Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11373973) -
2018 - crc - 10/9/17
Vehicle Care 287
Caution
Chrome wheels and other chrome
trim may be damaged if the
vehicle is not washed after driving
on roads that have been sprayed
with magnesium, calcium,
or sodium chloride. These
chlorides are used on roads for
conditions such as ice and dust.
Always wash the chrome with
soap and water after exposure.
Caution
To avoid surface damage, do not
use strong soaps, chemicals,
abrasive polishes, cleaners,
brushes, or cleaners that contain
acid on aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels. Use only
approved cleaners. Also, never
drive a vehicle with aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels through an
automatic car wash that uses(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
silicone carbide tire cleaning
brushes. Damage could occur
and the repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Brake System
Visually inspect brake lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, binding,
leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect
disc brake pads for wear and rotors
for surface condition. Inspect drum
brake linings/shoes for wear or
cracks. Inspect all other brake parts.
Steering, Suspension, and
Chassis Components
Visually inspect steering,
suspension, and chassis
components for damaged, loose,
or missing parts or signs of wear at
least once a year.
Inspect power steering for proper
attachment, connections, binding,
leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Visually check constant velocity joint
boots and axle seals for leaks.
Body Component Lubrication
Lubricate all key lock cylinders,
hood hinges, liftgate hinges, and the
steel fuel door hinges, unless the
components are plastic. Applying
silicone grease on weatherstrips
with a clean cloth will make them
last longer, seal better, and not stick
or squeak.
Underbody Maintenance
At least twice a year, spring and fall,
use plain water to flush any
corrosive materials from the
underbody. Take care to thoroughly
clean any areas where mud and
other debris can collect.
Do not directly power wash the
transfer case and/or front/rear axle
output seals. High pressure water
can overcome the seals and
contaminate the fluid. Contaminated
fluid will decrease the life of the
transfer case and/or axles and
should be replaced.
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
308 Technical Data
Vehicle Data
Capacities and Specifications
The following approximate capacities are given in metric and English conversions. SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0304 for more information.
Application Capacities
Metric English
Air Conditioning Refrigerant For the air conditioning system refrigerant type and charge amount, see the refrigerant label under thehood. See your dealer for more information.
Cooling System 1.4L L4 6.5 L 6.9 qt
1.8L L4 6.0 L 6.3 qt
Engine Oil with Filter 1.4L L4 4.0 L 4.2 qt
1.8L L4 4.5 L 4.8 qt
Fuel Tank 41.0 L 10.8 gal
Wheel Nut Torque 140 Y100 lb ft
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill to the approximate level, as recommended in this
manual. Recheck fluid level after filling.
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11373973) -
2018 - crc - 10/9/17
Customer Information 315
.Find the
Chevrolet-recommended
maintenance services.
GM Mobility
Reimbursement Program
This program is available to
qualified applicants for cost
reimbursement, up to certain limits,
of eligible aftermarket adaptive
equipment required for the vehicle,
such as hand controls or a
wheelchair/scooter lift for the
vehicle.
To learn about the GM Mobility
program, see www.gmmobility.com
or call the GM Mobility Assistance
Center at 1-800-323-9935. Text
Telephone (TTY) users, call
1-800-833-9935. General Motors of Canada also has
a Mobility program. See www.gm.ca
or call 1-800-GM-DRIVE
(800-463-7483) for details. TTY
users call 1-800-263-3830.
Roadside Assistance
Program
For U.S.-purchased vehicles, call
1-800-243-8872. (Text Telephone
(TTY): 1-888-889-2438.)
For Canadian-purchased vehicles,
call 1-800-268-6800.
Service is available 24 hours a day,
365 days a year.
Calling for Assistance
When calling Roadside Assistance,
have the following information
ready:
.
Your name, home address, and
home telephone number
. Telephone number of your
location
. Location of the vehicle .
Model, year, color, and license
plate number of the vehicle
. Odometer reading, Vehicle
Identification Number (VIN), and
delivery date of the vehicle
. Description of the problem
Coverage
Services are provided for the
duration of the vehicle’s powertrain
warranty.
In the U.S., anyone driving the
vehicle is covered. In Canada, a
person driving the vehicle without
permission from the owner is not
covered.
