
Black plate (13,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7707487) -
2015 - crc - 10/31/14
Instruments and Controls 5-13
as a system check. Then, after
several seconds, the status
indicator will light either ON or OFF,
or the on or off symbol to let you
know the status of the front
outboard passenger frontal airbag
and knee airbag.
If the word ON or the on symbol is
lit on the passenger airbag status
indicator, it means that the front
outboard passenger frontal airbag
and knee airbag are allowed to
inflate.
If the word OFF or the off symbol is
lit on the passenger airbag status
indicator, it means that the
passenger sensing system has
turned off the front outboard
passenger frontal airbag and knee
airbag.
If, after several seconds, both status
indicator lights remain on, or if there
are no lights at all, there may be a
problem with the lights or the
passenger sensing system. See
your dealer for service.{Warning
If the airbag readiness light ever
comes on and stays on, it means
that something may be wrong
with the airbag system. To help
avoid injury to yourself or others,
have the vehicle serviced right
away. SeeAirbag Readiness
Light on page 5-12 for more
information, including important
safety information.
Charging System Light
This light will come on briefly when
the ignition is turned on, and the
engine is not running, as a check to
show it is working. It should go out when the engine is
started. If it stays on, or comes on
while driving, there may be a
problem with the electrical charging
system. Have it checked by your
dealer. Driving while this light is on
could drain the battery. If a short
distance must be driven with the
light on, turn off all accessories,
such as the radio and air
conditioner, to help reduce the drain
on the battery.
Malfunction
Indicator Lamp
A computer system called OBD II
(On-Board Diagnostics-Second
Generation) monitors the operation
of the vehicle to ensure emissions
are at acceptable levels, helping to
maintain a clean environment. The
malfunction indicator lamp comes
on when the vehicle is placed in
ON/RUN, as a check to show it is
working. If it does not, have the
vehicle serviced by your dealer. See
Ignition Positions on page 9-13
for
more information.

Black plate (20,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7707487) -
2015 - crc - 10/31/14
7-20 Infotainment System
.Turn the Push/MENU/
TUNE knob.
Using the CD Menu:
1. Turn the Push/MENU/ TUNE knob.
2. Select Tracks List.
3. Select the track.
Playing Tracks in Random Order
Turn the Push/MENU/TUNE knob
and set Shuffle Songs to On.
Fast Forward and Rewind
Press and hold SEEK
¨or©SEEK
to fast forward or rewind within the
current track.
Selecting an MP3 Track
Using the control buttons:
.Press SEEK¨or©SEEK to
select the next or previous track.
.Turn the Push/MENU/
TUNE knob. Using the CD Menu:
1. Turn the Push/MENU/
TUNE knob.
2. Select Playlists/Folders.
3. Select the playlist or folder.
4. Select the track.
Searching for MP3 Tracks
The search feature may take some
time to display the information after
reading the disc due to the amount
of information stored on the disc.
FM automatically plays while the
disc is being read.
Tracks can be searched by:
.Playlists
.Artists
.Albums
.Song Titles
.Genres
.Folder View To search for tracks:
1. Turn the Push/MENU/
TUNE knob.
2. Select Search.
3. Select: Playlists, Artists, Albums, Song Titles, Genres,
or Folder View.
4. Select the track.
USB Port
The USB port, if equipped, is in the
storage area to the right of the
infotainment system. See Overview
(Radio with Touchscreen) on
page 7-7 orOverview (AM-FM
Radio) on page 7-3 orOverview
(Radio with CD/USB) on page 7-5.
Portable devices are controlled by
using the menu system described in
Operation on page 7-8.

