Slow Acceleration

[12sonicltz]

I'm new to the forum and new to the sonic, as I just bought my 2012 Sonic LTZ a couple weeks ago. When I test drove it, it seemed to drive just fine, although I wasn't really pushing it. After purchasing the car I noticed a jerking when trying to pick up speed and a very slow acceleration. Also, that it wouldn't really pull a hill. Going uphill I couldn't pick up speed with my foot on the floor. A friend of mine has a '14 and said his turbo went out and his did the same thing, until he had the turbo replaced. I took it back to the dealer and told them what it was doing. Luckily it was still under warranty and they ended up replacing the plugs and coil pack. The jerking isn't there anymore, but it seems to be lacking power. Not sure if it is just the car, as I'm not used to a small car, or there could be something wrong. I'm sure there is probably a thread on here where somebody has had the same issue, but I couldn't seem to find it. It is a 2012 LTZ with the 1.4 turbo and 6 speed manual transmission. No codes are in the system either. Any suggestions would be a help.

 

[Natesriv]

what gear are you in for power. 4th is the sweet gear. Trying to go fast up a hill in 6th or even 5th...me'h.

A scan gauge can give you boost readings I think... if it's below 10 at WOT there may be something there to look at.....

 

[skurtov]

Might be worth looking for boost leaks. Easy way is to feed a trace vapor into the system and see where it comes out. Also a chance that your boost valve isn't properly sealing.

 

[12sonicltz]

I haven't really tried different gears for climbing hills yet. Like I said I'm new to the car and still trying to figure it out. Haven't had anything this small for 10 years. I thought when they had it in the shop they would've checked the boost levels (since I did tell them I thought it was turbo related), but it's probably worth checking into. This is my first turbo engine I've ever had, so I'm still learning it.

 

[skurtov]

I haven't really tried different gears for climbing hills yet. Like I said I'm new to the car and still trying to figure it out. Haven't had anything this small for 10 years. I thought when they had it in the shop they would've checked the boost levels (since I did tell them I thought it was turbo related), but it's probably worth checking into. This is my first turbo engine I've ever had, so I'm still learning it.

Peak torque starts at 2500RPM's and starts dropping off at around 4500. You want to be in that range if you're accelerating. This is a 1.4l engine, its small, downshift to get it into its ideal power bands.

 

[pljenkins]

As stated earlier, this car isn't exactly a powerhouse and the turbo won't really do much for you below 2500 RPM, though personally I've found it starts picking up around 2000. In any event, do not attempt to climb a West Virginia hill in anything higher than 4th unless you're above 55mph (you won't be for long, then downshift to 4th).

With a properly operating turbo, she will pull real nice in 4th (or 3rd if you're climbing a real steep one).

Also, not sure what the temps are out by you, but you'll find that if it's above 90 degrees and especially if you have the air on, it really tanks the performance.

 

[EyeluvSmegma]

Torque pro app and a smartphone helps a lot. $5 vs a scanguage. Will give you boost level highest as well as vacuum.