Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12461769) -
2019 - crc - 5/21/18
130 Instruments and Controls
Vehicle Messages
Messages displayed on the DIC
indicate the status of the vehicle or
some action that may be needed to
correct a condition. Multiple
messages appear one after another.
All messages should be taken
seriously.
Base Level Cluster
On the base level cluster, vehicle
messages appear as code numbers.
Some of these codes may appear
with the Service Vehicle Soon light
in the DIC display.
2 :No Remote Detected. Press
Clutch to Restart
3 : Coolant Level Low Add Coolant
4 : A/C Off Due to High
Engine Temp
5 : Steering Column Is Locked
6 : Step on Brake to Release Park
Brake
7 : Turn Steering Wheel, Turn Key
Off, Then On 9 :
Turn Steering Wheel, Start
Vehicle Again
10 : Brakes Overheated
11 : Brakes Worn
12 : Vehicle Overloaded
13 : Compressor Overheated
15 : Check High Mounted
Brake Lamp
16 : Check Brake Lamps
17 : Headlamp Leveling Malfunction
18 : Left Low Beam Failure
19 : Check Rear Fog Lamp
20 : Check Right Low Beam Lamp
21 : Check Left Position Lamp
22 : Check Right Position Lamp
23 : Reversing Lamp Failure
24 : License Plate Lamp Failure
25 : Check Left Front Turn
Signal Lamp
26 : Left Rear Turn Indicator Failure
27 : Check Right Front Turn
Signal Lamp 28 :
Check Right Rear Turn
Signal Lamp
35 : Replace Battery In Remote Key
36 : Stabilitrak/Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) Initializing
49 : Lane Departure Warning
Unavailable
52 : Change Timing Belt
53 : Tighten Gas Cap
56 : Pressure Imbalance Front
57 : Pressure Imbalance Rear
59 : Open, Then Close Driver
Window
60 : Open, Then Close Passenger
Window
61 : Open, Then Close Left Rear
Window
62 : Open, Then Close Right Rear
Window
65 : Theft Attempted
66 : Service Theft Alarm
67 : Service Steering Column Lock
68 : Service Power Steering, Drive
with Care
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12461769) -
2019 - crc - 5/21/18
176 Driving and Operating
{Warning
Taking your eyes off the road too
long or too often could cause a
crash resulting in injury or death.
Focus your attention on driving.
Refer to the infotainment section for
more information on using that
system and the navigation system,
if equipped, including pairing and
using a cell phone.
Defensive Driving
Defensive driving means “always
expect the unexpected.” The first
step in driving defensively is to wear
the seat belt. See Seat Belts062.
. Assume that other road users
(pedestrians, bicyclists, and
other drivers) are going to be
careless and make mistakes.
Anticipate what they might do
and be ready.
. Allow enough following distance
between you and the driver in
front of you. .
Focus on the task of driving.
Drunk Driving
Death and injury associated with
drinking and driving is a global
tragedy.
{Warning
Drinking and then driving is very
dangerous. Your reflexes,
perceptions, attentiveness, and
judgment can be affected by even
a small amount of alcohol. You
can have a serious —or even
fatal —collision if you drive after
drinking.
Do not drink and drive or ride with
a driver who has been drinking.
Ride home in a cab; or if you are
with a group, designate a driver
who will not drink.
Control of a Vehicle
Braking, steering, and accelerating
are important factors in helping to
control a vehicle while driving.
Braking
Braking action involves perception
time and reaction time. Deciding to
push the brake pedal is perception
time. Actually doing it is
reaction time.
Average driver reaction time is
about three-quarters of a second. In
that time, a vehicle moving at
100 km/h (60 mph) travels 20 m
(66 ft), which could be a lot of
distance in an emergency.
Helpful braking tips to keep in mind
include:
. Keep enough distance between
you and the vehicle in front
of you.
. Avoid needless heavy braking.
. Keep pace with traffic.
If the engine ever stops while the
vehicle is being driven, brake
normally but do not pump the
brakes. Doing so could make the
pedal harder to push down. If the
engine stops, there will be some
power brake assist but it will be
used when the brake is applied.