Roadside Assistance is not a part of
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
General Motors North America and
Chevrolet reserve the right to make
any changes or discontinue the
Roadside Assistance program at
any time without notification.
General Motors North America and
Chevrolet reserve the right to limit
services or payment to an owner or
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11373973) -
2018 - crc - 10/9/17
Index 341
Fuses (cont'd)Instrument Panel Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
G
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
GaugesFuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110
Warning Lights andIndicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
General Information Service and Maintenance . . . . . 293
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
GM Mobility Reimbursement
Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
H
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Hazard Warning Flashers . . . . . . . 134
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
HeadlampsAiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134 Headlamps (cont'd)
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . 240, 241
Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . 121
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . 133
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . 122
Heated
Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Heated Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Heater Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . 175
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . . . 197
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Hood Ajar Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
How to Wear Seat Belts Properly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
HVAC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Hydraulic Clutch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
I
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . 181, 183
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Indicator Owner Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115
Vehicle Ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118
Infants and Young Children,
Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Instrument Panel Storage Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2, 139
J
Jack Auxiliary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Jump Starting - North
America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
K
Keyless EntryRemote (RKE) System . . . . . 29, 31
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11373973) -
2018 - crc - 10/9/17
Index 345
S
Safety Defects ReportingCanadian Government . . . . . . . . 322
General Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322
U.S. Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
Safety Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Safety System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Satellite Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Scheduling Appointments . . . . . . . 317
Seat Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
How to Wear Seat BeltsProperly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Replacing after a Crash . . . . . . . . 67
Use During Pregnancy . . . . . . . . . . 65
Seats
Adjustment, Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Heated Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Lumbar Adjustment, Front . . . . . . 56
Power Adjustment, Front . . . . . . . 56
Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Securing Child Restraints . . . . 93, 95 Security
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Vehicle Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169 Accessories andModifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Climate Control System . . . . . . . 165
Doing Your Own Work . . . . . . . . 216
Maintenance Records . . . . . . . . 306
Maintenance, General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Parts Identification Label . . . . . 307
Publications Ordering Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320
Scheduling Appointments . . . . . 317
Vehicle Soon Light . . . . . . . . . . . . .115
Services Special Application . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Servicing the Airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Shift Lock Control Function Check, Automatic
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Shifting
Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189 Signals, Turn and
Lane-Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Spare Tire Compact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Special Application Services . . . . 300
Specifications and Capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
StabiliTrak OFF Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118
Start Assist, Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Start Vehicle, Remote . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172 Heated Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Power, Warning Lights . . . . . . . . .117
Wheel Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Stoplamps and Back-up Lamps Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Storage Load Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Storage Areas Cargo Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Storage Compartments . . . . . . . . . . 99
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11373973) -
2018 - crc - 10/9/17
346 Index
StrutsGas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Stuck Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
System Forward CollisionAlert (FCA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
T
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
TaillampsBulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Text Telephone (TTY) Users . . . . 314
Theft-Deterrent Systems . . . . . . . . . 46 Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251 All-Season . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Compact Spare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Different Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . 270 Tires (cont'd)
Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119
Pressure Monitor Operation . . 260
Pressure Monitor System . . . . . 259
Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Terminology and Definitions . . 256
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 269
When It Is Time for New
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Towing
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 212
Recreational Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . 280
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Traction Control System (TCS)/
StabiliTrak Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119
Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198 Trademarks and License
Agreements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Transmission Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Fluid, Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Fluid, Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Transportation Program,
Courtesy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Trunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Turn and Lane-Change Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Turn Signal Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
U
Ultrasonic Parking SensorLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . 267
Up-Shift Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
USB Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Using the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Using This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
V
Vehicle Alarm System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Canadian Owners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11373973) -
2018 - crc - 10/9/17
Index 347
Vehicle (cont'd)Identification Number (VIN) . . . 307
Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Personalization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Remote Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Service Soon Light . . . . . . . . . . . .115
Speed Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Vehicle Ahead Indicator . . . . . . . . 118
Vehicle Care Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Vehicle Data Recording and
Privacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
Ventilation, Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
W
Warning Brake System Light . . . . . . . . . . . .115
Caution and Danger . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Lane Departure (LDW) . . . . . . . 207
Warning Light
Forward CollisionAlert (FCA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 Warnings
Hazard Flashers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Wheels Alignment and Tire Balance . . 269
Different Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Where to Put the Restraint . . . . . . 85
Wi-Fi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . 237
Wipers Rear Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105