2017 CHEVROLET SONIC check oil

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Vehicle Care 221
Follow these guidelines:
.To g e t a n a c c u r a t e r e a d i n g , p a r kthe vehicle on level ground.Check the engine oil level afterthe engine has been off for atleast two hours. Checking theengine oil level on steep gradesor too soon after engine shutoffcan result in incorrect readings.Accuracy improves whenchecking a cold engine prior tostarting. Remove the dipstickand check the level.
.If unable to wait two hours, theengine must be off for at least15 minutes if the engine iswarm, or at least 30 minutes ifthe engine is not warm. Pull outthe dipstick, wipe it with a cleanpaper towel or cloth, then push itback in all the way. Remove itagain, keeping the tip down, andcheck the level.
When to Add Engine Oil
1.4L Shown, 1.8L Similar
If the oil is below the cross-hatchedarea at the tip of the dipstick andthe engine has been off for at least15 minutes, add 1 L (1 qt) of therecommended oil and then recheckthe level. See“Selecting the RightEngine Oil”later in this section foran explanation of what kind of oil touse. For engine oil crankcasecapacity, seeCapacities andSpecifications0304.
Caution
Do not add too much oil. Oil
levels above or below the
acceptable operating range
shown on the dipstick are harmful
to the engine. If you find that you
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
have an oil level above the
operating range, i.e., the engine
has so much oil that the oil level
gets above the upper mark that
shows the proper operating
range, the engine could be
damaged. You should drain out
the excess oil or limit driving of
the vehicle and seek a service
professional to remove the
excess amount of oil.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview0217for the location of the engineoil fill cap.
Add enough oil to put the levelsomewhere in the proper operatingrange. Push the dipstick all the wayback in when through.
Selecting the Right Engine Oil
Selecting the right engine oildepends on both the proper oilspecification and viscosity grade.SeeRecommended Fluids andLubricants0300.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Vehicle Care 223
the oil life system to work properly,the system must be reset every timethe oil is changed.
When the system has calculatedthat oil life has been diminished, itindicates that an oil change is
necessary. A:%CHANGE
message in the DIC comes on. SeeEngine Oil Messages0127.Change the oil as soon as possiblewithin the next 1 000 km (600 mi).It is possible that, if driving underthe best conditions, the oil lifesystem might indicate that an oilchange is not necessary for up to ayear. The engine oil and filter mustbe changed at least once a yearand, at this time, the system mustbe reset. Your dealer has trainedservice people who will perform thiswork and reset the system. It is alsoimportant to check the oil regularlyover the course of an oil draininterval and keep it at the properlevel.
If the system is ever resetaccidentally, the oil must bechanged at 5 000 km (3,000 mi)
since the last oil change.Remember to reset the oil lifesystem whenever the oil is changed.
How to Reset the Engine Oil
Life System
Reset the system whenever theengine oil is changed so that thesystem can calculate the nextengine oil change. To reset thesystem:
1. Press MENU to showRemaining Oil Life on thedisplay. This display shows anestimate of the oil’sremaininguseful life. If 99% is displayed,that means that 99% of thecurrent oil life remains.
2. To reset the engine oil lifesystem, press SET/CLR whilethe oil life display is active.Select YES and press and holdSET/CLR. After a few seconds,there will be a single chime andthe oil life will be resetto 100%.
Be careful not to reset the oil lifedisplay accidentally at any timeother than after the oil is changed.It cannot be reset accurately.
If the:%CHANGE message in
the DIC comes back on when thevehicle is started, the engine oil lifesystem has not reset. Repeat theprocedure.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid
How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid
It is not necessary to check thetransmission fluid level.Atransmissionfluidleakistheonlyreason for fluid loss. If a leakoccurs, take the vehicle to yourdealer and have it repaired as soonas possible.
There is a special procedure forchecking and changing thetransmission fluid. Because thisprocedure is difficult, you shouldhave this done at your dealer.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Vehicle Care 227
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the vehicle isfilled with DEX-COOL enginecoolant. This coolant is designed toremain in the vehicle for 5 years or240 000 km (150,000 mi), whicheveroccurs first.
The following explains the coolingsystem and how to check and addcoolant when it is low. If there is aproblem with engine overheating,seeEngine Overheating0230.
