Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
212 Vehicle Care
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 213California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213California PerchlorateMaterials Requirements . . . . . 213Accessories andModifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215Engine CompartmentOverview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 222Automatic TransmissionFluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223Manual Transmission Fluid . . . 224Hydraulic Clutch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 224Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 230Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Battery - North America . . . . . . 234Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 234Automatic Transmission ShiftLock Control FunctionCheck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235Ignition Transmission LockCheck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235Park Brake and P (Park)Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 236Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 236
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 238Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238Headlamps and Front TurnSignal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239Ta i l l a m p s , T u r n S i g n a l ,Stoplamps, and Back-UpLamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 241Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . 242Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 242Engine Compartment FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Instrument Panel FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 250Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256Tire Pressure MonitorSystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257Tire Pressure MonitorOperation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261When It Is Time for NewTires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263Different Size Tires andWheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264Uniform Tire QualityGrading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264Wheel Alignment and TireBalance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 266Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
214 Vehicle Care
Accessories and
Modifications
Adding non-dealer accessories ormaking modifications to the vehiclecan affect vehicle performance andsafety, including such things asairbags, braking, stability, ride andhandling, emissions systems,aerodynamics, durability, andelectronic systems like antilockbrakes, traction control, and stabilitycontrol. These accessories ormodifications could even causemalfunction or damage not coveredby the vehicle warranty.
Damage to suspension componentscaused by modifying vehicle heightoutside of factory settings will not becovered by the vehicle warranty.
Damage to vehicle componentsresulting from modifications or theinstallation or use of non-GMcertified parts, including controlmodule or software modifications, isnot covered under the terms of thevehicle warranty and may affectremaining warranty coverage foraffected parts.
GM Accessories are designed tocomplement and function with othersystems on the vehicle. See yourdealer to accessorize the vehicleusing genuine GM Accessoriesinstalled by a dealer technician.
Also, seeAdding Equipment to theAirbag-Equipped Vehicle075.
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own
Service Work
{Warning
It can be dangerous to work on
your vehicle if you do not have
the proper knowledge, service
manual, tools, or parts. Always
follow owner manual procedures
and consult the service manual
for your vehicle before doing any
service work.
If doing some of your own servicework, use the proper servicemanual. It tells you much moreabout how to service the vehiclethan this manual can. To order theproper service manual, seeServicePublications OrderingInformation0316.
This vehicle has an airbag system.Before attempting to do your ownservice work, seeServicing theAirbag-Equipped Vehicle075.
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
232 Vehicle Care
Caution (Continued)
.Do not mix water withready-to-use washer fluid.Water can cause thesolution to freeze anddamage the washer fluidtank and other parts of thewasher system.
.When using concentratedwasher fluid, follow themanufacturer instructions foradding water.
.Fill the washer fluid tankonly three-quarters full whenit is very cold. This allowsfor fluid expansion iffreezing occurs, which coulddamage the tank if it iscompletely full.
Brakes
Disc brake pads have built-in wearindicators that make a high-pitchedwarning sound when the brake padsare worn and new pads are needed.The sound can come and go or can
be heard all the time when thevehicle is moving, except whenapplying the brake pedal firmly.
{Warning
The brake wear warning sound
means that soon the brakes will
not work well. That could lead to
acrash.Whenthebrakewear
warning sound is heard, have the
vehicle serviced.
Caution
Continuing to drive with worn-out
brake pads could result in costly
brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climatescan cause a brake squeal when thebrakes are first applied or lightlyapplied. This does not meansomething is wrong with the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts arenecessary to help prevent brakepulsation. When tires are rotated,inspect brake pads for wear and
evenly tighten wheel nuts in theproper sequence to torquespecifications. SeeCapacities andSpecifications0304.
Brake pads should be replaced ascomplete sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedaldoes not return to normal height,or if there is a rapid increase inpedal travel. This could be a signthat brake service may be required.
Replacing Brake System Parts
Always replace brake system partswith new, approved replacementparts. If this is not done, the brakesmay not work properly. The brakingperformance expected can changein many other ways if the wrongreplacement brake parts areinstalled or if parts are improperlyinstalled.
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Vehicle Care 233
Brake Fluid
The brake/clutch master cylinderreservoir is filled with GM approvedDOT 3 brake fluid as indicated onthe reservoir cap. SeeEngineCompartment Overview0217forthe location of the reservoir.
Checking Brake Fluid
Place the vehicle in P (Park) orNeutral with the parking brakeapplied if equipped with a manualtransmission. On a level surface,the brake fluid level should bebetween the minimum andmaximum marks on the brake fluidreservoir.
There are only two reasons why thebrake fluid level in the reservoir maygo down:
.Normal brake lining wear. Whennew linings are installed, thefluid level goes back up.
.Afluidleakinthebrake/clutchhydraulic system. Have thebrake/clutch hydraulic systemfixed. With a leak, the brakes willnot work well.
Always clean the brake fluidreservoir cap and the area aroundthe cap before removing it.
Do not top off the brake/clutch fluid.Adding fluid does not correct a leak.If fluid is added when the linings areworn, there will be too much fluidwhen new brake linings areinstalled. Add or remove fluid, asnecessary, only when work is doneon the brake/clutch hydraulicsystem.
{Warning
If too much brake fluid is added, it
can spill on the engine and burn,
if the engine is hot enough. You
or others could be burned, and
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
the vehicle could be damaged.
Add brake fluid only when work is
done on the brake/clutch
hydraulic system.
When the brake/clutch fluid falls to alow level, the brake warning lightcomes on. SeeBrake SystemWarning Light011 4.
Brake fluid absorbs water over timewhich degrades the effectiveness ofthe brake fluid. Replace brake fluidat the specified intervals to preventincreased stopping distance. SeeMaintenance Schedule0290.
