Showing posts with label Chevrolet. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chevrolet. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 22, 2023

How to add oil to a 2006 Chevy Equinox

Things needed:

- 1 quart (or more) of 5W-30 motor oil

- a few paper towels or rags

- a plastic funnel (recommended)


Tips & Warnings:

- Make sure the car has had a while to cool off before touching the engine block or adding oil.  Never try to add oil while the car is on or running.

- A plastic funnel will make adding the oil a little bit easier, but it's not necessary.  Many grocery stores or gas stations will sell small funnels for a dollar or so, and some gas stations give paper funnels out for free.


Oil keeps everything inside your vehicle's engine lubricated and moving smoothly.  If you get regular oil changes, the mechanics or technicians that change your oil should fill it up every time.  Unless your vehicle develops a leak somewhere in the system, you may not ever need to add oil to your 2006 Chevy Equinox's engine.  However, if you do, this guide will walk you through the procedure, step by step.


1. Raise the hood

With the Equinox off, open the driver's side door and pull the hood release lever.  It is a black lever located close to the floor on the left side, and it has a picture of an SUV with its hood raised on it.  Pull the lever toward you, and the hood will unlock.

Once you've pulled the hood release lever, get out of the Equinox and close the door.  Walk around to the front of the vehicle.  With one hand, pull the hood up slightly so that there is enough to room to fit your hand underneath it.  With the other hand, feel around for the hood latch, which will be located right around the middle of the hood, close to the front edge.  Release this latch by pulling it toward you and then push the hood up with your other hand.

While you are holding the hood up, look for the black metal bar lying just past the grill.  It has a couple of bends in it at the end, on the passenger side of the engine compartment.  Pull this bar toward you to release it from the plastic clip that holds it in place and raise it up so that it lines up with the hole in the underside of the hood on the driver's side.  (There is an engraved arrow in the underside of the hood pointing to this hole.)  Fit the bar into this hole and make sure it is properly engaged, and then you can let go of the hood -- the bar will hold it place.  Do not let go of the hood until you are sure the bar is locked in.


2. Check the current oil level

Like almost all gas-powered vehicles, the Equinox has a dipstick that you can use to check how much oil is in the engine.  This dipstick has a yellow handle and is located very close to the front and center of the vehicle, just behind where the license plate is if your Equinox has a front license plate.

Pull on the yellow handle to pull out the dipstick.  It should have some oil on the bottom end of it.  Wipe off the whole length of the dipstick with a paper towel or rag.  Then reinsert the dipstick fully, let it sit for a second, and pull it out again.

Now check to see how high up the dipstick the oil goes.  There are several small holes in the bottom end of the dipstick -- oil will get caught in those holes, so see how many holes have oil droplets in them.  If all of them do, you probably have enough oil in the engine.  If none of them do, you definitely need to add oil.


3. Add oil

Wipe off the dipstick again and set it to the side somewhere out of the way.  Now open the oil cover, located near the middle of the engine block.  It is a round black cover with a picture of an oil can and a drop of oil coming out on it, and it will say 5W-30 on it (the type of oil this engine takes).  Twist the cover counter-clockwise until it won't twist any more, then pull it straight up.  Set the cover somewhere safe but out of the way.

If you have a funnel, set the small end of it into the opening left by the oil cover.  Open a quart of 5W-30 motor oil and slowly pour the oil into the funnel (or if you don't have a funnel, directly into the oil reservoir).  Add about a quarter of a quart at a time, and give the oil a minute or two to settle.  Then reinsert the dipstick and check the oil level again.

If all of the holes on the dipstick are covered in oil, you shouldn't need to add any more oil.  If the oil level is still low, repeat this step to add more oil, and check the level again after another quarter quart.  Make sure not to add too much oil -- it will cause excessive smoke and make the engine to run erratically, or not at all.


4. Clean up and close up

Once you've added enough oil, put the oil cap back on by sticking it into the hole and twisting it clockwise until it's tight.  Put the dipstick back into its well, and wipe any excess oil off of the engine block or anywhere else it might have dripped.

