The Top 5 Problems with Chevy Equinox (2nd Generation 2010 - 2017)

[@therealogofgaming9507]

Rear main seals on these are notorious for leaking from backup pressure

[@oaden0621]

I put different oil cap that vents at a certain pressure on my equinox to prevent that issue.

[@therealogofgaming9507]

@@oaden0621 hey do u remember what’s the name of oil cap and where u get it at would like too try it on minds

[@oaden0621]

​@@therealogofgaming9507ACDelco GM Original Equipment FC219 Ordered off of Amazon.

[@oaden0621]

​@@therealogofgaming9507ACDelco GM Original Equipment FC219 Ordered off of Amazon.

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

I’m gonna pin this comment to the top, thanks for adding to the list.

[@Codyjrt]

My wife’s Edge suddenly gave a ton of codes. It was simple a bad purge valve. 15 minutes to change and 11$ on eBay. I looked like a hero for a simple fix.

[@oaden0621]

My engine has been replaced with a used one. I change my oil every 3 to 4 thousand miles instead of what is recommended and it runs perfectly. It also keeps those VVT solenoids from getting clogged. I also put a ventable oil cap on to prevent to rear main seal problem that some people have. ACDelco part # FC219 off of Amazon.

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Nice move with the oil cap!

[@johnvecchio4186]

My wife and I each have an Equinox 2014 and 2017 the 2014 has about 118k on it and the 2017 has 142k only repairs have been the VFT Solenoid’s and rear wheel bearings. We use Mobile 1 full Synthetic oil and charge it every 4k. Maintenance is key.

[@fastbusiness]

I just finished replacing the balance shaft chain and timing chain on our 2011 Equinox. Among others, yours was the last timing chain replacement video I watched to learn how to do it. I thank you for posting it, as it helped give me the confidence to do the job for the first time. It runs fine, so I guess I didn't screw up anything while I was in there. It took me a lot longer than you, (maybe 12hr.) because I hadn't done it before and tried to do everything by the book.

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

I love to hear that my tutorials work out for you guys! Awesome job for getting it done. Equinox should last you a while.

[@TashaCollins-n1g]

I have a 2010 equinox that's been broken down since November of 2023. It previously had a crack in the exhaust manifold but still ran fine other than being a little loud and using more gas. In August a message came across my dash saying A/C off due to high engine temp. Never overheated or anything but couldn't use A/C so went to ORiely's to get the codes and they suggested that I have 3 sensors replaced, the camshaft position sensor, 02 sensor & cool temp sensor. Did that & 3 months later i get a message saying engine performance reduced which means it went into limp mode and with the pedal all the way to the floor at best it would go 5 mph. Also prior to that message I had to keep getting my car jumped cuz the battery would die quite often...so got a brand new battery also got a brand new camshaft sensor for the second time put that in, had the alternator tested, it passed, but it's still in limp mode and matter of fact it will not start at all now no cranking or anything no noise whatsoever and I can't even jump it it won't even jump start. And brand new battery was checked & was at 100% when bought one month ago but was at 4% a couple of days ago so am charging it as i type this...possibly a parasitic draw somewhere? Some of the codes are as follows - p228d, p0016, p0013, p0089, p0420. I heard you mention the p0016 in the video. If anyone has any idea what is going on it would be greatly appreciated. I'm a single woman living with my 62-year-old mother and don't really know too much about cars. Thanks so much

[@shanesongs3575]

I watched this because I just bought a 13 equinox. Was entertained while listening problems I will probably run into.

[@thomasmorris302]

3 to 4,000 mile oil chanes use dexos oil they will last

[@ganeshnarayan5505]

Alex you forgot to mention when the water pump goes out it is driven by the timing chain need special tools for that.

[@fastbusiness]

There is one other common problem you didn't mention. The intake manifold has an orifice on the engine facing side, in between the intake ports, that functions as part of the pcv system. It is only about 1/16" diameter and commonly gets clogged with sludge. When this happens, the crankcase pressure builds enough to possibly blow out the engine rear seal and create a massive oil leak. It can blow out enough oil that if it happens when driving, the engine will be starved for oil and seize up. Obviously, this can destroy the engine fast. I had the seal blow out on mine but caught it in time to avoid total destruction. To prevent this from happening again, I cleaned out the orifice and installed an oil cap that has a built-in pressure release so if it clogs again it won't blow out the seal (hopefully). Also, I'm going to make it part of the maintenance routine to clean out the orifice once yearly to keep disaster at bay. Again, hopefully.

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Thanks for adding this one!