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 cleandrinkable water and DEX-COOLcoolant. This mixture:
.Gives freezing protection downto✓37 °C (✓34 °F), outsidetemperature.
.Gives boiling protection up to129 °C (265 °F), enginetemperature.
.Protects against rust andcorrosion.
.Will not damage aluminum parts.
.Helps keep the proper enginetemperature.
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
Lubricants0300.
Never dispose of engine coolant byputting it in the trash, pouring it onthe ground, or into sewers, streams,or bodies of water. Have the coolantchanged by an authorized servicecenter, familiar with legalrequirements regarding usedcoolant disposal. This will helpprotect the environment and yourhealth.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
228 Vehicle Care
Checking Coolant
The vehicle must be on a levelsurface when checking the coolantlevel.
It is normal to see coolant moving inthe upper coolant hose return linewhen the engine is running.
Check to see if coolant is visible inthe coolant surge tank. If the coolantinside the coolant surge tank isboiling, do not do anything else untilit cools down.
If coolant is visible but the coolantlevel is not at or above the markpointed to, add a 50/50 mixture ofclean drinkable water andDEX-COOL coolant.
Be sure the cooling system is coolbefore this is done.
If no coolant is visible in the coolantsurge tank, add coolant as follows:
How to Add Coolant to the
Coolant Surge Tank
Caution
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 seeif coolant is visible in the coolantsurge tank. If coolant is visible butthe coolant level is not at theindicated level mark, add a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable waterand DEX-COOL coolant at thecoolant surge tank, but be sure thecooling system, including thecoolant surge tank pressure cap, iscool 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-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Service and Maintenance 289
Service and
Maintenance
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 289
Maintenance Schedule
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . 290
Special Application Services
Special ApplicationServices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Additional Maintenance
and Care
Additional Maintenanceand Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Recommended Fluids,
Lubricants, and Parts
Recommended Fluids andLubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300Maintenance ReplacementParts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Maintenance Records
Maintenance Records . . . . . . . . 302
General Information
Yo u r v e h i c l e i s a n i m p o r t a n tinvestment. This section describesthe required maintenance for thevehicle. Follow this schedule to helpprotect against major repairexpenses resulting from neglect orinadequate maintenance. It mayalso help to maintain the value ofthe vehicle if it is sold. It is theresponsibility of the owner to haveall required maintenance performed.
Yo u r d e a l e r h a s t r a i n e d t e c h n i c i a n swho can perform requiredmaintenance using genuinereplacement parts. They haveup-to-date tools and equipment forfast and accurate diagnostics. Manydealers have extended evening andSaturday hours, courtesytransportation, and onlinescheduling to assist with serviceneeds.
Yo u r d e a l e r r e c o g n i z e s t h eimportance of providingcompetitively priced maintenanceand repair services. With trainedtechnicians, the dealer is the placefor routine maintenance such as oil
changes and tire rotations andadditional maintenance items liketires, brakes, batteries, and wiperblades.
Caution
Damage caused by improper
maintenance can lead to costly
repairs and may not be covered
by the vehicle warranty.
Maintenance intervals, checks,
inspections, recommended fluids,
and lubricants are important to
keep the vehicle in good working
condition.
The Tire Rotation and RequiredServices are the responsibility of thevehicle owner. It is recommended tohave your dealer perform theseservices every 12 000 km/7,500 mi.Proper vehicle maintenance helps tokeep the vehicle in good workingcondition, improves fuel economy,and reduces vehicle emissions.
Because of the way people usevehicles, maintenance needs vary.There may need to be more

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
290 Service and Maintenance
frequent checks and services. TheAdditional Required Services -Normal are for vehicles that:
.Carry passengers and cargowithin recommended limits onthe Tire and Loading Informationlabel. SeeVehicle LoadLimits0178.
.Are driven on reasonable roadsurfaces within legal drivinglimits.
.Use the recommended fuel. SeeFuel0207.
Refer to the information in theMaintenance Schedule AdditionalRequired Services - Normal chart.
The Additional Required Services -Severe are for vehicles that are:
.Mainly driven in heavy city trafficin hot weather.
.Mainly driven in hilly ormountainous terrain.
.Frequently towing a trailer.
.Used for high speed orcompetitive driving.
.Used for taxi, police, or deliveryservice.
Refer to the information in theMaintenance Schedule AdditionalRequired Services - Severe chart.
