Info - Equinox - New Model Features and Service Guide

This bulletin is being revised to add information for 2006 and 2007 model years. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 04-00-89-006A (Section 00 -- General Information).

This is a special bulletin to introduce the new Chevrolet Equinox. The purpose of this bulletin is to make you familiar with the vehicle's features and describe the action that your Service Department will need to take to ensure that you are able to fully service this exciting new model.

The 2005 Chevrolet Equinox is an SUV powered by a 3.4L V6 engine and is available either in Front Wheel Drive or All Wheel Drive. Four-wheel ABS is standard on most models in the U.S. (optional in Canada) and the vehicle has 3-point safety belts in all seating positions. The Equinox is also equipped with standard dual-stage frontal air bags. Head curtain side air bags and On-Star are optional. The Equinox is manufactured for the Chevrolet Division by the General Motors® CAMI assembly plant in Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada.

Changes for the 2006 Chevrolet Equinox

Changes for the 2007 Chevrolet Equinox

Only the 3.4L (VIN Code F -- RPO LNJ) OHV V6 Engine is available in the Equinox. This 3.4L engine has a rating of 185 horsepower and produces 210 lb/ft of torque. Although this engine is similar to other 3.4L engines found in various GM products, it is unique and CANNOT be interchanged with other 3.4L engines. If you encounter an engine with internal damage, an engine exchange program will be in effect for the first six months.

Coolant Fill Procedure:

Important: It is important to get the air out of the system to ensure proper cooling and to avoid coolant noise concerns.

When draining the system, a minimum of 5 liters (5.28 qts) should be drained. Proper coolant level is critical and this is the MINIMUM amount that should be added to the coolant system before the vehicle is returned to the customer. If the surge tank fills before a minimum of 5 liters (5.28 qts) is added, it will be necessary to lift the right front corner of the vehicle so that the right front tire is three inches off the ground. Tipping the vehicle helps to force the trapped air toward the air bleed. The air bleed screw will need to be opened for a few seconds to purge any air. It is necessary to go through the thermal cycle procedure at least twice before the vehicle is turned off. Refer to SI Document ID #1357656 for complete Coolant Fill Procedures.

The transaxle is an Aisin Warner -- 5 speed, electronically controlled, automatic (AF33-5). The Aisin AF33-5 features an adapt function.

Programming within the TCM allows automatic adjustments in shift pressure that are based on the changing characteristics of the transaxle components as well as cold temperatures and higher altitudes. As the apply components within the transaxle wear, shift time (the time required to apply a clutch) increases. In order to compensate for this wear, the TCM adjusts trim pressure by controlling the line pressure control solenoid valve in order to maintain the originally calibrated shift timing. The automatic adjusting process is referred to as "adaptive self-learning" and it is used to assure consistent shift feel plus increase transaxle durability. The transaxle "adaptive self-learning" procedure is based on a number of transaxle upshifts, rather than driving time or distance.

Whenever the transaxle is replaced, the transaxle "adaptive self-learning" function needs to be reset to the default settings in the TCM in order to ensure there are no harsh shifts or shift flare concerns with the replacement transaxle. If the transaxle is overhauled or either the TCM or transaxle is replaced, a trans adaptive reset procedure must be performed.

Reset Transaxle Shift Adapts using Tech 2:

1. Enter F0: Diagnostics
2. Select 2005 Model Year
3. Select Ld Truck
4. F0: Powertrain
5. Confirm Engine (3.4L LNJ)
6. Confirm Transmission 5 Speed - Automatic
7. F2: Special Functions
8. F1: Transmission Output Controls
9. F5: Reset Transmission Adapts

Up Hill / Down Hill Mode

The Aisin AF33-5 also includes special uphill and downhill modes to provide enhanced vehicle operation.

Transaxle Oil Life Monitor

The Aisin (AF33-5) incorporates a new ATF oil life monitor. When the calculated useful AFT life is less than 10%, the SES (Service Engine Soon) light will illuminate. Using a Tech 2, if DTC P1868 or P0897 is displayed, the T-IV AFT fluid needs to be changed. Only T-IV fluid can be used. DO NOT USE DEXRON III.

The ATF oil life monitor needs to be reset to 100% under any of the following conditions:

Transaxle Fluid

The Aisin AF33-5 is a filled-for-life transaxle. Under normal operation, fluid changes are not necessary. The fluid used is T-IV, P/N 88900925 (in Canada, P/N 22689186), and is NEVER to be replaced by or mixed with DEXRON® III.

Important: T-IV is the ONLY fluid that should ever be used in the Aisin AF33-5. Failure to use the specified fluid will result in poor shifting quality and ultimately cause transaxle failure.

