Why is my chevy equinox instrument cluster not working?

You'll need to be a bit more specific about what's not working on Your instrument cluster in Your Chevrolet Equinox. For example, are we talking about just a few warning lights not working If that's the case, it can usually be attributed to a burnt bulb. If there's an individual gauge which isn't functioning properly, such as the coolant, gas, or oil pressure, then it's likely going to be a failure with that gauge or the wiring going to it. Note that the speedometer often uses an actual cable, so if that's not working, the cable may be broken, or a gear may be stripped. Now, if none of the gauges work and You've got nothing displayed on the cluster, it's likely going to be a blown fuse, or, much more rarely, a defect console. If the gauges sort of seem to work, but are erratic, this points more to the voltage regulator for the panel. If You see all the gauges sitting statically at the highest possible value, this points to a wiring problem or the VR again. If You turn Your key and there's additionally no evidence of Your car trying to start, then You've got a dead battery, and that's why You see nothing on Your instrument cluster.