Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9085902) -
2016 - CRC - 5/27/15
Keys, Doors, and Windows 25
Keys, Doors, and
Windows
Keys and Locks
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . . 29
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . . . 32
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Safety Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Doors
Trunk (Sedan) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Liftgate (Hatchback) . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Vehicle Security
Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Vehicle Alarm System . . . . . . . . . 36
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Immobilizer Operation . . . . . . . . . 37
Exterior Mirrors
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Manual Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Power Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Interior Mirrors
Manual Rearview Mirror . . . . . . . . 39
Windows
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Manual Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Power Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Roof
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Keys and Locks
Keys
{Warning
Leaving children in a vehicle with
a Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter is dangerous and
children or others could be
seriously injured or killed. They
could operate the power windows
or other controls or make the
vehicle move. The windows will
function with the RKE transmitter
in the vehicle, and children or
others could be caught in the path
of a closing window. Do not leave
children in a vehicle with an RKE
transmitter.
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9085902) -
2016 - CRC - 5/27/15
28 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Y(Remote Trunk Release) :
If equipped, press and hold to
release the trunk.
7(Vehicle Locator/Panic
Alarm) : Press and release one
time to initiate vehicle locator. The
exterior lamps flash and the horn
chirps three times. Press and hold
7for at least three seconds to
sound the panic alarm. The horn
sounds and the turn signals flash for
30 seconds until
7is pressed
again, or the key is placed in the
ignition and turned to ON/RUN.
/(Remote Vehicle Start) :
If equipped, press and release
Q
and then immediately press and
hold
/for at least four seconds or
until the turn signal lamps flash to
start the engine from outside the
vehicle using the RKE transmitter.
See Remote Vehicle Start 029.
The buttons on the RKE transmitter
are disabled when there is a key in
the ignition.
Programming Transmitters to
the Vehicle
Only RKE transmitters programmed
to this vehicle will work. If a
transmitter is lost or stolen, a
replacement can be purchased and
programmed through your dealer.
When the replacement transmitter is
programmed to this vehicle, all
remaining transmitters must also be
reprogrammed. Any lost or stolen
transmitters will no longer work
once the new transmitter is
programmed. See your dealer to
have new transmitters programmed.
Programming with a Recognized
Transmitter
To program a new key: 1. Insert the original, already programmed key in the ignition
and turn the key to the ON/
RUN position.
2. Turn the key to LOCK/OFF, and remove the key.
3. Insert the new key to be programmed and turn it to the
ON/RUN position within
five seconds. The security light will turn off
once the key has been
programmed.
4. Repeat Steps 1–3 if additional keys are to be programmed.
If a key is lost or damaged, see your
dealer to have a new key made.
Programming without a
Recognized Transmitter
Program a new key to the vehicle
when a recognized key is not
available. Canadian regulations
require that owners see their dealer.
If there are no currently recognized
keys available, follow this procedure
to program the first key.
This procedure will take
approximately 30 minutes to
complete for the first key. The
vehicle must be off and all of the
keys you wish to program must be
with you.
1. Insert the new vehicle key into the ignition.
2. Turn to ON/RUN. The security light will come on.
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9085902) -
2016 - CRC - 5/27/15
Keys, Doors, and Windows 29
3. Wait 10 minutes until thesecurity light turns off.
4. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.
5. Repeat Steps 2–4 two more times. After the third time, turn
to ON/RUN; the key is learned
and all previously known keys
will no longer work with the
vehicle.
Remaining keys can be learned by
following the procedure in
“Programming with a Recognized
Transmitter.”
Battery Replacement
The battery is not rechargeable. To
replace the battery:
Caution
When replacing the battery, do
not touch any of the circuitry on
the transmitter. Static from your
body could damage the
transmitter.
1. Press the button on the transmitter to extend the key. 2. Remove the battery cover by
prying with a finger.
3. Remove the old battery.
4. Insert the new battery, positive side facing up. Replace with a
CR2032 or equivalent battery.
5. Snap the battery cover back on to the transmitter.
Remote Vehicle Start
If equipped, this feature allows the
engine to be started from outside
the vehicle.
/(Remote Vehicle Start) : This
button will be on the RKE
transmitter if the vehicle has remote
start.
The climate control system will use
the previous settings during a
remote start. The rear defog may
come on during remote start based
on cold ambient conditions. The
rear fog indicator light does not
come on during remote start.
If the vehicle has heated seats, they
may come on during a remote start.
See Heated Front Seats 047. Laws in some local communities
may restrict the use of remote
starters. For example, some laws
require a person using remote start
to have the vehicle in view. Check
local regulations for any
requirements.
Other conditions can affect the
performance of the transmitter. See
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System
027.
Starting the Vehicle
To start the engine using the remote
start feature:
1. Press and releaseQ.
2. Immediately after completing Step 1, press and hold
/for at
least four seconds or until the
turn signal lamps flash. The
turn signal lamps flashing
confirms the request to remote
start the vehicle has been
received.
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9085902) -
2016 - CRC - 5/27/15
34 Keys, Doors, and Windows
To open the trunk from inside the
vehicle, press
V.
To open the trunk from outside of
the vehicle:
.Press
Kon the RKE transmitter
to unlock all doors, then use the
touch pad.
. Press and hold
Yon the RKE
transmitter.
See Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation 027.
Emergency Trunk Release
Handle
Caution
Do not use the emergency trunk
release handle as a tie-down or
anchor point when securing items
in the trunk as it could damage
the handle.
There is a glow-in-the-dark
emergency trunk release handle on
the underside of the trunk lid. This
handle will glow following exposure
to light. Pull the release handle
down to open the trunk from the
inside.
After use, return to the stored
position.
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9085902) -
2016 - CRC - 5/27/15
36 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Vehicle Security
This vehicle has theft-deterrent
features; however, they do not make
the vehicle impossible to steal.
Vehicle Alarm System
This vehicle has an anti-theft alarm
system.
The indicator light on the instrument
panel near the windshield indicates
the status of the system.
Off :Vehicle is disarmed.
On Solid : Vehicle is secured
during the delay to arm the system.
Fast Flash : Vehicle is unsecured.
A door, the hood, or the trunk/
liftgate is open. Slow Flash :
Alarm system is
armed.
Arming the Alarm System
1. Close all doors, the trunk/
liftgate, and the hood.
2. Lock the vehicle in one of two ways:
.Use the RKE transmitter.
. With a door open, press the
inside
Q.
3. After 30 seconds the alarm system will arm, and the
indicator light will begin to
slowly flash indicating the
alarm system is operating.
Pressing
Qon the RKE
transmitter a second time will
bypass the 30-second delay
and immediately arm the alarm
system.
The vehicle alarm system will not
arm if the doors are locked with
the key.
If the driver door is opened without
first unlocking with the RKE
transmitter, the horn will chirp and the lights will flash to indicate
pre-alarm. If the vehicle is not
started, or the door is not unlocked
by pressing
Kon the RKE
transmitter during the 10-second
pre-alarm, the alarm will be
activated.
If a door, the hood, or the liftgate is
opened without first unlocking with
the RKE transmitter, the turn signals
will flash and the horn will sound for
about 30 seconds. The alarm
system will then re-arm to monitor
for the next unauthorized event.
Disarming the System
To disarm the system, either unlock
the doors using the RKE transmitter,
or start the vehicle with a
recognized transmitter in the
vehicle.
To avoid setting off the alarm by
accident:
. Press
Kon the RKE transmitter.
. Start the vehicle.
To avoid setting off the alarm by
accident:
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9085902) -
2016 - CRC - 5/27/15
Keys, Doors, and Windows 37
.Lock the vehicle after all
occupants have left the vehicle
and all doors are closed.
. Always unlock a door with the
RKE transmitter.
Unlocking the driver door with the
key will not disarm the system or
turn off the alarm.
How to Detect a Tamper
Condition
IfKis pressed on the transmitter
and the horn chirps and the lights
flash three times, an alarm occurred
previously while the alarm system
was armed.
Immobilizer
See Radio Frequency Statement
0 328.
Immobilizer Operation
This vehicle has a passive
theft-deterrent system.
The system does not have to be
manually armed or disarmed. The vehicle is automatically
immobilized when the key is
removed from the ignition.
The system is automatically
disarmed when the vehicle is
started with the correct key. The key
uses a transponder that matches an
immobilizer control unit in the
vehicle and automatically disarms
the system. Only an authorized key
starts the vehicle. The vehicle may
not start if the key is damaged.
The security light in the instrument
cluster comes on if there is a
problem with arming or disarming
the theft-deterrent system.
When trying to start the vehicle, the
security light comes on briefly when
the ignition is turned on.
If the engine does not start and the
security light stays on, there is a
problem with the system. Turn the
ignition off and try again.
If the engine still does not start, and
the key appears to be undamaged
or the light continues to stay on, try
another ignition key. If the engine
does not start with the other key, the
vehicle needs service. If the vehicle
does start, the first key may be
damaged. See your dealer who can
service the theft-deterrent system
and have a new key made.
Do not leave the key or device that
disarms or deactivates the
theft-deterrent system in the vehicle.
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9085902) -
2016 - CRC - 5/27/15
Seats and Restraints 43
Seats and
Restraints
Head Restraints
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Front Seats
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Front Seat Armrest . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Heated Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Rear Seats
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Safety Belts
Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
How to Wear Safety BeltsProperly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Safety Belt Extender . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Safety System Check . . . . . . . . . . 55
Safety Belt Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Replacing Safety Belt System Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Airbag System
Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . 58
When Should an Airbag
Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
How Does an Airbag Restrain? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
What Will You See after an Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Passenger Sensing System . . . 62
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Adding Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle . . . . . 66
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . . . 67
Replacing Airbag System Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Child Restraints
Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Infants and Young Children . . . . 69
Child Restraint Systems . . . . . . . 72
Where to Put the Restraint . . . . . 73
Lower Anchors and Tethers forChildren (LATCH System) . . . . 74
Replacing LATCH System Parts After a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Securing Child Restraints (Rear Seat) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Securing Child Restraints (Front Passenger Seat) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Head Restraints
{Warning
With head restraints that are not
installed and adjusted properly,
there is a greater chance that
occupants will suffer a neck/
spinal injury in a crash. Do not
drive until the head restraints for
all occupants are installed and
adjusted properly.
Front Seats
The front seats have adjustable
head restraints in the outboard
seating positions.
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9085902) -
2016 - CRC - 5/27/15
52 Seats and Restraints
Lap-Shoulder Belt
All seating positions in the vehicle
have a lap-shoulder belt.
The following instructions explain
how to wear a lap-shoulder belt
properly.1. Adjust the seat, if the seat is adjustable, so you can sit up
straight. To see how, see
“Seats” in the Index.
2. Pick up the latch plate and pull
the belt across you. Do not let
it get twisted. The lap-shoulder belt may lock
if you pull the belt across you
very quickly. If this happens, let
the belt go back slightly to
unlock it. Then pull the belt
across you more slowly.
If the shoulder portion of a
passenger belt is pulled out all
the way, the child restraint
locking feature may be
engaged. If this happens, let
the belt go back all the way
and start again.
For the driver and front
outboard passenger belts,
if the webbing locks in the latchplate before it reaches the
buckle, tilt the latch plate to flat
to unlock.
3. Push the latch plate into the
buckle until it clicks.
If the latch plate will not go fully
into the buckle, check if the
correct buckle is being used.
Pull up on the latch plate to
make sure it is secure. If the
belt is not long enough, see
Safety Belt Extender 055.
Position the release button on
the buckle so that the safety
belt could be quickly unbuckled
if necessary.