Chevy Equinox Won’t Start But Lights Come On: Troubleshooting Guide

You turn the key in your Chevy Equinox, the dashboard lights up like a Christmas tree, the radio works, but… nothing happens. The engine doesn’t even try to turn over. Frustrating, right? This common problem has several possible causes, from a simple dead battery to a more complex starter motor failure. Let’s walk through the diagnostic steps to get you back on the road quickly and help you understand what’s really happening under the hood.

What It Means When Lights Work But Engine Won’t Start

When your Chevy Equinox’s lights and electronics power up but the engine refuses to start, it’s telling you something specific: electrical power is reaching some systems but not enough to crank the engine. This is different from a completely dead battery situation where nothing works at all.

Your Equinox needs significant electrical current to turn the starter motor, which physically rotates the engine to get it running. Even if your battery has enough juice to power lights and electronics, it might not have enough power for the more demanding job of starting the engine.

Listen Carefully: What Your Equinox Is Telling You

The sounds (or lack thereof) when you turn the key provide valuable diagnostic clues:

• Complete silence: Often indicates a failed starter motor, bad ignition switch, or blown fuse
• Single loud click: Usually points to a bad starter motor or starter solenoid
• Rapid clicking sounds: Typically means insufficient power reaching the starter
• Slow, labored cranking: Usually indicates a weak battery despite lights working

Pay close attention to these sounds—they’re your first clue to the problem’s source.

The Most Common Culprits

1. Faulty Starter Motor

The starter motor is the most likely suspect when you have electrical power but no engine cranking. This component is responsible for physically turning the engine over to start the combustion process.

Signs of a bad starter include:

• Clicking noise when turning the key
• Intermittent starting issues (works sometimes, fails others)
• Grinding noises during start attempts
• Smoke from the engine area when trying to start

The starter motor can fail due to worn internal components, electrical shorts, or solenoid problems. Most Equinox models have the starter located near the bottom of the engine where it connects to the transmission—a spot that exposes it to heat and moisture.

2. Battery Issues Despite Lights Working

Even if your lights and electronics work, your battery might still be the problem. Starting an engine requires much more current than running lights or the radio.

A battery can be strong enough to power accessories but too weak to crank the engine. This is especially common in cold weather, which reduces battery capacity.

Check for:

• Corrosion on battery terminals (white or greenish buildup)
• Loose battery connections
• Battery that’s more than 3-4 years old
• Low voltage reading (should be 12.6V or higher when off)

Corroded or loose connections can prevent full power from reaching the starter even if the battery itself is fine.

3. Blown Fuses or Bad Relays

Your Equinox has multiple fuses and relays that protect and control the starting system. A blown fuse or faulty relay can prevent the starter from engaging even when everything else works.

The Chevy Equinox has two main fuse boxes:

• One under the hood (contains the starter relay)
• One inside the passenger compartment (contains ignition fuses)

The starter relay is particularly important—it’s the electronic switch that directs power to the starter motor when you turn the key. When this relay fails, your Equinox won’t start despite having power for lights and accessories.

4. Ignition Switch Problems

The ignition switch connects your key to the starting system. When it fails, it might still provide power to accessories but not to the starter circuit.

Signs of ignition switch problems include:

• Car starts intermittently
• Key difficult to turn
• Need to jiggle the key to start the car
• Dashboard lights flickering when turning the key

The 2010-2017 Equinox models are particularly prone to ignition switch issues, which can cause inconsistent starting problems.

5. Security System or Immobilizer Issues

Newer Equinox models (especially 2018+) with push-button start have sophisticated anti-theft systems that can prevent starting if they detect a problem.

Common security system issues include:

• Dead key fob battery
• Unrecognized key fob
• System software glitch
• Damaged immobilizer chip

If your Equinox’s security light stays on or flashes when trying to start, the immobilizer system might be preventing engine start.

DIY Diagnostic Steps

Step 1: Check Battery and Connections

Even though your lights work, start with the battery:

1. Inspect battery terminals for corrosion (white/green crusty buildup)
2. Ensure connections are tight—try wiggling them to check
3. Use a multimeter to measure battery voltage (should read 12.6V+ when off)
4. Check battery age (printed on top, should be less than 4 years old)

If you find corrosion, clean the terminals with a wire brush and baking soda solution. This simple fix often solves starting problems immediately.

Step 2: Test for Clicking Sounds

Try starting your Equinox while listening carefully:

1. If you hear a single click, the problem is likely the starter motor or solenoid
2. Multiple rapid clicks usually indicate insufficient power reaching the starter
3. No sound at all might mean an electrical connection issue or blown fuse

This sound diagnosis helps narrow down where to focus your troubleshooting efforts.

