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Chevrolet Equinox Maintenance and Repair

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Comments

  • equinoxc8equinoxc8 Member Posts: 45
    It's normal.
  • noxroxnoxrox Member Posts: 22
    Does it just make 2-4 popping noises a few minutes after start up, Normal.

    Does it happen continuously, Not normal

    What speed.

    More info please
  • carp3carp3 Member Posts: 4
    Ruling out some usual suspects like tire inflation and brake wear, I can tell you my 2006 Equinox is subject to a HUGE amount of what's called torque steering. This happens during acceleration, where torque from the engine can cause front wheel drive vehicles to pull one way or the other. In this case, it's worse if you accelerate on a bumpy or uneven road. I'm going to report it and see if they have a fix, usually a modified wheel alignment. I should've pointed out my equniox pulls hard to the right during hard acceleration.
  • carp3carp3 Member Posts: 4
    I saw an adapter unit online that plugs into the rear aux. input of the Equinox radio and promises to function through the XM ready radio (song titles on display, play/pause from the steering wheel) I lost the link and there isn't much written about it anywhere. Nucleus is the name of the manufacturer. Happy sleuthing :)

    P.S. If you happen to get one let me know how it works!
  • carp3carp3 Member Posts: 4
    Agreed! I Can't figure it out. It seems even worse when the lenses are wet.image
  • jwestfalljwestfall Member Posts: 2
    Own a 2006 and I am presently getting 20 miles to the gallon... much better than some of the road hogs out there :)
  • carp3carp3 Member Posts: 4
    I've read a few responses and my 2006 is doing the same as what some describe. A few minutes after startup; sometime during warm-up; somewhere from the rear, likely the tailpipe; a series of three "bup-bup, bup-bup, bup-bup" sounds. From what I know of cars in general and the pushrod 3.4 litre V6 engines (used in all equinoxes) in particular, they'll probably figure out it's something like momentary front or backfire when the EGR valve opens. Early 3.4's were notorious front fire engines. Harmless? I Don't know. Seems like they should've worked these things out prior to releasing them. :(
  • noxroxnoxrox Member Posts: 22
    I've read a few responses and my 2006 is doing the same as "what some describe. A few minutes after startup; sometime during warm-up; somewhere from the rear, likely the tailpipe; a series of three "bup-bup, bup-bup, bup-bup" sounds. From what I know of cars in general and the pushrod 3.4 litre V6 engines (used in all equinoxes) in particular, they'll probably figure out it's something like momentary front or backfire when the EGR valve opens. Early 3.4's were notorious front fire engines. Harmless? I Don't know. Seems like they should've worked these things out prior to releasing them"

    Well, mine did it the other day while the engine was not even running. I had sat down in the Nox and had turned the key on to check something.

    So, I does not appear to be backfire or what ever.
  • chev31chev31 Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2006 Chevy Equinox I bought in Feb. It has 2000 miles on it and I hear that same noise which the dealer can not seem to duplicate, even though it does it every morning when the engine is still cold. It is going back to the dealership next week for a 2nd try by the dealer to fix it.
    Let me know if anyone got a satisfied response to the problem.
    Thanks
  • grosloupgrosloup Member Posts: 239
    All those noises that you're hearing (bup bup or clinking noise) is caused by the EVAP "Vent Selonoid" doing it's emissions diagnosis and it's totally normal. The noise comes from underneath the back of the vehicule on cold starts or a couple of seconds after. Mine does the same, sometimes I can hear it and sometimes I don't. That's why some people think that not all Nox's do this particular noise but they all do it occasionally.
  • lazerblue31649lazerblue31649 Member Posts: 8
    ok here we go. I bought a 2005 Nox in the very beginning of 2004.
    My husband happened to be washing the top of my Nox and noticed a bubble. Here the paint is starting to chip now. Who should I notify Gm at the 1 800 # or do I take it back to the dealer and let them help me???? I am really pissed now.

