Chevrolet SONIC Owner's Manual
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Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2012 - CRC - 11/9/11
2012 Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual M
In Brief . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . .. . . 1-1
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . .1-3
Vehicle Features. . . . . . . . . . . . .1-15
Performance and
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-19
Keys, Doors, and
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
Keys and Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2
Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Vehicle Security. . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-11
Exterior Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Interior Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . ... .2-14
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
Roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
Seats and Restraints . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Front Seats . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . 3-4
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-10
Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..3-19
Child Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-32
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . 4-1
Storage Compartments . . . . . . . . 4-1
Luggage/Load Locations . . . . . . . 4-1
Additional Storage Features . . . 4-2
Instruments and Controls . . . . 5-1
Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Warning Lights, Gauges, and
Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7
Information Displays . . . . . . . .. . 5-23
Vehicle Messages.. . . . . . . . . . . 5-27
Vehicle Personalization.. . . . . . 5-27
Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Interior Lighting . . . . . . .. . . . . . .. . 6-5
Lighting Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . 7-1
Introduction . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . 7-1
Radio . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . ..7-9
Audio Players . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-13
Phone . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . 7-19
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . 8-1
Air Vents.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . 8-4
Driving and Operating . . . . . . . . 9-1
Driving Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Starting and Operating . . . . . . . 9-15
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-22
Automatic Transmission . . . . . .9-24
Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . 9-26
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-28
Ride Control Systems . . . . . . . .9-29
Cruise Control . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . 9-33
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-35
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-39
Conversions and Add-Ons . . . 9-40
Vehicle Care . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . 10-1
General Information . . . . . . . . . .10-2
Vehicle Checks.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . 10-27
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Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2012 - CRC - 11/9/11
2012 Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual M
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 10-28
Electrical System . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-32
Wheels and Tires . . . . . . . . . . . 10-38
Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-74
Towing . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-77
Appearance Care . . . . . . . . . . .10-80
Service and Maintenance . . . 11-1
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 11-1
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . .11-3
Special Application
Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-8
Additional Maintenance
and Care . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . 11-9
Recommended Fluids,
Lubricants, and Parts . . . . . . 11-12
Maintenance Records . . . . . . . 11-15
Technical Data . . . . . . ......... 12-1
Vehicle Identification.. . . . . . . . 12-1
Vehicle Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2
Customer Information . . . . . . . 13-1
Customer Information . . . . . . . . 13-1
Reporting Safety Defects . . . . 13-13
Vehicle Data Recording and
Privacy . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-14
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . 14-1
OnStar Overview.. . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1
OnStar Services . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 14-2
OnStar Additional
Information . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . 14-5
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i-1
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Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2012 - CRC - 11/9/11
Introduction iii
The names, logos, emblems,
slogans, vehicle model names, and
vehicle body designs appearing in
this manual including, but not limited
to, GM, the GM logo, CHEVROLET,
the CHEVROLET Emblem, and
SONIC are trademarks and/or
service marks of General Motors
LLC, its subsidiaries, affiliates,
or licensors.
Litho in U.S.A.
Part No. 20897861 B Second Printing
This manual describes features that
may or may not be on your specific
vehicle either because they are
options that you did not purchase or
due to changes subsequent to the
printing of this owner manual.
Please refer to the purchase
documentation relating to your
specific vehicle to confirm each of
the features found on your vehicle.
For vehicles first sold in Canada,
substitute the name “General
Motors of Canada Limited” for
Chevrolet Motor Division wherever
it appears in this manual.
Keep this manual in the vehicle for
quick reference.
©
2011 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Canadian Vehicle Owners
Propriétaires Canadiens
A French language copy of this
manual can be obtained from your
dealer or from:
On peut obtenir un exemplaire de
ce guide en français auprès du
concessionnaire ou à l'adresse
suivante:
Helm, Incorporated
Attention: Customer Service
47911 Halyard Drive
Plymouth, MI 48170
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Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2012 - CRC - 11/9/11
iv Introduction
Using this Manual
To quickly locate information about
the vehicle, use the Index in the
back of the manual. It is an
alphabetical list of what is in the
manual and the page number where
it can be found.
