Chevrolet Equinox Owners Manual
Vehicle MessagesInstruments andControls / Vehicle Messages
Messages are displayed on the DIC to notify the driver that the status of the vehicle has changed and that some action may be needed by the driver to correct the condition.
Multiple messages may appear one after another.
Some messages may not require immediate action, but you can press SET/CLR to acknowledge that you received the messages and to clear them from the display. Some messages cannot be cleared from the DIC display because they are more urgent. These messages require action before they can be cleared. You should take any messages that appear on the display seriously and remember that clearing the messages will only make the messages disappear, not correct the problem. You will find the possible messages that can be displayed and some information about them grouped by subject in the following information.
Battery Voltage and Charging Messages
BATTERY SAVER ACTIVE
This message displays when the vehicle has detected that the battery voltage is dropping beyond a reasonable point. The battery saver system starts reducing features of the vehicle that may be noticed. At the point that features are disabled, this message displays. Turn off unnecessary accessories to allow the battery to recharge.
LOW BATTERY
This message is displayed when the battery voltage is low.
SERVICE BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM
This message is displayed when there is a fault in the battery charging system. Take the vehicle to your dealer for service.
Brake System Messages
BRAKE FLUID LOW
This message is displayed when the brake fluid level is low.
RELEASE PARKING BRAKE
This message is displayed as a reminder that the parking brake is on. Release it before you attempt to drive.
Compass Messages
CAL
This message is displayed when the compass needs to be calibrated.
Dashes will be displayed if the compass needs service. See your dealer for service.
Cruise Control Messages
APPLY BRAKE BEFORE CRUISE
If this message displays when attempting to activate cruise control, apply the brake pedal and try again.
CRUISE SET TO XXX
This message displays when the cruise control is set and shows the speed it was set to.
Door Ajar Messages
DOOR OPEN
A door open symbol will be displayed on the DIC showing which door is open. If the vehicle has been shifted out of P (Park), a DOOR OPEN message will also be displayed. Close the door completely.
MANUALLY CLOSE THE POWER LIFTGATE
This message will display if the power liftgate encounters multiple obstacles on the same power cycle.
After removing the obstructions, the liftgate will resume normal power operation.
REAR ACCESS OPEN
This message will display along with a symbol when the liftgate is open.
Close the liftgate completely.
Engine Cooling System Messages
A/C OFF DUE TO HIGH ENGINE TEMP
This message displays when the engine coolant becomes hotter than the normal operating temperature.
To avoid added strain on a hot engine, the air conditioning compressor automatically turns off.
When the coolant temperature returns to normal, the air conditioning compressor turns back on. The vehicle can continue to be driven.
If this message continues to appear, have the system repaired by your dealer as soon as possible to avoid damage to the engine.
COOLANT LEVEL LOW ADD COOLANT
This message will display if the coolant is low.
ENGINE OVERHEATED — IDLE ENGINE
This message displays when the engine coolant temperature is too hot. Stop and allow the vehicle to idle until it cools down.
ENGINE OVERHEATED — STOP ENGINE
This message displays and a continuous chime sounds if the engine cooling system reaches unsafe temperatures for operation.
Stop and turn off the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so to avoid severe damage. This message clears when the engine has cooled to a safe operating temperature.
HIGH COOLANT TEMPERATURE
This message displays if the coolant temperature is hot.
Engine Oil Messages
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
This message displays when the engine oil needs to be changed.
When you change the engine oil, be sure to reset the Oil Life System.
ENGINE OIL HOT, IDLE ENGINE
This message displays when the engine oil temperature is too hot.
Stop and allow the vehicle to idle until it cools down.
ENGINE OIL LOW — ADD OIL
On some vehicles, this message displays when the engine oil level may be too low. Check the oil level before filling to the recommended level. If the oil is not low and this message remains on, take the vehicle to your dealer for service.
OIL PRESSURE LOW — STOP ENGINE
This message displays if low oil pressure levels occur. Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible and do not operate it until the cause of the low oil pressure has been corrected. Check the oil as soon as possible and have the vehicle serviced by your dealer.
Engine Power Messages
ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED
This message displays when the vehicle's engine power is reduced.
Reduced engine power can affect the vehicle's ability to accelerate.
If this message is on, but there is no reduction in performance, proceed to your destination. The performance may be reduced the next time the vehicle is driven. The vehicle may be driven at a reduced speed while this message is on, but maximum acceleration and speed may be reduced. Anytime this message stays on, the vehicle should be taken to your dealer for service as soon as possible.
Fuel System Messages
ECO MODE ON
On some models, this message displays when the fuel economy mode has been turned on by pressing the eco button near the shift lever.
