2014 Weird electrical issues

[Kbaker]

Just wondering if anyone has figured out how to fix the intermittent 2014 sonic electrical issues. At least 3 times mine has had the power completely shut down (while driving 70 MPH). The engine shuts off, Radio, lights and acceleration are gone, the locks go up and down, then the car will automatically restart. Seems related to using blinkers or High beam switch.
Battery and cables replaced twice. Shifter was replaced, voltage meter places and voltage checked from battery back.
Last incident - The engine light was on- drove to the dealer and while the service rep was in the car getting the mileage - It died and restarted like I had explained to him. Unfortunately - he states it wiped out the error code. They had car for 3 1/2 weeks and found nothing (yet again)
Any guidance would be greatly appreciated - Very afraid to drive a car that randomly stalls going 70mph.
I saw several posts with same issues - Just no solutions.

 

[Agj90]

Please HELP! I’m having the same exact issue and I’m scared to drive at night. The car is currently at an electrical shop they have it and can’t tell me what’s wrong with it

 

[Agj90]

Did you get it fix I can’t no one knows what’s happening to my car they can find the issue can you help me

 

[Z71]

Intermittent electrical issues of this type can be difficult to trace. Often, such issues are caused by some wire in the electrical harness being damaged and grounding intermittently on the body of the car. this can happen if the harness is routed improperly through. the firewall opening without using a grommet or it is pinched somewhere over sharp metal edge. I would systematically check every inch of the vehicle wiring first which may be time consuming but may be worth the effort.

 

[Z71]

If you pull up the plastic piece of trim next to the driver's door sill (right below the hood release lever), you will see a part of the wiring harness, including one grounding lug. Some individual wires are visible as they did poor job of taping the harness together at the factory. You can follow the harness along the side of the car towards the rear by removing appropriate trim pieces. The first piece I mentioned has three metal clips and no screws, and you remove it by pulling straight up on it.

 

[Agj90]

Hello thanks for responding I did actually had some one to change some wires that were all damaged .so the car worked for like maybe almost 2 months and now I’m getting the same issue at this poin I’m not sure what else to do

 

[SummersSonic]

My 2014 has been having weird electrical/shorting issues for months/years. I’ve had, what feels like, every single part on this car replaced since I bought it. I’ve went through 3 batteries (purchased used in 2018 or so), a new alternator, new fan, new fuse box, a new body control module, and most recently an engine control module. However, I keep experiencing the same issues.

The most recent issues have mostly seemed to be electrical shorting problems. When I park the car and remove the key from ignition, the lights flicker, doors automatically lock/unlock, and radio turns on (even without any power at all in the car). I know that once this happens, the car won’t start again the next time I go to start it. I put the key back in the ignition and it won’t turn at all and the check engine light flickers. Sometimes there’s a buzzing or a whizzing sound coming from the left side driver dashboard. The only way I’ve found to fix this start problem is by pumping the brake multiple times and it somehow fixes it every time, but I’m tired of it even occurring in the first place. Can someone PLEASE help me out with this? I can always provide more details or explain my experiences. The local shop won’t even take the car in anymore because of its bad reputation.

 

[CoHPhasor]

That is the craziest sh** I have ever heard.
It almost seems like it has something to do with the security system.

The clues:
- this happens when you take your key out of the ignition
- the only fix is to pump the breaks several times
- you do not mention a brake light on the dash, or problems with brake lights, so I dont feel that it is related to your brake wire itself

Now, could it have something to do with the keyfob itself? I dont know, but it seems more like something it talks to.
This is all speculation, and I truly wish you luck on finding it

 

[TomCCCC]

Hoping this may help. I had a Sonic too, that would randomly turn off while driving. I had the keys redone and reprogrammed, battery, alternator, and chev service dealer all try to fix this issue. Nothing worked and Chev would not take responsibility for a recall as so many others had the same issue. After dumping the chev and getting a Ford (my model is known to have "programming issues"), I got a recall that exactly describes the same problem that many of us are mentioning. It was one of the command modules that would inadvertently think the battery was not working properly and might shut down the car. Reprogramming was ordered, no mechanical issues at all. Now I can't promise that this is the reason for your vehicle shutting off, but no number of repairs helped me. Thoughts !?