Danger, Warnings, and Cautions
Warning messages found on vehicle
labels and in this manual describe
hazards and what to do to avoid or
reduce them.
Danger indicates a hazard with a
high level of risk which will result in
serious injury or death.
Warning or Caution indicates a
hazard that could result in injury or
death.
WARNING
{
These mean there is something
that could hurt you or other
people.
Notice: This means there is
something that could result in
property or vehicle damage. This
would not be covered by the
vehicle's warranty.
A circle with a slash through it is a
safety symbol which means “Do
Not,” “Do not do this,” or “Do not let
this happen.”
Symbols
The vehicle has components and
labels that use symbols instead of
text. Symbols are shown along with
the text describing the operation or
information relating to a specific
component, control, message,
gauge, or indicator.
M : This symbol is shown when
you need to see your owner manual
for additional instructions or
information.
* : This symbol is shown when
you need to see a service manual
for additional instructions or
information.
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Introduction v
Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols
that may be found on the vehicle
and what they mean. For more
information on the symbol, refer to
the Index.
9 : Airbag Readiness Light
! : Antilock Brake System (ABS)
% : Audio Steering Wheel Controls
or OnStar
®
$ : Brake System Warning Light
" : Charging System
I : Cruise Control
B : Engine Coolant Temperature
O : Exterior Lamps
# : Fog Lamps
. : Fuel Gauge
+ : Fuses
3 : Headlamp High/Low-Beam
Changer
j : LATCH System Child
Restraints
* : Malfunction Indicator Lamp
: : Oil Pressure
} : Power
/ : Remote Vehicle Start
> : Safety Belt Reminders
7 : Tire Pressure Monitor
d : Traction Control/StabiliTrak
M : Windshield Washer Fluid
®
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vi Introduction
2 NOTES
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In Brief 1-1
In Brief
Instrument Panel
Instrument Panel . . . . . . .. . . . . . . 1-2
Initial Drive Information
Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . 1-3
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... . . . . . . . 1-6
Trunk Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1-7
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7
Second Row Seats . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
Head Restraint Adjustment . . . . 1-9
Safety Belts . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
Passenger Sensing System . . . 1-9
Mirror Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
Steering Wheel
Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11
Interior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11
Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12
Windshield Wiper/Washer .... 1-12
Climate Controls . . . . . .. . . . . . . 1-13
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14
Vehicle Features
Radio(s) . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15
Satellite Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16
Portable Audio Devices . . . . . . 1-16
Bluetooth
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . 1-17
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17
Driver Information
Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1-18
®
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16
Performance and Maintenance
Traction Control
System (TCS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-19
StabiliTrak
Tire Pressure Monitor . . . . . . . . 1-20
Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1-20
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . 1-20
Hood Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21
Driving for Better Fuel
Economy .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21
Roadside Assistance
Program . . . . . . . . . . .... . . . . . . 1-22
OnStar
®
System . . . . . . . . . 1-19
®
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
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1-2 In Brief
Instrument Panel
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In Brief 1-3
A. Air Vents on page 8‑3.
B. Exterior Lamp Controls on
page 6‑1.
C. Instrument Panel Illumination
Control on page 6‑5.
D. Turn and Lane-Change Lever.
See Turn and Lane-Change
Signals on page 6‑4.
E. Instrument Cluster on page 5‑8.
F. Horn on page 5‑2.
G. Windshield Wiper/Washer on
page 5‑3.
H. Display Screen.
I. Infotainment on page 7‑1.
J. Storage. See Instrument Panel
Storage on page 4‑1.
K. Hood Release. See Hood on
page 10‑4.
L. Data Link Connector (DLC)
(Out of View). See Malfunction
Indicator Lamp on page 5‑13.
M. Cruise Control on page 9‑33.
N. Steering Wheel Adjustment on
page 5‑2.
O. Steering Wheel Controls on
page 5‑2.
P. Ignition Switch. See Ignition
Positions on page 9‑15.
Q. Central Locking System on
page 2‑7.
R. Climate Control Systems on
page 8‑1.
S. Shift Lever. See Automatic
Transmission on page 9‑24
(If Equipped) or Manual
Transmission on page 9‑26
(If Equipped).
T. Hazard Warning Flashers on
page 6‑4.
U. Passenger Sensing System on
page 3‑26.
Initial Drive Information
This section provides a brief
overview about some of the
important features that may or may
not be on your specific vehicle.
For more detailed information, refer
to each of the features which can be
found later in this owner manual.
Starting the Engine
The vehicle has a
Computer-Controlled Cranking
System. It assists in starting the
engine and protects components.
If the ignition key is turned to
START and then released when the
engine begins cranking, the engine
will continue cranking for a few
seconds or until the engine starts.
If the engine does not start and
the key is held in START, cranking
will be stopped after 15 seconds
to prevent damage. To prevent
gear damage, cranking is not
allowed if the engine is running.
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1-4 In Brief
Engine cranking can be stopped by
turning the ignition key to ACC/
ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF. See
Starting the Engine on page 9‑17.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
The RKE transmitter will work up to
20 m (65 ft) away from the vehicle.
RKE without Remote Start Shown
Press the key release button to
extend the key blade. The key can
be used for the ignition and all
locks.
Press
K to unlock the driver door or
all doors.
Q to lock all doors.
Press
Lock and unlock feedback can be
personalized. See Vehicle
Personalization on page 5‑27.
V to open the trunk.
Press
Press and release
vehicle.
Press and hold
two seconds to sound the panic
alarm.
Press
7 again to cancel the panic
alarm.
See Keys on page 2‑2 and Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation on page 2‑3.
7 to locate the
7 for at least
Remote Vehicle Start
For vehicles with this feature, the
engine can be started from outside
the vehicle.
Starting the Vehicle
1. Aim the RKE transmitter at the
vehicle.
2. Press and release
3. Immediately after completing
Step 2, press and hold
the turn signal lamps flash, or for
about two seconds if the vehicle
is not in view.
When the engine starts, the parking
lamps will turn on and remain on as
long as the engine is running. The
doors will be locked and the climate
control system may come on.
The engine will continue to run for
10 minutes. Repeat the steps for a
10-minute time extension. Remote
start can be extended only once.
Q.
/ until
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In Brief 1-5
Canceling a Remote Start
To cancel a remote start, do one of
the following:
.
Aim the RKE transmitter at the
vehicle and press and hold
until the parking lamps turn off.
.
Turn on the hazard warning
flashers.
.
Turn the vehicle on and then off.
See Remote Vehicle Start on
page 2‑4.
/
Door Locks
To lock or unlock the doors from
outside the vehicle:
.
Use the key in the driver door to
lock all doors or unlock the
driver door only.
.
Press Q or K on the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter.
See Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation on
page 2‑3.
To lock or unlock the doors from
inside the vehicle:
.
Press Q or K on the central
locking switch.
.
Pull the door handle. Pulling the
door handle again unlatches
the door.
.
Use the lock knob on the top of
the door panel.
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1-6 In Brief
For more information see:
.
Door Locks on page 2‑6.
.
Central Locking System on
page 2‑7.
Liftgate
To lock or unlock the liftgate from
the outside, press
RKE transmitter. See Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation on page 2‑3.
To lock or unlock the liftgate from
the inside, press
central locking switch located on the
center stack.
Q or K on the
Q or K on the
To open the liftgate from outside of
the vehicle:
.
Press K on the RKE transmitter,
then use the touch pad.
.
Press V on the
RKE transmitter.
See Liftgate (Hatchback) on
page 2‑10.
Trunk Release
To lock or unlock the trunk from the
outside, press
transmitter. See Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System Operation on
page 2‑3.
To lock or unlock the trunk from the
inside, press
locking switch located on the center
stack.
Q or K on the RKE
Q or K on the central
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In Brief 1-7
To open the trunk from outside of
the vehicle:
.
