engine coolant CHEVROLET SONIC 2017 2.G User Guide

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Vehicle Care 229
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
Yo u c a n b e b u r n e d i f y o u s p i l l
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 Engine
Similar
1. Remove the coolant surge tankpressure cap when the coolingsystem, including the coolantsurge tank pressure cap andupper radiator hose, is nolonger hot.
Turn the pressure cap slowlycounterclockwise aboutone-quarter of a turn. If youhear a hiss, wait for that tostop. This will allow anypressure still left to be ventedout the discharge hose.
2. Keep turning the pressure capslowly and remove it.
3. Fill the coolant surge tank withthe proper DEX-COOL coolantmixture to the indicatedlevel mark.
4. With the coolant surge tankpressure cap off, start theengine and let it run until youcan feel the upper radiatorhose getting hot. Watch out forthe engine cooling fan.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
230 Vehicle Care
By this time, the coolant levelinside the coolant surge tankmay be lower. If the level islower, add more of the properDEX-COOL coolant mixture tothe coolant surge tank until thelevel reaches the indicatedlevel mark.
5. Replace the pressure captightly.
Check the level in the coolant surgetank when the cooling system hascooled down. If the coolant is not atthe proper level, repeat Steps 1–3andreinstallthepressurecap.If the coolant still is not at the properlevel when the system cools downagain, 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 warnof the engine overheating.
If the decision is made not to lift thehood when this warning appears,get service help right away. SeeRoadside AssistanceProgram0311.
If the decision is made to lift thehood, make sure the vehicle isparked on a level surface.
Then check to see if the enginecooling fan is running. If the engineis overheating, the fan should berunning. If it is not, do not continueto run the engine. Have the vehicleserviced.
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.
If No Steam Is Coming from
the Engine Compartment
If an engine overheat warning isdisplayed but no steam can be seenor heard, the problem may not be

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Vehicle Care 231
too serious. Sometimes the enginecan get a little too hot when thevehicle:
.Climbs a long hill on a hot day.
.Stops after high-speed driving.
.Idles for long periods in traffic.
If the overheat warning is displayedwith no sign of steam:
1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to thehighest temperature and to thehighest fan speed. Open thewindows as necessary.
3. When it is safe to do so, pull offthe road, shift to P (Park) orN(Neutral) for an automatictransmission or Neutral for amanual transmission, and letthe engine idle.
If the overheat warning no longerdisplays, the vehicle can be driven.Continue to drive the vehicle slowlyfor about 10 minutes. Keep a safevehicle distance from the vehicle infront. If the warning does not come
back on, continue to drive normallyand have the cooling systemchecked for proper fill and function.
If the warning continues, pull over,stop, and park the vehicleright away.
If there is no sign of steam, idle theengine for three minutes whileparked. If the warning is stilldisplayed, turn off the engine until itcools down.
Washer Fluid
What to Use
When the vehicle needs windshieldwasher fluid, be sure to read themanufacturer's instructions beforeuse. If operating the vehicle in anarea where the temperature may fallbelow freezing, use a fluid that hassufficient protection againstfreezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the washersymbol on it. Add washer fluid untilthe tank is full. SeeEngineCompartment Overview0217forreservoir location.
Caution
.Do not use washer fluid thatcontains any type of waterrepellent coating. This cancause the wiper blades tochatter or skip.
.Do not use engine coolant(antifreeze) in thewindshield washer. It candamage the windshieldwasher system and paint.
(Continued)

