
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12461769) -
2019 - crc - 5/21/18
Vehicle Care 221
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 222
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 223
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 229
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Manual Transmission Fluid . . . 231
Hydraulic Clutch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 231
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 236
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238 Battery - North America . . . . . . 239
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 240
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 241
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 242
Windshield Replacement . . . . . 243
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Headlamps and Front Turn Signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 247
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . 248
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 248
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249 Instrument Panel Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 255
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 271
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . 272

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12461769) -
2019 - crc - 5/21/18
222 Vehicle Care
Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . 278
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - NorthAmerica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Towing the Vehicle
Towing the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Recreational VehicleTowing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
General Information
For service and parts needs, visit
your dealer. You will receive
genuine GM parts and GM-trained
and supported service people.
Genuine GM parts have one of
these marks:
California Proposition
65 Warning
{Warning
Most motor vehicles, including
this one, as well as many of its
service parts and fluids, contain
and/or emit chemicals known to
the State of California to cause
cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Engine
exhaust, many parts and
systems, many fluids, and some
component wear by-products
contain and/or emit these
chemicals. For more information
go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/
passenger-vehicle.
See Battery - North America 0239
and Jump Starting - North America
0 279 and the back cover.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12461769) -
2019 - crc - 5/21/18
Vehicle Care 227
1.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0231.
2. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine Oil 0227.
3. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). See Cooling System
0 232.
4. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See Engine Oil 0227.
5. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See
Cooling System 0232.
6. Brake/Clutch Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid 0238 and
Hydraulic Clutch 0231.
7. Battery - North America 0239.
8. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See Washer Fluid
0 237.
9. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0249.Engine Oil
To ensure proper engine
performance and long life, careful
attention must be paid to engine oil.
Following these simple, but
important steps will help protect
your investment:
.
Use engine oil approved to the
proper specification and of the
proper viscosity grade. See
“Selecting the Right Engine Oil”
in this section.
. Check the engine oil level
regularly and maintain the
proper oil level. See “Checking
Engine Oil” and“When to Add
Engine Oil” in this section.
. Change the engine oil at the
appropriate time. See Engine Oil
Life System 0229.
. Always dispose of engine oil
properly. See “What to Do with
Used Oil” in this section.
If the engine oil pressure light
comes on, check the engine oil level
right away. The oil pressure light is
on the instrument cluster. See
Engine Oil Pressure Light 0123.
Check the engine oil level regularly;
this is an added reminder.
Checking Engine Oil
Check the engine oil level regularly,
every 650 km (400 mi), especially
prior to a long trip. The engine oil
dipstick handle is a loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0 226 for the location.
{Warning
The engine oil dipstick handle
may be hot; it could burn you.
Use a towel or glove to touch the
dipstick handle.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12461769) -
2019 - crc - 5/21/18
Vehicle Care 239
There are only two reasons why the
brake fluid level in the reservoir may
go down:
.Normal brake lining wear. When
new linings are installed, the
fluid level goes back up.
. A fluid leak in the brake/clutch
hydraulic system. Have the
brake/clutch hydraulic system
fixed. With a leak, the brakes will
not work well.
Always clean the brake fluid
reservoir cap and the area around
the cap before removing it.
Do not top off the brake/clutch fluid.
Adding fluid does not correct a leak.
If fluid is added when the linings are
worn, there will be too much fluid
when new brake linings are
installed. Add or remove fluid, as
necessary, only when work is done
on the brake/clutch hydraulic
system.{Warning
If too much brake fluid is added, it
can spill on the engine and burn,
if the engine is hot enough. You
or others could be burned, and
the vehicle could be damaged.
Add brake fluid only when work is
done on the brake/clutch
hydraulic system.
When the brake/clutch fluid falls to a
low level, the brake warning light
comes on. See Brake System
Warning Light 0118.
Brake fluid absorbs water over time
which degrades the effectiveness of
the brake fluid. Replace brake fluid
at the specified intervals to prevent
increased stopping distance. See
Maintenance Schedule 0297.
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 3
brake fluid from a clean, sealed
container. See Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0306.
{Warning
The wrong or contaminated brake
fluid could result in damage to the
brake system. This could result in
the loss of braking leading to a
possible injury. Always use the
proper GM approved brake fluid.
Caution
If brake fluid is spilled on the
vehicle's painted surfaces, the
paint finish can be damaged.
Immediately wash off any painted
surface.
Battery - North America
The original equipment battery is
maintenance free. Do not remove
the cap and do not add fluid.
Refer to the replacement number
shown on the original battery label
when a new battery is needed. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0226 for battery location.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12461769) -
2019 - crc - 5/21/18
240 Vehicle Care
{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
HANDLING. For more information
go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/
passenger-vehicle.
See California Proposition
65 Warning 0222 and the back
cover.
Vehicle Storage
{Warning
Batteries have acid that can burn
you and gas that can explode.
You can be badly hurt if you are
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
not careful. SeeJump Starting -
North America 0279 for tips on
working around a battery without
getting hurt.
Infrequent Usage: Remove the
black, negative (−) cable from the
battery to keep the battery from
running down.
Extended Storage: Remove the
black, negative (−) cable from the
battery or use a battery trickle
charger.
Starter Switch Check
{Warning
When you are doing this
inspection, the vehicle could
move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be
injured. 1. Before starting this check, be
sure there is enough room
around the vehicle.
2. Apply both the parking brake and the regular brake.
Do not use the accelerator
pedal, and be ready to turn off
the engine immediately if it
starts.
3. For automatic transmission vehicles, try to start the engine
in each gear. The vehicle
should start only in P (Park) or
N (Neutral). If the vehicle starts
in any other position, contact
your dealer for service.
For manual transmission
vehicles, put the shift lever in
Neutral, push the clutch pedal
down halfway, and try to start
the engine. The vehicle should
start only when the clutch
pedal is pushed down all the
way to the floor. If the vehicle
starts when the clutch pedal is
not pushed all the way down,
contact your dealer for service.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12461769) -
2019 - crc - 5/21/18
Vehicle Care 249
Fuses of the same amperage can
be temporarily borrowed from
another fuse location, if a fuse goes
out. Replace the fuse as soon as
possible.Engine Compartment
Fuse BlockThe vehicle may not be equipped
with all of the fuses, relays, and
features shown.Mini Fuses Usage
1 Antilock brake system valve
2 Sunroof
4 Rear fog lamp
5 Outside mirror/ Power window
switch
6 Automatic occupant
sensing/ROS
7 Passive entry/ Passive start
8 Regulated voltage control
9 Rear wiper
10 Intelligent battery sensor
11 Rear window defogger
12 Electric steering column lock

