The gearbox of the Chevrolet Sonic is fitted to this compact city car, successor to the Chevrolet Aveo and developed by General Motors' South Korean division. Unveiled at the 2010 Paris Motor Show and produced from 2011 to 2020, the Sonic is available with a 1.4 Turbo or 1.8 petrol engine, with front-wheel drive. The gearbox can be a five- or six-speed manual, or a six-speed Hydra-Matic 6T40 automatic. EDEN BOITES explains how to maintain it and what to do if it develops a fault.
Gearbox Maintenance: Good Habits to Keep
Changing the Transmission Oil
Whether manual or automatic, changing the gearbox oil is essential. Over time, the lubricant accumulates impurities and loses its effectiveness; a leak can also cause the level to drop. Inspect the ground beneath the vehicle regularly. For a manual gearbox, plan an oil change every 250,000 km or five years; for an automatic, more frequent checks are needed — every 60,000 km or two years.
Everyday Driving Habits
- Don't rest your hand on the gear lever: this causes premature wear to the selector fork and gears.
- Select neutral during brief stops rather than holding the clutch in first gear.
- Anticipate the road ahead and change down without skipping gears.
With an automatic gearbox, never select another gear until the car has come to a complete stop, or you risk damaging the transmission. For more detail, see our guide on how a gearbox works.
Transmission Faults: Tell-Tale Signs
Note the exact nature of each symptom and when it occurs to help your mechanic pinpoint the cause:
- Noises: clunking, grinding, squealing.
- Slipping sensation.
- A gear jumping out or refusing to engage.
- Excessive vibrations.
- Burning smell.
- Oil leaks beneath the vehicle.
- General loss of performance.
Our Solution for a Hassle-Free Replacement
A full replacement is not always necessary: replacing worn parts or an oil change may be all that is needed. If the damage is more advanced, EDEN BOITES makes life easier for you. If you cannot find the reference in our catalogue, we collect your current gearbox, strip it down piece by piece, clean it and overhaul it using a rigorous process. You get a gearbox restored to full performance, with guaranteed compatibility. Browse our gearbox catalogue.
For other models, see our guides on the Chevrolet Suburban gearbox and the Chevrolet Orlando gearbox.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which gearbox does the Chevrolet Sonic have?
A five- or six-speed manual, or the six-speed Hydra-Matic 6T40 automatic, depending on the version.
How often should the gearbox oil be changed?
Every 250,000 km or five years for a manual, every 60,000 km or two years for an automatic.
Do your gearboxes come with a warranty?
Yes, with a warranty of up to 24 months. The exchange is offered on a satisfaction-or-refund basis in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes, you can pay in up to 10 instalments.
Why Choose EDEN BOITES?
EDEN BOITES offers quality reconditioned gearboxes, fully compatible and warranted for up to 24 months. We deliver throughout France and the European Union, with lead times confirmed on quote, and payment available in up to 10 instalments. Submit your request via our gearbox catalogue.
