2019 Chevrolet Equinox — Transmission & Axle Gear Ratios

Transmission gear ratios

The 2019 Chevrolet Equinox offered a range of efficient and capable powertrains, each with a specific transmission designed to optimize performance and fuel economy. Below are the gear ratios for the automatic transmissions available in the 2019 Equinox.

6-Speed Automatic Transmission (Hydra-Matic 6T40/6T45)

This transmission was commonly paired with the 1.5L turbocharged engine, providing a good balance of performance and efficiency.

9-Speed Automatic Transmission (Hydra-Matic 9T50)

This advanced 9-speed transmission was typically found with the more powerful 2.0L turbocharged engine and the 1.6L turbodiesel engine, offering a wider spread of gears for improved acceleration and highway fuel economy.

Available axle ratios

The axle ratio plays a crucial role in how the engine's power is delivered to the wheels, influencing both acceleration and fuel efficiency. The 2019 Chevrolet Equinox offered different axle ratios depending on the engine, trim, and drivetrain (FWD or AWD) to suit various driving needs.

How to identify your axle ratio

For Chevrolet vehicles, including the Equinox, the easiest way to identify your vehicle's axle ratio is by checking the Service Parts Identification sticker, often referred to as the RPO (Regular Production Option) sticker. This sticker is typically located in one of the following places:

• Inside the glove compartment
• On the driver's side door jamb
• Under the trunk lid or cargo area floor

Look for a three-character RPO code that corresponds to the axle ratio. For example, "GU6" would indicate a 3.17 ratio. You can then cross-reference this code with an RPO decoder or the table above.

If the sticker is missing or unreadable, a dealership parts department can often provide the information using your VIN. More advanced methods involve physically inspecting the axle for a tag, although this is less common on modern unibody SUVs like the Equinox.

Towing vs MPG impact

The axle ratio has a direct and significant impact on your vehicle's performance characteristics:

• Numerically Lower Ratio (e.g., 2.89, 3.17): A lower numerical ratio means the engine turns fewer times for each rotation of the wheels. This results in better fuel economy because the engine operates at lower RPMs at cruising speeds. However, it also means less torque multiplication, leading to reduced towing capacity and slower acceleration.

• Numerically Higher Ratio (e.g., 3.50): A higher numerical ratio means the engine turns more times for each rotation of the wheels. This provides greater torque multiplication, resulting in improved towing capacity and quicker acceleration. The trade-off is that the engine will operate at higher RPMs at cruising speeds, which generally leads to lower fuel economy.

For the 2019 Equinox, the diesel engine with its 2.89 ratio prioritized fuel economy, while the 2.0L turbo with the 3.50 ratio was better suited for those who needed more towing capability and snappier acceleration.

Common issues

While the transmissions and axles in the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox are generally reliable, like all mechanical components, they can experience issues over time. Some common areas to be aware of include:

• Ring & Pinion Whine: This is often heard as a humming or whining noise that changes with vehicle speed and can be indicative of worn gears or incorrect backlash in the differential. It's more noticeable during acceleration or deceleration.

• Carrier Bearing Wear: The bearings that support the differential carrier can wear out, leading to growling noises, especially when turning or at certain speeds. If left unaddressed, this can lead to more significant differential damage.

• Limited-Slip Clutch Wear (if equipped): Some differentials may have limited-slip mechanisms to improve traction. Over time, the clutch packs in these units can wear, leading to chattering or clunking noises during turns, or a decrease in traction performance. Regular fluid changes with the correct friction modifiers are crucial for these systems.

Regular maintenance, including fluid checks and changes according to the manufacturer's schedule, can help prolong the life of these components and prevent premature wear.

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