
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
118 Instruments and Controls
Engine Coolant
Temperature Warning
Light
This light comes on briefly whilestarting the vehicle.
If it does not, have the vehicleserviced by your dealer. If thesystem is working normally theindicator light goes off.
Caution
The engine coolant temperature
warning light indicates that the
vehicle has overheated. Driving
with this light on can damage the
engine and it may not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. See
Engine Overheating0230.
The engine coolant temperaturewarning light comes on when theengine has overheated.
If this happens, pull over and turnoff the engine as soon as possible.SeeEngine Overheating0230.
Tire Pressure Light
For vehicles with the Tire PressureMonitor System (TPMS), this lightcomes on briefly when the engine isstarted. It provides informationabout tire pressures and the TPMS.
When the Light Is On Steady
This indicates that one or more ofthe tires are significantlyunderinflated.
Stop as soon as possible, andinflate the tires to the pressure valueshown on the Tire and LoadingInformation label. SeeTirePressure0256.
When the Light Flashes First andThen Is On Steady
If the light flashes for about a minuteand then stays on, there may be aproblem with the TPMS. If theproblem is not corrected, the lightwill come on at every ignition cycle.SeeTire Pressure MonitorOperation0258.
Engine Oil Pressure Light
Caution
Lack of proper engine oil
maintenance can damage the
engine. Driving with the engine oil
low can also damage the engine.
The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Check
the oil level as soon as possible.
Add oil if required, but if the oil
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Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Instruments and Controls 119
Caution (Continued)
level is within the operating range
and the oil pressure is still low,
have the vehicle serviced. Always
follow the maintenance schedule
for changing engine oil.
This light should come on briefly asthe engine is started. If it does notcome on, have the vehicle servicedby your dealer.
If the light comes on and stays on, itmeans that oil is not flowing throughthe engine properly. The vehiclecould be low on oil and might havesome other system problem. Seeyour dealer.
Low Fuel Warning Light
This light comes on for a fewseconds when the ignition is turnedon as a check to indicate it isworking. If it does not come on,have it fixed.
This light comes on when thevehicle is low on fuel.
The low fuel warning light comes onwhen there are approximately 6.0 L(1.7 gal) of fuel remaining inthe tank.
To t u r n t h e l i g h t o f f , a d d f u e l t o t h efuel tank. SeeFilling theTa n k0209.
Immobilizer Light
The immobilizer light should comeon briefly as the engine is started.If it does not come on, have thevehicle serviced by your dealer.If the system is working normally,the indicator light turns off.
If the light stays on and the enginedoes not start, there could be aproblem with the immobilizersystem. SeeImmobilizerOperation045.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
126 Instruments and Controls
Vehicle Messages
Messages displayed on the DICindicate the status of the vehicle orsome action that may be needed tocorrect a condition. Multiplemessages appear one after another.All messages should be takenseriously.
Base Level Cluster
On the base level cluster, vehiclemessages appear as code numbers.Some of these codes may appearwith the Service Vehicle Soon lightin the DIC display.
2:No Remote Detected. PressClutch to Restart
4:A/C Off Due to HighEngine Temp
5:Steering Column Is Locked
7:Turn Steering Wheel, Turn KeyOff, Then On
9:Turn Steering Wheel, StartVehicle Again
10 :Brakes Overheated
15 :Check High MountedBrake Lamp
16 :Check Brake Lamps
18 :Left Low Beam Failure
20 :Right Low Beam Failure
21 :Check Left Position Lamp
22 :Check Right Position Lamp
23 :Reversing Lamp Failure
24 :License Plate Lamp Failure
25 :Left Front Turn Indicator Failure
26 :Left Rear Turn Indicator Failure
27 :Right Front Turn IndicatorFailure
28 :Right Rear Turn Signal Failure
35 :Replace Battery In Remote Key
49 :Lane Departure WarningUnavailable
52 :Change Timing Belt
53 :Tighten Gas Cap
59 :Open, Then Close DriverWindow
65 :Theft Attempted
66 :Service Theft Alarm
67 :Service Steering Column Lock
68 :Service Power Steering, Drivewith Care
77 :Service Front Camera System
79 :Engine Oil Low–Add Oil
81 :Service Transmission
84 :Engine Power Is Reduced
88 :Use Transmitter Pocket to Start
89 :Service Vehicle Soon
91 :No Remote Detected
92 :No Remote Detected, PressBrake To Restart
93 :Press Button Again To TurnEngine Off
94 :Shift to Park
95 :Service Airbag
174 :Low Battery
258 :Park Assist Off
Uplevel Cluster
Messages that do not requireimmediate action can beacknowledged and cleared bypressing SET/CLR.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
136 Lighting
Lights On with Wipers
If the windshield wipers areactivated in daylight with the engineon, and the exterior lamp control isin AUTO, the headlamps, parkinglamps, and other exterior lampscome on. The transition time for thelamps coming on varies based onwiper speed. When the wipers arenot operating, these lamps turn off.
