Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
168 Climate Controls
To a l l o w o u t s i d e a i r t o e n t e r i n t h e s econditions, press the recirculationbutton twice. The recirculationindicator will not be lit.
MorL:If equipped, press to heatthe driver or passenger seat. SeeHeated Front Seats056.
Rear Window and Outside
Mirror Defogger
1:Press to turn the rear windowand outside mirror defogger on oroff. An indicator light comes on toshow that the feature is on.
The rear window defogger can be
turned off by pressing1again or
by turning the ignition to ACC/ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF.
If equipped with heated outsiderearview mirrors, they turn on withthe rear window defogger and helpto clear fog or frost from the surfaceof the mirror. SeeHeatedMirrors047.
Caution
Using a razor blade or sharp
object on the inside rear window
can damage the antenna or
defogger. Repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Do not stick anything to the rear
window.
Air Vents
Use the air vents located in thecenter and on the side of theinstrument panel to direct theairflow. Move the slats on the centerair vents to direct airflow.
Turn the knobs on the side air ventscounterclockwise or clockwise toopen or close off the airflow.
Operation Tips
.Clear away any ice, snow,or leaves from the air inlets atthe base of the windshield thatmay block the flow of air into thevehicle.
.Use of non-GM approved hooddeflectors may adversely affectthe performance of the system.
.Keep the path under the frontseats clear of objects to helpcirculate the air inside thevehicle more effectively.
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Driving and Operating 177
clear roads in shaded areas.The surface of a curve or anoverpass can remain icy whenthe surrounding roads are clear.Avoid sudden steeringmaneuvers and braking whileon ice.
.Turn off cruise control.
Blizzard Conditions
Stop the vehicle in a safe place andsignal for help. Stay with the vehicleunless there is help nearby.If possible, use RoadsideAssistance. SeeRoadsideAssistance Program0311.Togethelp and keep everyone in thevehicle safe:
.Turn on the hazard warningflashers.
.Tie a red cloth to an outsidemirror.
{Warning
Snow can trap engine exhaust
under the vehicle. This may
cause exhaust gases to get
inside. Engine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide (CO), which
cannot be seen or smelled. It can
cause unconsciousness and even
death.
If the vehicle is stuck in snow:
.Clear snow from the base ofthe vehicle, especially anyblocking the exhaust pipe.
.Open a window about 5 cm(2 in) on the vehicle sidethat is away from the wind,to bring in fresh air.
.Fully open the air outlets onor under the instrumentpanel.
.Adjust the climate controlsystem to circulate the airinside the vehicle and set
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
the fan speed to the highestsetting. See“ClimateControl Systems.”
For more information about CO,
seeEngine Exhaust0190.
To s a v e f u e l , r u n t h e e n g i n e f o rshort periods to warm the vehicleand then shut the engine off andpartially close the window. Movingabout to keep warm also helps.
If it takes time for help to arrive,when running the engine, push theaccelerator pedal slightly so theengine runs faster than the idlespeed. This keeps the batterycharged to restart the vehicle and tosignal for help with the headlamps.Do this as little as possible, tosave fuel.
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Driving and Operating 187
Warning (Continued)
Failure to use therecommended extensioncord in good operatingcondition, or using adamaged heater orextension cord, could makeit overheat and cause a fire,property damage, electricshock, and injury.
.Do not operate the vehiclewith the heater cordpermanently attached to thevehicle. Possible heatercord and thermostatdamage could occur.
.While in use, do not let theheater cord touch vehicleparts or sharp edges. Neverclose the hood on theheater cord.
.Before starting the vehicle,unplug the cord, reattachthe cover to the plug, andsecurely fasten the cord.Keep the cord away fromany moving parts.
4. Before starting the engine, besure to unplug and store thecord as it was before to keep itaway from moving engineparts. If you do not it could bedamaged.
The length of time the heater shouldremain plugged in depends onseveral factors. Ask a dealer in thearea where you will be parking thevehicle for the best advice on this.
Retained Accessory
Power (RAP)
These vehicle accessories may beused for up to 10 minutes after theengine is turned off:
.Audio System
.Power Windows
.Sunroof
The power windows and sunroof willcontinue to work for up to10 minutes or until any door isopened.
