engine coolant CHEVROLET SONIC 2016 2.G User Guide

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9085902) -
2016 - CRC - 5/27/15
Vehicle Care 235
Caution
In cold weather, water can freeze
and crack the engine, radiator,
heater core, and other parts. Use
the recommended coolant and
the proper coolant mixture.
{Warning
You can be burned if you spill
coolant on hot engine parts.
Coolant contains ethylene glycol
and it will burn if the engine parts
are hot enough. Do not spill
coolant on a hot engine.
1.4L Engine Shown, 1.8L EngineSimilar
1. Remove the coolant surge tank pressure 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 DEX-COOL coolant
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.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9085902) -
2016 - CRC - 5/27/15
236 Vehicle Care
By this time, the coolant level
inside the coolant surge tank
may be lower. If the level is
lower, add more of the proper
DEX-COOL coolant 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
possible 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
0 322.
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.
Caution
Running the engine without
coolant may cause damage or a
fire. Vehicle damage would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
If Steam Is Coming from the
Engine Compartment
{Warning
Steam from an overheated engine
can burn you badly, even if you
just open the hood. Stay away
from the engine if you see or hear
steam coming from it. Just turn it
off and get everyone away from
the vehicle until it cools down.
Wait until there is no sign of
steam or coolant before you open
the hood.
If you keep driving when the
engine is overheated, the liquids
in it can catch fire. You or others
could be badly burned. Stop the
engine if it overheats, and get out
of the vehicle until the engine
is cool.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9085902) -
2016 - CRC - 5/27/15
Vehicle Care 237
If No Steam Is Coming from
the Engine Compartment
If an engine overheat warning is
displayed but no steam can be seen
or heard, the problem may not be
too serious. Sometimes the engine
can get a little too hot when the
vehicle:
.Climbs a long hill on a hot day.
. Stops after high-speed driving.
. Idles for long periods in traffic.
If the overheat warning is displayed
with no sign of steam: 1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest temperature and to the
highest fan speed. Open the
windows as necessary.
3. When it is safe to do so, pull off the road, shift to P (Park) or
N (Neutral) for an automatic
transmission or Neutral for a
manual transmission, and let
the engine idle. 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. See
Engine
Compartment Overview 0223 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)

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9085902) -
2016 - CRC - 5/27/15
Service and Maintenance 303
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 0228.
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 0266.
. Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed,
change engine oil and filter, and
reset oil life system. See Engine
Oil 0226 andEngine Oil Life
System 0228.
. Check engine coolant level. See
Engine Coolant 0233.
. Check windshield washer fluid
level. See Washer Fluid 0237.
. Visually inspect windshield wiper
blades for wear, cracking,
or contamination. See Exterior
Care 0292. Replace worn or
damaged wiper blades. See
Wiper Blade Replacement
0 242.
. Check tire inflation pressures.
See Tire Pressure 0261. .
Inspect tire wear. See Tire
Inspection 0266.
. Visually check for fluid leaks.
. Inspect engine air cleaner filter.
See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
0 230.
. Inspect brake system. See
Exterior Care 0292.
. Visually inspect steering,
suspension, and chassis
components for damaged, loose,
or missing parts or signs of
wear. See Exterior Care 0292.
. Check restraint system
components. See Safety System
Check 055.
. 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 0292.
. Check starter switch. See Starter
Switch Check 0240.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9085902) -
2016 - CRC - 5/27/15
Service and Maintenance 311
Recommended Fluids
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identified below by name, part number, or specification can be obtained from your dealer.Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine Oil Use only engine oil meeting the dexos1™ specification of the proper SAE
viscosity grade. Look for the dexos1 approved logo for GM approved
engine oil. See Engine Oil0226.
Engine Coolant 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and use only DEX-COOL
®Coolant.
See Engine Coolant 0233.
Hydraulic Brake/Clutch System DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid (GM Part No. 19299818, in Canada 19299819).
Windshield Washer Automotive windshield washer fluid that meets regional freeze protection requirements.
Automatic Transmission DEXRON
®-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Manual Transmission Manual Transmission Fluid (GM Part No. 19259104, in Canada 19259105).
Chassis Lubrication and Manual Transmission Shift Linkage Chassis Lubricant (GM Part No. 12377985, in Canada 88901242) or
lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI #2, Category LB or GC-LB.
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.
Key Lock Cylinders and Hood and Door Hinges Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube (GM Part No. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474).

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9085902) -
2016 - CRC - 5/27/15
344 Index
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . . 176Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Cluster, Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Clutch, Hydraulic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Collision Damage Repair . . . . . . . 325
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 Load . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Compartments
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Compressor Kit, Tire Sealant . . . 275
Computer, Trip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Connections OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
Control Traction and ElectronicStability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Coolant
Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Engine TemperatureWarning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Courtesy Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124 Courtesy Transportation
Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324
Cover Cargo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206 Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . 321
Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320
Text Telephone (TTY)Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
Customer Information
Service PublicationsOrdering Information . . . . . . . . 327
Customer Satisfaction Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318D
Damage Repair, Collision . . . . . . . 325
Danger, Warning, and Caution . . . . 2
Data Recorders, Event . . . . . . . . . 330
Daytime RunningLamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Indicator Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Devices Auxiliary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Diagnostics OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336 Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Dome Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Door
Ajar Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Drive Belt Routing, Engine . . . . . . 317
Driver Information
Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Driving Defensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Drunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
For Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . 24
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . 185
If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . . 186
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
E
Electrical Equipment,
Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Electrical System Engine Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 248

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9085902) -
2016 - CRC - 5/27/15
Index 345
Electrical System (cont'd)Instrument Panel Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Emergency OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Check and Service EngineSoon Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . 223
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Coolant Temperature Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Oil Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Reduced Power Light . . . . . . . . . 107
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . 197
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17, 192
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . . . 330
Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125 Extender, Safety Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . 120
Exterior Lighting Battery
Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126F
Filter,Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . 122
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Fluid Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 229
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Fog Lamps Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . 123, 245
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . 104
Frequency Statement Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328
Front Fog Lamp Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Front Seat Armrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Front Seats
Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Heated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213 Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Economy Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Filling a Portable FuelContainer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . 107
Requirements, California . . . . . 214
Fuses Engine Compartment FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 248
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
G
GaugesFuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Warning Lights andIndicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9085902) -
2016 - CRC - 5/27/15
Index 347
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
LATCH SystemReplacing Parts after aCrash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
LATCH, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Lighting
Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Illumination Control . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104 Airbag Readiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Antilock Brake System(ABS) Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Brake System Warning . . . . . . . 102
Charging System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Door Ajar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Engine Coolant
Temperature Warning . . . . . . . 106
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . 106
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Front Fog Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
High-Beam On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . 121 Lights (cont'd)
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Lane Departure Warning . . . . . . 104
Low Fuel Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Reduced Engine Power . . . . . . 107
Safety Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . . . 98
Service Vehicle Soon . . . . . . . . . 102
StabiliTrak
®OFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Traction Control System
(TCS)/StabiliTrak
®. . . . . . . . . . 105
Traction Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Up-Shift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Warning, Power Steering . . . . . 104
Link Smartphone . . . . . . . . 160, 162, 164
Load Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Locks Automatic Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . . 107
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH
System) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
M
MaintenanceRecords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
Maintenance and Care Additional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . . . 302 Recommended Fluids andLubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .311
Malfunction Indicator Lamp . . . . . 100
Manual Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . 200 Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Manual Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Messages
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Mirrors
Convex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Folding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Heated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Manual Rearview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Monitor System, Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Multi-band Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142