[@thomasmorris302]

There's a you tube video showing how to drill a hole in the intake and hit and enlarge the hole and then just a short screw to seal intake, did it works perfect

[@fastbusiness]

@@thomasmorris302 Thanks for reminding me. I saw that video some time back and thought about it then. I was concerned about cracking the manifold when drilling or when putting in the screw. Do you think that is something to be concerned about?

[@fritz4939]

The main issue with the GM Ecotec 2.4L VVT engine is the timing chain tensioner. Even the 3rd generation (with the dome top) is subject to failure - why - I discovered the reason at long last & no it's not shown anywhere on the net. There are a few other mods. that can be done to the assembly at relatively small cost to improve the strength & reliability overall. Always use an AC Delco oil filler car no. FC219 & change the oil every 6,000miles max., with a filer change every 3,000. Only use Bosch filters. Use a good qulaity synthetic 5w-30 C3 motor oil, I use Shell Helix.

[@kayblock8009]

This dude is spot on! I just had to change the timing chain on my 2013 equinox at 125,000 miles it costed me 1800$. I heard the rattling and chose to ignore it. 😂😂😂 Listen to your car people

[@aarg2609]

Love these top 5 problem videos. Keep it up! Super informational. Hopefully it is successful for you!

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Thank you for your feedback! I’ll keep them coming!

[@DANNYN224]

All 5 problems without watching the video Transmission issues exhaust manifold issues purge valve timing chain issues

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

lol you sure you didn’t cheat

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

​@@AlexTheCarDoctor 😁

[@DANNYN224]

@@AlexTheCarDoctorlol

[@josephpullen1153]

@@DANNYN224 No chain in a 2.4l, lol

[@a3300000]

Oil consumption.

[@Pure_KodiakWILD_Power]

I know this video is about Chevy suv's, not RAM trucks 😂 but the lifter problem finally got worse on my 2500, and I was towing at the time 🤯🤯🤯 I at least found a shop that is confident about doing the job, but we'll see what the damage and estimate will be 🙄🙏🏽🙏 So for those that listen to the people who say you can drive on the Hemi tap for years, I'm here to tell you it didn't happen for me. I got maybe 5 or 6 months from the time I started being aware of the tap. And of course I was hyperaware of the noise and it sounded terrible to me 😅

[@user-sz9hl7bi6h]

Alex thank you for the opportunity to share your information Jorge Garcia Dallas Texas

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

You’re Welcome Jorge! 🙏🏽

[@GixxerRider1991]

We used to call it the Equalknocks

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

😂 sounds like something my country family would say.

[@jimsix9929]

thank you for the reply on dads Terrain Alex, called a friend that owns a transmission shop, he says do it every 20,000 miles, there is no dipstick no replaceable filter, just a drain and fill, so I am going to load up everything I need and do it for him, also change the oil, the GM dealer oil stinks Pennzoil platinum will keep that timing chain going for a long time, there is a you tube video of a guy doing one at 58,000 thousand miles that fluid was black, so time to load up my truck and go visit dad, I do not trust dealers, I worked at one for a decade, do it yourself or find a trusted mechanic like Alex

[@AJWISE41]

I installed an oil catch can on my GMC Terrain to prevent carbon buildup cloging the pcv hole on the intake manifold and valves.

[@doriwilson6991]

Owned a 2013 captiva had no problems except oil burning fast. Have the 2014 Terrain and I love this car. My daughter has the 2014 equinox and is frustrated with it because its got leaks, VVT issues and now its stalling and we were told it may be the crank shaft position sensor

[@andyc2026]

You are so entertainer, A smart man with manner. Should be reach OVER 100K subscribers soon. Keep going! Thanks

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Thanks so much! 🙏🏽

[@antoniomarc7174]

Yeah the dealer told me to leave my trans alone when I asked about changing doing the service in my 2014 Chevy Sonic. He said that stuff is life time and it’s the full synthetic type trans fluid and that it’s like almost $100 a quarter to change it.

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

They are full of it

[@ElGuerreroMex]

The table rocks!!! 😂👍

[@fitzgerald8664]

Thanks Doc, very informative.

[@loviebrownlow6983]

guaranteed issue with that timing chain! luckily, the powertrain portion of the warranty covered it!

[@justinyost3627]

Great video I have a 2013 with 60,000 on it no issues never been short a drop of oil buy I change every 3,000. They are also known to have the exhaust and intake sensors fail. Makes me wonder if people ignore that when it occurs and that's what could be causing the. Exsesive oil consumption..lots of theories about the pcv valve also also kinda have noticed it is louder on start up at start up maybe i should check the timing at 60,000

[@seanhoward8025]

Try changing the fuel injectors on the V6. Same on a Traverse. The factory says “remove cylinder heads”. 🥴

[@rickcurtis2983]

Excellent video, straight to the point....thank you!!