Step 3: Check Fuses and Relays

Inspect the fuse boxes in your Equinox:

1. Locate the under-hood fuse box (near the battery)
2. Find the starter relay (check your owner’s manual for location)
3. Remove and inspect the starter relay
4. Check for blown fuses related to the ignition system

You can test a relay by swapping it with another identical relay in your fuse box (like the A/C compressor relay). If your car starts after the swap, you’ve found your problem.

Step 4: Try the “Tap Test” on the Starter

If you can access your starter motor:

1. Locate the starter (cylindrical device where engine meets transmission)
2. Have someone turn the key while you gently tap the starter with a wrench
3. If the engine starts after tapping, your starter is failing

This starter tapping technique can temporarily free stuck internal components in a failing starter, confirming it’s the source of your problem.

Model Year-Specific Issues

Different Equinox generations have their own common starting problems:

2010-2017 Equinox Models

These vehicles commonly experience:

• Starter relay failures
• Ignition switch problems
• Battery terminal corrosion issues
• Shifter position sensor malfunctions

The ignition switch is a known issue in these models and may need replacement if you experience intermittent starting problems or difficulty turning the key.

2018+ Equinox Models with Push-Button Start

Newer Equinox models tend to have different issues:

• Key fob battery problems
• Start/stop system malfunctions
• Immobilizer or security system glitches
• Electrical module communication errors

For push-button start models, try replacing the key fob battery first—it’s an inexpensive fix that solves many starting issues.

Quick Fixes to Try When Stranded

If you’re stuck somewhere and need to get your Equinox running:

1. The “Neutral Start” Trick

Sometimes the park position sensor can malfunction:

1. Put your foot firmly on the brake
2. Shift to Neutral instead of Park
3. Try starting the engine

This bypasses a potentially faulty neutral safety switch that might be preventing starting.

2. Key Fob Reset (2018+ Models)

For newer models with push-button start:

1. Place the key fob directly against the start button
2. Press the button with the key fob itself
3. If it starts, your fob battery is likely dead

Many newer Equinox models have this backup starting method built in for when key fob batteries fail.

3. Battery Terminal Cleaning

If you see corrosion on the battery terminals:

1. Disconnect both cables (negative first)
2. Mix baking soda with water to make a paste
3. Clean terminals with a wire brush or old toothbrush
4. Reconnect cables tightly (positive first)

This quick cleaning can restore proper electrical flow to the starting system.

4. The “Jump Terminal” Method

If you suspect your starter solenoid:

1. Locate the starter motor
2. Find the small terminal on the starter solenoid
3. Use a screwdriver to briefly connect this terminal to the positive battery terminal

CAUTION: This bypass method should only be used in emergencies as it can cause sparks and potential damage if done incorrectly.

Repair Costs to Expect

If DIY solutions don’t work, here’s what to budget for professional repairs:

Starter Motor Replacement

• Parts cost: $150-400 depending on OEM vs. aftermarket
• Labor cost: $200-400 (higher for AWD models)
• Total cost: $400-800 at a repair shop
• Starter replacement costs vary by location and model year

Battery Replacement

• Total cost: $100-200 installed
• DIY cost: $75-150 for the battery alone
• Most auto parts stores will install for free with purchase

Ignition Switch Replacement

• Parts cost: $75-150
• Labor cost: $125-350 (varies by model year)
• Total cost: $200-500 at a repair shop

Fuse/Relay Replacement

• Parts cost: $5-20 for fuses, $10-30 for relays
• Labor cost: Usually minimal or included in diagnostic fee
• Total cost: $10-50 plus diagnostic fees

Security/Immobilizer Reset

• Dealer diagnostic fee: $100-150
• Programming fee: $50-200
• Total cost: $150-350 at the dealership

Comparing Diagnostic Sounds Chart

Electrical System Voltage Readings Table

Use this table to interpret voltage readings from your multimeter:

These readings can help pinpoint whether your problem is with the battery, connections, or starter components.

Making the Right Repair Decision

Deciding whether to DIY or hire a professional depends on several factors:

• Battery and connection issues: Easily DIY-friendly with basic tools
• Fuse and relay problems: Moderately easy DIY with a multimeter
• Starter motor replacement: Moderate to difficult depending on your mechanical skills
• Ignition switch replacement: Usually requires professional help due to security system integration
• Immobilizer/security issues: Almost always requires dealer assistance

When in doubt, many auto parts stores offer free battery and starting system testing that can help narrow down the problem before you spend money on repairs.

If your Chevy Equinox won’t start but the lights come on, systematically working through these diagnostic steps will help you identify and fix the problem efficiently. Start with the simplest possibilities—battery connections and fuses—before moving to more complex components like the starter motor or ignition system. With patience and the right approach, you’ll have your Equinox running again without unnecessary expense.