Chevrolet Equinox Maintenance and Repair

jim_dandy

I agree, the Nox has a nice exhaust sound.

GM may "tone-it-down" if it becomes an issue.

The Nox exhaust system is pretty rugged from my inspection.
GM uses mostly stainless steel exhaust systems, that last at least 100,000 miles.
I sold my 1990 Olds Cutlass with 180,000 miles with original exhaust in good shape and a 1989 Cadillac also with 180,000 miles with it's original exhaust system.

wvu_mpt_2005

I'm considering buying an equinox in the next few months. I'd done some research on it last year and all the safety ratings and things looked really good. Then I looked at the new consumer report and it butchered the nox... It said it was really loud, had a lot of electical problems, poor resale value and alot of other bad things. I've heard that they're not very nice to American made cars tho... I was just wondering if anyone's had any bad problems with their equinox or are you really happy with it? Thanks!

luv_my_nox

Purchased our New LT FWD Equinox Jan 31. MFG date: 1/05. Equipped with Sunroof and Leather. After over 11,000 miles and about 26 months I am happy to report no problems. I'm still impressed with the paint, build, fit and finish. It is a nice looking vehicle.
Received lots of compliments. My wife loves it.
I'm impressed with the ride, handling, and acceleration. Transmission is smooth and responsive. Currently getting about 20 mpg combined and 26 highway.
I've owned GM cars before, and have no problems buying another.
I also think CR is over rated.
Alot of other sources gave the Equinox thumbs up!

grosloup

Got my Nox on 24th of May 2005. It's a LT FWD 2005. No problems with it at all. I love it. The only thing that I could complain about is the size of the gas tank, 16 u.s. Gal. 63 L. On a long trip you have to stop more often for fill ups. My old vehicule was a GMC Safari with a gas tank of 29 u.s. Gal. 108 L.
Is it really a thing to complain about? I'll get use to it.
My advise, go for it.

jwestfall

I have had my Equinox now for three months and love it! No problems at all. I Live in Illinois and with the little bit of snow we had this winter, my Equinox handled it very well. WOuld recommend this SUV to anyone. Really do love it! Wont be trading this one in for a while. Good luck in making your decision, but my advise "Go for it"

sld_pes

I have the same smell problems, what did the dealer do to fix the problems. My dealership tells me it's the type of Antifreeze GM uses for their new vehicles.

Also, I have had my Nox 18 months, new struts, new head gasket, paint peeling off the inside doors, and window seals replaced. Now I have rattling noise. I like my vehicle, gas mileage is not an issue, it's really no worse than my previous vehicle, a 97 Monte Carlo.

jim_dandy

Sound like you bought an early 05 model.
Early first year 05 Nox's had issues.
What is your Manufacture (MFR) date? it's listed on the driver side door.
Some were made as early as June of 2004.

djdavis615

I am supposed to pick up my new, but leftover 2005, Equinox tomorrow morning. I'm getting scared of the comments about problems. You seem to know what you're talking about. Do you know when the problems were corrected? In other words, if my new Nox was made prior to what date should I run?

grosloup

Mine was build on april 05 2005. No problems at all with it and I know lot of folks around here with 2005 Equinox and they are trouble free. So hope for the best.

djdavis615

Thank you for your response!

jim_dandy

Sorry about the delay. Should of been more clear.
My Nox was built in Jan 05 and have had no problems.
Most problems have been resolved by this time.
The Nox has been out since June of 04.
Sounds like the dealer is taking care of you and there are are alot of people having good luck with their Equinox's.

As long as the dealer is treating you good and honoring your warranty, and your Equinox is treating you good, hold on to it.

cschneider3

Hello,

I was inquiring about the anti-freeze issues with the Equinox's. I've had my equinox for 16 months and only have 18,000 miles on it. I've had it into the dealer twice now for the coolant changing colors and emitting an odor. I am now looking at bringing it in for the third time because it's occuring again. Has Chevy come up with a fix on this yet? Every time I bring it in the dealer flushes the coolant system, puts in new hoses and sends me on my way. Once my warranty is up, I refuse to pay out of pocket for something like this especially if I have to bring my car back every 6,000 miles! I'm even debating about trading it in! Any info about a fix would be great!

noxrox

type coolant problem in search box above.

