2017 CHEVROLET SONIC fuel cap

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
70 Seats and Restraints
How Does an Airbag
Restrain?
In moderate to severe frontal ornear frontal collisions, even beltedoccupants can contact the steeringwheel or the instrument panel. Inmoderate to severe side collisions,even belted occupants can contactthe inside of the vehicle.
Airbags supplement the protectionprovided by safety belts bydistributing the force of the impactmore evenly over theoccupant's body.
Rollover capable roof-rail airbagsare designed to help contain thehead and chest of occupants in theoutboard seating positions in thefirst and second rows. The rollovercapable roof-rail airbags aredesigned to help reduce the risk offull or partial ejection in rolloverevents, although no system canprevent all such ejections.
But airbags would not help in manytypes of collisions, primarilybecause the occupant's motion isnot toward those airbags. SeeWhenShould an Airbag Inflate?068.
Airbags should never be regardedas anything more than a supplementto safety belts.
What Will You See after
an Airbag Inflates?
After the frontal, knee, andseat-mounted side impact airbagsinflate, they quickly deflate, soquickly that some people may noteven realize an airbag inflated.Roof-rail airbags may still be at leastpartially inflated for some time afterthey inflate. Some components ofthe airbag module may be hot forseveral minutes. For location of theairbags, seeWhere Are theAirbags?067.
The parts of the airbag that comeinto contact with you may be warm,but not too hot to touch. There maybe some smoke and dust comingfrom the vents in the deflatedairbags. Airbag inflation does not
prevent the driver from seeing out ofthe windshield or being able to steerthe vehicle, nor does it preventpeople from leaving the vehicle.
{Warning
When an airbag inflates, there
may be dust in the air. This dust
could cause breathing problems
for people with a history of
asthma or other breathing trouble.
To a v o i d t h i s , e v e r y o n e i n t h e
vehicle should get out as soon as
it is safe to do so. If you have
breathing problems but cannot
get out of the vehicle after an
airbag inflates, then get fresh air
by opening a window or a door.
If you experience breathing
problems following an airbag
deployment, you should seek
medical attention.
The vehicle has a feature that mayautomatically unlock the doors, turnon the interior lamps and hazardwarning flashers, and shut off thefuel system after the airbags inflate.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Instruments and Controls 109
Speedometer
The speedometer shows thevehicle's speed in either kilometersper hour (km/h) or miles perhour (mph).
Odometer
The odometer shows how far thevehicle has been driven, in eitherkilometers or miles.
Trip Odometer
The trip odometer shows how farthe vehicle has been driven sincethe trip odometer was last reset.
The trip odometer is accessed andreset through the Driver InformationCenter (DIC). SeeDriverInformation Center (DIC)0121.
Tachometer
The tachometer displays the enginespeed in revolutions perminute (rpm).
Caution
If the engine is operated with the
rpm’sinthewarningareaatthe
high end of the tachometer, the
vehicle could be damaged, and
the damage would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Do not
operate the engine with the rpm’s
in the warning area.
Fuel Gauge
When the ignition is on, the fuelgauge shows how much fuel is leftin the fuel tank. When the indicator
nears empty, a fuel warning light willcome on. SeeLow Fuel WarningLight011 9.Thevehiclestillhasalittle fuel left, but the vehicle shouldbe fueled soon. An arrow on the fuelgauge indicates the side of thevehicle the fuel door is on.
Here are four things that someowners ask about. These arenormal and do not indicate aproblem with the fuel gauge:
.At the service station, the gaspump shuts off before the gaugereads full.
.It takes a little more or less fuelto fill up than the gaugeindicated. For example, thegauge may have indicated thefuel tank was half full, but itactually took a little more or lessthan half the fuel tank's capacityto fill it.
.The indicator moves a little whileturning a corner or speeding up.
.The gauge goes back to emptywhen the ignition is turned off.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Instruments and Controls 113
If the light is flashing :Amalfunction has been detected thatcould damage the emission controlsystem and increase vehicleemissions. Diagnosis and servicemay be required.
To h e l p p r e v e n t d a m a g e , r e d u c evehicle speed and avoid hardaccelerations and uphill grades.
If the light continues to flash, find asafe place to park. Turn the vehicleoff and wait at least 10 secondsbefore restarting the engine. If thelight is still flashing, follow theprevious guidelines and see yourdealer for service as soon aspossible.
If the light is on steady :Amalfunction has been detected.Diagnosis and service may berequired.
Check the following:
.Alooseormissingfuelcapmaycause the light to come on. SeeFilling the Tank0209.Afewdriving trips with the capproperly installed may turn thelight off.
