Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
278 Vehicle Care
known as dinghy towing and dollytowing. Dinghy towing is towing thevehicle with all four wheels on theground. Dolly towing is towing thevehicle with two wheels on theground and two wheels up on adevice known as a dolly.
Here are some important things toconsider before recreational vehicletowing:
.What is the towing capacity ofthe towing vehicle? Be sure toread the tow vehiclemanufacturer'srecommendations.
.What is the distance that will betraveled? Some vehicles haverestrictions on how far and howlong they can tow.
.Is the proper towing equipmentgoing to be used? See yourdealer or trailering professionalfor additional advice andequipment recommendations.
.Is the vehicle ready to betowed? Just as preparing thevehicle for a long trip, make surethe vehicle is prepared to betowed.
Caution
Use of a shield mounted in front
of the vehicle grille could restrict
airflow and cause damage to the
transmission. The repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. If using a shield, only
use one that attaches to the
towing vehicle.
Dinghy Towing RS Model with
Automatic Transmission
Caution
If the vehicle is towed with all four
wheels on the ground, the
drivetrain components could be
damaged. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Do not tow the vehicle
with all four wheels on the
ground.
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Vehicle Care 279
The vehicle was not designed to betowed with all four wheels on theground. If the vehicle must betowed, a dolly should be used. Seethe information on dolly towing laterin this section.
Dinghy Towing All except RS
Model with Automatic
Transmission
When dinghy towing a vehicle withan automatic transmission, thevehicle should be run at thebeginning of each day and at eachRV fuel stop for about five minutes.This will ensure proper lubrication oftransmission components.
To d i n g h y t o w t h e v e h i c l e f r o m t h efront with all four wheels on theground:
1. Position the vehicle to tow andthen secure it to the towingvehicle.
2. Shift the automatictransmission to P (Park) or amanual transmission into1(First) gear and turn theignition to LOCK/OFF.
3. Set the parking brake.
4. To prevent the battery fromdraining while the vehicle isbeing towed, remove the DLISfuse from the instrument panelfuse block. SeeInstrumentPanel Fuse Block0246.
5. Turn the ignition to ACC/ACCESSORY.
6. Shift an automatic transmissionto N (Neutral) or a manualtransmission to Neutral.
7. Release the parking brake.
Reinstall the DLIS fuse once thedestination has been reached.
Caution
If 105 km/h (65 mph) is exceeded
while towing the vehicle, it could
be damaged. Never exceed
105 km/h (65 mph) while towing
the vehicle.
Caution
To w i n g t h e v e h i c l e f r o m t h e r e a r
could damage it. Also, repairs
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Never have the
vehicle towed from the rear.
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
280 Vehicle Care
Dolly Towing from the Front
The vehicle can be towed from thefront using a dolly. To tow thevehicle using a dolly:
1. Attach the dolly to the towvehicle following the dollymanufacturer's instructions.
2. Drive the front wheels onto thedolly.
3. Put an automatic transmissionin P (Park) or a manualtransmission into 1 (First) gear.
4. Set the parking brake andremove the key.
5. Clamp the steering wheel in astraight-ahead position with aclamping device designed fortowing.
6. Secure the vehicle to the dolly.
7. Release the parking brake.
Dolly Towing from the Rear
Caution
To w i n g t h e v e h i c l e f r o m t h e r e a r
could damage it. Also, repairs
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Never have the
vehicle towed from the rear.
Appearance Care
Exterior Care
Locks
Locks are lubricated at the factory.Use a de-icing agent only whenabsolutely necessary, and have thelocks greased after using. SeeRecommended Fluids andLubricants0300.
Washing the Vehicle
To p r e s e r v e t h e v e h i c l e ' s f i n i s h ,wash it often and out of directsunlight.
Caution
Do not use petroleum-based,
acidic, or abrasive cleaning
agents as they can damage the
vehicle's paint, metal, or plastic
parts. If damage occurs, it would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Approved cleaning
products can be obtained from
(Continued)
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
312 Customer Information
Services Provided
.Emergency Fuel Delivery:Delivery of enough fuel for thevehicle to get to the nearestservice station.
.Lock-Out Service:Service tounlock the vehicle if you arelocked out. A remote unlock maybe available if you have OnStar.For security reasons, the drivermust present identificationbefore this service is given.
.Emergency Tow from a PublicRoad or Highway:To w t o t h enearest Chevrolet dealer forwarranty service, or if the vehiclewas in a crash and cannot bedriven. Assistance is not givenwhen the vehicle is stuck in thesand, mud, or snow.
.Flat Tire Change:Service tochange a flat tire with the sparetire. The spare tire, if equipped,must be in good condition andproperly inflated. It is the owner'sresponsibility for the repair orreplacement of the tire if it is notcovered by the warranty.
.Battery Jump Start:Service tojump start a dead battery.
