What can cause a Chevy Equinox not to start?
The most common culprits are a dead or weak battery, a faulty starter, or a problem with the vehicle’s anti-theft system. This explainer breaks down typical failure modes, how they present, and practical steps to diagnose or address them on a Chevy Equinox.
Understanding the starting problem: crank or no crank vs. starting but failing
When a Chevy Equinox fails to start, it helps to distinguish whether the engine cranks (the starter turns the engine) or it doesn’t crank at all. If you hear a single click or nothing happens, you likely have an electrical or starter issue. If the engine cranks but fails to run, the problem is usually fuel delivery, ignition, or sensor-related.
No-crank scenarios: the engine won't turn over
This list covers issues that typically prevent the engine from cranking, so you don’t even hear the starter attempting to turn the motor.
- Weak or dead battery, including corroded or loose battery terminals
- Faulty starter motor or a failing starter relay
- Ignition switch or starting circuit wiring problems
- Blown fuses or fusible links in the starting circuit
- Faulty neutral safety switch or park/neutral interlock (automatic) or clutch interlock (manual)
- Bad engine grounds or damaged wiring in the battery/starter circuit
- Security/immobilizer system blocking the starting process (Passlock/anti-theft)
Diagnosing a no-crank condition often starts with verifying battery health, cleaning or tightening terminals, and checking fuses and relays. If the battery is good but the starter won’t engage, you may need a professional test of the starter and ignition switch.
Cranks but won't start: fuel, ignition, and sensor suspects
When the engine turns over but fails to run, the problem typically lies in fuel delivery, ignition, or engine management sensors. The following items are common culprits.
- Insufficient fuel pressure or empty/low fuel in the tank (faulty fuel pump, clogged sock filter, or failing fuel pump relay/fuse)
- Clogged or dirty fuel filter or restricted fuel injectors
- Ignition system faults: worn spark plugs, bad ignition coils or coil packs, or failing ignition module
- Engine position and timing sensors: faulty crankshaft position sensor or camshaft position sensor
- Air intake restrictions or faulty mass airflow (MAF) or manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor
- Engine computer (PCM/ECM) faults or miscommunication issues
- Immobilizer or security system delaying or preventing ignition
- Timing belt/chain failure or severe mechanical damage that prevents proper ignition
In many cases, scanning the vehicle’s on-board diagnostics (OBD-II) port with a code reader can reveal whether there’s a fuel, ignition, or sensor fault. A professional diagnostic can confirm fuel pressure and sensor health and check for PCM faults.
Other situations and less common causes
Some starting problems stem from weather, aging hardware, or recent modifications. These issues are less common but important to consider, especially on higher-mileage Equinoxes or after aftermarket changes.
- Extreme temperatures affecting battery performance or oil viscosity
- Corroded or loose battery connections, ground straps, or fusible links
- Aftermarket immobilizer devices or altered wiring causing incompatibilities with the factory anti-theft system
- Recently replaced parts or recalls related to the starting/charging systems
If you’ve recently replaced components or installed aftermarket security devices, revert to stock wiring or consult a professional to avoid conflicts with the vehicle’s anti-theft and starting circuits.
Diagnosing and next steps
Start with the simplest checks: confirm battery voltage with the engine off (ideally above 12.4 volts), inspect battery terminals for corrosion, and ensure the vehicle is in Park or Neutral. Listen for a click from the starter when turning the key or pressing the start button; a single click often points to a weak or faulty starter or a poor connection.
If the engine cranks but doesn’t start, check for a fuel delivery issue by listening for the fuel pump priming when you turn the key to ON, and consider checking fuel pressure with a gauge. Use an OBD-II scanner to pull codes related to the crank/cam sensors, MAF/MAP, or misfire diagnostics, and consult a professional if you see ambiguous or persistent codes.
Summary
Chevy Equinox starting problems generally fall into three camps: electrical/start circuit issues (no crank), fuel/ignition/sensor failures (cranks but won’t start), and rarer mechanical or immobilizer faults. Systematic checks—battery health, connections, fuses, ignition and fuel delivery, and diagnostic codes—help identify the culprit and guide whether you can fix it yourself or need a technician.
Conclusion
Understanding whether your Equinox won’t start due to a dead battery, a faulty starter, or a security-imposed shutdown versus an issue with fuel or ignition can save time and money. If basic checks don’t resolve it, professional diagnosis is recommended to pin down wiring faults, sensor failures, or PCM problems that require specialized tools.
What does it mean when my car has power but won't start?
Bad starter motor
If the car shows signs of having power (lights and horn work) but won't crank, or if you hear a grinding noise when trying to start it, the starter motor may be bad. The problem may also be related to a starter solenoid.
What would cause my Chevy Equinox not to start?
Equinox often faces intermittent no-crank starts and rough idling during cold starts or low battery conditions. This starting issue may stem from a weak starter motor, faulty ignition switch, or worn spark plugs causing poor ignition. Check the starter relay and battery connections for corrosion or looseness.
What's the most common problem with the Chevy Equinox?
The most common issues include:
- Excessive oil consumption: Many owners report the engine rapidly burns or leaks oil, requiring frequent top-offs and risking severe engine damage if not closely monitored.
- Timing chain failure: Early timing chain wear or breakage can cause catastrophic engine damage and sudden breakdowns.
How to reboot a Chevy Equinox?
Them. But after a few seconds here you'll see Android is starting. And it's honestly the exact same thing as if you were to do a reboot on your phone.
