service CHEVROLET SONIC 2020 Service Manual

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13566834) -
2020 - CRC - 10/4/19
172 Driving and Operating
will not start in Service Mode. Press
ENGINE START/STOP again to turn
the vehicle off.
Ignition Positions (Key
Access)
0. Stopping the Engine/LOCK/OFF
1. ACC/ACCESSORY
2. ON/RUN
3. START
The ignition switch has four
positions.To shift out of P (Park) with an
automatic transmission, the ignition
must be in ON/RUN and the brake
pedal must be applied.
0 (Stopping the Engine/LOCK/
OFF) :
This position turns off the
vehicle. It also locks the ignition, the
transmission on an automatic
transmission vehicle, and the
steering column, if equipped with a
locking steering column.
To turn off the vehicle:
1. Make sure that the vehicle is stopped.
2. Shift to P (Park). 3. Continue to hold the brake
pedal, then set the parking
brake. See Parking Brake
0 184.
4. Push the key all the way in toward the steering column (1),
then turn the key to
LOCK/OFF (2).
5. Remove the key.
6. Release the brake pedal.
See your dealer if the key can be
removed in any other position.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
will remain active. See Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) 0177.
A warning chime will sound when
the driver door is opened and the
key is in the ignition.
If equipped with a locking steering
column, the steering can bind with
the front wheels turned off center,
which may prevent key rotation out
of LOCK/OFF. If this happens, move
the steering wheel from right to left
while turning the key to ACC/
ACCESSORY. If this does not work,
then the vehicle needs service.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13566834) -
2020 - CRC - 10/4/19
Driving and Operating 173
{Warning
Turning off the vehicle while
moving may cause loss of power
assist in the brake and steering
systems and disable the airbags.
While driving, turn off the vehicle
only in an emergency.
In an emergency, if the vehicle
cannot be pulled over and must be
turned off while driving: 1. Push the key all the way in toward the steering column,
then turn the key to ACC/
ACCESSORY.
2. Brake using firm and steady pressure. Do not pump the
brakes repeatedly. This may
deplete power assist, requiring
increased brake pedal force.
3. Shift the vehicle to N (Neutral). This can be done while the
vehicle is moving. Continue
braking and steer the vehicle to
a safe location.
4. Come to a complete stop. 5. Shift to P (Park).
6. Push the key all the way in
toward the steering column (1),
then turn the ignition to
LOCK/OFF (2).
7. Set the parking brake. See Parking Brake 0184.
8. Remove the key.
9. Release the brake pedal.
Caution
Use the correct key, make sure it
is all the way in —or pushed all
the way in toward the steering
column when turning off the
vehicle —and turn it only with
your hand.
1 (ACC/ACCESSORY) : This
position allows features such as the
infotainment system to operate
while the vehicle is off. It also
unlocks the steering column,
if equipped with a locking steering
column. Use this position if the vehicle must be pushed or towed.
See
Retained Accessory Power
(RAP) 0177.
From ON/RUN, push the key all the
way in toward the steering column,
then turn the key to ACC/
ACCESSORY.
If the key is left in ACC/
ACCESSORY with the engine off,
the battery could drain and the
vehicle may not start.
A warning chime will sound when
the driver door is opened and the
key is in the ignition.
2 (ON/RUN) : This position can be
used to operate the electrical
accessories and to display some
instrument cluster warning and
indicator lights. This position can
also be used for service and
diagnostics, and to verify the proper
operation of the malfunction
indicator lamp as may be required
for emission inspection purposes.
The switch stays in this position
when the engine is running. The
transmission is also unlocked in this
position on automatic transmission
vehicles.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13566834) -
2020 - CRC - 10/4/19
178 Driving and Operating
the shift lever into P (Park), hold the
brake pedal down. Then see if you
can move the shift lever away from
P (Park) without first pressing the
button on the shift lever. If you can,
it means that the shift lever was not
fully locked into P (Park).
Torque Lock
If you are parking on a hill and you
do not shift the transmission into
P (Park) properly, the weight of the
vehicle may put too much force on
the parking pawl in the
transmission. You may find it difficult
to pull the shift lever out of P (Park).
This is called“torque lock.”
To prevent torque lock, set the
parking brake and then shift into
P (Park) properly before you leave
the driver seat. To find out how, see
“Shifting Into Park” previously in this
section.
When you are ready to drive, move
the shift lever out of P (Park) before
you release the parking brake.
If torque lock does occur, you may
need to have another vehicle push
yours a little uphill to take some of the pressure from the parking pawl
in the transmission, so you can pull
the shift lever out of P (Park).
Shifting out of Park
This vehicle is equipped with a shift
lock control. The shift lock control is
designed to:
.
Prevent ignition key removal,
if equipped, unless the shift lever
is in P (Park) with the shift lever
button fully released.
. Prevent movement of the shift
lever out of P (Park) unless the
ignition is on and the brake
pedal is applied.
The shift lock control is always
functional except in the case of an
uncharged or low voltage (less than
9-volt) battery.
