Your supposed to slightly overfill the transmission (5 quarts). Start the car, cycle through the gears, get the transmission up to normal operating temp. (10-15 minutes). At that point, remove the level indicating bolt, and drain off the excess fluid. If you overfill a transmission, it can cause bubbles to form within the transmission. Causing over pressurization and break down of cooling. Causing premature wear of the transmission.
Was going to comment this. Also, what I do is measure what comes out and replace it. Test drive until it's up to temp. Jack up and level off whith the car running in park and remove the fill plug. Slowly add until fluid start to come out and close up.
1st time I changed the fluid roughly 5 QT came out (from the drain pan markings), so I added 5 QT. The 2nd time I changed it (yesterday) I actually used bottles with volume markings to measure how much came out and it was exactly 5 QT. Whoever wants to skip the messy step of checking the transmission level (as this video suggests), 5 QT out and 5 QT in is a great assumption. Thanks for the video!!
There are filters on this Transmission but you can't get to them without dropping the Transmission and splitting it. So don't worry about it. GM wouldn't bother themselves unless it had major damage as they are basically sealed. 45K Miles is the recommended Change Interval for Heavy Duty use. Personally I'd go 60k. 150k is the Change Interval under normal use but this is basically a 150k Car and changing it at that mileage is risky unless it was done before. Rule of thumb if you have high mileage and you never changed the fluid before. Don't bother. Many times changing it will cause more issues, but that will depend on a number of things like how the car was driven etc. I'd change it with the plugs around 60k and call it a day and probably never change it again. Unless you were planning to keep it for serious miles. GM Complicated the hell out of that Maintenance Schedule. So every 60k is probably the way to go as it isn't expensive on these cars or 1 time if your not planning on keeping it much into the 100k mark.
Mine is at 115k and I had a flush done around 74k (because I didn't know any better and followed the dealership service rep blindly). I finally paid my Sonic off and plan to keep it as long as possible as I save up for my next car and live without a car payment for awhile. Any advice?
Changing fluid isn't a big risk, it's people trying to fix high mileage, neglected transmissions with current driving issues by getting a fluid flush that is the real problem that you hear about. It's always people who never changed the fluid ever, now it's driving weird and they try and fix a problem that can't be repaired with new fluid. Just because you have a high mileage trans with an unknown service record should never stop you from at least draining old fluid and filling it back up with the correct oil.
I’m at 100,670 should I even bother changing it when I have no history of the car besides the last 20k miles or so (third owner of the car not sure what was replaced on it once it became a fleet car).
Does that model have a transmission "dip stick"...?? I couldn't find mine Also. You're the only person who has videos of my car, and the videos are PERFECT ABD CLEAR AND SO HELPFUL
The 6T30 automatic transmission holds a total of 8 qts, and the 6T40/45/50 holds a total of 8.5 qts. This is per pg. 17-10 of the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic Service Manual Vol 3.
When you do an ATF change you don't replace all the fluid in the transmission. That's the difference between an ATF change and an ATF flush. The Sonic manual says it needs an ATF change. Just measure how much comes out, and add the same amount.
You can not drain the torque converter, so 5 quarts is the answer. I measured out what I drained ! came to 4.25 quarts . after 90,000 miles. I serviced it with 5 quarts. I drains in less than 3 minutes, I did not find the side bolt mentioned in the video.
Thanks! I was getting an oil change today and they said they noticed from below I had a transmission fluid leak and it looked like a bolt was missing on the side. So finding this vid and seeing you point out the level indicator bolt is super helpful so now I know where it is and positive that's what they were talking about, but didn't know the name. Also, another good reason to not pull that bolt, because someone forgot to put it back in on my car lol. Glad they caught it and glad your vid showed me what I need. Any idea what mm size that one is by chance? Possibly the same 11 mm? Thank you!
@BrianBalatbat, my wife's 2014 Sonic has 126,000 miles. I don't think the transmission fluids ever been changed. Has it gone too long, or should I be safe changing it now?
would you recommend doing this transmission fluid change a few times in a short ish period of time in order to cycle out all of the old oil? if there are over 8 qts and you can only drain out 5 qts. thanks, and great video
than you so much for the video shared my question here is that i want to ask if its likely transmission oil can enter into radiator and settle in the water reservoir ?
