Target Audience:
Budget-conscious consumers, first-time car buyers, small families
Key Competitors:
Ford Fiesta, Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris
Offering:
Affordable pricing, decent fuel economy, available in sedan and hatchback, relatively spacious interior for its class
Benefit:
Empowers owners to perform their own maintenance and repairs, saving significant costs compared to dealership services.
Convenience:
Instant download, accessible on multiple devices, printable for workshop use.
Years Covered:
2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
Models Covered:
All Chevrolet Sonic models, all engine and transmission variants, all trim levels
Estimated Page Count:
Thousands (comprehensive workshop manual)
Manual Type:
Complete Workshop Service Repair Manual
Format:
Digital Downloadable (PDF)
Engine:
All engine repair, diagnostics, timing, fuel, ignition, emissions, cooling systems
Transmission:
Automatic and Manual transmission repair, diagnostics, fluid changes, torque converter service
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive system, axles, CV joints, differentials
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, shock absorbers, struts, control arms, bushings
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, tie rods, alignment specifications
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum), ABS, parking brake, brake fluid specifications
Electrical:
12V battery system, charging system, starter motor, lighting, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, power distribution
Body And Chassis:
Body panel repair, doors, windows, interior trim, chassis components, corrosion protection
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system components, diagnostics, refrigerant handling
Infotainment And Comfort:
Radio, speakers, climate controls, seat adjustments
Safety Systems:
Airbag system, seatbelt pre-tensioners, safety restraints
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, lubrication
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting, common problem identification
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle systems
Disassembly And Assembly:
Detailed procedures for component removal and reinstallation
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostics, scan tool usage, error code interpretation
Calibration And Adjustment:
Sensor calibration, alignment procedures, component adjustments
Wiring Repair:
Detailed electrical wiring diagrams and troubleshooting for harness repairs
Depth:
Comprehensive: from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds
Detail Level:
Step-by-step instructions, torque specifications, special tool requirements, diagnostic flowcharts
Engine Code:
LFV (1.4L Turbocharged Ecotec DOHC I4)
Displacement:
1364 cc (1.4 Liters)
Horsepower:
138 hp @ 4900 rpm
Torque:
148 lb-ft @ 1850-4500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (Port Injection)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended)
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Induction:
Turbocharged with intercooler
Emission Control:
Catalytic converter, Oxygen sensors, Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV)
Engine Code:
LUV (1.8L Ecotec DOHC I4)
Displacement:
1796 cc (1.8 Liters)
Horsepower:
138 hp @ 6300 rpm
Torque:
125 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (Port Injection)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended)
Compression Ratio:
10.8:1
Induction:
Naturally Aspirated
NHTSA Overall:
5-Star (for models equipped with specific safety features)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes (for select model years and trims)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Esc:
Standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Airbags:
Standard front and side airbags, available knee airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners
Child Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
Base System:
Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system
Screen Size:
Typically 7-inch color touchscreen
Features Available:
Bluetooth, USB connectivity, Pandora, Stitcher, voice recognition
Navigation:
Available on higher trims or via smartphone integration
Rear Parking Sensors:
Available
Rearview Camera:
Available on higher trims
Usb Ports:
Standard or available
Auxiliary Input:
Standard
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil)
Oil Type 1:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (for 1.4L Turbo)
Oil Type 2:
SAE 5W-30 or 0W-30 Synthetic (for 1.8L)
Oil Capacity 1:
4.0 quarts (3.8 Liters) with filter (1.4L Turbo)
Oil Capacity 2:
4.0 quarts (3.8 Liters) with filter (1.8L)
Service Intervals Filters
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or annually
Engine Oil Filter Part Number Example:
GM 55577166 (check for exact application)
Engine Air Filter Part Number Example:
GM 25181717 (check for exact application)
Coolant Type:
GM P/N 12346290, Dex-Cool (Orange) or equivalent silicate-free, extended-life coolant
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 6.5 quarts (6.2 Liters)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 approved brake fluid
Common Problems 1:
Turbocharger issues (oil leaks, wastegate actuator problems) on 1.4T models
Common Problems 2:
Cooling system leaks (water pump, hoses, thermostat housing)
Common Problems 3:
Transmission control module (TCM) or shifting issues with automatic transmissions
Common Problems 4:
Power steering motor failures
Common Problems 5:
Catalytic converter failures
Common Problems 6:
Spark plug fouling or misfires on 1.4T engine
Manufacturer:
General Motors (GM), manufactured by Chevrolet
Introduction:
The Chevrolet Sonic was introduced for the 2012 model year, replacing the Aveo. It was designed as a global car for GM's Chevrolet brand.
Updates:
Received minor updates throughout its run, including infotainment system improvements and minor styling tweaks.
Manufacturing Location:
Orion Assembly, Michigan, USA (primary for North America); also produced in South Korea and other global locations.
Production End North America:
Production for the North American market concluded with the 2019 model year, though the manual covers up to 2017.
