2013 CHEVROLET Sonic LUJ/LUV (G3)

G3 / Subcompact Hatchback/Sedan / Global (North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia)

LUJLUVLE2Exact year/trim recordGold

Engine identity

Engine code

LUJ, LUV, LE2

Engine summary

Available mainly with 1.8L and 1.4L Ecotec DOHC inline-4s; the 1.8L (LUJ) and 1.4L turbo (LUV) common in North America; 1.6L (LE2) used in some export markets.

Displacement

1.4L (1399 cc), 1.6L (1598 cc), 1.8L (1796 cc)

Power

1.4L Turbo: ~138 hp (103 kW), 1.8L: 138 hp (103 kW), 1.6L: ~115 hp (85 kW)

Torque

1.4L Turbo: 148 lb-ft (200 Nm), 1.8L: 125 lb-ft (170 Nm), 1.6L: ~116 lb-ft (157 Nm)

Fuel system

Multi-point fuel injection

Timing drive

Chain-driven DOHC

OBD port

Verify by VIN and market

Oils and fluids

Oil type

SAE 5W-30 synthetic or conventional, meeting GM dexos1 Gen 2 standard

Oil capacity

Approximately 4.75 liters (including oil filter) - service fill with filter change

Coolant

Approx. 6.5 liters

Fluid

Dexron VI automatic transmission fluid (ATF), manual uses appropriate gear oil

Differential fluid

Not typically user-serviceable; use OEM specification if applicable

Brake fluid

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid

Service and parts data

Manual transmission

5-speed manual (available on certain trims and markets)

Automatic transmission

6-speed automatic

Spark plugs

Iridium-tipped, gap approximately 0.044 in (1.1 mm)

Service interval

Typically every 7,500 to 10,000 miles or 12 months, depending on market and driving conditions

Tire sizes

195/55R15, 205/50R16, 205/45R17

Wheel torque

Verify by VIN and market

Common and chronic problems

Timing chain rattle in higher mileage 1.8L engines
Turbocharger wastegate issues on 1.4L turbo
Electrical gremlins related to BCM modules

First checks

Inspect timing chain tension and noise
Check turbo boost and wastegate actuator operation
Verify ABS and BCM codes and functionality

Before replacing parts

Save fault codes and freeze-frame data before clearing anything.
Check engine oil, coolant and transmission fluid using the correct temperature and service procedure.
Verify power, ground, connectors, hoses, leaks and live data before replacing expensive parts.

Important notes

Trim and engine availability vary by market; North America predominantly 1.4L turbo and 1.8L NA engines.
Oil capacity includes filter change; use OEM oil filter for correct fit and performance.

Common codes

P0300 P0420 P0171 P0455

Source and verification notes

Official Chevrolet Owner’s Manual and Service Documentation 2013
Global market reviews and technical specifications from SAE technical papers and verified automotive databases

Compatible tools

Verify by VIN and market

FAQ

What engine code does the 2013 CHEVROLET Sonic LUJ/LUV (G3) use? 2013 CHEVROLET Sonic LUJ/LUV (G3) is listed here with engine code LUJ, LUV, LE2; engine summary: Available mainly with 1.8L and 1.4L Ecotec DOHC inline-4s; the 1.8L (LUJ) and 1.4L turbo (LUV) common in North America; 1.6L (LE2) used in some export markets..
What oil and capacity does the 2013 CHEVROLET Sonic LUJ/LUV (G3) use? 2013 CHEVROLET Sonic LUJ/LUV (G3) is listed with SAE 5W-30 synthetic or conventional, meeting GM dexos1 Gen 2 standard and oil capacity Approximately 4.75 liters (including oil filter) - service fill with filter change. Confirm market and engine option before service.
What are common 2013 CHEVROLET Sonic LUJ/LUV (G3) problems? Highlighted checks for 2013 CHEVROLET Sonic LUJ/LUV (G3): Timing chain rattle in higher mileage 1.8L engines, Turbocharger wastegate issues on 1.4L turbo, Electrical gremlins related to BCM modules.

Engine identity

Engine code

LUJ, LUV, LE2

Engine summary

Available mainly with 1.8L and 1.4L Ecotec DOHC inline-4s; the 1.8L (LUJ) and 1.4L turbo (LUV) common in North America; 1.6L (LE2) used in some export markets.

Displacement

1.4L (1399 cc), 1.6L (1598 cc), 1.8L (1796 cc)

Power

1.4L Turbo: ~138 hp (103 kW), 1.8L: 138 hp (103 kW), 1.6L: ~115 hp (85 kW)

Torque

1.4L Turbo: 148 lb-ft (200 Nm), 1.8L: 125 lb-ft (170 Nm), 1.6L: ~116 lb-ft (157 Nm)

Fuel system

Multi-point fuel injection

Timing drive

Chain-driven DOHC

OBD port

Verify by VIN and market

Oils and fluids

Oil type

SAE 5W-30 synthetic or conventional, meeting GM dexos1 Gen 2 standard

Oil capacity

Approximately 4.75 liters (including oil filter) - service fill with filter change

Coolant

Approx. 6.5 liters

Fluid

Dexron VI automatic transmission fluid (ATF), manual uses appropriate gear oil

Differential fluid

Not typically user-serviceable; use OEM specification if applicable

Brake fluid

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid

Service and parts data

Manual transmission

5-speed manual (available on certain trims and markets)

Automatic transmission

6-speed automatic

Spark plugs

Iridium-tipped, gap approximately 0.044 in (1.1 mm)

Service interval

Typically every 7,500 to 10,000 miles or 12 months, depending on market and driving conditions

Tire sizes

195/55R15, 205/50R16, 205/45R17

Wheel torque

Verify by VIN and market

FAQ

What engine code does the 2013 CHEVROLET Sonic LUJ/LUV (G3) use? 2013 CHEVROLET Sonic LUJ/LUV (G3) is listed here with engine code LUJ, LUV, LE2; engine summary: Available mainly with 1.8L and 1.4L Ecotec DOHC inline-4s; the 1.8L (LUJ) and 1.4L turbo (LUV) common in North America; 1.6L (LE2) used in some export markets..

What oil and capacity does the 2013 CHEVROLET Sonic LUJ/LUV (G3) use? 2013 CHEVROLET Sonic LUJ/LUV (G3) is listed with SAE 5W-30 synthetic or conventional, meeting GM dexos1 Gen 2 standard and oil capacity Approximately 4.75 liters (including oil filter) - service fill with filter change. Confirm market and engine option before service.

What are common 2013 CHEVROLET Sonic LUJ/LUV (G3) problems? Highlighted checks for 2013 CHEVROLET Sonic LUJ/LUV (G3): Timing chain rattle in higher mileage 1.8L engines, Turbocharger wastegate issues on 1.4L turbo, Electrical gremlins related to BCM modules.

2013 CHEVROLET Sonic LUJ/LUV (G3)

Engine identity

Oils and fluids

Service and parts data

Common and chronic problems

First checks

Before replacing parts

Important notes

Scanning Engine...

2013 CHEVROLET Sonic LUJ/LUV (G3)

Engine identity

Oils and fluids

Service and parts data

Common and chronic problems

First checks

Before replacing parts

Important notes