    Anxiuosly waiting to hear from anyone. :mad:
  • grosloupgrosloup Member Posts: 239
    To stay friendly with your dealer and salesman, first contact the dealer and try to arrange something with them. If they don't do anything then go for the 1-800 # straight to G.M.
    I had a similar problem with my 1999 venture (before my 2005 equinox) and the dealer fixed it without any problems.
  • lazerblue31649lazerblue31649 Member Posts: 8
    Ok I thank you for all your help. You know you pay so much for a nice vehicle and then this has to happen. I was so pleased with this suv and now I am very upset. I could just imagine this happening all over the vehicle. At least it is on the top and not very noticeable. Thank goodness my husband noticed this before it got to be too large.

    Again thank you for your help. I will keep you posted.
  • chevygirl73chevygirl73 Member Posts: 3
    The Clinking sound (like coins dropping on steel sound (happens while sitting with the brake on, when in park and after you turn the engine off. The dealer said its the exhaust and I don't believe them.

    THere are popping noises as well coming from the back of the suv.
  • ncolincoli Member Posts: 3
    Sorry for not replying sooner. I finally got them to by it back March 2, 2006. The last time I had it in to the dealer I told the service manager in no uncertain terms I didn't want it back as well as calling the Chevy customer service number. They both contacted a local Field Rep to get in contact with me. I told him all the problems I was having and that I felt for the amount of money I was paying every month I shouldn't have to worry that I would be stranded on the side of the road with my two small children. After a few days of waiting, he called me back to let me know that they would by it back. The only stipulation was that because I had leased it I would have to buy or release another chevy. I now have an '06 uplander and love it.
  • tjmaynardtjmaynard Member Posts: 3
    We have a 2005 LT AWD 'Nox. We really like it - it's a nice riding vehicle and we have had few problems with it, except we hear a grinding noise when you turn into a parking spot or turn the wheels at slow speeds. We've already taken it back to the dealer once and it was repaired. We took it back to the same dealer when it started happening again and they told us they couldn't hear anything. (We know we're not crazy - the noise really is there) Is anyone else having this problem ? We switched from a Ford Focus that was full of problems to this Equinox and we are scared we are going to end up with a vehicle that really gives us problems once the warranty runs out. Any info is much appreciated !!!!
  • grosloupgrosloup Member Posts: 239
    Every time I try to play a mp3 C.D in my Nox it goes in and I can hear the system reading the disc, then suddenly it stops, ejects by itself and displays "check disc". I wipe the disc and I put it back in it does it again for 4 to 6 times or more and then suddenly it starts to play. When I play a "normal" C.D. no problems, it starts to play as soon as the disc has been reed. My C.D.'s aren't dirty, scratched, their brand new and always stored in a case.
    What could be the problem?
  • vickiavickia Member Posts: 1
    I have had this same problem from when I purchased the car. I drove w/ the mechanic and he said it was my steering radius. I still disagree and mention it everytime I take the car in. My engine light has also been on since I purchased the vehicle in October 2005. They look for the codes, can't find any and reset. I have had my brake rotors cut twice and am due to get new ones pretty soon (they even TOLD me to expect it to happen again). I have had the coolant system repaired as well.
    I hear a clanking noise in the fron end, passenger side. For the amount of money I paid for a new car, I am very unhappy. Currently my car is in for a new radio and I told them I did not want the car back until they found out what was making the engine light go off; the car has been running poorly, choking when starting and slow acceleration uphill. I am on a first name basis w/ the mechanic now. Has anyone else had all these issues w/ one car? I am at a loss what to do next if they still cannot fix these issues.
  • mr_botsmr_bots Member Posts: 236
    After working on your rotors, or after a dealership or tire shop does anything that will have your tires off you should loosen and tighten your wheels with a torque wrench to the specs found in the owner's manual. They just run them up really fast with an impact that often over torques the lug nuts, this over tightening is one of the most common reasons for warped rotors.
  • dynadyna Member Posts: 4
    I beg to differ on this opinion. I have never seen or heard of rotors warping as a result of over torquing lugnuts. The studs are pressed into the hub & no matter how much force you apply its not going to warp a rotor.

