Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13566834) -
2020 - CRC - 10/4/19
228 Vehicle Care
5. Push the replacement bulbstraight into the bulb socket
and turn the bulb socket
clockwise to install it into the
lamp assembly.
6. Turn the lamp assembly into the lamp assembly opening
engaging the clip side first.
7. Push on the lamp side opposite the clip until the lamp assembly
snaps into place.Electrical System
Electrical System
Overload
The vehicle has fuses and circuit
breakers to protect against an
electrical system overload.
When the current electrical load is
too heavy, the circuit breaker opens
and closes, protecting the circuit
until the current load returns to
normal or the problem is fixed. This
greatly reduces the chance of circuit
overload and fire caused by
electrical problems.
Fuses and circuit breakers protect
power devices in the vehicle.
Replace a bad fuse with a new one
of the identical size and rating.
If there is a problem on the road and
a fuse needs to be replaced, the
same amperage fuse can be
borrowed. Choose some feature of
the vehicle that is not needed to use
and replace it as soon as possible.
Headlamp Wiring
An electrical overload may cause
the lamps to go on and off, or in
some cases to remain off. Have the
headlamp wiring checked right away
if the lamps go on and off or
remain off.
Windshield Wipers
If the wiper motor overheats due to
heavy snow or ice, the windshield
wipers will stop until the motor cools
and will then restart.
Although the circuit is protected
from electrical overload, overload
due to heavy snow or ice may
cause wiper linkage damage.
Always clear ice and heavy snow
from the windshield before using the
windshield wipers.
If the overload is caused by an
electrical problem and not snow or
ice, be sure to get it fixed.
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13566834) -
2020 - CRC - 10/4/19
242 Vehicle Care
Tire Pressure Monitor
System
The Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS) uses radio and sensor
technology to check tire pressure
levels. The TPMS sensors monitor
the air pressure in your tires and
transmit tire pressure readings to a
receiver located in the vehicle.
Each tire, including the spare (if
provided), should be checked
monthly when cold and inflated to
the inflation pressure recommended
by the vehicle manufacturer on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation
pressure label. (If your vehicle has
tires of a different size than the size
indicated on the vehicle placard or
tire inflation pressure label, you
should determine the proper tire
inflation pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your
vehicle has been equipped with a
tire pressure monitoring system
(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 is
combined 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 0243.
See Radio Frequency Statement
0 304.
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13566834) -
2020 - CRC - 10/4/19
Vehicle Care 243
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, stopas soon as possible and inflate the
tires to the recommended pressure
shown on the Tire and Loading
Information label. See
Vehicle Load
Limits 0166.
A message to check the pressure in
a specific tire may display in the
Driver Information Center (DIC). The
low tire pressure warning light and
the DIC warning message,
if equipped, come on at each
ignition cycle until the tires are
inflated to the correct inflation
pressure. Using the DIC, it may be
possible to view the tire pressure
levels. For additional information
and details about the DIC operation
and displays, see Driver Information
Center (DIC) 0109.
The low tire pressure warning light
may come on in cool weather when
the vehicle is first started, and then
turn off as the vehicle is driven. This
could be an early indicator that the
air pressure is getting low and must
be inflated to the proper pressure. A Tire and Loading Information label
shows the size of the original
equipment tires and the correct
inflation pressure for the tires when
they are cold. See
Vehicle Load
Limits 0166, for an example of the
Tire and Loading Information label
and its location. Also see Tire
Pressure 0240.
The TPMS can warn about a low
tire pressure condition but it does
not replace normal tire
maintenance. See Tire Inspection
0 245, Tire Rotation 0246 and
Tires 0233.
Caution
Tire sealant materials are not all
the same. A non-approved tire
sealant could damage the TPMS
sensors. TPMS sensor damage
caused by using an incorrect tire
sealant is not covered by the
vehicle warranty. Always use only
the GM approved tire sealant
available through your dealer or
included in the vehicle.
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13566834) -
2020 - CRC - 10/4/19
Vehicle Care 245
There are two minutes to match the
first tire/wheel position, and
five minutes overall to match all four
tire/wheel positions. If it takes
longer, the matching process stops
and must be restarted.
The TPMS sensor matching
process is:1. Set the parking brake.
2. Turn the ignition on without starting the vehicle or place the
vehicle in Service Mode. See
Ignition Positions (Keyless
Access) 0170 or
Ignition Positions (Key Access)
0 172.
3. Press the MENU button to display the menu items in the
Driver Information
Center (DIC).
4. If the vehicle has a base level DIC, use the thumbwheel to
scroll to the Tire Learn menu
item screen.
If the vehicle has an uplevel
DIC, use the thumbwheel to
scroll to the Tire Pressure
menu item screen. 5. Press and hold the SET/CLR
button to begin the sensor
matching process.
