🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

Sonic

Model Nickname:

Chevy Sonic

Model Generation:

First Generation (T300)

Production Years Covered:

2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016

Chassis Code:

T300

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Subcompact car

Target Audience:

Budget-conscious consumers, first-time car buyers, small families, urban commuters.

Key Competitors:

Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, Nissan Versa.

Value Proposition:

Affordable price, fuel efficiency, surprisingly spacious interior for its class, modern styling for its segment.

Body Styles:

Offered as a four-door sedan and a five-door hatchback.

Manual Benefit:

Empowers owners to perform DIY maintenance and repairs, saving significant costs and extending vehicle lifespan.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

All Models/Engines/Trim/Transmissions Types

Region Of Origin:

Likely North American Market (based on model name and common availability)

Estimated Page Count:

Extensive (typically 2000+ pages for a complete workshop manual covering multiple model years and configurations)

Type:

Complete Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable Digital File (PDF)

Software Requirement:

Adobe Reader (Free Downloadable)

Delivery Method:

Instant Email Delivery

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Complete engine overhaul, component inspection, assembly, disassembly, timing systems, lubrication, cooling system, fuel delivery.

Engine Electrical:

Ignition system, starting system, charging system, engine control module (ECM) diagnostics, sensors, actuators.

Transmission Manual:

Manual transmission overhaul, clutch system, shift linkage, transmission fluid.

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission overhaul, hydraulic systems, valve body, torque converter, transmission fluid.

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive axle shafts, CV joints, differential.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, struts, springs, control arms, bushings, wheel bearings, alignment procedures.

Steering:

Power steering system (hydraulic or electric), steering rack, tie rods, steering column, alignment.

Brakes:

Brake system diagnosis, front and rear disc brakes, brake pads, rotors, calipers, brake lines, ABS system, parking brake.

Electrical Chassis:

Lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior), horn, wipers, power windows, power locks, mirrors.

Body Exterior:

Body panel removal and installation, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, weatherstripping.

Body Interior:

Dashboard removal, trim panels, seats, seat belts, airbags, headliner.

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system components, refrigerant handling, blower motor, evaporator, condenser.

Fuel System:

Fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel injectors, evaporative emissions (EVAP) system, fuel tank.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes, oxygen sensors.

Maintenance:

Oil changes, fluid flushes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, tire rotations, belt inspections.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, symptom-based diagnostics, error code interpretation.

Repair:

Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all covered systems, including component replacement and adjustments.

Diagnostics:

ECM diagnostic procedures, scan tool usage, wiring diagrams, sensor testing.

Disassembly Assembly:

Complete procedures for disassembling and reassembling major vehicle components.

Specifications:

Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications, diagnostic parameters.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems.

Depth:

Comprehensive (A-Z), covering basic maintenance to complex repairs and diagnostics.

Detail Level:

Detailed step-by-step instructions with accompanying illustrations and diagrams.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Portable Document Format (PDF)

Searchability:

Text-searchable content within the PDF for quick information retrieval.

Printability:

Fully printable, allowing users to print individual pages, chapters, or the entire manual.

Binding:

Not Applicable (Digital Download)

Paper Quality:

Not Applicable (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Description:

1.4L Ecotec DOHC 4-Cylinder Turbocharged (LUJ/LUV)

Engine 1 Displacement:

1364 cc (83.4 cu in)

Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:

73.4 mm x 80.6 mm

Engine 1 Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Engine 1 Horsepower Hp:

138 hp @ 4900 rpm

Engine 1 Torque Lb-Ft:

148 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm

Engine 1 Fuel System:

Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI)

Engine 1 Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane recommended for optimal performance)

Engine 2 Description:

1.8L Ecotec DOHC 4-Cylinder (LUF)

Engine 2 Displacement:

1798 cc (109.7 cu in)

Engine 2 Bore X Stroke:

80.5 mm x 88.2 mm

Engine 2 Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Engine 2 Horsepower Hp:

138 hp @ 6300 rpm

Engine 2 Torque Lb-Ft:

125 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm

Engine 2 Fuel System:

Port Fuel Injection (PFI)

Engine 2 Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane minimum)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission 1 Type:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Transmission 1 Description:

Often paired with the 1.8L engine.

Transmission 2 Type:

6-speed Automatic Transmission

Transmission 2 Description:

Often paired with the 1.4L Turbo engine, available on both body styles. Known as the 'GF6'.

