
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12461769) -
2019 - crc - 5/21/18
Service and Maintenance 303
Additional
Maintenance and Care
Your vehicle is an important
investment and caring for it properly
may help to avoid future costly
repairs. To maintain vehicle
performance, additional
maintenance services may be
required.
It is recommended that your dealer
perform these services—their
trained dealer technicians know
your vehicle best. Your dealer can
also perform a thorough
assessment with a multi-point
inspection to recommend when your
vehicle may need attention.
The following list is intended to
explain the services and conditions
to look for that may indicate
services are required.
Battery
The battery supplies power to start
the engine and operate any
additional electrical accessories. .
To avoid break-down or failure to
start the vehicle, maintain a
battery with full cranking power.
. Trained dealer technicians have
the diagnostic equipment to test
the battery and ensure that the
connections and cables are
corrosion-free.
Belts
. Belts may need replacing if they
squeak or show signs of
cracking or splitting.
. Trained dealer technicians have
access to tools and equipment
to inspect the belts and
recommend adjustment or
replacement when necessary.
. A message may indicate when
scheduled maintenance on the
timing belt and other
components is required.
Brakes
Brakes stop the vehicle and are
crucial to safe driving. .
Signs of brake wear may include
chirping, grinding, or squealing
noises, or difficulty stopping.
. Trained dealer technicians have
access to tools and equipment
to inspect the brakes and
recommend quality parts
engineered for the vehicle.
Fluids
Proper fluid levels and approved
fluids protect the vehicle’s systems
and components. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0306 for GM approved
fluids.
. Engine oil and windshield
washer fluid levels should be
checked at every fuel fill.
. Instrument cluster lights may
come on to indicate that fluids
may be low and need to be
filled.
Hoses
Hoses transport fluids and should
be regularly inspected to ensure
that there are no cracks or leaks.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12461769) -
2019 - crc - 5/21/18
304 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 0290 and
Exterior Care 0286.
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-12461769) -
2019 - crc - 5/21/18
OnStar 327
OnStar
OnStar Overview
OnStar Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327
OnStar Services
Emergency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
OnStar Additional Information
OnStar AdditionalInformation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
OnStar Overview
=Voice Command Button
QBlue OnStar Button
>Red Emergency Button
This vehicle may be equipped with a
comprehensive, in-vehicle system
that can connect to an OnStar
Advisor for Emergency, Security,
Navigation, Connections, and
Diagnostics Services. OnStar
services may require a paid service
plan and data plan. OnStar requires
the vehicle battery and electrical
system, cellular service, and GPS
satellite signals to be available and
operating. OnStar acts as a link to
existing emergency service
providers. OnStar may collect information about you and your
vehicle, including location
information. See OnStar User
Terms, Privacy Statement, and
Software Terms for more details
including system limitations at
www.onstar.com (U.S.) or
www.onstar.ca (Canada).
The OnStar system status light is
next to the OnStar buttons. If the
status light is:
.
Solid Green: System is ready.
. Flashing Green: On a call.
. Red: Indicates a problem.
. Off: System is off. Press
Q
twice to speak with an OnStar
Advisor.
Press
Qor call 1-888-4ONSTAR
(1-888-466-7827) to speak to an
Advisor.
