
Black plate (56,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2013 - 2nd PrintReady - 10/11/12
7-56 Infotainment System
2. Press the appropriate menu:
.picture file list: lists all
picture files.
.sort by title: shows pictures
in title order.
.sort by date: shows pictures
in date order.
.slide show time: allows
selection of the slide show
interval.
.clock/temp display: allows
selection of On or Off to
show the clock and
temperature on the full
screen.
.display setting: adjusts for
Brightness and Contrast.3. Press
4to exit.
Pictures and Movies
(Movie System)
The infotainment system can play
movie files stored on a USB device.
Movie System Information
Caution for Using Movie Files
.Available resolution: Within 720
x 576 (W x H) pixels.
.Frame rate: Less than 30 fps.
.Playable movie file: .avi, .mpg,
.mp4, .divx, .xvid, .wmv. The
playable movie file may not be
played according to the codec
format.
.Playable codec format: divx,
xvid, mpeg-1, mpeg-4 (mpg4,
mp42, mp43), wmv9 (wmv3).
.Playable Audio format: MP3,
AC3, AAC, WMA.
.Max video bitrate:
‐
mpeg-1: 8Mbps ‐
mpeg-4 (mpg4, mp42, mp43):
4Mbps
‐ wmv9: 3 Mbps
‐ divx 3: 3 Mbps
‐ divx 4/5/6: 4.8 Mbps
‐ xvid: 4.5 Mbps
.Max audio bitrate:
‐mp3: 320 Kbps
‐ wma: 320 Kbps
‐ ac-3: 640 Kbps
‐ aac: 449 Kbps
.Movie files to which Digital Right
Management (DRM) is applied
may not be played.
Playing a Movie File
1. Connect the USB device to the USB port.
2. Press the screen to open to full screen. Press the screen again
to return to the previous screen.

Black plate (57,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2013 - 2nd PrintReady - 10/11/12
Infotainment System 7-57
If the USB device is already
connected:
1. Press
D.
2. Press
Gpicture & movie.
3. Press Source
R.
4. Press USB movie.
Movie is not available while driving.
Viewing a Slide Show
From the picture screen, press
z.
.The slide show will start to play.
.Press the screen to cancel the
slide show during the slide show
playback.
.The last played audio source will
play as background music
during the slide show playback.
Pause
.Pressjto pause.
.Pressrto resume. Changing to Next/Previous Movie
.Pressuto change to the
next file.
.Presstwithin five seconds of
the playback time to play the
previous file.
Returning to the Beginning of the
Current Movie
Press
tafter five seconds of the
playback time.
Scanning Forward or Backward
Press and hold
toruduring
playback to rewind or fast forward.
Release the button to resume
playback at normal speed.
Viewing Full Screen
Press
tfrom the movie screen.
Press
tagain to return to the
previous screen.
Using the USB Movie Menu
1. Press MENU from the movie screen.
2. Press the appropriate menu:
.movie file list: lists all movie
files.
.clock/temp display: allows
selection of On or Off to
show the clock and
temperature on the full
screen.
.display settings: adjusts for
Brightness and Contrast.
.tone settings: shows the
sound setup. See “Tone
Settings” under“Radio
Controls with Touchscreen”
in Operation on page 7‑8.
3. Press
4to exit.

