Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
190 Driving and Operating
Engine Exhaust
{Warning
Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide (CO), which cannot be
seen or smelled. Exposure to CO
can cause unconsciousness and
even death.
Exhaust may enter the vehicle if:
.The vehicle idles in areaswith poor ventilation(parking garages, tunnels,deep snow that may blockunderbody airflow or tailpipes).
.The exhaust smells orsounds strange or different.
.The exhaust system leaksdue to corrosion or damage.
.The vehicle exhaust systemhas been modified,damaged, or improperlyrepaired.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.There are holes or openingsin the vehicle body fromdamage or aftermarketmodifications that are notcompletely sealed.
If unusual fumes are detected or
if it is suspected that exhaust is
coming into the vehicle:
.Drive it only with thewindows completely down.
.Have the vehicle repairedimmediately.
Never park the vehicle with the
engine running in an enclosed
area such as a garage or a
building that has no fresh air
ventilation.
Running the Vehicle
While Parked
It is better not to park with theengine running.
If the vehicle is left with the enginerunning, follow the proper steps tobe sure the vehicle will not move.SeeShifting Into Park (AutomaticTr a n s m i s s i o n )0187andEngineExhaust0190.Ifthevehiclehasamanual transmission, seeParking0189.
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Driving and Operating 191
Automatic
Transmission
P:This position locks the frontwheels. It is the best position to usewhen you start the engine becausethe vehicle cannot move easily.
{Warning
It is dangerous to get out of the
vehicle if the shift lever is not fully
in P (Park) with the parking brake
firmly set. The vehicle can roll.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Do not leave the vehicle when the
engine is running. If you have left
the engine running, the vehicle
can move suddenly. You or others
could be injured. To be sure the
vehicle will not move, even when
you are on fairly level ground,
always set the parking brake and
move the shift lever to P (Park).
SeeShifting Into Park (Automatic
Tr a n s m i s s i o n )0187.
Make sure the shift lever is fully inP(Park) before starting the engine.The vehicle has a shift lock control.Yo u m u s t f u l l y a p p l y t h e b r a k e p e d a lthen press the shift lever buttonbefore you can shift from P (Park)while the ignition key is in ON/RUN.If you cannot shift out of P (Park),ease pressure on the shift lever andpush the shift lever all the way intoP(Park) as you maintain brakeapplication. Then move the shiftlever into another gear. SeeShiftingout of Park (AutomaticTr a n s m i s s i o n )0188.
R: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 r o c k t h e v e h i c l e b a c k a n d f o r t h t oget out of snow, ice, or sand withoutdamaging the transmission, seeIfthe Vehicle Is Stuck0178.
N:In this position, the engine doesnot connect with the wheels. Torestart the engine when the vehicleis already moving, use N (Neutral)only. Also, use N (Neutral) when thevehicle is being towed.
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
194 Driving and Operating
Caution (Continued)
shifting with the accelerator to
avoid revving the engine and
damaging the clutch.
1(First) :Press the clutch pedaland shift into 1 (First). Then, slowlylet up on the clutch pedal as youpress the accelerator pedal.
Yo u c a n s h i f t i n t o 1 ( F i r s t ) w h e ngoing less than 32 km/h (20 mph).If you have come to a complete stopand it is hard to shift into 1 (First),put the shift lever in Neutral and letup on the clutch. Press the clutchpedal back down. Then shift into1(First).
2(Second) :Press the clutch pedalas you let up on the acceleratorpedal and shift into 2 (Second).Then, slowly let up on the clutchpedal as you press the acceleratorpedal.
3(Third), 4(Fourth), 5(Fifth), and6(Sixth) :Shift into 3 (Third),4(Fourth), 5(Fifth), and 6(Sixth) (ifequipped) the same way as for
2(Second). Slowly let up on theclutch pedal as you press theaccelerator pedal.
To s t o p , l e t u p o n t h e a c c e l e r a t o rpedal and press the brake pedal.Just before the vehicle stops, pressthe clutch pedal and the brakepedal, and shift to Neutral.
Neutral :Use this position whenyou start or idle the engine.
R(Reverse) :To b a c k u p , p r e s sdown the clutch pedal, lift up thereverse lockout ring on the shift
lever, and shift into R (Reverse). Letup on the clutch pedal slowly whilepressing the accelerator pedal.