The radio will work when the key isin ON/RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY.Once the ignition is turned from on
to off, the radio will continue to workfor 10 minutes after the last input(button press, knob turn) to theradio is detected.
It is possible to turn the radio backon at any time after it has timed outusing the Power knob. The radio willbe functional for 10 minutes after thelast input (button press, knob turn)to the radio is detected.
Shifting Into Park
(Automatic Transmission)
1. Hold the brake pedal down andset the parking brake. SeeParking Brake0196.
2. Move the shift lever intoP(Park) by pressing the buttonon the shift lever and pushingthe lever all the way toward thefront of the vehicle.
3. Turn the ignition key toLOCK/OFF.
4. Remove the key and take itwith you. If you can leave thevehicle with the ignition key inyour hand, the vehicle is inP(Park).
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 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
Vehicle Care 231
too serious. Sometimes the enginecan get a little too hot when thevehicle:
.Climbs a long hill on a hot day.
.Stops after high-speed driving.
.Idles for long periods in traffic.
If the overheat warning is displayedwith no sign of steam:
1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to thehighest temperature and to thehighest fan speed. Open thewindows as necessary.
3. When it is safe to do so, pull offthe road, shift to P (Park) orN(Neutral) for an automatictransmission or Neutral for amanual transmission, and letthe engine idle.
If the overheat warning no longerdisplays, the vehicle can be driven.Continue to drive the vehicle slowlyfor about 10 minutes. Keep a safevehicle distance from the vehicle infront. If the warning does not come
back on, continue to drive normallyand have the cooling systemchecked for proper fill and function.
If the warning continues, pull over,stop, and park the vehicleright away.
If there is no sign of steam, idle theengine for three minutes whileparked. If the warning is stilldisplayed, turn off the engine until itcools down.
Washer Fluid
What to Use
When the vehicle needs windshieldwasher fluid, be sure to read themanufacturer's instructions beforeuse. If operating the vehicle in anarea where the temperature may fallbelow freezing, use a fluid that hassufficient protection againstfreezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the washersymbol on it. Add washer fluid untilthe tank is full. SeeEngineCompartment Overview0217forreservoir location.
Caution
.Do not use washer fluid thatcontains any type of waterrepellent coating. This cancause the wiper blades tochatter or skip.
.Do not use engine coolant(antifreeze) in thewindshield washer. It candamage the windshieldwasher system and paint.
(Continued)
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Vehicle Care 243
Engine Compartment
Fuse Block
1.8L Engines
The engine compartment fuse blockis on the driver side of the vehicle,near the battery.
Caution
Spilling liquid on any electrical
component on the vehicle may
damage it. Always keep the
covers on any electrical
component.
To a c c e s s t h e f u s e s , p r e s s t h e c l i p stogether, and lift the cover. Toreinstall the cover, push the coveruntil it is secure.
The vehicle may not be equippedwith all of the fuses, relays, andfeatures shown.
Mini Fuses Usage
1ABSvalve
2Sunroof
4* Rear fog lamp
5OSRVM/Powerwindow switch
6Automaticoccupantsensing/ROS
7Passiveentry/Passive start
8RVC
10–/IBS
11 R e a r w i n d o wdefogger
12 ESCL
13*–/SAI valve
14 OSRVM HTD
15 Front heated seats
16 Fuel system controlmodule 1
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Vehicle Care 245
1.4L Engine
The vehicle may not be equippedwith all of the fuses, relays, andfeatures shown.
Mini Fuses Usage
1ABSvalve
2Sunroof
4* Rear fog lamp
5OSRVM/Powerwindow switch
6Automaticoccupantsensing/ROS
7Passiveentry/Passive start
8RVC
9Rearwiper
10–/IBS
11 R e a r w i n d o wdefogger
12 ESCL
14 OSRVM HTD
15 Front heated seats
16 Fuel system controlmodule 1
17 Canister vent
18 Washer
Mini Fuses Usage
20 Engine controlmodule 5
21 Fuel system controlmodule 2/Leveling
22 TCM 1/ DC DCconverter
24 Engine controlmodule 1
25 Coil
26 Engine controlmodule 4
27 Engine controlmodule 3
28 Engine controlmodule 2
29 Injector/Ignition coil
30 ECM
31 A/C clutch
32 TCM
33 Horn
34 Front fog lamps
35 Left high-beamheadlamp