towing CHEVROLET SONIC 2020 User Guide

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13566834) -
2020 - CRC - 10/4/19
264 Vehicle Care
recreational vehicle towing are
known as dinghy towing and dolly
towing. Dinghy towing is towing the
vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground. Dolly towing is towing the
vehicle with two wheels on the
ground and two wheels up on a
device known as a dolly.
Here are some important things to
consider before recreational vehicle
towing:
.Before towing the vehicle,
become familiar with the local
laws that apply to recreational
vehicle towing. These laws may
vary by region.
. What is the towing capacity of
the towing vehicle? Be sure to
read the tow vehicle
manufacturer's
recommendations.
. What is the distance that will be
traveled? Some vehicles have
restrictions on how far and how
long they can tow. .
Is the proper towing equipment
going to be used? See your
dealer or trailering professional
for additional advice and
equipment recommendations.
. Is the vehicle ready to be
towed? Just as preparing the
vehicle for a long trip, make sure
the vehicle is prepared to be
towed.
Caution
Use of a shield mounted in front
of the vehicle grille could restrict
airflow and cause damage to the
transmission. The repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. If using a shield, only
use one that attaches to the
towing vehicle.
Dinghy Towing
When dinghy towing a vehicle with
an automatic transmission, the
vehicle should be run at the
beginning of each day and at each RV fuel stop for about five minutes.
This will ensure proper lubrication of
transmission components.
To dinghy tow the vehicle from the
front with all four wheels on the
ground:
1. Position the vehicle to tow and then secure it to the towing
vehicle.
2. Shift an automatic transmission to P (Park) and turn the
ignition off.
3. Set the parking brake.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13566834) -
2020 - CRC - 10/4/19
Vehicle Care 265
4. To prevent the battery fromdraining while the vehicle is
being towed, remove the DLIS
fuse from the instrument panel
fuse block. See Instrument
Panel Fuse Block 0231.
5. For Keyless Access vehicles, to prevent the battery from
draining while the vehicle is
being towed, remove the
BCM1 and BCM2 fuses from
the instrument panel fuse
block, and fuse 7 from the
engine compartment fuse
block. See Instrument Panel
Fuse Block 0231 and
Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0229.
6. Turn the ignition on.
7. Apply the brake pedal.
8. Shift the transmission to N (Neutral).
9. Turn the ignition to ACC/ ACCESSORY.
10. Release the parking brake.
Reinstall the fuses once the
destination has been reached.Caution
If 105 km/h (65 mph) is exceeded
while towing the vehicle, it could
be damaged. Never exceed
105 km/h (65 mph) while towing
the vehicle.
Caution
Towing the vehicle from the rear
could damage it. Also, repairs
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Never have the
vehicle towed from the rear.
Dolly Towing from the Front
The vehicle can be towed from the
front using a dolly. To tow the
vehicle using a dolly: 1. Attach the dolly to the tow vehicle following the dolly
manufacturer's instructions.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13566834) -
2020 - CRC - 10/4/19
266 Vehicle Care
2. Drive the front wheels onto thedolly.
3. Put an automatic transmission in P (Park).
4. Set the parking brake and turn the vehicle off.
5. Clamp the steering wheel in a straight-ahead position with a
clamping device designed for
towing.
6. Secure the vehicle to the dolly.
7. Release the parking brake.Dolly Towing from the Rear
Caution
Towing the vehicle from the rear
could damage it. Also, repairs
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Never have the
vehicle towed from the rear.
Appearance Care
Exterior Care
Locks
Locks are lubricated at the factory.
Use a de-icing agent only when
absolutely necessary, and have the
locks greased after using. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0287.
Washing the Vehicle
To preserve the vehicle's finish,
wash it often and out of direct
sunlight.
Caution
Do not use petroleum-based,
acidic, or abrasive cleaning
agents as they can damage the
vehicle's paint, metal, or plastic
parts. If damage occurs, it would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Approved cleaning
products can be obtained from
(Continued)