.Poor fuel quality can causeinefficient engine operation andpoor driveability, which may goaway once the engine is warmedup. If this occurs, change thefuel brand. It may require atleast one full tank of the properfuel to turn the light off. SeeFuel0207.
If the light remains on, see yourdealer.
Emissions Inspection and
Maintenance Programs
If the vehicle requires an EmissionsInspection/Maintenance test, thetest equipment will likely connect tothe vehicle's Data LinkConnector (DLC).
The DLC is under the instrumentpanel to the left of the steeringwheel. Connecting devices that are
not used to perform an EmissionsInspection/Maintenance test or toservice the vehicle may affectvehicle operation. SeeAdd-OnElectrical Equipment0211.Seeyour dealer if assistance is needed.
The vehicle may not passinspection if:
.The light is on when the engineis running.
.The light does not come onwhen the ignition is in ON/RUNwith the engine not running.
.Critical emission control systemshave not been completelydiagnosed. If this happens, thevehicle would not be ready forinspection and might requireseveral days of routine drivingbefore the system is ready forinspection. This can happen ifthe 12-volt battery has recentlybeen replaced or run down, or ifthe vehicle has been recentlyserviced.
See your dealer if the vehicle willnot pass or cannot be made readyfor the test.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Driving and Operating 181
weight of the driver, passengers,
and cargo should never exceed
the vehicle's capacity weight.
Certification Label
Label Example
Avehicle-specificCertification
label is attached to the vehicle's
center pillar (B-pillar). The label
may show the gross weight
capacity of the vehicle, called
the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR). The GVWR includes
the weight of the vehicle, all
occupants, fuel, and cargo.
{Warning
Things inside the vehicle can
strike and injure people in a
sudden stop or turn, or in a
crash.
.Put things in the cargo
area of the vehicle. In the
cargo area, put them as
far forward as possible.
Try to spread the weight
evenly.
.Never stack heavier
things, like suitcases,
inside the vehicle so that
some of them are above
the tops of the seats.
.Do not leave an
unsecured child restraint
in the vehicle.
.Secure loose items in the
vehicle.
.Do not leave a seat
folded down unless
needed.
Starting and
Operating
New Vehicle Break-In
Caution
The vehicle does not need an
elaborate break-in. But it will
perform better in the long run if
you follow these guidelines:
.Do not drive at any oneconstant speed, fast or slow,for the first 805 km (500 mi).Do not make full-throttlestarts. Avoid downshifting tobrake or slow the vehicle.
.Avoid making hard stops forthe first 322 km (200 mi) orso. During this time the newbrake linings are not yetbroken in. Hard stops withnew linings can meanpremature wear and earlierreplacement. Follow this
(Continued)

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Driving and Operating 209
gasoline additive recommended byGeneral Motors. It is available atyour dealer.
Filling the Tank
{Warning
Fuel vapors and fuel fires burn
violently and can cause injury or
death.
.To h e l p a v o i d i n j u r i e s t o y o uand others, read and followall the instructions on thefuel pump island.
.Turn off the engine whenrefueling.
.Keep sparks, flames, andsmoking materials awayfrom fuel.
.Do not leave the fuel pumpunattended.
.Do not use a cell phonewhile refueling.
.Do not re-enter the vehiclewhile pumping fuel.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Keep children away fromthe fuel pump and never letchildren pump fuel.
.Fuel can spray out if the fuelcap is opened too quickly.This spray can happen if thetank is nearly full, and ismore likely in hot weather.Open the fuel cap slowlyand wait for any hiss noiseto stop, then unscrew thecap all the way.
The fuel cap is behind a hinged fueldoor on the passenger side of thevehicle.
To r e m o v e t h e f u e l c a p , t u r n i tslowly counterclockwise. The fuelcap has a spring in it; if the cap isreleased too soon, it will spring backto the right.
{Warning
Overfilling the fuel tank by more
than three clicks of a standard fill
nozzle may cause:
.Vehicle performance issues,including engine stalling anddamage to the fuel system.
.Fuel spills.
.Potential fuel fires.
Be careful not to spill fuel. Wait afew seconds after you have finishedpumping before removing thenozzle. Clean fuel from paintedsurfaces as soon as possible. SeeExterior Care0280.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
210 Driving and Operating
When replacing the fuel cap, turn itclockwise until it clicks. Make surethe cap is fully installed. Thediagnostic system can determine ifthe fuel cap has been left off orimproperly installed. This wouldallow fuel to evaporate into theatmosphere. SeeMalfunctionIndicator Lamp (Check EngineLight)011 2.
{Warning
If a fire starts while you are
refueling, do not remove the
nozzle. Shut off the flow of fuel by
shutting off the pump or by
notifying the station attendant.
Leave the area immediately.