{Warning
Performing maintenance work can
be dangerous and can cause
serious injury. Perform
maintenance work only if the
required information, proper tools,
and equipment are available.
If they are not, see your dealer to
have a trained technician do the
work. SeeDoing Your Own
Service Work0214.
Maintenance
Schedule
Owner Checks and Services
At Each Fuel Stop
.Check the engine oil level. SeeEngine Oil0220.
Once a Month
.Check the tire inflationpressures. SeeTirePressure0256.
.Inspect the tires for wear. SeeTire Inspection0260.
.Check the windshield washerfluid level. SeeWasherFluid0231.
Engine Oil Change
When a:%CHANGE message
displays in the DIC, have the engineoil and filter changed within the next1000km/600mi. If driven under thebest conditions, the engine oil lifesystem may not indicate the needfor vehicle service for up to a year.The engine oil and filter must bechanged at least once a year and

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Service and Maintenance 291
the oil life system must be reset.Yo u r t r a i n e d d e a l e r t e c h n i c i a n c a nperform this work. If the engine oillife system is reset accidentally,service the vehicle within 5 000 km/3,000 mi since the last service.Reset the oil life system when theoil is changed. SeeEngine Oil LifeSystem0222.
Tire Rotation and Required
Services Every 12 000 km/
7,500 mi
Rotate the tires, if recommended forthe vehicle, and perform thefollowing services. SeeTireRotation0261.
.Check engine oil level and oillife percentage. If needed,change engine oil and filter, andreset oil life system. SeeEngineOil0220andEngine Oil LifeSystem0222.
.Check engine coolant level. SeeEngine Coolant0227.
.Check windshield washer fluidlevel. SeeWasher Fluid0231.
.Visually inspect windshield wiperblades for wear, cracking,or contamination. SeeExteriorCare0280.Replacewornordamaged wiper blades. SeeWiper BladeReplacement0236.
.Check tire inflation pressures.SeeTire Pressure0256.
.Inspect tire wear. SeeTireInspection0260.
.Visually check for fluid leaks.
.Inspect engine air cleaner filter.SeeEngine Air Cleaner/Filter0224.
.Inspect brake system. SeeExterior Care0280.
.Visually inspect steering,suspension, and chassiscomponents for damaged, loose,or missing parts or signs ofwear. SeeExterior Care0280.
.Check restraint systemcomponents. SeeSafety SystemCheck064.
.Visually inspect fuel system fordamage or leaks.
.Visually inspect exhaust systemand nearby heat shields forloose or damaged parts.
.Lubricate body components. SeeExterior Care0280.
.Check starter switch. SeeStarterSwitch Check0234.
.Check automatic transmissionshift lock control function. SeeAutomatic Transmission ShiftLock Control FunctionCheck0235.
.Check ignition transmission lock.SeeIgnition Transmission LockCheck0235.
.Check parking brake andautomatic transmission parkmechanism. SeePark Brake andP(Park)MechanismCheck0236.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Service and Maintenance 293
Maintenance ScheduleAdditional RequiredServices - Normal
12 000 km/7,500 mi24 000 km/15,000 mi36 000 km/22,500 mi48 000 km/30,000 mi60 000 km/37,500 mi72 000 km/45,000 mi84 000 km/52,500 mi96 000 km/60,000 mi108 000 km/67,500 mi120 000 km/75,000 mi132 000 km/82,500 mi144 000 km/90,000 mi156 000 km/97,500 mi168 000 km/105,000 mi180 000 km/112,500 mi192 000 km/120,000 mi204 000 km/127,500 mi216 000 km/135,000 mi228 000 km/142,500 mi240 000 km/150,000 mi
Rotate tires and perform Required Services.Check engine oil level and oil life percentage.Change engine oil and filter, if needed.@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
Replace passenger compartment air filter. (1)@@@@@@
Inspect evaporative control system. (2)@@@
Replace engine air cleaner filter. (3)@@@
Replace spark plugs. Inspect spark plug wires.(1.8L Engine)@
Replace spark plugs. Inspect spark plug wires.(1.4L Engine)@@
Drain and fill engine cooling system. (4)@
Visually inspect accessory drive belts. (5)@
1.8L Engine Only: Replace timing belt, idlerpulley, and timing belt tensioner. (6)@
Replace brake/clutch fluid. (6)