Weird grinding-ish noise on cold start up

[Ryanizzle]

I turned on my car this morning. As for the gargling idle, I'm pretty sure BlackRaccoon said it spot on with the belt/chain getting lubricated. From the driver's seat, it sounds gargled; open hood, standing next to the engine, it's a pronounced ticking noise.

As for the gargling in gear, I have a 5-speed and the closest thing I can relate that noise to is driving at a high gear on a low rpm, in which case I'm supposed to downshift. But if you're hearing the noise in gear from a full stop, then that's a little different. I'm sure it has to do with the auto trans, though- and that it's normal.

I hope you guys know that the 1.8 (and most non-turbo ecotec engines in general) is pretty noisy, whether in idle or in gear; that's one of the more subtle reasons why the 1.4t is a more desirable engine. I still like the 1.8, but just be aware that most noises are just the nature of the engine.

A grind isn't normal, though. I didn't hear a grind when I turned my engine over, so if you're still hearing it & you have a way to recreate it when you have to, Bogus, take it to a dealer.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

 

[Leverus]

I hope you guys know that the 1.8 (and most non-turbo ecotec engines in general) is pretty noisy, whether in idle or in gear; that's one of the more subtle reasons why the 1.4t is a more desirable engine. I still like the 1.8, but just be aware that most noises are just the nature of the engine.

The 1.8 engine is noisy? It's darn quiet compared to most cars I've heard.

I tried to listen for any odd noises during startup today and have nothing. I don't know what to tell you guys who are hearing this noise.

 

[Ryanizzle]

In relative to the 1.4, it's noisy. In general, I think it's normal.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

 

[hmae37]

Well I took it to another dealership for the rattle and also it hard shifting. I noticed also while really paying attention to it that it idles kind of low. I mentioned it to the new dealer but they said everything was normal. But I know it's not. When I had the same model for the loaner it ran way better than mine. No hard shifting or rattles so now I know its not supposed to run that way. I don't know if I should even bother with another dealer again just to be told its fine. Ugh!!

 

[SonicMan]

Well I took it to another dealership for the rattle and also it hard shifting. I noticed also while really paying attention to it that it idles kind of low. I mentioned it to the new dealer but they said everything was normal. But I know it's not. When I had the same model for the loaner it ran way better than mine. No hard shifting or rattles so now I know its not supposed to run that way. I don't know if I should even bother with another dealer again just to be told its fine. Ugh!!

That happened to me with my GMC Sierra and I lost it on them and they replaced a whole laundry list of parts !! The dash the steering wheel the radio, they tried to tell me at first that it was all fine and nothing needed to be fixed then I told them bull $hit your gonna fix it and then they said okay we will fix it but nothing is covered under warranty so I snapped and everything got fixed

 

[hmae37]

I don't show them anger. I started having an "extended start" issue as the dealer called it. But well I've had no help in my issues. The very day my car began to have problems 10/2 I dropped it off, They claimed to recreate SOME of my issues and last i talked to the dealer on Thursday BEFORE last 10/4, they weren't sure what was wrong with it and would keep me posted. Today I get the call from the lovely GM rep who says the dealer says "all the issues are within GM's Specs of being normal", and to call the dealer as my car is ready for pick up. I call them and it is not ready for pick up and still being worked on, they will call me with an update. I'm at a point that I don't even feel safe with my children in the car with fear it may stall out in the middle of an intersection again. I can't seem to get actual help with my car. They have had my car for 12 days, and nothing is wrong, which is not what they told me originally. I can't stop crying because I'm totally stuck with a car I don't even want to put my precious babies in, but I'm being forced to. Frustrating was the case, I no longer trust the Sonic.

 

[Bogus]

If you really don't feel safe in it, you should tell the dealer that. Ask them to replace the car.

 

[hmae37]

Oh I have, multiple times. I've told that to GM too. I keep getting told that they understand and will do what they can to fix it, then get told they can't because all the problems they can recreate are within GM's normal specs. I don't know what else to do. I guess I have to drive in fear.....

 

[hmae37]

Oh I have, multiple times. I've told that to GM too. I keep getting told that they understand and will do what they can to fix it, then get told they can't because all the problems they can recreate are within GM's normal specs. I don't know what else to do. I guess I have to drive in fear.....

Well, as if it were a sign from the GM gods, I got a call from the dealer about 2 mins after this post that they were starting it this morning to pull around and have me pick it up, they found a misfire when starting it, a pretty bad shake, and the rattle. As of tomorrow they've had it 2 weeks and GM called me yesterday to tell me they were done with it after following up with the dealer. The dealer said it was definitely noticeable and their shop foreman is going over it now. I felt awful since I burst out in a tearful thank god to him. Hopefully they figure it out. Will update as I know more.

 

[Chevrolet Customer Care]

Well, as if it were a sign from the GM gods, I got a call from the dealer about 2 mins after this post that they were starting it this morning to pull around and have me pick it up, they found a misfire when starting it, a pretty bad shake, and the rattle. As of tomorrow they've had it 2 weeks and GM called me yesterday to tell me they were done with it after following up with the dealer. The dealer said it was definitely noticeable and their shop foreman is going over it now. I felt awful since I burst out in a tearful thank god to him. Hopefully they figure it out. Will update as I know more.

Your frustration is definitely understandable. Please keep us posted on the car repair status and how your case is being managed. Please DM with the case if you want to have us take a look at it. I hope this is taken care of quickly for you.

