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2024 Chevy Equinox Seasonal Grille Cover Currently Under Constraint

Designed to keep prevent ice and moisture accumulation and keep the powertrain running at peak performance in cold temperatures, the 2024 Chevy Equinox’s Cold Air Grille Shutter also includes a detachable seasonal lower grille cover. Now, it appears as though the grille cover is currently under constraint.

GM Authority has learned that some 2024 Chevy Equinox units are being shipped without the seasonal lower grille cover that’s included with the Cold Air Grille Shutter (RPO code VRI) option. This feature is normally equipped as standard on all Equinox units ordered and shipped to northern U.S. states, including:

  • Alaska
  • Illinois
  • Iowa
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • North Dakota
  • South Dakota
  • Wisconsin

Side profile of 2024 Chevy Equinox.

In regard to all other U.S. states, the Cold Air Grille Shutter option – along with the seasonal lower grille cover – is included when the Engine Block Heater (RPO code K05) feature is checked off.

Moving forward, it’s unclear when the seasonal lower grille cover will become available again, and if buyers of Equinox units shipped without them will eventually receive the part. With that in mind, affected examples shipped without the feature will be tagged with RPO code R6I on the window sticker.

As a reminder, the 2024 Chevy Equinox is offered with just a single powertrain, namely the new-for-2023 turbocharged 1.5L I4 LSD gasoline engine, rated at 175 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. Notably, this engine replaced the turbocharged 1.5L I4 LYX gasoline engine, which was rated at 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque.

This output is directed to either a FWD or AWD configuration via the GM six-speed automatic transmission.

In regard to structure, the Equinox rides on the GM D2 platform, which it shares with the GMC Terrain and Buick Envision. Production currently takes place at the GM Ramos Arizpe plant and GM San Luis Potosí plant, both of which are located in Mexico.

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As a typical Florida Man, Trey is a certified GM nutjob who's obsessed with anything and everything Corvette-related.

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Comments

  1. IN 60+ years, I have NEVER heard of a “seasonal grille cover”. Really.

    Reply
    1. That is because it is on constraint!

      Reply
  2. Do like we used to, just put an old beer box in front of the rad.

    Reply
  3. I have one on my 2022 Equinox. I live in Michigan but have never used it and haven’t noticed any performance problems.

    Reply
  4. This is all do to the active shutters on previous vehicles not working properly . Great solution gm, just give everyone a 30 pk of your favorite beer and tape it on. Or wait for this cover to come in. Great fix it’s like how I cover my grill in the winter. Shows quality, for a fix for these little crappie engines

    Reply
  5. I don’t understand why this is needed. can’t cool engine enough in summer so to do it it is too cool in winter? engine can’t cope with cold air? seems like a poor design problem. my ’53 MG non-presurized system has no problem summer or winter. i did own a Simca ’59 model i think that did have thin plywood and mount to be used in winter. but why now??
    I know electrics are not any good once the weather gets cold…

    Reply
  6. This helps prevent the dreaded turbo freeze issue as it keeps very cold winter air from directly hitting the turbo intercooler behind the lower bumper grille, which then causes moisture to build in the air intake. Hot air going through the cooler from the turbo before it enters the engine gets cooled by this cooler. Warm air meeting cold air and moisture is the result inside the intake system. This is a much needed thing.

    Reply
  7. Thanks! That was very helpful. But why now? My Saturn Sky doesn’t need one and I have not heard of any other cars needing it. Am I mistaken?

    Reply
  8. I had a reduced power error this winter and took my 2020 equinox in and they gave me the grill cover. Apparently I had an ice build up.

    Reply

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