Few Questions for the vets

[Fire29Rescue]

Hey All,

New to the boards here but I can't get true answers from my dealer (surprised? Not at all!)

Anywho, I have a 2013 Sonic LT 1.8L Turbocharged EcoTec.

I am going to ask only two questions for now;

1)Oil Change, my dealer is a complete joke, and I refuse to pay them for an oil change, does anyone know of anything BUT the ACDelco Dexos 1 Synthetic Blend to use or where to order it?

2)2 days after I got the Sonic, brand new mind you with 5 miles on it, I kept hearing a banging noise in the right side rear area like a part was loose, only in bumps or on residential roads going 35 mph or less. Anyone else experience this? It went right back to the dealership, that replaced the strut and strut plate, sounds still there, and I'm a little upset because the slightest sound annoys me, maybe I'm just training myself to hear it?

Any and all input from you all is 10000% appreciated! Thank you!

 

[SonicBoy24]

First, you either have the 1.8L, OR you have a 1.4L Turbo, not both.

Second, use whatever oil you want.

 

[Fire29Rescue]

I stand corrected, 1.4 Turbo.

Also, the dealer told me if I don't use the exact oil from the book and something fails within the engine due to oil, I could be stuck paying to have it repaired. It's my first brand new car so..

Also, I've seen the liquid sloshing threads, is that a problem or normal?

 

[laborsmith]

The Owner Manual specifies Dexos 1 or better. Dexos 1 is a blend and better would be a full synthetic.

Several companies make Dexos 1; it is on the label when you are at the store looking for oil. Also the various quick oil change places stock Dexos 1.


Laborsmith

 

[SonicBoy24]

With the amount of testing these engines go through, and unless you are going 10,000+ without changing the oil, you'll be fine.

 

[Rand0m0sityxX]

You dont have to use acdelco. It just has to say dexos 1. I believe the Mobil 1 full synthetic extended performance has it on the bottle. I use it in my Trix.



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[sx sonic]

Here's a link to another thread where I posted a link to a few other oil filters, it's post #350 link:http://www.sonicownersforum.com/forum/maintenance-care/860-changing-your-sonics-oil-12.html


You can run whatever oil you want as long as it's Dexos1 certified. In reality this pretty much means it's a semi synthetic or full synthetic oil and from a reputable brand (so pretty much only oil you should already be using). Usually the back of the bottle will list what certifications the oil meets, find a brand you like that says "dexos1 certified" and pour it in.

It's true they can void your powertrain warranty if you don't use a certified oil. Of course I'd be more concerned with changing the oil regularly with a quality brand than what has the certification (there are a handful of brands that meet or beat many certs in quality and lubricating ability but never go thru with certifying).

Bottom line find a good brand of 5w-30 oil that is Dexos certified, use a reputable brand filter (ACDelco, Hengst, Hastings, Fram, etc), and change the oil no latter than is recommended in the service manual.

Not sure about the clunk in the rear, there's really not a whole lot back there.

 

[Fire29Rescue]

Thanks everyone! Used Mobile 1 full synthetic with a Dexos1 approved label. Pretty quick job too.



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[brandon1239]

I have the clunk too. 2013 Ltz hatch. I've looked everywhere and can't find anything loose. The dealer said it might be the false floor in the back, who knows.

 

[wingnut]

Is there anything in the cubby under the hatch? Mine clunks around turns with almost anything in there.