Mysterious Whining Sound

[SuperSonicSheena]

Hey everyone! I didn't find a thread about this but if there is one and I've overlooked it, I apologize.
I have a 2012 Sonic, 1.8 Auto. It has started whining, like the sound a power steering pump makes when it's going out. However, the sound changes when it shifts gears and stops immediately when I shut the car off. It does not currently show any codes for the transmission, so my next thoughts are alternator bearing (unlikely, perhaps, because the noise stops instantly, no lag. Or water pump? Any other ideas are welcome.
I noticed today that the serpentine belt appears ragged so I'm not driving it any more until I get another belt. Would that alone cause this sound?

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[Gobinator98]

That could possibly cause the whining noise you are hearing but it would also occur during idle and the noise would get louder as you accelerate


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[gnonne]

How many miles on that Sonic? If there are enough miles to make the belt ragged, it probably needs a water pump or alternator. These are good parts, but they do not last forever...
Timing belt could also be an issue if it has never been changed. Note - the water pump does not run off the timing belt.

 

[JTee2017]

The best thing to do is . . .. drive a 2012 car of any make, not pay attention to how many miles are on it, not pay attention to maintenance items in the Owners Manual,
ignore timing and serpentine belt replacement, ignore transmission fluid drain and refill every 30,000 miles (drain and fill 3 times about 5.1 quarts each time on the automatic) ,
ignore coolant flush and fill every 3 to 4 years (not 5), wait until the battery starts to die and causes strange electrical problems of all sorts,
leave the spark plugs in till serious misfires occur, etc. . . . etc. . .. etc.

Yes. . . . . . all said with sarcasm, but this is what many do. Sad, because by observing a more proactive habit of following threads in this and other forums, good maintenance practices and replacement of things like belts, fluids, the battery (every 3 to 4 years. . not when it dies), then troubles can be kept to a minimum.

 

[JTee2017]

I noticed today that the serpentine belt appears ragged so I'm not driving it any more until I get another belt. Would that alone cause this sound?

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If you just recently bought this car used. .. . yes, there are many items that should be checked and replaced. How many miles on it?

Just a few things:
IF an automatic transmission, look up Youtubes on the Chevy Cruze on how to drain, refill, and check the transmission fluid level. These 6 speed transmissions are small and get the fluid pretty grungy in even 30K miles.

Check your coolant reservoir for cracks. Replace if old. They develop hidden cracks.

Have the coolant flushed and changed with fresh Dexcool 50/50 mix.

Check or replace the spark plugs since the car is older already. Check and/or replace the coil pack. It ages and can cause misfires.

Check the thermostat housing for leaks. It it has been replaced it may be part metal and part plastic. The plastic parts crack with age from heat stress.

Check and/or replace front stabilizer bar links.

Check or replace engine and transmission mounts. They age, dry out and then allow too much movement which can cause problems like fracture in the exhaust system flex pipe and other things.

There is a thread here in the forum listing common points that need regular attention.

- - - - > http://www.sonicownersforum.com/forum/general-discussion/22938-roll-up-sonic-common-issues.html

 

[Gobinator98]

The best thing to do is . . .. drive a 2012 car of any make, not pay attention to how many miles are on it, not pay attention to maintenance items in the Owners Manual,
ignore timing and serpentine belt replacement, ignore transmission fluid drain and refill every 30,000 miles (drain and fill 3 times about 5.1 quarts each time on the automatic) ,
ignore coolant flush and fill every 3 to 4 years (not 5), wait until the battery starts to die and causes strange electrical problems of all sorts,
leave the spark plugs in till serious misfires occur, etc. . . . etc. . .. etc.

Yes. . . . . . all said with sarcasm, but this is what many do. Sad, because by observing a more proactive habit of following threads in this and other forums, good maintenance practices and replacement of things like belts, fluids, the battery (every 3 to 4 years. . not when it dies), then troubles can be kept to a minimum.

Funny how you think your advice means anything. I could find better advice from a damn rock. I know several people that own other makes of the 2012 year and don’t have nearly as many issues as these pieces of sh*t. If you are going to tell people that own 2012-2013 Sonics all these “recommendations” are necessary then you better follow them too. I’ve been on these forums long enough to know what type of maintenance needs done on these cars no matter the year because they are all pieces of sh*t.