Go to message 465 for tech. service bulletin number.

Most seem satisfied when dealer fixes problem correctly.

Have him show you he is conforming to service bulletin.

If he is, then appeal to dealership owner or GM Custome service.

cschneider3

I've talked to the Service department Manager quite a few times regarding this issue and made sure they were performing the service bulletin correctly. Everything they do is exactly what is stated on the bulletin, my problem just keeps resurfacing and the coolant turns a brownish color and gets really smelly. Since this is the third time this has happened, the dealer had to call Chevy to find out if there is anything else to try. It's just frustrating!

cschneider3

I am currently having problems with my windows. My Equinox has 18,000 miles on it and I noticed a clicking noise when rolling down the back passenger window and driver side window. I took it to the dealer and found out I need all new window regulators. Which I find pathetic because most cars with 70,000 miles on them do not even need new window regulators.

ratchetgirl

I have a 2005 Equinox AWD. The problems that I have had are almost too numerous to mention. At 5000 miles it started backfiring when you started it, especially when it was cold. The breaks kept acting like they had air in them, so the dealership would bleed the air out. Finally, they put in a new master cylinder. Breaks still aren't the way they should be. First time you hit them, they almost go to the floor. Dealership keeps telling me it's normal. Rotors have been turned 3 times. Car is still backfiring only now it's doing it about 5 minutes after you shut engine off, but dealership can't duplicate the problem. The button on the gearshift assembly kept staying engaged so they had to replace the entire gearshift assembly. That was at 15,000 miles. Radio also had to be replaced because it would read 000000000000000000 all the way across the dial while it was playing, but would only do it occassionaly. Last time it did it I pulled into a dealership and left the engine running and made the mechanic come out and look at it in case he had problems duplicating the problem (you know how that is). My motor mounts had to be tightened because I kept hearing a rattling at the front tire whenever I would hit a bump in the road. They said my motor was about to fall out of the car. The paint is coming off around the radio control knobs and around the window switches. I finally wrote the manufacture and got an extended warranty on my entire breaking system until 100,000 miles. What really bothers me is that I'm a full-time nursing student. I don't have the money to trade this piece of junk in for another vehicle because of what I owe on it. With car payments like this, we should have the comfort of knowing that we have a dependable safe car to drive. I like what one of the other people on this post said. If mine caught on fire, I sure wouldn't risk life and limb to save it. For all of those out there who read this and think "college student" probably runs the heck out of their car and doesn't take care of it, let me assure you that I am 40 years old and my car is taken excellent care of. The inside of it is as clean as the day I bought it. I love the room and the design that this vehicle has, but it's just not a vehicle that I can depend on. I have an 89 Nissan 240sx and it's more dependable than my Equinox. What worries me is what's going to tear up on it after the warranty runs out?

djdavis615

I'm wondering when your Equinox was made. Look at the sticker inside the driver door. It will have the month and year. I just bought one a week ago and your experience is really scaring me. It's too late for me to undo the purchase, but I'm wondering if I really should buy an extended warranty.

julesjewels

I'm not sure if anyone has given you a response or not but I had the same problem with the knock in the front end when I hit a bump. I took my car into the shop and they replaced the steering gear and still found a problem. They next replaced the steering column and that seemed to have fixed the problem. I'm crossing my fingers and so far the problem has not returned and that was 6 months ago. Hopefully this will help if you are still having this problem.

equinoxc8

Lets see if I can enlighten you a little on your concerns:

1) TSB for "Normal EVAP Vent Solenoid Operation #04-06-05-009B -
(May 26, 2005)The purpose of this bulletin is to provide service information regarding a normal characteristic of the evaporative emissions (EVAP) control system On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) testing. Some customers may comment that they hear a pop/clunk noise similar to a backfire type noise from the rear of the vehicle during initial cold start and/or during engine warm-up." IT is a NORMAL thing to occur.

2) TSB# 05-0523005A Rattles on bumps in front. This TSB is for customers who comment on hearing rattling noise from the front end while driving at slow speeds over rough road surfaces when the brake pedal is not applied.

