
Black plate (51,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-6081473) -
2014 - 2nd Edition - 8/19/13
Infotainment System 7-51
.Only USB storage devices
formatted in FAT16/32, exFAT
file system are recognized.
NTFS and other file systems are
not recognized.
.The time it takes to process files
will depend on the USB storage
device type and capacity, and
the type of files stored.
.Some USB storage device files
may not be compatible.
.Up to two USB devices and one
iPod can be played through a
USB hub. All devices may not be
supported, depending on the
performance of the USB hub.
If there is not enough power
supply, it may not operate
normally.
.Do not disconnect the USB
storage device while it is playing.
This may cause damage to the
product or affect the
performance of the USB device.
.Disconnect the USB storage
device when the ignition is
turned off. If the ignition is turnedon while the USB device is
connected, the USB device may
be damaged or may not operate
normally.
.USB storage devices can only
be connected for playing music/
movies, viewing photo files,
or upgrading.
.Do not use the USB terminal to
charge USB accessory
equipment. The heat generated
may cause performance issues
or damage.
.Store files in the top-level drive
of the USB storage device.
When the logical drive is
separated from the device, only
the USB music files from the
top-level logical drive can be
played. Music files stored on
USB storage devices may not
play normally if an application is
loaded by partitioning a separate
drive.
.Music files to which Digital Right
Management (DRM) is applied
cannot be played.
.USB storage device capacity
limit is 2,500 music files,
2,500 photo files, 250 movie
files, 2,500 folders, and
10 stages of folder structure.
The iPod/iPhone can play all
music files supported, but will
only display up to 2,500 files on
the screen in alphabetical order.
.Some iPod/iPhone product
models may not support the
connectivity or functionality of
this product.
.Only connect the iPod/iPhone
with connection cables
supported by iPod/iPhone
products. Other connection
cables cannot be used.
.The iPod/iPhone may be
damaged if it is connected to the
vehicle with the ignition on.
When not in use, disconnect the
iPod/iPhone.

Black plate (53,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-6081473) -
2014 - 2nd Edition - 8/19/13
Infotainment System 7-53
.Pressgwithin five seconds of
the playback time to play the
previous file.
Returning to the Beginning of the
Current File
Press
gafter five seconds of the
playback time.
Scanning Forward or Backward
Press and hold
gorlduring
playback to rewind or fast forward.
Release the button to resume
playback at normal speed.
Playing a File Repeatedly
Press
vduring playback.
.1: Plays the current file
repeatedly.
.ALL: Plays all files repeatedly.
.OFF: Returns to normal
playback.
Playing a File Randomly
Press
uduring playback.
.NO: Plays all files randomly.
.OFF: Returns to normal
playback.
Viewing Information on the
Currently Playing File
Press the title during playback to
display information about the current
file playing.
.The information displayed
includes the title, file name,
folder name, and artist/album
saved with the song.
.Incorrect information cannot be
modified or corrected on the
infotainment system.
.The information for songs
expressed in special symbols or
in unavailable languages may be
displayed as “
u.”
Using the USB Music Menu
.Press MENU during playback.
.Press the play mode.
Tone Settings
1. Press
R.
2. Press tone settings. The Tone Settings menu is displayed. See
“Tone Settings” under“Radio
Controls with Touchscreen” in
Operation on page 7-8.
iPod/iPhone Player
This feature is limited to models
supporting the iPod/iPhone
connection.
Playing Music Files
.Connect the iPod/iPhone to the
USB port.

Black plate (55,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-6081473) -
2014 - 2nd Edition - 8/19/13
Infotainment System 7-55
.Incorrect information cannot be
modified or corrected on the
infotainment system.
.The information for songs
expressed in special symbols or
in unavailable languages may be
displayed as“
u.”
Using the iPod Menu
.Press MENU during playback.
.Press the appropriate
play mode.
Tone Settings
1. Press
Ron the iPod menu. 2. Press tone settings. The tone
settings menu is displayed. See
“Tone Settings” under“Radio
Controls with Touchscreen” in
Operation on page 7-8.
Pictures and Movies
(Picture System)
The infotainment system can view
picture files stored on a USB device.
Picture System Information
Caution for Using Picture Files
.File size:
‐ JPG: Within 64 to 5,000 pixels
(Width) and 64 to 5,000 pixels
(Height).
‐ BMP, PNG, GIF: Within 64 to
1,024 pixels (Width) and 64 to
1,024 pixels (Height).
.File extensions: .jpg, .bmp, .png,
.gif. Animated .gif files are not
supported.
.Some files may not operate due
to a different recording format or
the condition of the file.
Viewing Pictures
1. Connect the USB device to the USB port.
2. Press the screen to open to fullscreen. Press the screen again
to return to the previous screen.
If the USB device is already
connected:
1. Press
D.
2. Press
Gpicture & movie.
3. Press Source
R.
4. Press USB picture.

