
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11373973) -
2018 - crc - 10/9/17
302 Service and Maintenance
With a multi-point inspection, your
dealer can inspect the hoses and
advise if replacement is needed.
Lamps
Properly working headlamps,
taillamps, and brake lamps are
important to see and be seen on
the road.
.Signs that the headlamps need
attention include dimming, failure
to light, cracking, or damage.
The brake lamps need to be
checked periodically to ensure
that they light when braking.
. With a multi-point inspection,
your dealer can check the lamps
and note any concerns.
Shocks and Struts
Shocks and struts help aid in control
for a smoother ride.
. Signs of wear may include
steering wheel vibration, bounce/
sway while braking, longer
stopping distance, or uneven
tire wear. .
As part of the multi-point
inspection, trained dealer
technicians can visually inspect
the shocks and struts for signs
of leaking, blown seals,
or damage, and can advise
when service is needed.
Tires
Tires need to be properly inflated,
rotated, and balanced. Maintaining
the tires can save money and fuel,
and can reduce the risk of tire
failure.
. Signs that the tires need to be
replaced include three or more
visible treadwear indicators; cord
or fabric showing through the
rubber; cracks or cuts in the
tread or sidewall; or a bulge or
split in the tire.
. Trained dealer technicians can
inspect and recommend the right
tires. Your dealer can also
provide tire/wheel balancing
services to ensure smooth
vehicle operation at all speeds.
Your dealer sells and services
name brand tires. Vehicle Care
To help keep the vehicle looking like
new, vehicle care products are
available from your dealer. For
information on how to clean and
protect the vehicle’s interior and
exterior, see
Interior Care 0288 and
Exterior Care 0283.
Wheel Alignment
Wheel alignment is critical for
ensuring that the tires deliver
optimal wear and performance.
. Signs that the alignment may
need to be adjusted include
pulling, improper vehicle
handling, or unusual tire wear.
. Your dealer has the required
equipment to ensure proper
wheel alignment.
Windshield
For safety, appearance, and the
best viewing, keep the windshield
clean and clear.
. Signs of damage include
scratches, cracks, and chips.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11373973) -
2018 - crc - 10/9/17
304 Service and Maintenance
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Parts
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identified below by name, part number, or specification can be obtained from your dealer.Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Automatic Transmission DEXRON-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Chassis Lubrication and Manual Transmission Shift Linkage Chassis Lubricant (GM Part No. 12377985, in Canada 88901242) or
lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI #2, Category LB or GC-LB.
Engine Coolant 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and use only DEX-COOL Coolant. SeeCooling System 0228.
Engine Oil Engine oil meeting the dexos1 specification of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 is recommended. See Engine Oil0222.
Hood Latch Assembly, Secondary Latch, Pivots, Spring Anchor, and Release Pawl Lubriplate Lubricant Aerosol (GM Part No. 89021668, in Canada 89021674)
or lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI #2, Category LB or GC-LB.
Hydraulic Brake/Clutch System DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid (GM Part No. 19353126, in Canada 19299819).
Key Lock Cylinders and Hood and Door Hinges Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube (GM Part No. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474).
Manual Transmission Manual Transmission Fluid (GM Part No. 19259104, in Canada 19259105).
Weatherstrip Conditioning Weatherstrip Lubricant (GM Part No. 3634770, in Canada 10953518) or equivalent.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11373973) -
2018 - crc - 10/9/17
320 Customer Information
.Vehicle make, model, and
model year
. Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN)
. Insurance company and policy
number
. General description of the
damage to the other vehicle
Choose a reputable repair facility
that uses quality replacement parts.
See “Collision Parts” earlier in this
section.
If the airbag has inflated, see What
Will You See after an Airbag
Inflates? 072.
Managing the Vehicle Damage
Repair Process
In the event that the vehicle requires
damage repairs, GM recommends
that you take an active role in its
repair. If you have a pre-determined
repair facility of choice, take the
vehicle there, or have it towed there.
Specify to the facility that any
required replacement collision parts
be original equipment parts, either
new Genuine GM parts or recycled original GM parts. Remember,
recycled parts will not be covered by
the 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 may
initially value the repair using
aftermarket parts. Discuss this with
the repair professional, and insist on
Genuine GM parts. Remember,
if the vehicle is leased, you may be
obligated to have the vehicle
repaired with Genuine GM parts,
even if your insurance coverage
does not pay the full cost.
If another party's insurance
company is paying for the repairs,
you are not obligated to accept a
repair valuation based on that
insurance company's collision policy
repair limits, as you have no
contractual limits with that company.
In such cases, you can have control
of the repair and parts choices as
long as the cost stays within
reasonable limits.
Service Publications
Ordering Information
Service Manuals
Service Manuals have the diagnosis
and repair information on the
engines, transmission, axle,
suspension, brakes, electrical,
steering, body, etc.
Owner Information
Owner publications are written
specifically for owners and intended
to provide basic operational
information about the vehicle. The
Owner
’s Manual includes the
Maintenance Schedule for all
models.
In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio,
Owner ’s Manual, and Warranty
Manual.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $35.00 –
$40.00 (U.S.) plus handling and
shipping fees.
Without Pouch: Owner ’s
Manual only.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11373973) -
2018 - crc - 10/9/17
Customer Information 323
Vehicle Data
Recording and
Privacy
The vehicle has a number of
computers that record information
about the vehicle’s performance and
how it is driven. For example, the
vehicle uses computer modules to
monitor and control engine and
transmission performance, to
monitor the conditions for airbag
deployment and deploy them in a
crash, and, if equipped, to provide
antilock braking to help the driver
control the vehicle. These modules
may store data to help the dealer
technician service the vehicle.
