Equinox Charging System Symptoms Point to Dying Battery

Had similar symptoms on my 2019 Chevy Trax diesel last month. When the voltage drop hits during starting, it's often more than just a bad battery. Did a full charging system test which revealed two issues: failing battery (couldn't hold proper charge) and a worn alternator that wasn't outputting correct voltage. Battery voltage was dropping below 10V during cranking, way too low for reliable starting. The flickering lights and dim headlights are classic signs of electrical problems in the charging circuit. Had to replace both the battery and alternator to fully resolve it. The original diagnosis missed the alternator issue because they only tested the battery. Quick tip: Get a proper voltage drop test across the whole charging system. Also check the battery cables and grounds, corroded connections can cause similar symptoms. These issues typically get worse in cold weather, so better to address them early. For your Equinox, since it's newer, start with having the battery health tested first, then move to alternator output testing if problems persist. This combination of symptoms usually points to more than just a single failing component.

Thanks for the detailed response. Your situation sounds exactly like what I'm experiencing with my Equinox. I ended up taking it to another shop yesterday, and they found both a failing voltage regulator and corroded battery terminals, pretty much matching your diagnosis. Quick question, roughly how much did the full repair cost you? I'm trying to budget for this fix. Also, has everything been running smoothly since your repair, or have you noticed any other electrical problems pop up? My battery voltage is also dropping really low during starting, looking like I might need the same combo fix you had. Definitely going to get that full system test you mentioned before committing to any repairs.

Good news on getting those issues sorted with your Equinox! I spent 290 on the battery replacement at the shop, which fixed the low voltage problems completely. The battery terminal corrosion was causing major voltage drop issues, but cleaning and proper connection made a huge difference. Been running perfectly since the fix, no more flickering dashboard lights or dim headlamps. The charging system is now maintaining proper voltage, and cold starts are strong again. The power supply stays stable even with all accessories running. The undervoltage detection warnings I was getting have totally disappeared. Looking back, the complete charging system diagnosis was worth every penny, helped identify the exact problem without replacing parts unnecessarily. Just make sure they test the whole system, not just throw parts at it. A failing battery combined with corroded terminals can create similar symptoms to alternator issues, but might not need the more expensive alternator replacement I initially went through.

Thanks everyone for the input. Finally got my Equinox back from the shop after dealing with these power issues. The full charging system diagnosis revealed both a failing voltage regulator and nasty battery terminal corrosion, exactly what several of you suspected. Total repair came to around €475 including parts and labor. They replaced the voltage regulator, cleaned up all the battery connections, and tested the alternator which thankfully was still good. The battery itself had enough life left once they sorted the other issues. The difference is night and day now. Engine starts strong, no more flickering lights, and the battery voltage stays steady even with all accessories running. Really glad I got that complete system check instead of just replacing the battery blindly like the first shop suggested. Lesson learned, when dealing with electrical problems, proper diagnosis beats guessing every time. The charging system is working perfectly now, and the mechanic showed me how to spot early signs of terminal corrosion to prevent future issues.