FUEL LEVEL LOW
This message displays when the vehicle is low on fuel. Refuel as soon as possible.
TIGHTEN GAS CAP
This message displays when the fuel cap is not on tight. Tighten the fuel cap.
Key and Lock Messages
REPLACE BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY
This message displays when the battery in the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter needs to be replaced.
Object Detection System Messages
FORWARD COLLISION ALERT OFF
If your vehicle has the Forward Collision Alert (FCA) system, this message may display if the FCA system cannot activate due to a temporary condition.
FRONT CAMERA BLOCKED, CLEAN WINDSHIELD
This message displays when the Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Forward Collision Alert (FCA) systems are disabled because the camera view is blocked and cannot operate properly. It may also activate during heavy rain or due to road spray. To clean the system, clean the outside of the windshield area in front of the LDW/FCA camera sensor.
LANE DEPARTURE SYSTEM UNAVAILABLE
If your vehicle has the Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system, this message may display if the LDW system cannot activate due to a temporary condition.
PARK ASSIST OFF
This message displays when the park assist system has been turned off or when there is a temporary condition causing the system to be disabled.
SERVICE FRONT CAMERA
This message displays when the Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Forward Collision Alert (FCA) systems are disabled and need service. See your dealer.
SERVICE PARK ASSIST
This message displays if there is a problem with the Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA) system. Do not use this system to help you park.
Ride Control System Messages
ALL WHEEL DRIVE OFF
If your vehicle has the All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, this message displays when the rear drive system is overheating. This message turns off when the rear drive system cools down. If the warning message stays on for a while, you need to reset the warning message. To reset the warning message, turn the ignition off and then back on again. If the message stays on, see your dealer right away
SERVICE ALL WHEEL DRIVE
If your vehicle has the All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, this message displays if a problem occurs with this system. If this message appears, stop as soon as possible and turn off the vehicle. Restart the vehicle and check for the message on the DIC display. If the message is still displayed or appears again when you begin driving, the AWD system needs service. See your dealer.
SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL
This message displays when there is a problem with the Traction Control System (TCS).
SERVICE STABILITRAK
This message displays if there is a problem with the StabiliTrak system.
STABILITRAK OFF
This message displays when the StabiliTrak system is turned off.
TRACTION CONTROL OFF
This message displays when the Traction Control System (TCS) is turned off. Adjust your driving accordingly.
TRACTION CONTROL ON
This message displays when the Traction Control System (TCS) is first turned on.
Airbag System Messages
SERVICE AIRBAG
This message displays if there is a problem with the airbag system.
Take the vehicle to your dealer for service.
Security Messages
THEFT ATTEMPTED
This message displays if the vehicle detects a tamper condition.
Service Vehicle Messages
SERVICE AC SYSTEM
This message is displayed if there is a problem with the air conditioning system. Take the vehicle to your dealer for service.
SERVICE POWER STEERING
This message is displayed if there is a problem with the power steering system and a chime may sound.
Take the vehicle to your dealer for service.
SERVICE VEHICLE SOON
This message is displayed if there is a problem with the vehicle. Take the vehicle to your dealer for service.
Tire Messages
SERVICE TIRE MONITOR SYSTEM
This message displays if there is a problem with the Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS).
TIRE LEARNING ACTIVE
This message displays when the system is learning new tires.
TIRE LOW ADD AIR TO TIRE
This message displays when the pressure in one or more of the tires is low.
This message also displays LEFT FRONT, RIGHT FRONT, LEFT REAR, or RIGHT REAR to indicate the location of the low tire.
The low tire pressure warning light will also come on.
If a tire pressure message appears on the DIC, stop as soon as you can. Inflate the tires by adding air until the tire pressure is equal to the values shown on the Tire and Loading Information label.
You can receive more than one tire pressure message at a time. The DIC also shows the tire pressure values.
Transmission Messages
SERVICE TRANSMISSION
This message displays if there is a problem with the transmission. See your dealer.
SHIFT TO PARK
This message displays when the transmission needs to be shifted to P (Park). This may appear when attempting to remove the key from the ignition or from the vehicle if the vehicle is not in P (Park).
TRANSMISSION HOT — IDLE ENGINE
This message displays and a chime sounds if the transmission fluid in the vehicle gets hot. Driving with the transmission fluid temperature high can cause damage to the vehicle.
Stop the vehicle and let it idle to allow the transmission to cool. This message clears when the fluid temperature reaches a safe level.
Vehicle Reminder Messages
ICE POSSIBLE DRIVE WITH CARE
This message is displayed when ice conditions are possible.
TURN WIPER CONTROL TO INTERMITTENT FIRST
This message is displayed when attempting to adjust the intermittent wiper speed without intermittent selected on the wiper control.