
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Vehicle Care 229
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
Yo u c a n b e b u r n e d i f y o u s p i l l
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 Engine
Similar
1. Remove the coolant surge tankpressure cap when the coolingsystem, including the coolantsurge tank pressure cap andupper radiator hose, is nolonger hot.
Turn the pressure cap slowlycounterclockwise aboutone-quarter of a turn. If youhear a hiss, wait for that tostop. This will allow anypressure still left to be ventedout the discharge hose.
2. Keep turning the pressure capslowly and remove it.
3. Fill the coolant surge tank withthe proper DEX-COOL coolantmixture to the indicatedlevel mark.
4. With the coolant surge tankpressure cap off, start theengine and let it run until youcan feel the upper radiatorhose getting hot. Watch out forthe engine cooling fan.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
230 Vehicle Care
By this time, the coolant levelinside the coolant surge tankmay be lower. If the level islower, add more of the properDEX-COOL coolant mixture tothe coolant surge tank until thelevel reaches the indicatedlevel mark.
5. Replace the pressure captightly.
Check the level in the coolant surgetank when the cooling system hascooled down. If the coolant is not atthe proper level, repeat Steps 1–3andreinstallthepressurecap.If the coolant still is not at the properlevel when the system cools downagain, 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 warnof the engine overheating.
If the decision is made not to lift thehood when this warning appears,get service help right away. SeeRoadside AssistanceProgram0311.
If the decision is made to lift thehood, make sure the vehicle isparked on a level surface.
Then check to see if the enginecooling fan is running. If the engineis overheating, the fan should berunning. If it is not, do not continueto run the engine. Have the vehicleserviced.
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.
If No Steam Is Coming from
the Engine Compartment
If an engine overheat warning isdisplayed but no steam can be seenor heard, the problem may not be

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Vehicle Care 231
too serious. Sometimes the enginecan get a little too hot when thevehicle:
.Climbs a long hill on a hot day.
.Stops after high-speed driving.
.Idles for long periods in traffic.
If the overheat warning is displayedwith no sign of steam:
1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to thehighest temperature and to thehighest fan speed. Open thewindows as necessary.
3. When it is safe to do so, pull offthe road, shift to P (Park) orN(Neutral) for an automatictransmission or Neutral for amanual transmission, and letthe engine idle.
If the overheat warning no longerdisplays, the vehicle can be driven.Continue to drive the vehicle slowlyfor about 10 minutes. Keep a safevehicle distance from the vehicle infront. If the warning does not come
back on, continue to drive normallyand have the cooling systemchecked for proper fill and function.
If the warning continues, pull over,stop, and park the vehicleright away.
If there is no sign of steam, idle theengine for three minutes whileparked. If the warning is stilldisplayed, turn off the engine until itcools down.
Washer Fluid
What to Use
When the vehicle needs windshieldwasher fluid, be sure to read themanufacturer's instructions beforeuse. If operating the vehicle in anarea where the temperature may fallbelow freezing, use a fluid that hassufficient protection againstfreezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the washersymbol on it. Add washer fluid untilthe tank is full. SeeEngineCompartment Overview0217forreservoir location.
Caution
.Do not use washer fluid thatcontains any type of waterrepellent coating. This cancause the wiper blades tochatter or skip.
.Do not use engine coolant(antifreeze) in thewindshield washer. It candamage the windshieldwasher system and paint.
(Continued)

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
244 Vehicle Care
Mini Fuses Usage
17 Canister vent
18 Washer
19* Fuel pump
20 Engine controlmodule 5
21 Fuel system controlmodule 2/Leveling
22 TCM 1/ DC DCconverter
24 Engine controlmodule 1
25 Coil
26 Engine controlmodule 4
27 Engine controlmodule 3
28 Engine controlmodule 2
29 Injector/Ignition coil
30 ECM
31 A/C clutch
32 TCM
Mini Fuses Usage
33 Horn
34 Front fog lamps
35 Left high-beamheadlamp
36 Right high-beamheadlamp
*=Ifequipped
J-CaseFusesUsage
1Frontwipers
2ABSpump
3Blower
4Run/CrankIEC
6CoolingfanK4
7CoolingfanK5
8* SAI pump
9EVP
10 Start
*=Ifequipped
Relays Usage
RLY 1 Front wiper control
RLY 2* Rear fog lamp
RLY 3 Front wiper speed
RLY 4 Rear defogger
RLY 5 Run/Crank
RLY 6*–/SAI valve
RLY 8* Fuel pump
RLY 9* SAI pump
RLY 10 Cooling fan K3
RLY 11 P/T
RLY 12 Start
RLY 13 A/C clutch
RLY 14 High-beamheadlamps
RLY 15 Cooling fan K1
*=Ifequipped

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)

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Service and Maintenance 295
Maintenance ScheduleAdditional RequiredServices - Severe
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)@@@
Change automatic transmission fluid.@@@
Change manual transmission fluid.@@@
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)

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
304 Technical Data
Vehicle Data
Capacities and Specifications
The following approximate capacities are given in metric and English conversions. SeeRecommended Fluids andLubricants0300for more information.
ApplicationCapacities
Metric English
Air Conditioning Refrigerant For the air conditioning system refrigerant type andcharge amount, see the refrigerant label under thehood. See your dealer for more information.
Cooling System
1.4L L4 6.5 L 6.9 qt
1.8L L4 6.0 L 6.3 qt
Engine Oil with Filter
1.4L L4 4.0 L 4.2 qt
1.8L L4 4.5 L 4.8 qt
Fuel Tank 41.0 L 10.8 gal
Wheel Nut Torque 140Y100 lb ft
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill to the approximate level, as recommended in thismanual. Recheck fluid level after filling.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Index 333
Child Restraints (cont'd)
Lower Anchors and Tethers
for Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Securing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91, 93
Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Cleaning
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . . 166
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Cluster, Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Clutch, Hydraulic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Collision Damage Repair . . . . . . . 314
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Load . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Compartments
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Connections
OnStar®...................... 323
Control
Traction and Electronic
Stability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Coolant
Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Engine Temperature
Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Cooling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Courtesy Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Courtesy Transportation
Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
Cover
Cargo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309
Te x t Te l e p h o n e ( T T Y )
Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Customer Information
Service Publications
Ordering Information . . . . . . . . 316
Customer Satisfaction
Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
D
Damage Repair, Collision . . . . . . . 314
Danger, Warning, and Caution . . . . 3
Data Collection
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320
Data Recorders, Event . . . . . . . . . 319
Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Devices
Auxiliary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Diagnostics
OnStar®...................... 325
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Dome Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Door
Ajar Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Drive Belt Routing, Engine . . . . . . 306
Driver Information
Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Driving
Defensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Drunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
For Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . 24
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . 176