Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13566834) -
2020 - CRC - 10/4/19
Storage 87
Luggage/Load
Locations
Load Compartment
(Hatchback)
The load compartment cover can be
used to conceal objects under it,
or it can be removed and placed on
the bottom of the load compartment
to carry larger loads.To remove the load compartment
cover:
1. Lift up on the load compartment cover and
pull out.
2. Store the load compartment cover on the bottom of the load
compartment.
To install the load compartment
cover: 1. Align the front sides of the load compartment cover into the
slots on both sides at the front
of the load compartment.
2. Lower the load compartment cover onto the lip around the
load compartment.
Additional Storage
Features
Cargo Cover (Hatchback)
{Warning
An unsecured cargo cover could
strike people in a sudden stop or
turn, or in a crash. Store the
cargo cover securely or remove it
from the vehicle.
{Warning
Do not place objects on the cargo
cover. Sudden stops or turns can
cause objects to be thrown in the
vehicle. You or others could be
injured.
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13566834) -
2020 - CRC - 10/4/19
Instruments and Controls 109
This light comes on when the hood
is open or not securely latched.
Before driving, check that the hood
is properly closed.
Door Ajar Light
This light comes on when a door is
open or not securely latched. Before
driving, check that all doors are
properly closed.
Information Displays
Driver Information
Center (DIC)
The DIC displays information about
the vehicle. It also displays warning
messages if a system problem is
detected. SeeVehicle Messages
0 113. All messages appear in the
DIC display in the instrument panel
cluster.
DIC Operation and Displays
On some models, the trip odometer
reset stem is used to operate the
DIC. On other models, the controls
for the DIC are on the turn signal
lever.
DIC Buttons
1. SET/CLR: Press to set or clear
the menu item displayed. 2.
w/x:
Turn the band to scroll
through the menus.
3. MENU: Press to display the
Trip/Fuel menu and the Vehicle
Information menu. This button
is also used to return to or exit
the last screen displayed on
the DIC.
Vehicle Information Menu
Items (Base Level DIC)
Press MENU to view the DIC menu.
Some items display in the upper
display area, some in the lower
display area, and others use both
the upper and lower display areas.
Use
w/xto scroll through the
menu items. Not all items are
available on every vehicle. The
following is a list of possible menu
items:
. Remaining Oil Life
. Units
. Tire Learn
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13566834) -
2020 - CRC - 10/4/19
Infotainment System 149
automatically adjust this number
based on the number of favorites
you have saved. Touch Auto, 5,
10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, or 40.
Updates
If equipped, the infotainment system
can download and install select
software updates over a wireless
connection. The system will prompt
for certain updates to be
downloaded and installed. There is
also an option to check for updates
manually.
To manually check for updates,
touch Settings on the Home Page,
followed by Software Information,
and then System Update. Follow the
on-screen prompts. The steps to
check for, download and install
updates may vary by vehicle.
Downloading Over-the-Air vehicle
software updates requires internet
connectivity, which can be accessed
through the vehicle’ s built-in 4G LTE
connection, if equipped and active.
If required, data plans are provided
by a third party. Optionally, a secure
Wi-Fi hotspot such as a compatible mobile device hotspot, home
hotspot or public hotspot can be
used. Applicable data rates may
apply.
To connect the infotainment system
to a secured mobile device hotspot,
home hotspot, or a public hotspot,
touch Settings on the Home Page,
select the System tab, followed by
Wi-Fi Networks. Select the
appropriate Wi-Fi network, and
follow the on-screen prompts.
Download speeds may vary.
On most compatible mobile devices,
activation of the Wi-Fi hotspot is in
the Settings menu under Mobile
Network Sharing, Personal Hotspot,
Mobile Hotspot or similar.
Availability of Over-the-Air software
updates varies by vehicle and
country. For more information on
this feature, see my.chevrolet.com/
learn.
Preferences
Touch the controls on the
infotainment display to disable or
enable the download of new
updates in the background.About
Touch to view the infotainment
system software information.
Return to Factory Settings
Touch and the following may
display:
.
Reset Vehicle Settings: Resets
all vehicle settings for the
current user.
Touch Cancel or Reset.
. Erase Settings and Personal
Data: Erases app data settings,
user profiles, and personal data
including mobile device data.
Touch Cancel or Erase.
Apps
The menu may contain the
following:
Android Auto
This feature allows you to interact
directly with your phone on the
infotainment display. See Apple
CarPlay and Android Auto 0146.
Touch Off or On.
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13566834) -
2020 - CRC - 10/4/19
Driving and Operating 169
weight of the driver, passengers,
and cargo should never exceed
the vehicle's capacity weight.
Certification Label
Label Example
A vehicle-specific Certification
label is attached to the vehicle's
center pillar (B-pillar). The label
may show the gross weight
capacity of the vehicle, calledthe Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR). The GVWR includes
the weight of the vehicle, all
occupants, fuel, and cargo.
{Warning
Things inside the vehicle can
strike and injure people in a
sudden stop or turn, or in a
crash.
.Put things in the cargo
area of the vehicle. In the
cargo area, put them as
far forward as possible.
Try to spread the weight
evenly.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
. Never stack heavier
things, like suitcases,
inside the vehicle so that
some of them are above
the tops of the seats.
.Do not leave an
unsecured child restraint
in the vehicle.
.Secure loose items in the
vehicle.
.Do not leave a seat
folded down unless
needed.