Move the exterior lamp control toP
or;to disable this feature.
Hazard Warning Flashers
|:Press and momentarily holdthis button to make the front andrear turn signal lamps flash on andoff. This warns others that you arehaving trouble. Press andmomentarily hold again to turn theflashers off.
Turn and Lane-Change
Signals
Move the lever all the way up ordown to signal a turn.
An arrow on the instrument clusterwill flash in the direction of the turnor lane change.
Raise or lower the lever until thearrow starts to flash to signal a lanechange. Hold it there until the lane
change is completed. If the lever isbriefly pressed and released, theturn signal flashes three times.
The lever returns to its neutralposition when it is released.
If after signaling a turn or lanechange the arrow flashes rapidly ordoes not come on, a signal bulbmay be burned out. Replace anyburned out bulbs. If a bulb is notburned out, check the fuse. SeeFuses and Circuit Breakers0242orBulb Replacement0238.
Turn Signal On Chime
If the turn signal is left on for morethan 1.2 km (0.75 mi), a chime willsound at each flash of the turnsignal. To turn the chime off, movethe turn signal lever to the neutralposition.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
176 Driving and Operating
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or throughmountains is different than drivingon flat or rolling terrain. Tips include:
.Keep the vehicle serviced and ingood shape.
.Check all fluid levels and brakes,tires, cooling system, andtransmission.
.Shift to a lower gear when goingdown steep or long hills.
{Warning
Using the brakes to slow the
vehicle on a long downhill slope
can cause brake overheating, can
reduce brake performance, and
could result in a loss of braking.
Shift the transmission to a lower
gear to let the engine assist the
brakes on a steep downhill slope.
{Warning
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral)
or with the ignition off is
dangerous. This can cause
overheating of the brakes and
loss of steering. Always have the
engine running and the vehicle
in gear.
.Drive at speeds that keep thevehicle in its own lane. Do notswing wide or cross thecenter line.
.Be alert on top of hills;something could be in your lane(e.g., stalled car, accident).
.Pay attention to special roadsigns (e.g., falling rocks area,winding roads, long grades,passing or no-passing zones)and take appropriate action.
Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or Ice
Snow or ice between the tires andthe road creates less traction orgrip, so drive carefully. Wet ice canoccur at about 0 °C (32 °F) whenfreezing rain begins to fall. Avoiddriving on wet ice or in freezing rainuntil roads can be treated.
For Slippery Road Driving:
.Accelerate gently. Acceleratingtoo quickly causes the wheels tospin and makes the surfaceunder the tires slick.
.Turn on Traction Control. SeeTr a c t i o n C o n t r o l / E l e c t r o n i cStability Control0197.
.The Antilock Brake System(ABS) improves vehicle stabilityduring hard stops, but thebrakes should be applied soonerthan when on dry pavement.SeeAntilock Brake System(ABS)0195.
.Allow greater following distanceand watch for slippery spots. Icypatches can occur on otherwise

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
186 Driving and Operating
2. If the engine does not start,wait about 15 seconds and tryagain. Wait about 15 secondsbetween each try.
When the engine has run about10 seconds to warm up, thevehicle is ready to be driven.Do not run the engine at highspeed when it is cold.
If the weather is below freezing(0 °C or 32 °F), let the enginerun for a few minutes towarm up.
3. If the engine still will not start,or starts but then stops, it couldbe flooded with too muchgasoline. Try pushing theaccelerator pedal all the way tothe floor and holding it there asyou hold the key in START forabout three seconds. If thevehicle starts briefly but thenstops again, do the same thing,but this time keep the pedaldown for five or six seconds.This clears the extra gasolinefrom the engine.
Engine Heater
The engine heater can provideeasier starting and better fueleconomy during engine warm-up incold weather conditions at or below✓18 °C (0 °F). Vehicles with anengine heater should be plugged inat least four hours before starting.
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap theelectrical cord. The cord islocated in the driver side of theengine compartment, near thebattery. It is shipped from thefactory with a tie holding it in
place. Use care in removingthe tie so that the cord is notdamaged.
Check the heater cord fordamage. If it is damaged, donot use it. See your dealer forareplacement.Inspectthecord for damage yearly.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded11 0 - v o l t A C o u t l e t .
