Problems with unintended acceleration and buffeting

[Cyric]

I wasn't hysterical at any time during any of these events, nor did I realize that fear was an innappropriate reaction when your vehicle does something that it's not intended to do.

If you'd bothered to read the thread rather than crawl out from under your rock and shotgun a quick troll post, I've already covered most of your points.

The floor mats are clipped into the floor to prevent movement. The floor mats were secure in all 3 incidences.

I didn't use OnStar in any of these events. My family has plenty of experience with their poor service, and excessive wait times. I call GM roadside assist. They respond promptly. The only time I've used OnStar was when my car finally threw a check engine light due to an improperly seated plug after an oil change.

For the record, I do know how to put the car in neutral. Neutral won't help you when you are less than 15ft away from the car infront of you. At that point you use the e-brake. Neutral didn't help with the curb collision either, considering I didn't even have enough time to get onto the brake before hitting the curb.

You seem to be the hysterical one here, raving about how soft America is when you can't even practice the most basic of reading comprehension skills. The only thing soft here is the grey matter between your ears.

Any other moot points you care to make and have countered while I'm here?

 

[wingman]

^^^^Get him!!

 

[RKMBrown]

Have you had a chance to take it in for service again yet?

I just can't imagine what it would take for the automatic transmission, brakes, and gas pedal to suddenly take orders from an unknown poltergeist.

What could reproduce all of those symptoms at once I wonder?

Thinking out loud:
Assuming it's not all related to one problem... There was a recall to check for missing brake pads. Did they check that? Otherwise I would assume the only way the brakes would not work would be the abs kicking in, thus the squish to the floor. But if the wheels were not slipping... why would the abs kick in? With regard to poltergeist in the transmission flipping back and forth into reverse while driving... it has a manual mode select mode, do you use that? Just curious. With regard to the launch issues.. did you hit the cruise engage button accidentally?

Friendly advice on the driving... I wouldn't tailgate for a while, and I would keep my feet on the brake while in a parking lot

 

[Cyric]

The vehicle is at the dealership, where I hope it remains.

My best guess is a computer issue. I don't think it stems from a single source. The only recurring issues were the car accellerating on it's own, and the car occassionally reading that it was in reverse when it was actually in drive.

The cruise control question has come up a few times, but my car doesn't have the cruise control option, and I have yet to play with the manual mode, lol.

 

[Axela05]

The cruise control question has come up a few times, but my car doesn't have the cruise control option, and I have yet to play with the manual mode, lol.

Nor WILL you if you can wash your hands of the car, lol. Sorry, trying to add some comic relief for ya.

 

[PeteSkids]

My fiance had a similar issue with a Hyundai. It would downshift randomly while cursing. It wouldn't accelerate, just downshift and then after a few seconds shift back into high gear. She took it to the dealer she got it from (Fuccillo Hyundai/Kia, don't ever go to one) tree times and they told her the same kind of crap. I convinced her to go to another Hyundai dealer and they checked it out, found the issue and tried a fix. They also informed her that her car was the only one in America with her issue. The fix didn't work. Since she had just finished paying off the car, they gave her the choice of doing a warranty exchange on the tranny or trading it in for a new car. They offered a real good deal, so she got a new car. So if you haven't already, try going to another Chevy dealer and have a fresh set of mechanic eyeballs take a look at it. I know you have corporate involved so you may not want to bother, but worst case, nothing changes.

 

[gsxr1000]

OP are you in a hilly environment, could this be the hill assist?

Is the sonic automatic shifter fly by wire?

Hill assit only applys the brakes during a stop on a stick shift... it sounds to be a automatic since on a clutch most would have food on clutch pulling into a parking spot

 

[Aldakoopa]

I just can't imagine what it would take for the automatic transmission, brakes, and gas pedal to suddenly take orders from an unknown poltergeist.

What could reproduce all of those symptoms at once I wonder?

There is only one answer...

 

[omniman]

I hope they get it to act up so they can figure out this time let us know the cause was.

