
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
224 Vehicle Care
Change the fluid at the intervalslisted inMaintenance Schedule0290,andbesuretousethefluidlisted inRecommended Fluids andLubricants0300.
Manual Transmission
Fluid
It is not necessary to check themanual transmission fluid level.Atransmissionfluidleakistheonlyreason for fluid loss. If a leakoccurs, take the vehicle to yourdealer and have it repaired as soonas possible. SeeRecommendedFluids and Lubricants0300for theproper fluid to use.
Hydraulic Clutch
For vehicles with a manualtransmission, it is not necessary toregularly check brake/clutch fluidunless there is a leak suspected.Adding fluid will not correct a leak.Afluidlossinthissystemcouldindicate a problem. Have thesystem inspected and repaired.
When to Check and What
to Use
The common hydraulic clutch andbrake master cylinder fluid reservoiris filled with DOT 3 brake fluid asindicated on the reservoir cap. SeeEngine Compartment Overview0217for reservoir location.
How to Check and Add Fluid
Visually check the brake/clutch fluidreservoir to make sure the fluid levelis at the MIN (minimum) line on theside of the reservoir. The brake/hydraulic clutch fluid system shouldbe closed and sealed.
Do not remove the cap to check thefluid level or to top⇣off the fluid level.Remove the cap only whennecessary to add the proper fluiduntil the level reaches the MIN line.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
The engine air cleaner/filter islocated in the engine compartmenton the passenger side of thevehicle. SeeEngine CompartmentOverview0217for more informationon location.
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
For intervals on changing andinspecting the engine air cleaner/filter, seeMaintenanceSchedule0290.
How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Do not start the engine or have theengine running with the engine aircleaner/filter housing open. Beforeremoving the engine air cleaner/filter, make sure that the engine aircleaner/filter housing and nearbycomponents are free of dirt anddebris. Remove the engine aircleaner/filter. Lightly tap and shakethe engine air cleaner/filter (awayfrom the vehicle), to release loosedust and dirt. Inspect the engine aircleaner/filter for damage, andreplace if damaged. Do not cleanthe engine air cleaner/filter orcomponents with water orcompressed air.

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
276 Vehicle Care
The jump start negative post andpositive post are on the dischargedbattery on the driver side of thevehicle.
The jump start positive post andnegative post are on the battery ofthe vehicle providing the jump start.
The positive jump start connectionfor the discharged battery is under atrim cover. Open the cover toexpose the terminal.
1. Check the other vehicle.It must have a 12-volt batterywith a negative ground system.
Caution
If the other vehicle does not have
a12-voltsystemwithanegative
ground, both vehicles can be
damaged. Only use a vehicle that
has a 12-volt system with a
negative ground for jump starting.
2. Position the two vehicles sothat they are not touching.
3. Set the parking brake firmlyand put the shift lever inP(Park) with an automatictransmission, or Neutral with amanual transmission. SeeShifting Into Park (AutomaticTr a n s m i s s i o n )0187with anautomatic transmission, orParking0189with a manualtransmission.
Caution
If any accessories are left on or
plugged in during the jump
starting procedure, they could be
damaged. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Whenever possible, turn
off or unplug all accessories on
either vehicle when jump starting.
4. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.Turn off all lights andaccessories in both vehicles,except the hazard warningflashers if needed.
{Warning
An electric fan can start up even
when the engine is not running
and can injure you. Keep hands,
clothing, and tools away from any
underhood electric fan.
{Warning
Using a match near a battery can
cause battery gas to explode.
People have been hurt doing this,
and some have been blinded.
Use a flashlight if you need more
light.
Battery fluid contains acid that
can burn you. Do not get it on
you. If you accidentally get it in
your eyes or on your skin, flush
the place with water and get
medical help immediately.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
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.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Index 331
IndexA
Accessories and
Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . 211
Additional Information
OnStar®...................... 326
Additional Maintenance
and Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Adjustments
Lumbar, Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Agreements
Trademarks and License . . . . . 164
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . . . 224
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Air Filter, Passenger
Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Air Intake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Airbag System
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
How Does an Airbag
Restrain? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Passenger Sensing System . . . . 71
What Makes an Airbag
Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
What Will You See after an
Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Airbag System (cont'd)
When Should an Airbag
Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . 67
Airbags
Adding Equipment to the
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Passenger Status Indicator . . . . 111
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110
Servicing Airbag-Equipped
Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Alarm
Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Antenna
Multi-band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . 195
Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Appearance Care
Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Apple CarPlay and
Android Auto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Armrest
Front Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
332 Index
Assistance Program,
Roadside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
Audio
Theft-Deterrent Feature . . . . . . . 142
Automatic
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Automatic Transmission
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Shift Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Auxiliary
Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Avoiding Untrusted Media
Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
B
Battery
Exterior Lighting Battery
Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Load Management . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Power Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Battery - North America . . . . 234, 275
Blade Replacement, Wiper . . . . . 236
Bluetooth
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155, 157
Brake
System Warning Light . . . . . . . . .114
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Antilock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Break-In, New Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . 181
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Headlamps and Front Turn
Signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
License Plate Lamps . . . . . . . . . 241
Ta i l l a m p s , T u r n S i g n a l ,
Stoplamps, and Back-up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
C
Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
California
Fuel Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . 208
California (cont'd)
Perchlorate Materials
Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
California
Proposition
65 Warning . . . . . . . . . .213, 234, 275
Camera
Rear Vision (RVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Canadian Vehicle Owners . . . . . . . . 2
Capacities and
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
Carbon Monoxide
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Trunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Cargo
Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Caution, Danger, and Warning . . . . 3
Chains, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . 112
Check
Ignition Transmission Lock . . . 235
Malfunction Indicator
Engine Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112
Child Restraints
Infants and Young Children . . . . . 79

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
334 Index
Driving (cont'd)
If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . . 178
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
E
Electrical Equipment,
Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Electrical System
Engine Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 242
Instrument Panel Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Emergency
OnStar®...................... 322
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Check and Service Engine
Soon Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . 217
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Coolant Temperature
Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Engine (cont'd)
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Oil Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . .118
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Reduced Power Light . . . . . . . . . 120
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . 190
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . . . 319
Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Extender, Safety Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . 134
Exterior Lighting Battery
Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
F
Filter,
Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . 136
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Fluid
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 223
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Forward Collision Alert
(FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Frequency Statement
Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
Front Fog Lamp
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Front Seat Armrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Front Seats
Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Heated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Economy Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Filling a Portable Fuel
Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . .119

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Index 335
Fuel (cont'd)
Requirements, California . . . . . 208
Fuses
Engine Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 242
Instrument Panel Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
G
Gauges
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Ta c h o m e t e r . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 0 9
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Warning Lights and
Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
General Information
Service and Maintenance . . . . . 289
To w i n g . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 11
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
GM Mobility Reimbursement
Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
H
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Hands-Free Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Hazard Warning Flashers . . . . . . . 136
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Headlamps
Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . 120
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . 134
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . 120
Heated
Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Heated Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Heater
Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . 176
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . . . 197
Home Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
How to Wear Safety Belts
Properly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
HVAC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Hydraulic Clutch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
I
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . 182, 183
Ignition Transmission Lock
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119
Indicator
Owner Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114
Vehicle Ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Infants and Young Children,
Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Infotainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Instrument Panel
Storage Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
J
Jump Starting - North
America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275