I have developed a coolant drip that is on the right (passenger) end of the engine. I can see where it is dripping off, but I cannot find the source. I have checked all the hoses and they are dry. The highest place I can see the coolant pooling is on the ledge just above where the oil pan bolts on. Anybody experienced this, or have any suggestions of where it could be coming from? Thanks!
Coolant Leak
- Thread starter bodark
- Start date
ahtoxa
New member
First leak was at approx 12,000 miles and second leak was at approx. 22,000 miles. I'm at 30,500 now.
Still dealing with a small loss of coolant; dealer pressure tested twice but didn't fine anything else wrong. There are a few members here that are dealing with a gradual coolant loss even though there's no issue diagnosed.
Papasonic
Active member
Auto manufacturers have been building liquid cooled engines for over 100 years, and all of a sudden GM has lost the ability to figure out how to produce an engines' cooling system that can contain it's coolant for a reasonable duration of time/mileage. Come on GM engineering; you can do better than that! 
Obviously this isn't an isolated issue with the 1.4 engine, as numerous posts on this forum have described the same problem. Mine loses coolant and has an odor of coolant when warmed up, but so far hasn't produced a drip or puddle of coolant. Something else to look forward to!
Obviously this isn't an isolated issue with the 1.4 engine, as numerous posts on this forum have described the same problem. Mine loses coolant and has an odor of coolant when warmed up, but so far hasn't produced a drip or puddle of coolant. Something else to look forward to!
Last edited:
ColonelPanic
Banned
Water pump gave out on mine around 13k, coolant was dripping onto the oil pan and running off. Replaced under warranty, but I have a feeling it will not be the last replacement.
The 1.4L has a drinking problem, and I hope GM steps up and soon sends these engines to Dexcoolaholics Anonymous. Many of our cars need help, I know mine does...
The 1.4L has a drinking problem, and I hope GM steps up and soon sends these engines to Dexcoolaholics Anonymous. Many of our cars need help, I know mine does...
ahtoxa
New member
That's precisely my issue now after 2 pressure tests. Smell of coolant on the outside of car at times and very slow coolant loss - maybe a cup or so every 2-2.5k miles.
Papasonic
Active member
That's what mine does too. I just wish it would leak and get it over with. If I go in to get it resolved now; I would get the old "could not duplicate" rhetoric.
At least you have a visible leak, which is more than a lot of are experiencing. Mine just keeps disappearing without any signs. http://www.sonicownersforum.com/for...0544-disappearing-coolant-dealer-stumped.html
ahtoxa
New member
I'm glad that it's not me being insane and thinking I'm losing coolant when the dealer tells me otherwise based on their tests. But it also sucks that there are quite a few others experiencing this.
Frankly, I just hope to get to 100k miles with few issues, which is 3 more years for me. After that, the car will likely be traded in. Not that I don't like it, I just don't keep my cars that long.
Frankly, I just hope to get to 100k miles with few issues, which is 3 more years for me. After that, the car will likely be traded in. Not that I don't like it, I just don't keep my cars that long.
I was also slowly losing coolant before the leak became visible. I couldn't figure out where it was going, but I guess it was leaking very slowly from the water pump and evaporating before the engine cooled off. I am taking it to the dealer today. I am fortunate that I have a great dealer. Thanks for all your help.
Chevrolet Customer Care
New member
Bodark,
Please be sure to keep us posted once you return from the dealership. If you need any assistance while you are there, please do hesitate to reach out to us.
Erica Tiffany
Chevrolet Customer Care
Please be sure to keep us posted once you return from the dealership. If you need any assistance while you are there, please do hesitate to reach out to us.
Erica Tiffany
Chevrolet Customer Care
$ub$onic
The Sticker Guy
Just got back from the dealer and it is the water pump. It will take a week to get the part. I will keep driving it until then.
Erica.......thank you for being available to help if necessary. I am blessed to have a GREAT dealership. The dealership is HUG Chevrolet/GMC in Charleston, Arkansas. Please pass along my praise of this dealership to the appropriate people.
Erica.......thank you for being available to help if necessary. I am blessed to have a GREAT dealership. The dealership is HUG Chevrolet/GMC in Charleston, Arkansas. Please pass along my praise of this dealership to the appropriate people.
Chevrolet Customer Care
New member
Hi Bodark! You're welcome! We enjoy interacting with and assisting Sonic owners. We will pass along your positive feedback to the dealership!
Jackie
Chevrolet Customer Care
Jackie
Chevrolet Customer Care