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 3brake fluid from a clean, sealedcontainer. SeeRecommendedFluids and Lubricants0300.
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
264 Vehicle Care
{Warning
Using bias-ply tires on the
vehicle may cause the wheel
rim flanges to develop cracks
after many miles of driving.
Atireand/orwheelcouldfail
suddenly and cause a crash.
Use only radial-ply tires with
the wheels on the vehicle.
If the vehicle tires must be
replaced with a tire that does not
have a TPC Spec number, make
sure they are the same size,
load range, speed rating, and
construction (radial) as the
original tires.
Vehicles that have a tire
pressure monitoring system
could give an inaccurate
low-pressure warning if non-TPC
Spec rated tires are installed.
SeeTire Pressure Monitor
System0257.
The Tire and Loading
Information label indicates the
original equipment tires on the
vehicle. SeeVehicle Load
Limits0178.
Different Size Tires and
Wheels
If wheels or tires are installed thatare a different size than the originalequipment wheels and tires, vehicleperformance, including its braking,ride and handling characteristics,stability, and resistance to rollovermay be affected. If the vehicle haselectronic systems such as antilockbrakes, rollover airbags, tractioncontrol, electronic stability control,or All-Wheel Drive, the performanceof these systems can also beaffected.
{Warning
If different sized wheels are used,
there may not be an acceptable
level of performance and safety if
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
tires not recommended for those
wheels are selected. This
increases the chance of a crash
and serious injury. Only use GM
specific wheel and tire systems
developed for the vehicle, and
have them properly installed by a
GM certified technician.
SeeBuying New Tires0263andAccessories andModifications0214.
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading
The following information relates
to the system developed by the
United States National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA), which grades tires by
treadwear, traction, and
temperature performance. This
applies only to vehicles sold in
the United States. The grades
are molded on the sidewalls of
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Vehicle Care 267
Caution
The wrong wheel can also cause
problems with bearing life, brake
cooling, speedometer or
odometer calibration, headlamp
aim, bumper height, vehicle
ground clearance, and tire or tire
chain clearance to the body and
chassis.
Used Replacement Wheels
{Warning
Replacing a wheel with a used
one is dangerous. How it has
been used or how far it has been
driven may be unknown. It could
fail suddenly and cause a crash.
When replacing wheels, use a
new GM original equipment
wheel.
Tire Chains
{Warning
Do not use tire chains. There is
not enough clearance. Tire chains
used on a vehicle without the
proper amount of clearance can
cause damage to the brakes,
suspension, or other vehicle
parts. The area damaged by the
tire chains could cause loss of
control and a crash.
Use another type of traction
device only if its manufacturer
recommends it for the vehicle's
tire size combination and road
conditions. Follow that
manufacturer's instructions. To
avoid vehicle damage, drive slow
and readjust or remove the
traction device if it contacts the
vehicle. Do not spin the wheels.
If traction devices are used, install
them on the front tires.
If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blow outwhile driving, especially if the tiresare maintained properly. SeeTires0248.Ifairgoesoutofatire,itismuch more likely to leak out slowly.But if there ever is a blowout, hereare a few tips about what to expectand what to do:
If a front tire fails, the flat tirecreates a drag that pulls the vehicletoward that side. Take your foot offthe accelerator pedal and grip thesteering wheel firmly. Steer tomaintain lane position, and thengently brake to a stop, well off theroad, if possible.
Arearblowout,particularlyonacurve, acts much like a skid andmay require the same correction asused in a skid. Stop pressing theaccelerator pedal and steer tostraighten the vehicle. It may bevery bumpy and noisy. Gently braketo a stop, well off the road,if possible.
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
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Service and Maintenance 297
Additional
Maintenance and Care
Yo u r v e h i c l e i s a n i m p o r t a n tinvestment and caring for it properlymay help to avoid future costlyrepairs. To maintain vehicleperformance, additionalmaintenance services may berequired.
It is recommended that your dealerperform these services—theirtrained dealer technicians knowyour vehicle best. Your dealer canalso perform a thoroughassessment with a multi-pointinspection to recommend when yourvehicle may need attention.
The following list is intended toexplain the services and conditionsto look for that may indicateservices are required.
Battery
The battery supplies power to startthe engine and operate anyadditional electrical accessories.
.To a v o i d b r e a k - d o w n o r f a i l u r e t ostart the vehicle, maintain abattery with full cranking power.
.Trained dealer technicians havethe diagnostic equipment to testthe battery and ensure that theconnections and cables arecorrosion-free.
Belts
.Belts may need replacing if theysqueak or show signs ofcracking or splitting.
.Trained dealer technicians haveaccess to tools and equipmentto inspect the belts andrecommend adjustment orreplacement when necessary.
.Amessagemayindicatewhenscheduled maintenance on thetiming belt and othercomponents is required.
Brakes
Brakes stop the vehicle and arecrucial to safe driving.
.Signs of brake wear may includechirping, grinding, or squealingnoises, or difficulty stopping.
.Trained dealer technicians haveaccess to tools and equipmentto inspect the brakes andrecommend quality partsengineered for the vehicle.
Fluids
Proper fluid levels and approvedfluids protect the vehicle’ssystemsand components. SeeRecommended Fluids andLubricants0300for GM approvedfluids.
.Engine oil and windshieldwasher fluid levels should bechecked at every fuel fill.
.Instrument cluster lights maycome on to indicate that fluidsmay be low and need to befilled.
Hoses
Hoses transport fluids and shouldbe regularly inspected to ensurethat there are no cracks or leaks.With a multi-point inspection, yourdealer can inspect the hoses andadvise if replacement is needed.