Good luck on any of these cars lasting to 100,000 miles, Let alone 200,000, even with this “recommended” maintenance schedule.


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[SouthFLSonic]

Good luck on any of these cars lasting to 100,000 miles, Let alone 200,000, even with this “recommended” maintenance schedule.


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Funny, I’m on my 3rd Sonic(2012 1.8 5spd, 120+k miles in about 3 years/2016 1.8 auto almost 100k miles in 3 years/2019 almost 20k miles in 8 months) and the first 2 went 100k no issue other than normal things and one trunk leak. My 2019 I was chasing some issues as well and a hatch leak but the cars go 100k no problem if you maintain them. And that’s coming from someone that drives the piss out of them.


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[Gobinator98]

Funny, I’m on my 3rd Sonic(2012 1.8 5spd, 120+k miles in about 3 years/2016 1.8 auto almost 100k miles in 3 years/2019 almost 20k miles in 8 months) and the first 2 went 100k no issue other than normal things and one trunk leak. My 2019 I was chasing some issues as well and a hatch leak but the cars go 100k no problem if you maintain them. And that’s coming from someone that drives the piss out of them.


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You can keep praising GM for their “superior” quality and reliability. Most of these problems that people have with these cars shouldn’t occur until after 100K at least. Proper maintenance doesn’t mean nothing if you are driving a piece of **** car. [emoji2373]

Good luck with any other Sonics you purchase because your wallet surely won’t thank you [emoji3526]


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[JTee2017]

Here are just some high mileage Sonics in this thread and there are many:

http://www.sonicownersforum.com/forum/general-discussion/17150-high-mileage-sonics-longevity-thread-5.html

Here's a picture. I'm still enjoying driving my Sonic!

http://www.sonicownersforum.com/for...s-longevity-thread-img_20180207_200630058.jpg

I just turned 325,000 this past week.

I am in New England. 212,000 miles and no rust and still on my original clutch. 1.8 5spd

152,000 on my 2013 and still running like day 1!
Just regular maintenance and Mobil 1. 7-10 thousand mile oil changes, never burning a drop of oil.

 

[Gobinator98]

Here are just some high mileage Sonics in this thread and there are many:

http://www.sonicownersforum.com/forum/general-discussion/17150-high-mileage-sonics-longevity-thread-5.html

http://www.sonicownersforum.com/for...s-longevity-thread-img_20180207_200630058.jpg

Them mileages are not a common occurrence with these cars. I don’t know you are thinking but I’d rather by a Volkswagen than another one of these pieces of ****


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[JTee2017]

Oh . . there are many more posts in that same thread of Sonics close to and over 100K miles.
I posted just a few - --
I can post some more . . .

On top of that. . . the speculation that Sonic's are worse than other small cars out there is not supported by fact.

In fact, last year JD Power found Chevrolet Sonic to be best in class for customer satisfaction and reliability for 3 years of ownership. See chart below.

If you look at some of the sites that compile data of problems and issues, the subcompact Sonic is better than many and no worse than others.

https://www.carcomplaints.com/Chevrolet/Sonic/

https://www.carcomplaints.com/Hyundai/Accent/

https://www.carcomplaints.com/Honda/Fit/

https://www.carcomplaints.com/Nissan/Versa_Note/

https://www.carcomplaints.com/Toyota/Corolla/

https://www.carcomplaints.com/Ford/Fiesta/

https://www.carcomplaints.com/Ford/Focus/

Click Image Below for FULL SIZE View . . . .

 

[SuperSonicSheena]

So, I wanted to update. Well, not much of an update really, but I'm waiting on some new parts that were supposed to be here today: timing belt, tensioner, pulley and water pump. The valve cover gasket arrived already. I was only intending to get a water pump but for an extra $30 I figured I might as well get the kit. However, it's looking like the alternator is likely the culprit so I'm going to order one tomorrow.
I'm excited about doing this myself! I changed the water pump on my 56 DeSoto but it was much simpler, lol.

Thanks for all your advice, guys. I really appreciate it.

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