
Black plate (10,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2013 - 2nd PrintReady - 10/11/12
5-10 Instruments and Controls
Here are four things that some
owners ask about. None of these
show a problem with the fuel gauge:
.At the service station, the gas
pump shuts off before the gauge
reads full.
.It takes a little more or less fuel
to fill up than the gauge
indicated. For example, the
gauge may have indicated the
tank was half full, but it actually
took a little more or less than
half the tank's capacity to fill
the tank.
.The indicator moves a little when
turning a corner or speeding up.
.The gauge goes back to empty
when the ignition is turned off.
Safety Belt Reminders
Driver Safety Belt Reminder
Light
There is a driver safety belt
reminder light on the instrument
cluster.
When the vehicle is started, this
light flashes and a chime may come
on to remind the driver to fasten
their safety belt. Then the light stays
on solid until the belt is buckled.
This cycle may continue several
times if the driver remains or
becomes unbuckled while the
vehicle is moving.
If the driver safety belt is buckled,
neither the chime nor the light
comes on.
Passenger Safety Belt
Reminder Light
There is a passenger safety belt
reminder light near the passenger
airbag status indicator. See
Passenger Sensing System on
page 3‑24.
When the vehicle is started, this
light flashes and a chime may come
on to remind passengers to fasten
their safety belt. Then the light stays
on solid until the belt is buckled.
This cycle continues several times if
the passenger remains or becomes
unbuckled while the vehicle is
moving.
If the passenger safety belt is
buckled, neither the chime nor the
light comes on.
The front passenger safety belt
warning light and chime may turn on
if an object is put on the seat such
as a briefcase, handbag, grocery
bag, laptop, or other electronic
device. To turn off the warning light
and/or chime, remove the object
from the seat or buckle the
safety belt.

Black plate (33,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2013 - 2nd PrintReady - 10/11/12
Driving and Operating 9-33
Ending Cruise Control
There are three ways to end cruise
control:
.To disengage cruise control,
step lightly on the brake pedal or
clutch for manual transmission.
.Press*on the steering wheel.
.To turn off cruise control, press1on the steering wheel.
Erasing Speed Memory
The cruise control set speed is
erased from memory if the
1button
is pressed or if the ignition is
turned off.
Fuel
Use of the recommended fuel is an
important part of the proper
maintenance of this vehicle. To help
keep the engine clean and maintain
optimum vehicle performance, we
recommend the use of gasoline
advertised as TOP TIER Detergent
Gasoline.
Look for the TOP TIER label on the
fuel pump to ensure gasoline meets
enhanced detergency standards
developed by auto companies. A list
of marketers providing TOP TIER
Detergent Gasoline can be found at
www.toptiergas.com. TOP TIER
gasoline is only available in the U.S.
and Canada.
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,
commonly referred to as spark
knock, might be heard when driving.
If this occurs, use a gasoline rated
at 87 octane or higher as soon as
possible. If heavy knocking is heard
when using gasoline rated at
87 octane or higher, the engine
needs service.

Black plate (35,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2013 - 2nd PrintReady - 10/11/12
Driving and Operating 9-35
caused by use of improper fuel
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Fuel Additives
To provide cleaner air, all gasolines
in the United States are now
required to contain additives that
help prevent engine and fuel system
deposits from forming, allowing the
emission control system to work
properly. In most cases, nothing
should have to be added to the fuel.
However, some gasolines contain
only the minimum amount of
additive required to meet U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency
regulations. To help keep fuel
injectors and intake valves clean
and avoid problems due to dirty
injectors or valves, look for gasoline
that is advertised as TOP TIER
Detergent Gasoline. Look for the
TOP TIER label on the fuel pump to
ensure gasoline meets enhanced
detergency standards developed by
the auto companies. A list ofmarketers providing TOP TIER
Detergent Gasoline can be found at
www.toptiergas.com.
For customers who do not use TOP
TIER Detergent Gasoline regularly,
one bottle of Fuel System Treatment
PLUS, part number 88861013,
added to the fuel tank at every
engine oil change, can help clean
deposits from fuel injectors and
intake valves. GM Fuel System
Treatment PLUS is the only
gasoline additive recommended by
General Motors. It is available at
your dealer.
Gasolines containing oxygenates,
such as ethers and ethanol, and
reformulated gasolines might be
available in your area. We
recommend that you use these
gasolines, if they comply with the
specifications described earlier.
However, E85 (85% ethanol) and
other fuels containing more than
15% ethanol must not be used in
vehicles that were not designed for
those fuels.Notice:
This vehicle was not
designed for fuel that contains
methanol. 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); ask the attendant
where you buy gasoline whether the
fuel contains MMT. We recommend
against the use of such gasolines.
Fuels containing MMT can reduce
spark plug life and affect emission
control system performance. The
malfunction indicator lamp might
turn on. If this occurs, return to your
dealer for service.