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13566834) -
2020 - CRC - 10/4/19
Service and Maintenance 277
Caution (Continued)
Do not have chemical flushes that
are not approved by GM
performed on the vehicle. The
use of flushes, solvents, cleaners,
or lubricants that are not
approved by GM could damage
the vehicle, requiring expensive
repairs that are not covered by
the vehicle warranty.
The Tire Rotation and Required
Services are the responsibility of the
vehicle owner. It is recommended to
have your dealer perform these
services every 12 000 km/7,500 mi.
Proper vehicle maintenance helps to
keep the vehicle in good working
condition, improves fuel economy,
and reduces vehicle emissions.
Because of the way people use
vehicles, maintenance needs vary.
There may need to be more frequent checks and services. The
Additional Required Services -
Normal are for vehicles that:
.
Carry passengers and cargo
within recommended limits on
the Tire and Loading Information
label. See Vehicle Load Limits
0 166.
. Are driven on reasonable road
surfaces within legal driving
limits.
. Use the recommended fuel. See
Recommended Fuel 0198.
Refer to the information in the
Maintenance Schedule Additional
Required Services - Normal chart.
The Additional Required Services -
Severe are for vehicles that are:
. Mainly driven in heavy city traffic
in hot weather.
. Mainly driven in hilly or
mountainous terrain. .
Frequently towing a trailer.
. Used for high speed or
competitive driving.
. Used for taxi, police, or delivery
service.
Refer to the information in the
Maintenance Schedule Additional
Required Services - Severe chart.
{Warning
Performing maintenance work can
be dangerous and can cause
serious injury. Perform
maintenance work only if the
required information, proper tools,
and equipment are available.
If they are not, see your dealer to
have a trained technician do the
work. See Doing Your Own
Service Work 0204.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13566834) -
2020 - CRC - 10/4/19
Customer Information 299
.Lock-Out Service: Service to
unlock the vehicle if you are
locked out. A remote unlock may
be available if you have OnStar.
For security reasons, the driver
must present identification
before this service is given.
. Emergency Tow from a Public
Road or Highway: Tow to the
nearest Chevrolet dealer for
warranty service, or if the vehicle
was in a crash and cannot be
driven. Assistance is not given
when the vehicle is stuck in the
sand, mud, or snow.
. Flat Tire Change: Service to
change a flat tire with the spare
tire. The spare tire, if equipped,
must be in good condition and
properly inflated. It is the owner's
responsibility for the repair or
replacement of the tire if it is not
covered by the warranty.
. Battery Jump Start: Service to
jump start a dead battery. .
Trip Interruption Benefits and
Assistance: If your trip is
interrupted due to a warranty
event, incidental expenses may
be reimbursed within the
Powertrain warranty period.
Items considered are reasonable
and customary hotel, meals,
rental car, or a vehicle being
delivered back to the customer,
up to 500 miles.
Services Not Included in
Roadside Assistance
. Impound towing caused by
violation of any laws
. Legal fines
. Mounting, dismounting,
or changing of snow tires,
chains, or other traction devices
Service is not provided if a vehicle
is in an area that is not accessible
to the service vehicle or is not a
regularly traveled or maintained
public road, which includes ice and
winter roads. Off-road use is not
covered.
Services Specific to
Canadian-Purchased Vehicles
. Fuel Delivery: Reimbursement
is up to 7 liters. If available,
diesel fuel delivery may be
restricted. Propane and other
fuels are not provided through
this service.
. Lock-Out Service: Vehicle
registration is required.
. Trip Interruption Benefits and
Assistance: Must be over
150 km from where your trip was
started to qualify.
Pre-authorization, original
detailed receipts, and a copy of
the repair orders are required.
Once authorization has been
received, the Roadside
Assistance advisor will help to
make arrangements and explain
how to receive payment.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13566834) -
2020 - CRC - 10/4/19
302 Customer Information
Aftermarket collision parts are also
available. These are made by
companies other than GM and may
not have been tested for the vehicle.
As a result, these parts may fit
poorly, exhibit premature durability/
corrosion problems, and may not
perform properly in subsequent
collisions. Aftermarket parts are not
covered by the GM New Vehicle
Limited Warranty, and any vehicle
failure related to such parts is not
covered by that warranty.
Repair Facility
GM also recommends that you
choose a collision repair facility that
meets your needs before you ever
need collision repairs. Your dealer
may have a collision repair center
with GM-trained technicians and
state-of-the-art equipment, or be
able to recommend a collision repair
center that has GM-trained
technicians and comparable
equipment.
Insuring the Vehicle
Protect your investment in the GM
vehicle with comprehensive and
collision insurance coverage. There
are significant differences in the
quality of coverage afforded by
various insurance policy terms.
Many insurance policies provide
reduced protection to the GM
vehicle by limiting compensation for
damage repairs through the use of
aftermarket collision parts. Some
insurance companies will not
specify aftermarket collision parts.
When purchasing insurance, we
recommend that you ensure that the
vehicle will be repaired with GM
original equipment collision parts.
If such insurance coverage is not
available from your current
insurance carrier, consider switching
to another insurance carrier.
If the vehicle is leased, the leasing
company may require you to have
insurance that ensures repairs with
Genuine GM Original Equipment
Manufacturer (OEM) parts or
Genuine Manufacturer replacementparts. Read the lease carefully, as
you may be charged at the end of
the lease for poor quality repairs.
If a Crash Occurs
If there has been an injury, call
emergency services for help. Do not
leave the scene of a crash until all
matters have been taken care of.
Move the vehicle only if its position
puts you in danger, or you are
instructed to move it by a police
officer.
Give only the necessary information
to police and other parties involved
in the crash.
For emergency towing see
Roadside Assistance Program
0
298.
Gather the following information:
. Driver name, address, and
telephone number
. Driver license number
. Owner name, address, and
telephone number
. Vehicle license plate number