So I put the bolt back exactly like how you did it the first time and then yesterday I tightened it all the way in now transmission fluid leaking what’s the reason.. drain bolt flush
Great video! what I don’t understand, is how the “level indicator” bolt works... Can you please explain? Do I need to take it out and wait for fluid to spill from there?
How many miles were on that? GF has a 2013 with 108k and she said she never was told to get it done. Worried if I have it changed or flushed it'll be bad. Runs and drives fine.
It had about 140k miles I think, customer never had the fluid replaced and it was dark. Just do a drain and refill with the correct type of fluid and you should be ok.
6 speed 6T30 Total Fill 8 quarts 4.8 quarts Initial FillActual capacity is between 4.5-5.5 liters. I copied this from Amsoil's webpage for my 2014 1.8L Chevy Sonic, I believe this covers most Chevy Sonics with the 1.8L engine bolted to the 6T30 automatic transmission. I would like to note that the 8 quarts total fill may only be for a transmission that has been dismantled and has had ALL the fluid removed, normally you can't get all the fluid out of a automatic transmission without out taking it apart, I've heard Sonic owners putting in about 5 ½ to 6 quarts, you can remove a bolt (shown in video 0:55) on the side of the trans to check the fluid to be sure. I plan on changing my trans fluid toward the end of May so I've been doing some bored man research, lol.
@@cobe1mllc I wouldnt really recommend changing the fluid since it’s already at 200k. If it’s shifting ok for now I would leave it alone. you might do more harm than good. But you can add some since it leaked out.
I had mine changed at Valvoline. I checked the top cap which you put fluid into transmission. It was loose.do I need to leave it like that? That way the transmission does not build pressure. Or do I need to tighten the plug?
In the parts guy defense, GM recommends changing the filter as well. But it’s a sealed unit so you have to take the front cover off the trans. This is the quick an easy way, but eventually you’ll have to change the filter when it throws the fault code
We have one now and I agree, a real POS car. GM put out a nightmare of coolant and oil leaks. I have had too many to count. AAA towing was common. Decent car to drive, but engineered by morons, and cheap plastic parts.
I have a 2012 Sonic LTZ hatchback that I got 4 years ago. It has served me well, although I have also taken good care of it. I got it at around 68K miles and just passed 112K. Early on I had to have the head gasket and two other engine gaskets replaced, all under warranty, thankfully. New tires, regular oil changes, recent change of timing and serpentine belts, etc....I must have gotten a well-built one or something.
@@christianpethukov A broken clock is right twice a day and all that. The wife's was just one thing after another, trans started dying at 70K (Stupid CVT) so we traded it in for a Mazda and the frau loves it
It's designed by some dimwit GM engineer who also designed a coolant system that is a POS. Did I mention that the PCV system is so bad you cannot replace it. That's right you cannot replace the PCV valve, normally a $5 part. When it goes bad (and it will) you have to replace the entire valve cover which has the PCV as part of it. If you don't the car runs like shit. You are looking at a $250 bill unless you do it yourself at $100. (Yes, I do know the round disc is a vacuum diaphragm but is still part of the PCV system, which is still a POS.)
@@scottschuett7765 I agree that they should have designed the PCV as something much more serviceable. Doubly so for the trans filter. I replaced the valve cover, myself, too.
Your supposed to slightly overfill the transmission (5 quarts). Start the car, cycle through the gears, get the transmission up to normal operating temp. (10-15 minutes). At that point, remove the level indicating bolt, and drain off the excess fluid. If you overfill a transmission, it can cause bubbles to form within the transmission. Causing over pressurization and break down of cooling. Causing premature wear of the transmission.
Was going to comment this. Also, what I do is measure what comes out and replace it. Test drive until it's up to temp. Jack up and level off whith the car running in park and remove the fill plug. Slowly add until fluid start to come out and close up.
Do you check the level with the car running
@@callstudly yes
I know you’re all mechanics! 😂😂😂 that’s why you’re here watching this video!? 😅
@@callstudlyyes
Thank you, I have a 2014 chevy sonic. I've started doing my own car maintenance to save money. This video is exactly what I needed. Thank you so much!
1st time I changed the fluid roughly 5 QT came out (from the drain pan markings), so I added 5 QT. The 2nd time I changed it (yesterday) I actually used bottles with volume markings to measure how much came out and it was exactly 5 QT. Whoever wants to skip the messy step of checking the transmission level (as this video suggests), 5 QT out and 5 QT in is a great assumption. Thanks for the video!!
I'll be doing this on my 1.4L pretty soon. Thank you for the insight!
That's thet quietest chevy sonic that i've ever heard.
Thanks for the tip in your comment, I think I filled my without overfilling a bit first and tranny fluid did not reach all parts of tranny
There are filters on this Transmission but you can't get to them without dropping the Transmission and splitting it. So don't worry about it. GM wouldn't bother themselves unless it had major damage as they are basically sealed.
45K Miles is the recommended Change Interval for Heavy Duty use. Personally I'd go 60k. 150k is the Change Interval under normal use but this is basically a 150k Car and changing it at that mileage is risky unless it was done before.
Rule of thumb if you have high mileage and you never changed the fluid before. Don't bother. Many times changing it will cause more issues, but that will depend on a number of things like how the car was driven etc. I'd change it with the plugs around 60k and call it a day and probably never change it again. Unless you were planning to keep it for serious miles.
GM Complicated the hell out of that Maintenance Schedule. So every 60k is probably the way to go as it isn't expensive on these cars or 1 time if your not planning on keeping it much into the 100k mark.
I appreciate your input and thanks for watching!!
Mine is at 115k and I had a flush done around 74k (because I didn't know any better and followed the dealership service rep blindly). I finally paid my Sonic off and plan to keep it as long as possible as I save up for my next car and live without a car payment for awhile. Any advice?
@@gabegabber2996 Have you changed the spark plugs and ignition coils? of course air filter and coolant fluid.
Changing fluid isn't a big risk, it's people trying to fix high mileage, neglected transmissions with current driving issues by getting a fluid flush that is the real problem that you hear about. It's always people who never changed the fluid ever, now it's driving weird and they try and fix a problem that can't be repaired with new fluid.
Just because you have a high mileage trans with an unknown service record should never stop you from at least draining old fluid and filling it back up with the correct oil.
I’m at 100,670 should I even bother changing it when I have no history of the car besides the last 20k miles or so (third owner of the car not sure what was replaced on it once it became a fleet car).
Does that model have a transmission "dip stick"...?? I couldn't find mine
Also. You're the only person who has videos of my car, and the videos are PERFECT ABD CLEAR AND SO HELPFUL
Chevy sonics don't have a dipstic for the transmission
Never, no always! You always make sure you can access and open the full plug first.
Very helpful! I bought a sonic a few months ago and it started jumping when I accelerated past a certain point. Hopefully this will solve that issue.
How many miles does yours have?
@@BrianBalatbat Sorry, late reply and all. It's sitting at a venerable 91.5k miles, and I'm hoping to get another 30-50k out of it. It's a 2016 Sonic.
@@MalaRhynn is it still running?
@@MalaRhynn curious if that solved the problem mines doing the same ??? 😢
Mines a 2018 it’s like lagging when I let off the gas
After unplugging the oil bolt for oil drain ... Lower the car evenly to remove whatever old oil is left over. Cars is tilted onto one side
Excellent, thanks a lot for the tutorial
The 6T30 automatic transmission holds a total of 8 qts, and the 6T40/45/50 holds a total of 8.5 qts. This is per pg. 17-10 of the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic Service Manual Vol 3.
So not 5?
@@AJYZF1R2010 belive the torque converter holds the rest,
When you do an ATF change you don't replace all the fluid in the transmission. That's the difference between an ATF change and an ATF flush. The Sonic manual says it needs an ATF change. Just measure how much comes out, and add the same amount.
You can not drain the torque converter, so 5 quarts is the answer. I measured out what I drained ! came to 4.25 quarts . after 90,000 miles. I serviced it with 5 quarts. I drains in less than 3 minutes, I did not find the side bolt mentioned in the video.