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12461769) -
2019 - crc - 5/21/18
Driving and Operating 201
For the best fuel economy,
accelerate slowly and shift when the
light comes on, and if the weather,
road, and traffic conditions allow.
It is normal for the light to go on and
off if the accelerator position
changes quickly. Ignore the light
during downshifts.Brakes
Antilock Brake
System (ABS)
This vehicle has an Antilock Brake
System (ABS), an advanced
electronic braking system that helps
prevent a braking skid.
When the vehicle begins to drive
away, ABS checks itself.
A momentary motor or clicking noise
may be heard while this test is going
on, and it may even be noticed that
the brake pedal moves a little. This
is normal.
If there is a problem with ABS, this
warning light stays on. SeeAntilock
Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
0 119. If driving safely on a wet road and it
becomes necessary to slam on the
brakes and continue braking to
avoid a sudden obstacle, a
computer senses the wheels are
slowing down. If one of the wheels
is about to stop rolling, the computer
will separately work the brakes at
each wheel.
ABS can change the brake pressure
to each wheel, as required, faster
than any driver could. This can help
you steer around the obstacle while
braking hard.
As the brakes are applied, the
computer keeps receiving updates
on wheel speed and controls
braking pressure accordingly.
Remember: ABS does not change
the time needed to get a foot up to
the brake pedal or always decrease
stopping distance. If you get too
close to the vehicle in front of you,
there will not be enough time to
apply the brakes if that vehicle
suddenly slows or stops. Always
leave enough room up ahead to
stop, even with ABS.
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12461769) -
2019 - crc - 5/21/18
Driving and Operating 209
Warning (Continued)
Complete attention is always
required while driving, and you
should be ready to take action
and apply the brakes and/or steer
the vehicle to avoid crashes.
Audible Alert
Some driver assistance features
alert the driver of obstacles by
beeping. To change the volume of
the warning chime, see “Comfort
and Convenience” underVehicle
Personalization 0132.
Cleaning
Depending on vehicle options, keep
these areas of the vehicle clean to
ensure the best driver assistance
feature performance. Driver
Information Center (DIC) messages
may display when the systems are
unavailable or blocked.
. Front and rear bumpers and the
area below the bumpers
. Front grille and headlamps .
Front camera lens in the front
grille or near the front emblem
. Front side and rear side panels
. Outside of the windshield in front
of the rearview mirror
. Side camera lens on the bottom
of the outside mirrors
. Rear side corner bumpers
. Rear Vision Camera above the
license plate
Rear Vision
Camera (RVC)
If equipped, the RVC may help the
driver park or avoid objects. Always
check around the vehicle when
parking or backing.
When the vehicle is shifted into
R (Reverse), the RVC shows an
image of the area behind the vehicle
in the infotainment display. The
previous screen displays when the
vehicle is shifted out of R (Reverse)
after a short delay. To return to the
previous screen sooner, press any
button on the infotainment system,
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12461769) -
2019 - crc - 5/21/18
212 Driving and Operating
closer to the obstacle. When the
distance is less than 30 cm (12 in),
the beeping is a continuous tone.
Turning the System On and Off
The RPA system can be turned on
and off using the infotainment
system controls. SeeVehicle
Personalization 0132.
When the system is off, PARK
ASSIST OFF displays on the Driver
Information Center (DIC). The
message disappears after a short
period of time.
RPA defaults to the on setting each
time the vehicle is started.
When the System Does Not
Seem to Work Properly
The following messages may be
displayed on the DIC: SERVICE PARK ASSIST :
If this
message occurs, check the
following conditions:
. The sensors are not clean. Keep
the vehicle's rear bumper free of
mud, dirt, snow, ice, and slush.
For cleaning instructions, see
Exterior Care 0286.
. The Park Assist sensors are
covered by frost or ice. Frost or
ice can form around and behind
the sensors and may not always
be seen; this can occur after
washing the vehicle in cold
weather. The message may not
clear until the frost or ice has
melted.
If the above conditions do not exist,
take the vehicle to your dealer to
repair the system. PARK ASSIST OFF :
If the RPA
system does not activate due to a
temporary condition, the message
displays on the DIC. This can occur
under the following conditions:
. An object was hanging out of the
trunk during the last drive cycle.
