Chevrolet Equinox Owners Manual
Keys, Doors, andWindows Keys, Doors, andWindows
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.
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 the vehicle has an ignition and it becomes difficult to turn the key, inspect the key blade for debris.
Periodically clean with a brush or pick.
If locked out of the vehicle.
With an active OnStar subscription, an OnStar Advisor may remotely unlock the vehicle.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Communications Commission (FCC) rules and Industry Canada Standards RSS-GEN/210/220/310.
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.
See “Battery Replacement” later in this section.
• If the transmitter is still not working correctly, see your dealer or a qualified
technician for service.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation
The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter may work up to 60m (195 ft) away from the vehicle.
There are other conditions which can affect the performance of the transmitter.
RKE With Remote Start Shown, Without Similar
The following may be available:
(Lock): Press to lock all doors.
The turn signal indicators may flash and/or the horn may sound to indicate locking.
See “Remote Lock Feedback” under Vehicle Personalization on page 5‑32. If a passenger
door is open when 
is pressed, all doors
is
These settings can be modified.
Pressingmay also arm the theft-deterrent
(Unlock): Press to unlock the
may also disarm the theft-deterrent
For vehicles with the manual liftgate, press
twice within 5 seconds to unlock the liftgate.
(Remote Liftgate Release): For
until the liftgate begins to move.
(Vehicle Locator/Panic Alarm):
for at least three seconds to sound the
is pressed again or the key is placed in
(Remote Vehicle Start): For vehicles
then press
to start the engine from outside
The buttons on the keys are disabled when there is a key in the ignition.
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.
Battery Replacement
Replace the battery if the REPLACE BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY message displays in the DIC.
The battery is not rechargeable. To replace the battery:
1. Push the button on the transmitter to extend the key.
2. Remove the battery cover by prying with a finger.
3. Remove the battery by pushing on the battery and sliding it toward the key blade.
4. Insert the new battery, 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 on to 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
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 seats, they may come on during a 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.
There are other conditions which can affect the performance of the transmitter.
Starting the Engine Using Remote Start
To start the engine using the remote start feature: 1. Press and release
on the RKE transmitter.
for at least
The parking lamps will turn on and remain on as long as the engine is running. The vehicle's doors will be locked.
3. The key must be inserted and turned to ON/RUN before driving.
The engine will shut off after 10 minutes unless a time extension is done or the key is inserted and turned to ON/RUN.
Extending Engine Run Time
For a 10-minute extension, 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 5 minutes, and 10 minutes are added, the engine will run for a total of 15 minutes.
A maximum of two remote starts or remote start attempts 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.
Shutting the Engine Off After a Remote Start
To shut off the engine:
• Press 
until the parking lamps turn
• Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
• Insert the key and turn it to 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 or doors are 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.
Door Locks
WARNING
Unlocked doors can be dangerous.
• Passengers, especially children, can easily open the doors and fall out of
a moving vehicle. 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 safety 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 slowing or stopping the
vehicle. Lock the doors to help prevent this from happening.
To lock or unlock a door from the outside of the vehicle, use the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter. Pull the handle once from the inside to unlock the door, and a second time to open it.
Power Door Locks
Base Radio Shown, Uplevel Similar
There is a power door lock switch on the instrument panel.
There are power door lock switches on the front door panels.
: Press to lock the doors.
: Press to unlock the doors.
When locking the doors with a power door lock switch and a door or the liftgate is open, the doors will lock five seconds after the last door is closed. Three chimes sound to signal the delayed locking feature is in use.
Pressing the power lock switch twice or
on the RKE transmitter twice will override
This feature can be programmed.
Safety Locks
Base Radio Shown, Uplevel Similar
The rear door safety locks switch is on the instrument panel.
Rear door safety locks prevent passengers from opening the rear doors from inside the vehicle.
Press 
to activate the safety locks.
When activated, the indicator light in the switch changes to amber.
Press 
again to deactivate the safety
If a rear door handle is pulled when the safety lock is deactivated, that door will remain locked and the indicator light may flash. Release the handle, then press the safety lock twice to deactivate the safety locks.
