
Black plate (3,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2012
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.
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 9‑32.
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 9‑23
(If Equipped) or Manual
Transmission on page 9‑26
(If Equipped).
T. Hazard Warning Flashers on
page 6‑3.
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. Engine

Black plate (3,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2012
Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-3
Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System
SeeRadio Frequency Statement on
page 13‑15 for information
regarding Part 15 of the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC)
rules and Industry Canada
Standards RSS-GEN/210/220/310.
If there is a decrease in the RKE
operating range:
.Check the distance. The
transmitter may be too far from
the vehicle.
.Check the location. Other
vehicles or objects may be
blocking the signal.
.Check the transmitter's battery.
See “Battery Replacement” later
in this section.
.If the transmitter is still not
working correctly, see your
dealer or a qualified technician
for service.
Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation
The RKE transmitter will work up to
20 m (65 ft) away from the vehicle.
Other conditions can affect the
performance of the transmitter. See
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System on page 2‑3.
RKE without Remote Start Shown
The following buttons are on the
transmitter:
Q(Lock): Press to lock all doors.
The turn signal indicators may flash
and/or the horn may sound to indicate locking; see
“Remote
Lock Feedback” underVehicle
Personalization on page 5‑27.
If any door is open when
Qis
pressed, all doors lock. These
settings can be modified. See
“Unlocked Door Anti Lock Out”
under Vehicle Personalization on
page 5‑27.
Pressing
Qmay also arm the
theft-deterrent system. See
Anti-theft Alarm System on
page 2‑11.
K(Unlock): Press to unlock the
driver door or all doors; see
“Remote Door Unlock” under
Vehicle Personalization on
page 5‑27. The turn signal
indicators flash to indicate unlocking
has occurred. For more information
see “Remote Unlock Feedback”
under Vehicle Personalization on
page 5‑27. Pressing
Kmay also
disarm the theft-deterrent system.
See Anti-theft Alarm System on
page 2‑11.

Black plate (4,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2012
2-4 Keys, Doors, and Windows
V(Remote Trunk Release):
Press to open the trunk.
7(Vehicle Locator/Panic
Alarm): Press and release one
time to locate the vehicle. The
exterior lamps flash and the horn
chirps. Press and hold
7for at least
two seconds to sound the panic
alarm. The horn sounds and the
turn signals flash until
7is pressed
again, or the key is placed in the
ignition and turned to ON/RUN.
/(Remote Vehicle Start) : For
vehicles with this feature, press
Q
and then press and hold/within
five seconds to start the engine from
outside the vehicle using the RKE
transmitter. See Remote Vehicle
Start on page 2‑4 for additional
information.
The buttons on the keys are
disabled when there is a key
in the ignition.
Programming Transmitters to
the Vehicle
Only RKE transmitters programmed
to this vehicle will work. If a
transmitter is lost or stolen, a
replacement can be purchased and
programmed through your dealer.
When the replacement transmitter is
programmed to this vehicle, all
remaining transmitters must also be
reprogrammed. Any lost or stolen
transmitters will no longer work
once the new transmitter is
programmed. See your dealer to
have new transmitters programmed.
Battery Replacement
The battery is not rechargeable.
To replace the battery:
1. Push the button on the transmitter to extend the key.
2. Remove the battery cover by prying with a finger.
3. Remove the old battery. 4. Insert the new battery, positive
side facing up. Replace with a
CR2032 or equivalent battery.
5. Snap the battery cover back on to the transmitter.
Remote Vehicle Start
The vehicle may have this feature
that allows you to start the engine
from outside the vehicle.
/(Remote Vehicle Start): This
button will be on the RKE
transmitter if the vehicle has remote
start.
The climate control will default to
the last used heating or cooling
mode. If the vehicle has heated
seats, they may come on during a
remote start. See Heated Front
Seats on page 3‑7 for more
information.
Laws in some local communities
may restrict the use of remote
starters. For example, some laws
require a person using remote start

Black plate (11,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2012
Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-11
Vehicle Security
This vehicle has theft-deterrent
features; however, they do not
make it impossible to steal.
Anti-theft Alarm System
This vehicle has an anti-theft alarm
system.
Arming the System
To arm the system, close all of the
windows and doors and then either:
.PressQon the RKE transmitter.
.Lock the vehicle using the key in
the driver door.
The alarm arms after about
30 seconds.
The security light, located in the
center of the instrument panel, will
flash slowly.
Press
Qagain and the system arms
immediately.
Disarming the System
To disarm the system pressKon
the RKE transmitter.
Turning off the System Alarm
If there is an attempt to open the
doors, trunk, liftgate, or hood
without first pressing
Kon the
transmitter or unlocking the driver
door with the key, the system alarm
will be activated. The exterior lamps
will flash and the horn will sound for
about 30 seconds.
To turn off the system alarm press
QorKon the RKE transmitter.
Immobilizer
See Radio Frequency Statement on
page 13‑15 for information
regarding Part 15 of the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC)
rules and Industry Canada
Standards RSS-GEN/210/220/310.
Immobilizer Operation
This vehicle has a passive
theft-deterrent system.
The system does not have to be
manually armed or disarmed.
The vehicle is automatically
immobilized when the key is
removed from the ignition.
The system is automatically
disarmed when the vehicle is
started with the correct key. The key
uses a transponder that matches an
immobilizer control unit in the
vehicle and automatically disarms
the system. Only an authorized key
starts the vehicle. The vehicle may
not start if the key is damaged.