If the vehicle has an uncharged
battery or a battery with low voltage,
try charging or jump starting the
battery. See Jump Starting - North
America 0260. To shift out of P (Park):
1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Turn the ignition on.
3. Press the shift lever button.
4. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If still unable to shift out of P (Park): 1. Fully release the shift lever button.
2. Hold the brake pedal down and press the shift lever button
again.
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If you still cannot move the shift
lever from P (Park), consult your
dealer or a professional towing
service.
The doors may lock when shifting
from P (Park). See Automatic Door
Locks 023.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13566834) -
2020 - CRC - 10/4/19
Driving and Operating 193
.The back of the vehicle is in a
crash. The position and
mounting angle of the camera
can change, or the camera can
be affected. Be sure to have the
camera and its position and
mounting angle checked at your
dealer.
Park Assist
If equipped, Rear Park Assist (RPA)
assists the driver with parking and
avoiding objects while in
R (Reverse). RPA operates at
speeds less than 8 km/h (5 mph).
The sensors on the rear bumper
detect objects up to 1.5 m (4.9 ft)
behind the vehicle, and at least
20 cm (8 in) off the ground. The
distance at which objects can be
detected may be less during warmer
or humid weather.
{Warning
The Park Assist system does not
detect children, pedestrians,
bicyclists, animals, or objects
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
below the bumper or that are too
close or too far from the vehicle.
It is not available at speeds
greater than 8 km/h (5 mph). To
prevent injury, death, or vehicle
damage, even with Park Assist,
always check the area around the
vehicle and check all mirrors
before backing.
How the System Works
RPA comes on automatically when
the shift lever is moved into
R (Reverse). A single beep sounds
to indicate the system is working.
RPA operates only at speeds less
than 8 km/h (5 mph).
An obstacle is indicated by audible
beeps. The time between the beeps
becomes shorter as the vehicle gets
closer to the obstacle. When the
distance is less than 30 cm (12 in),
the beeping is a continuous tone.
Turning the System On and Off
The RPA system can be turned on
and off using the infotainment
system controls. SeeVehicle
Personalization 0115.
When the system is off, PARK
ASSIST OFF displays on the Driver
Information Center (DIC). The
message disappears after a short
period of time.
RPA defaults to the on setting each
time the vehicle is started.
When the System Does Not
Seem to Work Properly
The following messages may be
displayed on the DIC:
SERVICE PARK ASSIST : If this
message occurs, check the
following conditions:
. The sensors are not clean. Keep
the vehicle's rear bumper free of
mud, dirt, snow, ice, and slush.
For cleaning instructions, see
Exterior Care 0266.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13566834) -
2020 - CRC - 10/4/19
Driving and Operating 195
display green. Vehicles may not be
detected on curves, highway exit
ramps, or hills, due to poor visibility;
or if a vehicle ahead is partially
blocked by pedestrians or other
objects. FCA will not detect another
vehicle ahead until it is completely
in the driving lane.
{Warning
FCA does not provide a warning
to help avoid a crash, unless it
detects a vehicle. FCA may not
detect a vehicle ahead if the FCA
sensor is blocked by dirt, snow,
or ice, or if the windshield is
damaged. It may also not detect a
vehicle on winding or hilly roads,
or in conditions that can limit
visibility such as fog, rain,
or snow, or if the headlamps or
windshield are not cleaned or in
proper condition. Keep the
windshield, headlamps, and FCA
sensors clean and in good repair.Collision Alert
When your vehicle approaches
another detected vehicle too rapidly,
the red FCA display on top of the
instrument panel to the right of the
steering wheel will flash. Also,
several rapid high-pitched beeps will
sound from the front. When this
Collision Alert occurs, the brake
system may prepare for driver
braking to occur more rapidly which
can cause a brief, mild deceleration.
Continue to apply the brake pedal
as needed. Cruise control may be
disengaged when the Collision Alert
occurs.
Tailgating Alert
The red FCA display will stay
continuously illuminated when you
are following a detected vehicle
ahead much too closely.
Selecting the Alert Timing
The Collision Alert control is on the
steering wheel. Press COLLISION
ALERT to set the alert timing to far,
medium, near, or off. The first button
press shows the current control
setting on the DIC. Additional button
presses will change this setting. The
chosen setting will remain until it is
changed and will affect both the
Collision Alert and the Tailgating
Alert features. The timing of both
alerts will vary based on vehicle
speed. The faster the vehicle speed,
the farther away the alert will occur.
Consider traffic and weather
conditions when selecting the alert
timing. The range of selectable alert
timing may not be appropriate for all
drivers and driving conditions.
Unnecessary Alerts
FCA may sometimes set
unnecessary alerts to turning
vehicles, vehicles in other lanes,
objects that are not vehicles,
or shadows. These alerts are
normal operation and the vehicle
does not need service.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13566834) -
2020 - CRC - 10/4/19
Driving and Operating 197
When LDW is on,@is green if LDW
is available to warn of a lane
departure. If the vehicle crosses a
detected lane marking without using
the turn signal in that direction,
@
changes to amber and flashes.
