Skip to main content

2005-17 Chevy Equinox, 2010-17 GMC Terrain, and 2006-09 Pontiac Torrent Routine Maintenance FAQ

Chevy Equinox

The 2005-2017 Chevrolet Equinox, 2010-2017 GMC Terrain, and 2006-2009 Pontiac Torrent SUVs are all decently reliable vehicles, but they still need regular maintenance. Here's the Haynes quick guide, taken directly from Haynes manual 38040.

Most of these recommended routine maintenance tasks you can do yourself at home for practically no money, as long as you have a few simple tools and the time to invest. If you need more guidance, or even step by step instructions and a video demonstration, get the online manual, or our traditional printed manual.

Oil Change

Engine oil type API grade “certified for gasoline engines”
Oil viscosity 5W-30
Note: Confirm engine oil viscosity on the engine oil filler cap.  
Engine oil capacity (with filter change)  
2.4L four-cylinder engine 5.0 quarts
3.0L V6 engine 6.0 quarts
3.4L V6 engine 4.0 quarts
3.6L V6 engine  
   2009 and earlier models 5.5 quarts
   2013 and later models 6.0 quarts
Recommended fastener torque  
Engine oil drain plug  
   2.4L four-cylinder, 3.4L V6 18
   3.0L V6, 3.6L V6 15
Engine oil filter cap (2.4L four-cylinder engine) 18

Transmission Fluid Change

Automatic transaxle fluid type  
   2.4L, 3.0L engine, 6-speed (6T30/40/45, 6T70/75) Dexron VI automatic transmission fluid
   3.4L V6 engine, 5-speed (AF33-5) Saturn T-IV automatic transmission fluid
   3.6L V6 engine, 6-speed (6T70/75) Dexron VI automatic transmission fluid
Automatic transaxle capacity (drain and refill)  
   2.4L four-cylinder engine, 6-speed (6T30/40/45) 5.2 quarts
   3.0L V6 engine, 6-speed (6T70/75) 5.2 quarts
   3.4L V6 engine, 5-speed (AF33-5) 4.1 quarts
   3.6L V6 engine, 6-speed (6T70/75) 5.2 quarts
* All capacities are approximate. Add as necessary to bring to appropriate level
Recommended fastener torque  
Automatic transaxle drain plug  
   2.4L, 3.0L engine, 6-speed (6T30/40/45, 6T70/75) 106 in-lbs
   3.4L V6 engine, 5-speed (AF33-5) 29 ft-lbs
   3.6L V6 engine, 6-speed (6T70/75) 106 in-lbs

Transfer Case and Differential Fluid Change

Differential fluid type (rear) SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil
Transfer case fluid type  
   3.4L V6 engine (NVG 900) GM VERSATRAK fluid
   2.4L, 3.0L, 3.6L engine (Getrag 760) SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil
Differential fluid capacity (rear, AWD models)  
   2005-2006 25.4 ounces
   2007 and later models 16.9 ounces
Transfer case capacity (AWD models)  
   2.4L, 3.0L, 3.6L engine (Getrag 760) 1.0 quart
   3.4L V6 engine (NVG 900) 17 ounces
Recommended fastener torque  
Differential drain/fill plugs (rear, AWD models)  
   2005-2006  
      Drain plug 22 ft-lbs
      Fill plug 26 ft-lbs
   2007 and later models (drain and fill) 29 ft-ls
Transfer case  
   2005-2007 (NVG 900)  
      Drain plug 18 ft-lbs
      Fill plug 132 in-lbs
   2008 and later models  
      3.4L V6 engine (NVG 900)  
         Drain plug 18 ft-lbs
         Fill plug 132 in-lbs
      2.4L, 3.0L, 3.6L engine (Getrag 760) (drain and fill) 29 ft-lbs

Cooling System Flush and Fill

Coolant type  50/50 mixture of DEX-COOL coolant and demineralized water
Cooling system capacity  
2.4L four-cylinder engine 8.2 quarts
3.0L V6 engine 10.8 quarts
3.4L V6 engine 10.5 quarts
3.6L V6 engine 11.0 quarts

Other Miscellaneous Fluid Types

Brake fluid type DOT 3 brake fluid
Power steering fluid (3.6L V6 engine) GM power steering fluid, or equivalent