[@jasonhooper7682]

I did have 2010 chevy equinox with 2.4 ues oli lot I keep on oil change every 3000 miles can had lot of issue

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

Funny you should put this video out! Don't know if you remember when you were on live I mentioned that we just bought a 2013 Equinox with 150,000 on it. I'll definitely be checking this video out! Were you able to check out my oil pressure issue on my '58? 🤔

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Yes! When you mentioned it on live I was thinking we just did a video on that car lol and yes I watched while drinking my coffee.

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

@@AlexTheCarDoctor you're up early! Have a great day!!

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

@@dans_Learning_Curve I went to bed way to early! I hope it doesnt catch up to me later today. I hope you have an amazing day Dan!

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

@@AlexTheCarDoctor thank you! Was the lifter configuration a bit different on that old '58 than you're used to seeing? 🤔

[@MTTavi01]

Iv tried everything. I ended up rebuild my engine myself. It runs perfectly. Turns out the oil rings were shot and my cross hatch on my piston walls were not there. It was like a mirror finish. But now it runs perfectly

[@joe-rm5tg]

Great content GM 4 cylinder all garbage 💪💪💪💪💪💪

[@thomasmorris302]

if you go extended oil changes on any new vehicles they will all fail by 100,000 miles

[@mx9577]

I’ve got 2013 chevy equinox. I’m noticing the whole car shaking when the speedometer hits 65-70 MPH. It’s not consistent shaky it’s ON & OFF thing.

[@jwdickieson]

When it comes to the 2.4 you are correct but anything above that the 3.0 and the 3.6 are still decently reliable as long as you you do basic engine maintenance I know I suffered from this I bought a Chevy equinox with the 3.0 l engine and it was not maintained as well as it should have been and the engine blew 15 days after the warranty so I was F'd in the A

[@Jrod1702]

Had a 2011 terrain timing chain was changed twice I'n 90 thousand miles

[@shueher1]

How did you forgot to notorious leaky HPFP to the oil

[@linaperrone7037]

Thank you for your show but have question to ask you doctor I have a hesitation like it want to jump at the lights

[@thomasmorris302]

Biggest problem extended oil changes and No Dexos oil when done. These are direct injjection so have more carbon build up, if you don't change oil at 3 to 4K than it can't contain all that carbon, rings get stuck, the pcv gets clogged, timing chain tensioner won't hydralic pressure build, timing chains wear out. Oil cools cylinder walls (squirters) activates VVT (those solenoids he mentions), lubes balance shafts, without clean oil you have problems

[@markmurdock280]

I think the other sister car u were talking about is the acadia

[@kirkbrown2147]

Purge solonoid and vent solenoid is not the same things. Purge is for emission. Vent allows you to put fuel in your tank without venting to the atmosphere

[@jimsix9929]

thank you for the video Alex, my 91 year old dad has a 2017 Terrain that we bought new I have a friend at a Buick GMC dealer it was a good price for a new car 21,500 and his 2007 Lacross (7,200 trade in), so far no problems at all at 37,000 miles, but some day it will be mine so I want to do everything right, he lives 200 miles from me so I can not do it myself, he does get the oil changed at a dealer, should I recommend he gets the trans serviced at 37,000?, dealers scare me on that sometimes they will charge you and not even do it

[@NathanCarr42]

Transmission, transfer case, and rear differential fluids should all be changed every 20k miles. It states that in the owners manual. With the transmission, you want to do it while at operating temperature if you’re doing it yourself, fyi.

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Definitely have him get that transmission serviced Jim. I hope they wouldn’t do a thing like that to a 91 year old fellow!

[@anthonyross2059]

Love the table 💯👌🏽lol

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Man I had to make it for educating my customers that come in the shop. I use it for teaching all the time!

[@anthonyross2059]

@@AlexTheCarDoctor man that's legendary bro! Just little things like that matter frfr!

[@danielpanelli9388]

Thank you for this knowledge.

[@jawadhamza2487]

It would be best if you can ask the owner to comment about the maintenance they did for it to last this long.

[@Jonathan-sn7rw]

I got a 2016 equinox with the 2.4 engine and this thing burn oil like crazy, I bought it used and only had for 2 years now

[@JonathanCamposVlogs]

My 2010 equinox is making a hissing noise when I try to crank start it but it won’t come off. Before this issue happened the last feeling the car gave out was jumpy under the hood and stalled out sometimes causing an issue on the dash to report a code saying the engine was only using minimal power.

[@FranciscoGarcia-un6do]

Interference engine, game over. These GM engines also burn oil, an engineering flaw.

[@archiesarmiento2805]

My 2014 has 200k miles everything original but damn burn so much oil.adding half quart weekly

[@zacattack4029]

Good info thank you sir.