Checking the fluid level is usually an unnecessary procedure. Under normal maintenance, fluid level should not need to be checked. However, if you do need to check the fluid level, it is important to know that this transaxle has no dipstick tube, but it does have a dipstick. It's located on the inboard side of the transaxle, and is attached to the case with a retaining bolt. This retaining bolt will need to be removed in order to extract the dipstick, and check the fluid level. If you ever need to fill the transaxle, make sure to remove the fluid fill plug, which is near the park/neutral switch. DO NOT remove the third gear anchor bolt which is in the same area. (Refer to SI or Service-Know-How Course 17341.10V for exact location)

Important: Removal of the third gear anchor bolt will result in a loss of third gear. This can not be corrected by simply replacing the bolt. The transaxle will need to be removed from the vehicle and disassembled for repair.

The Aisin transaxle has an ATF oil life monitor which indicates when the useful life of the T-IV fluid is less than 10%. DTC P1868 will set when this occurs.

Valve Body

The valve body in the Aisin AF33-5 is designed in four pieces -- Front Control Valve Body, Middle Control Valve Body, Rear Control Valve Body, and Rear #2 Control Valve Body. However, it is only available as a complete unit for service. The only components that can be independently serviced are the shift solenoids and the manual valve.

Important: The valve body CAN NOT be opened for service. If it is opened for any reason, it MUST be replaced.

There are no gaskets to seal the control valve body cover to the case and the case to the torque converter housing. Use approved GM sealant, P/N 89020326 (in Canada, P/N 89021188).

"Emergency Mode"

The Aisin AF33-5 features an "Emergency Mode". In Emergency Mode, the only forward gear that will operate is fifth. All five of the shift solenoid valves will be de-energized (turned OFF) if the entire electronic control system of the transaxle ever becomes disabled. In Emergency Mode, the vehicle will only operate in fifth gear, regardless of the forward gear selection. This function will allow the driver to operate the vehicle until the condition can be corrected.

Important: In Emergency Mode, the vehicle will also operate in Reverse, Park or Neutral if selected by the driver. The only forward gear permitted at this time will be fifth, regardless of the gear selector position.

"Drive" Operation

The AWD system operates automatically without any action required by the driver. If the front drive wheels begin to slip, the rear wheels will automatically begin to drive the vehicle as required. There may be a slight engagement noise during hard use, but this is normal.

Since the Equinox's engine and transaxle are mounted transversely, power to the rear of the vehicle is routed through a Power Takeoff Unit or PTU. The PTU contains a hypoid gear set -- there is no ON or OFF. The PTU transfers power from the transaxle to the prop shaft and through the prop shaft, power then reaches the Rear Drive Module (RDM).

During normal driving, on dry roads, Equinox's All-Wheel Drive system is not active. When the front wheels lose traction, the system automatically engages sending power to the rear wheels until the front wheels regain traction.

If the vehicle is exposed to heavy AWD usage, the AWD system will shut itself off to protect the system from overheating. When the system cools down, the AWD system will activate itself again automatically. If the clutch overheats, the fluid will bypass the clutch to prevent it from being damaged. During fluid bypass, the clutch remains disengaged preventing power flow to the rear wheels.

PTU (Power Take-Off Unit):

The PTU features double lip seals between it and the transaxle. One seal keeps the Versatrak™ fluid in the PTU unit and the other seal keeps the transaxle fluid in the transaxle. Double seals prevent the fluids from mixing and potentially causing component damage if one seal were to fail. A properly sealed PTU will remain sealed even if the axle shafts are removed and will not leak except from the vent tube. The correct fluid level should be at the bottom of the fill plug hole. The PTU hypoid gear set is non-serviceable. If the gear fails, the unit will need to be replaced. The double lip seals, axle seal and pinion seal are serviceable. See SI for proper repair procedures.

RDM (Rear Drive Module):

The RDM is composed of two sections bolted together. It takes power from the propshaft and transfers it to the rear axles. The differential clutch and drum assembly can be serviced as a unit. The ring and pinion are not serviceable. In order to obtain an accurate fluid level, a rear drive module priming procedure must be completed. Refer to SI for this procedure.

The 2005-2006 Chevrolet Equinox's electrical architecture is made up of Class II and GMLAN communications. A CANDi module is required to communicate with the Tech 2. Below is a summary of the modules and their location:

Important: For the 2007 model year, the Chevrolet Equinox changes to a 100% GMLAN electrical architecture.

The front suspension is fully independent and features McPherson struts and coil springs. The rear suspension is a fully-independent, four-link design. Like the front, it also employs coil springs which are retained between the spring seat in the under body and the spring seat in the lower control arm. These rear springs have rubber isolators on both their top and bottom positions.

Alignment - When aligning the front and/or rear suspension, it is important to note the CASTER is NOT adjustable. However, both the Camber and Toe CAN be adjusted.

