--- title: "Chevrolet Equinox Transmission Fluid & Coolant" description: "How the Chevrolet Equinox fluids specification changed from 2012 to 2025, compared generation by generation. Which transmission fluid, coolant, and brake fluid the Chevrolet Equinox takes, with capacities and the specifications each one has to meet. Transmission: FWD: continuously variable transmission, GM CVT fluid only (dealer-service item). AWD: Hydra-Matic 8T45 8-speed, Dexron VI. Both sealed, no dipstick. Coolant: Dex-Cool (orange, 50/50 pre-mix). Change at 150,000 mi / 5 years." url: "https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/equinox/fluids" updated: "2026-08-20" --- # Chevrolet Equinox Fluid Types and Capacities The specification is not the same across every year we cover, the table below shows exactly where it changes. ## Has the Chevrolet Equinox fluids specification changed by year? | Model years | Transmission | Coolant | Brake | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [2025](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/equinox/2025/fluids) | FWD: continuously variable transmission, GM CVT fluid only (dealer-service item). AWD: Hydra-Matic 8T45 8-speed, Dexron VI. Both sealed, no dipstick | Dex-Cool (orange, 50/50 pre-mix). Change at 150,000 mi / 5 years | DOT 4 brake fluid (per cap marking on late GM models, verify your reservoir cap) | | [2018-2024](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/equinox/2018-2024/fluids) | 1.5T and diesel: 6-speed automatic, Dexron VI ATF. 2.0T: 9-speed 9T50. Dexron ULV only (thinner fluid; do not substitute Dexron VI). Both are sealed with no dipstick. Level checks are by fill/overflow plug | Dex-Cool (orange, 50/50 pre-mix). Change at 150,000 mi / 5 years | DOT 3 brake fluid (GM lists periodic replacement, commonly every 5 years; check your manual's chart) | | [2012-2017](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/equinox/2012-2017/fluids) | Dexron VI ATF, 6-speed automatic (6T45 with the 2.4L, 6T70 with the V6s). A pan drain-and-fill takes roughly 4-5 qt; GM lists fluid replacement at 45,000 mi only for severe service | Dex-Cool (orange, 50/50 pre-mix). Change at 150,000 mi / 5 years | DOT 3 brake fluid | ## Full specifications by generation The fluids on a Chevrolet Equinox is set by its generation, not its model year, so each generation has one page carrying the complete figures, part numbers and fitment notes for every year it covers. - [2025 Chevrolet Equinox Fluids](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/equinox/2025/fluids) - [2018-2024 Chevrolet Equinox Fluids](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/equinox/2018-2024/fluids) - [2012-2017 Chevrolet Equinox Fluids](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/equinox/2012-2017/fluids) ## Chevrolet Equinox fluids: common questions ### What transmission fluid does a Chevrolet Equinox take? FWD: continuously variable transmission, GM CVT fluid only (dealer-service item). AWD: Hydra-Matic 8T45 8-speed, Dexron VI. Both sealed, no dipstick. Transmission fluid specifications are not interchangeable. Friction modifiers differ between them, and the wrong fluid causes shudder long before it causes failure. ### What coolant does a Chevrolet Equinox use? Dex-Cool (orange, 50/50 pre-mix). Change at 150,000 mi / 5 years. ### What brake fluid does a Chevrolet Equinox take? DOT 4 brake fluid (per cap marking on late GM models, verify your reservoir cap). ### What differential fluid does a Chevrolet Equinox take? AWD rear drive unit: synthetic gear oil, sealed-for-life under normal service. ## Sources - [Chevrolet Pressroom, 2025 Equinox specifications (engine, transmissions, tires, weights, tank)](https://news.chevrolet.com/newsroom.detail.html/Pages/news/us/en/2024/jan/0123-equinox.html) - [fueleconomy.gov, 2025 Equinox EPA ratings](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymodel/2025_Chevrolet_Equinox.shtml) - [AMSOIL product lookup, 2025 Equinox 1.5L LSD (0W-20; 4.2 qt FWD / 5.3 qt AWD)](https://www.amsoil.com/lookup/auto-and-light-truck/2025/chevrolet/equinox/1-5l-4-cyl-engine-code-g-lsd-g-turbo/) - [AutoZone, 2025 Equinox battery fitment (Group 48/H6 AGM)](https://www.autozone.com/batteries-starting-and-charging/battery/chevrolet/equinox/2025) - [2025 Equinox key fob battery replacement (CR2450)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRdKhM7zs28) - [WiperBladesUSA, 2025 Equinox wiper size chart](https://www.wiperbladesusa.com/wiper-size/chevrolet/equinox/2025) - [RepairPal, 2025 Equinox recalls (none reported for the gas model)](https://repairpal.com/chevrolet/equinox/2025/recalls) ## Find your exact Equinox - [2025](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/equinox/2025) - [2024](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/equinox/2024) - [2023](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/equinox/2023) - [2022](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/equinox/2022) - [2021](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/equinox/2021) - [2020](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/equinox/2020) - [2019](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/equinox/2019) - [2018](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/equinox/2018) - [2017](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/equinox/2017) - [2016](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/equinox/2016) - [2015](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/equinox/2015) - [2014](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/equinox/2014) - [2013](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/equinox/2013) - [2012](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/equinox/2012) More Chevrolet Equinox guides: - [Oil & filter](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/equinox/oil) - [Battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/equinox/battery) - [Tires & wheels](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/equinox/tires) - [Wiper blades](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/equinox/wipers) - [Air & cabin filters](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/equinox/filters) - [Bulbs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/equinox/bulbs) - [Brakes](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/equinox/brakes) - [Service schedule](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/equinox/service-schedule) - [Problems & reliability](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/equinox/common-problems) - [Oil light reset](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/equinox/oil-reset) - [Key fob battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/equinox/key-fob-battery) - [Specs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/equinox/specs) Specifications vary with engine option, production date, and market.