2019 CHEVROLET SONIC coolant system

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12461769) -
2019 - crc - 5/21/18
Vehicle Care 235
Caution
Failure to follow the specific
coolant fill procedure could cause
the engine to overheat and could
cause system damage. If coolant
is not visible in the surge tank,
contact your dealer.
If no problem is found, check to see
if coolant is visible in the coolant
surge tank. If coolant is visible but
the coolant level is not at the
indicated level mark, add a 50/
50 mixture of clean, drinkable water
and DEX-COOL coolant at the
coolant surge tank, but be sure the
cooling system, including the
coolant surge tank pressure cap, is
cool before you do it.
1. Remove the coolant surge tank pressure cap when the cooling
system, including the coolant
surge tank pressure cap and
upper radiator hose, is no
longer hot.
Turn the pressure cap slowly
counterclockwise about
one-quarter of a turn. If you
hear a hiss, wait for that to
stop. This will allow any
pressure still left to be vented
out the discharge hose.
2. Keep turning the pressure cap slowly and remove it.3. Fill the coolant surge tank withthe proper mixture to the
indicated level mark.
4. With the coolant surge tank pressure cap off, start the
engine and let it run until you
can feel the upper radiator
hose getting hot. Watch out for
the engine cooling fan.
By this time, the coolant level
inside the coolant surge tank
may be lower. If the level is
lower, add more of the proper
mixture to the coolant surge
tank until the level reaches the
indicated level mark.
5. Replace the pressure cap tightly.
Check the level in the coolant surge
tank when the cooling system has
cooled down. If the coolant is not at
the proper level, repeat Steps 1–
3 and reinstall the pressure cap.
If the coolant still is not at the proper
level when the system cools down
again, see your dealer.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12461769) -
2019 - crc - 5/21/18
236 Vehicle Care
Caution
If the pressure cap is not tightly
installed, coolant loss and engine
damage may occur. Be sure the
cap is properly and tightly
secured.
Engine Overheating
The vehicle has an indicator to warn
of the engine overheating.
If the decision is made not to lift the
hood when this warning appears,
get service help right away. See
Roadside Assistance Program
0317.
If the decision is made to lift the
hood, make sure the vehicle is
parked on a level surface.
Then check to see if the engine
cooling fan is running. If the engine
is overheating, the fan should be
running. If it is not, do not continue
to run the engine. Have the vehicle
serviced.
Caution
Do not run the engine if there is a
leak in the engine cooling system.
This can cause a loss of all
coolant and can damage the
system and vehicle. Have any
leaks fixed right away.
If Steam Is Coming from the
Engine Compartment
{Warning
Steam and scalding liquids from a
hot cooling system are under
pressure. Turning the pressure
cap, even a little, can cause them
to come out at high speed and
you could be burned. Never turn
the cap when the cooling system,
including the pressure cap, is hot.
Wait for the cooling system and
pressure cap to cool.
If No Steam Is Coming from
the Engine Compartment
If an engine overheat warning is
displayed but no steam can be seen
or heard, the problem may not be
too serious. Sometimes the engine
can get a little too hot when the
vehicle:
. Climbs a long hill on a hot day.
. Stops after high-speed driving.
. Idles for long periods in traffic.
If the overheat warning is displayed
with no sign of steam: 1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest temperature and to the
highest fan speed. Open the
windows as necessary.
3. When it is safe to do so, pull off the road, shift to P (Park) or
N (Neutral) for an automatic
transmission or Neutral for a
manual transmission, and let
the engine idle.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12461769) -
2019 - crc - 5/21/18
Vehicle Care 237
If the overheat warning no longer
displays, the vehicle can be driven.
Continue to drive the vehicle slowly
for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe
vehicle distance from the vehicle in
front. If the warning does not come
back on, continue to drive normally
and have the cooling system
checked for proper fill and function.
If the warning continues, pull over,
stop, and park the vehicle
right away.
If there is no sign of steam, idle the
engine for three minutes while
parked. If the warning is still
displayed, turn off the engine until it
cools down.
Washer Fluid
What to Use
When the vehicle needs windshield
washer fluid, be sure to read the
manufacturer's instructions before
use. If operating the vehicle in an
area where the temperature may fall
below freezing, use a fluid that has
sufficient protection against
freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the washer
symbol on it. Add washer fluid until
the tank is full. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview 0226 for
reservoir location.
Caution
. Do not use washer fluid that
contains any type of water
repellent coating. This can
cause the wiper blades to
chatter or skip.
. Do not use engine coolant
(antifreeze) in the
windshield washer. It can
damage the windshield
washer system and paint.
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
.Do not mix water with
ready-to-use washer fluid.
Water can cause the
solution to freeze and
damage the washer fluid
tank and other parts of the
washer system.
. When using concentrated
washer fluid, follow the
manufacturer instructions for
adding water.
. Fill the washer fluid tank
only three-quarters full when
it is very cold. This allows
for fluid expansion if
freezing occurs, which could
damage the tank if it is
completely full.
Brakes
Disc brake pads have built-in wear
indicators that make a high-pitched
warning sound when the brake pads
are worn and new pads are needed.
The sound can come and go or can