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.
Shift Speeds
{Warning
If you skip a gear when
downshifting, you could lose
control of the vehicle. You could
injure yourself or others. Do not
shift down more than one gear at
atimewhendownshifting.
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Driving and Operating 195
Up-Shift Light
Vehicles equipped with a manualtransmission have an up-shift light.This light indicates when to shift tothe next higher gear for better fueleconomy.
For the best fuel economy,accelerate slowly and shift when thelight comes on, and if the weather,road, and traffic conditions allow.
It is normal for the light to go on andoff if the accelerator positionchanges quickly. Ignore the lightduring downshifts.
Brakes
Antilock Brake
System (ABS)
This vehicle has an Antilock BrakeSystem (ABS), an advancedelectronic braking system that helpsprevent a braking skid.
When the vehicle begins to driveaway, ABS checks itself.Amomentarymotororclickingnoisemay be heard while this test is goingon, and it may even be noticed thatthe brake pedal moves a little. Thisis normal.
If there is a problem with ABS, thiswarning light stays on. SeeAntilockBrake System (ABS) WarningLight011 5.
If driving safely on a wet road and itbecomes necessary to slam on thebrakes and continue braking toavoid a sudden obstacle, acomputer senses the wheels areslowing down. If one of the wheelsis about to stop rolling, the computerwill separately work the brakes ateach wheel.
ABS can change the brake pressureto each wheel, as required, fasterthan any driver could. This can helpyou steer around the obstacle whilebraking hard.
As the brakes are applied, thecomputer keeps receiving updateson wheel speed and controlsbraking pressure accordingly.
Remember: ABS does not changethe time needed to get a foot up tothe brake pedal or always decreasestopping distance. If you get tooclose to the vehicle in front of you,there will not be enough time toapply the brakes if that vehiclesuddenly slows or stops. Alwaysleave enough room up ahead tostop, even with ABS.
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Driving and Operating 205
Warning (Continued)
closely, FCA may not provide a
warning with enough time to help
avoid a crash. It also may not
provide any warning at all. FCA
does not warn of pedestrians,
animals, signs, guardrails,
bridges, construction barrels,
or other objects. Be ready to take
action and apply the brakes. See
Defensive Driving0172.
FCA can be disabled with the FCAsteering wheel control.
Detecting the Vehicle Ahead
FCA warnings will not occur unlessthe FCA system detects a vehicleahead. When a vehicle is detected,the vehicle ahead indicator willdisplay green. Vehicles may not be
detected on curves, highway exitramps, or hills, due to poor visibility;or if a vehicle ahead is partiallyblocked by pedestrians or otherobjects. FCA will not detect anothervehicle ahead until it is completelyin the driving lane.
{Warning
FCA does not provide a warning
to help avoid a crash, unless it
detects a vehicle. FCA may not
detect a vehicle ahead if the FCA
sensor is blocked by dirt, snow,
or ice, or if the windshield is
damaged. It may also not detect a
vehicle on winding or hilly roads,
or in conditions that can limit
visibility such as fog, rain,
or snow, or if the headlamps or
windshield are not cleaned or in
proper condition. Keep the
windshield, headlamps, and FCA
sensors clean and in good repair.
Collision Alert
When your vehicle approachesanother detected vehicle too rapidly,the red FCA display on top of theinstrument panel to the right of thesteering wheel will flash. Also,several rapid high-pitched beeps willsound from the front. When thisCollision Alert occurs, the brakesystem may prepare for driverbraking to occur more rapidly whichcan cause a brief, mild deceleration.Continue to apply the brake pedalas needed. Cruise control may bedisengaged when the Collision Alertoccurs.
Tailgating Alert
The red FCA display will staycontinuously illuminated when youare following a detected vehicleahead much too closely.
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
206 Driving and Operating
Selecting the Alert Timing
The Collision Alert control is on thesteering wheel. Press COLLISIONALERT to set the alert timing to far,medium, near or off. The first buttonpress shows the current controlsetting on the DIC. Additional buttonpresses will change this setting. Thechosen setting will remain until it ischanged and will affect both theCollision Alert and the TailgatingAlert features. The timing of bothalerts will vary based on vehiclespeed. The faster the vehicle speed,the farther away the alert will occur.Consider traffic and weatherconditions when selecting the alert
timing. The range of selectable alerttiming may not be appropriate for alldrivers and driving conditions.
