
3. Fill the coolant surge tank with the proper mixture to the mark pointed to on the front of the coolant surge tank.
4. With the coolant surge tank pressure cap off, start the engine and let it run until you can feel the upper radiator hose getting hot. Watch out for the engine cooling fans. By this time, the coolant level inside the coolant surge tank may be lower. If the level is lower, add more of the proper mixture to the coolant surge tank until the level reaches the mark pointed to on the front of the coolant surge tank.
5. Replace the pressure cap tightly.
Caution.
If the pressure cap is not tightly installed, coolant loss and engine damage may occur. Be sure the cap is properly and tightly secured.
Engine Overheating.
The vehicle has an engine coolant temperature gauge on the instrument cluster and overheat messages in the Driver Information Center (DIC) to warn of engine overheating. See Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge. The DIC also displays overheat messages.
The decision may be made not to lift the hood when the engine coolant temperature gauge is in the overheat zone or an engine overheat DIC message displays, but instead to get service help right away. See Roadside Assistance Program.
If the decision to lift the hood is made, make sure the vehicle is parked on a level surface. Then check to see if the engine cooling fan is running. If the engine is overheating, the fan should be running. If it is not, do not continue to run the engine, and have the vehicle serviced.
Caution.
Do not run the engine if there is a leak in the engine cooling system. This can cause a loss of all coolant and can damage the system and vehicle. Have any leaks fixed right away.
If Steam Is Coming from the Engine Compartment.
⚠ Warning.
Steam and scalding liquids from a hot cooling system are under pressure.
Turning the pressure cap, even a little, can cause them to come out at high speed and you could be burned. Never turn the cap when the cooling system, including the pressure cap, is hot. Wait for the cooling system and pressure cap to cool.
If No Steam Is Coming from the Engine Compartment.
If the engine coolant temperature gauge is in the overheat zone or an engine overheat.
DIC message is displayed but no steam can be seen or heard, the problem may not be too serious. Sometimes the engine can get a little too hot when the vehicle:
• Climbs a long hill on a hot day.
• Stops after high-speed driving.
• Idles for long periods in traffic.
• Tows a trailer.
If the engine coolant temperature gauge is in the overheat zone and an overheat DIC message is displayed with no sign of steam:
1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest temperature and to the highest fan speed. Open the windows as necessary.
3. When it is safe to do so, pull off the road, shift to P (Park) or N (Neutral), and let the engine idle.
If the engine coolant temperature gauge is no longer in the overheat zone or an overheat DIC message no longer displays, the vehicle can be driven. Continue to drive the vehicle slowly for about 10 minutes.
Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front. If the engine coolant temperature gauge does not go back to the overheat zone or an overheat DIC message does not display, continue to drive normally and have the cooling system checked for proper fill and function.
If the engine coolant temperature gauge is still in the overheat zone or an overheat DIC message still displays, pull over, stop, and park the vehicle right away. If overheat messages appear repeatedly, see your dealer.
If there is no sign of steam, idle the engine for three minutes while parked. If the engine coolant temperature gauge is still in the overheat zone or an overheat DIC message displays, turn off the engine until it cools down.
Washer Fluid.
What to Use.
When windshield washer fluid is needed, be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions before use. If operating the vehicle in an area where the temperature may fall below freezing, use a fluid that has sufficient protection against freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid.
Open the cap with the washer symbol on it.
Add washer fluid until the tank is full. See Engine Compartment Overview for reservoir location.
Caution.
• Do not use washer fluid that contains any type of water repellent coating.
This can cause the wiper blades to chatter or skip.
• Do not use engine coolant (antifreeze) in the windshield washer. It can damage the windshield washer system and paint.
• Do not mix water with ready-to-use washer fluid. Water can cause the solution to freeze and damage the washer fluid tank and other parts of the washer system.
• When using concentrated washer fluid, follow the manufacturer instructions for adding water.
• Fill the washer fluid tank only three-quarters full when it is very cold.
This allows for fluid expansion if freezing occurs, which could damage the tank if it is completely full.
Brakes.
Disc brake linings have built-in wear indicators that make a high-pitched warning sound when the brake linings are worn and new linings are needed. The sound can come and go or can be heard all the time when the vehicle is moving, except when applying the brake pedal firmly.
⚠ Warning.
The brake wear warning sound means that soon the brakes will not work well.