Black plate (59,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2013 - 2nd PrintReady - 10/11/12
Infotainment System 7-59
Fees and Taxes: Subscription fee,
taxes, one time activation fee, and
other fees may apply. Subscription
fee is consumer only. All fees and
programming subject to change.
Subscriptions subject to Customer
Agreement available at
www.siriusxm.com. SiriusXM
®
service only available in the
48 contiguous United States and
Canada.
In Canada: Some deterioration of
service may occur in extreme
northern latitudes. This is beyond
the control of SiriusXM
®Satellite
Radio. Explicit Language Notice: Channels
with frequent explicit language are
indicated with an
“XL”preceding the
channel name. Channel blocking is
available for SiriusXM Satellite
Radio receivers by notifying
SiriusXM:
.USA: 866-635-2349 or see
www.siriusxm.com.
.Canada: 877-209-0079 or see
www.xmradio.ca.
It is prohibited to copy, decompile,
disassemble, reverse engineer,
hack, manipulate, or otherwise
make available any technology or
software incorporated in receivers
compatible with the SiriusXM
Satellite Radio System or that
support the SiriusXM website, the
Online Service or any of its content.
Furthermore, the AMBER voice
compression software included in
this product is protected by
intellectual property rights including
patent rights, copyrights, and trade
secrets of Digital Voice
Systems, Inc. General Requirements:
1. A License Agreement from
SiriusXM is required for any
product that incorporates
SiriusXM Technology and/or for
use of any of the SiriusXM
marks to be manufactured,
distributed, or marketed in the
SiriusXM Service Area.
2. For products to be distributed, marketed, and/or sold in
Canada, a separate agreement
is required with Canadian
Satellite Radio Inc. (operating as
XM Canada).
FreeType 2
Portions of this software are
copyright
®2007-2012 The
FreeType Project
(www.freetype.org). All rights
reserved.
Libjpeg
The navigation software is based in
part on the work of the independent
JPEG Group.

Black plate (1,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2013 - 2nd PrintReady - 10/11/12
Climate Controls 8-1
Climate Controls
Climate Control Systems
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . 8-1
Air Vents
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3
Maintenance
Air Intake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4
Passenger Compartment AirFilter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4
Climate Control
Systems
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
1. Temperature Control
2. Fan Control
3. Air Delivery Mode Control
4. Driver and Passenger Heated Seats 5. Air Conditioning
6. Rear Window Defogger
7. Recirculation
Climate Control System with
Heater Only
1. Temperature Control
2. Fan Control
3. Air Delivery Mode Control
4. Rear Window Defogger
Temperature Control: Turn
clockwise or counterclockwise to
increase or decrease the
temperature.

Black plate (2,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2013 - 2nd PrintReady - 10/11/12
8-2 Climate Controls
A(Fan Control):Turn clockwise
or counterclockwise to increase or
decrease the fan speed. Turning the
fan control to 0 turns the fan off. The
fan must be turned on to run the air
conditioning compressor.
Air Delivery Mode Control: Turn
clockwise or counterclockwise to
change the current airflow mode.
Select from the following air delivery
modes:
Y(Vent): Air is directed to the
instrument panel outlets.
\(Bi-Level): Air is divided
between the instrument panel and
floor outlets.
[(Floor): Air is directed to the
floor outlets, with some air directed
to the rear outlets.
W(Defog): This mode clears the
windows of fog or moisture. Air is
directed to the floor, windshield, and
side window outlets.
1(Defrost): This mode clears the
windshield of fog or frost more
quickly. Air is directed to the
windshield and side window outlets.
Do not drive the vehicle until all
windows are clear.
In defrost or defog mode, excessive
air conditioning use can cause the
windows to fog. If this happens,
change the air delivery mode to
Y
and reduce the fan speed.
#(Air Conditioning): For
vehicles with air conditioning, follow
these steps to use the system. Turn
Ato the desired speed. The air
conditioning does not operate when
the fan control knob is in the off
position. Press
#to turn the air
conditioning on and off. When
#is
pressed, an indicator light comes on
to show that the air conditioning
is on. For quick cool down on hot days, do
the following:
1. Open the windows to let hot air
escape.
2. Press
M.
3. Press
#.
4. Select the coolest temperature.
5. Select the highest
Aspeed.
Using these settings together for
long periods of time may cause the
air inside the vehicle to become too
dry. To prevent this from happening,
after the air in the vehicle has
cooled, turn the recirculation
mode off.
M(Recirculation): This mode
recirculates and helps to quickly
cool the air inside the vehicle. It can
be used to prevent outside air and
odors from entering the vehicle.