Important: The rear suspension alignment cams are not installed during production. However, service cams are available.

The advantages of Electric Power Steering (EPS) are:

Major components of the EPS system are the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM), a torque sensor and the Electronic Power Steering motor. The PSCM, torque sensor and motor are serviced ONLY as an assembly.

PSCM:

Important: Whenever a PSCM is replaced, it must be set up with the proper tuning profile.

The PSCM determines the amount of steering assist needed based on the vehicle speed from the serial data circuit, the amount of torque applied to the steering column shaft by the driver (determined by the torque sensor) and calculated system temperature estimated from a combination of commanded motor voltage and current levels and input from a thermistor internal to the PSCM. The PSCM performs a self-diagnosis routine each time the ignition is started to determine the state of the EPS system. The EPS system features an "overload protection mode". Symptoms of this mode are a decrease in assist or no assist. The "overload protection mode" will occur in any of the following conditions:

Torque Sensor:

The torque sensor is the PSCM's main input for determining steering direction and the amount of assist needed. As the steering wheel is turned and torsional twist is applied to the steering column shaft's torsion bar, the notched edges of the detecting rings 1 and 2 change alignment with each other. This change in alignment affects the magnetic characteristics around the detecting coil, changing the impedance of the detecting coil circuit, which changes the circuit's signal voltage level.

Electric Power Steering Motor:

The EPS motor is a 65-amp motor. The amount of assist is regulated by the PSCM. Motor current is based mainly on the steering torque input to the PSCM. Output torque of the motor is transferred through a worm shaft and reduction gear.

The Equinox features a Multi-Flex™ 60/40 split-folding sliding rear seat which can be adjusted forward 5 cm (2 in) to accommodate more cargo or rearward 15 cm (6  in) to provide enough legroom for a 6' 6" adult. The front passenger seat folds flat for additional cargo room or a personal workstation.

Important: If you fold the seatback forward to carry longer objects, be sure cargo is not near an airbag. In a crash, an inflating airbag might force that object toward a person. Secure objects away from the area in which an airbag would inflate.

The available rear cargo panel system serves as an adjustable cargo panel, a security cover and even a table. It's reversible, with washable plastic on one side and carpet on the other.

The Equinox features three different audio heads:

The MP3 player will accept MP3 files that were recorded on and up to 700 MB CD-R CD. The player will be able to read and play a maximum of 50 folders, 50 playlists, 10 sessions, and 255 files. Long file, folder or playlist names or a combination of large number of files and folders or playlists may cause the player to be unable to play up to the maximum number of files, folders, playlists, or sessions.

Trailering Capacity:

Maximum trailering capacity is 1,300 kg (2,900 lbs) with five occupants, or 1,575 kg (3,500 lbs) with two occupants. Refer to the Owner's Manual Towing Section -- Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit (SI Document ID #1313599).

Dinghy Towing:

Owners may consider purchasing the Equinox to pull, or dinghy tow, the vehicle behind their motorhome. The vehicle was not designed to be towed with all four wheels on the ground. If the vehicle is FWD, it can be towed with its two front wheels on a tow dolly and its rear two wheels on the ground. AWD vehicles CANNOT be towed with any of its wheels on the ground. Refer to the Owner's Manual Recreational Vehicle Towing (Document ID #1313598).

Important: AWD vehicles MUST be flat-bedded. Towing an AWD vehicle with any of the wheels on the ground will damage the drivetrain components.

Performing a quality pre-delivery inspection is one of the most important functions your dealership can do for the customer. Most customers consider the condition of their new vehicle during delivery as a direct reflection of your dealership and your service department. A quality PDI is essential to improving a customer's perception of your dealership and increasing his/her satisfaction with their new vehicle. The following items require special attention during PDI and are included in the PDI time:

Loose Parts:

Ensure the following loose shipped items are in the vehicle and fit the components to the vehicle.

Protective Film:

Protective film is applied to the front and rear fascias, mirrors and rocker panels. This protective film can be removed as soon as the vehicle has reached the dealership.

The vehicle is shipped from the assembly plant with Door Edge Guards. The door edge guards should remain in place until time of delivery to the customer. This will ensure maximum protection while on the dealer lot.

Important: A protective film (clear vinyl) has been applied to the rear doors. The purpose of the film is to protect the vehicle from stone impingement. This protective film SHOULD NOT be removed.

Tire Pressure:

The vehicle's tires are shipped with 275 kPa (40 psi) and the pressure must be reduced to 206 kPa (30 psi). The tire pressure label can be found at the bottom of the driver's B-pillar.

License Plate Installation:

Several states and Canadian provinces require front license plates. When required, the front plate should be attached by using the furnished hardware. The front fascia has two dimples where the license plate should be attached.

PDI Checklist: