2016 CHEVROLET SONIC ECO mode

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9085902) -
2016 - CRC - 5/27/15
Seats and Restraints 59
Rear Seat Driver Side Shown,Passenger Side Similar
On vehicles with second row
seat-mounted side impact airbags,
they are in the sides of the rear
seatback closest to the door.
{Warning
If something is between an
occupant and an airbag, the
airbag might not inflate properly
or it might force the object into
that person causing severe injury
or even death. The path of an
inflating airbag must be kept (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
clear. Do not put anything
between an occupant and an
airbag, and do not attach or put
anything on the steering wheel
hub or on or near any other
airbag covering.
Do not use seat accessories that
block the inflation path of a
seat-mounted side impact airbag.
Never secure anything to the roof
of a vehicle with roof-rail airbags
by routing a rope or tie‐down
through any door or window
opening. If you do, the path of an
inflating roof-rail airbag will be
blocked.
When Should an Airbag
Inflate?
This vehicle is equipped with
airbags. SeeAirbag System 056.
Airbags are designed to inflate if the
impact exceeds the specific airbag
system's deployment threshold.
Deployment thresholds are used to predict how severe a crash is likely
to be in time for the airbags to
inflate and help restrain the
occupants. The vehicle has
electronic sensors that help the
airbag system determine the
severity of the impact. Deployment
thresholds can vary with specific
vehicle design.
Frontal airbags are designed to
inflate in moderate to severe frontal
or near frontal crashes to help
reduce the potential for severe
injuries, mainly to the driver's or
front outboard passenger's head
and chest.
Whether the frontal airbags will or
should inflate is not based primarily
on how fast the vehicle is traveling.
It depends on what is hit, the
direction of the impact, and how
quickly the vehicle slows down.
Frontal airbags may inflate at
different crash speeds depending on
whether the vehicle hits an object
straight on or at an angle, and
whether the object is fixed or
moving, rigid or deformable, narrow
or wide.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9085902) -
2016 - CRC - 5/27/15
60 Seats and Restraints
Frontal airbags are not intended to
inflate during vehicle rollovers, rear
impacts, or many side impacts.
In addition, the vehicle has
advanced technology frontal
airbags. Advanced technology
frontal airbags adjust the restraint
according to crash severity.
Knee airbags are designed to inflate
in moderate to severe frontal or
near-frontal impacts. Knee airbags
are not designed to inflate during
vehicle rollovers, in rear impacts,
or in many side crashes.
Seat-mounted side impact airbags
are designed to inflate in moderate
to severe side crashes depending
on the location of the impact.
Seat-mounted side impact airbags
are not designed to inflate in frontal
impacts, near frontal impacts,
rollovers, or rear impacts.
A seat-mounted side impact airbag
is designed to inflate on the side of
the vehicle that is struck.
Roof-rail airbags are designed to
inflate in moderate to severe side
crashes depending on the location
of the impact. In addition, theseroof-rail airbags are designed to
inflate during a rollover or in a
severe frontal impact. Roof-rail
airbags are not designed to inflate in
rear impacts. Both roof-rail airbags
will inflate when either side of the
vehicle is struck, if the sensing
system predicts that the vehicle is
about to roll over on its side, or in a
severe frontal impact.
In any particular crash, no one can
say whether an airbag should have
inflated simply because of the
vehicle damage or the repair costs.
What Makes an Airbag
Inflate?
In a deployment event, the sensing
system sends an electrical signal
triggering a release of gas from the
inflator. Gas from the inflator fills the
airbag causing the bag to break out
of the cover. The inflator, the airbag,
and related hardware are all part of
the airbag module.
For airbag locations, see
Where Are
the Airbags? 058.
How Does an Airbag
Restrain?
In moderate to severe frontal or
near frontal collisions, even belted
occupants can contact the steering
wheel or the instrument panel. In
moderate to severe side collisions,
even belted occupants can contact
the inside of the vehicle.
Airbags supplement the protection
provided by safety belts by
distributing the force of the impact
more evenly over the
occupant's body.
Rollover capable roof-rail airbags
are designed to help contain the
head and chest of occupants in the
outboard seating positions in the
first and second rows. The rollover
capable roof-rail airbags are
designed to help reduce the risk of
full or partial ejection in rollover
events, although no system can
prevent all such ejections.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9085902) -
2016 - CRC - 5/27/15
Seats and Restraints 79
1. Attach and tighten the lowerattachments to the lower
anchors. If the child restraint
does not have lower
attachments or the desired
seating position does not have
lower anchors, secure the child
restraint with the top tether and
the safety belts. Refer to your
child restraint manufacturer
instructions and the
instructions in this manual.
1.1. Find the lower anchors for
the desired seating
position.
1.2. Put the child restraint on the seat.
1.3. Attach and tighten the lower attachments on the
child restraint to the lower
anchors.
2. If the child restraint manufacturer recommends that
the top tether be attached,
attach and tighten the top
tether to the top tether anchor,
if equipped. Refer to the child
restraint instructions and the
following steps: 2.1. Find the top tether anchor.
2.2. Open the cover,
if equipped, to access the
top tether anchors.
2.3. For hatchback models, remove the cargo cover
before installing the top
tether. The cargo cover
should remain off while
the top tether is in use.
2.4. Route and tighten the top tether according to your
child restraint instructions
and the following
instructions:
If the position you are
using does not have a
headrest or head restraint and you are using a single
tether, route the tether
over the seatback.
If the position you are
using does not have a
headrest or head restraint
and you are using a dual
tether, route the tether
over the seatback.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9085902) -
2016 - CRC - 5/27/15
146 Infotainment System
When selecting Bluetooth audio, the
radio may not be able to launch the
audio player on the connected
device to start playing. When the
vehicle is not moving, choose the
phone to begin playback.
All devices launch audio differently.
When selecting Bluetooth audio as
a source, the radio may show as
paused on the screen. Press play
on the device to begin playback.
Some phones support sending
Bluetooth music information to
display on the radio. When the radio
receives this information, it will
check to see if any album art is
available and display it. For more
information about your phone and
supported Bluetooth features, see
www.gm.com/bluetooth.Phone
Bluetooth (Overview)
For vehicles equipped with
Bluetooth capability, the system can
interact with many cell phones,
allowing:
.Placement and receipt of calls in
a hands-free mode.
. Sharing of the cell phone’s
address book or contact list with
the vehicle.
To minimize driver distraction,
before driving, and with the vehicle
parked:
. Become familiar with the
features of the cell phone.
Organize the phone book and
contact lists clearly and delete
duplicate or rarely used entries.
If possible, program speed dial
or other shortcuts.
. Review the controls and
operation of the infotainment
system. .
Pair cell phone(s) to the vehicle.
The system may not work with
all cell phones. See “Pairing”in
this section.
. If the cell phone has voice
dialing capability, learn to use
that feature to access the
address book or contact list. See
“Voice Pass-Thru” in this
section.
. See “Storing and Deleting Phone
Numbers” in this section.
{Warning
When using a cell phone, it can
be distracting to look too long or
too often at the screen of the
phone or the infotainment system.
Taking your eyes off the road too
long or too often could cause a
crash resulting in injury or death.
Focus your attention on driving.
Vehicles with a Bluetooth system
can use a Bluetooth-capable cell
phone with a Hands-Free Profile to
make and receive phone calls. The
infotainment system and voice

