What is the problem?

Asked by Chelsea Jul 10, 2023 at 11:28 AM about the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I bought a rebuilt 2018 Chevy Equinox (86K miles at purchase, 90K now) and it
has started to go into limp mode. It will get me to a destination, but when I turn
the car on to leave a destination, it goes into limp mode. "Service ESC"
"Engine power reduced" and "traction control off" warnings pop up and the
car wont go over 15 mph. Sometimes, I can turn the car off and back on and
its normal again. Sometimes that doesn't work. Four mechanics have looked
at it and are at a loss. $250 for the chevy garage to say they think it may be the
timing chain, another $400 to confirm or not. Anyone else faced this issue?

1 Answer

158,465

First off the timing chain has absolutely nothing to do with the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) System! ESC helps you maintain control of the vehicle during hard maneuvering of the vehicle, such as to avoid an accident. This and the traction control systems work together. So if a problem is detected in one of the systems, both systems are disabled, and both lights come on. I believe the Antilock Braking System (ABS) is tied into this as well. I would first scan the computers for any trouble codes and go from there. Check all the wiring going to all 4 wheels. Make sure nothing is damaged and no wires are unplugged or have bare spots that could be shorting out. Do a live scan and see exactly what's going on when it goes into limp mode. Hope that helps! Jim

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