Won't start after replacing the battery?

JACQULENE

MEMBER
2019 CHEVROLET EQUINOX
1.5L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
48,500 MILES

Changed battery and no start, change battery in the key bob still no start. Several dash lights on ABS, Traction Control, Check engine light, ext. Had a mechanic put a engine diagnostic tester on it, and it won't let the tester boot up to the ECM unit to read anything. Car is stuck in park, and won't shift, but tells you to put it in park, when it already is. The car keeps turning on the dash lights by itself.

Thursday, January 8th, 2026 AT 12:38 PM

1 Reply

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
54,475 POSTS

Hmm, it sounds like you had an electrical surge which can happen, so we need to check the fuses to the PCM. Also, lets check the ground wire from the battery to chassis, (smaller wire at the battery) Here is a guide to help you check the fuse which is located in the image below. Also, can you confirm the battery was not connected backwards? If so this can cause major issues.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/resolving-reverse-battery-connection-in-cars-a-step-by-step-repair-guide

Was there large sparks when the battery was connected? Lets run these checks first and get back to me :) Check out the images (below). Let us know how it goes, Ken

Image (Click to make bigger)