Vibration & Noises from 2013 Sonic Sedan

[Buffee99]

I bought my 2013 Sonic Sedan at the end of June 2013. Drove it off the lot with only 3 miles on it! It now just turned over 2,000 miles. It's a neat car, but now I am having problems with it.

The first time the AC quit blowing cold air. (about a month ago)Took it in and the dealership said the sensor had a short-circuit so they replaced it. That's the good news.

So now my car has a whine or whistle when the AC is on. I don't know exactly how to explain it. I can hear the compressor kick off and on so that isn't it. It almost sounds like a belt slipping or gear grinding. It starts out quiet, gets louder, abruptly stops, then starts again. It's a weird noise I can't explain.

I also have a vibration that started. It's fine when in park or while moving. But when I come to rest at the stop light and sit for a second, something makes a click sound under the car and then the entire car vibrates and the idle kicks up a tad bit. Keep in mind it will do this even when everything is OFF (AC, radio, fan, etc.) Just normal town driving does it.

I had employees in my car giving them a ride to training. They all noticed the whine and vibration and thought I had an old car! When I told them it was brand new, they were all astonished a car would run so rough and have that squeal.

So I took it to the dealer and explained the whine and vibration. They stated that it's an economy car and it's suppose to sound like that. They checked the motor mounts and everything is fine. I've been going to this dealer for years and have always had good service. So if this is "normal", it sucks. I hate this car. I'm embarrassed to have this car. Don't get me wrong, I love the way it looks and all the other bells and whistles. But if the mechanics suck, so does the whole car!!! This is not my first Chevy, but it may just be my last if this is "normal".

Someone give me some good news that it can be fixed. Should I describe it differently? Try again? I wish I could take them for a drive with me so I can show them!!! When they took it, they had it for 15 minutes, only put 2 miles on it (which seems not even enough to drive off their huge lot!), and then just said motor mounts were checked and no error codes came up.

I AM SOOO FRUSTRATED!!

 

[sx sonic]

Bummer. That is not normal and the "it's an economy car and is supposed to do that" is so nonsensical it hurts trying to comprehend their logic (it's like stealing a candy bar and saying It's ok bc It's only a $1). That's a poor approach on their part and you're rightfully frustrated. The goods news is you've got a warranty and now a great forum to not only get good information but also customer assistance by some nice GM reps if need be. So take a breath and let's see if we can't get ya some help and giva ya tools to get the dealer to bring your car back up to "new" status.

Now which engine and trans do you have?

The rough running at stop lights has been encountered by a few owners with automatic trans. The car would run great until waiting at a stop or slowing to a stop and then it'd run rough, stall, vibrate, and/or fluctuate idle speed. GM released a bulletin that is supposed to fix it. I don't recall what thread it was in or which auto trans it affected (1.8 &/or 1.4T). If I was at a computer I'd search for it and post a link but won't have that option until tomorrow. If you desire try a search for "rough idle" and see what pops up, otherwise I'll see what I can manage tomorrow.


For the other noise can you tell which area of the car It's coming from? Does changing the blower speed have any effect? Or how about with the A/C on or off?

 

[Stew]

Those are excellent ideas sx sonic. I just want to chime in about the economy car comment from the dealer... It is so infuriating hearing people getting this excuse from a dealer, what because we didn't spend $50,000 on a car we just get shuffled off to the side and told "what did you expect, it's an economy car!"

 

[Buffee99]

I'm not sure which engine and transmission I have. It's a 4 door sedan LT automatic if that helps. I will find the info from the stickers later if needed.

As for the vibration, I tried it this morning sitting in the parking lot. While my foot is on the brake and at a stand still, it vibrates. Put it in neutral and it purrs like a kitten. Put it in drive and it vibrates like a rabid dog!

As for the squeal, it's only when the AC is running and the car is moving. It does not do it when at a stand still. It does not matter what speed the fan is on. And it does not matter how cold the setting is. As long as that little snow flake button is on, it whines. Even if you turn the temperature knob to heat. I've tried even changing the air flow button beside it off and on. It all has to do with that one button!

Sorry for my descriptions. I am just trying to describe things as best I know how. Thank you for the quick replies and suggestions. I was reading other posts looking for an answer and I feel confident someone will be able to help. I can't wait to fall in love with this car when it's purring like a kitten again!

 

[sx sonic]

Ok you likely have the 1.8, the 1.4T is an option for the LT & LTZ trims. Easiest way to tell is the 1.4t is EPA rated at like 28city-37 hwy mpg. It also has a "Turbo" badge on the trunk, and under the hood there is a emission sticker that will say which displacement.

I found this in my searches, it's for exactly what you describe.

the shaking you feel while sitting with your foot on the brakes is the transmission , there is a tsb for this issue it has to do with the clutches in the transmission the transmision has to be removed and new clutches installed

. I still haven't found the bulletin, I'll repost if I find it.

It sounds like you have an issue with the A/C system then. My prelemminary guess is the compressor or possibly a plastic shroud rubbing on the compressor making noise. The later would be an easy check and fix since they'd only have to see if anything can be forced to touch the compressor or belt, if so the wind is likely making the two touch and that's why it makes noise only while moving.

BTW your descriptions are pretty good, including the who,what,when,where is the biggest part of aiding a techs diagnosis. If you gave the dealer this much info it should have been fairly easy for them to recreate.

 

[Chevrolet Customer Care]

Hi Buffee99

I am so sorry that you are dealing with this frustrating issue. I can definitely look up your vehicle build and confirm what transmission and engine you have. I can also start a Service request fot you and call the dealership to assist you with getting these issues resolved. Please send me a private message with your name, #, current mileage and VIN if you are interested.

Jackie
Chevrolet Customer Care

 

[SuperFudd]

It is just silly to claim that it is to be expected from a mere economy car.
The proper response would be, " That is to be expected from an American made car".

;>

 

[shorebreeze]

Sorry to dig this up from so long ago but anyone who is facing a dealer that is fobbing you off by saying it's what's expected from an economy car should find another dealer, preferably one whose view of small cars did not come out of Roger Smith circa 1989. This is a solid, quiet, smooth vehicle.

 

[attrapereves]

Sorry to dig this up from so long ago but anyone who is facing a dealer that is fobbing you off by saying it's what's expected from an economy car should find another dealer, preferably one whose view of small cars did not come out of Roger Smith circa 1989. This is a solid, quiet, smooth vehicle.

Yeah, I hate the whole "economy car" excuse.

That's like taking your C-class Mercedes into the dealer, only for them to tell you that since it's not an S-class, it will drive like ish.