Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11373973) -
2018 - crc - 10/9/17
Vehicle Care 267
load range, speed rating, and
construction (radial) as the
original tires.
Vehicles that have a tire
pressure monitoring system
could give an inaccurate
low-pressure warning if non-TPC
Spec rated tires are installed.
SeeTire Pressure Monitor
System 0259.
The Tire and Loading
Information label indicates the
original equipment tires on the
vehicle. See Vehicle Load Limits
0 177.
Different Size Tires and
Wheels
If wheels or tires are installed that
are a different size than the original
equipment wheels and tires, vehicle
performance, including its braking,
ride and handling characteristics,
stability, and resistance to rollover
may be affected. If the vehicle has
electronic systems such as antilock
brakes, rollover airbags, traction control, electronic stability control,
or All-Wheel Drive, the performance
of these systems can also be
affected.
{Warning
If different sized wheels are used,
there may not be an acceptable
level of performance and safety if
tires not recommended for those
wheels are selected. This
increases the chance of a crash
and serious injury. Only use GM
specific wheel and tire systems
developed for the vehicle, and
have them properly installed by a
GM certified technician.
See Buying New Tires 0265 and
Accessories and Modifications
0 216.
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading
The following information relates
to the system developed by the
United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA), which grades tires by
treadwear, traction, and
temperature performance. This
applies only to vehicles sold in
the United States. The grades
are molded on the sidewalls of
most passenger car tires. The
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
(UTQG) system does not apply
to deep tread, winter tires,
compact spare tires, tires with
nominal rim diameters of
10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm),
or to some limited-production
tires.
While the tires available on
General Motors passenger cars
and light trucks may vary with
respect to these grades, they
must also conform to federal
safety requirements and
additional General Motors Tire
Performance Criteria (TPC)
standards.
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11373973) -
2018 - crc - 10/9/17
Vehicle Care 269
underinflation, or excessive
loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.
Wheel Alignment and Tire
Balance
The tires and wheels were aligned
and balanced at the factory to
provide the longest tire life and best
overall performance. Adjustments to
wheel alignment and tire balancing
are not necessary on a regular
basis. Consider an alignment check
if there is unusual tire wear or the
vehicle is significantly pulling to one
side or the other. Some slight pull to
the left or right, depending on the
crown of the road and/or other road
surface variations such as troughs
or ruts, is normal. If the vehicle is
vibrating when driving on a smooth
road, the tires and wheels may need
to be rebalanced. See your dealer
for proper diagnosis.
Wheel Replacement
Replace any wheel that is bent,
cracked, or badly rusted or
corroded. If wheel nuts keep coming
loose, the wheel, wheel bolts, and
wheel nuts should be replaced.
If the wheel leaks air, replace it.
Some aluminum wheels can be
repaired. See your dealer if any of
these conditions exist.
Your dealer will know the kind of
wheel that is needed.
Each new wheel should have the
same load-carrying capacity,
diameter, width, offset, and be
mounted the same way as the one it
replaces.
Replace wheels, wheel bolts, wheel
nuts, or Tire Pressure Monitor
System (TPMS) sensors with new
GM original equipment parts.{Warning
Using the wrong replacement
wheels, wheel bolts, or wheel
nuts can be dangerous. It could
affect the braking and handling of
the vehicle. Tires can lose air,
and cause loss of control, causing
a crash. Always use the correct
wheel, wheel bolts, and wheel
nuts for replacement.
Caution
The wrong wheel can also cause
problems with bearing life, brake
cooling, speedometer or
odometer calibration, headlamp
aim, bumper height, vehicle
ground clearance, and tire or tire
chain clearance to the body and
chassis.
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11373973) -
2018 - crc - 10/9/17
Vehicle Care 277
If this vehicle has a compact spare
tire, it was fully inflated when new;
however, it can lose air over time.
Check the inflation pressure
regularly. It should be 420 kPa
(60 psi).
Stop as soon as possible and check
that the spare tire is correctly
inflated after being installed on the
vehicle. The compact spare tire is
designed for temporary use only.
The vehicle will perform differently
with the spare tire installed and it is
recommended that the vehicle
speed be limited to 80 km/h
(50 mph). To conserve the tread of
the spare tire, have the standard tire
repaired or replaced as soon as
convenient and return the spare tire
to the storage area.
When using a compact spare tire,
the AWD (if equipped), ABS, and
Traction Control systems may
engage until the spare tire is
recognized by the vehicle,
especially on slippery roads. Adjust
driving to reduce possible
wheel slip.Caution
When the compact spare is
installed, do not take the vehicle
through an automatic car wash
with guide rails. The compact
spare can get caught on the rails
which can damage the tire, wheel,
and other parts of the vehicle.
