Chevy Sonic Questions

[ProfWag]

Hello all, I am in the process of buying a Class C and also in trading in my truck for a 2018 Chevy Sonic automatic LT Hatch. Reading the online owner’s manual, it says that I need to run the car at the start of each day and for 5 minutes at fuel stops. It also says that I need to pull fuses from the instrument panel and one from the engine block. I was planning on installing a switch on the instrument panel fuse box to make it easier to turn off the fuses but hadn’t noticed the engine block fuse requirement before. Do those of you pulling a Sonic do that as well or is there an easy way to turn it off from the inside?

Also, if you have any hints or suggestions, I’m all ears! I’m a little concerned because the Dinghy tow guide says that all Sonics are towable except the RS, but I don’t see an RS as an option other than an RS package that is little more than aesthetic (fog lamps, stitching, etc.) so if anyone has inputs on that, I’d love to hear them. Perhaps it’s the 1.4l turbo that isn’t towable?

Thank you in advance!

[wildtoad]

I just sold my 2015 Chevy Sonic LT Hatchback automatic all setup for towing. Great little care to tow. First, yes you need to run the engine for five or so minutes before starting out in the morning. Mine had remote start which was great cause I could start it from inside the MH, have my coffee and by the time I was finished the car was ready to go. As far as running it later in the day after X hours, when we stopped for lunch, did the same thing.

As far as pulling the fuse, yes there is one fuse need to pull, and it’s in the inside fuse panel under the dash by the driver side door. Get a Roadmaster fuse switch and use it. I drilled a hole in the fuse box cover to mount it, looks really nice, and had labels for Drive or Tow.

The fuse in the engine block must be new, so can’t help much there, except to see of the fuse switch would work. Perhaps, since the switch is simply two wires, you could make a really long one to run into the car.

On edit: Does the Chevy Sonic you’re looking at have keyless entry or does it still use a key fob/key combo? There is specific language in the owners manual for Keyless entry at that is where the extra fuse pulls are needed.

[ProfWag]

Originally Posted by wildtoad

I just sold my 2015 Chevy Sonic LT Hatchback automatic all setup for towing. Great little care to tow. First, yes you need to run the engine for five or so minutes before starting out in the morning. Mine had remote start which was great cause I could start it from inside the MH, have my coffee and by the time I was finished the car was ready to go. As far as running it later in the day after X hours, when we stopped for lunch, did the same thing.

As far as pulling the fuse, yes there is one fuse need to pull, and it’s in the inside fuse panel under the dash by the driver side door. Get a Roadmaster fuse switch and use it. I drilled a hole in the fuse box cover to mount it, looks really nice, and had labels for Drive or Tow.

The fuse in the engine block must be new, so can’t help much there, except to see of the fuse switch would work. Perhaps, since the switch is simply two wires, you could make a really long one to run into the car.

On edit: Does the Chevy Sonic you’re looking at have keyless entry or does it still use a key fob/key combo? There is specific language in the owners manual for Keyless entry at that is where the extra fuse pulls are needed.

Thank you for helping to clear my mind! Yes, this one has a keyless entry and I think that fuse is located under the hood. I hope my mechanic can get creative. Lol

[mikeh2obury]

The switch that you use in the driving compartment can be used under the hood also since it has a long pigtail. Installed you just pop the hood, flip the switch and Bob’s your uncle!

[Rockwood27]

I have a 2016 Sonic hatchback LTZ with the 1.4L turbo engine and auto transmission. The LTZ was replaced by the RS in 2017 with the redesign. I have towed my Sonic for over 10K miles with no issues. I don't understand why the RS can't be towed 4-down. I don't believe there were any mechanical changes from the 2016 LTZ to the 2017 RS. I have installed a fuse cutoff switch for the fuse in the dashboard. I don't have any other fuses to remove. Personally, I would never buy a new Sonic. Their depreciation curve is steep. I bought my 2016 in 2017 with about 25,000 miles on it. In 2016, it listed for around $21K. I paid $12K for it.

[AudiDudi]

I dolly tow a 2015 Sonic RS hatchback with 6 spd manual. Having talked to other Sonic owners with automatics and towing 4 down, It is my understanding that the odometer increases when being towed. May or may not be a big deal. The manual on the dolly of course does not increase the odometer. It is also my understanding that I can tow the manual 4 down if I desire. I like it as a toad behind my 2016 Sprinter and like the 14-15mpg I typically get towing it.

[Rockwood27]

Originally Posted by AudiDudi

I dolly tow a 2015 Sonic RS hatchback with 6 spd manual. Having talked to other Sonic owners with automatics and towing 4 down, It is my understanding that the odometer increases when being towed. May or may not be a big deal. The manual on the dolly of course does not increase the odometer. It is also my understanding that I can tow the manual 4 down if I desire. I like it as a toad behind my 2016 Sprinter and like the 14-15mpg I typically get towing it.

My odometer does not increase in my 2016 Sonic with 6 speed automatic transmission.

[AudiDudi]

Originally Posted by Rockwood27

My odometer does not increase in my 2016 Sonic with 6 speed automatic transmission.

Interesting - I talked with a couple that flat tow a 2014 auto and their odo does increase.

[Rockwood27]

Originally Posted by AudiDudi

Interesting - I talked with a couple that flat tow a 2014 auto and their odo does increase.

I wonder if they're not pulling the required fuse. The dashboard stays active if not pulled. It is a pain to remove, so I installed a easy to reach shut off switch.