Functionality of the Voice Command
button may vary by vehicle and
region.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12461769) -
2019 - crc - 5/21/18
Index 339
IndexA
Accessories andModifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . 219
Additional Information OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
Additional Maintenance and Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
Adjustments
Lumbar, Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Agreements Trademarks and License . . . . . 167
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . . . 231
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Air Filter, Passenger
Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Air Intake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
How Does an AirbagRestrain? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Passenger Sensing System . . . . 76
What Makes an Airbag
Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
What Will You See after an Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Airbag System (cont'd)
When Should an Airbag
Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . 72
Airbags Adding Equipment to theVehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Passenger Status Indicator . . . .115
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114
Servicing Airbag-Equipped Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Alarm Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Antenna Backglass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Multi-band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . 201 Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119
Appearance Care Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Armrest Front Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12461769) -
2019 - crc - 5/21/18
340 Index
Assistance Program,Roadside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
Audio Bluetooth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Automatic Transmission Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Shift Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Auxiliary Jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Avoiding Untrusted Media Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
B
Backglass Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
BatteryExterior Lighting Battery
Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Load Management . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Power Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Battery - North America . . . . 239, 279
Blade Replacement, Wiper . . . . . 242
Bluetooth Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156, 157 Bluetooth Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Brake
System Warning Light . . . . . . . . .118
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237 Antilock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Break-In, New Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . 185
Bulb Replacement Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Headlamps and Front TurnSignal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
License Plate Lamps . . . . . . . . . 247
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
C
Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
California Perchlorate Materials
Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223 California
Proposition
65 Warning . . . . . . . . . .222, 239, 279,
Back Cover
Camera Rear Vision (RVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Canadian Vehicle Owners . . . . . . . . 2
Capacities and
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Carbon Monoxide Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Trunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Cargo Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Caution, Danger, and Warning . . . . 3
Chains, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . 116
Check Engine Light (Malfunction
Indicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116
Ignition Transmission Lock . . . 241
Child Restraints Infants and Young Children . . . . . 84
Lower Anchors and Tethers
for Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12461769) -
2019 - crc - 5/21/18
Index 341
Child Restraints (cont'd)Securing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96, 98
Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Cleaning
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . . 169 Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Cluster, Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Clutch, Hydraulic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Collision Damage Repair . . . . . . . 320
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 Load . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Compartments
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Connected Services Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336
Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338
Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335
Connections Connected Services . . . . . . . . . . 336 Control
Traction and Electronic
Stability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Coolant Engine Temperature
Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Cooling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Courtesy Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Courtesy Transportation Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
Cover Cargo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . 316 Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Text Telephone (TTY)Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316
Customer Information Publications OrderingInformation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322
Customer Satisfaction
Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313D
Damage Repair, Collision . . . . . . . 320
Danger, Warning, and Caution . . . . 3
Data CollectionOnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326
Data Recorders, Event . . . . . . . . . 325
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Diagnostics Connected Services . . . . . . . . . . 338
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Dome Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Door Ajar Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Drive Belt Routing, Engine . . . . . . 312
Driver Assistance Systems . . . . . 208
Driver Information
Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Driving Defensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Drunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
For Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . 25
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . 179
If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . . 181

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12461769) -
2019 - crc - 5/21/18
342 Index
Driving (cont'd)Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
E
Electrical Equipment,
Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Electrical System Engine Compartment FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 248
Instrument Panel Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Emergency OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Check Light (MalfunctionIndicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . 226
Coolant Temperature
Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . 312 Engine (cont'd)
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Reduced Power Light . . . . . . . . . 124
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . 196
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . . . 325
Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Extender, Seat Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . 135
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
F
Filter,
Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . 137
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293 Fluid
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 230
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . 120
Frequency Statement
Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
Front Fog Lamp Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Front Seat Armrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Front Seats Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Heated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Economy Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Filling a Portable FuelContainer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . 123
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12461769) -
2019 - crc - 5/21/18
Index 343
Fuel (cont'd)Recommended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Top Tier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Fuses
Engine Compartment FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 248
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
G
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
GaugesFuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113
Warning Lights and
Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110
General Information Service and Maintenance . . . . . 295
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
H
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Hazard Warning Flashers . . . . . . . 137
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
HeadlampsAiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Daytime RunningLamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . 124
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . 136
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . 125
Heated Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Heated Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Heater Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . 179
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . . . 203
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Hood Ajar Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 How to Wear Seat Belts
Properly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
HVAC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Hydraulic Clutch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
I
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . 185, 188
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Indicator
Owner Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118
Vehicle Ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Infants and Young Children, Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Information
Publication Ordering . . . . . . . . . . 322
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Instrument Panel Storage Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2, 142
J
Jack Auxiliary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Jump Starting - North
America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279