
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Vehicle Care 213
Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . 274
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - NorthAmerica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Towing the Vehicle
To w i n g t h e V e h i c l e . . . . . . . . . . . 2 7 7Recreational VehicleTo w i n g . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 7 7
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
General Information
For service and parts needs, visityour dealer. You will receivegenuine GM parts and GM-trainedand supported service people.
Genuine GM parts have one ofthese marks:
California Proposition
65 Warning
WARNING:Most motor vehicles,including this one, as well as manyof its service parts and fluids,contain and/or emit chemicalsknown to the State of California to
cause cancer and birth defects orother reproductive harm. Engineexhaust, many parts and systems,many fluids, and some componentwear by-products contain and/oremit these chemicals.
SeeBattery - North America0234andJump Starting - NorthAmerica0275.
California Perchlorate
Materials Requirements
Certain types of automotiveapplications, such as airbaginitiators, safety belt pretensioners,and lithium batteries contained inRemote Keyless Entry transmitters,may contain perchlorate materials.Special handling may be necessary.For additional information, seewww.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate.

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
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
316 Customer Information
.Vehicle make, model, andmodel year.
.Vehicle IdentificationNumber (VIN).
.Insurance company and policynumber.
.General description of thedamage to the other vehicle.
Choose a reputable repair facilitythat uses quality replacement parts.See“Collision Parts”earlier in thissection.
If the airbag has inflated, seeWhatWill You See after an AirbagInflates?070.
Managing the Vehicle Damage
Repair Process
In the event that the vehicle requiresdamage repairs, GM recommendsthat you take an active role in itsrepair. If you have a pre-determinedrepair facility of choice, take thevehicle there, or have it towed there.Specify to the facility that anyrequired replacement collision partsbe original equipment parts, eithernew Genuine GM parts or recycled
original GM parts. Remember,recycled parts will not be covered bythe GM vehicle warranty.
Insurance pays the bill for the repair,but you must live with the repair.Depending on your policy limits,your insurance company mayinitially value the repair usingaftermarket parts. Discuss this withthe repair professional, and insist onGenuine GM parts. Remember,if the vehicle is leased, you may beobligated to have the vehiclerepaired with Genuine GM parts,even if your insurance coveragedoes not pay the full cost.
If another party's insurancecompany is paying for the repairs,you are not obligated to accept arepair valuation based on thatinsurance company's collision policyrepair limits, as you have nocontractual limits with that company.In such cases, you can have controlof the repair and parts choices aslong as the cost stays withinreasonable limits.
Service Publications
Ordering Information
Service Manuals
Service Manuals have the diagnosisand repair information on theengines, transmission, axle,suspension, brakes, electrical,steering, body, etc.
Owner Information
Owner publications are writtenspecifically for owners and intendedto provide basic operationalinformation about the vehicle. TheOwner Manual includes theMaintenance Schedule for allmodels.
In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio,Owner Manual, and WarrantyManual.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $35.00–$40.00 (U.S.) plus handling andshipping fees.
Without Pouch: Owner Manual only.
RETAIL SELL PRICE:$25.00 (U.S.) plus handling andshipping fees.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
318 Customer Information
To c o n t a c t N H T S A , y o u m a y c a l l
the Vehicle Safety Hotline
toll-free at 1-888-327-4236
(TTY: 1-800-424-9153); go tohttp://www.safercar.gov;or
write to:
Administrator, NHTSA
1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E.
Washington, D.C. 20590
Yo u c a n a l s o o b t a i n o t h e r
information about
motor vehicle safety fromhttp://www.safercar.gov.
Reporting Safety Defects
to the Canadian
Government
If you live in Canada, and you
believe that the vehicle has a
safety defect, notify Transport
Canada immediately, and notify
General Motors of Canada
Company. Call Transport
Canada at 1-800-333-0510 or
write to:
Transport Canada
Road Safety Branch
80 rue Noel
Gatineau,QC J8Z 0A1
Reporting Safety Defects
to General Motors
In addition to notifying NHTSA (orTransport Canada) in a situation likethis, notify General Motors.
