Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
70 Seats and Restraints
How Does an Airbag
Restrain?
In moderate to severe frontal ornear frontal collisions, even beltedoccupants can contact the steeringwheel or the instrument panel. Inmoderate to severe side collisions,even belted occupants can contactthe inside of the vehicle.
Airbags supplement the protectionprovided by safety belts bydistributing the force of the impactmore evenly over theoccupant's body.
Rollover capable roof-rail airbagsare designed to help contain thehead and chest of occupants in theoutboard seating positions in thefirst and second rows. The rollovercapable roof-rail airbags aredesigned to help reduce the risk offull or partial ejection in rolloverevents, although no system canprevent all such ejections.
But airbags would not help in manytypes of collisions, primarilybecause the occupant's motion isnot toward those airbags. SeeWhenShould an Airbag Inflate?068.
Airbags should never be regardedas anything more than a supplementto safety belts.
What Will You See after
an Airbag Inflates?
After the frontal, knee, andseat-mounted side impact airbagsinflate, they quickly deflate, soquickly that some people may noteven realize an airbag inflated.Roof-rail airbags may still be at leastpartially inflated for some time afterthey inflate. Some components ofthe airbag module may be hot forseveral minutes. For location of theairbags, seeWhere Are theAirbags?067.
The parts of the airbag that comeinto contact with you may be warm,but not too hot to touch. There maybe some smoke and dust comingfrom the vents in the deflatedairbags. Airbag inflation does not
prevent the driver from seeing out ofthe windshield or being able to steerthe vehicle, nor does it preventpeople from leaving the vehicle.
{Warning
When an airbag inflates, there
may be dust in the air. This dust
could cause breathing problems
for people with a history of
asthma or other breathing trouble.
To a v o i d t h i s , e v e r y o n e i n t h e
vehicle should get out as soon as
it is safe to do so. If you have
breathing problems but cannot
get out of the vehicle after an
airbag inflates, then get fresh air
by opening a window or a door.
If you experience breathing
problems following an airbag
deployment, you should seek
medical attention.
The vehicle has a feature that mayautomatically unlock the doors, turnon the interior lamps and hazardwarning flashers, and shut off thefuel system after the airbags inflate.
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
100 Instruments and Controls
Instruments and
Controls
Controls
Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . 101Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . 101Heated Steering Wheel . . . . . . . 102Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . 102Rear Window Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Warning Lights, Gauges, and
Indicators
Warning Lights, Gauges, andIndicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . 107Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109Ta c h o m e t e r . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 0 9Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109Safety Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . 110Airbag Readiness Light . . . . . . . 110Passenger Airbag StatusIndicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Charging System Light . . . . . . . 112Malfunction Indicator Lamp(Check Engine Light) . . . . . . . . 112Service Vehicle Soon Light . . . 114Owner Manual Indicator . . . . . . 114Brake System WarningLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114Antilock Brake System (ABS)Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115Operate Pedal Light . . . . . . . . . . 115Up-Shift Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115Power Steering WarningLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115Lane Departure Warning(LDW) Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116Forward Collision Alert (FCA)Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116Vehicle Ahead Indicator . . . . . . . 116Ultrasonic Parking SensorLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116Traction Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117StabiliTrak®OFF Light . . . . . . . . 117Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak®Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 117Engine Coolant TemperatureWarning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118Tire Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . 118Engine Oil Pressure Light . . . . . 118Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . 119Immobilizer Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Reduced Engine PowerLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . 120Front Fog Lamp Light . . . . . . . . . 120Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . 120Cruise Control Light . . . . . . . . . . 120Door Ajar Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121Trunk Ajar Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Information Displays
Driver InformationCenter (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Vehicle Messages
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 126Engine Oil Messages . . . . . . . . . 127Tire Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Vehicle Personalization
Vehicle Personalization . . . . . . . 127
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Instruments and Controls 103
If the ignition is put in OFF while thewipers are performing wipes due towindshield washing, the wiperscontinue to run until they reach thebase of the windshield.
nL:Pull the windshield wiperlever toward you to spray windshieldwasher fluid and activate the wipers.The wipers will continue until thelever is released or the maximumwash time is reached. When thewindshield wiper lever is released,additional wipes may occurdepending on how long thewindshield washer had beenactivated. SeeWasher Fluid0231for information on filling thewindshield washer fluid reservoir.
