problem

i have a 2008 equinox 3.4l , i live in ontario and just last week we had a bad cold spell, every time i started it is squiled alot, now today i noticed that some times when i try to start it it slow and my gauges dont go back and forth and sounds like a buzzing sound. my avg echo and km/l reset. could it be the battery or the alternator from the cold weather. how can i check them.
thanks
tom

Start by looking under the hood to see if all the pulleys and tensioner are turning/working.

First, check your battery connections, that they are clean and tight, and free of corrosion......if starter has never been touched, those connections should be ok, but you can grab the wires and gently see if they move....

Then attach a voltmeter to battery....fully charged, should measure 12.6 volts....crank the vehicle, should not drop below 10.0 volts.....if it drops below 10.0 volts and cranks slow, then try to start with a jump......if it cranks ok and starts with a jump, bring vehicle to normal operating temp.....now read voltmeter......should read around 13.0 volts.......now turn on blower on hi, rear defogger and lights......voltage may drop to around 12-12.6 volts....if it does, bring rpms up to 2000.....if voltage is now 13.0 or more, alternator is charging.....

If this is the case, your battery is 5 years old, and should be checked out......chances are it's on it's last legs......before a new battery is put in, the vehicle should be checked for a draw....