Press K on the RKE transmitter,
then use the touch pad.
.
Press V on the
RKE transmitter.
See Trunk (Sedan) on page 2‑8 and
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation on page 2‑3.
Windows
Manual Windows
Use the window crank to open and
close each window.
See Manual Windows on page 2‑14.
Power Windows
Push the switch down to open the
window. Pull the front of the switch
up to close it.
The switches work when the
vehicle is in ON/RUN or ACC/
ACCESSORY, or when Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) is active.
See Retained Accessory Power
(RAP) on page 9‑19.
See Power Windows on page 2‑15.
Seat Adjustment
Manual Seats
To adjust a manual seat:
1. Pull the handle at the front of
the seat.
2. Slide the seat to the desired
position and release the handle.
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1-8 In Brief
3. Try to move the seat back and
forth to be sure it is locked in
place.
See Seat Adjustment on page 3‑4.
Seat Height Adjuster
If available, move the lever up or
down to manually raise or lower
the seat.
See Seat Adjustment on page 3‑4.
Reclining Seatbacks
To recline a manual seatback:
1. Lift the lever.
If necessary, move the safety
belt out of the way to access the
lever.
2. Move the seatback to the
desired position, and then
release the lever to lock the
seatback in place.
3. Push and pull on the seatback to
make sure it is locked in place.
To return the seatback to the upright
position:
1. Lift the lever fully without
applying pressure to the
seatback, and the seatback will
return to the upright position.
2. Push and pull on the seatback to
make sure it is locked.
See Reclining Seatbacks on
page 3‑5.
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In Brief 1-9
Second Row Seats
The rear seatbacks can be folded
down to increase cargo space.
See Rear Seats on page 3‑8.
Head Restraint Adjustment
Do not drive until the head restraints
for all occupants are installed and
adjusted properly.
To achieve a comfortable seating
position, change the seatback
recline angle as little as necessary
while keeping the seat and the head
restraint height in the proper
position.
See Head Restraints on page 3‑2
and Seat Adjustment on page 3‑4.
Safety Belts
Refer to the following sections for
important information on how to use
safety belts properly.
.
Safety Belts on page 3‑10.
.
How to Wear Safety Belts
Properly on page 3‑11.
.
Lap-Shoulder Belt on page 3‑12.
.
Lower Anchors and Tethers for
Children (LATCH System) on
page 3‑39.
Passenger Sensing System
United States
Canada
The passenger sensing system
turns off the front outboard
passenger frontal airbag under
certain conditions. No other airbag
is affected by the passenger
sensing system. See Passenger
Sensing System on page 3‑26.
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1-10 In Brief
The passenger airbag status
indicator will be visible on the
instrument panel when the vehicle is
started. See Passenger Airbag
Status Indicator on page 5‑11.
Mirror Adjustment
Exterior Mirrors
Manual Outside Mirrors
Move the control up, down, or side
to side to adjust the mirror.
See Manual Mirrors on page 2‑13.
Power Outside Mirrors
For vehicles with power outside
mirrors:
1. Select the mirror by moving the
selector switch to L for the driver
side or R for the passenger side.
2. Use the control knob to move
the mirror in the desired
direction.
See Power Mirrors on page 2‑13.
Interior Mirror
Hold the inside rearview mirror in
the center to move it for a clearer
view behind your vehicle. Adjust the
mirror to avoid glare from the
headlamps behind you. Push the
tab forward for daytime use and pull
it for nighttime use.
See Manual Rearview Mirror on
page 2‑14.
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In Brief 1-11
Steering Wheel Adjustment
To adjust the steering wheel:
1. Pull the lever down.
2. Move the steering wheel up,
down, forward, and backward.
3. Pull the lever up to lock the
steering wheel in place.
Do not adjust the steering wheel
while driving.
Interior Lighting
Dome Lamps
The dome lamp controls are located
in the headliner above the rear
seats.
9 : Press to turn the lamps off,
even when a door is open.
H : Press to turn the lamps on
automatically when a door is
opened.
R : Press to turn on the dome lamps.
Reading Lamps
For vehicles with front reading
lamps, they are located in the
overhead console.
# or $ : Press to turn each lamp
on or off.
For more information about interior
lighting, see Instrument Panel
Illumination Control on page 6‑5 or
Courtesy Lamps on page 6‑5.
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1-12 In Brief
Exterior Lighting
The exterior lamps control is located
on the instrument panel to the
outboard side of the steering
column.
O : Briefly turn to this position to
turn the automatic light control off or
on again.
AUTO: Turns the headlamps on
automatically at normal brightness,
together with the parking lamps,
taillamps, license plate lamps,
sidemarker lamps, and instrument
panel lights.
; : Turns on the parking lamps,
taillamps, license plate lamps,
sidemarker lamps, and instrument
panel lights.
5 : Turns on the headlamps,
parking lamps, taillamps, license
plate lamps, sidemarker lamps, and
instrument panel lights. A warning
chime sounds if the driver door is
opened when the ignition switch is
off and the headlamps are on.
# : For vehicles with fog lamps,
press to turn the lamps on or off.
For more information, see:
.
Exterior Lamp Controls on
page 6‑1.
.
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
on page 6‑2.
.
Fog Lamps on page 6‑4.
Windshield Wiper/Washer
Sedan
Hatchback
The windshield wiper/washer lever
is located on the right side of the
steering column.
Move the lever to one of the
following positions:
HI: Use for fast wipes.
LO: Use for slow wipes.
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In Brief 1-13
Hatchback Shown, Sedan Similar
INT: Move the lever up to INT for
intermittent wipes, then turn
the
x INT band up for more
frequent wipes or down for less
frequent wipes.
OFF: Use to turn the wipers off.
8 : For a single wipe, briefly move
the wiper lever down. For several
wipes, hold the wiper lever down.
n L : Pull the windshield wiper
lever toward you to spray windshield
washer fluid and activate the wipers.
See Windshield Wiper/Washer on
page 5‑3. For vehicles with a rear
window wiper/washer, see Rear
Window Wiper/Washer on page 5‑4.
Climate Controls
For vehicles with these climate
control systems, the heating,
cooling, and ventilation can be
controlled for the vehicle.
Climate Control System with
Heater and Air Conditioning
A. Temperature Control
B. Fan Control
C. Air Delivery Mode Control
D. Driver and Passenger Heated
Seats
E. Air Conditioning
F. Rear Window Defogger
G. Recirculation
Climate Control System with
Heater Only
A. Temperature Control
B. Fan Control
C. Air Delivery Mode Control
D. Rear Window Defogger
E. Recirculation
See Climate Control Systems on
page 8‑1.
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Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2012 - CRC - 11/9/11
1-14 In Brief
Transmission
Automatic Transmission
Manual Mode
This position allows you to change
gears similar to a manual
transmission. To use this feature:
1. Move the shift lever from
D (Drive) rearward to
M (Manual Mode).
2. Press the + (plus) end of the
button on the side of the
shift lever to upshift, or push
the − (minus) end of the button
to downshift.
See Manual Mode on page 9‑25.
Manual Transmission
Up‐Shift Light
Vehicles equipped with a manual
transmission may have an up-shift
light. This light indicates when to
shift to the next higher gear for
better fuel economy.
For the best fuel economy,
accelerate slowly and shift when
the light comes on, if weather, road,
and traffic conditions allow.
It is normal for the light to go on
and off if the accelerator position
changes quickly. Ignore the light
during downshifts.
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Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2012 - CRC - 11/9/11
In Brief 1-15
Reverse Lockout
The manual transmission is
equipped with a lock ring to
prevent shifting into R (Reverse). To
shift into R (Reverse), press down
the clutch pedal, lift up the ring
on the shift lever, and shift into
R (Reverse). Let up on the clutch
pedal slowly while pressing the
accelerator pedal.
See Manual Transmission on
page 9‑26.
Vehicle Features
Radio(s)
/VOL: Press to turn the system
O
on or off.
Turn to increase or decrease the
volume.
When the system is on, press and
release to mute the system. Press
and release again to turn the sound
back on.
RADIO/BAND: Press to choose FM,
AM, or XM™ (if equipped).
¨ :
SEEK
.
Radio: Seeks the next station.
.
CD: Select the next track or fast
forwards within a track.
© SEEK :
.
Radio: Seeks the previous
station.
.
CD: Select the previous track or
rewinds within a track.
MENU/TUNE: Turn to navigate the
available menus. Turn to search for
stations.
CD/AUX: Press to play a CD when
listening to the radio.
For more information about these
and other radio features, see
Operation on page 7‑5.
Storing a Favorite Station
Stations from all bands can be
stored in any order in the favorite
pages.
Up to six stations can be stored in
each favorite page and the number
of available favorite pages can
be set.
Storing Stations
To store the station to a position in
the list, press the corresponding
button 1 to 6 until a beep is heard.
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Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2012 - CRC - 11/9/11
1-16 In Brief
Retrieving Stations
Press the FAV 1-2-3 button to open
a favorite page or to switch to
another favorite page. Briefly press
one of the 1 to 6 buttons to retrieve
the station.
See “Storing a Favorite Station”
under AM-FM Radio on page 7‑9.
Satellite Radio
XM is a satellite radio service based
in the 48 contiguous United States
and 10 Canadian provinces. XM
satellite radio has a wide variety of
programming and commercial-free
music, coast to coast, and in
digital-quality sound.
A fee is required to receive the XM
service.
For more information, refer to:
.
www.xmradio.com or call
1-800-929-2100 (U.S.)
.
www.xmradio.ca or call
1-877-438-9677 (Canada)
See “XM Satellite Radio Service”
under Satellite Radio on page 7‑11.
Portable Audio Devices
Some vehicles have a 3.5 mm
(1/8 in) auxiliary input and a USB
port located in the storage area to
the right of the infotainment system.
External devices such as iPods®,
laptop computers, MP3 players, CD
changers, and USB storage devices
may be connected, depending on
the audio system.
See Auxiliary Devices on page 7‑16.
Bluetooth
The Bluetooth system allows users
with a Bluetooth-enabled cell phone
to make and receive hands-free
calls using the vehicle audio system
and controls.
The Bluetooth-enabled cell phone
must be paired with the in-vehicle
Bluetooth system before it can be
used in the vehicle. Not all phones
will support all functions.
See Bluetooth (Voice Recognition)
on page 7‑25 or Bluetooth
(Overview) on page 7‑19 or
Bluetooth (Infotainment Controls) on
page 7‑21.
®
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Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2012 - CRC - 11/9/11
In Brief 1-17
Steering Wheel Controls
Some audio steering wheel controls
could differ depending on the
vehicle's options. Some audio
steering wheel controls can be
adjusted at the steering wheel.
b / g : Press to interact with the
available Bluetooth or OnStar
systems.
$ / i : Press to reject an
incoming call, or end a current
call. Press to silence the vehicle
speakers while using the
infotainment system. Press
again to turn the sound on.
For vehicles with OnStar or
Bluetooth systems, press to
reject an incoming call, or end a
current call.
_ SRC ^ : Press to select an audio
source.
Toggle up or down to select the next
or previous favorite radio station or
CD/MP3 track.
+
x −: Press + or − to increase or
decrease the volume.
See Steering Wheel Controls on
page 5‑2.
Cruise Control
5 : Press to turn the cruise control
system on and off.
RES/+: Move the thumbwheel up to
resume a previously set speed or to
accelerate.
SET/−: Move the thumbwheel down
to set a speed or to make the
vehicle decelerate.
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Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2012 - CRC - 11/9/11
1-18 In Brief
* : Press to disengage cruise
control without erasing the set
speed from memory.
See Cruise Control on page 9‑33.
Driver Information Center (DIC)
The DIC display is in the instrument
panel cluster. It shows the status of
many vehicle systems. The controls
for the DIC are located on the turn
signal lever.
A. SET/CLR: Press to set or clear
the menu item when it is
displayed.
B.
w x : Use the thumbwheel to
scroll through the items in
each menu.
C. MENU: Press to display the DIC
menu items. This button is also
used to return to or exit the last
screen displayed on the DIC.
See Driver Information Center (DIC)
on page 5‑23.
Power Outlets
The accessory power outlets can be
used to plug in electrical equipment,
such as a cell phone or MP3 player.
The vehicle has an accessory
power outlet located in front of the
cupholders on the center floor
console.
See Power Outlets on page 5‑5.
Sunroof
On vehicles with this feature, the
sunroof only operates when the
ignition is turned to ON/RUN or
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) is
active.
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Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2012 - CRC - 11/9/11
In Brief 1-19
Open/Close: To open the sunroof,
press and hold the rear of the
switch. To close the sunroof, press
and hold the front of the switch.
Vent: Press and hold the front of
the switch to vent the sunroof.
Manually close the sunshade.
The sunroof will not operate if the
vehicle has an electrical failure.
See Sunroof on page 2‑17.
Performance and Maintenance
Traction Control System (TCS)
The Traction Control System (TCS)
limits wheel spin. The system is on
when the vehicle is started.
.
To turn off traction control, press
and release the TCS/StabiliTrak
button
g located on the center
console. The Traction Off
light
i illuminates.
.
Press and release the TCS/
StabiliTrak button
traction control back on.
See Traction Control System (TCS)
on page 9‑29.
g again to turn
StabiliTrak®System
The StabiliTrak system assists with
directional control of the vehicle in
difficult driving conditions. The
system is on when the vehicle is
started.
.
To turn off both traction
control and StabiliTrak, press
and hold the TCS/StabiliTrak
button
g until the Traction Off
i and the StabiliTrak Off
light
g illuminate.
light
.
Press the TCS/StabiliTrak
button
g again to turn on both
systems.
See StabiliTrak
page 9‑31.
®
System on
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Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2012 - CRC - 11/9/11
1-20 In Brief
Tire Pressure Monitor
This vehicle may have a Tire
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS).
The TPMS warning light alerts you
to a significant loss in pressure of
one of the vehicle's tires. If the
warning light comes on, stop as
soon as possible and inflate the
tires to the recommended pressure
shown on the Tire and Loading
Information label. See Vehicle Load
Limits on page 9‑10. The warning
light will remain on until the tire
pressure is corrected.
During cooler conditions, the low tire
pressure warning light may appear
when the vehicle is first started and
then turn off. This may be an early
indicator that the tire pressures are
getting low and the tires need to be
inflated to the proper pressure.
The TPMS does not replace normal
monthly tire maintenance. It is the
driver’s responsibility to maintain
correct tire pressures.
See Tire Pressure Monitor System
on page 10‑46.
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit
This vehicle may come with a spare
tire and tire changing equipment or
a tire sealant and compressor kit.
The kit can be used to temporarily
seal small punctures in the tread
area of the tire. See Tire Sealant
and Compressor Kit on page 10‑59.
If the vehicle came with a spare tire
and tire changing equipment, see If
a Tire Goes Flat on page 10‑57.
Engine Oil Life System
The engine oil life system calculates
engine oil life based on vehicle use
and displays the Code 82 DIC
message when it is necessary to
change the engine oil and filter.
Remember, the oil life display must
be reset after each oil change.
It will not reset itself. Also, be
careful not to reset the oil life
display accidentally at any time
other than when the oil has just
been changed. It cannot be reset
accurately until the next oil change.
To reset the engine oil life system
press the SET/CLR button while the
oil life display is active.
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Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2012 - CRC - 11/9/11
Resetting the Oil Life System
1. Using the DIC MENU button and
thumbwheel, scroll until you
reach Remaining Oil Life on
the DIC.
2. Press the SET/CLR button to
reset the oil life at 100%. When
prompted, use the thumbwheel
to highlight YES or NO. Press
the SET/CLEAR button to
confirm.