3) Radio buttons are known by GM dealers to have paint peeling on them and will or should replace your radio at one time ONLY..this will also solve your 0000000000 display too.
Dealers also know about paint peeling on door handles and such, as to how they handle that I don't know. Things like oil on people's skin can wear the paint down a little. Constant contact by going in and out of your vehicle causes paint to thin out. These are some reasons besides bad paint quality.

As for rotors being turned 3 times it is about time they replace them. Driving habits are the number 1 reason why some rotors fail more than others. Even though you are 40 years old and drive "carefully" your driving habits are different than mine and anyone else here too. Your approach to stop lights or signs are different...coming to quick stops frequently and sudden starts leaves a "hot spot" on your rotor and before it gets a chance to cool down you can develope a warp in them. Evaluate your driving habits to see if you prevent warping. Sometimes the city you drive in....stop and go traffic..bumper to bumper...hills etc..all play a roll. You can be the most safest driver there is but after driving for many years (I'll presume you have) you never change your habits one bit.

Dealers sometimes can give you a load of BS maybe because you are a woman and that's the sad thing for dealers to do, if they want to keep a good loyal customer satisfaction record then they need to be smart and treat all customers as though they are their number 1 fan. So, jot these TSB numbers down and tell your dealer to look them up and quit the crap! :mad:

equinoxc8

I just posted a TSB number for the brakes rattling. Jot the number down and take it to your dealer to look up. Sounds like what they are doing is process of elimination. A GOOD dealer should do some research on their data base of TSB's before they do any work and should have found this right away.

sld_pes

Sorry, I haven't been on the edmunds website for a while. Yes, I bought an early edition 05 equinox. I bought my vehicle in August of 04

nor2ak

For the most part I've been happy with my Equinox but there have been a couple of issues. Often it hesitates to start. Not sure why. Trying to find out why. The only other thing is I'm having trouble adjusting to it. I bought it May '05 & 11 months later I'm still having trouble adjusting (drove SUV's for 9 yrs prior ... the Equinox sits lower and doesn't have as much room in the back to carry things as the SUV had.

nor2ak

Does anybody else's Equinox hesitate to start? ... seems like when I turn the key it just doesn't want to start. Often times, I have to turn the key 2 or 3 times to get it to start. It could just be me ... but I don't think so. If anybody else has ever experienced something similar please let me know what the cause was. Thanks,

[Deleted User]

If the pop/clunk noise from the EVAP Vent Solenoid during OBD testing is normal, I'm curious to know how come you don't hear it on all Equinox? I have an Apr 05 built LT FWD and have never heard this noise.

bk11

everyone here needs to contact consumer reports.
I have the same problem they told me it was a tablet droped in as it came off the assembly line.
Only tablets that I know of you use on your old cars to stop leaks

[Deleted User]

I purchased an 05 Equinox LT FWD in June 05. It has a build date of Apr 05. I have not had any problems with the coolant, brakes, front end noises, backfire sound, radio knobs, etc as reported by others. My only complaints are the huge forward tilting headrests, the small gas tank size and much lower than expected gas mileage (have never gotten more than 20mpg even on straight highway trips).

Even so, because I intend to keep the Nox for 6 years, I did purchase an extended warranty. I have always done this with all my prior cars and have not regretted it. I've always had to use the extended warranty to fix something.

A GMPP extended warranty can be purchased any time during the original 3/36 warranty. However the cost for the same coverage goes up at 12mo/12k miles and again at 24mo/24k miles. You get the best deal if you purchase before 12mo/12k miles. And coverage begins when you purchase the GMPP, not at the date/miles the car was first delivered. I purchased a 72mo/90k miles $0 deductible when car was 8 mo old and had 11,555 miles on it. The GMPP expires 2/12/2012 or 101,555mi.

The price for a GMPP is also negotiable. You can shop around for it to get the best price. I bought mine over the internet from www.gmoutlet.com. It's a dealership in PA and they offer discounted prices.

If I get rid of the Nox before the GMPP expires it can be transferred to the new owner (new owner would pay transfer fee).

stever

Love your handle. :shades:

One thing to experiment with is to turn the key to on for 2 or 3 seconds before cranking it. This should pressurize the fuel system.

Some folks in other discussions have said that helps their car crank faster.