Lift the hood slightly so you can disengage the rod that holds it up, then lay the rod back across the front of the car and slide it into the white or gray plastic clip that keeps it in place.  Close the hood and make sure it latches.  Just to make sure everything is okay, start the car and let it run for a couple of minutes.


(Originally published on Helium.com, 2011)

Monday, April 27, 2020

18 auto manuals added

18 more auto manuals were added recently:

- Buick: 1 owner's manual
- Chevrolet: 5 owner's manuals, 1 owner's manual supplement
- GMC: 11 owner's manuals

Thursday, March 8, 2018

10 more auto manuals added

Links to 10 more auto owner's manuals, parts manuals and service bulletins were added recently:

- Chevrolet: 1 owner's manual
- Ford: 1 owner’s manual
- Honda: 2 owner's manuals, 1 service bulletin
- Mazda: 1 owner’s manual, 1 parts manual
- Nissan: 1 owner’s manual
- Oldsmobile: 1 owner’s manual
- Pontiac: 1 owner’s manual

Sunday, February 7, 2016

16 more auto manuals added

16 more vehicle manuals and guides were added recently:

Chevrolet:
   - 3 owner’s manuals

Chrysler:
   - 1 owner’s manual

Ford:
   - 4 owner’s manuals
   - 1 owner’s manual supplement
   - 4 quick reference guides
   - 1 emergency response guide

Mercury:
   - 2 owner’s manuals

Saturday, August 15, 2015

23 auto manuals added

Links to 23 more auto manuals and guides have been added to the site recently:

Buick:
   - 2 owner’s manuals

Cadillac:
   - 3 owner’s manuals
   - 1 maintenance schedule
   - 1 entertainment system manual

Chevrolet:
   - 3 owner’s manuals

Ford:
   - 2 owner’s manuals

Nissan:
   - 5 owner’s manuals

Oldsmobile:
   - 1 owner’s manual

Pontiac:
   - 4 owner’s manuals

Toyota:
   - 1 scheduled maintenance guide

Sunday, July 26, 2015

140 more vehicle repair tips added

Links to 140 more auto repair and maintenance tips have been added, for these makes:

Audi:
   - 1 repair tip

Buick:
   - 11 repair tips

Chevrolet:
   - 36 repair tips

Chrysler:
   - 12 repair tips

Dodge:
   - 9 repair tips

Ford:
   - 30 repair tips

GMC:
   - 4 repair tips

Honda:
   - 10 repair tips

Hyundai:
   - 3 repair tips

Infiniti:
   - 1 repair tip

Mazda:
   - 5 repair tips

Mercury:
   - 2 repair tips

Nissan:
   - 1 repair tip

Pontiac:
   - 7 repair tips

Saab:
   - 2 repair tips

Saturn:
   - 1 repair tip

Subaru:
   - 1 repair tip

Toyota:
   - 3 repair tips

Volvo:
   - 1 repair tip

Saturday, June 27, 2015

31 auto manuals added

31 more vehicle manuals and other documents have been added recently, for the following brands:

Buick:
   - 3 owner’s manuals
   - 1 parts catalog

Chevrolet:
   - 5 owner’s manuals
   - 2 quick reference guides
   - 1 dealer order guide

Chrysler:
   - 1 owner’s manual

Ford:
   - 1 service bulletin

Infiniti:
   - 3 owner’s manuals

Jeep:
   - 1 owner’s manual supplement

Nissan:
   - 1 owner’s manual

Saturn:
   - 9 owner’s manuals

Scion:
   - 1 maintenance guide

Toyota:
   - 2 service bulletins

Monday, April 6, 2015

69 more DIY auto repair tips added

Links to 69 more vehicle repair and maintenance tips were added, for the following brands:

Acura:
   - 1 repair tip

Chevrolet:
   - 7 repair tips

Chrysler:
   - 8 repair tips

Dodge:
   - 2 repair tips

Ford:
   - 3 repair tips

Honda:
   - 23 repair tips

Hyundai:
   - 2 repair tips

Lincoln:
   - 2 repair tips

Pontiac:
   - 5 repair tips

Saturn:
   - 2 repair tips

Toyota:
   - 14 repair tips

Thursday, February 26, 2015

How to replace the air filter in a 2012 Chevrolet Captiva Sport

Removing the air filter in a 2012 Chevy Captiva Sport is fairly easy to do.  It takes a little more work than it does on some other models, but it can easily be done with just a few tools.  All you'll need is a pair of Phillips and slotted screwdrivers (or one multi-bit screwdriver), a short or flex-head 10mm combination wrench, and of course the new air filter.

With the vehicle turned off, pull the hood lever located below and to the left of the steering wheel (near the driver's left leg).  It is a black lever with a picture of a car with a raised hood on it.  You may have to bend down to see it.  Pull this lever toward you to pop the hood.

To raise the hood, stand in front of the vehicle and feel under the opening in the hood, near the center.  You should feel a metal latch; lift this latch up to release it, and then raise the hood.

The air filter is located in the black plastic box on the left side of the engine compartment (as you're standing in front of it).  There are two ways to get the air filter out -- remove the entire box that the air filter sits in, then remove the cover, or just remove the cover and leave the box in place.  The second method is quicker, and it is the method described here.

There are three screws (probably with black heads) securing the top of the air filter box to the bottom.  Remove these three screws with your Phillips screwdriver -- one on the front right side, one on the front left side, and one on the rear left side.

Once those screws are out, disconnect the large black hose on the rear side of the box by loosening the slotted screw that holds the clamp in place.  With the screw loosened, the clamp will also loosen, allowing you to pull the hose off of the air filter cover.

With the hose removed, you can see a 10mm bolt on the rear right side of the air filter cover.  You won't have direct access to this bolt, but you can remove it from the side with a 10mm combination wrench or crescent wrench.

After you've removed that bolt, lift the top of the air filter box up.  Be careful not to yank it, because the air filter sensor is still attached.  Set the cover out of the way so you can remove the air filter itself.

You can remove the air filter by lifting it straight out.  A new air filter is installed simply by placing it into the now-vacant cavity (pleated side down).  Then set the cover back on top, secure the bolt and the three screws, place the hose back onto the round opening on the back of the air filter cover, and clamp it back down with the slotted screw.

Close the hood and start the vehicle.  If the check engine light comes on (and it didn't come on before) check the air filter and sensor -- the sensor may have become disconnected, or something may be out of place.

Saturday, February 21, 2015

25 more auto manuals added

25 more vehicle manuals and guides have been added recently:

Acura:
   - 1 online reference owner’s manual
   - 2 audio system manuals

Buick:
   - 2 owner’s manuals
   - 3 quick reference guides
   - 1 quick reference sheet
   - 1 Bluetooth quick start guide

Chevrolet:
   - 1 quick reference sheet

Infiniti:
   - 1 owner’s manual

Toyota:
   - 5 owner’s manuals
   - 2 owner’s manual supplements
   - 2 quick reference guides
   - 1 brief guide
   - 1 scheduled maintenance guide
   - 1 repair manual
   - 1 repair manual supplement

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

47 more auto manuals added

47 more vehicle manuals and guides have been added recently:

Buick:
   - 7 owner’s manuals
   - 1 getting to know guide

Chevrolet:
   - 10 owner’s manuals

Dodge:
   - 1 owner’s manual

Ford:
   - 16 owner’s manuals
   - 2 owner’s manual supplements
   - 6 quick reference guides

Honda:
   - 1 online reference owner’s manual

Nissan:
   - 2 owner’s manuals
   - 1 quick reference guide

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

How to replace a brake light in a 2012 Chevrolet Captiva Sport

Changing a brake light in your 2012 Chevy Captiva Sport is a very easy task.  All you'll need is a Phillips screwdriver and the new bulb (part #3157).  Some rags might be helpful too, to clean any dirt off the light housing.  The whole job should take under 10 minutes.