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12461769) -
2019 - crc - 5/21/18
252 Vehicle Care
FusesUsage
BCM1 Body control module 1
IPC Instrument panel cluster
TELEMATICS Telematics
PAS/SBSA Park assist system/ Side blind spot
alert system
RAIN SNSR Rain sensing wiper
AUDIO Audio
TRAILER1 Trailer 1 LDW/FCA Lane departure warning/Front
collision alert
CGM Central gateway module
HVAC1 Heating, ventilation, and air
conditioning 1
HLLD SW Automatic headlamp leveling
switch Fuses
Usage
IPC/AOS Instrument cluster/ Automatic
occupant sensing
display
SPARE –
TRAILER2 Trailer hitch 2 CLOCK
SPRING Clock spring
HVAC2 Heating, ventilation, and air
conditioning 2
HTD
STR WHL Heated steering
wheel
SPARE –
S/ROOF SW Sunroof switch CIGAR APO Cigar auxiliary power outlet
ESCL Electric steering column lock
PWR WNDW FRONT Front power
windows
IRAP ACCY IRAP accessory
BATT CONN Battery connector Relays
Usage
RUN RELAY Run L/GATERELAY Liftgate
IRAP RELAY IRAP RAP/ACCY RELAY Retained
accessory power/
Accessory

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12461769) -
2019 - crc - 5/21/18
Vehicle Care 279
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 0239.
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)