Some modules may also store data
about how the vehicle is operated,
such as rate of fuel consumption or
average speed. These modules may
retain personal preferences, such as
radio presets, seat positions, and
temperature settings.
Event Data Recorders
This vehicle is equipped with an
event data recorder (EDR). The
main purpose of an EDR is to
record, in certain crash or near
crash-like situations, such as an air
bag deployment or hitting a road
obstacle, data that will assist in
understanding how a vehicle’s
systems performed. The EDR is
designed to record data related to
vehicle dynamics and safety
systems for a short period of time,
typically 30 seconds or less. The
EDR in this vehicle is designed to
record such data as:
.How various systems in your
vehicle were operating;
. Whether or not the driver and
passenger safety belts were
buckled/fastened;
. How far (if at all) the driver was
depressing the accelerator and/
or brake pedal; and,
. How fast the vehicle was
traveling. These data can help provide a
better understanding of the
circumstances in which crashes and
injuries occur.
Note
EDR data are recorded by your
vehicle only if a non-trivial crash
situation occurs; no data are
recorded by the EDR under normal
driving conditions and no personal
data (e.g., name, gender, age, and
crash location) are recorded.
However, other parties, such as law
enforcement, could combine the
EDR data with the type of
personally identifying data routinely
acquired during a crash
investigation.
To read data recorded by an EDR,
special equipment is required, and
access to the vehicle or the EDR is
needed. In addition to the vehicle
manufacturer, other parties, such as
law enforcement, that have the
special equipment, can read the
information if they have access to
the vehicle or the EDR.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11373973) -
2018 - crc - 10/9/17
Index 337
IndexA
Accessories andModifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . 213
Additional Information OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331
Additional Maintenance and Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Adjustments
Lumbar, Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Agreements Trademarks and License . . . . . 163
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . . . 226
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Air Filter, Passenger
Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Air Intake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
How Does an AirbagRestrain? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Passenger Sensing System . . . . 73
What Makes an Airbag
Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
What Will You See after an Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Airbag System (cont'd)
When Should an Airbag
Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . 69
Airbags Adding Equipment to theVehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Passenger Status Indicator . . . .112
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Servicing Airbag-Equipped Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Alarm Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Antenna Backglass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Multi-band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . 196 Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116
Appearance Care Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Armrest Front Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11373973) -
2018 - crc - 10/9/17
338 Index
Assistance Program,Roadside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Audio Bluetooth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Automatic Transmission Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Shift Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Auxiliary Jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Avoiding Untrusted Media Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
B
Backglass Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
BatteryExterior Lighting Battery
Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Load Management . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Power Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Battery - North America . . . . 235, 277
Blade Replacement, Wiper . . . . . 237
Bluetooth Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153, 154 Bluetooth Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Brake
System Warning Light . . . . . . . . .115
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233 Antilock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Break-In, New Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . 181
Bulb Replacement Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Headlamps and Front TurnSignal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
License Plate Lamps . . . . . . . . . 243
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
C
Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
California Fuel Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . 209 California (cont'd)
Perchlorate Materials
Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
California
Proposition
65 Warning . . . . . . . . . .215, 235, 277, Back Cover
Camera Rear Vision (RVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Canadian Vehicle Owners . . . . . . . . 2
Capacities and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
Carbon Monoxide Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Trunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Cargo
Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Caution, Danger, and Warning . . . . 3
Chains, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . 113
Check Engine Light (MalfunctionIndicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113
Ignition Transmission Lock . . . 237
Child Restraints Infants and Young Children . . . . . 81

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11373973) -
2018 - crc - 10/9/17
340 Index
Driving (cont'd)Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
E
Electrical Equipment,
Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Electrical System Engine Compartment FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 244
Instrument Panel Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Emergency
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Check Light (MalfunctionIndicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . 219
Coolant Temperature Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 120 Engine (cont'd)
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Reduced Power Light . . . . . . . . . 121
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . 191
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . . . 323
Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Extender, Seat Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . 132
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
F
Filter,
Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . 134
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Fluid Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 225
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135 Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Forward Collision Alert
(FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Frequency Statement Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
Front Fog Lamp Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Front Seat Armrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Front Seats Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Heated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209 Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Economy Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Filling a Portable FuelContainer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . 120
Requirements, California . . . . . 209
Fuses Engine Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 244

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11373973) -
2018 - crc - 10/9/17
342 Index
L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall . . . . . . . . . . 253
LampsCourtesy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Daytime Running (DRL) . . . . . . 133
Dome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Exterior Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Exterior Lighting BatterySaver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
License Plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Malfunction Indicator
(Check Engine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113
On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Lane Departure Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
LATCH System
Replacing Parts after aCrash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
LATCH, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Lighting
Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Illumination Control . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Lights Airbag Readiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Antilock Brake System(ABS) Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116
Brake System Warning . . . . . . . .115
Charging System . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Door Ajar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning . . . . . . . .119
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . 120
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Front Fog Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
High-Beam On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . 133
Hood Ajar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Lane Departure Warning . . . . . . .117
Low Fuel Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Operate Pedal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116 Lights (cont'd)
Reduced Engine Power . . . . . . 121
Seat Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Service Vehicle Soon . . . . . . . . . .115
StabiliTrak OFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119
Traction Control System
(TCS)/StabiliTrak . . . . . . . . . . . . .119
Traction Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118
Ultrasonic Parking Sensor . . . . .118
Up-Shift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117
Warning, Power Steering . . . . . .117
Load Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Locks Automatic Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . . 120
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH
System) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Lumbar Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56