Black plate (1,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2012
Instruments and Controls 5-1
Instruments and
Controls
Controls
Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . 5-2
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . 5-2
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . . 5-3
Rear Window Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
Cigarette Lighter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6
Ashtrays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6
Warning Lights, Gauges, and
Indicators
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9 Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Safety Belt Reminders . . . . . . . 5-10
Airbag Readiness Light . . . . . . 5-11
Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-12
Charging System Light . . . . . . 5-12
Malfunction Indicator Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-13
Service Vehicle Soon Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15
Owner Manual Indicator . . . . . 5-15
Code Set Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15
Brake System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-16
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-16
Up-Shift Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-17
Speed Sensitive Power Steering (SSPS) Warning
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-17
Traction Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-17
StabiliTrak
®OFF Light . . . . . . . 5-18
Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak
®Light . . . . 5-18 Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-18
Tire Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . 5-19
Engine Oil Pressure Light . . . . 5-19
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . 5-20
Immobilizer Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-20
Reduced Engine Power Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-21
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . 5-21
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) Indicator Light . . . . . . . 5-21
Front Fog Lamp Light . . . . . . . . 5-21
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . 5-22
Cruise Control Light . . . . . . . . . 5-22
Door Ajar Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-22
Information Displays
Driver Information Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-23
Vehicle Messages
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . 5-26
Vehicle Personalization
Vehicle Personalization . . . . . . 5-27

Black plate (2,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2012
5-2 Instruments and Controls
Controls
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.
Steering Wheel Controls
Some audio steering wheel controls
could differ depending on the
vehicle options. Some audio
controls can be adjusted at the
steering wheel.
b/g(Push to Talk): For vehicles
with Bluetooth or OnStar, press to
interact with those systems. See
Bluetooth (Overview) on page 7‑19
or Bluetooth (Infotainment Controls)
on page 7‑21 orBluetooth (Voice Recognition) on page 14‑1
or
OnStar Overview on page 14‑1 for
more information.
$/i(Mute/End Call): 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^(Source): Press to select
an audio source.
Toggle up or down to select the next
or previous favorite radio station or
CD/MP3 track.
+
x− (Volume): Press + or−to
increase or decrease the volume.
Horn
Pressaon the steering wheel pad
to sound the horn.

Black plate (29,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2012
Instruments and Controls 5-29
Delayed Door Lock
When on, this feature will delay
the locking of the doors until
five seconds after the last door is
closed. Three chimes will signal that
delayed locking is in use. Pressing
either
QorKon the RKE
transmitter twice will override the
delayed locking feature and
immediately lock all of the doors.
Press MENU/TUNE when Delayed
Door Lock is highlighted. Turn the
MENU/TUNE knob to select On or
Off. Press MENU/TUNE to confirm
and go back to the last menu.
Remote Lock, Unlock, Start
Select Remote Lock, Unlock, Start
and the following will be displayed:
.Remote Unlock Feedback
.Remote Lock Feedback
.Remote Door Unlock Remote Unlock Feedback
When on, the exterior lamps will
flash when unlocking the vehicle
with the RKE transmitter.
Press MENU/TUNE when Remote
Unlock Feedback is highlighted.
Turn the MENU/TUNE knob to
select On or Off. Press MENU/
TUNE to confirm and go back to
the last menu.
Remote Lock Feedback
This allows selection of what type of
feedback is given when locking the
vehicle with the RKE transmitter.
Press MENU/TUNE when Remote
Lock Feedback is highlighted. Turn
the MENU/TUNE knob to select
Lights and Horn, Lights Only, Horn
Only, or Off. Press MENU/TUNE to
confirm and go back to the
last menu.
Remote Door Unlock
This allows selection of which doors
will unlock when pressing
Kon the
RKE transmitter.
Press MENU/TUNE when Remote
Door Unlock is highlighted. Turn the
MENU/TUNE knob to select All
Doors or Driver Door Only. When
set to Driver Door Only, the driver
door will unlock the first time
Kis
pressed and all doors will unlock
when
Kis pressed a second time.
When set to All Doors, all of the
doors will unlock at the first press of
K. Press MENU/TUNE to confirm
and go back to the last menu.
Return to Factory Settings
Select Return to Factory Settings
to return all of the vehicle
personalization to the default
settings. Turn the MENU/TUNE
knob to select Yes or No. Press
MENU/TUNE to confirm and go
back to the last menu.

Black plate (36,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2012
10-36 Vehicle Care
Number Usage28 Heated Outside
Rearview Mirror
29 Not Used
30 Heated Front Seat
31 Fuel System
Control Module 1
(1.4L), Not
Used (1.8L)
32 Flex Fuel
33 Washer
34 Fuel Pump
Relay (1.8L)
35 Fuel Pump (1.8L)
36 Engine Control
Module/
Transmission
Control Module
37 Fuel System
Control Module 2
(1.4L), Not
Used (1.8L)
38 Not Used Number Usage
39 Cooling Fan K5
40 Cooling Fan K4
41 EVP
42 Engine Control
Module
43 Air Conditioning
Compressor Clutch
44 Transmission
Control Module
45 Engine Control
Module 1
46 Coil
47 Engine Control
Module 4
48 Engine Control
Module 3
49 Engine Control
Module 2
50 Injector
51 Powertrain Relay Number Usage
52 Horn
53 Cooling Fan K3
Relay (1.8L),
Cooling Fan K3
High Current
Relay (1.4L)
54 Start
55 Start Relay
56 Air Conditioning
Compressor Clutch
Relay
57 High‐Beam Relay
58 Front Fog Lamps
59 Left High Beam
60 Right High Beam
61 Cooling Fan K1
Relay
62 Cooling Fan K2
Relay (1.4L)