steering CHEVROLET SONIC 2018 Workshop Manual

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11373973) -
2018 - crc - 10/9/17
Vehicle Care 287
Caution
Chrome wheels and other chrome
trim may be damaged if the
vehicle is not washed after driving
on roads that have been sprayed
with magnesium, calcium,
or sodium chloride. These
chlorides are used on roads for
conditions such as ice and dust.
Always wash the chrome with
soap and water after exposure.
Caution
To avoid surface damage, do not
use strong soaps, chemicals,
abrasive polishes, cleaners,
brushes, or cleaners that contain
acid on aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels. Use only
approved cleaners. Also, never
drive a vehicle with aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels through an
automatic car wash that uses(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
silicone carbide tire cleaning
brushes. 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.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11373973) -
2018 - crc - 10/9/17
Service and Maintenance 295
Maintenance
Schedule
Owner Checks and Services
At Each Fuel Stop
.Check the engine oil level. See
Engine Oil 0222.
Once a Month
. Check the tire inflation
pressures. See Tire Pressure
0 258.
. Inspect the tires for wear. See
Tire Inspection 0263.
. Check the windshield washer
fluid level. See Washer Fluid
0 233.
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 0224.
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 0264.
. Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed,
change engine oil and filter, and
reset oil life system.
See Engine Oil 0222 and
Engine Oil Life System 0224.
. Check engine coolant level. See
Cooling System 0228.
. Check windshield washer fluid
level. See Washer Fluid 0233. .
Visually inspect windshield wiper
blades for wear, cracking,
or contamination. See Exterior
Care 0283. Replace worn or
damaged wiper blades. See
Wiper Blade Replacement
0 237.
. Check tire inflation pressures.
See Tire Pressure 0258.
. Inspect tire wear. See Tire
Inspection 0263.
. Visually check for fluid leaks.
. Inspect engine air cleaner filter.
See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
0 226.
. Inspect brake system. See
Exterior Care 0283.
. Visually inspect steering,
suspension, and chassis
components for damaged, loose,
or missing parts or signs of
wear. See Exterior Care 0283.
. Check restraint system
components. See Safety System
Check 066.
. Visually inspect fuel system for
damage or leaks.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11373973) -
2018 - crc - 10/9/17
302 Service and Maintenance
With a multi-point inspection, your
dealer can inspect the hoses and
advise if replacement is needed.
Lamps
Properly working headlamps,
taillamps, and brake lamps are
important to see and be seen on
the road.
.Signs that the headlamps need
attention include dimming, failure
to light, cracking, or damage.
The brake lamps need to be
checked periodically to ensure
that they light when braking.
. With a multi-point inspection,
your dealer can check the lamps
and note any concerns.
Shocks and Struts
Shocks and struts help aid in control
for a smoother ride.
. Signs of wear may include
steering wheel vibration, bounce/
sway while braking, longer
stopping distance, or uneven
tire wear. .
As part of the multi-point
inspection, trained dealer
technicians can visually inspect
the shocks and struts for signs
of leaking, blown seals,
or damage, and can advise
when service is needed.
Tires
Tires need to be properly inflated,
rotated, and balanced. Maintaining
the tires can save money and fuel,
and can reduce the risk of tire
failure.
. Signs that the tires need to be
replaced include three or more
visible treadwear indicators; cord
or fabric showing through the
rubber; cracks or cuts in the
tread or sidewall; or a bulge or
split in the tire.
. Trained dealer technicians can
inspect and recommend the right
tires. Your dealer can also
provide tire/wheel balancing
services to ensure smooth
vehicle operation at all speeds.
Your dealer sells and services
name brand tires. Vehicle Care
To help keep the vehicle looking like
new, vehicle care products are
available from your dealer. For
information on how to clean and
protect the vehicle’s interior and
exterior, see
Interior Care 0288 and
Exterior Care 0283.
Wheel Alignment
Wheel alignment is critical for
ensuring that the tires deliver
optimal wear and performance.
. Signs that the alignment may
need to be adjusted include
pulling, improper vehicle
handling, or unusual tire wear.
. Your dealer has the required
equipment to ensure proper
wheel alignment.
Windshield
For safety, appearance, and the
best viewing, keep the windshield
clean and clear.
. Signs of damage include
scratches, cracks, and chips.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11373973) -
2018 - crc - 10/9/17
320 Customer Information
.Vehicle make, model, and
model year
. Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN)
. Insurance company and policy
number
. General description of the
damage to the other vehicle
Choose a reputable repair facility
that uses quality replacement parts.
See “Collision Parts” earlier in this
section.
If the airbag has inflated, see What
Will You See after an Airbag
Inflates? 072.
Managing the Vehicle Damage
Repair Process
In the event that the vehicle requires
damage repairs, GM recommends
that you take an active role in its
repair. If you have a pre-determined
repair facility of choice, take the
vehicle there, or have it towed there.
Specify to the facility that any
required replacement collision parts
be original equipment parts, either
new Genuine GM parts or recycled original GM parts. Remember,
recycled parts will not be covered by
the GM vehicle warranty.
Insurance pays the bill for the repair,
but you must live with the repair.
Depending on your policy limits,
your insurance company may
initially value the repair using
aftermarket parts. Discuss this with
the repair professional, and insist on
Genuine GM parts. Remember,
if the vehicle is leased, you may be
obligated to have the vehicle
repaired with Genuine GM parts,
even if your insurance coverage
does not pay the full cost.
If another party's insurance
company is paying for the repairs,
you are not obligated to accept a
repair valuation based on that
insurance company's collision policy
repair limits, as you have no
contractual limits with that company.
