Chevy Sonic: Transmission Fluid Leak Causes

If you’ve found red fluid under your Chevy Sonic, you probably have a transmission leak. A transmission leak is a big deal.  If you let too much transmission fluid leak, the transmission will begin to slip, which can quickly cause long term damage. Unlike oil, transmission fluid is flammable, and will flash if it hits … Read more

Chevy Sonic:  Exhaust Leak → Symptoms & Diagnosis

  One of the most common automotive problems is an exhaust leak.  Leaking exhaust can be loud, smelly, and (depending on where the leak is coming from) dangerous.  If your Chevy Sonic has a leaking exhaust system, it should not be ignored.   Leaking Exhaust Symptoms:  Chevy Sonic A leaking exhaust system affects your Sonic … Read more

Chevy Sonic Engine Rattle: Causes + How to Fix

Experiencing an engine rattle in your Chevy Sonic can be quite concerning, but fear not! This is a common issue faced by many Sonic owners, and understanding the possible causes can have you on your way to a smooth-running engine in no time. In this article, we’ll explore the most common reasons a Chevy Sonic … Read more

Chevy Sonic Transmission Slipping: Causes + How to Fix

Are you worried about your Chevy Sonic’s transmission slipping? Transmission slipping can be a serious problem, potentially leaving your Sonic inoperable if not addressed promptly. It’s crucial to understand what’s causing this issue and how to diagnose and fix it before it escalates into lasting damage. Various factors can contribute to your car’s transmission slipping, … Read more

Chevy Sonic: Won’t Start When Cold → Diagnosis

Extreme weather can be very difficult on your Chevy Sonic.  If there is an issue it often make itself known when conditions are at their worst.  When it’s extremely hot. it’s the cooling system that is put to the test.  In the winter, the vehicle won’t start when it is cold.   There are a … Read more

Chevy Sonic: Bad Timing Belt or Chain Symptoms

A bad timing belt or timing chain can be a serious issue.  If it jumps a tooth or breaks entirely, it can lead to permanent engine damage.  Knowing the symptoms of a bad timing belt or chain is vital so this doesn’t happen to your Chevy Sonic. Timing belts are made out of rubber and … Read more

Chevy Sonic: Key Stuck in Ignition → Diagnosis

There are a few easy to fix reasons why your Chevy Sonic’s key might get stuck in the ignition.  It’s often easy to unstick the key.  Whatever you do, don’t start trying to rip it out of the ignition.  That can cause bigger problems. This article is written with the assumption that your key is … Read more

Chevy Sonic Steering Wheel Hard to Turn: Common Causes

If your Chevy Sonic’s steering wheel is hard to turn, it’s almost always going to be caused by an issue with the power steering system.  But there can be other causes as well. Your car’s power steering system is responsible for taking energy from the engine, converting it to hydraulic pressure, and using that pressure … Read more

Chevy Sonic:  Blue Smoke → Causes & Diagnosis

  A very common problem that affects all vehicles (including the Chevy Sonic) is blue smoke coming from the exhaust.  Reasons for blue exhaust smoke include bad valve seals, valve train wear in general, the PCV valve, burning transmission fluid and more. Blue smoke indicates that your Sonic’s engine is burning oil.  The question is … Read more

Chevy Sonic Whining Sound: Identification + How to Fix

If your Chevy Sonic is experiencing a whining noise, determining where and when the noise is happening is coming from is key to diagnosing and tracking down the cause.   With that in mind, this page is divided by when you hear the whining noise and common causes under those conditions. Is the whining noise … Read more