Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9085902) -
2016 - CRC - 5/27/15
224 Vehicle Care
1.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0230.
2. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine Oil 0226.
3. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). See Cooling System
0 232. 4. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See
Engine Oil 0226.
5. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See
Cooling System 0232.
6. Brake/Clutch Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid 0239 and
Hydraulic Clutch 0230. 7.
Battery - North America 0240.
8. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See Washer Fluid
0 237.
9. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0249.
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9085902) -
2016 - CRC - 5/27/15
226 Vehicle Care
1.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0230.
2. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine Oil 0226.
3. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). See Cooling System
0 232.
4. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See Engine Oil 0226.
5. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See
Cooling System 0232.
6. Brake/Clutch Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid 0239 and
Hydraulic Clutch 0230.
7. Battery - North America 0240.
8. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0249.
9. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See Washer Fluid
0 237.Engine Oil
To ensure proper engine
performance and long life, careful
attention must be paid to engine oil.
Following these simple, but
important steps will help protect
your investment:
.
Always use engine oil approved
to the proper specification and of
the proper viscosity grade. See
“Selecting the Right Engine Oil”
in this section.
. Check the engine oil level
regularly and maintain the
proper oil level. See “Checking
Engine Oil” and“When to Add
Engine Oil” in this section.
. Change the engine oil at the
appropriate time. See Engine Oil
Life System 0228.
. Always dispose of engine oil
properly. See “What to Do with
Used Oil” in this section.
If the engine oil pressure light
comes on, check the engine oil level
right away. The oil pressure light is
on the instrument cluster. See
Engine Oil Pressure Light 0106.
Check the engine oil level regularly;
this is an added reminder.
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the engine
oil level at each fuel fill. In order to
get an accurate reading, the oil
must be warm and the vehicle must
be on level ground. The engine oil
dipstick handle is a loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0 223 for the location of the engine
oil dipstick.
1. If the engine has been running recently, turn off the engine and
allow several minutes for the oil
to drain back into the oil pan.
Checking the oil level too soon
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9085902) -
2016 - CRC - 5/27/15
230 Vehicle Care
Manual Transmission
Fluid
It is not necessary to check the
manual transmission fluid level.
A transmission fluid leak is the only
reason for fluid loss. If a leak
occurs, take the vehicle to your
dealer and have it repaired as soon
as possible. SeeRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0311 for the
proper fluid to use.
Hydraulic Clutch
For vehicles with a manual
transmission, it is not necessary to
regularly check brake/clutch fluid
unless there is a leak suspected.
Adding fluid will not correct a leak.
A fluid loss in this system could
indicate a problem. Have the
system inspected and repaired.
When to Check and What
to Use
The common hydraulic clutch and
brake master cylinder fluid reservoir
is filled with DOT 3 brake fluid as indicated on the reservoir cap. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0
223 for reservoir location.
How to Check and Add Fluid
Visually check the brake/clutch fluid
reservoir to make sure the fluid level
is at the MIN (minimum) line on the
side of the reservoir. The brake/
hydraulic clutch fluid system should
be closed and sealed.
Do not remove the cap to check the
fluid level or to top‐off the fluid level.
Remove the cap only when
necessary to add the proper fluid
until the level reaches the MIN line.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
The engine air cleaner/filter is
located in the engine compartment
on the passenger side of the
vehicle. See Engine Compartment
Overview 0223 for more information
on location.
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
For intervals on changing and
inspecting the engine air cleaner/
filter, see Maintenance Schedule
0 302.
How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Do not start the engine or have the
engine running with the engine air
cleaner/filter housing open. Before
removing the engine air cleaner/
filter, make sure that the engine air
cleaner/filter housing and nearby
components are free of dirt and
debris. Remove the engine air
cleaner/filter. Lightly tap and shake
the engine air cleaner/filter (away
from the vehicle), to release loose
dust and dirt. Inspect the engine air
cleaner/filter for damage, and
replace if damaged. Do not clean
the engine air cleaner/filter or
components with water or
compressed air.
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9085902) -
2016 - CRC - 5/27/15
Vehicle Care 239
Brake Fluid
The brake/clutch master cylinder
reservoir is filled with DOT 3 brake
fluid as indicated on the reservoir
cap. SeeEngine Compartment
Overview 0223 for the location of
the reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the
brake fluid level in the reservoir
might go down:
. Normal brake lining wear. When
new linings are installed, the
fluid level goes back up.
