Under the hood is my car missing . . .?
- Thread starter trobin
- Start date
SSpeckerwood
New member
Maybe post some pics upto give us a better idea of what your talking about.
Underbody Air Deflector No Longer Used in Production
Why/How was the underbody airdeflector (part # 95016301) discontinued from the Sonic after 01/01/2012? The car was designed, and EPA certified, with this part in place. Leaving this part off of the car must adversly affect it's Cd, and thus mpg! Chevy just says that the part is, "No longer required.", but didn't subtract it's +$100 cost from the MSRP on 01/01/2012!
Why/How was the underbody airdeflector (part # 95016301) discontinued from the Sonic after 01/01/2012? The car was designed, and EPA certified, with this part in place. Leaving this part off of the car must adversly affect it's Cd, and thus mpg! Chevy just says that the part is, "No longer required.", but didn't subtract it's +$100 cost from the MSRP on 01/01/2012!
Gman77
New member
I wonder if that part is the same or similar to the plastic shield on the Cruze. The very same part that resulted in a 475,000 vehicle recall for engine fires. Seems oil leaks or improperly cleaned up changes allowed oil and debris to accumulate on the shield and eventually become a fire hazard.
https://news.google.com/news/url?sa...alls-popular-Cruze-over-fire-risk-3655439.php
seanp1
Active member
It's possible but it sounds like the OPs trim piece is more in the wheel well area and not under the engine.
TROBIN: PM me for my email and I will host the image for you. I'm sure we all are curious as.
Gman77
New member
Yes, but according to a friend that works at a local Chevy dealership, it's not the fault of the part. The oil change techs weren't removing the underbody shield on the Cruze (or pre 01/2012 Sonics; Sonic part number 95016301) when performing oil changes, or cleaning up spilt oil or fluids. GM saw that this could also be a problem with the Sonic and discontinued the part on the Sonic, as well as recalling the Cruze. I bought and installed the part ($72) on my Sonic (build date 03/2012) two days ago and my A/C now actually works VERY well in our record heat (I've measured a 4 to 6 degrees cooler output from the center vents above 20 mph). I was going to return my car to the dealership to have the A/C checked, but this part solved the problem of what was 'just adequate' A/C. I believe that it's because of higher velocity air flow through the radiator/AC, and probably the intercooler, too. This part helps manage the air flow underneath the car, and through the engine compartment (like putting your thumb over the end of a water hose. Higher velocity.) I've also noticed MUCH less buffeting and improved handling on the highway, especially when being passed or passing large vehicles. Also notice less engine noise, inside and outside the of car when at idle. Now, it's silent while stopped at a red light or at idle. GM should have redesigned the part for both cars (and used only one size/type of fastener, instead of 4 different ones, for it's 7 attachment points!) If your Sonic has this "Air Deflector/Underbody Cover", keep it! If you don't have it, I highly recommend it's installation. It's simple to install/remove. Just clean up after an oil change or if you happen to spill brake fluid. I found it on this forum when looking for oil change info and noticed that mine was missing this part (Changing your Sonic's oil. - Chevy Sonic Owners Forum) Will keep you posted regarding highway mpg, but I believe that will improve, as well! Best $72 I've ever spent, and I'm even happier with my great(er) little car!
Sonic-geezer
New member
Not on mine either
My LT 1.4T does not have that piece on the driver's side either.
My LT 1.4T does not have that piece on the driver's side either.
Papasonic
Active member
Neither of our LTZ Sonics have that trim piece on the left/driver side. After further inspection and review: I believe that the black plastic trim piece on the right/passenger side is installed to protect a technician from being cut or injured from a sheet metal edge while servicing the air filter housing, and accessing the air conditioning service ports. The left/driver side doesn't need the same protection as there isn't frequently serviced components at that location.
Papasonic
Papasonic
huh, ive only had mine since mid April and it has this piece.
Last edited:
Papasonic
Active member
The date of manufacture determines if the belly pan shield is installed; apparently your Sonic was produced prior to the date that it was no longer installed. I feel fortunate that our Sonics have this component installed, as I believe if it wasn't beneficial to aerodynamics, fuel efficiency, and engine compartment protection, it wouldn't have been engineered with this component in the beginning.
Papasonic
So what is the actual part called... do you have a part number? Where did you purchase the part? It only stands to reason they may discontinue making the part, right?
Also, I've heard from others the AC sucks eggs in the Sonic. If true, that's a disappointment because my current daily driver is a Honda Fit and the AC isn't anything to brag about. It's actually good as long as you're moving... but get stuck in an hour or more of medium to heavy stop-and-go traffic and it's not nearly as good!
I was hoping to get better AC performance from a Sonic because GM has always made great AC. Maybe they skipped the "great AC" in the Sonic? Typical "too small" compressor... 4 cylinder style? MAJOR bummer, if so!
laborsmith
New member
Hey Fit4Sonic, it has been a while. The part is commonly known as an undercarriage belly pan and there are pictures of it both installed and not probably in this thread.
I do not know about others but the air conditioning unit in my turbo Sonic works very well; I usually have it at the 9 or 10 o'clock position and the fan on 1. If the temperature is over the mid nineties I will turn it to eight o'clock. I understand there have been some complaints, but the unit is working as it should for me.
Chevy stopped using the belly pan after the winter break. Chevy, like every other car maker no matter where in this world (with the obvious exception of Ferrari) sometimes makes decisions that defy common sense. Dropping the installation of the belly pan appears to be one such decision. The continued existence of Ferrari defies common sense but warms my heart.
Laborsmith
I do not know about others but the air conditioning unit in my turbo Sonic works very well; I usually have it at the 9 or 10 o'clock position and the fan on 1. If the temperature is over the mid nineties I will turn it to eight o'clock. I understand there have been some complaints, but the unit is working as it should for me.
Chevy stopped using the belly pan after the winter break. Chevy, like every other car maker no matter where in this world (with the obvious exception of Ferrari) sometimes makes decisions that defy common sense. Dropping the installation of the belly pan appears to be one such decision. The continued existence of Ferrari defies common sense but warms my heart.
Laborsmith
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