    Rotors warp due to either inferior materials being used or excessive heat...ie riding the brakes.
  • mr_botsmr_bots Member Posts: 236
    When they use an impact it doesn't always torque the wheels right which causes the torque to differ between the lug nuts. Uneven torque to the hub causes the pressure to differ along the rotor causing it to warp. To fix this you still bust the lug nuts loose yourself and use a torque wrench and retighten them in the proper order and to the right pressure.
  • grosloupgrosloup Member Posts: 239
    At 1000 milles they had to cut the rotors because they were warped. Every time I touch the brake the whole thing would shake like I was driving on a gravel road but I was on the interstate. I'm not to rough on the brakes. In all my vehicles everytime they put the wheels back on it was done with the impact and I didn't have to cut the rotors everytime. I think this is a problem with the Nox.
  • dynadyna Member Posts: 4
    Thats impossible!!
    The hub is pulled up tight against the rim, the only thing over torquing a lug nut will do is stress the stud which will eventually break.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Hmmm, that's not what Tire Rack says:

    "Be careful because if you over torque a wheel, you can strip a lug nut, stretch or break a wheel stud, and cause the wheel, brake rotor and/or brake drum to distort."

    Our own Mr Shiftright says:

    "If you use the star-pattern for tightening, and use only reasonable force, I can't imagine how on earth you could warp a rotor unless they are making them out of frozen pizza dough." Mr_Shiftright, "Torque Lug Nuts to Avoid Brake Disk Warp ?" #10, 6 Jul 2003 8:11 am

    There's some good points in that thread.

    Steve, Host
  • sgr5516sgr5516 Member Posts: 163
    As hard as it is to believe, tightening the lug nuts the wrong way does indeed cause the rotors to warp on certain chevy models. I have a 2004 Malibu Maxx and a 2005 Equinox. The Maxx was fine until dealer rotated the tire the first time. 3000 miles later the rotors were warped and had to be turned. The next time they rotated the tires, the same thing happened. After they were cut a 2nd time, I manually retorque the lug nuts to spec any time anyone removes a wheel. I have not had a problem since. Now have 30k miles.

    Since the NOX was new, I have always retorqued the lugs to spec and have not had any problems with the rotors so far.

    The owner manual for both cars says that improperly tightening wheel nuts can lead to brake pulsation and rotor damage.

    GM has also published a very long TSB on warranty brake service procedures. This TSB also says improper tightening of wheel nuts can cause brake pulsation and warped rotors.

    Of course I never had this problem on any other car I've owned. Chevy is just using cheap, lower quality rotors to save money and car weight to help with mileage.
  • cschneider3cschneider3 Member Posts: 39
    I had (in past tense due to too many problems I had with the Equinox that I traded it in a week ago) 20,000 miles on my Equinox with the tires rotated every 6,000 miles and oil changed every 2,000. I never once experience a rotor problem and I rotated my tires 3 times within that timeframe. My father owns his own mechanic shop, so I was using the air gun to tighten the lug nuts and never re-tightened the lugnuts to specification.

    With all the problems my Equinox encountered, I wouldn't doubt it was a problem with the Equinox and not the lugnuts.
  • dynadyna Member Posts: 4
    Since the NOX was new, I have always retorqued the lugs to spec and have not had any problems with the rotors so far.

    And I tighten em up so hard you would think the studs are ready to bust off, yet I haven't had any brake issues in over 40,000 miles so far.
  • chevygirl73chevygirl73 Member Posts: 3
    I had my fiance talk to a Chevy Dealer where he knows the Service Manager - he basically said this is the biggest complaint he is hearing about the Equinox and its from the cheap exhaust system that Chevy is using - poor quality steel, which means we will all be replacing our exhaust system sooner than we should. I am glad I purchased the extended warranty. Haven't decided if I am going to live with this annoying sound or just go get an aftermarker better quality exhaust system and having it installed on the Equinox.

