Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12461769) -
2019 - crc - 5/21/18
286 Vehicle Care
Appearance Care
Exterior Care
Locks
Locks are lubricated at the factory.
Use a de-icing agent only when
absolutely necessary, and have the
locks greased after using. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants0306.
Washing the Vehicle
To preserve the vehicle's finish,
wash it often and out of direct
sunlight.
Caution
Do not use petroleum-based,
acidic, or abrasive cleaning
agents as they can damage the
vehicle's paint, metal, or plastic
parts. If damage occurs, it would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Approved cleaning
products can be obtained from
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
your dealer. Follow all
manufacturer directions regarding
correct product usage, necessary
safety precautions, and
appropriate disposal of any
vehicle care product.
Caution
Avoid using high-pressure
washes closer than 30 cm (12 in)
to the surface of the vehicle. Use
of power washers exceeding
8,274 kPa (1,200 psi) can result
in damage or removal of paint
and decals.
Caution
Do not power wash any
component under the hood that
has this
esymbol.
This could cause damage that
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
If using an automatic car wash,
follow the car wash instructions. The
windshield wiper and rear window
wiper, if equipped, must be off.
Remove any accessories that may
be damaged or interfere with the car
wash equipment.
Rinse the vehicle well, before
washing and after, to remove all
cleaning agents completely. If they
are allowed to dry on the surface,
they could stain.
Dry the finish with a soft, clean
chamois or an all-cotton towel to
avoid surface scratches and water
spotting.
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12461769) -
2019 - crc - 5/21/18
288 Vehicle Care
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/
Lenses, Emblems, Decals, and
Stripes
Use only lukewarm or cold water, a
soft cloth, and a car washing soap
to clean exterior lamps, lenses,
emblems, decals, and stripes.
Follow instructions under "Washing
the Vehicle" previously in this
section.
Lamp covers are made of plastic,
and some have a UV protective
coating. Do not clean or wipe them
when dry.
Do not use any of the following on
lamp covers:
.Abrasive or caustic agents.
. Washer fluids and other cleaning
agents in higher concentrations
than suggested by the
manufacturer.
. Solvents, alcohols, fuels,
or other harsh cleaners.
. Ice scrapers or other hard items. .
Aftermarket appearance caps or
covers while the lamps are
illuminated, due to excessive
heat generated.
Caution
Failure to clean lamps properly
can cause damage to the lamp
cover that would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty.
Caution
Using wax on low gloss black
finish stripes can increase the
gloss level and create a
non-uniform finish. Clean low
gloss stripes with soap and
water only.
Air Intakes
Clear debris from the air intakes,
between the hood and windshield,
when washing the vehicle.
Windshield and Wiper Blades
Clean the outside of the windshield
with glass cleaner.
Clean rubber blades using a lint-free
cloth or paper towel soaked with
windshield washer fluid or a mild
detergent. Wash the windshield
thoroughly when cleaning the
blades. Bugs, road grime, sap, and
a buildup of vehicle wash/wax
treatments may cause wiper
streaking.
Replace the wiper blades if they are
worn or damaged. Damage can be
caused by extreme dusty
conditions, sand, salt, heat, sun,
snow, and ice.
Weatherstrips
Apply weatherstrip lubricant on
weatherstrips to make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or
squeak. Lubricate weatherstrips at
least once a year. Hot, dry climates
may require more frequent
application. Black marks from
rubber material on painted surfaces
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
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
Service and Maintenance 307
UsageFluid/Lubricant
Weatherstrip Conditioning Weatherstrip Lubricant (GM Part No. 3634770, in Canada 10953518) or equivalent.
Windshield Washer Automotive windshield washer fluid that meets regional freeze protection requirements.
Maintenance Replacement Parts
Replacement parts identified below by name, part number, or specification can be obtained from your dealer.
Maintenance Replacement Parts
Part GM Part Number ACDelco Part Number
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 96950990A3229C
Engine Oil Filter 25195785PF2263G
Passenger Compartment Air Filter 13356914CF184
Spark Plugs 1.4L L4 Engine 5558551741–121
Wiper Blades
Driver Side –65.0 cm (25.6 in) 95228809—
Passenger Side –38.0 cm (15.0 in) 95228810—
Rear –26.5 cm (10.4 in) 95016791—
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
346 Index
PersonalizationVehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Phone Apple CarPlay andAndroid Auto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Bluetooth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156, 157
Port
USB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Power Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Protection, Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Reduced Engine Light . . . . . . . . 124
Retained Accessory (RAP) . . . 192
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Power Steering Warning Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts . . . . 68
Privacy Vehicle Data Recording . . . . . . . 325
Program Courtesy Transportation . . . . . . 319
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Proposition 65 Warning,
California . . . . . . . . . . . .222, 239, 279, Back CoverPublication Ordering
Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322
R
Radio Frequency Statement . . . . 323
Radio Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Radios
AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Satellite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Reading Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Rear Vision Camera (RVC) . . . . . 209
Rear Window Washer/Wiper . . . . 108
Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Recommended Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Records Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . 283
Reduced Engine Power Light . . . 124
Reimbursement Program, GM Mobility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29, 35
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Replacement Parts
Airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Replacing Airbag System . . . . . . . . 81
Replacing LATCH System Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Replacing Seat Belt System
Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Reporting Safety Defects Canadian Government . . . . . . . . 324
General Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324
U.S. Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
Restraints Where to Put . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Roads Driving, Wet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Roadside Assistance Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
Roof
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Rotation, Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Routing, Engine Drive Belt . . . . . . 312
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12461769) -
2019 - crc - 5/21/18
Index 349
Vehicle (cont'd)Identification Number (VIN) . . . 309
Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Personalization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Remote Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Service Soon Light . . . . . . . . . . . .118
Speed Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Vehicle Ahead Indicator . . . . . . . . 121
Vehicle Care Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Vehicle Data Recording and
Privacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325
Ventilation, Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
W
Warning Brake System Light . . . . . . . . . . . .118
Caution and Danger . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Lane Departure (LDW) . . . . . . . 214
Warning Light
Forward CollisionAlert (FCA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 Warnings
Hazard Flashers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Wheels Alignment and Tire Balance . . 270
Different Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Where to Put the Restraint . . . . . . 88
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . 242
Wipers Rear Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108