Coolant leaking

[ajw1275]

Has anyone have trouble with the coolant leaking on there sonics

 

[Chrish051873]

Didn't you just get a new engine, because of "paint" in the oil.

Take it back if you have coolant leaking.

Jeeez.

 

[ajw1275]

The dealer said it was paint so I got a new engine and there's a coolant leak because there's almost no coolant in the reservoir

 

[Smartdave]

I had coolant leaking from the thermostat housing. Everytime I got out of the car I smelt coolant. I could see puddles on my tranny. I got a new oring from the dealer for about $12.00. Super easy job and now no more coolant leak. I had about 38k miles on the car when this happened

Sent from my Q10 using Tapatalk 2

 

[sx sonic]

Are you seeing any puddles or a smell?

If It's just low there might have been a large airpocket in the system, very common after draining the coolant and replacing anything that has coolant in it. If the tech didn't bleed the system that would explain the low coolant.

 

[ahtoxa]

My water pump failed twice on the Sonic. Each time there was a coolant leak from the input shaft (I believe that's what the dealer said). There were no visible leaks and I assume the coolant was either blown off while driving or burned off when hitting hot exhaust or what not.

 

[Chevrolet Customer Care]

Hi ahtoxa

I am so sorry that you have experienced this repeated water pump issue. Have you spoken with a Customer Care Agent yet? If not maybe I can assist you. If you are interested in my assistance please send me a private message containing your VIN, current mileage and full name. I look forward to hearing from you

Jackie
Chevrolet Customer Care

 

[Chevrolet Customer Care]

I'm glad to know that your Sonic was an easy fix Smartdave. If anyone else would like assistance with this coolant issue I can help you as well. Just send me a private message with the information requested in my post above.

Jackie
Chevrolet Customer Care

 

[Natesriv]

where's the thermostat compared to the water pump. Mine's at the dealership today for a few drops of coolant on the driveway, coming from the belt area...I'm assuming water pump, but is the thermostat anywhere on that side?

 

[mitdr774]

Thermostat is on the back of the engine and the water pump is on the front. You can see the thermostat above the oil filter housing.

 

[Natesriv]

Thermostat is on the back of the engine and the water pump is on the front. You can see the thermostat above the oil filter housing.

ahhh..then it's my waterpump weeping fluid.. yippee!

 

[mitdr774]

I will change my water pump when I do the timing belt. Might have to do my thermostat sooner since it looks as though I am showing some seepage between the housing parts. Hurray for plastic and high coolant temps. Thanks GM for using an inferior part on a critical system of the car.

 

[Natesriv]

Seems that black plastic doesn't hold up well to heat & time

I had a 95 Ford Contour SE which had a water pump with that black plastic used for the impeller...the impeller plastic just fell apart and went kaput...So no leak, just no impeller turning, so no coolant flowing...just...boiling.
How did I know...oh yeah.. I had a temp gauge!

 

[mitdr774]

If it makes you feel any better BMW used plastic impellers as well. they suffered the same fate.

I do not know what our impeller is made of. The thermostat house sure does seem to be plastic though. I guess GM still has not learned about using plastic pieces in cooling systems. They have only been having issues with plastic parts failing since they started using them.

 

[Chevrolet Customer Care]

where's the thermostat compared to the water pump. Mine's at the dealership today for a few drops of coolant on the driveway, coming from the belt area...I'm assuming water pump, but is the thermostat anywhere on that side?

Hey There,

I am not able to offer any technical advice, but please feel free to follow up with us regarding your dealership visit. Please send us a private message if we can further assist you, we will be glad to document your feedback!

Kristen A.
Chevrolet Customer Care

 

[SuperFudd]

Our cooling systems must be "bullet proof". That would explain why GM has decided there is no reason to include a coolant temperature gauge in our Sonics.

 

[Papasonic]

Our cooling systems must be "bullet proof". That would explain why GM has decided there is no reason to include a coolant temperature gauge in our Sonics.

Yes, the fuel system must be marginal, because GM included a fuel gauge!
What more do we need?

The Sonic is definitely gauge deprived.

Missing Gauges:
1. Coolant Temp
2. Oil Press.
3. Volt or Ammeter
4. Boost (Turbo Engine)

On the plus side; we have an array of pretty colored lights that illuminate and or flash after the damage is done!

 

[mitdr774]

I understand the reason for no temp gauge. It is the same as why they just use a a H and C on temp gauges now. If customers knew how hot these engines run they would be going into the dealer all the time to complain about overheating.


For a long time most entry level cars have only had fuel, coolant, tachometer, and speedometer gauges in them. If you want oil pressure and voltmeter you need to step up a level or two or get a truck.

 

[Scott D]

I just got a 2014 sonic 1.8 mt. Drove off dealer lot and windows fogged up. Bad heater core. It leaked coolent all over the passenger floor. They just replaced it and didn't replace the carpet. Said it was made to absorb moisture. Also they used compressed air to blow out coolent from doors ect. In process I found droplets all over the back seats, headliner and headrests. They also scratched the dash and display screen doing it. Also scratched the paint washing it with brushes before I picked it up. Swirl scratches everywhere. Paid extra for the black metallic granite too. They won't fix that either. Super pissed to say the least.

 

[Papasonic]

It leaked coolent all over the passenger floor. They just replaced it and didn't replace the carpet. Said it was made to absorb moisture.

Are you serious, along with other damages, the dealer's service staff actually told you this?
You need to share the dealership name and city/state with this forum. We all need to know where not to purchase a new Chevy. Don't despair; there are Chevy customer service reps. monitoring various topics on this forum. They will be able to assist in resolving issues such as this. If they don't respond to this thread, you may use the private messaging feature to communicate with a representative directly.