Trouble codes › By vehicle › Chevrolet Equinox
Common check-engine codes on the Chevrolet Equinox
2010-2023
The 2010-2017 Equinox with the 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder is known for oil consumption, which leads to stretched timing chains and misfires. The 3.0L and 3.6L V6s share GM's timing chain codes (P0008, P0016, P0017).
Most common: P0016, P0008, P0300, P0521, P0171, P0420.
Known problems on the Chevrolet Equinox
- GM 3.6L V6 timing chain stretch (P0008, P0016, P0017, P0019)
- GM 2.4L Ecotec oil consumption and timing chain wear (P0016, P0017, P0008, P0300)
P0016 Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A)
P0016 means the crankshaft and bank 1 intake camshaft signals are out of step, often a stretched timing chain or a stuck cam phaser.
On the Chevrolet Equinox: On the 2.4L Ecotec, cam/crank correlation codes (P0016, P0017, P0008) are a well-known sign of timing chain stretch, often caused by low oil from oil consumption. Check the oil level often, and check for GM service bulletins and any special coverage for your VIN.
P0016: causes, can I keep driving, and what to check first →
P0008 Engine Position System Performance (Bank 1)
P0008 means bank 1's camshafts have drifted out of time with the crankshaft, most often from stretched timing chains (well known on GM 3.6L V6 engines).
On the Chevrolet Equinox: Engine position system performance on the V6 and 2.4L: usually stretched timing chains. GM has specific diagnostic procedures for P0008 and P0009.
P0008: causes, can I keep driving, and what to check first →
P0300 Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected
P0300 means the engine is misfiring in more than one cylinder, often from worn plugs or coils, a vacuum leak or low fuel pressure.
On the Chevrolet Equinox: Misfires on the 2.4L are often linked to oil consumption (fouled plugs). GM issued bulletins and piston ring repairs for some 2010-2013 engines.
P0300: causes, can I keep driving, and what to check first →
P0521 Engine Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch "A" Range/Performance
P0521 means the oil pressure reading doesn't make sense for how the engine is running; check the oil level and have real pressure tested.
On the Chevrolet Equinox: Oil pressure sensor range codes: check the oil level first, since low oil is common on oil-burning 2.4L engines.
P0521: causes, can I keep driving, and what to check first →
P0171 System Too Lean (Bank 1)
P0171 means bank 1 is running lean (too much air or too little fuel), most often from a vacuum leak or a dirty MAF sensor.
On the Chevrolet Equinox: Lean: PCV system leaks or a dirty MAF sensor.
P0171: causes, can I keep driving, and what to check first →
P0420 Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)
P0420 means the catalytic converter on bank 1 isn't cleaning the exhaust well enough, usually a worn converter, an exhaust leak or a lazy oxygen sensor.
On the Chevrolet Equinox: Catalyst efficiency, often damaged by oil burning; fix the oil consumption first.
P0420: causes, can I keep driving, and what to check first →
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Common codes and known problems as widely reported for these model years; your vehicle may differ. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a dealer about service bulletins for your VIN, and confirm in your service information.