Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13566834) -
2020 - CRC - 10/4/19
270 Vehicle Care
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 silicon carbide
tire/wheel cleaning brushes.(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
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.
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.
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Service and Maintenance 287
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Parts
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identified below by name, part number, or specification can be obtained from your dealer.Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Automatic Transmission DEXRON-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid. Chassis Lubrication Chassis Lubricant (GM Part No. 12377985, in Canada 88901242) or lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI #2, Category LB or GC-LB.
Engine Coolant 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and use only DEX-COOL Coolant. SeeCooling System 0213.
Engine Oil Engine oil meeting the dexos1 specification of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 full synthetic is recommended. See Engine Oil
0 208.
Hood Latch Assembly, Secondary Latch, Pivots, Spring Anchor, and Release Pawl Lubriplate Lubricant Aerosol (GM Part No. 89021668, in Canada 89021674)
or lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI #2, Category LB or GC-LB.
Hydraulic Brake DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid (GM Part No. 19353126, in Canada 19353127).
Key Lock Cylinders and Hood and Door Hinges Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube (GM Part No. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474).
Weatherstrip Conditioning Weatherstrip Lubricant (GM Part No. 3634770, in Canada 10953518) or equivalent.
Windshield Washer Automotive windshield washer fluid that meets regional freeze protection requirements.
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13566834) -
2020 - CRC - 10/4/19
310 OnStar
Security
If equipped, OnStar provides these
services:
.With Stolen Vehicle Assistance,
OnStar Advisors can use GPS to
pinpoint the vehicle and help
authorities quickly recover it.
. With Remote Ignition Block,
if equipped, OnStar can block
the engine from being restarted.
. With Stolen Vehicle Slowdown,
if equipped, OnStar can work
with law enforcement to
gradually slow the vehicle down.
Theft Alarm Notification
If equipped, if the doors are locked
and the vehicle alarm sounds, a
notification by text, e-mail, or phone
call will be sent. If the vehicle is
stolen, an OnStar Advisor can work
with authorities to recover the
vehicle.
OnStar Additional
Information
In-Vehicle Audio Messages
Audio messages may play important
information at the following times:
.
Prior to vehicle purchase. Press
Qto set up an account.
. After change in ownership and
at 90 days.
Transferring Service
PressQto request account transfer
eligibility information. The Advisor
can cancel or change account
information.
Selling/Transferring the
Vehicle
Call 1-888-4ONSTAR
(1-888-466-7827) immediately to
terminate your OnStar or connected
services if the vehicle is disposed
of, sold, transferred, or if the
lease ends.
Reactivation for Subsequent
Owners
PressQand follow the prompts to
speak to an Advisor as soon as
possible. The Advisor will update
vehicle records and explain OnStar
or connected service options.
How OnStar Service Works
Automatic Crash Response,
Emergency Services, Crisis Assist,
Stolen Vehicle Assistance, Remote
Services, and Roadside Assistance
are available on most vehicles. Not
all OnStar services are available
everywhere or on all vehicles. For
more information, a full description
of OnStar services, system
limitations, and OnStar User Terms,
Privacy Statement, and Software
Terms:
. Call 1-888-4ONSTAR
(1-888-466-7827).
. See www.onstar.com (U.S.).
. See www.onstar.ca (Canada).
. Call TTY 1-877-248-2080.
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312 OnStar
Languages
The vehicle can be programmed to
respond in multiple languages.
Press
Qand ask for an Advisor.
Advisors are available in English,
Spanish, and French. Available
languages may vary by country.
Potential Issues
OnStar cannot perform Remote
Door Unlock or Stolen Vehicle
Assistance after the vehicle has
been off continuously for 10 days
without an ignition cycle. If the
vehicle has not been started for
10 days, OnStar can contact
Roadside Assistance or a locksmith
to help gain access to the vehicle.
Global Positioning
System (GPS)
. Obstruction of the GPS can
occur in a large city with tall
buildings; in parking garages;
around airports; in tunnels and
underpasses; or in an area with
very dense trees. If GPS signals
are not available, the OnStar
system should still operate to call OnStar. However, OnStar
could have difficulty identifying
the exact location.
. In emergency situations, OnStar
can use the last stored GPS
location to send to emergency
responders.
A temporary loss of GPS can cause
loss of the ability to send a
Turn-by-Turn Navigation route. The
Advisor may give a verbal route or
may ask for a call back after the
vehicle is driven into an open area.