Be careful not to reset the oil life
display accidentally at any time
other than after the oil is changed.
It cannot be reset accurately.
See Engine Oil Life System on
page 10‑12.
Hood Release
To open the hood:
1. Pull the hood release handle
inside the vehicle. It is located
on the lower left side of the
instrument panel.
2. Go the front of the vehicle and
move the secondary hood
release lever to the right side of
the vehicle.
3. Lift the hood and release the
hood prop from its retainer,
located in front of the engine
compartment. Securely place the
hood prop into the slot on the
underside of the hood.
See Hood on page 10‑4.
Driving for Better Fuel Economy
Driving habits can affect fuel
mileage. Here are some driving
tips to get the best fuel economy
possible.
.
Avoid fast starts and accelerate
smoothly.
.
Brake gradually and avoid
abrupt stops.
In Brief 1-21
.
Avoid idling the engine for long
periods of time.
.
When road and weather
conditions are appropriate, use
cruise control.
.
Always follow posted speed
limits or drive more slowly when
conditions require.
.
Keep vehicle tires properly
inflated.
.
Combine several trips into a
single trip.
.
Replace the vehicle's tires with
the same TPC Spec number
molded into the tire's sidewall
near the size.
.
Follow recommended scheduled
maintenance.
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Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2012 - CRC - 11/9/11
1-22 In Brief
Roadside Assistance Program
U.S.: 1-800-243-8872
TTY Users: 1-888-889-2438
Canada: 1-800-268-6800
As the owner of a new Chevrolet,
you are automatically enrolled in the
Roadside Assistance program.
See Roadside Assistance Program
on page 13‑5.
Roadside Assistance and OnStar
If you have an active OnStar
subscription, press the
and the current GPS location will be
sent to an OnStar advisor who will
assess your problem, contact
Roadside Assistance, and relay
your exact location to get the help
you need.
Q button
Online Owner Center
The Online Owner Center is a
complimentary service that includes
online service reminders, vehicle
maintenance tips, online owner
manual, special privileges,
and more.
Sign up today at:
U.S.: chevrolet.com (click on
“Owners,” then “Manage My
Chevrolet/Owners Login”)
Canada: chevroletowner.ca
OnStar
If equipped, this vehicle has a
comprehensive, in-vehicle system
that can connect to a live Advisor
for Emergency, Security, Navigation,
Connection, and Diagnostic
Services. See OnStar Overview on
page 14‑1.
®
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Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-1
Keys, Doors, and Windows
Keys and Locks
Keys . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . 2-2
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . 2-4
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6
Central Locking System . . . . . . . 2-7
Door Ajar Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7
Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . . . 2-7
Safety Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Doors
Trunk (Sedan) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Liftgate (Hatchback) . . . . . . . . . 2-10
Vehicle Security
Vehicle Security . . . . . .. . . . . . . . 2-11
Anti-theft Alarm System . . . . . . 2-11
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
Immobilizer Operation . . . . . . . . 2-11
Exterior Mirrors
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Manual Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2-13
Power Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . ..... 2-13
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . ... . . . . 2-13
Interior Mirrors
Manual Rearview Mirror . . . . . . 2-14
Windows
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... 2-14
Manual Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
Power Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . 2-16
Roof
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2-17
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2-2 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Keys and Locks
Keys
WARNING
{
Leaving children in a vehicle with
the ignition key is dangerous for
many reasons. Children or others
could be badly injured or even
killed. They could operate the
power windows or other controls
or even make the vehicle move.
The windows will function with the
keys in the ignition and children
could be seriously injured or killed
if caught in the path of a closing
window. Do not leave the keys in
a vehicle with children.
The key that is part of the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter can
be used for the ignition and all
locks.
Press the button on the RKE
transmitter to extend the key. Press
the button and the key blade to
retract the key.
See your dealer if a new key is
needed.
Notice: If the keys get locked in
the vehicle, it may have to be
damaged to get them out. Always
carry a spare key.
If you are locked out of the vehicle,
see Roadside Assistance Program
on page 13‑5.
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