2017 CHEVROLET SONIC Compartment overview

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
Vehicle Care 217
Engine Compartment Overview
1.4L L4 Engine

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
220 Vehicle Care
1.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter0224.
2. Engine Oil Dipstick. SeeEngine Oil0220.
3. Engine Cooling Fan (Out ofView). SeeCoolingSystem0226.
4. Engine Oil Fill Cap. SeeEngine Oil0220.
5. Engine Coolant Surge Tankand Pressure Cap. SeeCooling System0226.
6. Brake/Clutch Fluid Reservoir.SeeBrake Fluid0233andHydraulic Clutch0224.
7.Battery - North America0234.
8.Engine Compartment FuseBlock0243.
9. Windshield Washer FluidReservoir. SeeWasherFluid0231.
Engine Oil
To e n s u r e p r o p e r e n g i n eperformance and long life, carefulattention must be paid to engine oil.
Following these simple, butimportant steps will help protectyour investment:
.Use engine oil approved to theproper specification and of theproper viscosity grade. See“Selecting the Right Engine Oil”in this section.
.Check the engine oil levelregularly and maintain theproper oil level. See“CheckingEngine Oil”and“When to AddEngine Oil”in this section.
.Change the engine oil at theappropriate time. SeeEngine OilLife System0222.
.Always dispose of engine oilproperly. See“What to Do withUsed Oil”in this section.
If the engine oil pressure lightcomes on, check the engine oil levelright away. The oil pressure light ison the instrument cluster. SeeEngine Oil Pressure Light011 8.Check the engine oil level regularly;this is an added reminder.
Checking Engine Oil
Check the engine oil level regularly(every 650 km (400 mi), especiallyprior to a long trip. The engine oildipstick handle is a loop. SeeEngine Compartment Overview0217for the location.
{Warning
The engine oil dipstick handle
may be hot; it could burn you.
Use a towel or glove to touch the
dipstick handle.
If a low oil Driver Information Center(DIC) message displays, check theoil level.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Vehicle Care 221
Follow these guidelines:
.To g e t a n a c c u r a t e r e a d i n g , p a r kthe vehicle on level ground.Check the engine oil level afterthe engine has been off for atleast two hours. Checking theengine oil level on steep gradesor too soon after engine shutoffcan result in incorrect readings.Accuracy improves whenchecking a cold engine prior tostarting. Remove the dipstickand check the level.
.If unable to wait two hours, theengine must be off for at least15 minutes if the engine iswarm, or at least 30 minutes ifthe engine is not warm. Pull outthe dipstick, wipe it with a cleanpaper towel or cloth, then push itback in all the way. Remove itagain, keeping the tip down, andcheck the level.
When to Add Engine Oil
1.4L Shown, 1.8L Similar
If the oil is below the cross-hatchedarea at the tip of the dipstick andthe engine has been off for at least15 minutes, add 1 L (1 qt) of therecommended oil and then recheckthe level. See“Selecting the RightEngine Oil”later in this section foran explanation of what kind of oil touse. For engine oil crankcasecapacity, seeCapacities andSpecifications0304.
Caution
Do not add too much oil. Oil
levels above or below the
acceptable operating range
shown on the dipstick are harmful
to the engine. If you find that you
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
have an oil level above the
operating range, i.e., the engine
has so much oil that the oil level
gets above the upper mark that
shows the proper operating
range, the engine could be
damaged. You should drain out
the excess oil or limit driving of
the vehicle and seek a service
professional to remove the
excess amount of oil.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview0217for the location of the engineoil fill cap.
Add enough oil to put the levelsomewhere in the proper operatingrange. Push the dipstick all the wayback in when through.
Selecting the Right Engine Oil
Selecting the right engine oildepends on both the proper oilspecification and viscosity grade.SeeRecommended Fluids andLubricants0300.

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 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
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.