Call 1-800-222-1020, or write:
Chevrolet Motor DivisionChevrolet Customer AssistanceCenterP. O . B o x 3 3 1 7 0Detroit, MI 48232-5170
In Canada, call 1-800-263-3777(English) or 1-800-263-7854(French), or write:
General Motors of CanadaCompanyCustomer Care Centre, Mail Code:CA1-163-0051908 Colonel Sam DriveOshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
Vehicle Data
Recording and
Privacy
The vehicle has a number ofcomputers that record informationabout the vehicle’sperformanceandhow it is driven. For example, thevehicle uses computer modules tomonitor and control engine andtransmission performance, tomonitor the conditions for airbagdeployment and deploy them in acrash, and, if equipped, to provideantilock braking to help the drivercontrol the vehicle. These modulesmay store data to help the dealertechnician service the vehicle.Some modules may also store dataabout how the vehicle is operated,such as rate of fuel consumption oraverage speed. These modules mayretain personal preferences, such asradio presets, seat positions, andtemperature settings.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Customer Information 319
Event Data Recorders
This vehicle is equipped with anevent data recorder (EDR). Themain purpose of an EDR is torecord, in certain crash or nearcrash-like situations, such as an airbag deployment or hitting a roadobstacle, data that will assist inunderstanding how a vehicle’ssystems performed. The EDR isdesigned to record data related tovehicle dynamics and safetysystems for a short period of time,typically 30 seconds or less. TheEDR in this vehicle is designed torecord such data as:
.How various systems in yourvehicle were operating;
.Whether or not the driver andpassenger safety belts werebuckled/fastened;
.How far (if at all) the driver wasdepressing the accelerator and/or brake pedal; and,
.How fast the vehicle wastraveling.
These data can help provide abetter understanding of thecircumstances in which crashes andinjuries occur.
Note
EDR data are recorded by yourvehicle only if a non-trivial crashsituation occurs; no data arerecorded by the EDR under normaldriving conditions and no personaldata (e.g., name, gender, age, andcrash location) are recorded.However, other parties, such as lawenforcement, could combine theEDR data with the type ofpersonally identifying data routinelyacquired during a crashinvestigation.
To r e a d d a t a r e c o r d e d b y a n E D R ,special equipment is required, andaccess to the vehicle or the EDR isneeded. In addition to the vehiclemanufacturer, other parties, such aslaw enforcement, that have thespecial equipment, can read theinformation if they have access tothe vehicle or the EDR.
GM will not access these data orshare it with others except: with theconsent of the vehicle owner or,if the vehicle is leased, with theconsent of the lessee; in responseto an official request by police orsimilar government office; as part ofGM's defense of litigation throughthe discovery process; or, asrequired by law. Data that GMcollects or receives may also beused for GM research needs or maybe made available to others forresearch purposes, where a need isshown and the data is not tied to aspecific vehicle or vehicle owner.

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
336 Index
K
Keyless Entry
Remote (RKE) System . . . . . 29, 31
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall . . . . . . . . . . 250
Lamps
Courtesy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Daytime Running (DRL) . . . . . . 135
Dome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Exterior Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Exterior Lighting Battery
Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
License Plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Malfunction Indicator . . . . . . . . . .112
On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Lane Departure
Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Lane Departure Warning
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
LATCH System
Replacing Parts after a
Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
LATCH, Lower Anchors and
Te t h e r s f o r C h i l d r e n . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 4
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Lighting
Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Illumination Control . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Airbag Readiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115
Brake System Warning . . . . . . . .114
Charging System . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Door Ajar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Engine Coolant
Te m p e r a t u r e W a r n i n g . . . . . . . . 11 8
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . .118
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Front Fog Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
High-Beam On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . 134
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119
Lane Departure Warning . . . . . . .116
Low Fuel Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . .119
Operate Pedal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115
Reduced Engine Power . . . . . . 120
Safety Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . .110
Service Vehicle Soon . . . . . . . . . .114
StabiliTrak®OFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Lights (cont'd)
Traction Control System
(TCS)/StabiliTrak®...........117
Traction Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Trunk Ajar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Ultrasonic Parking Sensor . . . . .116
Up-Shift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115
Warning, Power Steering . . . . . . 115
Load Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Locks
Automatic Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . . 119
Lower Anchors and Tethers
for Children (LATCH
System) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Lumbar Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
M
Maintenance
Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Maintenance and Care
Additional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . . . 290