That could lead to a crash. When the brake wear warning sound is heard, have the vehicle serviced.
Caution.
Continuing to drive with worn-out brake linings could result in costly brake repairs.
Some driving conditions or climates can cause a brake squeal when the brakes are first applied, clearing up following several applications. This does not mean something is wrong with the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect brake linings for wear and evenly tighten wheel nuts in the proper sequence to torque specifications. See Capacities and Specifications.
Brake pads should be replaced as complete axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel.
See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return to normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in pedal travel. This could be a sign that brake service may be required.
Replacing Brake System Parts.
Always replace brake system parts with new, approved replacement parts. If this is not done, the brakes may not work properly. The braking performance can change in many ways if the wrong brake parts are installed or if parts are improperly installed.
Brake Fluid.
The brake master cylinder reservoir is filled with GM approved DOT 4 brake fluid as indicated on the reservoir cap. See Engine Compartment Overview for the location of the reservoir.
Checking Brake Fluid.
With the vehicle in P (Park) on a level surface, the brake fluid level should be between the minimum and maximum marks on the brake fluid reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level in the reservoir may go down:
• Normal brake lining wear. When new linings are installed, the fluid level goes back up.
• A fluid leak in the brake hydraulic system.
Have the brake hydraulic system fixed.
With a leak, the brakes will not work well.
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and the area around the cap before removing it.
Do not top off the brake fluid. Adding fluid does not correct a leak. If fluid is added when the linings are worn, there will be too much fluid when new brake linings are installed. Add or remove fluid, as necessary, only when work is done on the brake hydraulic system.
⚠ Warning.
If too much brake fluid is added, it can spill on the engine and burn, if the engine is hot enough. You or others could be burned, and the vehicle could be damaged. Add brake fluid only when work is done on the brake hydraulic system.
When the brake fluid falls to a low level, the brake warning light comes on. See Brake System Warning Light.
Brake fluid absorbs water over time which degrades the effectiveness of the brake fluid.
Replace brake fluid at the specified intervals to prevent increased stopping distance.
What to Add.
Use only GM approved DOT 4 brake fluid from a clean, sealed container.
⚠ Warning.
The wrong or contaminated brake fluid could result in damage to the brake system. This could result in the loss of braking leading to a possible injury.
Always use the proper GM approved brake fluid.
Caution.
If brake fluid is spilled on the vehicle’s painted surfaces, the paint finish can be damaged. Immediately wash off any painted surface.
Battery – North America.
The original equipment battery is maintenance free. Do not remove the cap and do not add fluid.
Refer to the replacement number shown on the original battery label when a new battery is needed. See Engine Compartment Overview for battery location.
For replacement of the battery, see your dealer.
The vehicle has an Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) 12-volt battery. Installation of a standard 12-volt battery will result in reduced 12-volt battery life.
When using a 12-volt battery charger on the 12-volt AGM battery, some chargers have an AGM battery setting on the charger.
If available, use the AGM setting on the charger, to limit charge voltage to 14.8 volts.
Follow the charger manufacturer’s instructions.
Stop/Start System.
The vehicle has a Stop/Start system to shut off the engine to help conserve fuel. See Stop/Start System.
⚠ Warning.
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and related accessories can expose you to chemicals including lead and lead compounds, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Wash hands after handling. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
See the warning on the back cover.
Vehicle Storage.
⚠ Warning.
Batteries have acid that can burn you and gas that can explode. You can be badly hurt if you are not careful. See Jump Starting – North America for tips on working around a battery without getting hurt.
Infrequent Usage: Remove the black, negative (−) cable from the battery to keep the battery from running down.
Extended Storage: Remove the black, negative (−) cable from the battery or use a battery trickle charger.
All-Wheel Drive.
Transfer Case.
Under normal driving conditions, transfer case fluid does not require maintenance unless there is a fluid leak or unusual noise.
If required, have the transfer case serviced by your dealer.
Starter Switch Check.
⚠ Warning.
When you are doing this inspection, the vehicle could move suddenly. If the vehicle moves, you or others could be injured.
1. Before starting this check, be sure there is enough room around the vehicle.
2. Apply both the parking brake and the regular brake.
Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to turn off the engine immediately if it starts.
3. Try to start the engine in each gear. The vehicle should start only in P (Park) or N (Neutral). If the vehicle starts in any other position, contact your dealer for service.
