Yes. Connect the red jumper cable to the battery's positive terminal (or to the remote positive jump post) and connect the black jumper cable to a solid engine ground away from the battery.
Where to locate and connect jumper cables
The 2013 Equinox has its 12-volt battery in the engine bay, on the driver’s side. The positive terminal is typically covered with a red protective cap. Some models also provide a remote jump-start post under a red cover labeled “+” that serves as a dedicated positive point for jump-starts. If your vehicle has this remote post, you can use it instead of the direct battery terminal. Use the other end of the red jumper to connect to the donor vehicle’s positive terminal.
- Red jumper clamp to the positive terminal of the dead battery (or to the remote positive jump-start post, if present). If your car has a remote post, connect one end to the post and the other end to the donor vehicle’s positive terminal.
- Red jumper clamp to the donor vehicle’s positive terminal (the other end of the same red clamp, bridging the two positives).
- Black jumper clamp to a solid engine ground on the donor vehicle (such as the negative post of its battery).
- Black jumper clamp to a clean, unpainted metal point on the engine block or chassis of the dead vehicle away from the battery. This provides a good ground and reduces sparking near the battery.
In all cases, avoid connecting clamps to moving parts, battery itself beyond the terminals, or to thin metal panels. Keep clamps from touching each other during setup.
Jump-start procedure for the 2013 Equinox
Before you start, make sure both vehicles are in Park (or Neutral for manuals), with parking brakes engaged, ignition off, and keys out. Remove loose clothing and jewelry, and ensure the area is well ventilated.
- Position the donor vehicle so the jump cables reach both batteries without strain.
- Open both hoods and locate the positive and negative terminals or remote jump posts as described above.
- Attach the red clamp to the dead battery’s positive terminal (or remote post). Attach the other end of the same red clamp to the donor vehicle’s positive terminal.
- Attach the black clamp to the donor vehicle’s negative terminal. Attach the other end of the black clamp to a solid, unpainted metal ground point on the dead vehicle’s engine block or chassis away from the battery.
- Start the donor vehicle and let it run for several minutes to transfer charge.
- Attempt to start the dead Equinox. If it doesn’t start right away, wait a few more minutes and try again. Do not crank for more than 5–10 seconds at a time; if it still won’t start, stop and reassess the connections.
- Once the dead vehicle starts, let both engines run for several minutes to charge the battery. Then remove the clamps in reverse order: first disconnect the black ground clamp from the dead vehicle, then the black clamp from the donor, then the red clamp from the donor, and finally the red clamp from the dead battery. Do not let the clamps touch each other during removal.
If the Equinox still won’t start after a few attempts, or if you notice or smell burning, abnormal noises, or sparks, discontinue jump-starting and consult a professional mechanic. Some battery failures or electrical issues may require service beyond a simple jump-start.
Additional notes
Always inspect cables for damage before use. Use fresh, high-quality jump cables, and never lean over the battery while making connections. If you’re unsure about the location of the remote jump-posts on your specific trim level, refer to the owner’s manual or the under-hood label for precise instructions.
Summary: For a 2013 Chevy Equinox, the essential jump-start points are the positive terminal on the battery (or the remote positive jump post) and a solid engine ground on the dead vehicle. Connect red to the positives, black to a solid ground, perform the start sequence with care, and remove clamps in the reverse order once the vehicle runs.