Chevrolet Equinox Owners Manual: Engine Heater

Chevrolet Equinox Owners Manual / Driving and Operating / Starting and Operating / Engine Heater

Engine Heater

The engine heater, if available, can help in cold weather conditions at or below −18 C (0 F) for easier starting and better fuel economy during engine warm-up. Plug in the engine heater at least four hours before starting the vehicle. An internal thermostat in the plug end of the cord will prevent engine coolant heater operation at temperatures above −18 C (0 F).

To Use The Engine Heater

Turn off the engine.
Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.
The electrical cord is on the passenger side of the engine compartment, in front of the air cleaner.
Check the heater cord for damage. If it is damaged, do not use it. See your dealer for a replacement. Inspect the cord for damage yearly.
Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.

Warning Improper use of the heater cord or an extension cord can damage the cord and may result in overheating and fire.

Plug the cord into a three-prong electrical utility receptacle that is protected by a ground fault detection function. An ungrounded outlet could cause an electric shock.
Use a weatherproof, heavy-duty, 15 amp-rated extension cord if needed.
Failure to use the recommended extension cord in good operating condition, or using a damaged heater or extension cord, could make it overheat and cause a fire, property damage, electric shock, and injury.
Do not operate the vehicle with the heater cord permanently attached to the vehicle. Possible heater cord and thermostat damage could occur.
While in use, do not let the heater cord touch vehicle parts or sharp edges. Never close the hood on the heater cord.
Before starting the vehicle, unplug the cord, reattach the cover to the plug, and securely fasten the cord.
Keep the cord away from any moving parts.

Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and store the cord as it was before to keep it away from moving engine parts. If you do not it could be damaged.

The length of time the heater should remain plugged in depends on several factors. Ask a dealer in the area where you will be parking the vehicle for the best advice on this.

Starting the Engine

Move the shift lever to P (Park) or N (Neutral). To restart the engine when the vehicle is already moving, use N (Neutral) only. Caution Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the vehicle ...

Retained Accessory Power (RAP)

Some vehicle accessories may be used after the ignition is turned off. The power windows and sunroof, if equipped, will continue to work for up to 10 minutes or until any door is opened. The ...

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Automatics Transmissions
P : This position locks the front wheels. Use P (Park) when starting the engine because the vehicle cannot move easily. Warning It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking brake firmly set. The vehicle can roll Do ...