I have a 2005 Equinox, was driving down the road at around 70mph when suddenly lost power. I looked at the dash and noticed the traction control light was on. Pulled off the road and tried to restart and it won't crank. Has anyone else had this issue? Had to have it towed but haven't had a chance to have it looked at by a mechanic.

 

I had the same thing happen to me. I just bought the 05 equinox a week and a half ago. I felt like it needed a computer because of how the dash warning lights were coming on, then it would die. I bought an ecm, which I'm pretty sure is the same thing as a pcm, which I know some were faulty in that year. I put it in yesterday. Then today the traction control light came on while I was driving, and it died. I put a referbished computer in yesterday. I'm so bummed.

 

I had the same thing happen to me. I just bought the 05 equinox a week and a half ago. I felt like it needed a computer because of how the dash warning lights were coming on, then it would die. I bought an ecm, which I'm pretty sure is the same thing as a pcm, which I know some were faulty in that year. I put it in yesterday. Then today the traction control light came on while I was driving, and it died. I put a referbished computer in yesterday. I'm so bummed. Does anybody think the referbished computer could be bad too? Or have any other ideas?

 

Jamie,
My problem turned out to be an easy fix, my husband checked several fuses and found one had blown. I am not sure which one it was, but I am sure you can get a tester to find out. Hopefully this is is what is wrong with yours.

 

A PCM (powertrain control module) controls the engine and transmission, whereas an ECM (engine control module) only controls the engine. The 2005 Equinox uses an ECM and a separate TCM (transmission control module).

I doubt the ECM was bad to begin with. They rarely fail in the Equinox.The ABS or traction control being disabled is often a telltale sign of a power failure. Unfortunately, the way most modern vehicles are configured, this often occurs long before you see a battery light or low voltage warning.

I would have your battery and alternator tested if you haven't already done so. Also check the integrity of all main power and ground cables & connections. The 2005-2006 Equinox still used a side terminal battery, so make sure the terminals are clean and tight.

 

weimymom, thank you. I'm not sure what it needs. It starts again after it dies. I had the codes scanned, then deleted, then it died again, twice. It's stressful, lol.