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:
Loss of Control
Skidding
There are three types of skids that correspond to the vehicle's three control
systems:
Braking Skid — wheels are not rolling.
Steering or Cornering Skid — too much speed or steering in a curve causes
tires to slip and lose cornering force.
Acceleration Skid — too muc ...
Brake Drum Diameter Measurement
Warning: Refer to Brake Dust Warning.
Remove brake drum. Refer to Brake Drum Replacement
Clean the brake shoe lining contact surface of the brake drum (2) with denatured
alcohol or an equivalent approved brake cleaner.
Using a brake drum micrometer (1) calibra ...
Crankcase Ventilation System Inspection/Diagnosis
Results of Incorrect Operation
A plugged positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) orifice or hose may cause
the following conditions:
Rough idle
Stalling or slow idle speed
Oil leaks
Oil in the throttle body
Sludge in the engine
Functional Check
With thes ...
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