    I have come to the realization that no car company is perfect, I just got rid of a 2003 Honda Accord which was the biggest piece of crap I ever owned. Quality just isn't around anymore.
  • noxnonoxno Member Posts: 19
    After my last tire rotation and flat repair I never made it out of the parking lot, applied brakes and thought the entire vehicle was coming apart. I've been driving for 30 years, never experienced this from over tightened wheel nuts. Read your manual 5-69 " Improperly tightened wheel nuts can lead to brake pulsation and ROTOR DAMAGE" California driver's stay tuned, as it appears we are being overcharged for vehicle registration. They have the Equinox listed as a PK for commercial use, I could not get through to them that it is a LT for passenger use. I had to leave before being escorted out. Can anyone tell me the platform the NOX was built on? Thanks, a lot of good info here. Make sure your GM Tech applies the correct wheel nut torque during your next service. (just kidding)
  • mr_botsmr_bots Member Posts: 236
    The Equinox is built on GM's Theta platform. This platform is used on the Saturn Vue, Chevrolet Equinox, Pontiac Torrent, and the new Suzuki XL-7.
  • judge3judge3 Member Posts: 1
    I have identified a significant rattle in the back of my Equinox. The dealership missed it twice. It is the spare tire wheel well which is defective. I would think that this is the source of the water and perhaps the smell. They are aware of the problem at GM and have sent the part and have provided me with a car in the meantime. This vechile has been in 2xs for struts as well. Also, there is a thumping noise in the rear when at rest at a light...this has something to do with the awd differential.
    Overall I do like the vehicle but looking forward to the end of the lease in two years.
  • jim_dandyjim_dandy Member Posts: 94
    I rotated my tires and looked at my Nox rotors and didn't see anything abnormal after over 1 year. (I live in the North Salt Belt.)
    Rotor surface are clean and true.

    There are 4 main reasons for "Rotor warp".

    1)Rust & Dirt not cleaned off of wheel hubs and rim plate before tire
    rotation.(Most common)

    2)Lug nuts not tightened in proper sequence at GM Nox Spec. of 92ft/lb of torque
    on each lug nut.(Very common)

    3)Rotors have been cut too many times or not properly.

    4) "Over Heating" of brakes, which may be due constant hard braking or rear brakes not working properly.

    There is only 1 rotor complaint filed with NHTSA.

    CR's consumer survey shows Best for no brake problems on the Equinox.
  • jim_dandyjim_dandy Member Posts: 94
    I guess it's human nature to complain, most people don't say anything if "life is good".

    For me, my 05 Equinox is treating me good.

    Here are my mileage results:
    City; 17mpg
    Mixed local and highway; 20mpg.
    Some local and more highway; 22mpg
    Little local and mostly highway with cruise set to 65mph; 25mpg
    All highway cruise set to 70mph; 26mpg
    I had a 30mhr tail wind, highway cruise set to 70; 30mpg
    Yes, 30 mpg.

    :shades:
  • johnpeterjohnpeter Member Posts: 2
    Our 1993 Oldsmobile 88 air conditioner is not getting cold like it should be. It eventually starts sending out slightly cooler air - but not at all like it used to. Blower is working fine just that the air is only slightly cool and that takes a while. What is most likely the cause and any inexpensive ways to fix this?

