Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12461769) -
2019 - crc - 5/21/18
Vehicle Care 285
Caution
Towing the vehicle from the rear
could damage it. Also, repairs
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Never have the
vehicle towed from the rear.
Dolly Towing from the Front
The vehicle can be towed from the
front using a dolly. To tow the
vehicle using a dolly:1. Attach the dolly to the tow vehicle following the dolly
manufacturer's instructions.
2. Drive the front wheels onto the dolly.
3. Put an automatic transmission in P (Park) or a manual
transmission into 1 (First) gear.
4. Set the parking brake and turn the vehicle off. 5. Clamp the steering wheel in a
straight-ahead position with a
clamping device designed for
towing.
6. Secure the vehicle to the dolly.
7. Release the parking brake.
Dolly Towing from the Rear
Caution
Towing the vehicle from the rear
could damage it. Also, repairs
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Never have the
vehicle towed from the rear.
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12461769) -
2019 - crc - 5/21/18
Vehicle Care 289
can be removed by rubbing with a
clean cloth. SeeRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0306.
Tires
Use a stiff brush with tire cleaner to
clean the tires.
Caution
Using petroleum-based tire
dressing products on the vehicle
may damage the paint finish and/
or tires. When applying a tire
dressing, always wipe off any
overspray from all painted
surfaces on the vehicle.
Wheels and Wheel Trim
Use a soft, clean cloth with mild
soap and water to clean the wheels.
After rinsing thoroughly with clean
water, dry with a soft, clean towel.
A wax may then be applied.
Caution
Chrome wheels and chrome
wheel trim may be damaged if the
vehicle is not washed after driving
on roads that have been sprayed
with magnesium chloride or
calcium chloride. These are used
on roads for conditions such as
dust and ice. Always wash the
chrome with soap and water after
exposure.
Caution
To avoid surface damage on
wheels and wheel trim, do not
use strong soaps, chemicals,
abrasive polishes, cleaners,
or brushes. Use only GM
approved cleaners. Do not drive
the vehicle through an automatic
car wash that uses silicone
carbide tire/wheel cleaning
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
brushes. Damage could occur
and the repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Brake System
Visually inspect brake lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, binding,
leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect
disc brake pads for wear and rotors
for surface condition. Inspect drum
brake linings/shoes for wear or
cracks. Inspect all other brake parts.
Steering, Suspension, and
Chassis Components
Visually inspect steering,
suspension, and chassis
components for damaged, loose,
or missing parts or signs of wear at
least once a year.
Inspect power steering for proper
attachment, connections, binding,
leaks, cracks, chafing, etc.
Visually check constant velocity joint
boots and axle seals for leaks.
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12461769) -
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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
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298 Service and Maintenance
parts, or signs of wear at least
once a year. SeeExterior Care
0 286.
. Inspect power steering for
proper attachment, connections,
binding, leaks, cracks,
chafing, etc.
. Visually inspect halfshafts and
drive shafts for excessive wear,
lubricant leaks, and/or damage
including: tube dents or cracks,
constant velocity joint or
universal joint looseness,
cracked or missing boots, loose
or missing boot clamps, center
bearing excessive looseness,
loose or missing fasteners, and
axle seal leaks.
. Check restraint system
components. See Safety System
Check 069.
. Visually inspect fuel system for
damage or leaks. .
Visually inspect exhaust system
and nearby heat shields for
loose or damaged parts.
. Lubricate body components. See
Exterior Care 0286.
. Check starter switch. See Starter
Switch Check 0240.
. Check automatic transmission
shift lock control function. See
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function Check
0241.
. Check ignition transmission lock.
See Ignition Transmission Lock
Check 0241.
. Check parking brake and
automatic transmission park
mechanism. See Park Brake and
P (Park) Mechanism Check
0 241.
. Check accelerator pedal for
damage, high effort, or binding.
Replace if needed. .
Visually inspect gas strut for
signs of wear, cracks, or other
damage. Check the hold open
ability of the strut. If the hold
open is low, service the gas
strut. See Gas Strut(s) 0243.
. Inspect sunroof track and seal,
if equipped. See Sunroof052.
