Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9085902) -
2016 - CRC - 5/27/15
Instruments and Controls 99
Airbag Readiness Light
This light shows if there is an
electrical problem with the airbag
system. The system check includes
the airbag sensor(s), passenger
sensing system, the pretensioners
(if equipped), the airbag modules,
the wiring, and the crash sensing
and diagnostic module. For more
information on the airbag system,
seeAirbag System 056.
The airbag readiness light comes on
for several seconds when the
vehicle is started. If the light does
not come on then, have it fixed
immediately.
{Warning
If the airbag readiness light stays
on after the vehicle is started or
comes on while driving, it means
the airbag system might not be
working properly. The airbags in
the vehicle might not inflate in a
crash, or they could even inflate
without a crash. To help avoid
injury, have the vehicle serviced
right away.
Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator
The vehicle has a passenger
sensing system. See Passenger
Sensing System 062 for important
safety information. The instrument
panel has a passenger airbag status
indicator.
United States
Canada
When the vehicle is started, the
passenger airbag status indicator
will light ON and OFF, or the symbol
for on and off, for several seconds
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
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9085902) -
2016 - CRC - 5/27/15
100 Instruments and Controls
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 099 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 (Check Engine
Light)
This light is part of the vehicle’s
emission control on-board
diagnostic system. If this light is on
while the engine is running, a
malfunction has been detected and
the vehicle may require service. The
light should come on to show that it
is working when the ignition is in
ON/RUN with the engine not
running. See Ignition Positions
0 191.
Malfunctions are often indicated by
the system before any problem is
noticeable. Being aware of the light
and seeking service promptly when
it comes on may prevent damage.
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9085902) -
2016 - CRC - 5/27/15
Driving and Operating 191
Caution (Continued)
breaking-in guideline every
time you get new brake
linings.
Following break-in, engine speed
and load can be gradually
increased.
Ignition Positions
The ignition switch has four different
positions.
To shift out of P (Park), the ignition
must be in ON/RUN and the regular
brake pedal applied. 0 (STOPPING THE ENGINE/LOCK/
OFF) :
When the vehicle is stopped,
turn the ignition switch to LOCK/
OFF to turn the engine off.
This position locks the ignition and
transmission. The steering wheel
may also lock, if equipped.
Do not turn the engine off when the
vehicle is moving. This will cause a
loss of power assist in the brake
and steering systems and disable
the airbags.
If the vehicle must be shut off in an
emergency:
1. Brake using a firm and steady pressure. Do not pump the
brakes repeatedly. This may
deplete power assist, requiring
increased brake pedal force.
2. Shift the vehicle to N (Neutral). This can be done while the
vehicle is moving. After shifting
to N (Neutral), firmly apply the
brakes and steer the vehicle to
a safe location. 3. Come to a complete stop. Shift
to P (Park) with an automatic
transmission, or Neutral with a
manual transmission. Turn the
ignition to LOCK/OFF.
4. Set the parking brake. See Parking Brake 0202.
{Warning
Turning off the vehicle while
moving may cause loss of power
assist in the brake and steering
systems and disable the airbags.
While driving, only shut the
vehicle off in an emergency.
If the vehicle cannot be pulled over,
and must be shut off while driving,
turn the ignition to ACC/
ACCESSORY.
Caution
Using a tool to force the key to
turn in the ignition could cause
damage to the switch or break the (Continued)
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9085902) -
2016 - CRC - 5/27/15
Index 347
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
LATCH SystemReplacing Parts after aCrash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
LATCH, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Lighting
Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Illumination Control . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104 Airbag Readiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Antilock Brake System(ABS) Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Brake System Warning . . . . . . . 102
Charging System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Door Ajar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Engine Coolant
Temperature Warning . . . . . . . 106
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . 106
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Front Fog Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
High-Beam On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . 121 Lights (cont'd)
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Lane Departure Warning . . . . . . 104
Low Fuel Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Reduced Engine Power . . . . . . 107
Safety Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . . . 98
Service Vehicle Soon . . . . . . . . . 102
StabiliTrak
®OFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Traction Control System
(TCS)/StabiliTrak
®. . . . . . . . . . 105
Traction Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Up-Shift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Warning, Power Steering . . . . . 104
Link Smartphone . . . . . . . . 160, 162, 164
Load Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Locks Automatic Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . . 107
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH
System) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
M
MaintenanceRecords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
Maintenance and Care Additional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . . . 302 Recommended Fluids andLubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .311
Malfunction Indicator Lamp . . . . . 100
Manual Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . 200 Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Manual Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Messages
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Mirrors
Convex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Folding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Heated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Manual Rearview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Monitor System, Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Multi-band Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9085902) -
2016 - CRC - 5/27/15
348 Index
N
NavigationOnStar®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . . . 190
O
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 Trip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Oil
Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 228
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Older Children, Restraints . . . . . . . 68
Online Owner Center . . . . . . . . . . . 321
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331
OnStar
®Additional
Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336
OnStar
®Connections . . . . . . . . . . . 334
OnStar®Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . 336
OnStar®Emergency . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
OnStar®Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
OnStar®Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332
OnStar®Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
Operation Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . 132 Ordering
Service Publications . . . . . . . . . . 327
Outlets Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Overheating, Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129, 131
Owner Manual Indicator . . . . . . . . 102
P
Park Shifting Into . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Shifting Out of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196 Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Brake and P (Park)Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 241
Over Things That Burn . . . . . . . 196
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Passenger Compartment Air Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Passenger Sensing System . . . . . 62
Perchlorate Materials Requirements, California . . . . . . 220
Personalization Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113
Phone Bluetooth . . . . . . . . . . . 146, 147, 153
Hands-Free . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158 Pictures and
Movies . . . . . . . . . . . . . .165, 170, 172
Port USB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Power Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Protection, Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Reduced Engine Light . . . . . . . . 107
Retained Accessory (RAP) . . . 194
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Power Steering Warning Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Pregnancy, Using Safety Belts . . . 54
Privacy Vehicle Data Recording . . . . . . . 330
Program Courtesy Transportation . . . . . . 324
Proposition 65 Warning,
California . . . . . . . . . . . .220, 240, 287
R
Radio Frequency Statement . . . . 328
Radio Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
RadiosAM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Satellite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Reading Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9085902) -
2016 - CRC - 5/27/15
350 Index
Service (cont'd)Maintenance, General
Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Parts Identification Label . . . . . 314
Publications Ordering
Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327
Scheduling Appointments . . . . . 324
Vehicle Soon Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Services
Special Application . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Servicing the Airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Shift Lock Control Function Check, Automatic
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Signals, Turn and
Lane-Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Smartphone Link . . . . .160, 162, 164
Spare Tire Compact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Special Application Services . . . . 307
Specifications and
Capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
StabiliTrak OFF Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105 Start Assist, Hills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Start Vehicle, Remote . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . 17, 192
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Power, Warning Lights . . . . . . . . 104
Wheel Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Stoplamps and Back-up Lamps Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Storage
Load Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Storage Areas Cargo Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Storage Compartments . . . . . . . . . . 86
Storing the Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Stuck Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
System Forward CollisionAlert (FCA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Infotainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127T
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Taillamps Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Text Telephone (TTY) Users . . . . 321
Theft-Deterrent Systems . . . . . . . . . 37
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254 All-Season . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Compact Spare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Different Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Pressure Monitor Operation . . 263
Pressure Monitor System . . . . . 262
Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Sealant and
Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Sealant and Compressor Kit, Storing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256