This page is meant to give a broad overview of the most common problems with the 2009 Chevy Equinox. This was the last model year of the first generation Equinox.
There have been no recalls issued on the ’09 Equinox, which is the second recall free year after the 2008 Equinox managed to make it without being called in by the NHTSA .
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Non-Drivetrain Related Problems
Biggest Issues With the 2009 Equinox
- Hesitation The 2009 Equinox has been known to have ignition issues. It’ll sputter and misfire. Replacing the plugs and wires will typically fix the problem, although a few of them are extremely tough to get to. Here’s a video on how to go through the entire plug swap.
- Airbag – A lot of people have reported issues with the airbag sensor not properly registering with the NHTSA. Always be careful when little ones are riding up front that the passenger airbag has been shut off.
- Torque Converter Stops Locking – The locking clutch on the torque converter is a known area of weakness with this transmission. It is well-known that the clutch is a little too small for many applications. More on this below.
- Power Door Locks – The power door locks have been known to work intermittently. The most common cause of this problem is the actuator.
2009 Equinox Engine Problems + Specs
The ’08 Equinox was available with one engine. It was the LNJ V6, which was a carryover from the previous model years. The motor was manufactured in China.
The power output of the LNJ V6 remained a respectable 185 hp at the rear wheels and 210 foot pounds of torque, which remains unchanged since it’s launch in 2005.
| 2009 Chevrolet Equinox Engine Specs | |
| Type | 3.4L V-6 |
| Block | Iron |
| Heads | Aluminum |
| Ignition | Coil on Plug |
| Fuel Delivery | Sequential Multi Port Fuel Injection |
| Horsepower | 185 @ 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 210 ft lb @ 3800 RPM |
| Compression | 9.5:1 |
Source: Edmunds
Misfiring
The number one issue with the 2009 Equinox engine is misfiring after an accumulation of mileage. Typically, new plugs, wires, and coils will cure the problem. It is a common enough problem to note and report for this model year.
2009 Equinox Transmission Problems + Info
The 08 Equinox was equipped with the Aisin AF33 transmission. It was made in China and found its way into not only General Motors vehicles, but also Volvo’s, Suzuki’s, Renault’s, and Nissan’s. There are no Equinox specific problems for this year, but the common problems with this transmission are listed below.
It is considered to be a fill for life transmission. That means that as long as it is operated under normal conditions, it will not require any transmission fluid change.
No Torque Converter Lock Up
The locking clutch on the torque converter is a known area of weakness with this transmission. It is well-known that the clutch is a little too small for many applications.
When the torque converter refuses to lock up gas mileage suffers. The vehicle will also travel down the highway at a higher RPM. If you ever drove an older American car with an automatic transmission, you’ll know the feeling. You hit the gas and the rpm rises, even though the transmission isn’t down shifting.
No Forward Gears at All
A surprisingly common problem with the AF33 is the loss of all forward gears at one time. This is usually caused by a loss in line pressure. Common causes of this problem include:
- Bad front pump
- Bad pressure regulator
- Valve body (valve stuck)
Fluid Leak
It’s common for any transmission to develop a leak with enough mileage under its belt. Some common areas that the Equinox’s transmission leaks:
- Pan gasket
- Torque converter hub
Faulty Solenoids
Solenoids are devices that are used to control the flow of transmission fluid throughout the transmission. There are many solenoids in the AF33. When one goes bad, the Equinox can not properly operate. A solenoid repair is not the most expensive repair. But, it can take some work to get to it.
Gear Ratios
The AF33 equipped in the 2009 Equinox has is not a true overdrive transmission. It’s final gear ratio is a 1:1 direct drive ratio. The necessary fuel economy is achieved through a very modest 2.48 final drive ratio.
| 2009 Equinox Gearing | 1ST | 2ND | 3RD | 4TH | 5TH | REVERSE |
| 4.58 | 2.98 | 1.95 | 1.32 | 1.00 | 5.02 |
Identification
If you’d like to confirm that the transmission in your Equinox is the AF33, go ahead and pop open the glove compartment. You’ll want to check out the RPO codes in the glove compartment. You’ll either have the FWD or AWD version of this transmission. Find these codes on the tag to tell you which one that you have. The AWD Equinox takes a one mpg hit from the driveline drag from four drive wheels.
- M09- Front Wheel Drive
- M45- All Wheel Drive
Drivetrain- Other
A/C Compressor– The A/C compressor on the 2009 Chevy Equinox is known to have a high failure rate, since these are 10+ year old vehicles now, it’s only more likely that it’s an issue that you may come across when owning or buying one.
NHTSA Recalls: 2009 Chevy Equinox
There were no recalls issued by the NHTSA for the 2009 Chevrolet Equinox.
If you are would like to schedule service for any recall, or confirm that they have been done, contact Chevrolet customer service at:
1-800-630-2438
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