Chevrolet Equinox Owners Manual: 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 not leave the vehicle when the
engine is running. If you have left
the engine running, the vehicle
can move suddenly. You or others
could be injured. To be sure the
vehicle will not move, even when
you are on fairly level ground,
always set the parking brake and
move the shift lever to P (Park). See Shifting Into Park and Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips. |
The vehicle has an automatic transmission shift lock control system. You must fully apply the regular brake first and then press the shift lever button before shifting from P (Park) when the ignition is on. If you cannot shift out of P (Park), ease pressure on the shift lever, then push the shift lever all the way into P (Park) as you maintain brake application. Then press the shift lever button and move the shift lever into another gear. See Shifting out of Park.
R : Use this gear to back up.
| Caution Shifting to R (Reverse) while the vehicle is moving forward could damage the transmission. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Shift to R (Reverse) only after the vehicle is stopped. |
To rock the vehicle back and forth to get out of snow, ice, or sand without damaging the transmission, see If the Vehicle Is Stuck.
N : In this position, the transmission does not transfer torque to the wheels. To restart the engine when the vehicle is already moving, use N (Neutral) only.
| Warning
Shifting into a drive gear while the
engine is running at high speed is
dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on the brake pedal, the
vehicle could move very rapidly. You could lose control and hit people or objects. Do not shift into a drive gear while the engine is running at high speed. |
| Caution Shifting out of P (Park) or N (Neutral) with the engine running at high speed may damage the transmission. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Be sure the engine is not running at high speed when shifting the vehicle. |
D : This position is for normal driving. If more power is needed for passing, press the accelerator pedal down.
| Caution If the vehicle does not shift gears, the transmission could be damaged. Have the vehicle serviced right away. |
| Caution
Spinning the tires or holding the
vehicle in one place on a hill
using only the accelerator pedal
may damage the transmission. The repair will not be covered by the vehicle warranty. If the vehicle is stuck, do not spin the tires. When stopping on a hill, use the brakes to hold the vehicle in place. |
L : Allows the driver to select the range of gear positions. See Manual Mode.
| Caution
A transmission hot message may
display if the automatic
transmission fluid is too hot. Driving under this condition can damage the vehicle. Stop and idle the engine to cool the automatic transmission fluid. This message clears when the transmission fluid has cooled sufficiently. |
Operating Modes
The transmission may operate in a lower gear than normal to improve vehicle performance. The engine speed may be higher and there may be an increase in noise during the following conditions:
- When climbing a grade.
- When driving downhill.
- When driving in hot temperatures or at high altitude.
Manual Mode
Electronic Range Select (ERS) Mode
ERS or manual mode allows for the
selection of the range of gear
positions. Use this mode when
driving downhill or towing a trailer to
limit the top gear and ve ...
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