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Function Check (If Equipped).
⚠ Warning.
When you are doing this inspection, the vehicle could move suddenly. If the vehicle moves, you or others could be injured.
1. Before starting this check, be sure there is enough room around the vehicle.
It should be parked on a level surface.
2. Apply the parking brake. Be ready to apply the regular brake immediately if the vehicle begins to move.
3. With the engine off, turn the ignition on, but do not start the engine. Without applying the regular brake, try to move the shift lever out of P (Park) with normal effort. If the shift lever moves out of P (Park), contact your dealer for service.
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check.
⚠ Warning.
When you are doing this check, the vehicle could begin to move. You or others could be injured and property could be damaged. Make sure there is room in front of the vehicle in case it begins to roll. Be ready to apply the regular brake at once should the vehicle begin to move.
Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake, set the parking brake.
• To check the parking brake’s holding ability: With the engine running and the transmission in N (Neutral), slowly remove foot pressure from the regular brake pedal. Do this until the vehicle is held by the parking brake only.
• To check the P (Park) mechanism’s holding ability: With the engine running, shift to P (Park). Then release the parking brake followed by the regular brake.
Contact your dealer if service is required.
Wiper Blade Replacement.
Windshield wiper blades should be replaced periodically.
Replacement blades come in different types and are removed in different ways.
Caution.
Allowing the wiper arm to touch the windshield when no wiper blade is installed could damage the windshield.
Any damage that occurs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not allow the wiper arm to touch the windshield.
Front Wiper Blade Replacement.
To replace the wiper blade:
1. Pull the wiper assembly away from the windshield.
2. Lift up on the latch in the middle of the wiper blade where the wiper arm attaches.
3. With the latch open, pull the wiper blade down toward the windshield far enough to release it from the J-hooked end of the wiper arm.
4. Remove the wiper blade.
5. Reverse Steps 1–3 for wiper blade replacement.
Rear Wiper Blade Replacement 1.
The rear wiper blade and wiper arm have a cover for protection.
To remove the cover:
1. Slide a plastic tool under the cover and push upward to unsnap.
2. Slide the cover toward the wiper blade tip to unhook it from the blade assembly.
3. Remove the cover.
4. After wiper blade replacement, ensure that the cover hook slides into the slot in the blade assembly.
5. Snap the cover down to secure.
To replace the wiper blade:
1. Lift the wiper arm away from the windshield.
2. Push the release lever (2) to disengage the hook and push the wiper arm (1) out of the blade assembly (3).
3. Push the new blade assembly securely on the wiper arm until the release lever clicks into place.
Rear Wiper Blade Replacement 2.
To replace the wiper blade:
1. Lift the wiper arm away from the windshield.
2. While holding the wiper arm, press down at the end of the wiper blade assembly (1) where it attaches to the wiper arm (2) to remove the wiper bade assembly from the wiper arm.
3. Align the new wiper blade assembly (1) with the wiper arm (2) and install by pushing up on the wiper blade assembly until it clicks into place on the wiper arm.
Windshield Replacement.
Driver Assistance Systems.
If the windshield needs to be replaced and the vehicle is equipped with a front camera sensor for the Driver Assistance Systems, a GM replacement windshield is recommended. The replacement windshield must be installed according to GM specifications for proper alignment. If it is not, these systems may not work properly, they may display messages, or they may not work at all. See your dealer for proper windshield replacement.
Acoustic Windshield.
The vehicle is equipped with an acoustic windshield. If the windshield needs to be replaced, be sure to get an acoustic windshield so you will continue to have the benefits an acoustic windshield can provide.
Gas Strut (s).
This vehicle is equipped with gas strut (s) to provide assistance in lifting and holding open the hood/trunk/liftgate system in full open position.
⚠ Warning.
If the gas struts that hold open the hood, trunk, and/or liftgate fail, you or others could be seriously injured. Take the vehicle to your dealer for service immediately. Visually inspect the gas struts for signs of wear, cracks, or other damage periodically. Check to make sure the hood/trunk/liftgate is held open with enough force. If struts are failing to hold the hood/trunk/liftgate, do not operate.
Have the vehicle serviced.
Caution.
Do not apply tape or hang any objects from gas struts. Also do not push down or pull on gas struts. This may cause damage to the vehicle.
Hood.
Trunk.
Liftgate.