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9085902) -
2016 - CRC - 5/27/15
Infotainment System 169
movie files. Picture and movie files
are not available even if the audio
file in MTP device is played.
MTP device that has external
memory may be recognized as
USB1/USB2.
For other USB operations seeUSB
Port 0142.
When a MTP device is connected
and another app is running at the
same time, there may be a delay in
the rear vision camera.
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.
. Play will start from the previously
played point 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.
. Connect the iPod/iPhone to the
USB port.
. Play will start from the previously
played point 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 iPod/iPhone is already
connected:
1. Press
D.
2. Press
eaudio.
3. Press Source
R.
4. Press iPod.
To stop the device and select
another media source, press
Source
R, then select the other
source. To remove the device, select
another function, then remove the
device.
Pause
.
Press
jto pause.
. Press
rto resume.
Changing to Next/Previous Song
. Press
lto change to the
next song.
. Press
gwithin two seconds of
the playback time to play the
previous file.
Returning to the Beginning of the
Current File
Press
gafter two 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.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9085902) -
2016 - CRC - 5/27/15
170 Infotainment System
.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 Song
Press the title during playback to
display information about the current
song 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 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” inOperation
0 132.
Pictures and Movies
(Picture System)
The infotainment system can view
picture files stored on a USB
storage device and devices that
support Media Transfer
Protocol (MTP). 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.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9085902) -
2016 - CRC - 5/27/15
Climate Controls 177
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:
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 reduce the entry of
outside air and odors.
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.
Max
#is available when the air
conditioning is selected and the
temperature is set to the coolest
setting while the outside air
temperature is warm. When Max
#
is activated, the air inside the
vehicle is automatically recirculated,

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9085902) -
2016 - CRC - 5/27/15
180 Driving and Operating
Driving and
Operating
Driving Information
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Drunk Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . 184
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . 185
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . 186
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . 190
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Engine Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Retained AccessoryPower (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Shifting Into Park (Automatic Transmission) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Shifting out of Park (Automatic Transmission) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196 Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Parking over Things
That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Running the Vehicle WhileParked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 198
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Manual Transmission
Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . 200
Brakes
Antilock BrakeSystem (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . 203
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Driver Assistance Systems
Rear Vision Camera (RVC) . . . 208 Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Fuel
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
California FuelRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . 215
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Trailer Towing
General TowingInformation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On ElectricalEquipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217