Cellular and GPS Antennas
Cellular reception is required for
OnStar to send remote signals to
the vehicle. Do not place items over
or near the antenna to prevent
blocking cellular and GPS signal
reception.
Unable to Connect to OnStar
Message
If there is limited cellular coverage
or the cellular network has reached
maximum capacity, this message may come on. Press
Qto try the
call again or try again after driving a
few miles into another cellular area.
Vehicle and Power Issues
OnStar services require a vehicle
electrical system, wireless service,
and GPS satellite technologies to be
available and operating for features
to function properly. These systems
may not operate if the battery is
discharged or disconnected.
Add-on Electrical Equipment
The OnStar system is integrated
into the electrical architecture of the
vehicle. Do not add any electrical
equipment. See Add-On Electrical
Equipment 0201. Added electrical
equipment may interfere with the
operation of the OnStar system and
cause it to not operate.
Vehicle Software Updates
OnStar or GM may remotely deliver
software updates or changes to the
vehicle without further notice or
consent. These updates or changes
may enhance or maintain safety,
security, or the operation of the
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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) -
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318 Index
AudioBluetooth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . .211
Automatic Transmission Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Shift Lock Control FunctionCheck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Auxiliary Jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Avoiding Untrusted Media Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
B
Backglass Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
BatteryExterior Lighting BatterySaver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Load Management . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Power Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Battery - North America . . . . 220, 260
Blade Replacement, Wiper . . . . . 222
Bluetooth Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140, 141
Bluetooth Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138 Brake
System Warning Light . . . . . . . . 102
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218 Antilock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Break-In, New Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . 170
Bulb Replacement Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Headlamps and Front Turn
Signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
License Plate Lamps . . . . . . . . . 227
Taillamps, Turn Signal,
Stoplamps, and Back-up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
C
Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
California Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204 California
Proposition
65 Warning . . . . . . . . . .203, 220, 260,
Back Cover
Camera Rear Vision (RVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Canadian Vehicle Owners . . . . . . . . 2
Capacities and
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Carbon Monoxide Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Trunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Cargo Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Caution, Danger, and Warning . . . . 2
Chains, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . 100
Check Engine Light (Malfunction
Indicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Ignition Transmission Lock . . . 221
Child Restraints Infants and Young Children . . . . . 66
Lower Anchors and Tethers
for Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
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Index 319
Child Restraints (cont'd)Securing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80, 82
Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Cleaning Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . . 153 Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Cluster, Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Collision Damage Repair . . . . . . . 301
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 Load . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Compartments Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Connected Services Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316
Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
Connections Connected Services . . . . . . . . . . 315
Control
Traction and ElectronicStability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185 Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Coolant
Engine TemperatureWarning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Cooling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Courtesy Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Courtesy Transportation Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Cover
Cargo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187 Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . 297 Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Text Telephone (TTY)
Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Customer Information Publications OrderingInformation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
Customer Satisfaction Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Cybersecurity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
D
Damage Repair, Collision . . . . . . . 301
Danger, Warning, and Caution . . . . 2 Data Collection
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Data Recorders, Event . . . . . . . . . 306
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Diagnostics Connected Services . . . . . . . . . . 316
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Dome Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Door Ajar Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Drive Belt Routing, Engine . . . . . . 293
Driver Assistance Systems . . . . . 190
Driver Information
Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Driving Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . . . 159
Defensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Drunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . 163
If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . . 165
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 166
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322 Index
L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall . . . . . . . . . . 235
LampsCourtesy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Daytime Running (DRL) . . . . . . 120
Dome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Exterior Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119
Exterior Lighting BatterySaver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
License Plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Malfunction Indicator
(Check Engine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Lane Departure Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
LATCH System
Replacing Parts after aCrash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
LATCH, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Lighting Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124 Lighting (cont'd)
Illumination Control . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Lights Airbag Readiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Antilock Brake System(ABS) Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Brake System Warning . . . . . . . 102
Charging System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Check Engine (Malfunction
Indicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Door Ajar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning . . . . . . . 106
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . 106
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Front Fog Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
High-Beam On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . 120
Hood Ajar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Lane Departure Warning . . . . . . 104
Low Fuel Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Operate Pedal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Reduced Engine Power . . . . . . 107
Seat Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Service Vehicle Soon . . . . . . . . . 102
StabiliTrak OFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105 Lights (cont'd)
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Traction Control System
(TCS)/StabiliTrak . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Traction Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Ultrasonic Parking Sensor . . . . 104
Warning, Power Steering . . . . . 103
Load Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Locks Automatic Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . . 107
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH
System) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
M
MaintenanceRecords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Maintenance and Care Additional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . . . 278