There are two screws holding the brake light assembly in place.  To get to those screws, open the rear door.  Depending on which brake light is out, you'll have to remove the brake light assembly on that side.  You'll see two screws in the plastic housing, facing the rear of the vehicle.  Remove those two screws, then you can pull the whole brake light assembly out.  Be careful not to yank it, though, because the wires are still attached.

Turn the light assembly so that you can see the connectors.  There will be three different connectors; the one for the brake light is the top one -- black connector with blue, red, and black wires.  Twist this connector counter-clockwise, and then pull it out of its housing.

Now you'll see the brake light bulb itself.  Remove the bad bulb by pulling it straight out of the connector, then install the new bulb by pushing it into place.  Reinsert the connector into the housing, and twist it clockwise until it's tight.  Then you pop the whole light assembly back into place and secure it with the two screws.

You can probably find the 3157 bulb at any local auto parts store.  It will probably cost between $5 and $10 for a set of two bulbs.  Amazon.com sells a pair right now for $5.99.

Friday, October 3, 2014

How to replace a headlight on a 2006 Chevrolet Equinox


On some vehicles, a blown headlight can be replaced simply by unscrewing it from inside the engine compartment.  On the 2006 Chevy Equinox, the process is a little more complicated, but still something you can do yourself rather than pay a mechanic to do.  To replace a front headlight, first you'll need to purchase a new headlight (which you can get from your local auto store, or you can buy a pair online from Amazon.com for $13.88).

In addition to the new headlight, you'll need either a 10mm wrench, an adjustable wrench, or a pair of adjustable pliers at the bare minimum, and probably a thin-bladed flathead screwdriver as well.  A ratcheting socket wrench with a 10mm socket will make the job easier, and a large Phillips screwdriver can be used to remove some of the bolts.  You might want to have a couple of rags handy as well, to clean dirt off the inside and back of the headlight assembly while you have it exposed.

In order to get to the headlight, the Equinox's grill will have to come partially off.  To get the grill off, first pop the hood with the hood release lever (inside the car, to the lower left of the steering wheel) and open the hood all the way by feeling underneath the center front area of the hood for the latch, then pulling it toward you with one hand while you hold the hood up with your other hand.  Once the hood is free, prop it up using the metal bar lying across the front frame of the car.  This bar is held in place by a plastic clip - pull the bar out of the clip and then hook it into the hole in the underside of the hood, on the right side (marked with an arrow).  This will prevent the hood from falling on you while you are working.

The grill is held on by eight hex bolts, ranged across the front of the car.  The four outside bolts (two on the left, two on the right) have Phillips heads, so you can remove those with a screwdriver if you want.  The others can be removed with a wrench or pair of pliers.  Each of the bolts is located behind the grill (as you're standing in front of it) and in front of the frame bar that runs across the width of the vehicle.  Set these bolts somewhere safe as you remove them.

There is an additional bolt holding the headlight assembly in place.  Depending on which headlight you are replacing, the bolt will be in a different location, but for either light it will be toward the interior of the engine compartment, securing a black bracket that attaches to the light assembly.  This bolt can be removed the same way as the other eight, but it is harder to get to, so if it's on there tightly, you may want to try using a nut driver with a 10mm socket, or else something with a very long handle so that you can get better leverage on the bolt.

With all nine bolts out, you can pull the grill slightly forward (away from the engine).  There are small tabs holding it in place, but these tabs will usually pop out of place as you pull (gently) on the grill.  With the grill away from the car a bit, you can wiggle the headlight assembly out enough to get at the headlight itself (be careful of the wires as you maneuver it).  You'll need to be able to access the back side of the assembly.

There is a connector attached to the headlight - remove this connector by pushing down on the tab and then pulling the connector away from the light.  If this tab won't release, try using a small flathead screwdriver or a sturdy pocket knife blade.  Dirt and grime can build up under the tab, making it hard to release.

Once the connector has been removed, there is a plastic collar that sits around the light.  Remove this collar by twisting it counter clockwise and then pulling it off.  Now the bulb itself will be exposed - remove the bulb from the light assembly by twisting it counter clockwise and pulling it out of its housing (or just pulling it straight out if it will come right out).