Thank you.
No filter to change ? have 2014 Sonic ltz
That was simple and informative thanks.
How do u check it Dow to see if it needs some transmission fluid?
Thank you!!! That check level bolt was key to what I need.
No problem glad this video helped you.
Thanks! I was getting an oil change today and they said they noticed from below I had a transmission fluid leak and it looked like a bolt was missing on the side. So finding this vid and seeing you point out the level indicator bolt is super helpful so now I know where it is and positive that's what they were talking about, but didn't know the name. Also, another good reason to not pull that bolt, because someone forgot to put it back in on my car lol. Glad they caught it and glad your vid showed me what I need. Any idea what mm size that one is by chance? Possibly the same 11 mm? Thank you!
Hi glad this video helped you get a better idea. It should be 11mm also but id double check. Thanks for watching! ✌️
@BrianBalatbat, my wife's 2014 Sonic has 126,000 miles. I don't think the transmission fluids ever been changed. Has it gone too long, or should I be safe changing it now?
@brettolsen6509 I change mine with 127.000 kms and did not had any issues at all
would you recommend doing this transmission fluid change a few times in a short ish period of time in order to cycle out all of the old oil? if there are over 8 qts and you can only drain out 5 qts.
thanks, and great video
Yes you can do that. I’ve done the same on my other vehicles.
And thank you for your comment!
Would you need to change a filter evertime you change the oil in the transmission?
than you so much for the video shared
my question here is that i want to ask if its likely transmission oil can enter into radiator and settle in the water reservoir ?
Sounds like ur coolant is just old if it looks watered down
Are you supposed to change the filter or no? I cannot get answers on this.
I didn’t change the filter on this. I think the filter is built inside the trans but I could be wrong. Just drain and refill and it was good.
@@BrianBalatbat There is no changeable filter on these. There are screens on the inside, but only accessible during a rebuild. Thanks for the Video!
@@haroldmccall9228 good to know and no problem!
Please help me I have 2012 Chevrolet sonic it been 3 days whenever I go reverse the car stop moving.. What could be the problem
👍..gracias, buena presentación..🙏
Thank you
@@BrianBalatbat, where is the location from Radiator coolant temperature sensor For 2o16 Chevy sonic ..?
How do you change gasket
How many liters required for 2016
What about the transmission filter oil
Does it take a certain type of fluid?
Yes, I show the type of fluid it take towards the beginning of the video.
@@BrianBalatbat cool thanks, I just wasn't sure if that was just a preferred brand.
What about a filter?
Thank you
No problem!
Thank you!
👊
There is a low fluid indicator on this transmition, if after you service it, and the light comes on, add some more.
So I put the bolt back exactly like how you did it the first time and then yesterday I tightened it all the way in now transmission fluid leaking what’s the reason.. drain bolt flush
Thanks Brian. Was the fluid hot or cold when you drained oil ?
No problem, it was cold. But best if it’s a little warm.
Just add the same amount that comes out....
yes, if it's low to begin with , put it low again . no need to check@@bodybuildinglife3718
Great video! what I don’t understand, is how the “level indicator” bolt works... Can you please explain? Do I need to take it out and wait for fluid to spill from there?
You do not need to remove the level indicator bolt. Just drain put the old fluid out and put 5 quarts in.
@@BrianBalatbat Perfect! Thanks so much for replying. Ill do it that way. I’ll Keep you and you audience posted. You have a new subscriber.
@@leo19751984 not a problem and thank you for watching and subscribing! 😀
How many miles were on that? GF has a 2013 with 108k and she said she never was told to get it done.
Worried if I have it changed or flushed it'll be bad.
Runs and drives fine.
It had about 140k miles I think, customer never had the fluid replaced and it was dark. Just do a drain and refill with the correct type of fluid and you should be ok.
You NEED TO PULL THE PLUG ON THE SIDE TO MAKE SURE IT'S FULL !!! OR YOU COULD FRY YOUR TRANSMISSION SOME TAKE 6 TO 7 QTS
put back in what you took out. but yes, if you have a leak, regardless of changing the oil, that could be a problem
How much the capacity of tank?