Black plate (23,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7707487) -
2015 - crc - 10/31/14
Infotainment System 7-23
USB Support
USB Supported Devices
.USB Flash Drives
.Devices that support Media
Transfer Protocol (MTP)
.Portable USB Hard Drives
.2G-5G iPod nano®
.1G-3G iPod touch®
.120GB/160GB iPod classic®
.3G/3GS/4/4S iPhone®
Not all iPods and USB drives are
compatible with the USB port.
Make sure the iPod has the latest
firmware from Apple
®for proper
operation. iPod firmware can be
updated using the latest iTunes
®
application. See www.apple.com/
itunes.
For help with identifying your iPod,
go to www.apple.com/support. The USB port can play both lower
and upper case .mp3, .wma, .ogg,
and .wav files stored on a USB
storage device.
USB Supported File and Folder
Structure
The Infotainment system supports:
.Up to 2,500 folders.
.Up to 10 folders in depth.
.Up to 2,500 music files.
.Up to 2,500 photo files.
.Up to 250 movie files.
.ID3 Tag (versions 1.0/1.1/2.2/
2.3/2.4).
.FAT16.
.FAT32.
.exFAT.
Connecting a USB Storage
Device or iPod/iPhone
To connect a USB storage device,
connect the device to the USB port.To connect an iPod/iPhone, connect
one end of the device’
s cable to the
iPod/iPhone and the other end to
the USB port.
The iPod/iPhone charges while it is
connected to the vehicle if the
vehicle is in the ACC/ACCESSORY
or ON/RUN position. When the
vehicle is turned off, the iPod/
iPhone automatically powers off and
will not charge or draw power from
the vehicle's battery.
For more information on USB
usage, see “Audio System” in
Pictures and Movies (Audio System)
on page 7-50 orPictures and
Movies (Picture System) on
page 7-55 orPictures and Movies
(Movie System) on page 7-56.
Connecting a MTP USB Device
To connect a USB device, connect
the device to the USB port.
Once the infotainment system
finishes reading the information on
the device it will be automatically
played.

Black plate (24,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7707487) -
2015 - crc - 10/31/14
7-24 Infotainment System
If a non-readable device that
support MTP is connected, then an
error message will appear and the
infotainment system will be
automatically switched to the
previous audio function.
All files may not play. File loading
may take a few minutes. A MTP
device that has external memory
may be recognized as USB1/USB2.
Auxiliary Devices
The optional AUX input allows
portable devices to connect to the
vehicle using the 3.5 mm (1/8 in)
input jack. If equipped with a
touchscreen radio, the AUX input
jack is in the storage area to the
right of the infotainment system.
If equipped with a non-touchscreen
radio, the AUX input is on the front
of the infotainment system. See
Overview (Radio with Touchscreen)
on page 7-7orOverview (AM-FM
Radio) on page 7-3 orOverview
(Radio with CD/USB) on page 7-5. Portable devices are controlled by
using the menu system described in
Operation on page 7-8.
1. 3.5 mm (1/8 in) Auxiliary
Input Jack
2. USB Port. See USB Port on
page 7-20.
Radio without Touchscreen
Connect a 3.5 mm (1/8 in) cable to
the auxiliary input jack to use a
portable audio player. Playback of an audio device that is
connected to the 3.5 mm (1/8 in)
jack can only be controlled using
the controls on the device.
Adjusting the Volume
Turn the
O/VOL knob to adjust the
volume of the infotainment system
after the volume level has been set
on the portable audio device.
Radio with Touchscreen
The infotainment system can play
music or movies connected by the
auxiliary device.
Play will begin when the system has
finished reading the information on
the device.