Caution
If a new fuel cap is needed, be
sure to get the right type of cap
from your dealer. The wrong type
of fuel cap may not fit properly,
may cause the malfunction
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
indicator lamp to light, and could
damage the fuel tank and
emissions system. See
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Check Engine Light)011 2.
Filling a Portable Fuel
Container
{Warning
Filling a portable fuel container
while it is in the vehicle can cause
fuel vapors that can ignite either
by static electricity or other
means. You or others could be
badly burned and the vehicle
could be damaged. Always:
.Use approved fuelcontainers.
.Remove the container fromthe vehicle, trunk, or pickupbed before filling.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Place the container on theground.
.Place the nozzle inside thefill opening of the containerbefore dispensing fuel, andkeep it in contact with the fillopening until filling iscomplete.
.Fill the container no morethan 95% full to allow forexpansion.
.Do not smoke, lightmatches, or use lighterswhile pumping fuel.
.Avoid using cell phones orother electronic devices.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
254 Vehicle Care
Cold Tire Pressure:The
amount of air pressure in a tire,
measured in kPa (kilopascal)
or psi (pounds per square inch)
before a tire has built up heat
from driving. SeeTire
Pressure0256.
Curb Weight:The weight of a
motor vehicle with standard and
optional equipment including the
maximum capacity of fuel, oil,
and coolant, but without
passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings:Acodemolded
into the sidewall of a tire
signifying that the tire is in
compliance with the U.S.
Department of Transportation
(DOT) Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards. The DOT code
includes the Tire Identification
Number (TIN), an alphanumeric
designator which can also
identify the tire manufacturer,
production plant, brand, and
date of production.
GVWR:Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating. SeeVehicle Load
Limits0178.
GAWR FRT:Gross Axle Weight
Rating for the front axle. See
Vehicle Load Limits0178.
GAWR RR:Gross Axle Weight
Rating for the rear axle. See
Vehicle Load Limits0178.
Intended Outboard Sidewall:
The side of an asymmetrical tire
that must always face outward
when mounted on a vehicle.
Kilopascal (kPa):The metric
unit for air pressure.
Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire:A
tire used on light duty trucks and
some multipurpose passenger
vehicles.
Load Index:An assigned
number ranging from 1 to 279
that corresponds to the load
carrying capacity of a tire.
Maximum Inflation Pressure:
The maximum air pressure to
which a cold tire can be inflated.
The maximum air pressure is
molded onto the sidewall.
Maximum Load Rating:The
load rating for a tire at the
maximum permissible inflation
pressure for that tire.
Maximum Loaded Vehicle
Weight:The sum of curb
weight, accessory weight,
vehicle capacity weight, and
production options weight.
Normal Occupant Weight:The
number of occupants a vehicle
is designed to seat multiplied by
68 kg (150 lb). SeeVehicle Load
Limits0178.
Occupant Distribution:
Designated seating positions.
Outward Facing Sidewall:The
side of an asymmetrical tire that
has a particular side that faces
outward when mounted on a
vehicle. The side of the tire that

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
256 Vehicle Care
Tire Pressure
Tires need the correct amount of
air pressure to operate
effectively.
Caution
Neither tire underinflation nor
overinflation is good.
Underinflated tires, or tires
that do not have enough air,
can result in:
.Tire overloading and
overheating which could
lead to a blowout.
.Premature or
irregular wear.
.Poor handling.
.Reduced fuel economy.
Overinflated tires, or tires that
have too much air, can
result in:
.Unusual wear.
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
.Poor handling.
.Rough ride.
.Needless damage from
road hazards.
The Tire and Loading
Information label on the vehicle
indicates the original equipment
tires and the correct cold tire
inflation pressures. The
recommended pressure is the
minimum air pressure needed to
support the vehicle's maximum
load carrying capacity. See
Vehicle Load Limits0178.
How the vehicle is loaded
affects vehicle handling and ride
comfort. Never load the vehicle
with more weight than it was
designed to carry.
When to Check
Check the tires once a month or
more. Do not forget the compact
spare, if the vehicle has one.
The cold compact spare tire
pressure should be at 420 kPa
(60 psi). SeeCompact Spare
Tire0274.
How to Check
Use a good quality pocket-type
gauge to check tire pressure.
Proper tire inflation cannot be
determined by looking at the tire.
Check the tire inflation pressure
when the tires are cold, meaning
the vehicle has not been driven
for at least three hours or no
more than 1.6 km (1 mi).
Remove the valve cap from the
tire valve stem. Press the tire
gauge firmly onto the valve to
get a pressure measurement.
If the cold tire inflation pressure
matches the recommended
pressure on the Tire and
Loading Information label, no