2016 CHEVROLET SONIC engine coolant

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9085902) -
2016 - CRC - 5/27/15
Vehicle Care 233
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the vehicle is
filled with DEX-COOL engine
coolant. This coolant is designed to
remain in the vehicle for 5 years or
240 000 km (150,000 mi), whichever
occurs first.
The following explains the cooling
system and how to check and add
coolant when it is low. If there is a
problem with engine overheating,
seeEngine Overheating 0236.
What to Use
{Warning
Adding only plain water or some
other liquid to the cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water
and other liquids, can boil before
the proper coolant mixture will.
The coolant warning system is set
for the proper coolant mixture.
With plain water or the wrong
mixture, the engine could get too
hot but you would not get the
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
overheat warning. The engine
could catch fire and you or others
could be burned. Use a 50/
50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL coolant.
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
coolant. This mixture:
. Gives freezing protection down
to−37 °C (−34 °F), outside
temperature.
. Gives boiling protection up to
129 °C (265 °F), engine
temperature.
. Protects against rust and
corrosion.
. Will not damage aluminum parts.
. Helps keep the proper engine
temperature.
Caution
If improper coolant mixture,
inhibitors, or additives are used in
the vehicle cooling system, the
engine could overheat and be
damaged. Too much water in the
mixture can freeze and crack
engine cooling parts. The repairs
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Use only the
proper mixture of engine coolant
for the cooling system. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0311.
Never dispose of engine coolant by
putting it in the trash, pouring it on
the ground, or into sewers, streams,
or bodies of water. Have the coolant
changed by an authorized service
center, familiar with legal
requirements regarding used
coolant disposal. This will help
protect the environment and your
health.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9085902) -
2016 - CRC - 5/27/15
234 Vehicle Care
Checking Coolant
The vehicle must be on a level
surface when checking the coolant
level.
It is normal to see coolant moving in
the upper coolant hose return line
when the engine is running.
Check to see if coolant is visible in
the coolant surge tank. If the coolant
inside the coolant surge tank is
boiling, do not do anything else until
it cools down.
If coolant is visible but the coolant
level is not at or above the mark
pointed to, add a 50/50 mixture of
clean drinkable water and
DEX-COOL coolant.
Be sure the cooling system is cool
before this is done.
If no coolant is visible in the coolant
surge tank, add coolant as follows:
How to Add Coolant to the
Coolant Surge TankCaution
This vehicle has a specific
coolant fill procedure. Failure to
follow this procedure could cause
the engine to overheat and be
severely damaged.
If no problem is found, check to see
if coolant is visible in the coolant
surge tank. If coolant is visible but
the coolant level is not at the
indicated level mark, add a 50/
50 mixture of clean, drinkable water
and DEX-COOL coolant at the
coolant surge tank, but be sure the
cooling system, including the
coolant surge tank pressure cap, is
cool before you do it.
{Warning
Steam and scalding liquids from a
hot cooling system can blow out
and burn you badly. Never turn (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
the cap when the cooling system,
including the surge tank pressure
cap, is hot. Wait for the cooling
system and surge tank pressure
cap to cool.
{Warning
Adding only plain water or some
other liquid to the cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water
and other liquids, can boil before
the proper coolant mixture will.
The coolant warning system is set
for the proper coolant mixture.
With plain water or the wrong
mixture, the engine could get too
hot but you would not get the
overheat warning. The engine
could catch fire and you or others
could be burned. Use a 50/
50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL coolant.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9085902) -
2016 - CRC - 5/27/15
Vehicle Care 235
Caution
In cold weather, water can freeze
and crack the engine, radiator,
heater core, and other parts. Use
the recommended coolant and
the proper coolant mixture.
{Warning
You can be burned if you spill
coolant on hot engine parts.
Coolant contains ethylene glycol
and it will burn if the engine parts
are hot enough. Do not spill
coolant on a hot engine.
1.4L Engine Shown, 1.8L EngineSimilar
1. Remove the coolant surge tank pressure cap when the cooling
system, including the coolant
surge tank pressure cap and
upper radiator hose, is no
longer hot.
Turn the pressure cap slowly
counterclockwise about
one-quarter of a turn. If you
hear a hiss, wait for that to
stop. This will allow any
pressure still left to be vented
out the discharge hose.
2. Keep turning the pressure cap slowly and remove it.
3. Fill the coolant surge tank withthe proper DEX-COOL coolant
mixture to the indicated
level mark.
4. With the coolant surge tank pressure cap off, start the
engine and let it run until you
can feel the upper radiator
hose getting hot. Watch out for
the engine cooling fan.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9085902) -
2016 - CRC - 5/27/15
236 Vehicle Care
By this time, the coolant level
inside the coolant surge tank
may be lower. If the level is
lower, add more of the proper
DEX-COOL coolant mixture to
the coolant surge tank until the
level reaches the indicated
level mark.
5. Replace the pressure cap tightly.
Check the level in the coolant surge
tank when the cooling system has
cooled down. If the coolant is not at
the proper level, repeat Steps 1–
3 and reinstall the pressure cap.
If the coolant still is not at the proper
level when the system cools down
again, see your dealer.
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
0 322.
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.
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.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9085902) -
2016 - CRC - 5/27/15
Vehicle Care 237
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.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest temperature and to the
highest fan speed. Open the
windows as necessary.
3. When it is safe to do so, pull off the road, shift to P (Park) or
N (Neutral) for an automatic
transmission or Neutral for a
manual transmission, and let
the engine idle. If the overheat warning no longer
displays, the vehicle can be driven.
Continue to drive the vehicle slowly
for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe
vehicle distance from the vehicle in
front. If the warning does not come
back on, continue to drive normally
and have the cooling system
checked for proper fill and function.
If the warning continues, pull over,
stop, and park the vehicle
right away.
If there is no sign of steam, idle the
engine for three minutes while
parked. If the warning is still
displayed, turn off the engine until it
cools down.
Washer Fluid
What to Use
When the vehicle needs windshield
washer fluid, be sure to read the
manufacturer's instructions before
use. If operating the vehicle in an
area where the temperature may fall
below freezing, use a fluid that has
sufficient protection against
freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the washer
symbol on it. Add washer fluid until
the tank is full. See
Engine
Compartment Overview 0223 for
reservoir location.
Caution
. Do not use washer fluid that
contains any type of water
repellent coating. This can
cause the wiper blades to
chatter or skip.
. Do not use engine coolant
(antifreeze) in the
windshield washer. It can
damage the windshield
washer system and paint.
(Continued)