{Warning
Improper use of the heater cord
or an extension cord can damage
the cord and may result in
overheating and fire.
.Plug the cord into athree-prong electrical utilityreceptacle that is protectedby a ground fault detectionfunction. An ungroundedoutlet could cause anelectric shock.
.Use a weatherproof,heavy-duty, 15 amp-ratedextension cord if needed.
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Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Driving and Operating 197
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
This vehicle has a Hill Start Assist(HSA) feature, which may be usefulwhen the vehicle is stopped on agrade sufficient enough to activateHSA. This feature is designed toprevent the vehicle from rolling,either forward or rearward, duringvehicle drive off. After the drivercompletely stops and holds thevehicle in a complete standstill on agrade, HSA will be automaticallyactivated. During the transitionperiod between when the driverreleases the brake pedal and startsto accelerate to drive off on a grade,HSA holds the braking pressure foramaximumoftwosecondstoensure that there is no rolling. Thebrakes will automatically releasewhen the accelerator pedal isapplied within the two-secondwindow. It will not activate if thevehicle is in a drive gear and facingdownhill, or if the vehicle is facinguphill and in R (Reverse).
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/
Electronic Stability
Control
System Operation
The vehicle has a Traction ControlSystem (TCS) and StabiliTrak®,anelectronic stability control system.These systems help limit wheel slipand assist the driver in maintainingcontrol, especially on slippery roadconditions.
TCS activates if it senses that anyof the drive wheels are spinning orbeginning to lose traction. When thishappens, TCS applies the brakes tothe spinning wheels and reducesengine power to limit wheel spin.
StabiliTrak activates when thevehicle senses a difference betweenthe intended path and the directionthe vehicle is actually traveling.StabiliTrak selectively appliesbraking pressure to any one of the
vehicle wheel brakes to assist thedriver in keeping the vehicle on theintended path.
If cruise control is being used andtraction control or StabiliTrak beginsto limit wheel spin, cruise control willdisengage. Cruise control may beturned back on when roadconditions allow.
Both systems come onautomatically when the vehicle isstarted and begins to move. Thesystems may be heard or felt whilethey are operating or whileperforming diagnostic checks. Thisis normal and does not mean thereis a problem with the vehicle.
It is recommended to leave bothsystems on for normal drivingconditions, but it may be necessaryto turn TCS off if the vehicle getsstuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow.SeeIf the Vehicle Is Stuck0178and“Turning the Systems Off andOn”later in this section.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
208 Driving and Operating
posted octane rating of less than 87,as this may cause engine knock andwill lower fuel economy.
Prohibited Fuels
Caution
Do not use fuels with any of the
following conditions; doing so
may damage the vehicle and void
its warranty:
.For vehicles which are notFlexFuel, fuel labeledgreater than 15% ethanol byvolume, such as mid-levelethanol blends (16–50%ethanol), E85, or FlexFuel.
.Fuel with any amount ofmethanol, methylal, andaniline. These fuels cancorrode metal fuel systemparts or damage plastic andrubber parts.
.Fuel containing metals suchas methylcyclopentadienylmanganese tricarbonyl
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
(MMT), which can damagethe emissions controlsystem and spark plugs.
.Fuel with a posted octanerating of less than therecommended fuel. Usingthis fuel will lower fueleconomy and performance,and may decrease the life ofthe emissions catalyst.
California Fuel
Requirements
If the vehicle is certified to meetCalifornia Emissions Standards, it isdesigned to operate on fuels thatmeet California specifications. Seethe underhood emission controllabel. If this fuel is not available instates adopting California EmissionsStandards, the vehicle will operatesatisfactorily on fuels meetingfederal specifications, but emissioncontrol system performance may beaffected. The malfunction indicatorlamp could turn on and the vehicle
may not pass a smog-check test.SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp(Check Engine Light)011 2.Ifthisoccurs, return to your authorizeddealer for diagnosis. If it isdetermined that the condition iscaused by the type of fuel used,repairs may not be covered by thevehicle warranty.
Fuels in Foreign
Countries
The U.S., Canada, and Mexico postfuel octane ratings in anti-knockindex (AKI). For fuel not to use in aforeign country, see“ProhibitedFuels”inFuel0207.
Fuel Additives
To k e e p f u e l s y s t e m s c l e a n , T O PTIER Detergent Gasoline isrecommended. SeeFuel0207.
If TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline isnot available, one bottle of GM FuelSystem Treatment Cleaner added tothe fuel tank at every engine oilchange, can help. GM Fuel SystemTreatment Cleaner is the only