Black plate (2,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-6081473) -
2014 - 2nd Edition - 8/19/13
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): If equipped
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 (1,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-6081473) -
2014 - 2nd Edition - 8/19/13
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 . . . . . . . . . . 9-15
Engine Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-17
Retained AccessoryPower (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-17 Shifting Into Park (Automatic
Transmission) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-18
Shifting out of Park (Automatic Transmission) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-19
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-19
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/Electronic Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-28
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-30
Driver Assistance Systems
Forward Collision Alert (FCA)System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-32
Rear Vision Camera (RVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-34
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-36
Fuel
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-38
Recommended Fuel . . . . . . . . . 9-38
Gasoline Specifications . . . . . . 9-39
California FuelRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-39
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . 9-39
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-40
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-40
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-41
Trailer Towing
General TowingInformation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-42
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On ElectricalEquipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-42

Black plate (22,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-6081473) -
2014 - 2nd Edition - 8/19/13
9-22 Driving and Operating
ease pressure on the shift lever and
push the shift lever all the way into
P (Park) as you maintain brake
application. Then move the shift
lever into another gear. SeeShifting
out of Park (Automatic
Transmission) on page 9-19.
R (Reverse): Use this gear to
back up.
{Caution
Shifting to R (Reverse) while the
vehicle is moving forward could
damage the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Shift to
R (Reverse) only after the vehicle
is stopped.
To rock the vehicle back and forth to
get out of snow, ice, or sand without
damaging the transmission, see If
the Vehicle Is Stuck on page 9-8.
N (Neutral): In this position, the
engine does not connect with the
wheels. To restart the engine when the vehicle is already moving, use
N (Neutral) only. Also, use
N (Neutral) when the vehicle is
being towed.
{Warning
Shifting into a drive gear while the
engine is running at high speed is
dangerous. Unless your foot is
firmly on the brake pedal, the
vehicle could move very rapidly.
You could lose control and hit
people or objects. Do not shift
into a drive gear while the engine
is running at high speed.
{Caution
Shifting out of P (Park) or
N (Neutral) with the engine
running at high speed may
damage the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
the vehicle warranty. Be sure the
engine is not running at high
speed when shifting the vehicle.
D (Drive): This position is for
normal driving. It provides the best
fuel economy. If you need more
power for passing, and you are:
.Going less than 56 km/h
(35 mph), push the accelerator
pedal about halfway down.
.Going about 56 km/h (35 mph) or
more, push the accelerator all
the way down.
M (Manual Mode): This position,
allows you to change gears similar
to a manual transmission. If the
vehicle has this feature, see
“Manual Mode” following.

Black plate (46,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-6081473) -
2014 - 2nd Edition - 8/19/13
10-46 Vehicle Care
GAWR FRT:Gross Axle Weight
Rating for the front axle. See
Vehicle Load Limits on
page 9-9.
GAWR RR
:Gross Axle Weight
Rating for the rear axle. See
Vehicle Load Limits on
page 9-9.
Intended Outboard Sidewall
:
The side of an asymmetrical tire
that must always face outward
when mounted on a vehicle.
Kilopascal (kPa)
:The metric
unit for air pressure.
Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire
:A
tire used on light duty trucks and
some multipurpose passenger
vehicles.
Load Index
:An assigned
number ranging from 1 to 279
that corresponds to the load
carrying capacity of a tire. Maximum Inflation Pressure
:
The maximum air pressure to
which a cold tire can be inflated.
The maximum air pressure is
molded onto the sidewall.
Maximum Load Rating
:The
load rating for a tire at the
maximum permissible inflation
pressure for that tire.
Maximum Loaded Vehicle
Weight
:The sum of curb
weight, accessory weight,
vehicle capacity weight, and
production options weight.
Normal Occupant Weight
:The
number of occupants a vehicle
is designed to seat multiplied by
68 kg (150 lb). See Vehicle Load
Limits on page 9-9.
Occupant Distribution
:
Designated seating positions.
Outward Facing Sidewall
:The
side of an asymmetrical tire that
has a particular side that faces outward when mounted on a
vehicle. The side of the tire that
contains a whitewall, bears
white lettering, or bears
manufacturer, brand, and/or
model name molding that is
higher or deeper than the same
moldings on the other sidewall
of the tire.
Passenger (P-Metric) Tire
:A
tire used on passenger cars and
some light duty trucks and
multipurpose vehicles.
Recommended Inflation
Pressure
:Vehicle
manufacturer's recommended
tire inflation pressure as shown
on the tire placard. See Tire
Pressure on page 10-47 and
Vehicle Load Limits on
page 9-9.

Black plate (78,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-6081473) -
2014 - 2nd Edition - 8/19/13
10-78 Vehicle Care
To tow the vehicle behind another
vehicle for recreational purposes,
such as behind a motor home, see
“Recreational Vehicle Towing”
following.
Recreational Vehicle
Towing
Recreational vehicle towing means
towing the vehicle behind another
vehicle, such as a motor home. The
two most common types of
recreational vehicle towing are
known as dinghy towing and dolly
towing. Dinghy towing is towing the
vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground. Dolly towing is towing the
vehicle with two wheels on the
ground and two wheels up on a
device known as a dolly.Here are some important things to
consider before recreational vehicle
towing:
.What is the towing capacity of
the towing vehicle? Be sure to
read the tow vehicle
manufacturer's
recommendations.
.What is the distance that will be
traveled? Some vehicles have
restrictions on how far and how
long they can tow.
.Is the proper towing equipment
going to be used? See your
dealer or trailering professional
for additional advice and
equipment recommendations.
.Is the vehicle ready to be
towed? Just as preparing the
vehicle for a long trip, make sure
the vehicle is prepared to be
towed.
Dinghy Towing RS Model with
Automatic Transmission
{Caution
If the vehicle is towed with all four
wheels on the ground, the
drivetrain components could be
damaged. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Do not tow the vehicle
with all four wheels on the
ground.