Jump-Starting Your 2017 Chevy Equinox: A No-Nonsense Guide

So, your 2017 Chevy Equinox is sitting there, stubbornly refusing to start. The culprit? Most likely a dead battery. Don’t panic! Jump-starting is a common and relatively straightforward procedure. Here’s how to bring your Equinox back to life, the right way.

Here’s the direct, comprehensive answer to how to jump-start a 2017 Chevy Equinox:

1. Gather Your Supplies: You’ll need a set of jumper cables and a working vehicle with a healthy battery, or a portable jump starter.
2. Position the Vehicles: Park the working vehicle close enough to the Equinox so that the jumper cables can reach both batteries. Crucially, ensure both vehicles are turned off and in Park (or Neutral for manual transmissions) with the parking brake engaged.
3. Connect the Positive Cables: Attach one red (positive) clamp to the positive (+) terminal on the dead battery of your Equinox. Then, connect the other red (positive) clamp to the positive (+) terminal on the working vehicle’s battery.
4. Connect the Negative Cable (Donor Vehicle): Attach one black (negative) clamp to the negative (-) terminal on the working vehicle’s battery.
5. Connect the Negative Cable (Equinox): This is important! Do NOT connect the remaining black (negative) clamp to the negative terminal of your Equinox’s battery. Instead, connect it to a clean, unpainted metal surface on the Equinox’s engine block or chassis, away from the battery, fuel lines, and moving parts. This helps ground the circuit and minimizes the risk of sparks igniting hydrogen gas that may have accumulated around the dead battery.
6. Start the Working Vehicle: Start the engine of the working vehicle and let it run for several minutes to charge the dead battery. Rev the engine slightly (around 1500-2000 RPM) to provide a stronger charge.
7. Attempt to Start the Equinox: Try to start your 2017 Chevy Equinox. If it starts, let it run for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the alternator to further recharge the battery. If it doesn’t start, wait a few more minutes and try again.
8. Disconnect the Cables: Once the Equinox is running, carefully disconnect the jumper cables in the reverse order that you connected them:
   • Remove the black (negative) clamp from the Equinox’s engine block or chassis.
   • Remove the black (negative) clamp from the working vehicle’s negative (-) terminal.
   • Remove the red (positive) clamp from the working vehicle’s positive (+) terminal.
   • Remove the red (positive) clamp from the Equinox’s positive (+) terminal.
9. Drive Your Equinox: After jump-starting, drive your Equinox for at least 30 minutes to allow the alternator to fully recharge the battery. If the battery is old or damaged, it may not hold a charge, and you may need to replace the battery entirely.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Jump-Starting a 2017 Chevy Equinox

H3: 1. What are the signs of a dead battery in my 2017 Chevy Equinox?

Several signs indicate a dead or dying battery. These include a slow engine crank when starting, dim headlights, the car failing to start at all, and the appearance of the battery warning light on the dashboard. You might also notice electrical issues like power windows operating slowly or the radio not working properly.

H3: 2. Where is the battery located in a 2017 Chevy Equinox?

The battery in a 2017 Chevy Equinox is located under the rear cargo area floor, on the driver’s side. You will need to lift the cargo floor to access it.

H3: 3. Can I jump-start my Equinox with a portable jump starter instead of another car?

Absolutely! Portable jump starters are a convenient and safe alternative to using another vehicle. Simply follow the instructions provided with your jump starter, connecting the positive and negative clamps to the corresponding terminals on your Equinox’s battery. Make sure the jump starter is fully charged before attempting to jump-start the vehicle.

H3: 4. Why is it important to connect the negative cable to the engine block instead of the battery?

Connecting the negative cable to the engine block or chassis, away from the battery, reduces the risk of sparking near the battery. A dead or discharged battery can release hydrogen gas, which is highly flammable. Sparks near the battery could ignite this gas, potentially causing an explosion. Using a grounded metal surface provides a safer path for the electrical current.

H3: 5. What if my Equinox still doesn’t start after jump-starting?

If your Equinox doesn’t start after jump-starting, there could be other underlying issues. The battery may be severely damaged and unable to hold a charge, or there could be a problem with the starter motor, alternator, or ignition system. In this case, it’s best to have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic.

H3: 6. How long should I let the working vehicle run to charge the dead battery?

Let the working vehicle run for at least 5-10 minutes to provide a sufficient charge to the dead battery. Revving the engine slightly (around 1500-2000 RPM) can help speed up the charging process.

H3: 7. Can jump-starting damage my 2017 Chevy Equinox’s electrical system?

While rare, improper jump-starting can potentially damage your vehicle’s electrical system. Reversing the polarity (connecting the cables to the wrong terminals) is the most common cause of damage. Always double-check the connections before starting the vehicles. Using a faulty or low-quality jump starter can also cause issues.

H3: 8. Should I replace my battery after a jump-start?

It depends. If your battery is relatively new and was simply drained due to leaving the lights on or another simple mistake, it may be fine after a thorough recharge. However, if the battery is old (3-5 years or more) or has been repeatedly drained, it’s likely nearing the end of its life and should be replaced. A weak battery can put extra strain on the alternator and other components, potentially leading to more problems down the road. Have your battery tested by a mechanic to determine its condition.

H3: 9. What is the correct battery for a 2017 Chevy Equinox?

The correct battery for a 2017 Chevy Equinox is typically a Group Size 47 (H5) or 48 (H6) AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) battery. However, always consult your owner’s manual or a trusted auto parts store to confirm the specific battery requirements for your vehicle’s engine and trim level. Using the wrong battery size or type can lead to performance issues or even damage.

H3: 10. How can I prevent my battery from dying in the future?

Several steps can help prevent your battery from dying:

• Turn off all lights and accessories when the engine is off.
• Avoid short trips, as they don’t allow the alternator enough time to fully recharge the battery.
• Regularly check the battery terminals for corrosion and clean them if necessary.
• Have your battery tested annually to assess its health.
• If you won’t be driving your Equinox for an extended period, use a battery tender or disconnect the negative battery cable.

H3: 11. What tools might be helpful to have on hand when jump-starting?

Besides jumper cables or a jump starter, having a few additional tools can make the process easier:

• Gloves: To protect your hands from dirt and potential battery acid.
• Safety glasses: To protect your eyes from sparks or debris.
• A wire brush: To clean corrosion from the battery terminals.
• A wrench: To loosen and tighten battery terminal clamps if necessary.

H3: 12. What is the average lifespan of a car battery in a 2017 Chevy Equinox?

The average lifespan of a car battery in a 2017 Chevy Equinox is typically 3 to 5 years. Factors like climate, driving habits, and the battery’s maintenance can affect its lifespan. Extreme temperatures (both hot and cold) can shorten a battery’s life.