Trans Fluid Level

[gnonne]

OK, I've had three of these Sonics, all with the 6 speed auto. So, I'd like to think I know what I am doing...

My 2013 turbo LT sedan has only 22k miles and that is the current issue. This is the same car that the dealer service dept had the transmission out of at 6k to replace a seal that was leaking transmission fluid between the engine and trans. Then I heard some weird noises around 12k. Took it back and they said it was low on trans fluid. They added 1.25 qts and I was on my way...

Lately, I've been hearing some very light rattles on take-off, especially when cold, but never in reverse. It was warm outside today, so I put the car on leveled jack stands to go through the trans fluid checking procedure. Everything is dry, very dry top and bottom. Looks exactly like a car with only 22k should.

I added 1 qt Dexron VI and nothing comes out of the overflow port... Added another 0.75 qts (0.25 at a time) and it began to trickle. Re-assembled everything and test drove it. Noise is gone. Took 50 minutes including test drive and clean-up of garage.

Just one question: Does anyone know where the trans fluid is actually going?

 

[JTee2017]

I guess I would ask if you could be sure it was at the proper level after the dealer worked on it?
Also, I believe it is supposed to be checked after it reaches a certain temperature, level and with the engine running so fluid is circulating.

it would be the first time a dealer service department failed.

 

[gnonne]

Yes, everything was at proper temp, etc.

I think you meant this would NOT be the first time...

Pretty sure they under-filled it upon the re-install.

 

[JTee2017]

LOL .. on no. . . dealer service never make mistakes.

I can't even trust them for simple oil changes anymore. Especially the couple of "Free" ones GM give with a new vehicle purchase.

I've watched and they usually give those to the newest rookie in training.

I've had rounded off corners on oil pan drain bolts a couple of times now.

Too quick and using an impact wrench to remove or tighten it?
I had one stripped out by a dealer once also.

And there are other stories also.

 

[gnonne]

Noise is still there when cold, but not very loud. Sounds more like a heat shield or something, but that does not make sense given the trans level.

Drove the car for 10-15 miles at 65-70 mph to get everything really warmed up, and could not get it to make the noise at all. As it cools between short trips, the noise becomes more evident.

Maybe I should add another half quart?

 

[JTee2017]

If you do add another 1/2 quart .. . check it several times when you are sure the fluid is well up to proper temperature.
Over fill is as bad and sometimes worse than over fill.

 

[gnonne]

I did add 1/2 quart, then drove it (not hard) for 10-15 miles. Made no difference. Next morning (today) I drained 1 full qt and put back in the other 1/2 qt of new fluid. Pretty easy when it is cold and if you have a drain pan with markings.

Actually, the quart that I took out looked pretty good. Ran some of it through a filter and did not notice any debris.

I did notice some leak marks between the engine and trans that I did not noticed before, and they have been there a while. Same spot it was leaking when the dealer replaced the seal. Hmm... I guess that is where it was going, but it did not leak on the garage floor at all.

Rattle is quiet, but still there when taking off cold. I 'm not at all sure what it is now. Pretty sure it is not trans related. Sounds like it comes from either side strut tower, but sometimes sounds like its right against the firewall.

Dealer also replaced sway bar links with plastic about 15k ago, so they are probably due. I ordered some good Moog ones on Rockauto earlier today. I remember replacing plastic links with Moogs on another Sonic and it literally solved noises I didn't even know I had.

 

[gnonne]

Found this on the Cruze Forums

#PIC5853: Buzz Vibration Noise Floor Dash Area 1800-2200 Engine RPM - (Apr 22, 2013)
Subject: Buzz Vibration Noise Floor Dash Area 1800-2200 Engine RPM
Models: 2013 Chevrolet Cruze

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The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.
Condition/ConcernSome customers may comment of a buzz noise and or vibration in the dash or floor board areas, most noticeable at 1800-2200 engine rpm.
This condition may be caused by fuel line and/or brake line vibrations entering into the cabin area through the front of dash. Even though the fuel lines and/or brake lines are fully seated in their retainers, vibrations may still pass into the cabin area.
Recommendation/InstructionsUse additional tape on the affected line(s) and/or add a small O-ring underneath the affected clip(s) to provide better isolation of the clip.
Further insure that the lines do not make any contact with the front of cowl that could further cause a noise or vibration.
Validate the repair by checking for noise or vibration at 1800-2200 engine RPM.