. A fluid leak in the brake/clutch
hydraulic system. Have the
brake/clutch hydraulic system
fixed. With a leak, the brakes will
not work well.
Always clean the brake fluid
reservoir cap and the area around
the cap before removing it. Do not top off the brake/clutch fluid.
Adding fluid does not correct a leak.
If fluid is added when the linings are
worn, there will be too much fluid
when new brake linings are
installed. Add or remove fluid, as
necessary, only when work is done
on the brake/clutch hydraulic
system.
{Warning
If too much brake fluid is added, it
can spill on the engine and burn,
if the engine is hot enough. You
or others could be burned, and
the vehicle could be damaged.
Add brake fluid only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic
system.
When the brake/clutch fluid falls to a
low level, the brake warning light
comes on. See Brake System
Warning Light 0102. Brake fluid absorbs water over time.
Replace brake fluid at the specified
intervals to prevent increased
stopping distance. See
Maintenance
Schedule 0302.
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 3
brake fluid from a clean, sealed
container. See Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0311.{Warning
The wrong or contaminated brake
fluid could result in damage to the
brake system. This could result in
the loss of braking leading to a
possible injury. Always use the
proper brake fluid.
Caution
If brake fluid is spilled on the
vehicle's painted surfaces, the
paint finish can be damaged.
Immediately wash off any painted
surface.
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9085902) -
2016 - CRC - 5/27/15
Vehicle Care 241
For manual transmission
vehicles, put the shift lever in
Neutral, push the clutch pedal
down halfway, and try to start
the engine. The vehicle should
start only when the clutch
pedal is pushed down all the
way to the floor. If the vehicle
starts when the clutch pedal is
not pushed all the way down,
contact your dealer for service.
Automatic Transmission
Shift Lock Control
Function Check
{Warning
When you are doing this
inspection, the vehicle could
move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be
injured.
1. Before starting this check, be sure there is enough room
around the vehicle. It should be
parked on a level surface. 2. Apply the parking brake. Be
ready to apply the regular
brake immediately if the vehicle
begins to move.
3. With the engine off, turn the ignition on, but do not start the
engine. Without applying the
regular brake, try to move the
shift lever out of P (Park) with
normal effort. If the shift lever
moves out of P (Park), contact
your dealer for service.
Ignition Transmission
Lock Check
While parked, and with the parking
brake set, try to turn the ignition to
LOCK/OFF in each shift lever
position.
.For automatic transmission
vehicles, the ignition should turn
to LOCK/OFF only when the
shift lever is in P (Park).
. For manual transmission
vehicles, the ignition should turn
to LOCK/OFF only when the
shift lever is in neutral. On all vehicles, the ignition key
should come out only in LOCK/OFF.
Contact your dealer if service is
required.
Park Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Check
{Warning
When you are doing this check,
the vehicle could begin to move.
You or others could be injured
and property could be damaged.
Make sure there is room in front
of the vehicle in case it begins to
roll. Be ready to apply the regular
brake at once should the vehicle
begin to move.
Park on a fairly steep hill, with the
vehicle facing downhill. Keeping
your foot on the regular brake, set
the parking brake.
. To check the parking brake's
holding ability: With the engine
running and the transmission in
N (Neutral), slowly remove foot
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9085902) -
2016 - CRC - 5/27/15
250 Vehicle Care
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
27 Engine Control Module
28 Air Conditioning Compressor Clutch Mini Fuses Usage
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
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)
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
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9085902) -
2016 - CRC - 5/27/15
Vehicle Care 251
LWE Engine
The 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
16 Fuel System Control Module 1
17 Canister Vent
18 Washer Mini Fuses Usage
20 Engine Control Module 5
21 Fuel System Control Module 2/
Leveling
22 Transmission Control Module 1/
DC-DC Converter
24 Engine Control Module 1
25 Coil
26 Engine Control Module 4
27 Engine Control Module 3
28 Engine Control Module 2
29 Injector/ Ignition Coil
30 Engine Control Module
31 Air Conditioning Compressor Clutch
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9085902) -
2016 - CRC - 5/27/15
252 Vehicle Care
Mini Fuses Usage32 Transmission Control Module
33 Horn
34 Front Fog Lamps
35 Left High Beam
36 Right High Beam
J-Case Fuses Usage
1 Front Wiper
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 12 Start
U-Micro Relays Usage
RLY 6 Not Used/SAI Valve*
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 Mini Relays Usage
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.