Chevy help with a used car with problems.

I purchased a 2010 used Chevy Equinox with 49,000 miles on it. $16,000 .As soon as I drove it off the lot and stopped, it started to idle funny. The car started shaking uncontrollably and the lights started to dim in time with the shaking. It felt like it was going to stall, so we gave it gas. It happened again that night, so we took it back in. This only happens while sitting that we've noticed. They still can't find a problem with it. Our salesmen said"it has an eco button on it, and that makes it do that" ???? Anyway, they will call me today later, and I'm not sure if this is something that I should take and hope it is OK. Or if I should give it back? Any idea what this might be, and why they can't find the problem? We have a powertrain warranty, but I hear it doesn't cover much if something should happen.

I purchased a 2010 used Chevy Equinox with 49,000 miles on it. $16,000 .As soon as I drove it off the lot and stopped, it started to idle funny. The car started shaking uncontrollably and the lights started to dim in time with the shaking. It felt like it was going to stall, so we gave it gas. It happened again that night, so we took it back in. This only happens while sitting that we've noticed. They still can't find a problem with it. Our salesmen said"it has an eco button on it, and that makes it do that" ???? Anyway, they will call me today later, and I'm not sure if this is something that I should take and hope it is OK. Or if I should give it back? Any idea what this might be, and why they can't find the problem? We have a powertrain warranty, but I hear it doesn't cover much if something should happen.


If they can't figure it out, and you are not comfortable with it. Give back and get something else. If you have and owners manual, it will describe the "Economy Mode" that the Eco button control. It basically make the PCM operate the vehicle in a more fuel efficient mode by control shift points, idle speed and various other parameters.

A GMtech. Is it possible that this is a major problem? I understand that in ECO mode, it shifts from 4 to 2 cylinders, but to start shaking and not having a consistent RMP and the lights are flickering seems wrong. I've had problems like this with other cars, and it was a EGR valve, alternator, etc stuff like that. We wont it as it seems like a good deal. I've never seen this year with 50,000 miles, clean as ever going for 15995. Then again, I have no idea if it's possible to turn back miles these days....

A GMtech. Is it possible that this is a major problem? I understand that in ECO mode, it shifts from 4 to 2 cylinders, but to start shaking and not having a consistent RMP and the lights are flickering seems wrong. I've had problems like this with other cars, and it was a EGR valve, alternator, etc stuff like that. We wont it as it seems like a good deal. I've never seen this year with 50,000 miles, clean as ever going for 15995. Then again, I have no idea if it's possible to turn back miles these days....

Whoever told you that the engine shuts down two cylinders is incorrect. The system changes shift points of the trans (upshifts earlier and downshifts later), The TCC engages earlier and stays on longer, the PCM more aggressively shuts off fuel on deceleration, and reduces idle speeds depending on what loads are on the engine.

If the "check engine" light came on, there should be a code stored. I doubt it's a major problem, but obviously cannot say for sure. There are issues with carbon build up and also clogged injectors causing rough idle problems with these engines.

Thanks. Yeah, the salesmen told me that. Obviously an idiot. He wouldn't even look at us after the sale was made. Actually, the engine light never went on. We just drove to a grocery store after we bought the car and in the parking lot, my 6 year old was asking why the car was shaking.You could really feel it under the driver's seat. Funny that you mentioned "Carbon build up". My Taurus did the same thing, and it was carbon build up and the EGR valve. Maybe I should call them up and let them know what you said. They said "since it's an ECO engine, a lot of mechanics don't know how to fix these, so we have to wait to get a certain person". For future reference, is there any way to preemptively reduce carbon build up or clogged injectors?

Thanks. Yeah, the salesmen told me that. Obviously an idiot. He wouldn't even look at us after the sale was made. Actually, the engine light never went on. We just drove to a grocery store after we bought the car and in the parking lot, my 6 year old was asking why the car was shaking.You could really feel it under the driver's seat. Funny that you mentioned "Carbon build up". My Taurus did the same thing, and it was carbon build up and the EGR valve. Maybe I should call them up and let them know what you said. They said "since it's an ECO engine, a lot of mechanics don't know how to fix these, so we have to wait to get a certain person". For future reference, is there any way to preemptively reduce carbon build up or clogged injectors?


There are several different fuel system cleaners that you can add to the tank to help reduce carbon build up. Seafoam seems to be the popular brand nowadays. Stop by most any parts stores and check them out, or do a online search to make a educated decision.

I have a question for you GM tech. They finally called us and said they didn't find anything wrong with our car. Then, they called back and said that they found that the oil was filled way over the line(they couldn't tell at first because it was clear)...they said that with this oil over the level, it could cause problems with the engine like idling and such. Does this sound plausible? They wound up draining the oil and filled it to it's proper level. They said we can pick up the car tomorrow. So what do you think? - Lance

I have a question for you GM tech. They finally called us and said they didn't find anything wrong with our car. Then, they called back and said that they found that the oil was filled way over the line(they couldn't tell at first because it was clear)...they said that with this oil over the level, it could cause problems with the engine like idling and such. Does this sound plausible? They wound up draining the oil and filled it to it's proper level. They said we can pick up the car tomorrow. So what do you think? - Lance

I don't believe this. I have worked with people in sales, and they will often do/say anything to preserve a sale, and avoid expenses.

Unless you saw the overfilled dipstick, this is just a line, imo. Overfilling the oil leads to oil leaks, but will not impair the function of the engine unless its causing hydraulic interference problems. It would take many, many extra quarts of oil to do this. It's simply unlikely any mechanic would screw up this badly.

I suggest you document these problems (time/date of occurence etc.) If you can, get a driving video recording app for your smartphone (if you have one) so you can record these occurences for evidence, if necessary.

Do some research for the consumer protection laws in your state.
http://www.ehow.com/list_6157441_consumer-laws-texas.html
https://www.oag.state.tx.us/consumer/index.shtml

Tell the dealer if this problem occurs again, you expect the dealer to fix it promptly, regardless of the warranty issues or else you will report this incident to the authorities and consult a lawyer.

Finally, be very clear that you will complain about your buying experience on the internet unless your demands are met. Don't discount this. In recent years, consumer generated reports and feedback have emerged as a very powerful threat against consumer sales firms.

Your car would have been sold as being fit for the road. But it obviously is not if it has stalling problems that the dealer refuses to fix. Such stalling is a serious safety hazard.( Imagine turning left at a traffic light,your engine dies and oncoming traffic hits you because you cannot get out of the way.)
This safety hazard is the basis for your legal recourse, if the dealer refuses to fix this for free.

If they do nothing, and you need a reliable car, you can pursue the warranty recourse. But you might find the powertrain warranty won't cover this problem, depending on the cause. You might be forced to pay another mechanic some money to diagnose and possibly fix this, then demand payment for this repair from the dealer.

Anyways, I hate to sound negative, but assume the dealer staff are a bunch of liars/crooks. Protect yourself and don't be afraid to play hardball on this if they give you the run-around.

Good luck

I have a question for you GM tech. They finally called us and said they didn't find anything wrong with our car. Then, they called back and said that they found that the oil was filled way over the line(they couldn't tell at first because it was clear)...they said that with this oil over the level, it could cause problems with the engine like idling and such. Does this sound plausible? They wound up draining the oil and filled it to it's proper level. They said we can pick up the car tomorrow. So what do you think? - Lance

Is this a new car dealership? Or a used car lot?

MagicRat makes several good points. If it were a oil level problem, it would need to be WAY overfilled, would probably smoke out the exhaust and the idle problem would happen all the time, not intermittently. If you are dead set on this car, document your issues as MagicRat stated...Good luck!