In such cases, you can have control
of the repair and parts choices as
long as the cost stays within
reasonable limits.
Service Publications
Ordering Information
Service Manuals
Service Manuals have the diagnosis
and repair information on the
engines, transmission, axle,
suspension, brakes, electrical,
steering, body, etc.
Owner Information
Owner publications are written
specifically for owners and intended
to provide basic operational
information about the vehicle. The
Owner
’s Manual includes the
Maintenance Schedule for all
models.
In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio,
Owner ’s Manual, and Warranty
Manual.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $35.00 –
$40.00 (U.S.) plus handling and
shipping fees.
Without Pouch: Owner ’s
Manual only.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11373973) -
2018 - crc - 10/9/17
Index 341
Fuses (cont'd)Instrument Panel Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
G
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
GaugesFuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110
Warning Lights andIndicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
General Information Service and Maintenance . . . . . 293
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
GM Mobility Reimbursement
Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
H
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Hazard Warning Flashers . . . . . . . 134
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
HeadlampsAiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134 Headlamps (cont'd)
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . 240, 241
Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . 121
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . 133
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . 122
Heated
Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Heated Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Heater Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . 175
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . . . 197
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Hood Ajar Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
How to Wear Seat Belts Properly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
HVAC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Hydraulic Clutch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
I
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . 181, 183
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Indicator Owner Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115
Vehicle Ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118
Infants and Young Children,
Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Instrument Panel Storage Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2, 139
J
Jack Auxiliary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Jump Starting - North
America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
K
Keyless EntryRemote (RKE) System . . . . . 29, 31
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11373973) -
2018 - crc - 10/9/17
342 Index
L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall . . . . . . . . . . 253
LampsCourtesy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Daytime Running (DRL) . . . . . . 133
Dome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Exterior Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Exterior Lighting BatterySaver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
License Plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Malfunction Indicator
(Check Engine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113
On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Lane Departure Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
LATCH System
Replacing Parts after aCrash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
LATCH, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Lighting
Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Illumination Control . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Lights Airbag Readiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Antilock Brake System(ABS) Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116
Brake System Warning . . . . . . . .115
Charging System . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Door Ajar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning . . . . . . . .119
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . 120
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Front Fog Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
High-Beam On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . 133
Hood Ajar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Lane Departure Warning . . . . . . .117
Low Fuel Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Operate Pedal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116 Lights (cont'd)
Reduced Engine Power . . . . . . 121
Seat Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Service Vehicle Soon . . . . . . . . . .115
StabiliTrak OFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119
Traction Control System
(TCS)/StabiliTrak . . . . . . . . . . . . .119
Traction Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118
Ultrasonic Parking Sensor . . . . .118
Up-Shift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117
Warning, Power Steering . . . . . .117
Load Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Locks Automatic Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . . 120
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH
System) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Lumbar Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11373973) -
2018 - crc - 10/9/17
344 Index
Passenger Sensing System . . . . . 73
Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements, California . . . . . . 216
Personalization Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Phone Apple CarPlay and
Android Auto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Bluetooth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153, 154
Port USB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Power Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Protection, Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Reduced Engine Light . . . . . . . . 121
Retained Accessory (RAP) . . . 187
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Power Steering Warning Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts . . . . 65
Privacy Vehicle Data Recording . . . . . . . 323
Program
Courtesy Transportation . . . . . . 317 Proposition
65 Warning,
California . . . . . . . . . . . .215, 235, 277,
Back Cover
R
Radio Frequency Statement . . . . 321
Radio Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
RadiosAM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Satellite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Reading Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Rear Vision Camera (RVC) . . . . . 203
Rear Window Washer/Wiper . . . . 105
Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
Records Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . 280
Reduced Engine Power Light . . . 121
Reimbursement Program, GM Mobility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System . . . . . . . . . . 28, 29, 31
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Replacement Parts
Airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Replacing Airbag System . . . . . . . . 79
Replacing LATCH System Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Replacing Seat Belt System
Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Reporting Safety Defects Canadian Government . . . . . . . . 322
General Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322
U.S. Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
Restraints Where to Put . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Roads Driving, Wet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Roadside Assistance Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Roof
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Rotation, Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Routing, Engine Drive Belt . . . . . . 310
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11373973) -
2018 - crc - 10/9/17
Index 345
S
Safety Defects ReportingCanadian Government . . . . . . . . 322
General Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322
U.S. Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
Safety Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Safety System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Satellite Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Scheduling Appointments . . . . . . . 317
Seat Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
How to Wear Seat BeltsProperly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Replacing after a Crash . . . . . . . . 67
Use During Pregnancy . . . . . . . . . . 65
Seats
Adjustment, Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Heated Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Lumbar Adjustment, Front . . . . . . 56
Power Adjustment, Front . . . . . . . 56
Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Securing Child Restraints . . . . 93, 95 Security
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Vehicle Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169 Accessories andModifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Climate Control System . . . . . . . 165
Doing Your Own Work . . . . . . . . 216
Maintenance Records . . . . . . . . 306
Maintenance, General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Parts Identification Label . . . . . 307
Publications Ordering Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320
Scheduling Appointments . . . . . 317
Vehicle Soon Light . . . . . . . . . . . . .115
Services Special Application . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Servicing the Airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Shift Lock Control Function Check, Automatic
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Shifting
Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189 Signals, Turn and
Lane-Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Spare Tire Compact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Special Application Services . . . . 300
Specifications and Capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
StabiliTrak OFF Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118
Start Assist, Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Start Vehicle, Remote . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172 Heated Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Power, Warning Lights . . . . . . . . .117
Wheel Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Stoplamps and Back-up Lamps Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Storage Load Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Storage Areas Cargo Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Storage Compartments . . . . . . . . . . 99