.Tr i p I n t e r r u p t i o n B e n e f i t s a n dAssistance:If your trip isinterrupted due to a warrantyevent, incidental expenses maybe reimbursed within thePowertrain warranty period.Items considered are reasonableand customary hotel, meals,rental car, or a vehicle beingdelivered back to the customer,up to 805 km (500 mi).
Services Not Included in
Roadside Assistance
.Impound towing caused byviolation of any laws.
.Legal fines.
.Mounting, dismounting,or changing of snow tires,chains, or other traction devices.
Service is not provided if a vehicleis in an area that is not accessibleto the service vehicle or is not aregularly traveled or maintainedpublic road, which includes ice andwinter roads. Off-road use is notcovered.
Services Specific to
Canadian-Purchased Vehicles
.Fuel Delivery:Reimbursementis up to 7 liters. If available,diesel fuel delivery may berestricted. Propane and otherfuels are not provided throughthis service.
.Lock-Out Service:Vehicleregistration is required.
.Tr i p I n t e r r u p t i o n B e n e f i t s a n dAssistance:Must be over150 km from where your trip wasstarted to qualify.Pre-authorization, originaldetailed receipts, and a copy ofthe repair orders are required.Once authorization has beenreceived, the RoadsideAssistance advisor will help tomake arrangements and explainhow to receive payment.
.Alternative Service:Ifassistance cannot be providedright away, the RoadsideAssistance advisor may givepermission to get localemergency road service. You willreceive payment, up to $100,
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Customer Information 315
Aftermarket collision parts are alsoavailable. These are made bycompanies other than GM and maynot have been tested for the vehicle.As a result, these parts may fitpoorly, exhibit premature durability/corrosion problems, and may notperform properly in subsequentcollisions. Aftermarket parts are notcovered by the GM New VehicleLimited Warranty, and any vehiclefailure related to such parts is notcovered by that warranty.
Repair Facility
GM also recommends that youchoose a collision repair facility thatmeets your needs before you everneed collision repairs. Your dealermay have a collision repair centerwith GM-trained technicians andstate-of-the-art equipment, or beable to recommend a collision repaircenter that has GM-trainedtechnicians and comparableequipment.
Insuring the Vehicle
Protect your investment in the GMvehicle with comprehensive andcollision insurance coverage. Thereare significant differences in thequality of coverage afforded byvarious insurance policy terms.Many insurance policies providereduced protection to the GMvehicle by limiting compensation fordamage repairs through the use ofaftermarket collision parts. Someinsurance companies will notspecify aftermarket collision parts.When purchasing insurance, werecommend that you ensure that thevehicle will be repaired with GMoriginal equipment collision parts.If such insurance coverage is notavailable from your currentinsurance carrier, consider switchingto another insurance carrier.
If the vehicle is leased, the leasingcompany may require you to haveinsurance that ensures repairs withGenuine GM Original EquipmentManufacturer (OEM) parts orGenuine Manufacturer replacement
parts. Read the lease carefully, asyou may be charged at the end ofthe lease for poor quality repairs.
If a Crash Occurs
If there has been an injury, callemergency services for help. Do notleave the scene of a crash until allmatters have been taken care of.Move the vehicle only if its positionputs you in danger, or you areinstructed to move it by a policeofficer.
Give only the necessary informationto police and other parties involvedin the crash.
For emergency towing seeRoadside AssistanceProgram0311.
Gather the following information:
.Driver name, address, andtelephone number.
.Driver license number.
.Owner name, address, andtelephone number.
.Vehicle license plate number.
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
338 Index
Personalization
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Phone
Apple CarPlay and
Android Auto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Bluetooth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155, 157
Hands-Free . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Port
USB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Power
Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Protection, Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Reduced Engine Light . . . . . . . . 120
Retained Accessory (RAP) . . . 187
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Power Steering Warning
Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Pregnancy, Using Safety Belts . . . 63
Privacy
Vehicle Data Recording . . . . . . . 318
Program
Courtesy Transportation . . . . . . 313
Proposition
65 Warning,
California . . . . . . . . . . . .213, 234, 275
R
Radio Frequency Statement . . . . 317
Radio Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Radios
AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Satellite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Reading Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Rear Vision Camera (RVC) . . . . . 201
Rear Window Washer/Wiper . . . . 103
Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Records
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . 277
Reduced Engine Power Light . . . 120
Reimbursement Program,
GM Mobility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System . . . . . . . . . . 28, 29, 31
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Replacement Parts
Airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Replacing Airbag System . . . . . . . . 77
Replacing LATCH System
Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Replacing Safety Belt System
Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Reporting Safety Defects
Canadian Government . . . . . . . . 318
General Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318
U.S. Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
Restraints
Where to Put . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Roads
Driving, Wet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Roadside Assistance
Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
Roof
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Rotation, Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Routing, Engine Drive Belt . . . . . . 306
Running the Vehicle While
Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
S
Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
How to Wear Safety Belts
Properly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60