New battery new alternator - still won’t start

[FunkyMuffler512]

Howdy internet!

So I think I may have fucked up good this time. This all began back in July, I replaced my battery in my 2019 Chevy equinox. Had to jump it every time we started it for a short time (getting money together for repairs) to the point the battery was very near total failure. So we put in a new one, done. Figured the alternator would be next, so I started getting repair money for that together… took longer then expected or ideal but finally was able to get the new one about 10 days ago. In the time between the first two repairs, I started having an issue with my infotainment center not turning off when I turned the car off. It would run on and off all night long until the battery was dead, so I started pulling the fuse when we were home for the night. It was something I had to get used to doing so as a result we ended up jumping the car quite often so between that and the alternator failing - basically we tore that battery up. So I got another one - now both alternator and battery have been replaced within 3-4 days of each other. Guess what - car won’t start. Lights come on full brightness, horn honks, etc. the car is getting power. but wont start and does not make a clicking like repetitive as if when the battery is dead, there is one kind of tick sound and then nothing. Tried to jump it, nothing. Checked starter fuses, they are fine. I’ve been stranded sleeping in my car for several days at this point. Checked connections, got new terminals, tried remote start but that didn’t work either. Voltage to battery sits about 12.3 going up or down minimally but not under 12. What can I do or try? Was thinking it needs a new starter but don’t have the money and can’t make the money without a vehicle. Any suggestions are appreciated !

P.s. also wanted to mention that the motor for the back of the driver seat has stopped working with the seat completely laid down flat. My check engine light never turned off anfter first battery change annd shortly anfter I had to replace an headlight I had previously replaced about 6 months before and also a tail light went out. Replaced annd no problems since but happened within like a week of each other. Also my auto start stop feature never worked again after first battery replacement but I’m not mad about it. Just thought those may be good details to know!

 

[Hey Vern!]

Funky,

I am so sorry you are having these issues. Did you check all fuses or just the starter fuses? I would check the body control module fuses etc. When you press start without your foot on the brake pedal, does it light the amber light on the button and go into accessory mode? the repeated jump starts make me worry that it has caused damage to the ECM or BCM or maybe the wiring.

 

[Moonwink]

Have you ever had the codes scanned?

 

[bagbyjw]

Have you ever had the codes scanned?

Is that sorta like a cat scan hehehehe

 

[FunkyMuffler512]

Yes as of yesterday we have replaced the starter and it’s throwing the code for lost communication with battery monitor module

Have you ever had the codes scanned?

 

[FunkyMuffler512]

Is that sorta like a cat scan hehehehe

Alright meow this is serious!!! This has really purrrrsed in my cheerios

 

[FunkyMuffler512]

Funky,

I am so sorry you are having these issues. Did you check all fuses or just the starter fuses? I would check the body control module fuses etc. When you press start without your foot on the brake pedal, does it light the amber light on the button and go into accessory mode? the repeated jump starts make me worry that it has caused damage to the ECM or BCM or maybe the wiring.

That’s what I was thinking!!! Someone else made me feel silly for saying that. I’m going to check them now. My wife says we have a parasitic drain situation happening so we are also exploring that today.

 

[FunkyMuffler512]

Funky,

I am so sorry you are having these issues. Did you check all fuses or just the starter fuses? I would check the body control module fuses etc. When you press start without your foot on the brake pedal, does it light the amber light on the button and go into accessory mode? the repeated jump starts make me worry that it has caused damage to the ECM or BCM or maybe the wiring.

Also yes the amber light comes on. When I went to check for that the door chime was dinging way faster then it normally does when the driver door is open? Also we’ve been taking the negative terminal from the battery unless we’re trying to start it so that it doesn’t drain. Is that ok to do?

 

[Hey Vern!]

Also yes the amber light comes on. When I went to check for that the door chime was dinging way faster then it normally does when the driver door is open? Also we’ve been taking the negative terminal from the battery unless we’re trying to start it so that it doesn’t drain. Is that ok to do?

I don't see any problems doing that. It will reset everything, but I don't see it causing more damage.

 

[Hey Vern!]

