What is the problem?

Asked by Chelsea Jul 10, 2023 at 11:28 AM about the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I bought a rebuilt 2018 Chevy Equinox (86K miles at purchase, 90K now) and it
has started to go into limp mode. It will get me to a destination, but when I turn
the car on to leave a destination, it goes into limp mode. "Service ESC"
"Engine power reduced" and "traction control off" warnings pop up and the
car wont go over 15 mph. Sometimes, I can turn the car off and back on and
its normal again. Sometimes that doesn't work. Four mechanics have looked
at it and are at a loss. $250 for the chevy garage to say they think it may be the
timing chain, another $400 to confirm or not. Anyone else faced this issue?

1 Answer

157,575

First off the timing chain has absolutely nothing to do with the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) System! ESC helps you maintain control of the vehicle during hard maneuvering of the vehicle, such as to avoid an accident. This and the traction control systems work together. So if a problem is detected in one of the systems, both systems are disabled, and both lights come on. I believe the Antilock Braking System (ABS) is tied into this as well. I would first scan the computers for any trouble codes and go from there. Check all the wiring going to all 4 wheels. Make sure nothing is damaged and no wires are unplugged or have bare spots that could be shorting out. Do a live scan and see exactly what's going on when it goes into limp mode. Hope that helps! Jim

1 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

Equinox

Looking for a Used Equinox in your area?

CarGurus has 65,827 nationwide Equinox listings starting at $1,799.

ZIP:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

2018 Chevrolet Equinox

Review another car

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    David Scott
    Reputation
    3,160
  • #2
    GuruY6BYD
    Reputation
    3,100
  • #3
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    2,690
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Chevrolet Traverse
1,003 Great Deals out of 21,516 listings starting at $1,200
Used GMC Terrain
832 Great Deals out of 21,609 listings starting at $1,400
Used Chevrolet Blazer
742 Great Deals out of 18,858 listings starting at $2,995
Used Ford Escape
1,995 Great Deals out of 58,193 listings starting at $999
Used Honda CR-V
2,056 Great Deals out of 37,476 listings starting at $1,995
Used Chevrolet Trax
481 Great Deals out of 30,036 listings starting at $3,263
Used Toyota RAV4
2,000 Great Deals out of 33,701 listings starting at $2,000
Used Nissan Rogue
1,998 Great Deals out of 63,029 listings starting at $1,750
Used GMC Acadia
831 Great Deals out of 18,107 listings starting at $1,999
Used Ford Edge
1,483 Great Deals out of 26,868 listings starting at $1,799
Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
4,255 Great Deals out of 123,237 listings starting at $1,999
Used Chevrolet Malibu
987 Great Deals out of 24,327 listings starting at $600
Used Chevrolet Tahoe
1,301 Great Deals out of 35,052 listings starting at $1,550
Used Ford Explorer
2,295 Great Deals out of 56,506 listings starting at $1,950

Used Cars for Sale

2025 Chevrolet Equinox For Sale
7 Great Deals out of 35,088 listings starting at $24,245
2024 Chevrolet Equinox For Sale
171 Great Deals out of 4,072 listings starting at $18,245
2023 Chevrolet Equinox For Sale
226 Great Deals out of 3,162 listings starting at $14,400
2022 Chevrolet Equinox For Sale
363 Great Deals out of 5,459 listings starting at $11,999
2021 Chevrolet Equinox For Sale
316 Great Deals out of 4,206 listings starting at $9,450

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.