Once the object is removed,
RPA will return to normal
operation.
. The bumper is damaged. Take
the vehicle to your dealer to
repair the system.
. Other conditions, such as
vibrations from a jackhammer or
the compression of air brakes on
a very large truck, are affecting
system performance.Forward Collision Alert
(FCA) System
If equipped, the FCA system may
help to avoid or reduce the harm
caused by front-end crashes. When
approaching a vehicle ahead too
quickly, FCA provides a red flashing
alert on the windshield and rapidly
beeps.
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12461769) -
2019 - crc - 5/21/18
Driving and Operating 213
FCA detects vehicles within a
distance of approximately 60 m
(197 ft) and operates at speeds
above 40 km/h (25 mph).
{Warning
FCA is a warning system and
does not apply the brakes. When
approaching a slower-moving or
stopped vehicle ahead too rapidly,
or when following a vehicle too
closely, FCA may not provide a
warning with enough time to help
avoid a crash. It also may not
provide any warning at all. FCA
does not warn of pedestrians,
animals, signs, guardrails,
bridges, construction barrels,
or other objects. Be ready to take
action and apply the brakes. See
Defensive Driving0176.
FCA can be disabled with the FCA
steering wheel control.
Detecting the Vehicle Ahead
FCA warnings will not occur unless
the FCA system detects a vehicle
ahead. When a vehicle is detected,
the vehicle ahead indicator will
display green. Vehicles may not be
detected on curves, highway exit
ramps, or hills, due to poor visibility;
or if a vehicle ahead is partially
blocked by pedestrians or other
objects. FCA will not detect another
vehicle ahead until it is completely
in the driving lane.
{Warning
FCA does not provide a warning
to help avoid a crash, unless it
detects a vehicle. FCA may not
detect a vehicle ahead if the FCA
sensor is blocked by dirt, snow, (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
or ice, or if the windshield is
damaged. It may also not detect a
vehicle on winding or hilly roads,
or in conditions that can limit
visibility such as fog, rain,
or snow, or if the headlamps or
windshield are not cleaned or in
proper condition. Keep the
windshield, headlamps, and FCA
sensors clean and in good repair.
Collision Alert
When your vehicle approaches
another detected vehicle too rapidly,
the red FCA display on top of the
instrument panel to the right of the
steering wheel will flash. Also,
several rapid high-pitched beeps will
sound from the front. When this
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
Vehicle Care 237
If the overheat warning no longer
displays, the vehicle can be driven.
Continue to drive the vehicle slowly
for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe
vehicle distance from the vehicle in
front. If the warning does not come
back on, continue to drive normally
and have the cooling system
checked for proper fill and function.
If the warning continues, pull over,
stop, and park the vehicle
right away.
If there is no sign of steam, idle the
engine for three minutes while
parked. If the warning is still
displayed, turn off the engine until it
cools down.
Washer Fluid
What to Use
When the vehicle needs windshield
washer fluid, be sure to read the
manufacturer's instructions before
use. If operating the vehicle in an
area where the temperature may fall
below freezing, use a fluid that has
sufficient protection against
freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the washer
symbol on it. Add washer fluid until
the tank is full. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview 0226 for
reservoir location.
Caution
. Do not use washer fluid that
contains any type of water
repellent coating. This can
cause the wiper blades to
chatter or skip.
. Do not use engine coolant
(antifreeze) in the
windshield washer. It can
damage the windshield
washer system and paint.
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
.Do not mix water with
ready-to-use washer fluid.
Water can cause the
solution to freeze and
damage the washer fluid
tank and other parts of the
washer system.
. When using concentrated
washer fluid, follow the
manufacturer instructions for
adding water.
. Fill the washer fluid tank
only three-quarters full when
it is very cold. This allows
for fluid expansion if
freezing occurs, which could
damage the tank if it is
completely full.
Brakes
Disc brake pads have built-in wear
indicators that make a high-pitched
warning sound when the brake pads
are worn and new pads are needed.
The sound can come and go or can