Other Miscellaneous Torque Specs

Drivebelt tensioner bolt(s)  
2.4L four-cylinder engine 33 ft-lbs
3.0L V6 engine 19 ft-lbs
3.4L V6 engine 37 ft-lbs
3.6L V6 engine  
   2005-2009 (bracket bolts) 17 ft-lbs
   2013 and later models 18 ft-lbs
Drivebelt idler pulley bolt  
2.4L not applicable
3.0L V6 engine 43 ft-lbs
3.4L V6, 2005-2009 3.6L V6 engine 37 ft-lbs
2013 and later 3.6L V6 engine 43 ft-lbs
Spark plugs  
3.4L V6 engine  
   New (first install) 15 ft-lbs
   Used 132 in-lbs
2.4L and 3.0L engines 15 ft-lbs
3.6L V6 engine  
   2005-2009 15 ft-lbs
   2013 and later models 156 in-lbs
Wheel lug nuts  
2009 and earlier models 100 ft-lbs
2010 and later models 140 ft-lbs
Brake caliper mounting bolts  
   2005-2006 32 ft-lbs
   2007 and later* 20 ft-lbs
Caliper mounting bracket bolts  
Front*  
   2005-2009 136 ft-lbs
   2010 and later 140 ft-lbs
Rear*  
   2005-2009 89 ft-lbs
   2010 and later 92 ft-lbs
Chevy Equinox

Maintenance Schedule

The following intervals are based on the assumption that you will be doing the service work yourself, as opposed to paying to have the work done. These are our recommended minimum maintenance intervals for vehicles that are driven daily, and in many cases are shorter than the factory’s recommendations. Because frequent maintenance enhances the efficiency, performance and resale value of your Jeep, we encourage you to follow our schedule. If you drive in dusty areas, tow a trailer, idle or drive at low speeds for extended periods, or drive for short periods (less than four miles at a time) in below freezing temperatures, even smaller intervals are recommended.

When the vehicle is new, follow the maintenance schedule to the letter, record it in your owner’s manual and keep all receipts to protect the warranty and resale value. In many cases the initial maintenance check is done by the dealer at no cost (check with the service department when you buy the truck for more information).

Every 250 miles or weekly, whichever comes first

  • Check the engine oil level
  • Check the coolant level
  • Check the windshield washer fluid level
  • Check the brake fluid level
  • Check the tires and tire pressures

Every 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first

All items listed above, plus . . . 

  • Check the power steering fluid level
  • Change the engine oil and filter

Every 6,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first

All items listed above, plus . . . 

  • Check the seat belts
  • Inspect the windshield wiper blades
  • Check and service the battery
  • Check the engine drivebelt
  • Inspect underhood hoses
  • Check the cooling system
  • Rotate the tires
  • Check the differential lubricant level

Every 15,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first

All items listed above, plus . . . 

  • Check the driveaxle boots
  • Check the fuel system
  • Check the brake system*
  • Check the exhaust system
  • Check the transfer case lubricant level (AWD models)

Every 30,000 miles or 30 months, whichever comes first

All items listed above, plus . . . 

  • Change the brake fluid
  • Replace the air filter
  • Replace the spark plugs (non-platinum or iridium type)
  • Check the steering and suspension components
  • Change the automatic transaxle fluid and filter**

Every 60,000 miles or 48 months, whichever comes first

  • Change the transfer case lubricant*
  • Change the differential lubricant*

Every 100,000 miles or 60 months, whichever comes first

  • Replace the spark plugs (platinum or iridium type)
  • Service the cooling system (drain, flush and refill)

* Perform all maintenance indicated with an asterisk (*) at half the indicated intervals if operated under "severe" conditions. Severe conditions include the following: 

  • Operating often in dusty areas (dirt roads or off-road)
  • Idling for extended periods and/or low speed operation
  • Mostly short trips (less than 4 miles) when outside temperatures remain below freezing
  • If most of your driving is at freeway speed in temperatures above 90-degrees F (32-degrees C) 

** If operated under one or more of the following conditions, perform this procedure at half the indicated intervals:

  • In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature is regularly above 90-degrees F (32-degrees C)
  • In hilly or mountainous terrain 
  • Frequent trailer towing
  • If the vehicle has been driven through deep water