Transmission Fluid Spec Auto:

Dexron VI Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)

Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:

Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF) - Specific viscosity and type to be confirmed in manual.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Inches:

99.4 inches (2525 mm)

Length Sedan Inches:

173.1 inches (4397 mm)

Length Hatchback Inches:

159.0 inches (4039 mm)

Width Inches:

67.7 inches (1720 mm)

Height Sedan Inches:

57.4 inches (1458 mm)

Height Hatchback Inches:

56.7 inches (1440 mm)

Cargo Volume Sedan Cu Ft:

13.1 cu ft

Cargo Volume Hatchback Cu Ft:

19.0 cu ft (rear seats up) / 47.7 cu ft (rear seats folded)

Curb Weight Lbs Min:

Approx. 2,750 lbs (1247 kg) for base models

Curb Weight Lbs Max:

Approx. 2,900 lbs (1315 kg) for higher trims/turbo models

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Overall Rating:

Generally received 5-star ratings in side impact and rear seat side impact in certain configurations, 4-star frontal crash rating.

IIHS Small Overlap Front Rating:

Marginal to Acceptable depending on year and testing parameters.

Traction Control:

Standard Electronic Traction Control (TCS)

Stability Control:

Standard StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

ABS:

Standard 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Airbags:

Standard front airbags, front side-impact airbags, and side-curtain airbags for front and rear occupants.

Seatbelts:

3-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Child Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System Availability:

Available with Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system on higher trims, featuring a touchscreen display.

Infotainment Features:

Bluetooth connectivity, USB input, Pandora/Stitcher app integration (depending on system version).

Camera Options:

Available rear vision camera for easier parking.

Onstar:

Available OnStar communications system with features like automatic crash response and turn-by-turn navigation.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Gasoline:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil recommended).

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed or approximately every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect annually, replace as needed.

Spark Plug Replacement 1 4T:

Typically around 60,000 - 100,000 miles (96,000 - 160,000 km), depending on plug type and driving conditions. Check manual for exact spec.

Spark Plug Replacement 1 8L:

Typically around 100,000 miles (160,000 km). Check manual for exact spec.

Coolant Flush Interval:

First flush at 100,000 miles (160,000 km), then every 50,000 miles (80,000 km) thereafter.

Transmission Fluid Change Auto:

Inspect every 30,000 miles (48,000 km), change fluid and filter if needed, or based on severe driving conditions as per manual.

Engine Oil Capacity 1 4T:

4.0 quarts (3.8 liters) with filter change (for 1.4L Turbo LUJ/LUV)

Engine Oil Spec 1 4T:

SAE 5W-30 Full Synthetic Engine Oil (GM dexos1™ Gen 2 or equivalent)

Engine Oil Capacity 1 8L:

4.0 quarts (3.8 liters) with filter change (for 1.8L LUF)

Engine Oil Spec 1 8L:

SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Blend or Full Synthetic Engine Oil (GM dexos1™ or equivalent)

Coolant Type:

GM P/N 10-5021, Type 1, HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) - Orange coolant

Oil Consumption 1 4T:

Some 1.4L Turbo engines have reported higher than normal oil consumption. Regular checks are advised.

Turbocharger Issues:

Potential for turbocharger wastegate actuator issues or oil seal leaks on the 1.4T engine.

Automatic Transmission Harshness:

Some owners report occasional harsh shifts or delayed engagement in the 6-speed automatic transmission.

Brake Wear:

Front brake pads and rotors may wear faster than expected on some models.

Rear Suspension Noise:

Occasional reports of clunks or rattles from the rear suspension, potentially related to bushings or shocks.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer:

Chevrolet, a division of General Motors (GM)

Predecessor:

Chevrolet Aveo (T250)

Global Platform:

Based on the GM Gamma II platform, shared with models like the Opel Corsa.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily South Korea (GM Korea's Gunsan plant), also Brazil and Uzbekistan for regional markets.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Ward 10 Best Engines:

The 1.4L Turbocharged Ecotec engine was a Wards 10 Best Engines winner for 2011, praised for its refinement and efficiency.

Fuel Economy Epa Est Highway:

Up to 34 MPG highway for automatic transmission models with the 1.4T engine; up to 33 MPG highway for manual transmission models with the 1.8L engine. (Specific ratings vary by model year and configuration).