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9085902) -
2016 - CRC - 5/27/15
Service and Maintenance 303
Engine Oil Change
When a:% CHANGE message
displays in the DIC, have the engine
oil and filter changed within the next
1 000 km/600 mi. If driven under the
best conditions, the engine oil life
system may not indicate the need
for vehicle service for up to a year.
The engine oil and filter must be
changed at least once a year and
the oil life system must be reset.
Your trained dealer technician can
perform this work. If the engine oil
life system is reset accidentally,
service the vehicle within 5 000 km/
3,000 mi since the last service.
Reset the oil life system when the
oil is changed. See Engine Oil Life
System 0228.
Tire Rotation and Required
Services Every 12 000 km/
7,500 mi
Rotate the tires, if recommended for
the vehicle, and perform the
following services. See Tire
Rotation 0266.
. Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed,
change engine oil and filter, and
reset oil life system. See Engine
Oil 0226 andEngine Oil Life
System 0228.
. Check engine coolant level. See
Engine Coolant 0233.
. Check windshield washer fluid
level. See Washer Fluid 0237.
. Visually inspect windshield wiper
blades for wear, cracking,
or contamination. See Exterior
Care 0292. Replace worn or
damaged wiper blades. See
Wiper Blade Replacement
0 242.
. Check tire inflation pressures.
See Tire Pressure 0261. .
Inspect tire wear. See Tire
Inspection 0266.
. Visually check for fluid leaks.
. Inspect engine air cleaner filter.
See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
0 230.
. Inspect brake system. See
Exterior Care 0292.
. Visually inspect steering,
suspension, and chassis
components for damaged, loose,
or missing parts or signs of
wear. See Exterior Care 0292.
. Check restraint system
components. See Safety System
Check 055.
. Visually inspect fuel system for
damage or leaks.
. Visually inspect exhaust system
and nearby heat shields for
loose or damaged parts.
. Lubricate body components. See
Exterior Care 0292.
. Check starter switch. See Starter
Switch Check 0240.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9085902) -
2016 - CRC - 5/27/15
Service and Maintenance 311
Recommended Fluids
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identified below by name, part number, or specification can be obtained from your dealer.Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine Oil Use only engine oil meeting the dexos1™ specification of the proper SAE
viscosity grade. Look for the dexos1 approved logo for GM approved
engine oil. See Engine Oil0226.
Engine Coolant 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and use only DEX-COOL
®Coolant.
See Engine Coolant 0233.
Hydraulic Brake/Clutch System DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid (GM Part No. 19299818, in Canada 19299819).
Windshield Washer Automotive windshield washer fluid that meets regional freeze protection requirements.
Automatic Transmission DEXRON
®-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Manual Transmission Manual Transmission Fluid (GM Part No. 19259104, in Canada 19259105).
Chassis Lubrication and Manual Transmission Shift Linkage Chassis Lubricant (GM Part No. 12377985, in Canada 88901242) or
lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI #2, Category LB or GC-LB.
Hood Latch Assembly, Secondary Latch, Pivots, Spring Anchor, and Release Pawl Lubriplate Lubricant Aerosol (GM Part No. 89021668, in Canada 89021674)
or lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI #2, Category LB or GC-LB.
Key Lock Cylinders and Hood and Door Hinges Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube (GM Part No. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474).

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9085902) -
2016 - CRC - 5/27/15
344 Index
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . . 176Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Cluster, Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Clutch, Hydraulic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Collision Damage Repair . . . . . . . 325
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 Load . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Compartments
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Compressor Kit, Tire Sealant . . . 275
Computer, Trip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Connections OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
Control Traction and ElectronicStability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Coolant
Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Engine TemperatureWarning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Courtesy Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124 Courtesy Transportation
Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324
Cover Cargo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206 Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . 321
Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320
Text Telephone (TTY)Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
Customer Information
Service PublicationsOrdering Information . . . . . . . . 327
Customer Satisfaction Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318D
Damage Repair, Collision . . . . . . . 325
Danger, Warning, and Caution . . . . 2
Data Recorders, Event . . . . . . . . . 330
Daytime RunningLamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Indicator Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Devices Auxiliary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Diagnostics OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336 Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Dome Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Door
Ajar Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Drive Belt Routing, Engine . . . . . . 317
Driver Information
Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Driving Defensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Drunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
For Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . 24
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . 185
If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . . 186
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
E
Electrical Equipment,
Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Electrical System Engine Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 248