Black plate (45,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7707487) -
2015 - crc - 10/31/14
Infotainment System 7-45
Making a Call with Speed Dial
Numbers
Press and hold the speed dial
number using the keypad on the
telephone screen.
Only speed dial numbers already
stored on the cell phone can be
used for speed dial calls. Up to
two-digit speed dial numbers are
supported.
For two-digit speed dial numbers,
press and hold the second digit to
make a call to the speed dial
number.Downloadable
Applications
Smartphone Link
(Overview)
Before Using Smartphone Link
If equipped, the vehicle can connect
to Pandora
®, Stitcher SmartRadio®,
or other available applications
through the infotainment system.
The applications must be
downloaded to the device first, then
the device can be connected to the
infotainment system.
Pandora is a free Internet radio
service that streams personalized
radio stations based on artists,
songs, genres, and comedians.
Create stations using the Pandora
website or smartphone application,
then use
-(thumbs up) or,
(thumbs down) to personalize
stations. To set up an account, or for
more information, go to www.pandora.com. Pandora may
not be available in Canada or
Mexico.
Stitcher SmartRadio is an Internet
radio service that streams news,
sports, and entertainment shows
through the audio system. Create
personalized, on-demand stations or
discover new shows through
Stitcher's preset stations. To set up
an account, download the
application from the Android Market
or iTunes Store, or go to
www.stitcher.com.
A phone or tablet with Internet
connection and the application
installed is required. Personal cell
phone data plans are used. Make
sure the latest version is installed
on the device and the volume is
turned up.
Smartphone Supported by
Application
To use Applications:
.Connect an iPod/iPhone using
the USB port.

Black plate (52,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7707487) -
2015 - crc - 10/31/14
7-52 Infotainment System
.Refer to the table for the
classification items related to the
search function provided by the
iPod/iPhone.
USB Player
Playing Music from a USB Device
.Connect the USB device to the
USB port.
.Play will start automatically after
the system has finished reading
the USB device.
.If a non-readable USB device is
connected, an error message
displays and the system will
switch to the previous audio
function.
If the USB device is already
connected:
.PressD.
.Press audio.
.Press SourceR.
.Press USB.
To stop the USB device and select
another media source, press
Source
R, then select the other
source.
To remove the USB device, select
another function, then remove the
USB device.
Pause
.Pressjto pause.
.Pressrto resume.
Changing to Next/Previous Files
.Presslto change to the
next file.
.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.
.ON: Plays all files randomly.

Black plate (1,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7707487) -
2015 - crc - 10/31/14
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
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 . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-13
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . 9-15
Engine Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-16
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 While
Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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
California FuelRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-39
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . 9-39
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-39
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-39
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-41
Trailer Towing
General TowingInformation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-41
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On ElectricalEquipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-42

Black plate (8,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7707487) -
2015 - crc - 10/31/14
9-8 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
.Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument
panel.
.Adjust the climate control
system to a setting that
circulates the air inside the
vehicle and set the fan speed
to the highest setting. See
“Climate Control Systems.”
For more information about
carbon monoxide, see Engine
Exhaust on page 9-20.
To save fuel, run the engine for only
short periods as needed to warm
the vehicle and then shut the engine
off and close the window most of
the way to save heat. Repeat this
until help arrives but only when you
feel really uncomfortable from the
cold. Moving about to keep warm
also helps. If it takes some time for help to
arrive, now and then when you run
the engine, push the accelerator
pedal slightly so the engine runs
faster than the idle speed. This
keeps the battery charged to restart
the vehicle and to signal for help
with the headlamps. Do this as little
as possible to save fuel.
If the Vehicle Is Stuck
Slowly and cautiously spin the
wheels to free the vehicle when
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow.
If stuck too severely for the traction
system to free the vehicle, turn the
traction system off and use the
rocking method. See
Traction
Control/Electronic Stability Control
on page 9-28.
{Warning
If the vehicle's tires spin at high
speed, they can explode, and you
or others could be injured. The
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
vehicle can overheat, causing an
engine compartment fire or other
damage. Spin the wheels as little
as possible and avoid going
above 56 km/h (35 mph).
Rocking the Vehicle to Get
it Out
Turn the steering wheel left and
right to clear the area around the
front wheels. Turn off any traction
system. Shift back and forth
between R (Reverse) and a low
forward gear, spinning the wheels
as little as possible. To prevent
transmission wear, wait until the
wheels stop spinning before shifting
gears. Release the accelerator
pedal while shifting, and press
lightly on the accelerator pedal
when the transmission is in gear.
Slowly spinning the wheels in the
forward and reverse directions
causes a rocking motion that could
free the vehicle. If that does not get