Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Vehicle Care 253
(1) Passenger (P-Metric) Tire:
The United States version of a
metric tire sizing system. The
letter P as the first character in
the tire size means a passenger
vehicle tire engineered to
standards set by the U.S. Tire
and Rim Association.
(2) Tire Width:The three-digit
number indicates the tire section
width in millimeters from
sidewall to sidewall.
(3) Aspect Ratio:Atwo-digit
number that indicates the tire
height-to-width measurements.
For example, if the tire size
aspect ratio is 60, as shown in
item 3 of the illustration, it would
mean that the tire's sidewall is
60 percent as high as it is wide.
(4) Construction Code:Aletter
code is used to indicate the type
of ply construction in the tire.
The letter R means radial ply
construction; the letter D means
diagonal or bias ply
construction; and the letter B
means belted-bias ply
construction.
(5) Rim Diameter:Diameter of
the wheel in inches.
(6) Service Description:These
characters represent the load
index and speed rating of the
tire. The load index represents
the load carrying capacity a tire
is certified to carry. The speed
rating is the maximum speed a
tire is certified to carry a load.
Tire Terminology and
Definitions
Air Pressure:The amount of
air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of
the tire. Air pressure is
expressed in kPa (kilopascal)
or psi (pounds per square inch).
Accessory Weight:The
combined weight of optional
accessories. Some examples of
optional accessories are
automatic transmission, power
windows, power seats, and air
conditioning.
Aspect Ratio:The relationship
of a tire's height to its width.
Belt:Arubbercoatedlayerof
cords between the plies and the
tread. Cords may be made from
steel or other reinforcing
materials.
Bead:The tire bead contains
steel wires wrapped by steel
cords that hold the tire onto
the rim.
Bias Ply Tire:Apneumatictire
in which the plies are laid at
alternate angles less than
90 degrees to the centerline of
the tread.
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
254 Vehicle Care
Cold Tire Pressure:The
amount of air pressure in a tire,
measured in kPa (kilopascal)
or psi (pounds per square inch)
before a tire has built up heat
from driving. SeeTire
Pressure0256.
Curb Weight:The weight of a
motor vehicle with standard and
optional equipment including the
maximum capacity of fuel, oil,
and coolant, but without
passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings:Acodemolded
into the sidewall of a tire
signifying that the tire is in
compliance with the U.S.
Department of Transportation
(DOT) Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards. The DOT code
includes the Tire Identification
Number (TIN), an alphanumeric
designator which can also
identify the tire manufacturer,
production plant, brand, and
date of production.
GVWR:Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating. SeeVehicle Load
Limits0178.
GAWR FRT:Gross Axle Weight
Rating for the front axle. See
Vehicle Load Limits0178.
GAWR RR:Gross Axle Weight
Rating for the rear axle. See
Vehicle Load Limits0178.
Intended Outboard Sidewall:
The side of an asymmetrical tire
that must always face outward
when mounted on a vehicle.
Kilopascal (kPa):The metric
unit for air pressure.
Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire:A
tire used on light duty trucks and
some multipurpose passenger
vehicles.
Load Index:An assigned
number ranging from 1 to 279
that corresponds to the load
carrying capacity of a tire.
Maximum Inflation Pressure:
The maximum air pressure to
which a cold tire can be inflated.
The maximum air pressure is
molded onto the sidewall.
Maximum Load Rating:The
load rating for a tire at the
maximum permissible inflation
pressure for that tire.
Maximum Loaded Vehicle
Weight:The sum of curb
weight, accessory weight,
vehicle capacity weight, and
production options weight.
Normal Occupant Weight:The
number of occupants a vehicle
is designed to seat multiplied by
68 kg (150 lb). SeeVehicle Load
Limits0178.
Occupant Distribution:
Designated seating positions.
Outward Facing Sidewall:The
side of an asymmetrical tire that
has a particular side that faces
outward when mounted on a
vehicle. The side of the tire that
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Vehicle Care 255
contains a whitewall, bears
white lettering, or bears
manufacturer, brand, and/or
model name molding that is
higher or deeper than the same
moldings on the other sidewall
of the tire.
Passenger (P-Metric) Tire:A
tire used on passenger cars and
some light duty trucks and
multipurpose vehicles.
Recommended Inflation
Pressure:Vehicle
manufacturer's recommended
tire inflation pressure as shown
on the tire placard. SeeTire
Pressure0256andVehicle
Load Limits0178.
Radial Ply Tire:Apneumatic
tire in which the ply cords that
extend to the beads are laid at
90 degrees to the centerline of
the tread.
