Engine sputters...

[ViralVonDoom007]

Hello, I'm new here so...

I've been noticing engine sputtering when I first start my Sonic in the mornings. Most of the time it sputters on, and a rare couple times it shuts off. But it runs smoothly and normal though once running. I'm wondering if anybody else has this problem.

 

[Sonic]

A location and weather conditions would be helpful. There are a million things it could be.

 

[ViralVonDoom007]

Weather-wise it's just been very cold 32 or below and I'm in Utah. So mostly just desert conditions. Some snow and rain but nothing crazy, an inch or 2 at best. I can only think something mechanical or perhaps computer. Haven't done any crazy driving, I'm leisurely with my driving.

 

[doreo]

any mods to the car yet?

 

[SonicLTZ]

Weather-wise it's just been very cold 32 or below and I'm in Utah. So mostly just desert conditions. Some snow and rain but nothing crazy, an inch or 2 at best. I can only think something mechanical or perhaps computer. Haven't done any crazy driving, I'm leisurely with my driving.

I am in Utah as well (Salt Lake and commuting to Park City). Very cold this morning, but have not experienced any odd engine noises from my 1.4 engine. Almost 1K miles so far.

 

[ViralVonDoom007]

Nope, no mods. Still stock. Only had the car almost 2 months now. From what I've told by others I've asked locally, it sounds like the sensors of the engine.

 

[Chevrolet Customer Care]

Hello, I'm new here so...

I've been noticing engine sputtering when I first start my Sonic in the mornings. Most of the time it sputters on, and a rare couple times it shuts off. But it runs smoothly and normal though once running. I'm wondering if anybody else has this problem.

Hi ViralVonDoom007,

Welcome to the forum!

After checking the resources available to me, I'm not sure what the sputtering is related to. It could be one of many things. I recommend you contact your dealer for service to prevent any further issues if the problem continues.

Vanessa,
Chevrolet Customer Service

 

[BNRacing]

If you have a code scanner, scan for codes. Even though the CEL may not be on, it could still have codes stored in the ECM. If you don't have one, go to autozone- they will usually scan it for free. If the car isn't running right on start up but seems to run ok once it's warmed up, it could be something wrong with the evap purge solenoid. It's not exactly a rare problem on GM stuff. If you don't want to screw with it, take it to the dealer. If you do want to screw with it, scan it and see what the problem is and post back and I'll try to point you in the right direction.

 

[BoG233]

Nope, no mods. Still stock. Only had the car almost 2 months now. From what I've told by others I've asked locally, it sounds like the sensors of the engine.

You should take it to the deal have them check it out or at least make a note of the problem so if it gets worse latter on they will know when it started .

 

[wingman]

If you have a code scanner, scan for codes. Even though the CEL may not be on, it could still have codes stored in the ECM. If you don't have one, go to autozone- they will usually scan it for free. If the car isn't running right on start up but seems to run ok once it's warmed up, it could be something wrong with the evap purge solenoid. It's not exactly a rare problem on GM stuff. If you don't want to screw with it, take it to the dealer. If you do want to screw with it, scan it and see what the problem is and post back and I'll try to point you in the right direction.

Last time I tried that, they said they no longer provide free scans. But thats here in Cali, may be different in other states.

 

[vegas365]

Mine has done that that 3-4 times since I bought it in early October. I will mention it it when I bring it for service in the spring, not really worried about it

 

[ViralVonDoom007]

I've got it scheduled to get checked out by the dealer. Now, I'm wondering if the grade of gas could make a difference. I've been using the mid-grade gas till recently. I let the tank get close to empty and this time filled up with premium higher octane gas. The sputtering hasn't stopped but isn't as prominent or obvious as before.

 

[Chevrolet Customer Care]

Mine has done that that 3-4 times since I bought it in early October. I will mention it it when I bring it for service in the spring, not really worried about it

vegas365,
I would like you to keep me updated on this issue you are having. If you feel this happening more frequently I would suggest that you take your vehicle into your dealership for service before spring. If you have any further questions feel free to message me.
Thank you,
Stacy Chevrolet Customer Service

 

[Chevrolet Customer Care]

I've got it scheduled to get checked out by the dealer. Now, I'm wondering if the grade of gas could make a difference. I've been using the mid-grade gas till recently. I let the tank get close to empty and this time filled up with premium higher octane gas. The sputtering hasn't stopped but isn't as prominent or obvious as before.

ViralVonDoom007,
It is recommended that you use regular unleaded gasoline with a posted octane rating of 87 or higher. That information is found in your owner's manual on page 9-35, if you would like to read further about this. I would like you to keep me posted on the outcome of your appointment with your service center. If you have any further questions please feel free to message me.
Thank you,
Stacy Chevrolet Customer Service

 

[Mr4thQuarter]

same thing just happening to me. 1.8 auto. when i start it up. i just got off a 30min drive. when i shut off car, made weird sound, so i started it up again and it sputtered. its happened about 5 times now. starting to worry me.

 

[ViralVonDoom007]

Took in for its scheduled appointment, and all they did was put it through diagnostics and just cleaned the fuel injectors. That's it and told me to use 87 grade fuel which i already was. The car still shutters unfortunately after that. Don't think they ever scanned the codes. Only once so far has the engine light come on since then also. But otherwise the issue is unchanged. Will have them check it out again when i take it in for its oil change.

 

[ViralVonDoom007]

Had it scanned for codes, and all is fine I've been told. Ive been told bad gas, but can't be as I've been using gas with a 91 octane. Another potential problem could be a dirty or possibly dirty/defective spark plug. So it could be easy as maybe getting new plugs after I check on these, or just putting in some fuel cleaner. Lucas has been recommended.

 

[SonicChris]

Had it scanned for codes, and all is fine I've been told. Ive been told bad gas, but can't be as I've been using gas with a 91 octane. Another potential problem could be a dirty or possibly dirty/defective spark plug. So it could be easy as maybe getting new plugs after I check on these, or just putting in some fuel cleaner. Lucas has been recommended.

You may want to replace your fuel filter as well. If you got bad gas, it could be clogged.

 

[vegas365]

Took mine in today for both recalls as well as an oil change. I had them look into the stutterimg/sputtering issue, they could not find anything wrong. Hey if that is the one oddity it has I am OK with it, no big deal.

 

[cmoore2004]

If my brand new car sputtered, I'd have it fixed yesterday. There's no reason to accept a problem on a purchase that large, ever.

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