 

[1sonicnut]

there is a switch on the trans for the gear selector if that is telling the ecm that the trans is in rev when it is realy is in drive it may be confussing the ecm making it do weird things some thing to think about

 

[Cyric]

GM Product allegations is involved at this point. They've been pretty friendly at this point.

Car is at the dealership body shop waiting for my insurance to pick up the tab. Supposed to be getting everything in the mail tomorrow.

They want to do testing, which I anticipated. They told me they're setting the car up with a video cam and data box setup, so they had damn well better catch the gremlin this time.

The only dilemma I'm facing right now is this is probably going to take awhile, and I will need a vehicle at this point. Unfortunately I can't afford a rental. I'll have to make a round of calls and see if anyone has a beater they can loan me.

GM told me they pick up the tab on the rental if, and only if they find the cause for the problems. That was more than enough to dissuade from getting a rental.

 

[Cyric]

If you read back to your initial post, you provided nothing helpful or new, in terms of trouble shooting, while generalizing and jabbing at Americans as whole. You expected to be taken seriously?

Also, I didn't purchase from Yeo Chevrolet, and have only given crap to the service department directly proportional to the crap they've given me. They spoke to me with a similar tone to yourself, as well as slinging accusations about my driving abilities, and build. Would you not be the least bit defensive in my position? You've gotten pretty defensive after a single rebuttal, so I'd hate to see you in my shoes right now; you might have ended up front page news. All I've asked them to do is find the problem, and truthfully I don't want to trade up to a malibu or cruize, I didn't like them during the test drives, and I don't like them now.

I genuinely LIKE the sonic, I researched for a couple of months before narrowing it down and going for a test drive. I like the handling, the responsiveness, as well as the features, styling, and comfort of the car. Gas mileage has been better than posted averages, and I'm happy with all of these things. Obviously, when my car started having problems, my levels of satisfaction began to decrease. This is reasonable.

I have taken down information from the techs that post here, and brough their thoughts and ideas to the dealership, and allowed them to determine if they felt it was appropriate to use these methods to test and troubleshoot.

Since you actually made a detailed post, and seemingly removed your head from your rectum, I'll humor you.

I'll start by saying, I am not blaming sonics as a whole, and I have not made a SINGLE generalization about these vehicles. I have spoken only about my personal experiences with the singular vehicle that I purchased. Ease up with the assumptions.

I'm 24, male, 6', and 430lbs. I rarely drive with passengers and was alone during the incidences documented here. I fit very comfortably, and my girth does not overlap the shifter nor to I make contact with the steering wheel. I actually can't drive the car with the seat all the way back. Incredibly spacious and comfortable to drive. Yes, this was one of the major factors in my purchase decision. I do not comfortably fit in the cruize or the malibu, odd given they are full size sedans, and the sonic is a sub compact, but this was my experience.

I'm not diabetic, nor do I suffer any forms of nueropathy, numbess, or reduced reaction times.

I have uncorrected vision, and have had an eye exam within the last 6 months, no problems to report.

I wear size 11-12 shoes depending upon manufacturers and switch between three pairs of sneakers, Nike Air Monarchs, Nike Shox, and my Kswiss tubes. All fit well and provide me with good pedal sensation.

I live in Merrimac MA, and work in Andover. Areas I visit regularly are Amesbury, Haverhill, Hampton NH, and Seabrook NH. The only hilly terrain I travel is the occasional stretch of 133 East in Andover MA when 93 and 495 are deep in the throes of roadwork season. As specified in earlier posts, I estimated one of these incidents took place on an approximate 12 degree incline combined with a modest curve on a similar decline. The other two incidents took place on what appeared to be level ground, though I did not have a level handy to substantiate this.

I have no previous accident history, and have owned many vehicles. I have owned a 1981 El Camino, a 1972 International pickup, a 1981 c10, a 2001 Jeep Cherokee, and a brief ownership of a 2001 Mecury Grand Marquis.