Black plate (3,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2013 - 2nd PrintReady - 10/11/12
Climate Controls 8-3
Press the button to turn the
recirculation mode on. An indicator
light comes on to show that the
recirculation is on. Press the button
again to return to outside air mode.
Using the recirculation mode for
extended periods may cause the
windows to fog. If this happens,
select the defrost mode.
M/L(Heated Seats, If
Equipped): Press to heat the driver
or passenger seat. See Heated
Front Seats on page 3‑6.
Rear Window and Outside
Mirror Defogger
1(Rear Window Defogger):
Press to turn the rear window and
outside mirror defogger on or off. An
indicator light comes on to show
that the feature is on.
The rear window defogger turns off
after about 10 minutes. It can also
be turned off by pressing
1again
or by turning the ignition to ACC/ ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF.
If turned on again it runs for about
five minutes before turning off.
For vehicles with heated outside
rearview mirrors, they turn on with
the rear window defogger and help
to clear fog or frost from the surface
of the mirror. See
Heated Mirrors on
page 2‑13.
Notice: Do not use anything
sharp on the inside of the rear
window. If you do, you could cut
or damage the warming grid, and
the repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Do not
attach a temporary vehicle
license, tape, a decal, or anything
similar to the defogger grid.
Air Vents
Use the air vents located in the
center and on the side of the
instrument panel to direct the
airflow. Move the slats on the center
air vents to direct airflow.
Turn the knobs on the side air vents
counterclockwise or clockwise to
open or close off the airflow.
Operation Tips
.Clear away any ice, snow,
or leaves from the air inlets at
the base of the windshield that
may block the flow of air into the
vehicle.
.Use of non-GM approved hood
deflectors may adversely affect
the performance of the system.
.Keep the path under the front
seats clear of objects to help
circulate the air inside the
vehicle more effectively.

Black plate (4,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2013 - 2nd PrintReady - 10/11/12
8-4 Climate Controls
Maintenance
Air Intake
Clear away any ice, snow, or leaves
from the air intake at the base of the
windshield that can block the flow of
air into the vehicle.
Passenger Compartment
Air Filter
The filter removes dust, pollen, and
other airborne irritants from outside
air that is pulled into the vehicle.
The filter should be replaced as part
of routine scheduled maintenance.
SeeMaintenance Schedule on
page 11‑2. To find out what type of
filter to use, see Maintenance
Replacement Parts on page 11‑14.1. Open the glove box completely and pull it to remove.
2. Remove the filter cover by unscrewing both sides of the
cover.3. Install the new air filter.
4. Reinstall the air filter cover andglove box in reverse order.
See your dealer if additional
assistance is needed.

Black plate (1,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2013 - 2nd PrintReady - 10/11/12
Driving and Operating 9-1
Driving and
Operating
Driving Information
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Drunk Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . 9-5
Highway Hypnosis . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-6
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . 9-6
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-7
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . . 9-8
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 9-9
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . 9-13
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-14
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . 9-16
Engine Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-17
Retained AccessoryPower (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-18 Shifting Into Park (Automatic
Transmission) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-18
Shifting out of Park (Automatic Transmission) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-19
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-20
Parking over Things
That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-20
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-20
Running the Vehicle WhileParked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-21
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . 9-21
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-23
Manual Transmission
Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . 9-24
Brakes
Antilock BrakeSystem (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-25
Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-26
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-27
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . 9-27
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control System (TCS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-28
StabiliTrak
®System . . . . . . . . . 9-29
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-31
Fuel
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-33
Recommended Fuel . . . . . . . . . 9-33
Gasoline Specifications . . . . . . 9-34
California Fuel Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-34
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . 9-34
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-35
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-36
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-37
Towing
General TowingInformation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-37
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On ElectricalEquipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-38