Rim:Ametalsupportforatire
and upon which the tire beads
are seated.
Sidewall:The portion of a tire
between the tread and the bead.
Speed Rating:An
alphanumeric code assigned to
atireindicatingthemaximum
speed at which a tire can
operate.
Traction:The friction between
the tire and the road surface.
The amount of grip provided.
Tread:The portion of a tire that
comes into contact with
the road.
Treadwear Indicators:Narrow
bands, sometimes called wear
bars, that show across the tread
of a tire when only 1.6 mm
(1/16 in) of tread remains. See
When It Is Time for New
Tires0262.
UTQGS (Uniform Tire Quality
Grading Standards):Atire
information system that provides
consumers with ratings for a
tire's traction, temperature, and
treadwear. Ratings are
determined by tire
manufacturers using
government testing procedures.
The ratings are molded into the
sidewall of the tire. SeeUniform
Tire Quality Grading0264.
Vehicle Capacity Weight:The
number of designated seating
positions multiplied by
68 kg (150 lb) plus the rated
cargo load. SeeVehicle Load
Limits0178.
Vehicle Maximum Load on the
Tire:Load on an individual tire
due to curb weight, accessory
weight, occupant weight, and
cargo weight.
Vehicle Placard:Alabel
permanently attached to a
vehicle showing the vehicle
capacity weight and the original
equipment tire size and
recommended inflation pressure.
See“Tire and Loading
Information Label”underVehicle
Load Limits0178.
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Vehicle Care 259
Caution (Continued)
the GM approved tire sealant
available through your dealer or
included in the vehicle.
TPMS Malfunction Light
The TPMS will not function properlyif one or more of the TPMS sensorsare missing or inoperable. When thesystem detects a malfunction, thelow tire warning light flashes forabout one minute and then stays onfor the remainder of the ignitioncycle. The malfunction light comeson at each ignition cycle until theproblem is corrected. Some of theconditions that can cause this tocome on are:
.One of the road tires has beenreplaced with the spare tire. Thespare tire does not have aTPMS sensor. The malfunctionlight should go off after the roadtire is replaced and the sensormatching process is performed
successfully. See "TPMS SensorMatching Process" later in thissection.
.The TPMS sensor matchingprocess was not done or notcompleted successfully afterrotating the tires. Themalfunction light should go offafter successfully completing thesensor matching process. See"TPMS Sensor MatchingProcess" later in this section.
.One or more TPMS sensors aremissing or damaged. Themalfunction light should go offwhen the TPMS sensors areinstalled and the sensormatching process is performedsuccessfully. See your dealer forservice.
.Replacement tires or wheels donot match the original equipmenttires or wheels. Tires and wheelsother than those recommendedcould prevent the TPMS fromfunctioning properly. SeeBuyingNew Tires0263.
.Operating electronic devices orbeing near facilities using radiowave frequencies similar to theTPMS could cause the TPMSsensors to malfunction.
If the TPMS is not functioningproperly, it cannot detect or signal alow tire condition. See your dealerfor service if the TPMS malfunctionlight comes on and stays on.
TPMS Sensor Matching
Process
Each TPMS sensor has a uniqueidentification code. The identificationcode needs to be matched to a newtire/wheel position after rotating thetires or replacing one or more of theTPMS sensors. The TPMS sensormatching process should also beperformed after replacing a sparetire with a road tire containing theTPMS sensor. The malfunction lightshould go off at the next ignitioncycle. The sensors are matched tothe tire/wheel positions, using aTPMS relearn tool, in the followingorder: driver side front tire,passenger side front tire, passengerside rear tire, and driver side rear.
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
260 Vehicle Care
See your dealer for service or topurchase a relearn tool. A TPMSrelearn tool can also be purchased.See Tire Pressure Monitor SensorActivation Tool atwww.gmtoolsandequipment.com orcall 1-800-GM TOOLS(1-800-468-6657).
There are two minutes to match thefirst tire/wheel position, andfive minutes overall to match all fourtire/wheel positions. If it takeslonger, the matching process stopsand must be restarted.
The TPMS sensor matchingprocess is:
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Turn the ignition to ON/RUNwith the engine off or place thevehicle power mode in ON/RUN/START. SeeIgnitionPositions (Key Access)0182orIgnition Positions (KeylessAccess)0183.
3. Press the MENU button todisplay the menu items in theDriver InformationCenter (DIC).
4. Use the thumbwheel to scroll tothe Tire Learn menu itemscreen.
5. Press and hold the SET/CLRbutton to begin the sensormatching process.
Amessagerequestingacceptance of the process maydisplay.