Black plate (36,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2013 - 2nd PrintReady - 10/11/12
9-36 Driving and Operating
Filling the Tank
{WARNING
Fuel vapors and fuel fires burn
violently and can cause injury or
death.
.To help avoid injuries to you
and others, read and follow
all the instructions on the fuel
pump island.
.Turn off the engine when
refueling.
.Keep sparks, flames, and
smoking materials away
from fuel.
.Do not leave the fuel pump
unattended.
.Do not reenter the vehicle
while pumping fuel.
.Keep children away from the
fuel pump and never let
children pump fuel.(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
.Fuel can spray out if the fuel
cap is opened too quickly.
This spray can happen if the
tank is nearly full, and is
more likely in hot weather.
Open the fuel cap slowly and
wait for any hiss noise to stop
then unscrew the cap all
the way
The tethered fuel cap is located
behind a hinged fuel door on the
passenger side of the vehicle.
To remove the fuel cap, turn it
slowly counterclockwise. The fuel
cap has a spring in it; if the cap is
released too soon, it will spring back
to the right.
Be careful not to spill fuel. Do not
top off or overfill the tank. Wait a
few seconds after you have finished
pumping before removing the
nozzle. Clean fuel from painted surfaces as soon as possible. See
“Washing the Vehicle”
inExterior
Care on page 10‑80.
When replacing the fuel cap, turn it
clockwise until it clicks. Make sure
the cap is fully installed. The
diagnostic system can determine if
the fuel cap has been left off or
improperly installed. This would
allow fuel to evaporate into the
atmosphere. See Malfunction
Indicator Lamp on page 5‑12.
{WARNING
If a fire starts while you are
refueling, do not remove the
nozzle. Shut off the flow of fuel by
shutting off the pump or by
notifying the station attendant.
Leave the area immediately.
Notice: If a new fuel cap is
needed, be sure to get the right
type of cap from your dealer. The
wrong type of fuel cap might not
fit properly, might cause the

Black plate (37,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2013 - 2nd PrintReady - 10/11/12
Driving and Operating 9-37
malfunction indicator lamp to
light, and could damage the fuel
tank and emissions system. See
Malfunction Indicator Lamp on
page 5‑12.
Filling a Portable Fuel
Container
{WARNING
Filling a portable fuel container
while it is in the vehicle can cause
fuel vapors that can ignite either
by static electricity or other
means. You or others could be
badly burned and the vehicle
could be damaged. Always:
.Use approved fuel
containers.
.Remove the container from
the vehicle, trunk, or pickup
bed before filling.
.Place the container on the
ground.(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
.Place the nozzle inside the fill
opening of the container
before dispensing fuel, and
keep it in contact with the fill
opening until filling is
complete.
.Fill the container no more
than 95% full to allow for
expansion.
.Do not smoke, light matches,
or use lighters while
pumping fuel.
.Avoid using cell phones or
other electronic devices.
Towing
General Towing
Information
The vehicle is neither designed nor
intended to tow a trailer.

Black plate (34,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2013 - 2nd PrintReady - 10/11/12
10-34 Vehicle Care
Mini Fuses Usage1 Antilock Brake System Valve
2 Sunroof
4 Rear Wiper
5 Regulated Voltage Control
6 Antilock Brake System Fluid
7 Automatic Occupant
Sensing/ROS
8 Outside Rearview Mirror
10 Rear Window Defogger
12 Heated Outside Rearview Mirror
13 Heated Front Seat
14 Fuel System Control Module 1
15 Flex Fuel Mini Fuses Usage
16 Washer
17 Fuel Pump (1.8L)
18 Engine Control Module 5
19 Fuel System Control Module 2/
Leveling
20 Transmission Control Module 1
21 Engine Control Module 1
22 Coil
23 Engine Control Module 4
24 Engine Control Module 3
25 Engine Control Module 2
26 Injector/ Ignition Coil Mini Fuses Usage
27 Engine Control Module
28 Air Conditioning Compressor Clutch
29 Transmission Control Module
30 Horn
31 Front Fog Lamps
32 Left High Beam
33 Right High Beam
SPARE Spare
J-Case Fuses Usage
1 Antilock Brake System Pump
2 Front Wiper
3 Blower
4 Run/Crank IEC
6 Cooling Fan K5

Black plate (35,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2013 - 2nd PrintReady - 10/11/12
Vehicle Care 10-35
J-CaseFuses Usage
7 Cooling Fan K4
8 EVP
9 Start
Relays Usage RLY 1 Front Wiper Control Relay
RLY 2 Front Wiper Speed Relay
RLY 3 Rear Window Defogger Relay
RLY 4 Run/Crank Relay
RLY 6 Fuel Pump Relay (1.8L)
RLY 7 Cooling Fan K2 Relay (1.4L)
RLY 8 Cooling Fan K3 Relay (1.8L),
Cooling Fan K3
High Current
Relay (1.4L) Relays Usage
RLY 9 Powertrain Relay
RLY 10 Start High Current Relay
RLY 11 Air Conditioning Compressor Clutch
Relay
RLY 12 High-Beam Relay
RLY 13 Cooling Fan K1 Relay LWE Engine

Black plate (36,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2013 - 2nd PrintReady - 10/11/12
10-36 Vehicle Care
The vehicle may not be equipped
with all of the fuses, relays, and
features shown.Mini Fuses Usage
1 Antilock Brake System Valve
2 Sunroof
5 Outside Rearview Mirror
6 AOS/ROS
7 ABS Oil
8 Regulated Voltage Control
9 Rear Wiper
10 Not Used/IBS* 11 Rear Window Defogger
13 Not Used/SAI Valve*
14 Heated Outside Rearview Mirror
15 Heated Seat Front Mini Fuses Usage
16 Fuel System Control Module 1
17 Canister Vent
18 Washer
19 Fuel Pump*
20 Engine Control Module 5
21 Fuel System Control Module 2/
Leveling
22 Transmission Control Module 1/
DC-DC Converter
23 Auxiliary Water Pump Power
24 Engine Control Module 1
25 Coil
26 Engine Control Module 4 Mini Fuses Usage
27 Engine Control Module 3
28 Engine Control Module 2
29 Injector/ Ignition Coil
30 Engine Control Module
31 Air Conditioning Compressor Clutch
32 Transmission Control Module
33 Horn
34 Front Fog Lamps
35 Left High Beam
36 Right High Beam
J-Case Fuses Usage
1 Front Wiper