Page 270 of 400

Black plate (20,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-6081473) -
2014 - 2nd Edition - 8/19/13
10-20 Vehicle Care
{Caution
If the pressure cap is not tightly
installed, coolant loss and
possible engine damage may
occur. Be sure the cap is properly
and tightly secured.
Engine Overheating
The vehicle has an indicator to warn
of the engine overheating.
If the decision is made not to lift the
hood when this warning appears,
get service help right away. See
Roadside Assistance Program on
page 13-5.
If the decision is made to lift the
hood, make sure the vehicle is
parked on a level surface.
Then check to see if the engine
cooling fan is running. If the engine
is overheating, the fan should be
running. If it is not, do not continue
to run the engine. Have the vehicle
serviced.
{Caution
Running the engine without
coolant may cause damage or a
fire. Vehicle damage would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
If Steam Is Coming from the
Engine Compartment
{Warning
Steam from an overheated engine
can burn you badly, even if you
just open the hood. Stay away
from the engine if you see or hear
steam coming from it. Just turn it
off and get everyone away from
the vehicle until it cools down.
Wait until there is no sign of
steam or coolant before you open
the hood.(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
If you keep driving when the
engine is overheated, the liquids
in it can catch fire. You or others
could be badly burned. Stop the
engine if it overheats, and get out
of the vehicle until the engine
is cool.
If No Steam Is Coming from
the Engine Compartment
If an engine overheat warning is
displayed but no steam can be seen
or heard, the problem may not be
too serious. Sometimes the engine
can get a little too hot when the
vehicle:
.Climbs a long hill on a hot day.
.Stops after high-speed driving.
.Idles for long periods in traffic.
If the overheat warning is displayed
with no sign of steam:
1. Turn the air conditioning off.
Page 272 of 400

Black plate (22,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-6081473) -
2014 - 2nd Edition - 8/19/13
10-22 Vehicle Care
Brakes
This vehicle has front disc brakes
and could have rear drum brakes or
rear disc brakes.
Disc brake pads have built-in wear
indicators that make a high-pitched
warning sound when the brake pads
are worn and new pads are needed.
The sound can come and go or be
heard all the time the vehicle is
moving, except when applying the
brake pedal firmly.
{Warning
The brake wear warning sound
means that soon the brakes will
not work well. That could lead to
a crash. When the brake wear
warning sound is heard, have the
vehicle serviced.
{Caution
Continuing to drive with worn-out
brake pads could result in costly
brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates
can cause a brake squeal when the
brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean
something is wrong with the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are
necessary to help prevent brake
pulsation. When tires are rotated,
inspect brake pads for wear and
evenly tighten wheel nuts in the
proper sequence to torque
specifications in Capacities and
Specifications on page 12-2.
If the vehicle has rear drum brakes,
they do not have wear indicators,
but if a rear brake rubbing noise is
heard, have the rear brake linings
inspected immediately. Rear brake
drums should be removed and
inspected each time the tires are
removed for rotation or changing. Drum brakes have an inspection
hole to inspect lining wear during
scheduled maintenance. When the
front brake pads are replaced, have
the rear brakes inspected, too.
Brake linings should always be
replaced as complete axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal
does not return to normal height,
or if there is a rapid increase in
pedal travel. This could be a sign
that brake service might be
required.
Brake Adjustment
Every moderate brake stop, the disc
brakes adjust for wear. If rarely
making moderate or heavier brake
stops, the brakes might not adjust
correctly. Very carefully making a
few moderate brake stops about
every 1 600 km (1,000 miles) will
adjust the brakes properly.
If the vehicle has rear drum brakes
and the brake pedal goes down
farther than normal, the rear drum
Page 285 of 400

