sonic purchase; prone problems

[vipertblck]

looking at a 2012 sonic I found. 4 cyl turbo auto car. LTZ package. has 114k on it, looks clean. belonged to a guys dad who has passed. what issues are there with these cars? I've never had one or worked on them. timing belt/chain, turbo problems, so on so forth. also at 114k what kinda things typically start failing on these?

i'm looking at it as basically, "what am I gonna have to fix if I get this thing".

 

[JTee2017]

looking at a 2012 sonic I found. 4 cyl turbo auto car. LTZ package. has 114k on it, looks clean. belonged to a guys dad who has passed. what issues are there with these cars? I've never had one or worked on them. timing belt/chain, turbo problems, so on so forth. also at 114k what kinda things typically start failing on these?

i'm looking at it as basically, "what am I gonna have to fix if I get this thing".

Read this thread. . . and ALL the links in it to get an understanding of the PCV path and system. Lot's of info and same engine as in Chevy Cruze.

http://www.sonicownersforum.com/forum/1-4l-turbo-sonic-engine-discussion/23441-psa-1-4l-pcv-system-maintenance-required.html

With that many miles, replace the intake manifold or at least check the PCV path and check valves. . yes two of them.

Other than that, check the water outlet for cracks. . . also the thermostat and hoses. Might replace the water pump as it can start leaking.

Oh. . drain and fill to Proper Level the automatic trans fluid if it has not been changed in 30,000 or 40,000 miles. Again. . . Youtube Cruze videos show how to do this. Easy if steps are observed. Drain and fill EXACTLY what you drain out. . . repeat Three Times. . . This is a very compact light duty auto trans. Fluid should be changed every 30K to 40Kiles. It gets black that quickly.

Search using Google>Sonicownersforum>1.4L

Read . . . read . . . read all that has to do with the 1.4L engine here and on the Cruze forum.

Be informed and proactive. Maintain things now before the engine blows a main seal, turbo damage, etc. $200 to $300 now will save you $$$$$ later.

I would also check/replace brake caliper/pads and a few other things. Read an online owners manual for +90,000 mile maintenance.

 

[TurtleOverlord]

Search using Google>Sonicownersforum>1.4L

More specifically, search using "site:sonicownersforum.com (search term)"

 

[vipertblck]

Read this thread. . . and ALL the links in it to get an understanding of the PCV path and system. Lot's of info and same engine as in Chevy Cruze.

http://www.sonicownersforum.com/forum/1-4l-turbo-sonic-engine-discussion/23441-psa-1-4l-pcv-system-maintenance-required.html

With that many miles, replace the intake manifold or at least check the PCV path and check valves. . yes two of them.

Other than that, check the water outlet for cracks. . . also the thermostat and hoses. Might replace the water pump as it can start leaking.

Oh. . drain and fill to Proper Level the automatic trans fluid if it has not been changed in 30,000 or 40,000 miles. Again. . . Youtube Cruze videos show how to do this. Easy if steps are observed. Drain and fill EXACTLY what you drain out. . . repeat Three Times. . . This is a very compact light duty auto trans. Fluid should be changed every 30K to 40Kiles. It gets black that quickly.

Search using Google>Sonicownersforum>1.4L

Read . . . read . . . read all that has to do with the 1.4L engine here and on the Cruze forum.

Be informed and proactive. Maintain things now before the engine blows a main seal, turbo damage, etc. $200 to $300 now will save you $$$$$ later.

I would also check/replace brake caliper/pads and a few other things. Read an online owners manual for +90,000 mile maintenance.

perfect thanks! sounds like the pcv and or manifold if it's dirty enough are items to replace. how bad is the water pump to r & r? also just drain and fill on the trans, no filters?

 

[JTee2017]

perfect thanks! sounds like the pcv and or manifold if it's dirty enough are items to replace. how bad is the water pump to r & r? also just drain and fill on the trans, no filters?

There is no user serviceable filter in the trans. do not worry about that. Look up youtube videos on hwo to drain and fill the Cruze or Sonic Automatic trans. Follow the procedure below. . . no sort cuts and do it 3 times.

The procedure is to drain and fill - -- - three times. I did it on a 2014 last Fall. Do this on a level surface after the fluid is hot . . about 20 minute drive will do.

Jack the front end up, remove the small drain plug on the bottom of trans, let the car down to level and about 5.3 quarts will drain out. Jack car up, install the drain plug. . fill exactly the amount that drained out. You can use the empty quart containers to fill with drained fluid and verify how much to put back in.


Start car up. Cycle slowly and pause 5 seconds or so in each gear . . . P R N D L. Do this 4 or 5 times. Drive the car a day or for a few hours, then repeat the drain fill again. Repeat the procedure and drive it again for a day or two. Drain and fill one more time. Then, after taking it for a drive, remove the side level check port bolt with the engine running.. You may have to remove the driver side tire. Then, make sure the car is level on a jack or jack stand.

Fluid should barely dribble out. Replace level check port bolt when fluid does not come out while engine is running and car is exactly level.

 

[Maddmatts]

Swaybar endlinks are a common replacement on all Sonics. They tend to lose all their grease and you'll hear rattling/clunking/popping sounds at low speeds.

 

[vipertblck]

how bad or buried are the water pumps on these turbo engines?

 

[Tormach]

how bad or buried are the water pumps on these turbo engines?

These (2) links will help. Its external on the passengers side with 10 bolts holding it in place but overall it doesnt look that difficult.

Chevrolet Sonic Repair Manual: Water Pump Pulley Replacement (LUV) - Coolant Pump - Engine Cooling - Engine - Powertrain
Chevrolet Sonic Repair Manual: Water Pump Replacement (LUV) - Coolant Pump - Engine Cooling - Engine - Powertrain

 

[Pirate Luke]

how bad or buried are the water pumps on these turbo engines?

It's not too difficult, but might require a little time. In addition to what Tormach shared, here is a decent step by step video. Hope it helps!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2G8t50_7A0s