I have a 2006 Equinox LT 139k miles I have had no heat and took it to a mechanic who replaced the intake manifold gasket. That did not work. I checked other forums and it seems like the Equinox has problems with the heater core. I have the same symptoms as mentioned in those threads. Smell antifreeze no heat, sounds like water running. I used copper sealant to hopefully correct the issue. However, now I have developed a bad leak under the driver side of the car. It runs hot while idling, took it to a mechanic who said it was a head gasket. Another mechanic told me that he has worked on equinoxes and he has never replaced a head gasket on one yet. Has anyone had this problem, can't afford to dump a lot of money into this car, and it is the only one we have

 

Quite a few people on here have said that they needed the head gasket(s) replaced. However, I've never seen an Equinox first-hand that had this issue. I'm convinced that lack of maintenance (e.g. not changing coolant, bad coolant lid, etc.) is a big factor in these major failures.

The intake gaskets in the 3400 in the Equinox/Torrent use a different design and are not failure prone unlike the other common 3400 used in numerous other GM models (e.g. Impala, Grand Am, Alero) so I'd question why the shop replaced them unless a leak was observed.

Assuming your Equinox was built in 2005, the coolant should've been changed nearly 5 years ago already. The lid on the reservoir should've also been tested and replaced if it wasn't holding pressure. The lid is cheap enough that I'd even suggest replacing it whenever the coolant is changed. As a matter of fact, that might be your issue. That's the only coolant leak that could come from the driver's side. If the cap is bad, it won't hold pressure. This means the coolant will boil within the cooling system; creating air bubbles and coolant will boil out through the overflow hose just under the cap. Air in the system can cause no heat because there's no coolant flowing through the heater core.

I'd replace the cap, bleed the cooling system, and see where you stand. I'm willing to bet the shop overlooked this.

 

Question for badkarma6. Did you get your problem with your equinox fixed? I'm curious because my wife's has been doing the same thing. The mechanic said it is probably a head gasket but I don't want to spend the money on it unless I'm sure. Thanks

 

Yes it was the head gasket, however i still believe i have a heater core issue. Smell antifreeze when car is on defrost, inside windows will not defrost, and stick residue on windows, but there is no wet spot on passenger side floor. Planning on getting this checked after i pay for the 1800 dollar head gasket issue

 

Did you ever find out if your heater core was an issue? I just had my head gaskets replaced a couple months ago and my car is overheating again. I hear water sloshing somewhere in my dash but not leaking inside my car. I am thinking my heater core is stopped up.

 

sloshing is a sign that the cooling system isn't completely full, top it off and check for leaks

 

Hello Brenda,

We’re sorry to hear that you’ve been experiencing this sloshing noise in your vehicle. Have you brought this concern to your dealership for assistance? If not, we’d be more than happy to help get you connected. If interested, please don’t hesitate to send us a private message with your VIN, mileage, contact information and dealer.

Helen
Chevrolet Customer Care

 

Yes we have topped off cooling system and can't find any leaks. Although I noticed some water in my passenger floor board today. I can't afford to take my car to the dealer. They are a ripoff. I have read up and this year model seems to have the same issues for everyone. A shame chevy won't do something. I have now dumped 1700 into this car. Besides if it was cooling system why am I hearing the water like it's in the dash?

 

the coolant flows throw the heater core inside your dash which is how you get heat into the cab.


If you have coolant on the floorboard most likely you have a leaking heater core. If its actual water it could be a plugged drain in the hvac case or an actual leak that water is getting into the car.