Chevy Equinox is a popular compact SUV available in the US market since 2005-onwards. Many people are looking for various engine parts that are compatible with its various models.
What Year Chevy Equinox Parts Are Interchangeable? You can interchange various parts of Chevy Equinox from 2005 to 2022. You can swap engine parts between 2013-2017 models with a 3.6-liter V6 engine. The suspension system, brakes, and body parts are compatible with 2005-2009, 2010-2017, and 2018-2022 variants. Electrical parts like alternators and starters are specific for engines, and stereo systems are specific for each model year.
Over the years, the company has made several changes and upgrades to meet the demands of consumers. We will discuss the criteria for its engine parts and explore their compatibility between different Chevy Equinox model years.
Criteria for interchangeable parts for different Chevy Equinox model years
Interchangeable parts are essential in the automotive industry because they allow easy repairs and replacements, regardless of the model year. However, you should apply specific criteria to find the best-suited part for your Chevy Equinox.
The parts must have the same size, shape, and design specifications. This means they must be physically identical to ensure they can fit seamlessly into the SUV without any modifications or adjustments. You can ensure that by matching the part number of the required component.
Secondly, the parts must have the same functionality to perform the same task and produce the same results as the original. For example, if you are replacing a brake pad for a 2010 variant, the replacement brake pad must have the same stopping power and durability as the original brake pad.
Thirdly, the parts must be compatible with the electrical and mechanical systems of your Chevy Equinox model year. This is particularly important for electronic components, where different model years and trim levels can have different wiring configurations or compatibility with the ECM.
Furthermore, they must meet safety standards and regulations set by governing bodies to ensure the vehicle’s and its passengers’ safety. It applies to parts such as airbags, seat belts, and brakes.
Chevy Equinox interchangeable parts
Here is the list of parts that you can use in different models of your Chevy Equinox. Following these guidelines will help you to find a compatible part to ensure easy replacement without any modifications.
Engine components
Most engine parts are compatible between the different model years within the same generation of Chevy Equinox. You can swap them with the 2005-2009 years in the first generation with a 3.4-liter V6 engine.
In the 2nd generation, you can swap the parts like spark plugs and other mechanical parts between the 2010-2011 and 2012-2017 variants having a 2.4-liter I4 engine. 3.6-liter V6 in 2013-2017 variants also have multiple compatible engine parts.
The 3rd generation has 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter I4 engines with turbochargers for the 2018-2022 and 2018-2020 years, respectively.
You can replace the turbocharger parts in the variants having the same engine options.
Some common components, including the air filter, oil filter, serpentine belt, and water pump, are identical in several model years, even with different engine options.
Suspension system
Suspension parts, including front struts and rear shocks, are interchangeable between all model years within the same generation.
Therefore, you can swap them in the 2005-2009, 2010-2017, and 2018-2022 model years. Other parts, like sway bar links to connect the sway bar to the suspension components and help reduce body roll during turns, are compatible with the 2010-2017 Chevy Equinox.
Similarly, you can also swap the control arms and ball joint assembly for the 2005-2009 and strut mounts for the 2018-2022 years.
Brakes
The front and rear brake parts, including pads and rotors, are interchangeable between different variants and generations of Chevy Equinox as long as their wheel dimensions match.
You can swap these parts in the 2005-2009, 2010-2017, and 2018-2022 model years.
Front brake calipers that are responsible for squeezing the brake pads are compatible with the 2010-2017 models of the SUV.
You can swap rear brake drums for the 2005-2009 variants. The brake hoses and lines for the flow of hydraulic fluid are similar in several variants from 2010-2022. There can be a few differences in trim levels in additional packages or special editions of the vehicle.
Body parts
Body parts mostly remain the same until the manufacturer introduces a body style change.
Moreover, the compatibility of body parts mostly depends on their physical dimensions and mounting brackets. Therefore, you can swap them between 2005-2009, 2010-2017, and 2018-2022 years with minor modifications in selective parts in some models.
For example, door handles and mirrors are interchangeable for the 2005-2009 Chevy Equinox. Other examples of compatible parts are fenders and headlights in the 2010-2017 models and taillights and bumpers for the 2018-2022 variants.
In addition, the front bumper cover for the 2006-2009 and 2010-2015 model years and the hood and fenders for the 2008-2009 years are interchangeable.
However, the hood, fenders, and doors are not compatible with the first and second-generation models.
Interior parts
Interior parts, such as the radio and climate control unit, are compatible between the 2005-2006, 2007-2009, 2010-2012, 2013-2017, and 2018-2022 years.
Other parts, like the dashboard and steering assembly, can be specific for each model year due to differences in their styling and wiring configurations.
The front seats are interchangeable within the same generation model years among 2005-2009, 2010-2017, and 2018-2022 variants.
However, there can be differences in seat configuration or features, such as heated or power-adjustable seats within a specific trim level. You have to do wiring modifications or disable some functions in case of a swap between them.
The same is true for rear seats, as you can swap them within same-generation models with the same features like fold-down configurations or heated seats. Moreover, you cannot swap them between 2nd and 3rd generation models because of body style changes and interior dimensions.
Electrical components
Electrical components are interchangeable between Chevy Equinox model years, having similar systems, wiring, and the same connector type.
For example, the alternator is responsible for charging the vehicle’s battery and providing power to the electrical system. It is specific for engine type and compatible between model years with the same engine option.
Therefore, you can swap them between the 2010-2017 model years with a 2.4-liter I4 engine.
Similarly, the 2013 Chevy Equinox starter motor with a 3.6-liter V6 engine works with a 2014 model with the same motor. The ECM from 2010-2017 models with the same engine and transmission as the original are compatible.
Power window switches are relatively simple electrical components that you can swap across multiple generations of the SUV.
Radio and infotainment systems vary widely between different years, with new features and trim levels of the Chevy Equinox every year. Therefore, you can swap them between the same model year with similar specifications.
Pros and cons of using interchangeable parts on Chevy Equinox
Many people replace various parts in their Chevy Equinox by using compatible parts from other models. However, it has a few pros and cons, and we have added these details here.
Pros
Interchangeable parts can often be less expensive than original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, and they can be easier to find, especially for older or less common variants.
Moreover, they are more readily available than OEM parts, as you can get them from various sources, including aftermarket manufacturers and salvage yards.
This can make it easier to find the parts to repair or maintain your Equinox, which can be especially important if you are in a hurry. If your vehicle is of an earlier model and the manufacturer has announced the end of support.
Using these parts will come in handy to maintain it or keep it functional. In addition, they can give you more options for customizing your SUV.
For example, you can upgrade to a more powerful or efficient engine or add performance-enhancing components like exhaust systems or air intakes.
Cons
Interchangeable parts are the used ones from previous models, meaning they will not last as long as new parts because they have elapsed a part of their useful life.
It can be particularly problematic for critical components like engines or transmissions, which require high-quality parts to function properly.
They will not always fit perfectly with your Chevy Equinox model, leading to compatibility or safety issues.
It is particularly true for parts like brakes, steering, and suspension components, which need to be precisely matched to your vehicle’s specifications to function safely.
Using non-OEM or parts from other models can potentially void your warranty, meaning you have to pay for any repairs that result from using them.
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