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
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
262 Vehicle Care
(TPMS) that illuminates a low tire
pressure telltale when one or more
of your tires is significantly
under-inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire
pressure telltale illuminates, you
should stop and check your tires as
soon as possible, and inflate them
to the proper pressure. Driving on a
significantly under-inflated tire
causes the tire to overheat and can
lead to tire failure. Under-inflation
also reduces fuel efficiency and tire
tread life, and may affect the
vehicle's handling and stopping
ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a
substitute for proper tire
maintenance, and it is the driver's
responsibility to maintain correct tire
pressure, even if under-inflation has
not reached the level to trigger
illumination of the TPMS low tire
pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been
equipped with a TPMS malfunction
indicator to indicate when the
system is not operating properly.
The TPMS malfunction indicator iscombined with the low tire pressure
telltale. When the system detects a
malfunction, the telltale will flash for
approximately one minute and then
remain continuously illuminated.
This sequence will continue upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups as
long as the malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator is
illuminated, the system may not be
able to detect or signal low tire
pressure as intended. TPMS
malfunctions may occur for a variety
of reasons, including the installation
of replacement or alternate tires or
wheels on the vehicle that prevent
the TPMS from functioning properly.
Always check the TPMS malfunction
telltale after replacing one or more
tires or wheels on your vehicle to
ensure that the replacement or
alternate tires and wheels allow the
TPMS to continue to function
properly.
See
Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation 0262.
See Radio Frequency Statement
0 323.Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation
This vehicle may have a Tire
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS).
The TPMS is designed to warn the
driver when a low tire pressure
condition exists. TPMS sensors are
mounted onto each tire and wheel
assembly, excluding the spare tire
and wheel assembly. The TPMS
sensors monitor the air pressure in
the tires and transmit the tire
pressure readings to a receiver
located in the vehicle.
When a low tire pressure condition
is detected, the TPMS illuminates
the low tire pressure warning light
located on the instrument cluster.
If the warning light comes on, stop
as soon as possible and inflate the
tires to the recommended pressure
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12461769) -
2019 - crc - 5/21/18
290 Vehicle Care
Body Component Lubrication
Lubricate all key lock cylinders,
hood hinges, liftgate hinges, and the
steel fuel door hinges, unless the
components are plastic. Applying
silicone grease on weatherstrips
with a clean cloth will make them
last longer, seal better, and not stick
or squeak.
Underbody Maintenance
At least twice a year, spring and fall,
use plain water to flush any
corrosive materials from the
underbody. Take care to thoroughly
clean any areas where mud and
other debris can collect.
Do not directly power wash the
transfer case and/or front/rear axle
output seals. High pressure water
can overcome the seals and
contaminate the fluid. Contaminated
fluid will decrease the life of the
transfer case and/or axles and
should be replaced.
Sheet Metal Damage
If the vehicle is damaged and
requires sheet metal repair or
replacement, make sure the body
repair shop applies anti-corrosion
material to parts repaired or
replaced to restore corrosion
protection.
Original manufacturer replacement
parts will provide the corrosion
protection while maintaining the
vehicle warranty.
Finish Damage
Quickly repair minor chips and
scratches with touch-up materials
available from your dealer to avoid
corrosion. Larger areas of finish
damage can be corrected in your
dealer's body and paint shop.
Chemical Paint Spotting
Airborne pollutants can fall upon
and attack painted vehicle surfaces
causing blotchy, ring-shaped
discolorations, and small, irregular
dark spots etched into the paint
surface. See“Finish Care”
previously in this section.
Interior Care
To prevent dirt particle abrasions,
regularly clean the vehicle's interior.
Immediately remove any soils.
Newspapers or dark garments can
transfer color to the vehicle’s
interior.
Use a soft bristle brush to remove
dust from knobs and crevices on the
instrument cluster. Using a mild
soap solution, immediately remove
hand lotions, sunscreen, and insect
repellent from all interior surfaces or
permanent damage may result.
Use cleaners specifically designed
for the surfaces being cleaned to
prevent permanent damage. Apply
all cleaners directly to the cleaning
cloth. Do not spray cleaners on any
switches or controls. Remove
cleaners quickly.
Before using cleaners, read and
follow all safety instructions on the
label. While cleaning the interior,
open the doors and windows to get
proper ventilation.
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
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
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