Car sometimes has rough idle and lurching motion.

[Stubzug]

Every now and then at a stop, the car will get a jumpy rough idle. Sometimes it's so bad the car will lurch like the engine has a misfire, or the transmission is trying to grip or something.

I've had this car since 2015, and it has always had this problem. I took it to the dealer when I first bought it and they of course couldn't recreate the issue to diagnose. Wondering if anyone on here has any idea.

There's also a rancid chemical smell that I get every now and then. The car has always had this issue, so they might be related. The dealer also could not recreate it to diagnose. (Big suprise.)

 

[SuperSonic15]

Welcome to the party...

http://www.sonicownersforum.com/forum/maintenance-care/9814-car-shaking-while-idle.html

I have the same issue. Doesn't seem to happen as often as others. I figured it occurred when I didn't let the car warm up. Not the case. Random. I don't think a sufficient answer has resulted yet.

 

[wpgsonic]

I have the rough idle and lurching problem as well.When the car is stopped in traffic at a red light,I find you have to press the brake pedal very hard all the way or the lurching problem happens.

 

[LizzyTheLez]

Every now and then at a stop, the car will get a jumpy rough idle. Sometimes it's so bad the car will lurch like the engine has a misfire, or the transmission is trying to grip or something.

I've had this car since 2015, and it has always had this problem. I took it to the dealer when I first bought it and they of course couldn't recreate the issue to diagnose. Wondering if anyone on here has any idea.

There's also a rancid chemical smell that I get every now and then. The car has always had this issue, so they might be related. The dealer also could not recreate it to diagnose. (Big suprise.)

I have a 2012 LTZ auto and it does the same thing only at a red light. It is not every times, more when I dont drive mine for a few days. Once I drive it, it only happens at the first few lights then stops.
Also have taken it in the shop a few times to let them know and see if they could find out what was going on. Of course they could not recreate the problem.

 

[wpgsonic]

I have the same problem too.I own a 2014 and it just started getting real bad the last month or so.No help from dealer either,told me unless a check engine light comes on there is not much they are willing to do.

 

[carsNskis]

I would start trouble shooting with the intake manifold and throttle body. If the check ball is missing or the throttle body is dirty that could cause idle issues.

Check your plugs. See if there's any misfire codes indicating a failing coil pack.

[emoji593][emoji809][emoji472]

 

[SuperFudd]

Mine (1.8L) did that a few times in the first 1000 miles but not since.

 

[Pirate Luke]

Most likely solution (for future readers that end up here): http://www.sonicownersforum.com/forum/1-4l-turbo-sonic-engine-discussion/23255-rough-idle-gear-while-stopped.html

This post is simply to provide someone else who ends up here for a rough idle a place to go where similar issues were had and a solution was found. In addition, the entire PCV system explanation is linked helping provide further understanding/knowledge about our engine.

 

[gnonne]

This reminds me - its time to run some fuel system cleaner through the Sonics now that we are back to summer blend fuel.

 

[jdchin87]

Most likely solution (for future readers that end up here): http://www.sonicownersforum.com/forum/1-4l-turbo-sonic-engine-discussion/23255-rough-idle-gear-while-stopped.html

This post is simply to provide someone else who ends up here for a rough idle a place to go where similar issues were had and a solution was found. In addition, the entire PCV system explanation is linked helping provide further understanding/knowledge about our engine.

sorry if this sounds dumb, but would that solution apply to 1.8L engine?

 

[Pirate Luke]

sorry if this sounds dumb, but would that solution apply to 1.8L engine?

Sorry, that solution is 1.4L turbo engine specific.

 

[Onslow]

I had this issue. Pretty awful. Coil pack replacement fixed it. About $110 part but I paid a lot more for mechanic to test and validate this was the problem + installation labor.

 

[jpls27]

I have a 2012 Sonic LS (1.8L) with around 60K. Got the intermittent rough idle and lurching, but no codes. Service department at dealer could not duplicate. I installed a new coil pack (aftermarket Duralast C1646). So far, so good.

 

[JTee2017]

I have a 2012 Sonic LS (1.8L) with around 60K. Got the intermittent rough idle and lurching, but no codes. Service department at dealer could not duplicate. I installed a new coil pack (aftermarket Duralast C1646). So far, so good.

What??? Coil pack fixed it and dealer service found "no codes" "? !

There should have been numerous misfires. Maybe they do not know how to look for pending codes or you just got a lazy tech.

 

[jpls27]

Good looking Sonic JTee! Yes, strange about the no codes. Glad it turned out this way. It was kind of fun doing the coil pack install. Earlier in the year I replaced the A/C and heater control switch panel. Other than those parts it has been just routine maintenance stuff for 8 years.

 

[TitanBlue]

I also experienced lurching and slight miss. I bought my 2016 just 2 weeks ago. Changed plugs but broke end of one of the coils. Ran good enough. Bought a Delphi brand coil for $69 and it is smooth as can be. Have not noticed any lurching since then, but will pay attention for that once more. Engine is impressively quiet for a 4 cylinder after plugs and coil. I'm liking our "new car"!

 

[hazelwood garage]

2012 lurching,

my non turbo 2012 Sonic with 220 thousand miles stumbles a little at 60miles an hour, but not at stop signs, but when i fill it, it dosent like to start sometimes and I have to spin the motor over more than usual, when it does start it coughs and sputters for a short time then its ok, it dosent do that if I only fill it half way, anyone have any problems like that?

 

[JTee2017]

my non turbo 2012 Sonic with 220 thousand miles stumbles a little at 60miles an hour, but not at stop signs, but when i fill it, it dosent like to start sometimes and I have to spin the motor over more than usual, when it does start it coughs and sputters for a short time then its ok, it dosent do that if I only fill it half way, anyone have any problems like that?

It may be the Emission Purge Solenoid located near the firewall on the passenger side of the engine bay.

It is a common failure and easily replaced in 5 or 10 minutes.
The part costs usually around $30 to $40 or less depending if OEM or a cheap aftermarket part.

 

[Gobinator98]

It may be the Emission Purge Solenoid located near the firewall on the passenger side of the engine bay.

It is a common failure and easily replaced in 5 or 10 minutes.
The part costs usually around $30 to $40 or less depending if OEM or a cheap aftermarket part.

No it’s not that. The only way it could be that is if he had the code P0496. The only reason I know that is because I’ve had to replace it 2 times within the last three years. And that’s with buying the Bosch oem one on Amazon for $20.

His problem is with the solenoid/canister by the gas tank. Continually “topping off” the gas tank will cause raw gas to enter the canister, ruining it and possibly the solenoid.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[JTee2017]

Yes . . am aware of that.
FYI .. . there are the two solenoids that can cause his issue.
And each can start to fail . .. with NO error code and cause a hard start after fill up.

These purge solenoids also exhibit the same symptoms in many brands of cars and trucks the past several years. Not just Sonics.

Only after they usually fail completely will they usually set a code.

And I too have replaced the solenoids on our daughters 2014 Sonic.
We have two Sonics in the family.