2015 CHEVROLET SONIC service indicator

Black plate (38,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7707487) -
2015 - crc - 10/31/14
9-38 Driving and Operating
Fuel
Use of the recommended fuel is an
important part of the proper
maintenance of this vehicle. When
driving in the U.S. and Canada, to
help keep the engine clean and
maintain optimum vehicle
performance, we recommend using
TOP TIER Detergent Gasolines.
See www.toptiergas.com for a list of
TOP TIER Detergent Gasolines.
Use regular unleaded gasoline
meeting ASTM specification D4814
with a posted octane rating of 87 orhigher. Do not use gasoline with an
octane rating below 87, as it may
cause engine damage and will lower
fuel economy.
Use of Seasonal Fuels
Use summer and winter fuels in the
appropriate season. The fuels
industry automatically modifies the
fuel for the appropriate season.
If fuel is left in the vehicle tank for
long periods of time, driving or
starting could be affected. Drive the
vehicle until the fuel is at one-half
tank or less, then refuel with the
current seasonal fuel.
Prohibited Fuels
Gasolines containing oxygenates
such as ethers and ethanol, as well
as reformulated gasolines, are
available in some cities. If these
gasolines comply with the
previously described specification,
then they are acceptable to use.
However, E85 (85% ethanol) and
other fuels containing more than
15% ethanol must be used only in
FlexFuel vehicles.
{Caution
Do not use fuel containing
methanol. It can corrode metal
parts in the fuel system and also
damage plastic and rubber parts.
That damage would not be
covered under the vehicle
warranty.
Some gasolines, mainly high octane
racing gasolines, can contain an
octane-enhancing additive called
methylcyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl (MMT). Do not use
gasolines and/or fuel additives with
MMT as they can reduce spark plug
life and affect emission control
system performance. The
malfunction indicator lamp may turn
on. If this occurs, see your dealer
for service.

Black plate (20,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7707487) -
2015 - crc - 10/31/14
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.

Black plate (22,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7707487) -
2015 - crc - 10/31/14
10-22 Vehicle Care
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 when 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. See
Capacities and
Specifications on page 12-2.
Brake pads should be replaced as
complete 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 may be required.
Replacing Brake System Parts
Always replace brake system parts
with new, approved replacement
parts. If this is not done, the brakes
may not work properly. The braking performance expected can change
in many other ways if the wrong
replacement brake parts are
installed or parts are improperly
installed.
Brake Fluid
The brake/clutch master cylinder
reservoir is filled with DOT 3 brake
fluid as indicated on the reservoir
cap. See
Engine Compartment
Overview on page 10-6 for the
location of the reservoir.

Black plate (10,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7707487) -
2015 - crc - 10/31/14
11-10 Service and Maintenance
Shocks and Struts
Shocks and struts help aid in control
for a smoother ride.
.Signs of wear may include
steering wheel vibration, bounce/
sway while braking, longer
stopping distance, or uneven
tire wear.
.As part of the multi-point
inspection, trained dealer
technicians can visually inspect
the shocks and struts for signs
of leaking, blown seals,
or damage, and can advise
when service is needed.
Tires
Tires need to be properly inflated,
rotated, and balanced. Maintaining
the tires can save money and fuel,
and can reduce the risk of tire
failure.
.Signs that the tires need to be
replaced include three or more
visible treadwear indicators; cord
or fabric showing through the rubber; cracks or cuts in the
tread or sidewall; or a bulge or
split in the tire.
.Trained dealer technicians can
inspect and recommend the right
tires. Your dealer can also
provide tire/wheel balancing
services to ensure smooth
vehicle operation at all speeds.
Your dealer sells and services
name brand tires.
Vehicle Care
To help keep the vehicle looking like
new, vehicle care products are
available from your dealer. For
information on how to clean and
protect the vehicle’s interior and
exterior, see Interior Care on
page 10-86 andExterior Care on
page 10-81. Wheel Alignment
Wheel alignment is critical for
ensuring that the tires deliver
optimal wear and performance.
.Signs that the alignment may
need to be adjusted include
pulling, improper vehicle
handling, or unusual tire wear.
.Your dealer has the required
equipment to ensure proper
wheel alignment.
Windshield
For safety, appearance, and the
best viewing, keep the windshield
clean and clear.
.Signs of damage include
scratches, cracks, and chips.
.Trained dealer technicians can
inspect the windshield and
recommend proper replacement
if needed.

