Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
208 Driving and Operating
posted octane rating of less than 87,as this may cause engine knock andwill lower fuel economy.
Prohibited Fuels
Caution
Do not use fuels with any of the
following conditions; doing so
may damage the vehicle and void
its warranty:
.For vehicles which are notFlexFuel, fuel labeledgreater than 15% ethanol byvolume, such as mid-levelethanol blends (16–50%ethanol), E85, or FlexFuel.
.Fuel with any amount ofmethanol, methylal, andaniline. These fuels cancorrode metal fuel systemparts or damage plastic andrubber parts.
.Fuel containing metals suchas methylcyclopentadienylmanganese tricarbonyl
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
(MMT), which can damagethe emissions controlsystem and spark plugs.
.Fuel with a posted octanerating of less than therecommended fuel. Usingthis fuel will lower fueleconomy and performance,and may decrease the life ofthe emissions catalyst.
California Fuel
Requirements
If the vehicle is certified to meetCalifornia Emissions Standards, it isdesigned to operate on fuels thatmeet California specifications. Seethe underhood emission controllabel. If this fuel is not available instates adopting California EmissionsStandards, the vehicle will operatesatisfactorily on fuels meetingfederal specifications, but emissioncontrol system performance may beaffected. The malfunction indicatorlamp could turn on and the vehicle
may not pass a smog-check test.SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp(Check Engine Light)011 2.Ifthisoccurs, return to your authorizeddealer for diagnosis. If it isdetermined that the condition iscaused by the type of fuel used,repairs may not be covered by thevehicle warranty.
Fuels in Foreign
Countries
The U.S., Canada, and Mexico postfuel octane ratings in anti-knockindex (AKI). For fuel not to use in aforeign country, see“ProhibitedFuels”inFuel0207.
Fuel Additives
To k e e p f u e l s y s t e m s c l e a n , T O PTIER Detergent Gasoline isrecommended. SeeFuel0207.
If TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline isnot available, one bottle of GM FuelSystem Treatment Cleaner added tothe fuel tank at every engine oilchange, can help. GM Fuel SystemTreatment Cleaner is the only
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.