{Warning
In freezing weather, do not use
the washer until the windshield is
warmed. Otherwise the washer
fluid can form ice on the
windshield, blocking your vision.
Clear snow and ice from the wiperblades before using them. If frozento the windshield, carefully loosen orthaw them. Damaged wiper bladesshould be replaced. SeeWiperBlade Replacement0236.
Heavy snow or ice can overload thewiper motor. A circuit breaker willstop the motor until it cools down.
Rear Window Wiper/
Washer
If equipped with the rear wiper/washer, the controls are on the endof the windshield wiper lever.
ON :Press the upper portion of thebutton for continuous rear windowwipes.
OFF :The rear wiper turns off whenthe button is returned to the middleposition.
INT :Press the lower portion of thebutton for a delay between wipes.
a:Push the windshield wiper leverforward to spray washer fluid on therear window. The lever returns to itsstarting position when released.
Rear Wiper Arm AssemblyProtection
When using an automatic car wash,move the rear wiper control to OFFto disable the rear wiper. In somevehicles, if the transmission is inN(Neutral)andthevehiclespeedisvery slow, the rear wiper willautomatically park under the rearspoiler.
The wiper operations return tonormal when the transmission is nolonger in N (Neutral) or the vehiclespeed has increased.
Auto Wipe in Reverse Gear
If the rear wiper control is off, therear wiper will automatically operatecontinuously when the shift lever is
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
104 Instruments and Controls
in R (Reverse), and the frontwindshield wiper is performing lowor high speed wipes. If the rearwiper control is off, the shift lever isin R (Reverse), and the frontwindshield wiper is performinginterval wipes, then the rear wiperautomatically performs intervalwipes.
This feature can be changed. SeeVehicle Personalization0127.
The windshield washer reservoir isused for the windshield and the rearwindow. Check the fluid level in thereservoir if either washer is notworking. SeeWasher Fluid0231.
Compass
The vehicle may have a compassdisplay in the Driver InformationCenter (DIC). The compass receivesits heading and other informationfrom the Global PositioningSystem (GPS) antenna, StabiliTrak,and vehicle speed information.
Avoid covering the GPS antenna,located on the roof, for long periodsof time with objects that mayinterfere with the antenna's ability to
receive a satellite signal. Thecompass system is designed tooperate for a certain number ofmiles or degrees of turn beforeneeding a signal from the GPSsatellites. When the compassdisplay shows CAL, drive thevehicle for a short distance in anopen area where it can receive aGPS signal. The compass systemwill automatically determine whenthe GPS signal is restored andprovide a heading again.
Clock
The infotainment system controlsare used to access the time anddate settings through the menusystem. SeeOperation0144onhow to use the menu system.
Setting the Time and Date
When Auto Set is enabled the timecannot be manually set.
1. Press{,thentouch
SETTINGS.
2. Touch Time and Date, then SetTime or Set Date.
3. Touch + or✓to adjust thevalue.
4. TouchRorQto adjust AM or
PM for 12 hour format.
5. Touch0.
Using Auto Set
Auto Set requires an OnStarsubscription.
1. Press{,thentouch
SETTINGS.
2. Touch Time and Date, thenAuto Set.
3. Select from the availableselections.
4. Touch0.
Setting the 12/24 Hour Format
1. Press{,thentouch
SETTINGS.
2. Touch Time and Date, then SetTime Format.
3. Select 12h or 24h format.
4. Touch0.
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
Lighting 139
If equipped with Keyless Access,the exterior lamps automatically turnon when a door is opened after theignition is changed to the OFFposition. The dome lamps alsocome on after the ignition ischanged to the OFF position. SeeIgnition Positions (Key Access)0182orIgnition Positions (KeylessAccess)0183.
The exterior lamps turn offimmediately by turning the exteriorlamps control off.
This feature can be changed. SeeVehicle Personalization0127.
Battery Load
Management
The vehicle has Electric PowerManagement (EPM) that estimatesthe battery's temperature and stateof charge. It then adjusts the voltagefor best performance and extendedlife of the battery.
When the battery's state of chargeis low, the voltage is raised slightlyto quickly bring the charge back up.When the state of charge is high,
the voltage is lowered slightly toprevent overcharging. If the vehiclehas a voltmeter gauge or a voltagedisplay on the Driver InformationCenter (DIC), you may see thevoltage move up or down. This isnormal. If there is a problem, analert will be displayed.