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12461769) -
2019 - crc - 5/21/18
Service and Maintenance 297
Maintenance
Schedule
Owner Checks and Services
At Each Fuel Stop
.Check the engine oil level. See
Engine Oil 0227.
Once a Month
. Check the tire inflation
pressures. See Tire Pressure
0 260.
. Inspect the tires for wear. See
Tire Inspection 0265.
. Check the windshield washer
fluid level. See Washer Fluid
0 237.
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 0229.
Air Conditioning Desiccant
(Replace Every Seven Years)
The air conditioning system requires
maintenance every seven years.
This service requires replacement of
the desiccant to help the longevity
and efficient operation of the air
conditioning system. This service
can be complex. See your dealer.
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 0265. .
Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed,
change engine oil and filter, and
reset oil life system.
See Engine Oil 0227 and
Engine Oil Life System 0229.
. Check engine coolant level. See
Cooling System 0232.
. Check windshield washer fluid
level. See Washer Fluid 0237.
. Check tire inflation pressures.
See Tire Pressure 0260.
. Inspect tire wear. See Tire
Inspection 0265.
. Visually check for fluid leaks.
. Inspect engine air cleaner filter.
See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
0 231.
. Inspect brake system. See
Exterior Care 0286.
. Visually inspect steering,
suspension, and chassis
components for damage,
including cracks or tears in the
rubber boots, loose or missing

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12461769) -
2019 - crc - 5/21/18
306 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 0232.
Engine Oil Engine oil meeting the dexos1 specification of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 full synthetic is recommended. See Engine Oil
0 227.
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 19353127).
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).

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
344 Index
K
Keyless EntryRemote (RKE) System . . . . . 29, 35
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall . . . . . . . . . . 255
Lamps Courtesy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Daytime Running (DRL) . . . . . . 136
Dome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Exterior Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Exterior Lighting BatterySaver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
License Plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Malfunction Indicator
(Check Engine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116
On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Lane Departure
Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Lane Departure Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
LATCH System
Replacing Parts after aCrash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95 LATCH, Lower Anchors and
Tethers for Children . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Lighting Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Illumination Control . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Lights Airbag Readiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114
Antilock Brake System(ABS) Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119
Brake System Warning . . . . . . . .118
Charging System . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Door Ajar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Engine Coolant
Temperature Warning . . . . . . . 122
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . 123
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Front Fog Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
High-Beam On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . 136
Hood Ajar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Lane Departure Warning . . . . . . 120
Low Fuel Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . 123 Lights (cont'd)
Operate Pedal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119
Reduced Engine Power . . . . . . 124
Seat Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . . . .114
Service Vehicle Soon . . . . . . . . . .118
StabiliTrak OFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Traction Control System
(TCS)/StabiliTrak . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Traction Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Ultrasonic Parking Sensor . . . . 121
Up-Shift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Warning, Power Steering . . . . . 120
Load Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Locks
Automatic Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . . 123
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH
System) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Lumbar Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57