    Thanks!
  • grosloupgrosloup Member Posts: 239
    Hey! Same thing here. I get great gas mileage as well with my 2005. The Equinox is not so bad on gas. Lots of people complain that their m/p/g is not as rated by G.M.
    If you drive jackrabbit style or always with the pedal to the metal don't expect to get 19 city and 25 hwy.
    Mine gets 17-19 city and 23-26 hwy.
  • bruisermonbruisermon Member Posts: 1
    We have an '06 Nox and love it. 5000 miles on it and so far no issues at all. The gas mileage has averaged 22 - 24 mpg all around and 27-32 highway. I don't mean to plug for GM but it rides great, looks great, runs great, and so far, smells great. We looked at all the makes and came very close to getting a Hyundai but dollar for dollar the Nox was the best value. :)
  • noxnonoxno Member Posts: 19
    Jim, you've had a lot of great post here. I'm not always one to complain. We just got back from a beautiful mountain trip to Lake Tahoe, 4 passengers and a topper full of luggage, back full of grub and ice chest. Nice comfortable smooth drive with the air on, no gas mileage complaints and never any excessive RPM's. Cell phone had no service in the mountains, got through with OnStar no problems. Just received an e-mail from my NOX, complete diagnostic of most all components. Shows remaining oil life at 48%, But I,m still old school, go with every 3,000 miles. Quite awesome monitors conditions as temp , average RPM's,etc., instead of just every 3,000 miles. Went through HELL today trying to get the NOX registration changed over from a Truck to a passenger UT. Even made me bring it in for an inspection, yep it's not a TRUCK! Chevy has the VIN listed as 05/CHEVROLET TRUCK/ EQUI/UTILITY. I was escorted out the first time when the clerk suggested it's listed as commercial if I have a camper on top! California driver's check your registration, if listed as a commercial truck I can tell you everything you will have to do in one trip!
  • jntjnt Member Posts: 316
    jim_dandy,

    You also forgot to mention that GM has had a long history of underdesigning the front disc rotors. Most of their cars ranging from Cavalier to Impala have had warped rotor problem in the past.

    jt
  • ops1ops1 Member Posts: 25
    I too have an 06 Equinox - leased it in January of 2006 and have about 5,300 miles on it now. I get 16 or 17 mpg in all local driving and 24 mpg (or a hair better) on the highway. The vehicle has been trouble-free except for one issue during the second week of use (ignition key was stuck and would not turn, dealer could not duplicate problem and it has not happened since). I never thought I would drive another GM vehicle, but I have been very happy with this one.
  • senseless1senseless1 Member Posts: 16
    27-32 on the highway?? This is hard to believe. I had a Nox for 25,000 miles and NEVER got more than 20 mpg under any circumstances. Suburban mixed driving ranged 14 to 16 mpg. You must have been going downhill all the way.
  • kayrah123kayrah123 Member Posts: 5
    I bought my Equinox in August of '04. My check engine light came on before my first oil change.. and is STILL on!! The first 2 times I brought it in, they blew chop air through the fuel neck and it turned off for a couple weeks. Then they started replacing parts, and it will only stay off for about 24 hrs after i pick it up from the dealer. So far its been a valve, sensor, canister, hose, pipe. I finally called the 1-800 # and they authorized them to replace the COMPUTER! And guess what.. it still came back on. Now they came up with some craziness about replacing a fuel tank module.. or whatever that is. Funny thing is that GM doesnt HAVE a fuel tank module.. GM had to "FIND" one!
  • jim_dandyjim_dandy Member Posts: 94
    I'm glad you had a nice trip to Lake Tahoe!
  • jim_dandyjim_dandy Member Posts: 94
    I did not need to mention it because your statement is not true.
  • tjmaynardtjmaynard Member Posts: 3
    Well, here's an update. My husband got disgusted because the noise kept getting louder so he took the car back to the dealer that "fixed" it in the first place and took the service manager for a ride. It wasn't much of a ride since we hear the noise most when you pull in and out of a parking place. They scheduled it in as soon as they could get a rental car available. The service manager called me yesterday to let me know that it was the same problem ... a part in the differential. I will be satisfied as long as the problem is fixed, fixed correctly and doesn't give me any more problems. My concern is that this is going to be an ongoing thing that I will have to pay to have repaired even though Chevy knows it's a problem. If anyone has any inside tips on what I can do to keep the company liable for this ... please let me know.
  • paul62paul62 Member Posts: 2
    I now had the flush to the coolant system and new hoses installed twice. The last time they replaced the heating coil too. Average repair time is 8-10 calendar days.