I have a reasonable amount of mechanical knowledge and worked on most of the vehicles mentioned myself. I also have enjoyed my time spent Drag racing at legal facilities, as well as 4 wheeling, dirtbiking, and go-karting.

I consider myself to be a very capable driver and have only ever been pulled over once for a license plate lamp that was out.

You are welcome to interpret my posts as hysterical. I personally don't see them that way. Though I don't see how you personally would not be pissed and slightly impatient given the amount of my time I've has wasted at this point.

I do consider myself accountable, and have even done test drives with the service staff allowing them to see first hand how I drive, so they too could rule out ill fitting footwear, and my fat ass crowding the shifter. They feel confident that I'm not at fault, nor is my girth. These were all points that have been gone over ad nauseum with the dealership.

I have taken time to make sure that my floor mats are secure, and that my seat is properly adjusted when I'm driving.

Your analysis is just that, yours. It's full of assumptions and generalizations and complete devoid of compassion. Put yourself in my position and tell me you wouldn't be irate?

Considering a simple forum post has made you irate, I can only imagine you would have had a stroke 6 weeks ago; yet I'm still here fielding questions and making updates without coming off as a prick.

 

[RKMBrown]

I wonder... does your right leg press up against the center console? If so, hard enough to make it flex somewhat?

 

[Cyric]

RKM, Not that I've noticed, but it doesn't mean it's not a possibility.

 

[cmoore2004]

Not saying this is related but I was leaving my uncle's house tonight and experienced some unintended acceleration. Had just started the car and it was sitting at about 1400RPM like it does after it starts. I'm used to that so I pushed in the clutch, backed around, then pushed in the clutch again and the motor revved up over 2000RPM for about three seconds. My uncle was out there and laughed at me, then laughed even harder when I blamed it on the drive-by-wire. Up to this point I hadn't touched the accelerator pedal and when I noticed it I pulled my right leg all the way back so I could be sure it wasn't me pushing both pedals. It didn't bother me much as I have the manual transmission and know even if it did this while driving I could safely handle it. However, I will take it to the dealer if it puts me in a situation where it gets my heart racing.

Edit: want to add that the A/C was on full when I started the car and I quickly turned off the blower, then back on to 1 so I could turn off the A/C, then the blower back to off.

Sent via Tapatalk from my Razr Maxx

 

[SuperFudd]

Hi Cyric,

Here is part of a post I made about unintended acceleration in the forum before that might apply:

As an electronics technician it occurs to me that a computer "bus" line logic (voltage) level could be marginal due to a defective pull up/down resistor or some such. Perhaps a computer's 5 volt voltage regulator is marginal. This might cause a failure rarely, causing the computer to become confused. Or...

To expand on that, what if the car's 13.8V was intermitantly erractic? That could affect many systems in the car.
Other than the intermitant reverse indication, has any other instrument panel readings been acting wierd? I supose you might not notice in that second or two your car tries to kill you as that is distracting but a camcorder aimed at the dash might be useful.
In theory that data recorder thing the dealer did would catch this, in theory.

Have you read the "Ghost in the electrical??? " string?

 

[Cyric]

Superfudd, thanks for that explanation. I did peruse through that thread, but didn't see the post you quoted.

the in-dash panel for the speedo and such has "dimmed" out a few times at night. I just assumed it was glare off another vehicle affecting the light sensor and didn't worry much about it.

I'll bring it up with the dealership.

My understanding is that once the car is repaired they plan on doing an in-car camera in tandem with a data box. I'm hopeful that will find the problem.

I also want to take a quick moment to say thanks to everyone sharing their thoughts and theories, as well as providing technical information. It has been helpful, and I do appreciate it.

I'll keep everyone updated, but please be patient, as I'm now in the slow part of the process. So it may be a few weeks or more before I have any new information.

 

[jchasp59]

Unfortunately you are going to have to keep documenting your issues. Every single time you get a hiccup take it to the dealer so they have record of your complaint. Calling GM could help but they will just tell you to take it in for diagnostics (which has already happened).

