Leaking antifreeze?

[thatchickk]

I noticed about a week ago that there was a puddle of antifreeze under my car. Checked the level and it was low (of course), so I filled it up. Noticed again today that my level is low and theres more antifreeze on the ground. Popped the hood and tried to see if there was any leaks I could see, but no such luck. Has anyone else had problems with their sonic leaking antifreeze? I'm bringing her to the dealer tomorrow and hoping that if anythings wrong, its covered under warranty!

 

[ColonelPanic]

Many, many of us here have had problems with coolant loss/leaks/smells/etc... It happens. Far too often.

Water pumps are a good choice for a primary suspect. Check around the left side of the engine from top to bottom, perhaps you'll see a few stray drops. On mine, they accumulated on the engine cradle and splash shield, also coolant would also run down the oil pan. After replacing the water pump it has been fine so far, but I'm only 6k or so into the replacement so we'll see...

It should be covered under warranty.

 

[thatchickk]

I looked to see if there was anything in the engine cradle, didn't see anything.

This is the first problem I've had with my car. I love my sonic, so I'm really hoping this isn't the first of many problems to occur.

Many, many of us here have had problems with coolant loss/leaks/smells/etc... It happens. Far too often.

Water pumps are a good choice for a primary suspect. Check around the left side of the engine from top to bottom, perhaps you'll see a few stray drops. On mine, they accumulated on the engine cradle and splash shield, also coolant would also run down the oil pan. After replacing the water pump it has been fine so far, but I'm only 6k or so into the replacement so we'll see...

It should be covered under warranty.

 

[xsonicLTZx]

I believe there was also a "T" section were the over flow bottle connected,on the left side of the motor, as you face the car which could of also been a suspect of a leak. Its talked about on another "Leaking coolant thread".

 

[thatchickk]

Okay thanks.

I believe there was also a "T" section were the over flow bottle connected,on the left side of the motor, as you face the car which could of also been a suspect of a leak. Its talked about on another "Leaking coolant thread".

 

[ahtoxa]

Statistically, with the Sonic, it is most likely to be the water pump.

 

[Natesriv]

I'd say waterpump, I just had mine replaced. It had leaked a small puddle on the garage floor.
Looking on the passenger side I saw a very small amount of coolant...so you may have a hard time seeing it on your car...it may simply be a small enough leak that it's just getting heat dried up..
I'd definitely take it back to the dealership for service though. A small leak can lead to a big leak...and bigger problems.

 

[Chevrolet Customer Care]

Hi thatchickk,

I'm sorry to hear that you have experienced this concern with your Sonic. I understand that you are taking your vehicle to the dealership tomorrow in order for it to be properly diagnosed. Please feel free to follow up with us regarding your dealership visit. We will be glad to document any feedback you may have. If our assistance is needed, we can be reached via private message. Please include your full contact information, VIN, current mileage, and preferred dealership if our assistance is needed.

Kristen A.
Chevrolet Customer Care

 

[Luv2xlr8]

I'm wondering if I have a small leak as well but don't notice due to my belly pan covering under my engine. I think I will take it off for a while and see if I have one.

 

[SuperFudd]

Hi thatchickk,

Which engine do you have?

 

[ShadowRS]

Yea mine was leaking on the T connector part. Seems to be just a fluke though

 

[thatchickk]

So I took it to the dealer and they couldn't figure out where the leak is.. They put black light dye in the coolant and want me to come back Monday or Tuesday so they can shine a light under the hood and see where it's coming from.. Thankfully it's going to be covered under warranty no matter what it is!

 

[thatchickk]

I have a 1.8L

Hi thatchickk,

Which engine do you have?

 

[69thunderbird]

resolved?

So I took it to the dealer and they couldn't figure out where the leak is.. They put black light dye in the coolant and want me to come back Monday or Tuesday so they can shine a light under the hood and see where it's coming from.. Thankfully it's going to be covered under warranty no matter what it is!

did the dealer resolve your problem?

 

[Luv2xlr8]

I just went to the dealer today after last week they put in the dye and today they couldn't find any leaks. This is just weird how no one can't find this disappearing coolant.

 

[Chevrolet Customer Care]

Hey Luv2xlr8,

I understand that the dealership was not able to duplicate your concern. Please feel free to contact us regarding your dealership visit. I will be glad to document your feedback within our system. Please send a private message with your full name, VIN, and involved dealership if any extra assistance is needed. Thank you.

Kristen A.
Chevrolet Customer Care

 

[69thunderbird]

heater blowing cool air at idle

i didn't notice antifreeze was leaking but was told to check fluid level for lack of heat/hot air at idle, it was low. turns out it was a leaky water pump which is a very common problem on sonics. hope this helps!!

moderator closed it out my thread before i could state what solution was

 

[Swordsmith]

So is this problem covered by the powertrain warranty or just the bumper to bumper one? I have no real interest in going in to the dealer for a problem that isn't covered since I'm over the 36K miles, but I'd be happy to do so if it is.

 

[Chevrolet Customer Care]

Hi Swordsmith,

It is best that your vehicle is properly diagnosed in order to know which warranty the repair can possibly fall under. If you do decide to the dealership for your concern feel free to contact us via private message. We will be glad to assist with your concern. Thank you.

Kristen A.
Chevrolet Customer Care

 

[thatchickk]

did the dealer resolve your problem?

Going Saturday to get it fixed. Hopefully. They had to order the part and it took a while to come in. Hopefully it's fixed the problem. If not, they said they would try something else.