Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12461769) -
2019 - crc - 5/21/18
238 Vehicle Care
be heard all the time when the
vehicle is moving, except when
applying the brake pedal firmly.
{Warning
The brake wear warning sound
means that soon the brakes will
not work well. That could lead to
a crash. When the brake wear
warning sound is heard, have the
vehicle serviced.
Caution
Continuing to drive with worn-out
brake pads could result in costly
brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates
can cause a brake squeal when the
brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean
something is wrong with the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are
necessary to help prevent brake
pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect brake pads for wear and
evenly tighten wheel nuts in the
proper sequence to torque
specifications. See
Capacities and
Specifications 0310.
Brake pads should be replaced as
complete sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal
does not return to normal height,
or if there is a rapid increase in
pedal travel. This could be a sign
that brake service may be required.
Replacing Brake System Parts
Always replace brake system parts
with new, approved replacement
parts. If this is not done, the brakes
may not work properly. The braking
performance expected can change
in many other ways if the wrong
replacement brake parts are
installed or if parts are improperly
installed.
Brake Fluid
The brake/clutch master cylinder
reservoir is filled with GM approved
DOT 3 brake fluid as indicated on
the reservoir cap. See Engine
Compartment Overview 0226 for
the location of the reservoir.
Checking Brake Fluid
Place the vehicle in P (Park) or
Neutral with the parking brake
applied if equipped with a manual
transmission. On a level surface,
the brake fluid level should be
between the minimum and
maximum marks on the brake fluid
reservoir.
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12461769) -
2019 - crc - 5/21/18
Vehicle Care 281
3. Set the parking brake firmlyand put the shift lever in
P (Park) with an automatic
transmission, or Neutral with a
manual transmission. See
Shifting Into Park (Automatic
Transmission) 0193 with an
automatic transmission,
or Parking (Manual
Transmission) 0194 with a
manual transmission.
Caution
If any accessories are left on or
plugged in during the jump
starting procedure, they could be
damaged. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Whenever possible, turn
off or unplug all accessories on
either vehicle when jump starting.
4. Turn the ignition off. Turn off all lights and accessories in both
vehicles, except the hazard
warning flashers if needed.
{Warning
An electric fan can start up even
when the engine is not running
and can injure you. Keep hands,
clothing, and tools away from any
underhood electric fan.
{Warning
Using a match near a battery can
cause battery gas to explode.
People have been hurt doing this,
and some have been blinded.
Use a flashlight if you need more
light.
Battery fluid contains acid that
can burn you. Do not get it on
you. If you accidentally get it in
your eyes or on your skin, flush
the place with water and get
medical help immediately.
{Warning
Fans or other moving engine
parts can injure you badly. Keep
your hands away from moving
parts once the engine is running.
5. Connect one end of the red positive (+) cable to the
positive (+) terminal on the
discharged battery.
6. Connect the other end of the red positive (+) cable to the
positive (+) terminal of the good
battery.
7. Connect one end of the black negative (–) cable to the
negative (–) terminal of the
good battery.
8. Connect the other end of the black negative (–) cable to the
negative (–) post for the
discharged battery.
9. Start the engine in the vehicle with the good battery and run
the engine at idle speed for at
least four minutes.
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12461769) -
2019 - crc - 5/21/18
Service and Maintenance 299
Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required
Services - Normal12 000 km/7,500 mi
24 000 km/15,000 mi
36 000 km/22,500 mi
48 000 km/30,000 mi
60 000 km/37,500 mi
72 000 km/45,000 mi
84 000 km/52,500 mi
96 000 km/60,000 mi
108 000 km/67,500 mi
120 000 km/75,000 mi
132 000 km/82,500 mi
144 000 km/90,000 mi
156 000 km/97,500 mi
168 000 km/105,000 mi 180 000 km/112,500 mi
192 000 km/120,000 mi
204 000 km/127,500 mi
216 000 km/135,000 mi
228 000 km/142,500 mi
240 000 km/150,000 mi
Rotate tires and perform Required Services.
Check engine oil level and oil life percentage.