Black plate (3,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7707487) -
2015 - crc - 10/31/14
INDEX i-3
CleaningExterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-81
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-86
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . . 8-1 Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
Cluster, Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Clutch, Hydraulic . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-13
Collision Damage Repair . . . . . . 13-8
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . 10-74
Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
Load . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
Compartments Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
Compressor Kit, Tire
Sealant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-62
Computer, Trip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-27
Connections OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-4
Control Traction and ElectronicStability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-28 Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Coolant
Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-16
Engine TemperatureWarning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-20
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-15
Courtesy Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Courtesy Transportation
Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-7
Cover
Cargo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-30 Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-23
Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . 13-4 Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-3
Text Telephone (TTY)
Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-4
Customer Information Service PublicationsOrdering Information . . . . . . .13-11
Customer Satisfaction Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-1
D
Damage Repair, Collision . . . . . . 13-8
Danger, Warnings, andCautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv
Data Recorders, Event . . . . . . . 13-14
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
Indicator Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-22
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Devices Auxiliary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-24
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Dome Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Door Ajar Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-23
Central Locking System . . . . . . . 2-8
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6
Drive Belt Routing, Engine . . . . . 12-4
Driver Information
Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-24
Driving Defensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Drunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
For Better Fuel Economy . . . . . 1-20

Black plate (5,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7707487) -
2015 - crc - 10/31/14
INDEX i-5
Front SeatsAdjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Heated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-38 Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-39
Economy Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20
Filling a Portable FuelContainer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-41
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-39
Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-39
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . 5-21
Requirements, California . . . . . 9-39
Fuses Engine CompartmentFuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-34
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-33
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-38G
GaugesFuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10
Warning Lights andIndicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8
General Information Service and Maintenance . . . . . 11-1
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-41
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-2
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-5
H
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-28
Hands-Free Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-42
Hazard Warning Flashers . . . . . . . 6-4
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2 Headlamps
Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-28
Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 10-28
Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
Daytime Running Lamps
(DRL) Indicator Light . . . . . . . . 5-22
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . 5-22
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . . 6-2
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . 5-23
Heated Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Heater Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-16
Heating and Air Conditioning . . . 8-1
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . 5-22
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . 9-6
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . . 9-27
Home Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-7
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3

Black plate (7,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7707487) -
2015 - crc - 10/31/14
INDEX i-7
Lights (cont'd)Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-22
Door Ajar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-23
Engine Coolant
Temperature Warning . . . . . . . 5-20
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . 5-21
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
Front Fog Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-23
High-Beam On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-22
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . . 6-2
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-22
Lane Departure Warning . . . . . . 5-18
Low Fuel Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-21
Reduced Engine Power . . . . . . 5-22
Safety Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . 5-11
Service Vehicle Soon . . . . . . . . . 5-16
StabiliTrak
®OFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-19
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-20
Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak
®. . . . . . . . . . 5-19
Traction Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-19
Up-Shift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-17
Warning, Power Steering . . . . . 5-18 Link
Smartphone . . . . . . 7-45, 7-47, 7-49
Load Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
Locks Automatic Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Central Locking System . . . . . . . 2-8
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . 5-21
Lower Anchors and Tethers
for Children (LATCH
System) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-38
M
MaintenanceRecords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-15
Maintenance and Care Additional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-8
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . . 11-2 Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-12
Malfunction Indicator Lamp . . . . 5-13
Manual Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15 Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-23
Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . . 9-24
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-13
Manual Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
Messages Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-26
Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-26
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-26
Mirrors Convex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Folding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Heated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Manual Rearview . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Monitor System, Tire
Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-49
Movies . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-50, 7-55, 7-56
Multi-band Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-18
N
Navigation OnStar®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-3
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . . 9-13

Black plate (8,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7707487) -
2015 - crc - 10/31/14
i-8 INDEX
O
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10Trip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4
Oil Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-9
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . 10-12
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-26
Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-21
Older Children, Restraints . . . . . 3-30
Online Owner Center . . . . . . . . . . 13-4
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-15
OnStar
®
System, In Brief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21
OnStar®Additional
Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-6
OnStar
®Connections . . . . . . . . . . 14-4
OnStar®Emergency . . . . . . . . . . . 14-2
OnStar®Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-3
OnStar®Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1
OnStar®Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-3
OnStar®Vehicle
Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-6
Operation, Infotainment
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-8 Ordering
Service Publications . . . . . . . . .13-11
Outlets Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7
Overheating, Engine . . . . . . . . . . 10-20
Overview, Infotainment
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3, 7-5, 7-7
Owner Manual Indicator . . . . . . . 5-16
P
Park Shifting Into . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-18
Shifting Out of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-19
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-19 Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-26
Brake and P (Park)Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . 10-26
Over Things That Burn . . . . . . . 9-20
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-12
Passenger Compartment Air Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4
Passenger Sensing System . . . 3-24
Perchlorate Materials Requirements, California . . . . . 10-3 Personalization
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-29
Phone Bluetooth . . . . . . . . . 7-26, 7-28, 7-37
Hands-Free . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-42
Pictures and Movies . . . . . . . . . . . 7-50, 7-55, 7-56
Port USB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-20
Power Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7
Protection, Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
Reduced Engine Light . . . . . . . . 5-22
Retained Accessory (RAP) . . . 9-17
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
Power Steering Warning Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-18
Pregnancy, Using Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-15
Privacy
Vehicle Data Recording . . . . . 13-14
Program Courtesy Transportation . . . . . . 13-7
Proposition 65 Warning,
California . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-2