Unnecessary Alerts
FCA may sometimes setunnecessary alerts to turningvehicles, vehicles in other lanes,objects that are not vehicles,or shadows. These alerts arenormal operation and the vehicledoes not need service.
Cleaning the System
If the FCA system does not seem tooperate properly, cleaning theoutside of the windshield in front ofthe rearview mirror may correct theissue.
Lane Departure
Warning (LDW)
If equipped, LDW may help avoidcrashes due to unintentional lanedepartures. It may provide an alert ifthe vehicle is crossing a lanewithout using a turn signal in thatdirection. LDW uses a camera
sensor to detect the lane markingsat speeds of 56 km/h (35 mph) orgreater.
{Warning
The LDW system does not steer
the vehicle. The LDW system
may not:
.Provide enough time toavoid a crash.
.Detect lane markings underpoor weather or visibilityconditions. This can occur ifthe windshield orheadlamps are blocked bydirt, snow, or ice; if they arenot in proper condition; or ifthe sun shines directly intothe camera.
.Detect road edges.
.Detect lanes on winding orhilly roads.
If LDW only detects lane
markings on one side of the road,
it will only warn you when
(Continued)
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Driving and Operating 209
gasoline additive recommended byGeneral Motors. It is available atyour dealer.
Filling the Tank
{Warning
Fuel vapors and fuel fires burn
violently and can cause injury or
death.
.To h e l p a v o i d i n j u r i e s t o y o uand others, read and followall the instructions on thefuel pump island.
.Turn off the engine whenrefueling.
.Keep sparks, flames, andsmoking materials awayfrom fuel.
.Do not leave the fuel pumpunattended.
.Do not use a cell phonewhile refueling.
.Do not re-enter the vehiclewhile pumping fuel.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Keep children away fromthe fuel pump and never letchildren pump fuel.
.Fuel can spray out if the fuelcap is opened too quickly.This spray can happen if thetank is nearly full, and ismore likely in hot weather.Open the fuel cap slowlyand wait for any hiss noiseto stop, then unscrew thecap all the way.
The fuel cap is behind a hinged fueldoor on the passenger side of thevehicle.
To r e m o v e t h e f u e l c a p , t u r n i tslowly counterclockwise. The fuelcap has a spring in it; if the cap isreleased too soon, it will spring backto the right.
{Warning
Overfilling the fuel tank by more
than three clicks of a standard fill
nozzle may cause:
.Vehicle performance issues,including engine stalling anddamage to the fuel system.
.Fuel spills.
.Potential fuel fires.
Be careful not to spill fuel. Wait afew seconds after you have finishedpumping before removing thenozzle. Clean fuel from paintedsurfaces as soon as possible. SeeExterior Care0280.
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
210 Driving and Operating
When replacing the fuel cap, turn itclockwise until it clicks. Make surethe cap is fully installed. Thediagnostic system can determine ifthe fuel cap has been left off orimproperly installed. This wouldallow fuel to evaporate into theatmosphere. SeeMalfunctionIndicator Lamp (Check EngineLight)011 2.
{Warning
If a fire starts while you are
refueling, do not remove the
nozzle. Shut off the flow of fuel by
shutting off the pump or by
notifying the station attendant.
Leave the area immediately.
Caution
If a new fuel cap is needed, be
sure to get the right type of cap
from your dealer. The wrong type
of fuel cap may not fit properly,
may cause the malfunction
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
indicator lamp to light, and could
damage the fuel tank and
emissions system. See
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Check Engine Light)011 2.
Filling a Portable Fuel
Container
{Warning
Filling a portable fuel container
while it is in the vehicle can cause
fuel vapors that can ignite either
by static electricity or other
means. You or others could be
badly burned and the vehicle
could be damaged. Always:
.Use approved fuelcontainers.
.Remove the container fromthe vehicle, trunk, or pickupbed before filling.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Place the container on theground.
.Place the nozzle inside thefill opening of the containerbefore dispensing fuel, andkeep it in contact with the fillopening until filling iscomplete.
.Fill the container no morethan 95% full to allow forexpansion.
.Do not smoke, lightmatches, or use lighterswhile pumping fuel.
.Avoid using cell phones orother electronic devices.