Steve, Host

cschneider3

I also own an 05' Equinox, full loaded AWD LT and have grey leather seats. I like the way the '06 rear headrests looked and wanted those instead of the huge ones the '05 has. They fit perfectly and look great! My dealer had a hard time trying ordering the new headrests, when they came in they were the wrong size so for all my troubles I recieved the 06' headrests free of charge. They would cost $125 each. Just an FYI. Hope it works out for you!

grosloup

I own a 05 LT Fwd Equinox. I agree that those back seat headrests are kind of large. In the beginning I used to drive with the back seat folded down when not in use. Then I realized that those headrests are the same as if two adults were always sitting on the back seat. So with time I got use to those headrests. Now I hardly notice them when I look in my rearview mirror.

equinoxc8

Like the TSB said "some" customers complain. It may be that you are not noticing it or not know exactly what to hear. It could be that you've walked away before it happens or have the radio turned on and missing it...?? It may be just a second or two for it to do its thing...?

grosloup

I can hear it to that pop/clunk noise on my 05 Nox but sometimes I don't and it's on the same vehicule. Go figure!
30% of the time I hear it. Maybe it does it all the time when I start the car but I could be talking or listening to the radio or the street sounds enables me to hear it.

cm726

I had the problem with the odor. I took my car in twice to the same dealership and they changed the hoses. I went to another dealership who took the time to really find out what the problem was. It was a heating coil that was leaking so when you turn on the heat/air it would bring the smell into the car. They changed the heating coil and flush the system and put a deordorant tablet in and the smell was no more. It took two weeks to get my car back but they fixed the problem and the rental car was on them. Hope this helps.

cm726

I have tried contacting Chevy about replacing my headrests due to they are extremely a hazzard and they state that i would have to pay for this and that there have been no complaints. I shouldnt have to pay for something like this. It blocks the review mirror, u cant get a full view of the rear window. How did u go about getting them switch?
Thanks

julesjewels

I have had the same problem. Twice it has failed to start on the first attempt and finally ending up starting on the 3rd try. Both times I took it in to the service department - they could not duplicate the problem and no codes were thrown out. So, basically they did nothing. Good luck with this one. I read what it said to do in the owner's manual if the vehicle does not start, I believe it was section 2-17, anyway it said if the vehicle does not start on the first attempt, to depress the gas pedal all the way to the floor and then turn the ignition. What a crock! I did not pay for a new vehicle to have it not start when I want it to and I do not feel it is my responsibility to depress the gas pedal on a fuel injected vehicle in order for it to start. If I ever get this problem resolved, because I am sure that it will happen again, I will certainly post my solution here.

julesjewels

Thank you for your information. I have been so frustrated with the lack of help from the dealership's service department that I simply don't know what to do about it anymore. Them fixing the noise in the front end was the only problem that they "fixed", but according to what you said that was not the solution. What really bothers me, is all the repeat problems that I see with this vehicle from other owner's and the lack of support from GM service department's all over the country. Granted, they are trying, but I don't think that they are trying hard enough. And honestly, who has the time to keep at them constantly, I know I don't.

[Deleted User]

I also want to change both front and back headrests on my 05 Equinox with the 06 design. The parts guy at my dealer was no help. Even though I know the 06 headrests fit the 05 seats, he would not guarantee anything. If I ordered anything and they did not work, they would not let me return them. The service advisor was also no help.

I complained about the headrests in a survey and the Customer Assistance Center sent me a letter saying they tried to contact me but did not have my correct phone number in their records. I called them to explain. They said the headrests are by design, there is no recall or TSB to switch them, so GM would not change them for free.
They followed up with another letter and said I should file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau's BBB AUTOLINE.

My next step will be to find an 06 Equinox on the dealer lot with gray premium cloth seats. I will then ask my salesman (who sold me 3 new cars since 2002)if he would let me swap the headrests for a minute to see if the 06 headrests fit my 05. They are easy to remove with a paper clip. If they fit, I will take the 06 VIN number and order them online at www.directpartsconnection.com They are selling fronts for 81.54 each and rears for 72.95 each, plus 15% shipping. They require VIN number when you order. I know my dealer would charge more than $125 list price.

