Car shaking while idle

[pounamu]

Hi everyone,
Wasn't sure where this belonged, so I'm posting it here for now. I've had my 2013 Sonic for a couple months now, and I love it so far. There's one issue though that alarmed me. It happens sporadically, and only happened a few times , but: sometimes the car shakes when it's idling at a red light. I noticed that this only happens in the morning, during the first 5 minutes or so after start up. I don't think I remember it happening in other situations, but it doesn't mean it won't. The car shakes a few times and stops. Is this a well known issue? Is it the breaks, or something else? I wonder if I should go and have it looked at now, or just wait a few months for my scheduled oil change, and have the dealership take a look.

Thanks!

 

[sx sonic]

You have an.......... automatic?

If so it could be a programming issue, if irc the trans is supposed to go into neutral at a stop. If it does not make the transition properly the extra "unaccounted" load will make the engine shake.

 

[pounamu]

SX Sonic, yes, I have an auto 2013 hatch (orange, like yours

 

[Chevrolet Customer Care]

Hey pomanu! Please let me know when you decide to take your Sonic in. I would like to schedule an appointment for someone from our Technical Assistance Team to be present at your dealership to look into this. The best way to reach me is always by email or private message.

Jackie
Chevrolet Customer Care
socialmedia@gm.com
(be sure to add attn:Jackie)

 

[pounamu]

Thank you Jackie, I will definitely let you know.

I also saw this thread:
http://www.sonicownersforum.com/forum/general-discussion/9727-2-months.html

Looks like I'm not the only one - could it be the uneven spark plug gaps?

 

[lattyd]

I had the occasional shaking /stuttering while idle when I first got my sonic as well..... regapped my plugs to .028 and it cleared right up (1.4T)

Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk 2

 

[davecerv]

Ahh yesss! I've been wanting to post about this but I keep waiting to see if it keeps doing it since I'm barely at 7something thousand miles. When I try to record video of what happens it doesn't do it of course haha.

 

[Luv2xlr8]

Ihave the same issue, 1.8 auto 2012. Currently have 73,000km( you do the math for miles) lol

 

[sx sonic]

Thank you Jackie, I will definitely let you know.

I also saw this thread:
http://www.sonicownersforum.com/forum/general-discussion/9727-2-months.html

Looks like I'm not the only one - could it be the uneven spark plug gaps?

Improper plug gaps could be the culprit (recommended is .028 for the 1.4t and .035 for the 1.8)

You could also be subject to improper trans programming, there was a bulletin for a few cars.

 

[dan_s2k]

I have the same problem with my gf 2012 auto 1.8 sonic. The dealer said 3 time no check engine they can't do anything -_-

Envoyé de mon Nexus 4 en utilisant Tapatalk

 

[Luv2xlr8]

Improper plug gaps could be the culprit (recommended is .028 for the 1.4t and .035 for the 1.8)

You could also be subject to improper trans programming, there was a bulletin for a few cars.

Can you explain the improper trans programming, reason I ask is because I get the 2nd to 3rd gear change like its a clutch slipping. It'll change gear but it will rev a up right before it changes. This is in my 1.8 auto.

Or if there is a thread please tell me which one.

 

[sx sonic]

There's a thread on it, don't recall which one thou.

 

[davecerv]

Is it true that dealers just do basic work (rotations/oil etc.) on saturdays and are not able to check an idle issue?? That's what they told me this past weekend when I went for a tire rotation. I think that's bs.

 

[sx sonic]

Is it true that dealers just do basic work (rotations/oil etc.) on saturdays and are not able to check an idle issue?? That's what they told me this past weekend when I went for a tire rotation. I think that's bs.

Definitely not, all the dealers I've worked at did oil changes whenever. Many times they would squeeze in a waiter oil change/basic maintenance if there was an opening in the shops schedule (as in someone showing up without an appointment and waiting for the car to be finished).

If there was not an opening they'd set up an appointment for the customer on a later day.

 

[davecerv]

Definitely not, all the dealers I've worked at did oil changes whenever. Many times they would squeeze in a waiter oil change/basic maintenance if there was an opening in the shops schedule (as in someone showing up without an appointment and waiting for the car to be finished).

If there was not an opening they'd set up an appointment for the customer on a later day.

Ohh so they would have someone to check out my idle concern if I set up an appointment for a saturday? I know my idle could be smoother. There is a significant difference when I move it from neutral to drive. I park hundreds of cars a day and none feel like my sonic does at idle.
I can live with it but would be nice if it can be smoothed out. Or should I call my other nearest dealer?

 

[Chevrolet Customer Care]

davecerv,

All dealerships are not the same, they are independently owned. You would have to know the amount of technician they have available, volume, and other factors. If you would like, I can call your dealership and inquire.

Erica Tiffany
Chevrolet Customer Care

 

[sx sonic]

I just reread your previous post, I'd misinterpreted it.

They may not have anyone available for diagnosis on Saturdays. Most dealerships service department are closed on Saturday so their particular setup is entirely up to them.

 

[davecerv]

I just reread your previous post, I'd misinterpreted it.

They may not have anyone available for diagnosis on Saturdays. Most dealerships service department are closed on Saturday so their particular setup is entirely up to them.

Ahh that sucks. Oh well opcorn:

 

[Sonicnw]

If your a/c or defrost is on that will add a load to the engine. May show as a slight vibration at idle.. mine does it. Could be normalised

 

[davecerv]

If your a/c or defrost is on that will add a load to the engine. May show as a slight vibration at idle.. mine does it. Could be normalised

I know…but I don't have any of those things on 98% of the time :sadbanana:
Sometimes I feel like I should get on another Sonic to see if it feels like mine. Like rent one or get together with someone else here in Houston to see how their Sonic acts.