[@tomcunningham2063]

Love your videos. They are very helpful and thorough. My daughter has a 2012 Equinox with about 195K on it. It was throwing a P2138 and after replacing both throttle position sensors (the gas pedal and the throttle body), it is still throwing the same code. I can clear the code, but as soon as you try to give it more than 50% throttle, it will go into limp mode, say to service Stabillitrak, and throw the P2138. It has a rough idle where it will feel like the engine is bucking back and forth. It sounds like it may need the timing chains replaced, but would that cause it to keep throwing the P2138? Any help would be appreciated.

[@roscoewhitejr5621]

Arcadia captiva and terrain cobalt sonic malibu cruze and poopoo

[@marlinyoung1606]

I can guarantee that is not the original engine. Do not buy one of those at all. Nobody will maintain those cars like they need to be.

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Perhaps… but you’re right about folks maintaining them. I mean maybe somebody would, but they are far and few in between

[@Mohamedddd7890]

What’s the difference in reliability between this equinox and traverse because in an old video you said you don’t recommend them at all?

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Traverse has more problems. Timing chain more expensive to do on the Traverse. I’d definitely pick the equinox over the traverse.

[@zackneuffer]

early again hope you’re doing great!!

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

I am! I hope you are as well 🙏🏽

[@toneigreen9246]

Ive changed my starter and fuseabd relays and i still won't start lights, radio and everything comes on just no crank what might be the problem?

[@marvinhardy4751]

How many people on here have had a p0420 on these equinoxes and put a catalytic converter on?

[@Built4dTough]

I wanna see a top 5 for Fords. but then again, maybe not. lol (5.4 3V F-150 or 3.7 V6 Mustang)

[@georgechristiansen6785]

Looking at maybe getting a 2011. SO thanks. Got to know where you're living with that accent?

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Georgia. What accent lol 🤭

[@mrhighway]

I call them the Chevy EquoTrash

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Equotrash 😂😂😂😂😂

[@timothyburzynski8214]

Hi Alex, I am considering a 2014 Chevrolet Equinox that has the 2.4 engine. The vehicle has been sitting for I think about six months. The mileage is 70,000 . Just had the oil changed and driven the vehicle 30 miles after the oil change. I'm kicking it around if I should trust this vehicle to go from Michigan to Florida and back? Anything else to check out?

[@gary6372]

I brought my car to a mechanic because my ac all of a sudden stopped working so he diagnosed it and said the motor was no good so he ordered one for me at 95 dollars and it stopped working so I told him it must have a defect so one of the guys checked the blower and it worked fine so he put it back together and 2 or 3 days later it stopped working so I googled it and some said that if you hit under the glove compartment it will come back on so I did and it worked and stopped again while it was hotter then a Dickens outside so I pushed up on the wires and it started to work again so I tried using electrical tape and scotch against the fire wall and eighter one worked so I tied it up using a rubber band and it works fine so the whole problem was the plug by the fire wall needed cleaning,I wish mechanic would stop guessing when it comes to fixing peoples cars that's not a certified mechanic to me.

[@armandoarreguinalmanza8940]

Would you be able to do this same video but with a chevy cruze?

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

I already have one here :kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmTZpH6VgNF0aLMsi=UpXzpCjSnN3fqSuA

[@jasonhooper7682]

Can you alx you do one on chevy trailblazer top 5 2002 two 2009

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Let me see what I can whip up!

[@jasonhooper7682]

I hope you fine one on chevy trailblazer I have about 30000 I have 2007 with 4.2

[@djdev3077]

I would never buy an american 4 cyl,they have never made a 4cyl to compete with Japanese 4cyl,ill buy some american v8's tho....

[@MrBEZROC]

Great video. But these cars are a money pit. Water pumps go out. Burns oil like crazy. Timing belt issue sounds terrible when starting up. Gets some kind of electrical issue where the radio won’t turn off when you take the key out of ignition. These things go to sh*t whether you maintain them or not. You have to have Mercedes money to keep this economy SUV alive

[@ishaqmartinez301]

Gmc Acadia ?

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

No good!

[@Reemdaddy83]

My dad car take premium gas he still puts 87 after a motor replacement he said I don’t believe in ocatane numbers gas is gas😂😂😂

[@jawadhamza2487]

You missed chevy traverse

[@pricetagcitrus]

Not as bad as the traverse at least

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Right, if I had to choose, I’d pick the equinox

[@kevindemoss1347]

These are absolute junk and he knows it. Save your 💰 and buy a Toyota or Honda! You will thank me later.

[@TripSaddie]

lol do not buy these cars no offense

[@demetriuscaldwell6010]

Need that advanced video my boy 😂

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Wifey don’t wanna film it 😩