Do not use the compact spare on
other vehicles.
Do not mix the compact spare tire or
wheel with other wheels or tires.
They will not fit. Keep the spare tire
and its wheel together.
Caution
Tire chains will not fit the compact
spare. Using them can damage
the vehicle and the chains. Do not
use tire chains on the compact
spare.
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North
America
For more information about the
vehicle battery, see Battery - North
America 0235.
If the battery has run down, try to
use another vehicle and some
jumper cables to start your vehicle.
Be sure to use the following steps to
do it safely.
{Warning
WARNING: 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
(Continued)
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
Service and Maintenance 295
Maintenance
Schedule
Owner Checks and Services
At Each Fuel Stop
.Check the engine oil level. See
Engine Oil 0222.
Once a Month
. Check the tire inflation
pressures. See Tire Pressure
0 258.
. Inspect the tires for wear. See
Tire Inspection 0263.
. Check the windshield washer
fluid level. See Washer Fluid
0 233.
Engine Oil Change
When a:% CHANGE message
displays in the DIC, have the engine
oil and filter changed within the next
1 000 km/600 mi. If driven under the
best conditions, the engine oil life
system may not indicate the need
for vehicle service for up to a year.
The engine oil and filter must be changed at least once a year and
the oil life system must be reset.
Your trained dealer technician can
perform this work. If the engine oil
life system is reset accidentally,
service the vehicle within 5 000 km/
3,000 mi since the last service.
Reset the oil life system when the
oil is changed. See
Engine Oil Life
System 0224.
Tire Rotation and Required
Services Every 12 000 km/
7,500 mi
Rotate the tires, if recommended for
the vehicle, and perform the
following services. See Tire
Rotation 0264.
. Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed,
change engine oil and filter, and
reset oil life system.
See Engine Oil 0222 and
Engine Oil Life System 0224.
. Check engine coolant level. See
Cooling System 0228.
. Check windshield washer fluid
level. See Washer Fluid 0233. .
Visually inspect windshield wiper
blades for wear, cracking,
or contamination. See Exterior
Care 0283. Replace worn or
damaged wiper blades. See
Wiper Blade Replacement
0 237.
. Check tire inflation pressures.
See Tire Pressure 0258.
. Inspect tire wear. See Tire
Inspection 0263.
. Visually check for fluid leaks.
. Inspect engine air cleaner filter.
See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
0 226.
. Inspect brake system. See
Exterior Care 0283.
. Visually inspect steering,
suspension, and chassis
components for damaged, loose,
or missing parts or signs of
wear. See Exterior Care 0283.
. Check restraint system
components. See Safety System
Check 066.
. Visually inspect fuel system for
damage or leaks.
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11373973) -
2018 - crc - 10/12/17
OnStar 329
contacting an OnStar Advisor. On
some vehicles, Wi-Fi can also be
managed from the Wi-Fi
Hotspot menu.
MyChevrolet Mobile App (If
Available)
Download the myChevrolet mobile
app to compatible Apple and
Android smartphones. Chevrolet
users can access the following
services from a smartphone:
.Remotely start/stop the vehicle,
if factory-equipped.
. Lock/unlock doors, if equipped
with automatic locks.
. Activate the horn and lamps.
. Check the vehicle’s fuel level, oil
life, or tire pressure,
if factory-equipped with the Tire
Pressure Monitor System.
. Send destinations to the vehicle.
. Locate the vehicle on a map
(U.S. market only). .
Turn the vehicle's Wi-Fi hotspot
on/off, manage settings, and
monitor data consumption,
if equipped.
. Locate a dealer and schedule
service.
. Request roadside assistance.
. Set a parking reminder with pin
drop, take a photo, make a note,
and set a timer.
. Connect with Chevrolet on social
media.
For myChevrolet mobile app
information and compatibility, see
www.my.chevrolet.com.
An active OnStar service,
compatible device, factory-installed
remote start, and power locks are
required. Data rates apply. See
onstar.com for details and system
limitations.
Remote Services
Contact an OnStar Advisor to
unlock the doors or sound the horn
and flash the lamps.
OnStar AtYourService
OnStar Advisors can provide offers
from restaurants and retailers on
your route, help locate hotels,
or book a room. These services
vary by market.
OnStar Hands-Free Calling
Make and receive calls with the
built-in wireless calling service,
which requires available minutes.
Functionality of the Voice Command
button may vary by vehicle and
region. For some vehicles, press
=
to open the OnStar app on the
infotainment display, then select
Hands-Free calling. For other
vehicles press
=as follows.
Make a Call
1. Press
=. System responds:
“OnStar ready.”
2. Say “Call.”System responds:
“Call. Please say the name or
number to call.”
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