Chevrolet Sonic Owner's Manual: Recommended Fuel
Use regular unleaded gasoline with a posted octane rating of 87 or higher. If the octane rating is less than 87, an audible knocking noise may be heard. If this occurs, use a gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher as soon as possible. If heavy knocking is heard when using gasoline with a higher octane rating, the engine needs service.
Use of Seasonal Fuels
Use summer and winter fuels in the appropriate season. Driving or starting could be affected if the incorrect fuel is used. Drive the vehicle with the engine running until the fuel is a half tank or less, then refuel with the current seasonal fuel.
Prohibited Fuels
Gasolines containing oxygenates, such as ethers and ethanol, as well as reformulated gasolines are available in some cities. If these gasolines comply with the previously described specification, then they are acceptable to use. However, E85 and other fuels containing more than 15% ethanol must be used only in FlexFuel vehicles.
Caution
Do not use fuel containing methanol. It can corrode metal parts in the fuel system and also damage plastic and rubber parts. That damage would not be covered under the vehicle warranty.
Some gasolines that are not reformulated for low emissions can contain an octane-enhancing additive called methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT). Do not use gasolines with MMT as they can reduce spark plug life and affect emission control system performance. The malfunction indicator lamp may turn on. If this occurs, see your dealer for service.
Fuel
Use of the recommended fuel is an important part of the proper maintenance of
this vehicle. When driving in the U.S., to help keep the engine clean and maintain
optimum vehicle performance, we rec ...
Gasoline Specifications
At a minimum, gasoline should meet ASTM specification D 4814. Some gasolines
contain an octane-enhancing additive called methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl
(MMT). We recommend against th ...
Other materials:
Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a vehicle is complex. Its many parts have to be of top
quality and work well together if the vehicle is to have really good braking. The
vehicle was designed and tested with top-quality brake parts. When parts of the
braking system are replaced, be sure to get new, approv ...
Valve Guide Reaming, and Valve and Seat Grinding
Valve Cleaning Procedure
Use soft bristle wire brush to clean any carbon build-up from the valve
head. DO NOT use a wire brush on any part of the valve stem. The valve stem
is chrome plated to provide enhanced wear characteristics. Wire brushing
the stem could remove the chr ...
Transmission Replacement
Removal Procedure
Remove the battery and battery tray. Refer to
Battery Tray Replacement.
Disconnect the transmission range selector lever cable
terminal (1) from the transmission manual pin.
Press the locking tab forward in order to release
the tran ...
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