2017 CHEVROLET SONIC Transmission

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
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
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 253
(1) Passenger (P-Metric) Tire:
The United States version of a
metric tire sizing system. The
letter P as the first character in
the tire size means a passenger
vehicle tire engineered to
standards set by the U.S. Tire
and Rim Association.
(2) Tire Width:The three-digit
number indicates the tire section
width in millimeters from
sidewall to sidewall.
(3) Aspect Ratio:Atwo-digit
number that indicates the tire
height-to-width measurements.
For example, if the tire size
aspect ratio is 60, as shown in
item 3 of the illustration, it would
mean that the tire's sidewall is
60 percent as high as it is wide.
(4) Construction Code:Aletter
code is used to indicate the type
of ply construction in the tire.
The letter R means radial ply
construction; the letter D means
diagonal or bias ply
construction; and the letter B
means belted-bias ply
construction.
(5) Rim Diameter:Diameter of
the wheel in inches.
(6) Service Description:These
characters represent the load
index and speed rating of the
tire. The load index represents
the load carrying capacity a tire
is certified to carry. The speed
rating is the maximum speed a
tire is certified to carry a load.
Tire Terminology and
Definitions
Air Pressure:The amount of
air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of
the tire. Air pressure is
expressed in kPa (kilopascal)
or psi (pounds per square inch).
Accessory Weight:The
combined weight of optional
accessories. Some examples of
optional accessories are
automatic transmission, power
windows, power seats, and air
conditioning.
Aspect Ratio:The relationship
of a tire's height to its width.
Belt:Arubbercoatedlayerof
cords between the plies and the
tread. Cords may be made from
steel or other reinforcing
materials.
Bead:The tire bead contains
steel wires wrapped by steel
cords that hold the tire onto
the rim.
Bias Ply Tire:Apneumatictire
in which the plies are laid at
alternate angles less than
90 degrees to the centerline of
the tread.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
268 Vehicle Care
{Warning
Driving on a flat tire will cause
permanent damage to the tire.
Re-inflating a tire after it has been
driven on while severely
underinflated or flat may cause a
blowout and a serious crash.
Never attempt to re-inflate a tire
that has been driven on while
severely underinflated or flat.
Have your dealer or an authorized
tire service center repair or
replace the flat tire as soon as
possible.
{Warning
Lifting a vehicle and getting under
it to do maintenance or repairs is
dangerous without the
appropriate safety equipment and
training. If a jack is provided with
the vehicle, it is designed only for
changing a flat tire. If it is used for
anything else, you or others could
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
be badly injured or killed if the
vehicle slips off the jack. If a jack
is provided with the vehicle, only
use it for changing a flat tire.
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tireand wheel damage by driving slowlyto a level place, well off the road,if possible. Turn on the hazardwarning flashers. SeeHazardWarning Flashers0136.
{Warning
Changing a tire can be
dangerous. The vehicle can slip
off the jack and roll over or fall
causing injury or death. Find a
level place to change the tire. To
help prevent the vehicle from
moving:
1. Set the parking brake firmly.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
2. Put an automatictransmission in P (Park) or amanual transmission in1(First) or R(Reverse).
3. Turn off the engine and donot restart while the vehicleis raised.
4. Do not allow passengers toremain in the vehicle.
5. Place wheel blocks,if equipped, on both sides ofthe tire at the oppositecorner of the tire beingchanged.
When the vehicle has a flat tire (2),use the following example as aguide to assist in the placement ofthe wheel blocks (1), if equipped.

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
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.