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2020 Equinox 1.5T Transmission Shifting Hard and Delayed Engagement

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Sarah K. · rep 0 · May 22, 2:32 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2020 Chevrolet Equinox LT

I'm experiencing some concerning transmission issues with my 2020 Chevrolet Equinox LT, which has the 1.5L turbocharged engine and the 6-speed automatic transmission. It has about 60,000 miles on it.

The main problem is a noticeable delay when shifting from Park into Drive or Reverse. After the delay, it engages with a distinct jolt or clunk. Additionally, during normal driving, some of the shifts feel very harsh, particularly the 2nd to 3rd gear upshift. It's not consistent, but it happens frequently enough to be worrying.

There's no check engine light on, and no other warning lights are illuminated. I haven't noticed any slipping, just the hard shifts and delayed engagement. Has anyone else with a 2020 Equinox experienced this, and what might be the cause?

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 2:32 AM

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Delayed engagement and harsh shifting are common complaints that can stem from several areas within an automatic transmission. While no check engine light is present, it's crucial to address these symptoms to prevent potential long-term damage.

Common Causes for Transmission Issues:

  • Low or Contaminated Transmission Fluid: Insufficient fluid levels or old, degraded fluid can lead to poor hydraulic pressure and lubrication, causing hard shifts and delays.
  • Transmission Control Module (TCM) Issues: The TCM, which controls shift points and pressures, can sometimes develop software glitches or internal failures.
  • Worn Solenoids: The solenoids within the transmission valve body regulate fluid flow to engage gears. If they are sticking or failing, shifts can become erratic or harsh.
  • Valve Body Problems: The valve body itself can have internal wear or blockages, leading to improper fluid routing and pressure.
  • Internal Wear: Less common at 60,000 miles, but internal clutch pack wear or other mechanical issues can also contribute.

Troubleshooting Steps:

  1. Check Transmission Fluid: This is the first and easiest step. Consult your owner's manual for the correct procedure to check the transmission fluid level and condition. Ensure the vehicle is at the correct operating temperature and on a level surface. Look for proper level, color (should be reddish, not dark brown or black), and smell (burnt smell indicates serious issues).
  2. Scan for Pending Codes: Even without a check engine light, a more advanced OBD-II scanner can sometimes pull 'pending' or 'history' codes related to the transmission control module (TCM) that haven't yet triggered the dash light.
  3. Reset Adaptive Learning: Sometimes, the transmission's adaptive learning values can become skewed. A dealership or a shop with advanced diagnostic tools can reset these values, allowing the transmission to 're-learn' optimal shift patterns.

When to See a Shop: If the transmission fluid level and condition are good, and resetting adaptive learning doesn't resolve the issue, it's imperative to have your Equinox inspected by a qualified transmission specialist. They can perform more in-depth diagnostics, including pressure tests, solenoid checks, and potentially inspect the valve body. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to more severe and costly transmission repairs down the line.

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