Now you can install the new bulb assembly and then reattach everything by going in reverse order.  Be sure to attach the electrical connector before putting the headlight and grill back into place, and start all eight grill bolts before fully tightening any of them to be sure the grill is lined up correctly.  If you want to be sure you did a good job, have someone turn the Equinox on and test the headlight before putting everything back together (but after you've attached the electrical connector).

(Originally published on Helium.com, January 2012)

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

61 more auto manuals added

61 more auto manuals have been added recently, for the following makes:

Cadillac:
   - 6 owner’s manuals

Chevrolet:
   - 8 owner’s manuals
   - 1 Infotainment manual
   - 1 service bulletin

Ford:
   - 25 owner’s manuals
   - 9 owner’s manual supplements
   - 7 quick reference guides
   - 1 navigation system quick start guide
   - 2 scheduled maintenance guide
   - 1 modifier guide
   - 1 towing guide

Honda:   - 1 owner’s manual
   - 2 online reference owner’s manuals
   - 2 technology reference guides
   - 1 navigation system

Infiniti:
   - 1 owner’s manual

Friday, August 22, 2014

73 auto manuals added

73 more owner's manuals, supplements, accessory manuals, and other types of vehicle documentation have been added recently, for these brands:

Acura:
   - 8 owner’s manuals
   - 4 online reference owner’s manuals
   - 2 owner’s guides
   - 3 advanced technology guides
   - 6 navigation system manuals

Buick:
   - 1 owner’s manual

Chevrolet:
   - 1 owner’s manual

Ford:
   - 22 owner’s manuals
   - 6 owner’s manual supplements
   - 3 quick reference guides
   - 2 police interceptor modifier guides
   - 2 towing guides

Honda:
   - 2 owner’s manuals
   - 3 online reference owner’s manuals
   - 1 technology reference guide
   - 2 navigation system manuals

Pontiac:
   - 5 owner’s manuals

Sunday, July 27, 2014

22 more auto manuals and more added

22 more owner's manuals, service bulletins, and other documentation were added to the site recently, for the following vehicle brands:

Acura:
   - 1 online reference owner’s manual

Chevrolet:
   - 3 owner’s manuals
   - 3 technical manuals

Dodge:
    - 1 owner’s manual

Honda:
   - 1 online reference owner’s manual

Hyundai:
   - 1 service bulletin

Lexus:
   - 6 personalized settings guides
   - 1 emergency response guide

Pontiac:
   - 3 owner’s manuals
   - 2 wiring diagrams

Monday, May 19, 2014

Chevrolet auto repair tips

Below are links to repair and maintenance tips for Chevrolet vehicles.  These links are intended for informational purposes only, and no warranty is made as to their accuracy or usefulness.  Any links typed in bold italics have been tested and verified; all other links have not.

Chevrolet Astro:
- How to install front brake pads on a Chevrolet Astro
- How to replace a rear turn signal on a 1990-2005 Chevrolet Astro
- How to replace the brake pads and rotors on a Chevrolet Astro

Chevrolet Camaro:
- How to change the oil and oil filter in a 2010-present Chevrolet Camaro
Chevrolet Cobalt:

Chevrolet Corvette:
Chevrolet HHR:
- How to remove and replace the air filter and engine cover on a 2009 Chevrolet HHR

Chevrolet Impala:
- How to replace a headlight bulb on a 2006-2012 Chevrolet Impala
- How to replace the air filter on a 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala
- How to replace the air filter on a 2006-2013 Chevrolet Impala V6
- How to replace the air filter on a 2006-2014 Chevrolet Impala
- How to replace the cabin air filter on a 2006-2014 Chevrolet Impala
- How to replace the rear struts on a 2005 Chevrolet Impala

Chevrolet Malibu:
- How to add transmission fluid to a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu
- How to replace the spark plugs on a 2008-2012 Chevrolet Malibu 2.4L
- How to reset the change oil soon indicator in a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu

Chevrolet Metro:
- How to replace the spark plugs in a 1999 Chevrolet Metro

Chevrolet Montana:
How to remove and install a window regulator on a 1999-2005 Chevrolet Montana

Chevrolet Monte Carlo:
- How to replace the cabin air filter on a 2000-2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo

Chevrolet Silverado:
- How to change the oil and filter on a 1999-2006 Chevrolet Silverado
- How to do a front disc brake job on a 2007-2013 Chevrolet Silverado
- How to remove the blinker lever / multi-function switch on a 1989 Chevrolet Silverado
- How to replace the cabin air filter on a 1999-2002 Chevrolet Silverado
- How to replace the cabin air filter on a 2000-2002 Chevrolet Silverado
- How to replace the cabin air filter on a 2000-2006 Chevrolet Silverado
- How to replace the oil pressure switch on a 2010 Chevrolet Silverado V8 5.3L

Chevrolet Suburban:
- How to change the oil and filter on a 1999-2006 Chevrolet Suburban
- How to install a fuel pump in a 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
- How to install an E3797M fuel pump modular assembly in a 2009 Chevrolet Suburban
- How to replace the air filter in a 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
- How to replace the cabin air filter on a 2000-2002 Chevrolet Suburban
- How to replace the cabin air filter on a 2000-2006 Chevrolet Suburban
- How to replace the fuel filter in a 2003 Chevrolet Suburban 5.3L
- How to replace the fuel pump and sending unit on a 2000-2006 Chevrolet Suburban 
- How to replace the fuel pump on a 1999 Chevrolet Suburban 1500
- How to replace the thermostat and housing on a 2000-2006 Chevrolet Suburban 5.3L

Chevrolet Tahoe:
- How to change the engine oil on a 1995-1999 Chevrolet Tahoe
- How to change the oil and filter on a 1999-2006 Chevrolet Tahoe
- How to change the oil and filter on a 2007-2013 Chevrolet Tahoe
- How to replace the cabin air filter on a 2000-2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
- How to replace the cabin air filter on a 2000-2006 Chevrolet Tahoe
- How to replace the thermostat and housing on a 2000-2006 Chevrolet Tahoe 5.3L

Chevrolet Trailblazer:
How to change brakes on a 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer
- How to replace rear shocks on a Chevrolet Trailblazer
How to replace spark plugs on a 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer 4.2L I6

Chevrolet Uplander:
- How to replace a headlight on a 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
- How to replace a tail light bulb on a 2005-2009 Chevrolet Uplander

Chevrolet Venture:
- How to remove and install a window regulator on a 1997-2005 Chevrolet Venture
- How to replace a turn signal light on a 1997-2003 Chevrolet Venture

Friday, May 2, 2014

13 more auto manuals added

13 more auto manuals and guides were added recently, for the following brands:

Chevrolet:
   - 3 owner's manuals
   - 1 dealer order guide

Dodge:
   - 1 owner's manual

Lexus:
   - 3 warranty and services guides

Nissan:
   - 2 owner's manuals
   - 1 navigation system manual
   - 2 quick reference guides

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

16 more auto manuals added

16 more manuals and guides were added for the following brands:

Buick:
   - 3 owner's manuals
   - 1 system/accessory manual

Chevrolet:
   - 2 owner's manuals
   - 1 quick reference guide

Honda:
   - 3 online reference owner's manuals
   - 1 quick start guide
   - 1 technology reference guide
   - 3 navigation system manuals
   - 1 remote starter quick start guide

Sunday, April 13, 2014

33 more auto manuals added

33 more manuals have been added recently, for the following brands:

Chevrolet:
   - 14 owner's manuals
   - 2 owner's manual supplements
   - 1 system/accessory manual

Ford:
   - 4 owner's guides
   - 1 owner's guide supplement
   - 1 quick reference guide
   - 2 navigation system quick start guides

Honda:
   - 2 owner's manuals
   - 3 online reference owner's manuals
   - 3 navigation system manuals