A message requesting
acceptance of the process may
display.
6. The horn sounds twice to signal the receiver is in relearn
mode and the TIRE LEARN
message may display on the
DIC screen.
7. Start with the driver side front tire.
8. Place the relearn tool against the tire sidewall, near the valve
stem. Then press the button to
activate the TPMS sensor.
A horn chirp confirms that the
sensor identification code has
been matched to this tire and
wheel position.
9. Proceed to the passenger side front tire, and repeat the
procedure in Step 8.
10. Proceed to the passenger side rear tire, and repeat the
procedure in Step 8. 11. Proceed to the driver side rear
tire, and repeat the procedure
in Step 8. The horn sounds two
times to indicate the sensor
identification code has been
matched to the driver side rear
tire, and the TPMS sensor
matching process is no longer
active. The TIRE LEARN
message on the DIC display
screen goes off.
12. Turn the vehicle off.
13. Set all four tires to the recommended air pressure
level as indicated on the Tire
and Loading Information label.
Tire Inspection
We recommend that the tires,
including the spare tire, if the
vehicle has one, be inspected
for signs of wear or damage at
least once a month.
Replace the tire if:
.The indicators at three or
more places around the tire
can be seen.
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13566834) -
2020 - CRC - 10/4/19
284 Service and Maintenance
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 0287 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.
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13566834) -
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316 Connected Services
devices. Manage data usage by
turning Wi-Fi on or off on your
mobile device, using the
myChevrolet mobile app, or by
contacting an OnStar Advisor. On
some vehicles, Wi-Fi can also be
managed from the Wi-Fi
Hotspot menu.
MyChevrolet Mobile App (If
Available)
Download the myChevrolet mobile
app to compatible Apple and
Android smartphones. Chevrolet
users can access the following
services from a smartphone:
.Remotely start/stop the vehicle,
if factory-equipped.
. Lock/unlock doors, if equipped
with automatic locks.
. Activate the horn and lamps.
. Check the vehicle’s fuel level, oil
life, or tire pressure,
if factory-equipped with the Tire
Pressure Monitor System.
. Send destinations to the vehicle.
. Locate the vehicle on a map
(U.S. market only). .
Turn the vehicle's Wi-Fi hotspot
on/off, manage settings, and
monitor data consumption,
if equipped.
. Locate a dealer and schedule
service.
. Request roadside assistance.
. Set a parking reminder with pin
drop, take a photo, make a note,
and set a timer.
. Connect with Chevrolet on social
media.
Features are subject to change.
For myChevrolet mobile app
information and compatibility, see
my.chevrolet.com.
An active OnStar or connected
service plan may be required.
A compatible device,
factory-installed remote start, and
power locks are required. Data rates
apply. See www.onstar.com for
details and system limitations.
Remote Services
Contact an OnStar Advisor to
unlock the doors or sound the horn
and flash the lamps.
Marketplace
OnStar Advisors can provide offers
from restaurants and retailers on
your route, help locate hotels,
or book a room. These services
vary by market.
Diagnostics
By monitoring and reporting on the
vehicle's key systems, OnStar
Advanced Diagnostics, if equipped,
provides a way to keep up on
maintenance. Capabilities vary by
model. See www.onstar.com for
details and system limitations.
Features are subject to change. For
updates on feature capabilities, see
my.chevrolet.com. Message and
data rates may apply.
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13566834) -
2020 - CRC - 10/4/19
Index 325
Safety Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Safety System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Satellite Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Scheduling Appointments . . . . . . . 300
Seat Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
How to Wear Seat BeltsProperly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Replacing after a Crash . . . . . . . . 51
Use During Pregnancy . . . . . . . . . . 50
Seats Adjustment, Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Heated Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Power Adjustment, Front . . . . . . . 39
Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Securing Child Restraints . . . . 80, 82
Security
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Vehicle Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156 Accessories andModifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204 Service (cont'd)
Climate Control System . . . . . . . 153
Doing Your Own Work . . . . . . . . 204
Maintenance Records . . . . . . . . 289
Maintenance, General
Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Parts Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Scheduling Appointments . . . . . 300
Vehicle Soon Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Services Special Application . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Servicing the Airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Shift Lock Control Function
Check, Automatic
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Signals, Turn and Lane-Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Spare Tire Compact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Special Application Services . . . . 283
Specifications and Capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 StabiliTrak
OFF Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Start Assist, Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Start Vehicle, Remote . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161 Heated Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Power, Warning Lights . . . . . . . . 103
Wheel Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Stoplamps and Back-up Lamps Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Storage Load Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Storage Areas
Cargo Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Storage Compartments . . . . . . . . . . 86
Struts Gas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Stuck Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3