6. The horn sounds twice tosignal the receiver is in relearnmode and the TIRE LEARNmessage may display on theDIC screen.
7. Start with the driver sidefront tire.
8. Place the relearn tool againstthe tire sidewall, near the valvestem. Then press the button toactivate the TPMS sensor.Ahornchirpconfirmsthatthesensor identification code hasbeen matched to this tire andwheel position.
9. Proceed to the passenger sidefront tire, and repeat theprocedure in Step 8.
10. Proceed to the passenger siderear tire, and repeat theprocedure in Step 8.
11 . P r o c e e d t o t h e d r i v e r s i d e r e a rtire, and repeat the procedurein Step 8. The horn sounds twotimes to indicate the sensoridentification code has beenmatched to the driver side reartire, and the TPMS sensormatching process is no longeractive. The TIRE LEARNmessage on the DIC displayscreen goes off.
12. Turn the vehicle off.
13. Set all four tires to therecommended air pressurelevel as indicated on the Tireand Loading Information label.
Tire Inspection
We recommend that the tires,
including the spare tire, if the
vehicle has one, be inspected
for signs of wear or damage at
least once a month.
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Technical Data 303
Technical Data
Vehicle Identification
Vehicle IdentificationNumber (VIN) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303Service Parts IdentificationLabel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
Vehicle Data
Capacities andSpecifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304Engine Drive Belt Routing . . . . 306
Vehicle Identification
Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN)
This legal identifier is in the frontcorner of the instrument panel, onthe driver side of the vehicle. It canbe seen through the windshield fromoutside. The Vehicle IdentificationNumber (VIN) also appears on theVehicle Certification and ServiceParts labels and certificates of titleand registration.
Engine Identification
The eighth character in the VIN isthe engine code. This codeidentifies the vehicle's engine,specifications, and replacementparts. See“Engine Specifications”underCapacities and Specifications0304for the vehicle's engine code.
Service Parts
Identification Label
This label, in the spare tire well inthe trunk, has the followinginformation:
.Vehicle IdentificationNumber (VIN).
.Model designation.
.Paint information.
.Production options and specialequipment.
Do not remove this label from thevehicle.
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Technical Data 305
Engine Specifications
EngineVIN CodeTr a n s m i s s i o nSpark Plug Gap
1.4L L4 LUVBAutomatic and Manual 0.60–0.70 mm (0.024–0.028 in)
1.8L L4 LUWHAutomatic and Manual 0.60–0.70 mm (0.024–0.028 in)
1.8L L4 LWEGAutomatic and Manual 0.60–0.70 mm (0.024–0.028 in)
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Customer Information 309
Company wants you to be aware ofits participation in a no-chargeMediation/Arbitration Program.General Motors of CanadaCompany has committed to bindingarbitration of owner disputesinvolving factory-related vehicleservice claims. The programprovides for the review of the factsinvolved by an impartial third partyarbiter, and may include an informalhearing before the arbiter. Theprogram is designed so that theentire dispute settlement process,from the time you file your complaintto the final decision, should becompleted in about 70 days. Webelieve our impartial program offersadvantages over courts in mostjurisdictions because it is informal,quick, and free of charge.
For further information concerningeligibility in the Canadian MotorVehicle Arbitration Plan (CAMVAP),call toll-free 1-800-207-0685, or callthe General Motors Customer CareCentre, 1-800-263-3777 (English),1-800-263-7854 (French),or write to:
The Mediation/Arbitration Programc/o Customer Care CentreGeneral Motors of CanadaCompanyMail Code: CA1-163-0051908 Colonel Sam DriveOshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
Yo u r i n q u i r y s h o u l d b e a c c o m p a n i e dby the Vehicle IdentificationNumber (VIN).
Customer Assistance
Offices
Chevrolet encourages customers tocall the toll-free number forassistance. However, if a customerwishes to write or e-mail Chevrolet,the letter should be addressed to:
United States and Puerto Rico
Chevrolet Motor DivisionChevrolet Customer AssistanceCenterP. O . B o x 3 3 1 7 0Detroit, MI 48232-5170www.Chevrolet.com
1-800-222-10201-800-833-2438 (For TextTe l e p h o n e D e v i c e s ( T T Y s ) )Roadside Assistance:1-800-243-8872
From U.S. Virgin Islands:
1-800-496-9994
Canada
General Motors of CanadaCompanyCustomer Care Centre, Mail Code:CA1-163-0051908 Colonel Sam DriveOshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7www.gm.ca
1-800-263-3777 (English)1-800-263-7854 (French)1-800-263-3830 (For Text