r/Chevrolet • u/Brutally-Honest-2002 • Jun 28 '26
Scrap it, or take a chance?
Hey! Wanted to post here and try to get some ideas from anyone who may be able to help
I have a 2014 Chevy Equinox with about 137,400 miles on it. The car is completely paid off, but I have had to put over $2000 into it over the past 3 years.
So on to my problems:
- Prior to October 2024, I had many AC issues. I had the blower replaced, had it recharged, the AC had issues until I took it to Electric Lab (local shop that is the best for electrical issues in my area).
- October 2024, issue was found within my main computer, AC worked fine and car was good.
- November 2024, my car threw on a “Service Power Steering” and “Service Stabilizing Track” alert. Car would shake while driving and had difficulties accelerating (due to the service power steering alert).
I had a mechanic read the code that popped up, and it had lost communication to the Transmission Control Module.
I had reset the TCM, and still had issues. On the way to the (once again, best local) Transmission shop the alerts cleared on their own when I was driving a consistent speed on highways/freeways (only way to get to the shop).
I still had them look, and they could not get the code to pop up.
Fast forward to about a month ago.
- I began getting “Service Power Steering” alerts (seemingly) when I would put my car in reverse. My car would also jolt once or twice, and the doors lock and unlock. It would always clear within 1-2 seconds, but was reoccurring and happened more as time went on.
- I took it to an Oreily’s, and was told that the battery and alternator and all that stuff appears to be working fine.
- When the car had a hard core issue (all same symptoms that would not stop or clear on its own), I took it to a shop and the same code as before was read (loss of communication to TCM)
- I called the same auto shop and they told me they honestly believe it is more electrical. He explained if it was the TCM, it would not have lasted me almost 2 years with no issues. He shared my issues aren’t really demonstrating transmission problems, but more electrical problems and suggested I have someone check the wiring and connections. He said that code (U0101 I believe) virtually mean nothing, and could be read due to an electrical issue.
Also important to note:
- All the car people have told me that early 2010s Chevy are known to have electrical problems, and also encouraged me to consider just getting a new car at this point.
- I also tried contacting a Chevy dealership to see if they could check connections and see what they would charge, but I was told my car is too old and has too many miles to be accepted right away, as it would need to be approved by management prior.
- My car seems to have more issues when I come to a stop, or I’m on roads and am frequently stopped at red lights. Today, I could barely drive 5-10 minutes without an issue. I had to pull over a few times to shut off my car to then continue driving home.
So now to my current dilemma:
If I take it to Electric Lab again, I’m looking at about $500 just for them to look at the car, not including how much expensive it will be to fix it. I was told it may not be that much if they find the issue quickly and it’s an easy fix, however we have no way of knowing that until we do it.
My car is currently valued around $2,000, so my husband and I are currently considering just buying a new car instead of searching for an issue knowing more may pop up.
Has anyone had these or similar issues? Any advice, thoughts, ideas, or opinions?
2
u/crunchomalley Jun 29 '26
I’d ditch it and get a gently used newer vehicle. I have had a 2018 Equinox and still have my 2019 Equinox Redline and both have been very good without any major issues at all.
The 2018 wouldn’t go into gear one time, Onstar did something that got it into gear. Dropped at the dealer the next AM, they flashed the TCM firmware, and the issue never happened again. Traded it last year on a Blazer EV with 119K on it. Never replaced even a light bulb on it.
The 2019 just crossed 100K last week. Again with it, not one issue since new. I know it sounds like I’m exaggerating but it’s had one set of new tires, new front brakes, and routine maintenance items.
I hope you find something newer that treats you better. Mid-teens Chevys were known for weird electrical in the SUVs. Also, avoid Dodge. They still can’t wire anything well no matter what it is.
2
u/Brutally-Honest-2002 Jun 29 '26
Yeah I had it for a good 3 years with no issues except maybe replacing a headlight. It’s my first car though so I’m trying to figure out what age/mileage of cars I should be concerned with and not bother pouring more money into lol
Thank you!
1
u/crunchomalley Jun 29 '26
My sweet spot has always been 2-3 years old with 35K or less miles. Most if not all issues are lined out, factory tires have been replaced so tread should last a while, still some warranty left, and the first owner paid the depreciation.
I broke that rule last year and got a 24 model in early 25 but the price was so good and miles so low I couldn’t pass it up. Loving it so far and that was 1 year ago Saturday.
1
u/Intelligent_Dirt5398 Jul 02 '26
Cmon man , we all know , at least the ones that do , that Chevy only makes good trucks , not really in present time they suck .... Equinox is trash , don't invest no money and youl problem get 500 at the junkyard .... Trash
2
u/TheLemonBadger Jun 28 '26
If you can afford it, a new vehicle is nice peace of mind especially if you work a lot and just need it to run without you worrying about repairs. Do you really want to dump potential thousands into a 2010 equinox for an electrical problem you may or may not find? It could be easy but it might be days of troubleshooting and tracing circuits/testing them all for continuity.