The battery can be discharged atidle if the electrical loads are veryhigh. This is true for all vehicles.This is because the generator(alternator) may not be spinning fastenough at idle to produce all thepower needed for very highelectrical loads.
Ahighelectricalloadoccurswhenseveral of the following are on, suchas: headlamps, high beams, foglamps, rear window defogger,climate control fan at high speed,heated seats, engine cooling fans,trailer loads, and loads plugged intoaccessory power outlets.
EPM works to prevent excessivedischarge of the battery. It does thisby balancing the generator's outputand the vehicle's electrical needs.It can increase engine idle speed to
generate more power, wheneverneeded. It can temporarily reducethe power demands of someaccessories.
Normally, these actions occur insteps or levels, without beingnoticeable. In rare cases at thehighest levels of corrective action,this action may be noticeable to thedriver.
Battery Power Protection
The battery saver feature isdesigned to protect the vehicle'sbattery.
If some interior lamps are left onand the ignition is turned off, thebattery rundown protection systemautomatically turns the lamp off aftersome time.
Exterior Lighting Battery
Saver
The exterior lamps turn off about10 minutes after the ignition isturned off, if the parking lamps orheadlamps have been manually lefton. This protects against draining
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
166 Climate Controls
Climate Controls
Climate Control Systems
Climate Control Systems . . . . . 166
Air Vents
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Maintenance
Air Intake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169Passenger Compartment AirFilter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Climate Control
Systems
These climate control systemscontrol the heating, cooling, andventilation for the vehicle.
Climate Control System with
Heater and Air Conditioning
1. Temperature Control
2. Fan Control
3. Air Delivery Mode Control
4. Driver and Passenger HeatedSeats (If Equipped)
5. Recirculation
6. Rear Window Defogger
7. Air Conditioning
Climate Control System with
Heater Only
1. Temperature Control
2. Fan Control
3. Air Delivery Mode Control
4. Rear Window Defogger
Te m p e r a t u r e C o n t r o l :Turnclockwise or counterclockwise toincrease or decrease thetemperature.
A:Turn clockwise orcounterclockwise to increase ordecrease the fan speed. Turning the
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Climate Controls 167
fan control to 0 turns the fan off. Thefan must be turned on to run the airconditioning compressor.
Air Delivery Mode Control :Turnclockwise or counterclockwise tochange the current airflow mode.
Select from the following air deliverymodes:
Y:Air is directed to the instrumentpanel outlets.
\:Air is divided between theinstrument panel and floor outlets.
[:Air is directed to the flooroutlets, with some air directed to therear outlets.
W:This mode clears the windowsof fog or moisture. Air is directed tothe floor, windshield, and sidewindow outlets.
1:This mode clears thewindshield of fog or frost morequickly. Air is directed to thewindshield and side window outlets.
Do not drive the vehicle until allwindows are clear.
In defrost or defog mode, excessiveair conditioning use can cause thewindows to fog. If this happens,
change the air delivery mode toY
and reduce the fan speed.
#:If equipped with airconditioning, follow these steps to
use the system. TurnAto the
desired speed. The air conditioningdoes not operate when the fancontrol knob is in the off position.
Press#to turn the air conditioning
on and off. When#is pressed, an
indicator light comes on to showthat the air conditioning is on.
For quick cool down on hot days:
1. Open the windows to let hot airescape.
2. PressM.
3. Press#.
4. Select the coolest temperature.
5. Select the highestAspeed.
Using these settings together forlong periods of time may cause theair inside the vehicle to become too
dry. To prevent this from happening,after the air in the vehicle hascooled, turn the recirculationmode off.
M:This mode recirculates andhelps to quickly cool the air insidethe vehicle. It can be used to reducethe entry of outside air and odors.
Press the button to turn therecirculation mode on. An indicatorlight comes on to show that therecirculation is on. Press the buttonagain to return to outside air mode.
Using the recirculation mode forextended periods may cause thewindows to fog. If this happens,select the defrost mode.
Max#is available when the air
conditioning is selected and thetemperature is set to the coolestsetting while the outside air
temperature is warm. When Max#
is activated, the air inside thevehicle is automatically recirculated,which helps to quickly cool thevehicle. The recirculation indicatorwill not be lit.