Black plate (35,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-6081473) -
2014 - 2nd Edition - 8/19/13
Vehicle Care 10-35
Mini Fuses Usage16 Washer
17 Fuel Pump (1.8L)
18 Engine Control Module 5
19 Fuel System Control Module 2/
Leveling
20 Transmission Control Module 1
21 Engine Control Module 1
22 Coil
23 Engine Control Module 4
24 Engine Control Module 3
25 Engine Control Module 2
26 Injector/ Ignition Coil Mini Fuses Usage
27 Engine Control Module
28 Air Conditioning Compressor Clutch
29 Transmission Control Module
30 Horn
31 Front Fog Lamps
32 Left High Beam
33 Right High Beam
SPARE Spare
J-Case Fuses Usage
1 Antilock Brake System Pump
2 Front Wiper
3 Blower
4 Run/Crank IEC
6 Cooling Fan K5 J-Case
Fuses Usage
7 Cooling Fan K4
8 EVP
9 Start
Relays Usage
RLY 1 Front Wiper Control Relay
RLY 2 Front Wiper Speed Relay
RLY 3 Rear Window Defogger Relay
RLY 4 Run/Crank Relay
RLY 6 Fuel Pump Relay (1.8L)
RLY 7 Cooling Fan K2 Relay (1.4L)
RLY 8 Cooling Fan K3 Relay (1.8L),
Cooling Fan K3
High Current
Relay (1.4L)
Page 286 of 400
Black plate (36,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-6081473) -
2014 - 2nd Edition - 8/19/13
10-36 Vehicle Care
RelaysUsage
RLY 9 Powertrain Relay
RLY 10 Start High Current Relay
RLY 11 Air Conditioning Compressor Clutch
Relay
RLY 12 High-Beam Relay
RLY 13 Cooling Fan K1 Relay LWE EngineThe vehicle may not be equipped
with all of the fuses, relays, and
features shown.
Mini Fuses Usage
1 Antilock Brake System Valve
2 Sunroof
5 Outside Rearview Mirror
6 AOS/ROS
7 ABS Oil
8 Regulated Voltage Control
9 Rear Wiper
10 Not Used/IBS* 11 Rear Window Defogger
13 Not Used/SAI Valve*
14 Heated Outside Rearview Mirror
15 Heated Seat Front
Page 287 of 400
Black plate (37,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-6081473) -
2014 - 2nd Edition - 8/19/13
Vehicle Care 10-37
Mini Fuses Usage16 Fuel System Control Module 1
17 Canister Vent
18 Washer
19 Fuel Pump*
20 Engine Control Module 5
21 Fuel System Control Module 2/
Leveling
22 Transmission Control Module 1/
DC-DC Converter
23 Auxiliary Water Pump Power
24 Engine Control Module 1
25 Coil
26 Engine Control Module 4 Mini Fuses Usage
27 Engine Control Module 3
28 Engine Control Module 2
29 Injector/ Ignition Coil
30 Engine Control Module
31 Air Conditioning Compressor Clutch
32 Transmission Control Module
33 Horn
34 Front Fog Lamps
35 Left High Beam
36 Right High Beam
J-Case Fuses Usage
1 Front Wiper J-Case
Fuses Usage
2 Antilock Brake System Pump
3 Blower
4 Run/Crank IEC
6 Cooling Fan K4
7 Cooling Fan K5
8 SAI Pump*
9 EVP
10 Start
Micro
Relays Usage
RLY 1 Front Wiper Control
RLY 3 Front Wiper Speed
HC-Micro Relays Usage
RLY 7 Auxiliary Water Pump Power*
Page 288 of 400
Black plate (38,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-6081473) -
2014 - 2nd Edition - 8/19/13
10-38 Vehicle Care
HC-MicroRelays Usage
RLY 12 Start
U-Micro Relays Usage
RLY 6 Not Used/SAI Valve*
RLY 8 Fuel Pump*
RLY 13 Air Conditioning Compressor Clutch
RLY 14 High-Beam Headlamps
Mini Relays Usage RLY 4 Rear Defogger
RLY 5 Run/Crank
RLY 9 SAI Pump*
RLY 10 Cooling Fan K3
RLY 11 P/T
RLY 15 Cooling Fan K1 * = If equipped
Instrument Panel Fuse
Block
The instrument panel fuse block is
on the underside of the driver side
instrument panel.
The vehicle may not be equipped
with all of the fuses, relays, and
features shown.
Page 289 of 400
Black plate (39,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-6081473) -
2014 - 2nd Edition - 8/19/13
Vehicle Care 10-39
Number Usage1 DLIS
2 Data Link Connector
3 Airbag
4 Liftgate
5 Spare
6 Body Control Module 8
7 Body Control Module 7
8 Body Control Module 6
9 Body Control Module 5
10 Body Control Module 4
11 Body Control Module 3
12 Body Control Module 2 Number Usage
13 Body Control Module 1
14 Instrument Cluster
15 OnStar
16 Ultrasonic Rear Park Assist
17 Driver Information Center
18 Audio
19 Trailer
20 VLBS
21 CHEVYSTAR
22 Heating, Ventilation, Air
Conditioning
23 HDLP ALC
24 Clutch
25 Instrument Cluster/ Automatic
Occupant Sensing Number Usage
26 Airbag Run/Crank
27 Run Relay
28 Liftgate Release
29 Trailer Run/Crank
30 Clock Spring
31 Heating, Ventilation, and Air
Conditioning
32 Spare
33 Sunroof
34 Cigarette Lighter
35 Spare
36 Rear Power Windows
37 Front Power Windows
38 RAP/ACCY
39 DC/DC Converter
Page 291 of 400

Black plate (41,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-6081473) -
2014 - 2nd Edition - 8/19/13
Vehicle Care 10-41
Warning (Continued)
.Worn or old tires can
cause a crash. If the tread
is badly worn,
replace them.
.Replace any tires that
have been damaged by
impacts with potholes,
curbs, etc.
.Improperly repaired tires
can cause a crash. Only
the dealer or an
authorized tire service
center should repair,
replace, dismount, and
mount the tires.
.Do not spin the tires in
excess of 56 km/h
(35 mph) on slippery
surfaces such as snow,
mud, ice, etc. Excessive
spinning may cause the
tires to explode.
All-Season Tires
This vehicle may come with
all-season tires. These tires are
designed to provide good overall
performance on most road surfaces
and weather conditions. Original
equipment tires designed to GM's
specific tire performance criteria
have a TPC specification code
molded onto the sidewall. Original
equipment all-season tires can be
identified by the last two characters
of this TPC code, which will
be“MS.”
Consider installing winter tires on
the vehicle if frequent driving on
snow or ice-covered roads is
expected. All-season tires provide
adequate performance for most
winter driving conditions, but they
may not offer the same level of
traction or performance as winter
tires on snow or ice-covered roads.
See Winter Tires on page 10-41.
Winter Tires
This vehicle was not originally
equipped with winter tires. Winter
tires are designed for increased
traction on snow and ice-covered
roads. Consider installing winter
tires on the vehicle if frequent
driving on ice or snow covered
roads is expected. See your dealer
for details regarding winter tire
availability and proper tire selection.
Also, see Buying New Tires on
page 10-55.
With winter tires, there may be
decreased dry road traction,
increased road noise, and shorter
tread life. After changing to winter
tires, be alert for changes in vehicle
handling and braking.
If using winter tires:
.Use tires of the same brand and
tread type on all four wheel
positions.