Engine hesitation and slow acceleration are two of the most frustrating problems you can deal with when your vehicle is getting older. The Chevy Equinox not accelerating issue is frustrating and it could often cause you to stall the vehicle. The issue might seem harmless, but it is not ideal when driving in urban traffic.
The most common reason for your Chevy Equinox not accelerating is an issue with the air filter and fuel filter. These two components are often joined by the Mass Airflow Filter (MAF), which could be clogged or dirty. The issues would hamper clean air and adequate fuel from reaching the combustion chamber.
While the obvious solution is to visit your mechanic and have them give the car a thorough inspection, there are a few things at home you could consider looking at. Having driven a few Chevrolet models, we could find the various issues that often cause a lack of acceleration or hesitation.
Why Is My Chevy Equinox Not Accelerating?
Starting from the most common to the least common causes for the lack of acceleration in the Chevy Equinox, we will show you which components could be hampering your performance. The following issues are common in older models of the Equinox, but with simple fixes, you should quickly be back on the road and driving.
1. Clogged Fuel/ Air Filters
Problem: Your vehicle will have a variety of filters in the engine. These filters weed out some of the harmful contaminants, preventing them from making their way to the combustion chamber. If you don’t clean the air filter or when you use poor-quality fuel products, you could be left with air and fuel filters, which are clogged.
Solution: The upside to this problem is that you can fix it at home and it should not cost you a cent. Unless the filter is damaged in any way, you can easily remove both these filters and clean them annually with a basic brush or even some water. After allowing them to dry thoroughly, you should have optimal performance back.
2. Mass Airflow Filter (MAF)
Problem: The Mass Airflow Filter is one of the most important components and serves the purpose of stemming any releases of harmful contaminants into the atmosphere. It should ensure that your vehicle does not pollute the environment, but will also contribute to power delivery. A dirty MAF sensor would reduce the power output of your vehicle significantly.
Solution: While cleaning the MAF is possible at home, you should focus on using a delicate touch. Unfortunately, the sensor is very sensitive and might even break when you touch the component. You can buy some MAF cleaner products and this spray would help to eat away at some of the dirt, which is clogging the MAF.
3. Throttle Body Issues
Problem: The Throttle Body is one of the other important components and can be damaged in two ways. Your throttle body could be dirty due to a variety of contaminants, or the sensor might be faulty. The faulty sensor would not allow the valve to open adequately to allow the fuel to pass and could result in the engine jerking.
Solution: The Throttle body issue is often visible due to a code on the dashboard. Once you use your code scanner, you could find the P0120 to P0124 codes on the scanner, which would indicate that the throttle body is having some issues. I don’t recommend trying to fix the component at home and visiting your Chevrolet dealership is often the best.
4. Damaged Or Dirty Spark Plug
Problem: The spark plugs are low on the list, even though it is one of the common reasons for your vehicle struggling to accelerate. However, the spark plug is a common problem in all vehicles and it is often one of the easiest to fix. Either your spark plugs might be damaged with the blown fuses, which limits the ability to create a spark or it might be dirty.
Solution: We all know the fix for spark plugs and since these components are cheap and readily available, you can easily buy a new spark plug. Spark plugs are very easy to fit your Chevy Equinox and might also be one of the Chevy Equinox’s common problems if you are ever dealing with significant engine problems.
5. Transmission/Gearbox Failure
Problem: The gearbox or transmission is responsible for keeping the vehicle in the optimal gear to propel you forward. The transmission would select the right gear and keep the engine revs from spiking, which could damage the engine. You could notice a stutter or even lagging when it comes to your gearbox failing.
Solution: The transmission and gearbox are two of the most expensive components to replace. However, both of these components are extremely vital and you should consider having an accredited mechanic assist you. Fortunately, the reports of gearbox issues in the Chevy Equinox are only at around 90,000 miles.
Chevy Equinox Recalls
Unfortunately, there have been a variety of recalls when it comes to Chevy Equinox. If you are in the market for a new car, you should consider avoiding some of these models if you possibly can. However, some of these recalls are for only minor issues.
- 2022/23 Equinox: Defective seat frames, which may have loose bolts
- 2021 Equinox: Defective issues on the models released with Hankook tires
- 2020 Equinox: Incorrect brake caliper lubricant on the brakes
- 2018 Equinox: Missing bolts on Start/Stop Accumulator
- 2019 Equinox: Improperly designed fuel tank seal, which could come loose
- 2014/15 Equinox: Problem with corroding ball joints in the windshield wiper module
When it comes to the Chevy Equinox, you might think there are hundreds of recalls. However, all manufacturers have yearly recalls for common issues on certain vehicles. Bear in mind that none of these issues make the vehicle undrivable.
FAQ
Why Is My Chevy Equinox Not Accelerating When I Press The Gas?
If the problem you are facing with your equinox is hesitation or even slow acceleration, you could be dealing with dirty filters. Most vehicles have a variety of filters, which could be holding the car back significantly. The best practice would be to take out the fuel and air filter to clean them and all problems should subside.
Why Is My Chevy Equinox Losing Power?
Fuel is the main component that propels your vehicle forward and it should reach the combustion chamber in the right quantities. If you are dealing with a lack of power, you could have a dirty fuel filter. However, the fuel pump might also be problematic and cause the vehicle to be slow.
