Buy Chevrolet Equinox Starter Motors

The starter motor-also called a starting motor, engine starter or crank motor-spins the Chevrolet Equinox's engine the very first moment you turn the key or push the button. It uses battery power to crank the crankshaft until fuel and spark take over. Without a healthy starter, the SUV will not run. The Equinox has been built every year since 2005, so different engines need slightly different starters, but the job they do is the same. Typical replacement costs range from about $470 to $800 for parts and labor. Many owners report clicking, grinding or no-crank problems when the unit begins to fail, and GM has issued bulletins that explain a few known causes. (HowStuffWorks, Wikipedia, RepairPal.com, YouTube, NHTSA)

A 12-volt battery feeds the starter solenoid. When you twist the ignition switch, the solenoid pushes a small gear (pinion) forward to mesh with the engine's flex-plate, then the motor spins that plate fast enough for combustion to start. Once the engine fires, the pinion pulls back so it is not damaged by the running engine. (HowStuffWorks)

• 2005-2009 models use a 3.4 L V6 starter. (Wikipedia)
• 2010-2017 models share a 2.4 L I4 starter or, on some trims, a 3.6 L V6 starter.
• 2018-2025 gasoline models use starters matched to 1.5 L or 2.0 L turbo engines.
• The 2024-25 Equinox EV does not use a traditional starter because electric motors turn the wheels directly. (MySA)

• Single loud click or rapid clicks but no crank. (YouTube)
• Slow cranking and dim dash lights. (HowStuffWorks)
• Grinding noise caused by worn pinion or damaged flex-plate teeth. (NHTSA)
• Intermittent "no-start" complaints in owner forums and reports. (CarComplaints.com)

Loose or corroded battery cables, especially the positive B + lead at the starter, can mimic a bad motor. GM bulletin 18-NA-161 notes that a shorted cable or a shield touching the terminal can stop the SUV from starting. (NHTSA)
Broken teeth on the flex-plate can let the starter spin without turning the engine, producing a grinding sound; bulletin 21-NA-276 covers this issue on 2019 models. (NHTSA)
Repeated oil leaks onto the housing can shorten starter life. Owner complaints from 2011 Equinox models list no-start faults around 63 k miles. (CarComplaints.com)

1. Check battery voltage first; it should read at least 12.4 V. (HowStuffWorks)
2. Inspect starter relay and fuses (K01 and K05) in the engine-bay fuse block. A diagram for 2019 models shows exact locations. (startmycar.com)
3. Have a helper turn the key while you tap the starter body with a light hammer-if it cranks, internal brushes may be worn. (YouTube)

A step-by-step video on a 2010-17 Equinox shows the whole removal: disconnect the battery, unbolt the heat shield, unplug the solenoid wire, remove two mounting bolts, drop the old unit, then reverse for install.
Always support the engine if you loosen any brace shared with the starter. Wear eye protection because rust flakes can fall when you lower the unit. (HowStuffWorks)

Tighten the two starter mounting bolts to 50 N·m (37 ft-lb) on first-generation 3.4 L models; the spec is similar for later engines. (JustAnswer)
The small nut that secures the battery cable to the solenoid should be 10 N·m (89 in-lb).

RepairPal lists an average total of $469-$802; parts run $325-$591, and labor adds $144-$211 depending on region. (RepairPal.com)
Most shops quote 1.3-2.0 hours book time, though corrosion can add extra minutes.

* Keep battery clamps tight and clean; GM specifies 7 N·m (62 in-lb). (NHTSA)
* Fix oil leaks quickly so oil does not soak the motor windings. (CarComplaints.com)
* If you hear grinding, stop and tow-continuing can strip the flex-plate. (NHTSA)

A 2019-20 Equinox recall warned that a fuel leak could ignite if a spark source such as the starter were nearby, so always check open recalls with the NHTSA tool. (gmauthority.com)
GM's starter cable bulletin advises replacing damaged cables and torquing new ones correctly to prevent engine stall or fire. (NHTSA)

The new Equinox EV uses a high-voltage drive motor and does not carry a 12-V starter; starting duties are handled electronically by the traction inverter. (MySA)

Old starters contain copper and steel that can be recycled. Many local scrapyards pay a small fee, and recycling keeps heavy metals out of landfills. (HowStuffWorks)

Q: Why does the starter just click?
A: Clicks usually mean low battery voltage or a bad solenoid contact. Try charging the battery first. (YouTube)

Q: Can I jump-start a bad starter?
A: Jump-starting only supplies extra current; if the internal windings or pinion are worn, it will still fail. (HowStuffWorks)

Q: Where is the starter relay?
A: In most 2018-24 models it's relay K01 (starter solenoid) in the under-hood fuse block. (startmycar.com)

Q: Does remote start hurt the starter motor?
A: No. The remote module uses the exact same circuit as the key; normal usage limits still apply. (HowStuffWorks)

Q: What if I hear grinding only sometimes?
A: Intermittent grinding points to worn flex-plate teeth. Inspect soon before costly damage spreads. (NHTSA)

Q: Is it safe to rebuild instead of replace?
A: Rebuilding is fine if the armature is good and parts are available, but replacement is faster for most do-it-yourselfers. (YouTube)

Q: How long should a factory starter last?
A: Many Equinox starters last 120,000-150,000 miles, but harsh climates or oil leaks can shorten life. (CarComplaints.com)

Q: Will a bad alternator kill the starter?
A: A failing alternator can drain the battery; repeated low-voltage cranking overheats the starter and shortens its life. (HowStuffWorks)