If I do this in May, I'll report back my experience.

grogan

Only one real complaint about 2006 Equinox LT AWD with 6,000 km. and thats the poor visibility at night using the high beams, low beams seem normal. High beams seem to be washed out or operating at half powder???? That's it otherwise very happy with this vehicle.

misty8

Is there a way to connect an iPod other than the kits that plug into the cigarette lighter and transmit through the FM receiver? There are wiring kits for other car models but I haven't found one for an Equinox.

cschneider3

I did not try contacting Chevy about the headrests, I went straight to the dealer's part department. I said that I would like to order the 06' rear headrests for my 05' vehicle. On the first attempt the dealership recieved the wrong size headrests (they said they must have been packaged wrong), they were for the front seats and were actually a little bigger then the 05' front headrests. My vehicle was at the dealer for 5 days (getting numerous warranty work on it, way too much if warranty work for only having 18,000 miles on it) and the dealer felt bad about the mistake of the wrong sized headrests so they gave me the headrests out of an '06 model from the lot. I also recieved them for free for all the 'problems' I'm having with my car. The parts department should be able to look up the model number for the new headrests. They fit perfectly and make it alot easier to see out of the back!

Could you give me Chevy's contact information? I have a letter that I"m sending their way because of all the problems I've had with my vehicle. Needless to say I love my vehicle, but I can't drive it half the time because the dealer sees it more then I do!

cschneider3

I've had this problem off and on since I've owned my car. I took it to the dealer and they could not duplicate the problem. It happens once a month and it doesn't depends on the conditions, I finally get the engine to turn over after I floor the pedal while it's trying to turn over or turning the engine off and on. Normally it turns over on the second try.

nox0405

I bought my 05 nox towards the end of july 2004. I have about 18000 miles on it currently. Ive had a problem with the stereo buttons delaminating but my dealership replaced the stereo unit and was covered under warranty. They said it was due to environmental stuff. Personally i think the stereo was cheap quality because ive seen the buttons start to peel in my friends 91 Honda accord which has about 150k miles on it. I got my coolant tank replaced due to residue from the tablet they use to stop leaks. I recently noticed another problem. My nox seems to pull to the right when i let go of the steering wheel on a straight road. I was wondering if anybody else was having this problem. GM really needs to get their act together if they want to sell cars. THey should make stuff with quality parts like Toyota and Honda. So far i think GM is doing a pathetic job.

bilpend

my 2005 equinox also pulls to the right when driving. I have had the dealer attempt to fix but all they did was align the front and rotate and balance the tires. That did not solve the problem. Have you had any luck resolving the problem? Thanks.

bilpend

My 2005 equinox pulls badly to the right when driving. Let go of the steering wheel and it will immediately veer sharply to the right. Does anyone have a solution to this? Thanks.

nox0405

I havent taken it to the dealer yet. I dont know how thats going to go. My nox was made in May 2004. Its one of the earliest ones. I hope i dont have anymore problems.

cm726

Thanks for the info.
Look forward to hearing what was the outcome w/the headrest

cm726

GM CUSTOMER SERVICE # IS 1-800-222-1020
YOU LET THEM KNOW YOUR ISSUES.
YOU WOULD DO BETTER CALLING THE BBB AND PUTTING A COMPLAINT IN WITH THEM AND THEY WILL CONTACT GM AND DISCUSS THE ISSUE AND CALL YOU.

cwrednox

Sorry to hear all the problems with service departments. I guess that I am lucky. I have a nox that had a bolt shear off into the bell housing. :sick: I Took it to dealership and I was out of warranty at 41000 miles but only 1.5 years old. The dealership removed the transmission and engine to remove the bolt and fix all the problems. The bill was well over $2000 but I only ended up paying $200. I am not happy that I had to pay any of it but 200 is better than over 2000.

It is yet to be seen if this is the first of many problems but there are good service departments out there, you just have to be lucky enough to find/live by one.

Good luck!

cschneider3

What is the contact information for the BBB?

Right now I'm so fed up with this vehicle, I'm looking at trading in my Equinox for a Mazda because I like to be able to drive my own Vehicle, not loaners every other week!

Thanks for GM's Service #!

tidester

Go directly to their site: BBB

They have all the information you want.

tidester, host

chevygirl73

Just purchased my Equinox less than a month ago and there is a strange Clinking sound coming from under the hood and under the car -- sounds like it has something to do with the exhaust. The Dealer said its a normal sound. I don't buy what they are saying. Anyone else having this issue?

Thanks