2017 CHEVROLET SONIC Owners Manual

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
234 Vehicle Care
{Warning
The wrong or contaminated brake
fluid could result in damage to the
brake system. This could result in
the loss of braking leading to a
possible injury. Always use the
proper GM approved brake fluid.
Caution
If brake fluid is spilled on the
vehicle's painted surfaces, the
paint finish can be damaged.
Immediately wash off any painted
surface.
Battery - North America
The original equipment battery ismaintenance free. Do not removethe cap and do not add fluid.
Refer to the replacement numbershown on the original battery labelwhen a new battery is needed. SeeEngine Compartment Overview0217for battery location.
{Warning
WA R N I N G :Battery posts,
terminals, and related
accessories contain lead and lead
compounds, chemicals known to
the State of California to cause
cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Batteries also
contain other chemicals known to
the State of California to cause
cancer.WASH HANDS AFTER
HANDLING.
SeeCalifornia Proposition
65 Warning0213.
Vehicle Storage
{Warning
Batteries have acid that can burn
you and gas that can explode.
Yo u c a n b e b a d l y h u r t i f y o u a r e
not careful. SeeJump Starting -
North America0275for tips on
working around a battery without
getting hurt.
Infrequent Usage: Remove theblack, negative (✓)cablefromthebattery to keep the battery fromrunning down.
Extended Storage: Remove theblack, negative (✓)cablefromthebattery or use a battery tricklecharger.
Starter Switch Check
{Warning
When you are doing this
inspection, the vehicle could
move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be
injured.
1. Before starting this check, besure there is enough roomaround the vehicle.
2. Apply both the parking brakeand the regular brake.
Do not use the acceleratorpedal, and be ready to turn offthe engine immediately if itstarts.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Vehicle Care 235
3. For automatic transmissionvehicles, try to start the enginein each gear. The vehicleshould start only in P (Park) orN(Neutral). If the vehicle startsin any other position, contactyour dealer for service.
For manual transmissionvehicles, put the shift lever inNeutral, push the clutch pedaldown halfway, and try to startthe engine. The vehicle shouldstart only when the clutchpedal is pushed down all theway to the floor. If the vehiclestarts when the clutch pedal isnot pushed all the way down,contact your dealer for service.
Automatic Transmission
Shift Lock Control
Function Check
{Warning
When you are doing this
inspection, the vehicle could
move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be
injured.
1. Before starting this check, besure there is enough roomaround the vehicle. It should beparked on a level surface.
2. Apply the parking brake. Beready to apply the regularbrake immediately if the vehiclebegins to move.
3. With the engine off, turn theignition on, but do not start theengine. Without applying theregular brake, try to move theshift lever out of P (Park) withnormal effort. If the shift levermoves out of P (Park), contactyour dealer for service.
Ignition Transmission
Lock Check
While parked, and with the parkingbrake set, try to turn the ignition toLOCK/OFF in each shift leverposition.
.For automatic transmissionvehicles, the ignition should turnto LOCK/OFF only when theshift lever is in P (Park).
.For manual transmissionvehicles, the ignition should turnto LOCK/OFF only when theshift lever is in neutral.
On all vehicles, the ignition keyshould come out only in LOCK/OFF.
Contact your dealer if service isrequired.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
236 Vehicle Care
Park Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Check
{Warning
When you are doing this check,
the vehicle could begin to move.
Yo u o r o t h e r s c o u l d b e i n j u r e d
and property could be damaged.
Make sure there is room in front
of the vehicle in case it begins to
roll. Be ready to apply the regular
brake at once should the vehicle
begin to move.
Park on a fairly steep hill, with thevehicle facing downhill. Keepingyour foot on the regular brake, setthe parking brake.
.To c h e c k t h e p a r k i n g b r a k e ' sholding ability: With the enginerunning and the transmission inN(Neutral), slowly remove footpressure from the regular brakepedal. Do this until the vehicle isheld by the parking brake only.
.To c h e c k t h e P ( P a r k )mechanism's holding ability:With the engine running, shift toP(Park). Then release theparking brake followed by theregular brake.
Contact your dealer if service isrequired.
Wiper Blade Replacement
Front Wiper Blade
Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should beinspected for wear or cracking. SeetheMaintenance Schedule0290formore information.
Replacement blades come indifferent types and are removed indifferent ways. For properwindshield wiper blade length andtype, seeMaintenanceReplacement Parts0301.
Caution
Allowing the wiper arm to touch
the windshield when no wiper
blade is installed could damage
the windshield. Any damage that
occurs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Do not allow
the wiper arm to touch the
windshield.
To r e p l a c e t h e w i n d s h i e l d w i p e rblade:
1. Pull the windshield wiperassembly away from thewindshield.
2. Squeeze the tabs on each sideof the wiper blade assemblyand slide the assembly off theend of the wiper arm.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Vehicle Care 237
3. Install the new blade onto thearm and make sure the tabsare fully set in the lockedposition.
4. Repeat the steps for the otherwiper.
Rear Wiper Blade Replacement
1. Pull the wiper arm a shortdistance away from theglass (1).
2. Pull the blade out fromthe arm (2).
It may require extra effort toremove the old blade.
3. Once the blade pin disengagesfrom the wiper arm, remove thewiper blade by sliding the pinout of the guide hole.
4. Reverse the steps to install thenew blade.
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp aim has been preset andshould need no further adjustment.
If the vehicle is damaged in a crash,the headlamp aim may be affected.If adjustment to the headlamps isnecessary, see your dealer.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
238 Vehicle Care
Bulb Replacement
For the proper type of replacementbulbs, seeReplacementBulbs0241.
For any bulb-changing procedurenot listed in this section, contactyour dealer.
Halogen Bulbs
{Warning
Halogen bulbs have pressurized
gas inside and can burst if you
drop or scratch the bulb. You or
others could be injured. Be sure
to read and follow the instructions
on the bulb package.
Headlamps and Front
Turn Signal
Passenger Side Shown, Driver
Side Similar
1. Turn Signal Lamp
2. Low-Beam Headlamp
3. High-Beam Headlamp
High-Beam Headlamp/
Low-Beam Headlamp
1. Open the hood. SeeHood0215.
2. For the driver side bulb,remove the windshield washerbottle filler neck by turning it
one-quarter turncounterclockwise and pulling itstraight up and out of thebottle.
3. Remove the headlamp bulbaccess cover.
4. Turn the bulb counterclockwiseand pull straight back.
5. Disconnect the wiring harnessconnector from the bulb.
6. Install the new bulb in theheadlamp assembly by turningclockwise.
7. Reconnect the wiring harnessconnector.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Vehicle Care 239
8. Install the headlamp bulbaccess cover.
9. For the driver side bulb,replace the windshield washerbottle filler neck by turning itone-quarter turn clockwise intothe bottle.
Turn Signal Lamp
1. Open the hood. SeeHood0215.
2. Remove the turn signal lampbulb socket from the headlampassembly by turningcounterclockwise.
3. Remove the bulb from the bulbsocket by pulling it straight out.
4. Install the new bulb in the bulbsocket.
5. Install the bulb socket into theheadlamp assembly by turningclockwise.
Fog Lamps
1. Tilt the wheel to access thewheel liner.
2. Remove the two push pinsfrom the outside of the wheelliner.
3. Disconnect the electricalconnector from the bulb holder.
4. Remove and pull the bulbassembly straight out ofthe lamp.
5. Install a new bulb into the bulbholder.
6. Reinstall the bulb assemblyinto the lamp.
7. Reconnect the electricalconnector to the bulbassembly.
8. Reinstall the wheel liner withthe two push pins.