6 speed 6T30 Total Fill 8 quarts
4.8 quarts Initial FillActual capacity is between 4.5-5.5 liters.
I copied this from Amsoil's webpage for my 2014 1.8L Chevy Sonic, I believe this covers most Chevy Sonics with the 1.8L engine bolted to the 6T30 automatic transmission. I would like to note that the 8 quarts total fill may only be for a transmission that has been dismantled and has had ALL the fluid removed, normally you can't get all the fluid out of a automatic transmission without out taking it apart, I've heard Sonic owners putting in about 5 ½ to 6 quarts, you can remove a bolt (shown in video 0:55) on the side of the trans to check the fluid to be sure. I plan on changing my trans fluid toward the end of May so I've been doing some bored man research, lol.
Great video Thanks!
Thanks for watching!!
Brian...hows it running since you changed trans fluid 2 months ago?
It’s a customer’s car and I haven’t not heard from him so I’m assuming it’s good.
Why was the check engine light still on?
It was a code not related to this video.
Why is the check engine light on?
It is a GM it is supposed to be on. Don't you know that?😂
I just made it too 200,000 should I change it
Have you ever had the fluid changed before?
@@BrianBalatbat not that I know of but I did have to have my cv axle replace and fluid leak out but I replaced it
@@cobe1mllc I wouldnt really recommend changing the fluid since it’s already at 200k. If it’s shifting ok for now I would leave it alone. you might do more harm than good. But you can add some since it leaked out.
I had mine changed at Valvoline. I checked the top cap which you put fluid into transmission. It was loose.do I need to leave it like that? That way the transmission does not build pressure. Or do I need to tighten the plug?
Oh yeah definitely tighten that up, important to keep the cap on and tightened to keep dirt and debris from getting into your transmission.
Bro the idiot from the part store told me I had to change a filter and all this crap 😂 you saved me bro thanks
Lol no problem glad you found my video!
In the parts guy defense, GM recommends changing the filter as well. But it’s a sealed unit so you have to take the front cover off the trans. This is the quick an easy way, but eventually you’ll have to change the filter when it throws the fault code
@@scottedwards3403 Thanks so much for the info my guy
You are a life saver
Thank you for watching!
You should change transmission filter also
Good luck with that 😂
My wife has this car, it is SUCH a POS
I agree 🤣
We have one now and I agree, a real POS car. GM put out a nightmare of coolant and oil leaks. I have had too many to count. AAA towing was common. Decent car to drive, but engineered by morons, and cheap plastic parts.
I have a 2012 Sonic LTZ hatchback that I got 4 years ago. It has served me well, although I have also taken good care of it. I got it at around 68K miles and just passed 112K. Early on I had to have the head gasket and two other engine gaskets replaced, all under warranty, thankfully. New tires, regular oil changes, recent change of timing and serpentine belts, etc....I must have gotten a well-built one or something.
@@christianpethukov A broken clock is right twice a day and all that. The wife's was just one thing after another, trans started dying at 70K (Stupid CVT) so we traded it in for a Mazda and the frau loves it
@@EvilJ069 I had no idea the Sonic was regarded as a bad car. I seem to see a decent amount where I live.
Extremely high milage on my 🚙. 11645.75.
Trying to find anyone is hard. They don't want to touch it.
Extremely high?
thanks
Thanks for watching!
fuck. you can't service the trans filter??
No need to. Just drain and fill
It's designed by some dimwit GM engineer who also designed a coolant system that is a POS. Did I mention that the PCV system is so bad you cannot replace it. That's right you cannot replace the PCV valve, normally a $5 part. When it goes bad (and it will) you have to replace the entire valve cover which has the PCV as part of it. If you don't the car runs like shit. You are looking at a $250 bill unless you do it yourself at $100. (Yes, I do know the round disc is a vacuum diaphragm but is still part of the PCV system, which is still a POS.)
@@scottschuett7765 I agree that they should have designed the PCV as something much more serviceable. Doubly so for the trans filter. I replaced the valve cover, myself, too.
I just take it in for service... Can't afford to have oil stains on the driveway
😂😂🤡