    Now that is occuring again, I contacted GM Customer Service to ask if they would specifically warrant the same occurence and fix once the warranty expires (next summer for me). They said they would look at any request I made at the time I made it and consider at that time. However, the flush and hoses would never be covered because the procedures are classified as maintenance items which are not covered under an extended warranty.

    I requested they pay 50% for the purchase of an extended warranty; because I'm sure I'll have other future problems. They could not do it. Bottom line - they couldn't help me out at all and directed me back to the dealer.

    I get the feeling GM Cust SVC is a huge call center because I could hear another conversation between a different cust rep and an obviously angry owner. Although I could only hear one side of the conversation,guess what type of vehicle was being discussed?

    If you said the Equinox, your right!

    Other warranty work has been replacement of steering column,strut,and several more that I can't recall at this time.

    This Nox is going to Carmax for $16K wholes sale: 2005 AWD LT w/leather, onstar, etc. What shame!

    Good luck to all of you.
  • kayrah123kayrah123 Member Posts: 5
    I think the caller in the background at customer service was ME!! Ive called them numerous times, and get the same lame responses. No one seems to do anything or offer any type of help, except offering to contact the dealer... big deal.. so can I, I have the dealer on speed dial. They've had my car for 5 weeks now. Disgusting.
  • wishididnotwishididnot Member Posts: 1
    hi
    I hope this helps everyone with a nasty smell to their nox.
    Yesterday my nox was giving off a terrible smell...almost like vapor of some kind. I immediately shut my air off(yuck was a hot day) and sat up all night worrying that I had to call my dealer again with yet another problem on my brand new 2006 equinox. ( 2 times I have had major repairs... fuel line and brakes...I only have 3,100 miles since i purchased it new in Nov,2005) anyway, i took it to my local manchanic who i have used for years to see if it was safe to drive to the dealer. Much to my surprise, he showed me the problem (he claims it is a very common one with suv's) I had ran over a plastic bag that attached itself to the exhaust system and that was causing the smell. For a very small fee, he had his manchanic scrape as much as they could and advised me to have the the car washed at a car wash so it would remove more of the plastic. he claims I may still smell it until it burns itself out....I am a happy camper for now.
    Thought I would share this information and hope it helps some of you. Good luck...I personaly would never buy a chevy again.
  • mr_botsmr_bots Member Posts: 236
    I wouldn't either, Chevy and those pesky plastic bags. How do they sleep at night. I'm just kidding, I'd just wait a little bit longer before you pass judgment on your Nox. A lot of cars have bugs to be worked out when you first buy them. Unfortunately Honda and Toyota are not immune to this as most would believe.
  • tjmaynardtjmaynard Member Posts: 3
    Here's a more recent update than the previous one. The service manager called me to let me know that the part they ordered for the differential won't fit so they are going to replace the entire differential in my 'Nox. I don't care as long as it fixes the problem permanently. I just wouldn't want the same thing to happen with this vehicle as my last ... the warranty runs out and all of a sudden there are a multitude of problems. We've had more luck with the used cars we've purchased in the last few years than the new ones ... Makes me not want to buy another new car.
  • dowopdowop Member Posts: 25
    I have 22000 miles on my Equinox.
    I bought it 2yrs ago .
    After having the rotors turned then replaced I now have a loud noise when I turn the steering wheel.
    Seems to be coming from the right front.
    Also have a loud noise coming from the back when moving & turning.
    Any suggestions?
    I am GM retiree & want to stay loyal to GM.
    But I am really getting disgusted.
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