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304 Service and Maintenance
With a multi-point inspection, your
dealer can inspect the hoses and
advise if replacement is needed.
Lamps
Properly working headlamps,
taillamps, and brake lamps are
important to see and be seen on
the road.
.Signs that the headlamps need
attention include dimming, failure
to light, cracking, or damage.
The brake lamps need to be
checked periodically to ensure
that they light when braking.
. With a multi-point inspection,
your dealer can check the lamps
and note any concerns.
Shocks and Struts
Shocks and struts help aid in control
for a smoother ride.
. Signs of wear may include
steering wheel vibration, bounce/
sway while braking, longer
stopping distance, or uneven
tire wear. .
As part of the multi-point
inspection, trained dealer
technicians can visually inspect
the shocks and struts for signs
of leaking, blown seals,
or damage, and can advise
when service is needed.
Tires
Tires need to be properly inflated,
rotated, and balanced. Maintaining
the tires can save money and fuel,
and can reduce the risk of tire
failure.
. Signs that the tires need to be
replaced include three or more
visible treadwear indicators; cord
or fabric showing through the
rubber; cracks or cuts in the
tread or sidewall; or a bulge or
split in the tire.
. Trained dealer technicians can
inspect and recommend the right
tires. Your dealer can also
provide tire/wheel balancing
services to ensure smooth
vehicle operation at all speeds.
Your dealer sells and services
name brand tires. Vehicle Care
To help keep the vehicle looking like
new, vehicle care products are
available from your dealer. For
information on how to clean and
protect the vehicle’s interior and
exterior, see
Interior Care 0290 and
Exterior Care 0286.
Wheel Alignment
Wheel alignment is critical for
ensuring that the tires deliver
optimal wear and performance.
. Signs that the alignment may
need to be adjusted include
pulling, improper vehicle
handling, or unusual tire wear.
. Your dealer has the required
equipment to ensure proper
wheel alignment.
Windshield
For safety, appearance, and the
best viewing, keep the windshield
clean and clear.
. Signs of damage include
scratches, cracks, and chips.
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322 Customer Information
.Vehicle make, model, and
model year
. Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN)
. Insurance company and policy
number
. General description of the
damage to the other vehicle
Choose a reputable repair facility
that uses quality replacement parts.
See “Collision Parts” earlier in this
section.
If the airbag has inflated, see What
Will You See after an Airbag
Inflates? 075.
Managing the Vehicle Damage
Repair Process
In the event that the vehicle requires
damage repairs, GM recommends
that you take an active role in its
repair. If you have a pre-determined
repair facility of choice, take the
vehicle there, or have it towed there.
Specify to the facility that any
required replacement collision parts
be original equipment parts, either
new Genuine GM parts or recycled original GM parts. Remember,
recycled parts will not be covered by
the GM vehicle warranty.
Insurance pays the bill for the repair,
but you must live with the repair.
Depending on your policy limits,
your insurance company may
initially value the repair using
aftermarket parts. Discuss this with
the repair professional, and insist on
Genuine GM parts. Remember,
if the vehicle is leased, you may be
obligated to have the vehicle
repaired with Genuine GM parts,
even if your insurance coverage
does not pay the full cost.
If another party's insurance
company is paying for the repairs,
you are not obligated to accept a
repair valuation based on that
insurance company's collision policy
repair limits, as you have no
contractual limits with that company.
In such cases, you can have control
of the repair and parts choices as
long as the cost stays within
reasonable limits.
Publication Ordering
Information
Service Manuals
Service manuals have the diagnosis
and repair information on the
engine, transmission, axle,
suspension, brakes, electrical
system, steering system, body, etc.
Customer Literature
Owner
’s manuals are written
specifically for owners and are
intended to provide basic
operational information about the
vehicle. The owner ’s manual
includes the Maintenance Schedule
for all models.
Customer literature publications
available for purchase include
owner ’s manuals, warranty
manuals, infotainment manuals, and
portfolios. Portfolios include an
owner ’s manual, warranty manual,
infotainment manual, if applicable,
and zip lock bag or pouch.
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
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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