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13566834) -
2020 - CRC - 10/4/19
Index 321
FusesEngine Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 229
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
G
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
GaugesFuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Warning Lights andIndicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
General Information Service and Maintenance . . . . . 276
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
H
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Hazard Warning Flashers . . . . . . . 121
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Headlamps
Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . 108
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . 120
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . 108
Heated
Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Heated Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Heater Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . 163
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . . . 184
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Hood Ajar Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
How to Wear Seat Belts Properly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
HVAC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
I
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . 170, 172
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Indicator Owner Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Vehicle Ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Infants and Young Children,
Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Information Publication Ordering . . . . . . . . . . 303
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Instrument Panel
Storage Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Instrument Panel Overview . . . . . . . 5
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2, 126
J
Jack Auxiliary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
K
Keyless Entry
Remote (RKE) System . . . . . 10, 16
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

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2020 - CRC - 10/4/19
324 Index
Power (cont'd)Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Protection, Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Reduced Engine Light . . . . . . . . 107
Retained Accessory (RAP) . . . 177
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Power Steering Warning Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts . . . . 50
Privacy Vehicle Data Recording . . . . . . . 306
Program Courtesy Transportation . . . . . . 300
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Proposition 65 Warning,
California . . . . . . . . . . . .203, 220, 260, Back Cover
Publication Ordering Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
R
Radio Frequency Statement . . . . 304
Radio Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Radios
AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131 Radios (cont'd)
Satellite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Reading Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Rear Vision Camera (RVC) . . . . . 191
Rear Window Washer/Wiper . . . . . 92
Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Recommended Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Records Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . 263
Reduced Engine Power Light . . . 107
Reimbursement Program, GM Mobility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10, 16
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Replacement Parts
Airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Replacing Airbag System . . . . . . . . 64
Replacing LATCH System Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Replacing Seat Belt System
Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Reporting Safety Defects Canadian Government . . . . . . . . 305
General Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
U.S. Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
Restraints
Where to Put . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Roads
Driving, Wet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Roadside Assistance Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
Roof Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Rotation, Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Routing, Engine Drive Belt . . . . . . 293
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
S
Safety Defects ReportingCanadian Government . . . . . . . . 305
General Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
U.S. Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13566834) -
2020 - CRC - 10/4/19
326 Index
SystemForward Collision
Alert (FCA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Systems Driver Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
T
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
TaillampsBulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Text Telephone (TTY) Users . . . . 297
Theft-Deterrent Systems . . . . . 28, 29 Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233 All-Season . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Compact Spare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Different Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Pressure Monitor Operation . . 243
Pressure Monitor System . . . . . 242 Tires (cont'd)
Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Terminology and Definitions . . 238
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Wheel Alignment and Tire
Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 251
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Top Tier Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Towing General Information . . . . . . . . . . 201
Recreational Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . 263
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Traction Control System(TCS)/StabiliTrak Light . . . . . . 105
Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Trademarks and License Agreements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Transmission
Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Fluid, Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .211 Transportation Program,
Courtesy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Trunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Turn and Lane-Change Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Turn Signal
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
U
Ultrasonic Parking SensorLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . 249
USB Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Using the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Using This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
V
Vehicle Alarm System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Canadian Owners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Identification Number (VIN) . . . 290
Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113
Personalization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115
Remote Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Service Soon Light . . . . . . . . . . . 102

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Index 327
Vehicle (cont'd)Speed Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Vehicle Ahead Indicator . . . . . . . . 104
Vehicle Care Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Vehicle Data Recording and
Privacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Ventilation, Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
W
Warning Brake System Light . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Caution and Danger . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Lane Departure (LDW) . . . . . . . 196
Warning Light
Forward CollisionAlert (FCA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Warnings
Hazard Flashers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Wheels Alignment and Tire Balance . . 251
Different Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251 When It Is Time for New
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Where to Put the Restraint . . . . . . 70
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Windshield
Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . 222
Wipers Rear Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92