Two weeks later, it wouldn't start?

2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX
60,000 MILES • 3.0L • 4WD • AUTOMATIC • DIESEL
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ALEXBEL
  • MEMBER
  • 69 POSTS
Hello! I pulled into the garage and turned off the engine. Two weeks later, it wouldn't start. The battery is almost new; I removed the negative terminal cables, recharged it, and checked it. It's fine. When I turn the ignition on, all the dashboard lights are fine, the headlights are on, and I can hear the fuel pump running. The starter is dead; it won't turn over at all. There are no auto repair shops in my area. Could you please tell me how to get to the starter? What's the disassembly procedure?
2012 Chevrolet Equinox LT 3.0L AWD. VIN: 2GNFLNE54C6340967.
Aug 21, 2026 at 7:02 PM
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KRAKENAUTO
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 74 POSTS
Attached is the process to remove the starter.
Aug 22, 2026 at 12:54 PM
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ALEXBEL
  • MEMBER
  • 69 POSTS
Hi! Thanks for your help! Could you also send me the starter's electrical circuit diagram?
Aug 24, 2026 at 8:48 AM
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KRAKENAUTO
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 74 POSTS
Attached is the starting circuit.
Aug 25, 2026 at 6:05 PM
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ALEXBEL
  • MEMBER
  • 69 POSTS
Hi! I got lucky. It turned out to be easier than I thought. My partner tapped the starter solenoid housing with a hammer. I then turned the ignition on and the engine started. Then I started and stopped the engine five more times. So, my question is: is it possible to replace the solenoid without removing the starter? And does that require removing the left catalytic converter?
Aug 27, 2026 at 10:42 PM
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STRAILER
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,319 POSTS
It might be possible but they don't service starters like that anymore. Also, sometimes the brushes inside the motor part go bad and can cause this issue as well. I would replace the starter motor as a "unit" .
Aug 29, 2026 at 7:54 AM
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ALEXBEL
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  • 69 POSTS
Thank you!
Aug 30, 2026 at 7:32 AM
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STRAILER
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,319 POSTS
You are welcome :)
Aug 31, 2026 at 8:19 AM
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