Also request that GM customer assistance assign a case number to your complaint. Every time you communicate with GM, or take it in for service, give the case number so that everything will be documtented and added to your case, too.
I went through a replacement of my 2012 Fiat 500 because of problems during manufacture (Loved the car, didn't like the dealership but it was the closest one.) Fiat quickly agreed to replace my car (but it took the dealership 3 months!) I recorded every phone call using a app on my phone (it's legal to record your own phone calls, but not the calls of other people.), and kept every email and letter until I'd built a good case for replacement. Send all written correspondence via certified mail. If it isn't documented, it didn't happen. Video/photograph when you're safely able to do so (there are also apps that'll do that!) Arm yourself with evidence.
Lemon Laws are on our side, now. And, with Facebook and other social media, it's easier to have a voice, and be heard regarding a product complaint or problem!

 

[Cyric]

Yes, I am so shocked that my weight would become a point of contention. Your one last thread on which to helplessly cling in the hopes of proving a point about something that has no affect on you.

I don't have diabetes. I'm checked every 3 months by my primary because he can't seem to believe it either. I've also been to the Joslin Diabetes and Endocrinology center, when they were in Newburyport. They confirmed I was not diabetic. I'm not even pre-diabetic, shocking, I know. My blood glucose hovers between 85-115. Perfectly average. I've been tested so many times for diabetes that my insurance won't even cover further diabetes or endocrinological testing unless my labs became abnormal for some reason.

I'd post results of recent blood work, but frankly I don't care that much. If GM needs to see medical documents, I'll sign a release for them. No trouble at all.

So diabetes being ruled out, I don't have neuropathy. No tingling, numbness, or weakness. I even had another eye exam last week, 20/15 vision, better than 20/20

Not to mention hundreds of people who are diabetic, and have neuropathy, and are possibly obese to varying degrees drive these cars every day with no trouble at all.

Shoe width, standard D width shoes. Measured 4.5 inches at the widest part of the sole on the bulkiest shoes.

Uneven tire wear really isn't a concern for me. The money I save on gas would cover 2 sets of tires a year if it did become an issue. It's possible and common in many vehicles, not just sub-compacts.

As far as Silverados and PT Cruisers are concerned, their interiors are significantly smaller. The Sonic actually has the second most spacious interior of any vehicle I've ever driven; second only to my boat of an El Camino. Even the 2011 Malibu has a SMALLER interior, I currently have one as a rental. Yet miraculously it drives quite nicely. As have all of the other vehicles I've owned.

It doesn't matter what dealership I purchased from. At no point I have I blamed them for this issue. The only thing I did blame them for was cross-threading the oil plug when I had my first oil change done. Amateur mistake, I was mildly annoyed.

As far as the door panels go, I'm not against it when I drive, and was able to confirm that the only part of my leg that contacts the console area is my knee, which rubs a bit just under the entertainment unit. That's not really even part of the console, so I'm not putting pressure on the shifter or its internal components.

Also, I'm not familiar with Trottier, nor do I care that you do, or at some point did live in MA. It doesn't make you sound any more knowledgeable, or validate your arguments and biases.

I would however like to thank you for serving in the military, I genuinely do appreciate the men and women in uniform who volunteer to do things that I'm just too fat and lazy for.

Also, the Sonic is ASSEMBLED in the US. It's not even close to US made. The motor is Japanese, and if you flip down your visor, you'll see that those, as well as most of the interior are made in Korea. It took a week to get a front bumper in because it had to come from a warehouse in California, which is a good indicator that those aren't made in the US either. California is the home to seaports which import most of the goods coming out of Asia.

 

[DeltaMP]

Actually if you can find a good low miles PT GT Cruiser (NOT those gay magnet convertibles and get the full - not later castrated - turbo as they are rocket ships with excellent four wheel disc brakes) that would be a LOT more comfortable to sit in for you.
.

Did you seriously suggest a PT Cruiser? Have you ever actually sat in one? I'm not anywhere close to being overweight and I was cramped. I can't imagine being 430lbs and trying to drive one of those things... (no offence Cyric).