Change engine oil and filter, if needed.@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Replace passenger compartment air filter. (1)@ @@@@@
Inspect evaporative control system. (2)@ @@
Replace engine air cleaner filter. (3)@@@
Replace spark plugs. Inspect spark plug wires.@ @
Drain and fill engine cooling system. (4)@
Visually inspect accessory drive belts. (5)@
Replace brake fluid. If equipped with an automatic
transmission. (6)
Replace brake/clutch fluid. If equipped with
manual transmission. (7)
Replace windshield wiper blades. (8)
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Replace hood and/or body lift support gas struts.@ @
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12461769) -
2019 - crc - 5/21/18
300 Service and Maintenance
Footnotes—Maintenance
Schedule Additional Required
Services - Normal
(1) Or every two years, whichever
comes first. More frequent
passenger compartment air filter
replacement may be needed if
driving in areas with heavy traffic,
poor air quality, high dust levels,
or environmental allergens.
Passenger compartment air filter
replacement may also be needed if
there is reduced airflow, window
fogging, or odors. Your GM dealer
can help determine when to replace
the filter.
(2) Visually check all fuel and vapor
lines and hoses for proper
attachment, connection, routing, and
condition.
(3) Or every four years, whichever
comes first. If driving in dusty
conditions, inspect the filter at each
oil change or more often as needed.
(4) Or every five years, whichever
comes first. See Cooling System
0 232. (5)
Or every 10 years, whichever
comes first. Inspect for fraying,
excessive cracking, or damage;
replace, if needed.
(6) If equipped with an automatic
transmission, replace brake fluid
every five years. See Brake Fluid
0 238.
(7) If equipped with a manual
transmission, replace brake/clutch
fluid every three years. See Brake
Fluid 0238.
(8) Or every 12 months, whichever
comes first. See Wiper Blade
Replacement 0242.
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12461769) -
2019 - crc - 5/21/18
Service and Maintenance 301
Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required
Services - Severe12 000 km/7,500 mi
24 000 km/15,000 mi
36 000 km/22,500 mi
48 000 km/30,000 mi
60 000 km/37,500 mi
72 000 km/45,000 mi
84 000 km/52,500 mi
96 000 km/60,000 mi
108 000 km/67,500 mi
120 000 km/75,000 mi
132 000 km/82,500 mi
144 000 km/90,000 mi
156 000 km/97,500 mi
168 000 km/105,000 mi 180 000 km/112,500 mi
192 000 km/120,000 mi
204 000 km/127,500 mi
216 000 km/135,000 mi
228 000 km/142,500 mi
240 000 km/150,000 mi
Rotate tires and perform Required Services.
Check engine oil level and oil life percentage.
Change engine oil and filter, if needed.@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Replace passenger compartment air filter. (1)@ @@@@@
Inspect evaporative control system. (2)@ @@
Replace engine air cleaner filter. (3)@@@
Change automatic transmission fluid.@@@
Change manual transmission fluid.@@@
Replace spark plugs. Inspect spark plug wires.@ @
Drain and fill engine cooling system. (4)@
Visually inspect accessory drive belts. (5)@
Replace brake fluid. If equipped with an automatic
transmission. (6)
Replace brake/clutch fluid. If equipped with
manual transmission. (7)
Replace windshield wiper blades. (8)
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Replace hood and/or body lift support gas struts.@ @
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12461769) -
2019 - crc - 5/21/18
302 Service and Maintenance
Footnotes—Maintenance
Schedule Additional Required
Services - Severe
(1) Or every two years, whichever
comes first. More frequent
passenger compartment air filter
replacement may be needed if
driving in areas with heavy traffic,
poor air quality, high dust levels,
or environmental allergens.
Passenger compartment air filter
replacement may also be needed if
there is reduced airflow, window
fogging, or odors. Your GM dealer
can help determine when to replace
the filter.
(2) Visually check all fuel and vapor
lines and hoses for proper
attachment, connection, routing, and
condition.
(3) Or every four years, whichever
comes first. If driving in dusty
conditions, inspect the filter at each
oil change or more often as needed.
(4) Or every five years, whichever
comes first. See Cooling System
0 232. (5)
Or every 10 years, whichever
comes first. Inspect for fraying,
excessive cracking, or damage;
replace, if needed.
(6) If equipped with an automatic
transmission, replace brake fluid
every five years. See Brake Fluid
0 238.
(7) If equipped with a manual
transmission, replace brake/clutch
fluid every three years. See Brake
Fluid 0238.
(8) Or every 12 months, whichever
comes first. See Wiper Blade
Replacement 0242.Special Application
Services
.
Severe Commercial Use
Vehicles Only: Lubricate chassis
components every oil change.
. Have underbody flushing service
performed. See "Underbody
Maintenance" in Exterior Care
0 286.
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
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