2016 Chevrolet Equinox Owner’s Manual

A blend of functionality, comfort, and contemporary amenities define the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox, a stylish and adaptable compact crossover SUV. The 2016 Equinox was created with a modern look, a roomy and smartly built interior, and a variety of engine options, including an effective four-cylinder and a readily available V6. The 2016 Equinox established itself as a well-rounded and family-friendly option in the competitive crossover SUV market by embracing cutting-edge technology, such as the Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system with touchscreen functionality and available safety features like forward collision alert and lane departure warning.

Keys and Locks

Keys
Warning

• Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignition key 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 keys in the ignition, and children or others could be caught in the path of a closing window. Do not leave children in a vehicle with the ignition key.
• If the key is unintentionally rotated while the vehicle is running, the ignition could be moved out of the RUN position. This could be caused by heavy items hanging from the key ring, or by large or long items attached to the key ring that could be contacted by the driver or steering wheel. If the ignition moves out of the RUN position, the engine will shut off, braking and steering power assist may be impacted, and airbags may not deploy. To reduce the risk of unintentional rotation of the ignition key, do not change the way the ignition key and Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter, if equipped, are connected to the provided key rings.

The ignition key, key rings, and RKE transmitter, if equipped, are designed to work together. As a system, it reduces the risk of unintentionally moving the key out of the RUN position. If replacements or additions are required, see your dealer. Limit added items to a few essential keys or small, light items no larger than an RKE transmitter. Interference from radio-frequency
identification (RFID) tags may prevent the key from starting the vehicle. Keep RFID tags away from the key when starting the vehicle. The key that is part of the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter can be used for the ignition and all locks. Press the button on the RKE transmitter to extend the key. Press the button and the key blade to retract the key. See your dealer if a new key is needed. If it becomes difficult to turn the key, inspect the key blade for debris. Periodically clean with a brush or pick. With an active OnStar subscription, an OnStar Advisor may remotely unlock the vehicle.

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
If there is a decrease in the RKE operating range:

• Check the distance. The transmitter may be too far from the vehicle.
• Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may be blocking the signal.
• Check the transmitter’s battery.
• If the transmitter is still not working correctly, see your dealer or a qualified technician for service.

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation
The RKE transmitter may work up to 60m (197 ft) away from the vehicle. Other conditions can affect the performance of the transmitter.

Programming Transmitters to the Vehicle
Only RKE transmitters programmed to this vehicle will work. If a transmitter is lost or stolen, a replacement can be purchased and programmed through your dealer. When the replacement transmitter is programmed to this vehicle, all remaining transmitters must also be reprogrammed. Any lost or stolen transmitters will no longer work once the new transmitter is programmed. See your dealer to have new transmitters programmed.

Programming with a Recognized Transmitter
To program a new key:

1. Insert the original, already programmed key in the ignition and turn the key to the ON/ RUN position.
2. Turn the key to LOCK/OFF, and remove the key.
3. Insert the new key to be programmed and turn it to the ON/RUN position within five seconds. The security light will turn off once the key has been programmed.
4. Repeat Steps 1–3 if additional keys are to be programmed. If a key is lost or damaged, see your dealer to have a new key made.

Programming without a Recognized Transmitter
Program a new key to the vehicle when a recognized key is not available. Canadian regulations require that owners see their dealer. If there are no currently recognized keys available, follow this procedure to program the first key. This procedure will take approximately 30 minutes to complete for the first key. The vehicle must be off and all of the keys you wish to program must be with you.

1. Insert the new vehicle key into the ignition.
2. Turn to ON/RUN. The security light will come on.
3. Wait 10 minutes until the security light turns off.
4. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.
5. Repeat Steps 2–4 two more times. After the third time, turn to ON/RUN; the key is learned and all previously known keys will no longer work with the vehicle.

The remaining keys can be learned by following the procedure in “Programming with a Recognized Transmitter.”

Battery Replacement
Replace the battery if the REPLACE BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY message displays in the DIC.
Caution: When replacing the battery, do not touch any of the circuitry on the transmitter. Static from your body could damage the transmitter.

The battery is not rechargeable. To replace the battery:

1. Press the button on the transmitter to extend the key.
2. Remove the battery cover by prying it with a finger.
3. Remove the battery by pushing on the battery and sliding it toward the key blade.
4. Insert the new battery, the positive side facing up. Push the battery down until it is held in place. Replace with a CR2032 or equivalent battery.
5. Snap the battery cover back onto the transmitter.

Remote Vehicle Start
The vehicle may have this feature that allows you to start the engine from outside the vehicle.
Remote Vehicle Start: 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. 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. Other conditions can affect the performance of the transmitter.

Extending Engine Run Time
For a 10-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 10 minutes will start immediately. For example, if the engine has been running for five minutes, and 10 minutes are added, the engine will run for a total of 15 minutes. A maximum of two remote starts are allowed between ignition cycles. The vehicle’s ignition switch must be turned to ON/RUN and then back to LOCK/OFF using the key, before the remote start procedure can be used 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.
• Insert the key and turn it ON/ RUN and then back to LOCK/OFF.

Conditions in Which Remote Start Will Not Work
The remote vehicle start feature will not operate if:

• The key is in the ignition.
• 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 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.

FAQ’s