Matt,

GM Customer Assistance

 

[Leverus]

I dont have any grinding type noises in my sonic. I do however have this Gargeling type noise that seems to be in the rear area that when i first start the car up and let it idle for a few minutes to let it slightly warm up. then i put it in gear and slowly move forward, i get this loud gargeling type noise like water or something swooshing around.

I started getting this a few days ago. It sounds like it's coming from the rear of the car and only occurs when I first start moving. I idle the car until he RPM settles, put it in reverse to back down the driveway, and as soon as the weight shifts and the car moves I hear what sounds like sloshing liquid for a few seconds. It won't happen until he car starts to move.

I don't think it's fuel in the tank since it only started happening a few days ago and the movement of the car isn't nearly enough to stir it up as vigorously as it sounds, though I wonder what else could sound exactly like a decent amount of water moving around.

Also, it only happens on the first start of the day. When I leave work/school after it sitting for 8 hours it won't do it at all. At first it barely made a sound and I didn't think anything of an odd creak when starting off, but now it's plainly audible. It started happening at 2400 miles.

 

[Bogus]

I hear that in the mornings too. It's weird lol

 

[SereneDroid]

I have not heard the gurgling but on cold starts (at least 1hr since last start) I get a whir-dr-dr-dr-dr-dr for anywhere from 3 to 15 seconds. No real vibration, just the sound. Local service center couldn't replicate it and no lights/codes. I'm at 15,000 and it started around 10,500 miles. I think I might go buy a cheap recorder to capture the sound a couple times. Tried with my phone, but you just can't hear it.

Anyone have any ideas?

 

[Leverus]

Today it sounded a bit more like a creak than liquid again and I'm suspecting its some part of the frame or suspension creaking as the weight shifts at first when it is cold. I'm not going to be worried unless it gets really loud or something obviously goes wrong.

 

[Cody6590]

Bump, I have the 1.4 Turbo and mine has both the grinding when trying to turn over but won't turn over and start, the gargling noise and the hard shifting where it won't always go into gear. The dealer test drove it and shifted without the clutch and ensured my syncros were in line so there was no problem... Has anyone figured out what this is yet? The dealer just says they can't get the shifting issue or the grinding when I start the car.

 

[JustinMP91]

Just wanted to add my experience... I also have the grinding sound on a cold start. I have a '13 1.8L AT w/ 2k miles. It's not a loud sound, but does sound a little weird... it goes away after about 20-30 seconds. It only does it if the car has been sitting a while, re-starting it after it has already warmed up will not cause it to make the sound. The sound ends very abruptly, so it doesn't sound like something is not lubed and then slowly gets quiet. It almost sounds like some component is running briefly, like a self-test or to prime itself. I really don't know much about cars, I'm a computer repair tech, so

It's one of those things I might mention when I bring my Sonic in for its first oil change. It's been a great car to me so far, other than the transmission's quirky shifting and some radio issues. (Oh, and the disappointing fuel economy of the 1.8, but meh).

 

[Chevrolet Customer Care]

Just wanted to add my experience... I also have the grinding sound on a cold start. I have a '13 1.8L AT w/ 2k miles. It's not a loud sound, but does sound a little weird... it goes away after about 20-30 seconds. It only does it if the car has been sitting a while, re-starting it after it has already warmed up will not cause it to make the sound. The sound ends very abruptly, so it doesn't sound like something is not lubed and then slowly gets quiet. It almost sounds like some component is running briefly, like a self-test or to prime itself. I really don't know much about cars, I'm a computer repair tech, so

It's one of those things I might mention when I bring my Sonic in for its first oil change. It's been a great car to me so far, other than the transmission's quirky shifting and some radio issues. (Oh, and the disappointing fuel economy of the 1.8, but meh).

Hey Justin,

When you do bring it in for the oil change, be sure to bring this up. They may be able to look further into it and possibly give you some peace of mind. We will be looking out for your updates, and please reach out via PM if you have any questions or concerns.

Patsy G
Chevrolet Customer Care

 

[benoit230]

I have a 2015 1.4T AT with 1000KMs (620 miles). Anyone know if this has been figured out? I'm getting a grind on cold startups, it's always random and only seems to happen with remote starting and doesn't last any length of time. I'm going to be using remote start less and see if it still happens when I manually turn it over.

 

[CSLT2014]

Today it sounded a bit more like a creak than liquid again and I'm suspecting its some part of the frame or suspension creaking as the weight shifts at first when it is cold. I'm not going to be worried unless it gets really loud or something obviously goes wrong.

Leverus, I see you live in Michigan. If your roads from winter are as bad where I live in Western New York regarding potholes. Before I got my first Sonic I had a Pontiac Grand Am. I have a Cousin who owns a garage and told him I had a "creaking" sound in the rear. He checked my rear springs and found one had cracked! Of course you just can't replace just that one but need to replace both-to keep rear in even balance!

 

[Than]

This new GM Ecotec engines come with timming chains instead of the typical timming belt found on most of the 4 cyl. engines, the noise is no more than the chain dry, once it gets lubes by the oil pressure building up inside the engine it goes away, thats why you cannot get it to mimic the noise cuz it will take a while for the oil to drip all the way off the chain and go back to the crankcase. So its nothing to worry about.

1.4 is chain, 1.8 is belt.