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13566834) -
2020 - CRC - 10/4/19
176 Driving and Operating
Engine Heater
The engine heater can provide
easier starting and better fuel
economy during engine warm-up in
cold weather conditions at or below
−18 °C (0 °F). Vehicles with an
engine heater should be plugged in
at least four hours before starting.1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord. The cord is
located in the driver side of the
engine compartment, near the
battery. It is shipped from the
factory with a tie holding it in place. Use care in removing
the tie so that the cord is not
damaged.
Check the heater cord for
damage. If it is damaged, do
not use it. See your dealer for
a replacement. Inspect the
cord for damage yearly.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
{Warning
Improper use of the heater cord
or an extension cord can damage
the cord and may result in
overheating and fire.
. Plug the cord into a
three-prong electrical utility
receptacle that is protected
by a ground fault detection
function. An ungrounded
outlet could cause an
electric shock.
. Use a weatherproof,
heavy-duty, 15 amp-rated
extension cord if needed.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Failure to use the
recommended extension
cord in good operating
condition, or using a
damaged heater or
extension cord, could make
it overheat and cause a fire,
property damage, electric
shock, and injury.
. Do not operate the vehicle
with the heater cord
permanently attached to the
vehicle. Possible heater
cord and thermostat
damage could occur.
. While in use, do not let the
heater cord touch vehicle
parts or sharp edges. Never
close the hood on the
heater cord.
. Before starting the vehicle,
unplug the cord, reattach
the cover to the plug, and
securely fasten the cord.
Keep the cord away from
any moving parts.
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13566834) -
2020 - CRC - 10/4/19
206 Vehicle Care
3. Lift the hood and release thehood prop rod from its retainer,
in the front of the engine
compartment. Securely insert
the rod end into the slot
marked with an arrow, on the
underside of the hood. To close the hood:
1. Before closing the hood, be sure all filler caps are on
properly, and all tools are
removed.
2. Lift the hood and remove the hood prop rod from the
underside of the hood. Return
the prop rod to its retainer. The
prop rod must click into place
when returning it to the retainer
to prevent hood damage.
3. Lower the hood 20 cm (8 in) above the vehicle and release
it. Check to make sure the
hood is latched completely.
Repeat this process with
additional force if necessary.
{Warning
Do not drive the vehicle if the
hood is not latched completely.
The hood could open fully, block
your vision, and cause a crash.
You or others could be injured.
Always close the hood completely
before driving.
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13566834) -
2020 - CRC - 10/4/19
212 Vehicle Care
Caution
Use of the incorrect automatic
transmission fluid may damage
the vehicle, and the damage may
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Always use the correct
automatic transmission fluid. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants0287.
Change the fluid at the intervals
listed in Maintenance Schedule
0 278, and be sure to use the fluid
listed in Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0287.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
The engine air cleaner/filter is
located in the engine compartment
on the passenger side of the
vehicle. See Engine Compartment
Overview 0207 for more information
on location.
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
For intervals on changing and
inspecting the engine air cleaner/
filter, see Maintenance Schedule
0 278.
How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Do not start the engine or have the
engine running with the engine air
cleaner/filter housing open. Before
removing the engine air cleaner/
filter, make sure that the engine air
cleaner/filter housing and nearby
components are free of dirt and
debris. Remove the engine air
cleaner/filter. Lightly tap and shake
the engine air cleaner/filter (away
from the vehicle), to release loose
dust and dirt. Inspect the engine air
cleaner/filter for damage, and
replace if damaged. Do not clean
the engine air cleaner/filter or
components with water or
compressed air. To inspect or replace the air cleaner/
filter:
1. Remove the two screws, tilt the
cover, and slide it out of the
assembly.
2. Inspect or replace the engine air cleaner/filter.
3. Lower the cover, slide it into the assembly, then secure with
the two screws.
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13566834) -
2020 - CRC - 10/4/19
216 Vehicle Care
1. Remove the coolant surge tankpressure cap when the cooling
system, including the coolant
surge tank pressure cap and
upper radiator hose, is no
longer hot.
Turn the pressure cap slowly
counterclockwise about
one-quarter of a turn. If you
hear a hiss, wait for that to
stop. This will allow any
pressure still left to be vented
out the discharge hose.
2. Keep turning the pressure cap slowly and remove it.3. Fill the coolant surge tank withthe proper mixture to the
indicated level mark.
4. With the coolant surge tank pressure cap off, start the
engine and let it run until you
can feel the upper radiator
hose getting hot. Watch out for
the engine cooling fan.
By this time, the coolant level
inside the coolant surge tank
may be lower. If the level is
lower, add more of the proper
mixture to the coolant surge
tank until the level reaches the
indicated level mark.
5. Replace the pressure cap tightly.
Check the level in the coolant surge
tank when the cooling system has
cooled down. If the coolant is not at
the proper level, repeat Steps 1–
3 and reinstall the pressure cap.
If the coolant still is not at the proper
level when the system cools down
again, see your dealer.Caution
If the pressure cap is not tightly
installed, coolant loss and engine
damage may occur. Be sure the
cap is properly and tightly
secured.
Engine Overheating
The vehicle has an indicator to warn
of the engine overheating.
If the decision is made not to lift the
hood when this warning appears,
get service help right away. See
Roadside Assistance Program
0 298.
If the decision is made to lift the
hood, make sure the vehicle is
parked on a level surface.
Then check to see if the engine
cooling fan is running. If the engine
is overheating, the fan should be
running. If it is not, do not continue
to run the engine. Have the vehicle
serviced.