The fast dinging when driver door is open usually means the headlight switch is on.

 

[Jbowling]

You may also check the break pedal position sensor located behind the brake pedal or gear switch sensor which I believe is attached the gear shift. I had a very similar issue and found the the wire coming from the alternator to the starter was loose and not allowing a good connection to the starter

 

[Quicknight]

Howdy internet!

So I think I may have fucked up good this time. This all began back in July, I replaced my battery in my 2019 Chevy equinox. Had to jump it every time we started it for a short time (getting money together for repairs) to the point the battery was very near total failure. So we put in a new one, done. Figured the alternator would be next, so I started getting repair money for that together… took longer then expected or ideal but finally was able to get the new one about 10 days ago. In the time between the first two repairs, I started having an issue with my infotainment center not turning off when I turned the car off. It would run on and off all night long until the battery was dead, so I started pulling the fuse when we were home for the night. It was something I had to get used to doing so as a result we ended up jumping the car quite often so between that and the alternator failing - basically we tore that battery up. So I got another one - now both alternator and battery have been replaced within 3-4 days of each other. Guess what - car won’t start. Lights come on full brightness, horn honks, etc. the car is getting power. but wont start and does not make a clicking like repetitive as if when the battery is dead, there is one kind of tick sound and then nothing. Tried to jump it, nothing. Checked starter fuses, they are fine. I’ve been stranded sleeping in my car for several days at this point. Checked connections, got new terminals, tried remote start but that didn’t work either. Voltage to battery sits about 12.3 going up or down minimally but not under 12. What can I do or try? Was thinking it needs a new starter but don’t have the money and can’t make the money without a vehicle. Any suggestions are appreciated !

P.s. also wanted to mention that the motor for the back of the driver seat has stopped working with the seat completely laid down flat. My check engine light never turned off anfter first battery change annd shortly anfter I had to replace an headlight I had previously replaced about 6 months before and also a tail light went out. Replaced annd no problems since but happened within like a week of each other. Also my auto start stop feature never worked again after first battery replacement but I’m not mad about it. Just thought those may be good details to know!

I have a 2019 Equinox Premier FWD Florida car that I brought back to Michigan. I'm having very similar issues with my car. I've had to jump start it twice in the last 2 weeks due to low battery. I figured it was just a 5 year old battery and the start of cold weather causing the issue. I took the car to a local O'Reilly Auto Parts store and they checked to battery, starter and alternator. All checked out as working normally. I have to start the car every day to keep the battery charged so I'm thinking there's a parasitic loss somewhere too. The screen sometimes starts glitching and scrolling and the only way I can make it stop is to stop and shut the car off and then restart and let the screen power up before shifting into gear. Very frustrating! Any thoughts? I have not had an OBD scan and am thinking that may be a good next step.

 

[ricklack]

I have a 2019 Equinox Premier FWD Florida car that I brought back to Michigan. I'm having very similar issues with my car. I've had to jump start it twice in the last 2 weeks due to low battery. I figured it was just a 5 year old battery and the start of cold weather causing the issue. I took the car to a local O'Reilly Auto Parts store and they checked to battery, starter and alternator. All checked out as working normally. I have to start the car every day to keep the battery charged so I'm thinking there's a parasitic loss somewhere too. The screen sometimes starts glitching and scrolling and the only way I can make it stop is to stop and shut the car off and then restart and let the screen power up before shifting into gear. Very frustrating! Any thoughts? I have not had an OBD scan and am thinking that may be a good next step.

Yes, a scan is always a good idea. when O'Reilly checked the battery, did they do a load test, or quick check? A load test is much more reliable. If your 2019 has original battery , you may want to replace it as most report the new batteries only last 3-5 years. Good luck.

 

[Quicknight]

Yes, a scan is always a good idea. when O'Reilly checked the battery, did they do a load test, or quick check? A load test is much more reliable. If your 2019 has original battery , you may want to replace it as most report the new batteries only last 3-5 years. Good luck.

Thanks for the feedback and I think you're right - I'm gonna replace the battery JIC and then see if anything else pops up. I'll report back to the forum after the battery has been replaced.