Additionally, there will be three
beeps, on the right or left,
depending on the lane departure
direction. LDW will not alert if the
turn signal is active in the direction
of lane departure or if LDA detects
that you are accelerating, braking or
actively steering.
When the System Does Not
Seem to Work Properly
The system may not detect lanes as
well when there are:
. Close vehicles ahead.
. Sudden lighting changes, such
as when driving through tunnels.
. Banked roads.
If the LDW system is not functioning
properly when lane markings are
clearly visible, cleaning the
windshield may help.
LDW alerts may occur due to tar
marks, shadows, cracks in the road,
temporary or construction lane
markings, or other road
imperfections. This is normal system
operation; the vehicle does not need
service. Turn LDW off if these
conditions continue.
Fuel
Top Tier Fuel
GM recommends the use of TOP
TIER Detergent Gasoline to keep
the engine clean, reduce engine
deposits, and maintain optimal
vehicle performance. Look for the
TOP TIER Logo or see
www.toptiergas.com for a list of TOP
TIER Detergent Gasoline marketers
and applicable countries.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13566834) -
2020 - CRC - 10/4/19
Driving and Operating 201
Trailer Towing
General Towing
Information
{Warning
Never tow a trailer with your
vehicle. It was not designed or
intended to tow a trailer.
Conversions and
Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical
Equipment
{Warning
The Data Link Connector (DLC) is
used for vehicle service
and Emission Inspection/
Maintenance testing. See
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Check Engine Light)0100.
A device connected to the DLC —
such as an aftermarket fleet or
driver-behavior tracking device —
may interfere with vehicle
systems. This could affect vehicle
operation and cause a crash.
Such devices may also access
information stored in the vehicle’s
systems.
Caution
Some electrical equipment can
damage the vehicle or cause
components to not work and
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Always check
with your dealer before adding
electrical equipment.
Add-on equipment can drain the
vehicle's 12-volt battery, even if the
vehicle is not operating.
The vehicle has an airbag system.
Before attempting to add anything
electrical to the vehicle, see
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle 062 and
Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 063.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13566834) -
2020 - CRC - 10/4/19
202 Vehicle Care
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 203
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 204
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 210
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 212
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 216
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Battery - North America . . . . . . 220
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 221 Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 222
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 222
Windshield Replacement . . . . . 223
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . 225
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Headlamps and Front Turn Signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 227
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . 228
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 229
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 235
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 251
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . 259

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13566834) -
2020 - CRC - 10/4/19
Vehicle Care 203
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - NorthAmerica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Towing the Vehicle
Towing the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Recreational VehicleTowing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
General Information
For service and parts needs, visit
your dealer. You will receive
genuine GM parts and GM-trained
and supported service people.
Genuine GM parts have one of
these marks:
California Proposition
65 Warning
{Warning
Most motor vehicles, including
this one, as well as many of its
service parts and fluids, contain
and/or emit chemicals known to
the State of California to cause
cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Engine
exhaust, many parts and
systems, many fluids, and some
component wear by-products
contain and/or emit these
chemicals. For more information
go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/
passenger-vehicle.
See Battery - North America 0220
and
Jump Starting - North America
0 260 and the back cover.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13566834) -
2020 - CRC - 10/4/19
204 Vehicle Care
California Perchlorate
Materials Requirements
Certain types of automotive
applications, such as airbag
initiators, seat belt pretensioners,
and lithium batteries contained in
electronic keys, may contain
perchlorate materials. Perchlorate
Material–special handling may
apply. See www.dtsc.ca.gov/
hazardouswaste/perchlorate.
Accessories and
Modifications
Adding non-dealer accessories or
making modifications to the vehicle
can affect vehicle performance and
safety, including such things as
airbags, braking, stability, ride and
handling, emissions systems,
aerodynamics, durability, and
electronic systems like antilock
brakes, traction control, and stability
control. These accessories or
modifications could even cause
malfunction or damage not covered
by the vehicle warranty. Damage to suspension components
caused by modifying vehicle height
outside of factory settings will not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Damage to vehicle components
resulting from modifications or the
installation or use of non-GM
certified parts, including control
module or software modifications, is
not covered under the terms of the
vehicle warranty and may affect
remaining warranty coverage for
affected parts.
GM Accessories are designed to
complement and function with other
systems on the vehicle. See your
dealer to accessorize the vehicle
using genuine GM Accessories
installed by a dealer technician.
Also, see
Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 063.
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own
Service Work
{Warning
It can be dangerous to work on
your vehicle if you do not have
the proper knowledge, service
manual, tools, or parts. Always
follow owner ’s manual procedures
and consult the service manual
for your vehicle before doing any
service work.
If doing some of your own service
work, use the proper service
manual. It tells you much more
about how to service the vehicle
than this manual can. To order the
proper service manual, see
Publication Ordering Information
0 303.
This vehicle has an airbag system.
Before attempting to do your own
service work, see Servicing the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 062.