2005 Chevy Equinox wouldn't drive or reverse and the check engine light came on. It was acting like the transmission blew

Check engine light come on steady or flashing ? Sounds like you have an ignition missfire -

Some problem in the valve body most likely. Do you get any fault codes when you scan the engine/transmission control module?

Sounds like the transmission is gone .Check the fluid level ,and sometimes the filters inside the transmission gets clogged up.have it checked by a qualified transmission mechanic.

Take to a qualified repair shop an have the vehicle checked for DTC'S - diagnostic trouble code ! Do you know what DTC'S are .

Check fuses if you haven't already. They are not all on the same fuse. There may also be an inline fuse. Check your bulbs. Both break lights are on the same circuit. It's possible both blew together.

Common problem probably a 4L60E transmission The low and reverse clutches are the same ones The forward clutches are another set and then there are the 3-4 clutches in another pack. So you probably burn out the forward clutches or could be a stuck valve in the valve body. Time for a transmission specialist.

CHEVROLET EQUINOX 2005 Safety Report #10128539 CHEVROLET EQUINOX 2005 car safety problem was reported on July 11, 2005.CHEVROLET EQUINOX 2005, manufactured by GENERAL MOTORS CORP. had a problem with POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION . PURCHASED 2005 CHEVY EQUINOX ON MAY 26 2005 HAVE HAD IT AT THE DEALER 5 TIMES IN THE PAST 47 DAYS 1ST THE SUNROOF STOPPED WORKING, THEN THE TRANSAXLE OVERHEATING LIGHT CAME ON GOT THOSE "REPAIRED" DIDN'T GET OFF THE DEALERS LOT AND THE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN THEY CHANGED SENSOR BROUGHT IT BACK THE NEXT DAY AND WAS TOLD THEY FOUND A CHAFFED WIRE IN THE MAIN HARNESS YESTERDAY I HAD IT TOWED IN AFTER ENGINE LIGHT AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON FELT LIKE WHEELS DIDN'T WANT TO TURN AND ON HILLS HAD NO POWER TO CLIMB I LIVE IN THE MOUNTAINS OF PA WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER CHEVY.Mileage was 2400 miles.Problem was reported in ALBRIGHTSVILLE, PA.
CHEVROLET EQUINOX 2005 Safety Report #10128539

run the fault codes
check that the camshafts are turning ( broken belt /chain)
check for failed crank/cam position sensor/s

needs a hub bearing

check the coolant temp sensor