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Service and Maintenance 291
the oil life system must be reset.Yo u r t r a i n e d d e a l e r t e c h n i c i a n c a nperform this work. If the engine oillife system is reset accidentally,service the vehicle within 5 000 km/3,000 mi since the last service.Reset the oil life system when theoil is changed. SeeEngine Oil LifeSystem0222.
Tire Rotation and Required
Services Every 12 000 km/
7,500 mi
Rotate the tires, if recommended forthe vehicle, and perform thefollowing services. SeeTireRotation0261.
.Check engine oil level and oillife percentage. If needed,change engine oil and filter, andreset oil life system. SeeEngineOil0220andEngine Oil LifeSystem0222.
.Check engine coolant level. SeeEngine Coolant0227.
.Check windshield washer fluidlevel. SeeWasher Fluid0231.
.Visually inspect windshield wiperblades for wear, cracking,or contamination. SeeExteriorCare0280.Replacewornordamaged wiper blades. SeeWiper BladeReplacement0236.
.Check tire inflation pressures.SeeTire Pressure0256.
.Inspect tire wear. SeeTireInspection0260.
.Visually check for fluid leaks.
.Inspect engine air cleaner filter.SeeEngine Air Cleaner/Filter0224.
.Inspect brake system. SeeExterior Care0280.
.Visually inspect steering,suspension, and chassiscomponents for damaged, loose,or missing parts or signs ofwear. SeeExterior Care0280.
.Check restraint systemcomponents. SeeSafety SystemCheck064.
.Visually inspect fuel system fordamage or leaks.
.Visually inspect exhaust systemand nearby heat shields forloose or damaged parts.
.Lubricate body components. SeeExterior Care0280.
.Check starter switch. SeeStarterSwitch Check0234.
.Check automatic transmissionshift lock control function. SeeAutomatic Transmission ShiftLock Control FunctionCheck0235.
.Check ignition transmission lock.SeeIgnition Transmission LockCheck0235.
.Check parking brake andautomatic transmission parkmechanism. SeePark Brake andP(Park)MechanismCheck0236.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
300 Service and Maintenance
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
Engine Oil Engine oil meeting the dexos1™specification of the proper SAE viscositygrade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. SeeEngineOil0220.
Engine Coolant 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and use only DEX-COOL®Coolant.SeeEngine Coolant0227.
Hydraulic Brake/Clutch System DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid (GM Part No. 19299818, inCanada 19299819).
Windshield Washer Automotive windshield washer fluid that meets regional freeze protectionrequirements.
Automatic Transmission DEXRON®-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Manual Transmission Manual Transmission Fluid (GM Part No. 19259104, in Canada 19259105).
Chassis Lubrication and ManualTransmission Shift LinkageChassis Lubricant (GM Part No. 12377985, in Canada 88901242) orlubricant meeting requirements of NLGI #2, Category LB or GC-LB.
Hood Latch Assembly, SecondaryLatch, Pivots, Spring Anchor, andRelease 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 andDoor HingesMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube (GM Part No. 12346241, inCanada 10953474).

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Index 333
Child Restraints (cont'd)
Lower Anchors and Tethers
for Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Securing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91, 93
Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Cleaning
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . . 166
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Cluster, Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Clutch, Hydraulic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Collision Damage Repair . . . . . . . 314
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Load . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Compartments
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Connections
OnStar®...................... 323
Control
Traction and Electronic
Stability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Coolant
Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Engine Temperature
Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Cooling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Courtesy Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Courtesy Transportation
Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
Cover
Cargo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309
Te x t Te l e p h o n e ( T T Y )
Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Customer Information
Service Publications
Ordering Information . . . . . . . . 316
Customer Satisfaction
Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
D
Damage Repair, Collision . . . . . . . 314
Danger, Warning, and Caution . . . . 3
Data Collection
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320
Data Recorders, Event . . . . . . . . . 319
Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Devices
Auxiliary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Diagnostics
OnStar®...................... 325
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Dome Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Door
Ajar Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Drive Belt Routing, Engine . . . . . . 306
Driver Information
Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Driving
Defensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Drunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
For Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . 24
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . 176

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
334 Index
Driving (cont'd)
If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . . 178
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
E
Electrical Equipment,
Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Electrical System
Engine Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 242
Instrument Panel Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Emergency
OnStar®...................... 322
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Check and Service Engine
Soon Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . 217
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Coolant Temperature
Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Engine (cont'd)
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Oil Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . .118
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Reduced Power Light . . . . . . . . . 120
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . 190
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . . . 319
Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Extender, Safety Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . 134
Exterior Lighting Battery
Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
F
Filter,
Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . 136
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Fluid
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 223
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Forward Collision Alert
(FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Frequency Statement
Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
Front Fog Lamp
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Front Seat Armrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Front Seats
Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Heated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Economy Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Filling a Portable Fuel
Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . .119

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
336 Index
K
Keyless Entry
Remote (RKE) System . . . . . 29, 31
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall . . . . . . . . . . 250
Lamps
Courtesy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Daytime Running (DRL) . . . . . . 135
Dome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Exterior Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Exterior Lighting Battery
Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
License Plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Malfunction Indicator . . . . . . . . . .112
On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Lane Departure
Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Lane Departure Warning
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
LATCH System
Replacing Parts after a
Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
LATCH, Lower Anchors and
Te t h e r s f o r C h i l d r e n . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 4
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Lighting
Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Illumination Control . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Airbag Readiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115
Brake System Warning . . . . . . . .114
Charging System . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Door Ajar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Engine Coolant
Te m p e r a t u r e W a r n i n g . . . . . . . . 11 8
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . .118
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Front Fog Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
High-Beam On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . 134
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119
Lane Departure Warning . . . . . . .116
Low Fuel Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . .119
Operate Pedal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115
Reduced Engine Power . . . . . . 120
Safety Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . .110
Service Vehicle Soon . . . . . . . . . .114
StabiliTrak®OFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Lights (cont'd)
Traction Control System
(TCS)/StabiliTrak®...........117
Traction Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Trunk Ajar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Ultrasonic Parking Sensor . . . . .116
Up-Shift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115
Warning, Power Steering . . . . . . 115
Load Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Locks
Automatic Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . . 119
Lower Anchors and Tethers
for Children (LATCH
System) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Lumbar Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
M
Maintenance
Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Maintenance and Care
Additional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . . . 290