
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Infotainment System 149
Audio Players
Avoiding Untrusted Media
Devices
When using media devices such asCDs, DVDs, Blu-ray Discs®,SDcards, USB drives, and mobiledevices, consider the source.Untrusted media devices couldcontain files that affect systemoperation or performance. Avoid useif the content or origin cannot betrusted.
USB Port
Using the USB Port
The infotainment system can playmusic by connecting an auxiliarydevice to the USB port.
USB Support
The vehicle is equipped with eitherasingleUSBportordualUSBportslocated in the center stack for dataand charging, and uses theUSB 2.1A standard.
USB Supported Devices
.USB Flash Drives
.iPods/iPhones
.Portable USB Hard Drives
Not all iPods and USB drives arecompatible with the USB port.
Make sure the iPod has the latestfirmware from Apple®for properoperation. iPod firmware can beupdated using the latest iTunes®
application. See www.apple.com/itunes.
For help with identifying your iPod,go to www.apple.com/support.
The USB port can play both lowerand upper case .mp3, .wma, .ogg,and .wav files stored on a USBstorage device.
Supported Apple®Devices
To v i e w s u p p o r t e d d e v i c e s i n t h eU.S., see www.my.chevrolet.com\learned.
To v i e w s u p p o r t e d d e v i c e s i nCanada, seewww.chevroletowner.ca.
To v i e w s u p p o r t e d d e v i c e s i nMexico, see your dealer.
USB Supported File and FolderStructure
The infotainment system supports:
.FAT 1 6 .
.FAT 3 2 .
.exFAT.
Connecting a USB Storage
Device or iPod/iPhone
To c o n n e c t a U S B s t o r a g e d e v i c e ,connect the device to the USB port.
To c o n n e c t a n i P o d / i P h o n e , c o n n e c tone end of the device’scabletotheiPod/iPhone and the other end tothe USB port.
The iPod/iPhone charges while it isconnected to the vehicle if thevehicle is in ACC/ACCESSORY orON/RUN. SeeIgnition Positions(Key Access)0182orIgnitionPositions (Keyless Access)0183.When the vehicle is turned off, theiPod/iPhone automatically powersoff and will not charge or drawpower from the vehicle's battery.

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.

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 171
Driving and
Operating
Driving Information
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . 172Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172Drunk Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 173Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 174Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . 175Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . 176Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . 178Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . 181Ignition Positions (KeyAccess) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182Ignition Positions (KeylessAccess) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . 185Engine Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186Retained AccessoryPower (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Shifting Into Park (AutomaticTransmission) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187Shifting out of Park (AutomaticTransmission) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189Parking over ThingsThat Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190Running the Vehicle WhileParked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 191Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Manual Transmission
Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . 193
Brakes
Antilock BrakeSystem (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . 197
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/ElectronicStability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Driver Assistance Systems
Rear Vision Camera (RVC) . . . 201Parking Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203Forward Collision Alert (FCA)System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204Lane DepartureWarning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Fuel
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207California FuelRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . 208Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209Filling a Portable FuelContainer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Trailer Towing
General Towing Information . . . 211
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On ElectricalEquipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
172 Driving and Operating
Driving Information
Distracted Driving
Distraction comes in many formsand can take your focus from thetask of driving. Exercise goodjudgment and do not let otheractivities divert your attention awayfrom the road. Many localgovernments have enacted lawsregarding driver distraction. Becomefamiliar with the local laws inyour area.
To a v o i d d i s t r a c t e d d r i v i n g , k e e pyour eyes on the road, keep yourhands on the steering wheel, andfocus your attention on driving.
.Do not use a phone indemanding driving situations.Use a hands-free method toplace or receive necessaryphone calls.
.Watch the road. Do not read,take notes, or look upinformation on phones or otherelectronic devices.
.Designate a front seatpassenger to handle potentialdistractions.
.Become familiar with vehiclefeatures before driving, such asprogramming favorite radiostations and adjusting climatecontrol and seat settings.Program all trip information intoany navigation device prior todriving.
.Wait until the vehicle is parkedto retrieve items that have fallento the floor.
.Stop or park the vehicle to tendto children.
.Keep pets in an appropriatecarrier or restraint.
.Avoid stressful conversationswhile driving, whether with apassenger or on a cell phone.
{Warning
Ta k i n g y o u r e y e s o f f t h e r o a d t o o
long or too often could cause a
crash resulting in injury or death.
Focus your attention on driving.
Refer to the Infotainment section formore information on using thatsystem, including pairing and usingacellphone.
Defensive Driving
Defensive driving means“alwaysexpect the unexpected.”The firststep in driving defensively is to wearthe safety belt. SeeSafetyBelts059.
.Assume that other road users(pedestrians, bicyclists, andother drivers) are going to becareless and make mistakes.Anticipate what they might doand be ready.
.Allow enough following distancebetween you and the driver infront of you.
.Focus on the task of driving.
Drunk Driving
Death and injury associated withdrinking and driving is a globaltragedy.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Driving and Operating 173
{Warning
Drinking and then driving is very
dangerous. Your reflexes,
perceptions, attentiveness, and
judgment can be affected by even
asmallamountofalcohol.You
can have a serious—or even
fatal—collision if you drive after
drinking.
Do not drink and drive or ride with
adriverwhohasbeendrinking.
Ride home in a cab; or if you are
with a group, designate a driver
who will not drink.
Control of a Vehicle
Braking, steering, and acceleratingare important factors in helping tocontrol a vehicle while driving.
Braking
Braking action involves perceptiontime and reaction time. Deciding topush the brake pedal is perceptiontime. Actually doing it isreaction time.
Average driver reaction time isabout three-quarters of a second. Inthat time, a vehicle moving at100 km/h (60 mph) travels 20 m(66 ft), which could be a lot ofdistance in an emergency.
Helpful braking tips to keep in mindinclude:
.Keep enough distance betweenyou and the vehicle in frontof you.
.Avoid needless heavy braking.
.Keep pace with traffic.
If the engine ever stops while thevehicle is being driven, brakenormally but do not pump thebrakes. Doing so could make thepedal harder to push down. If theengine stops, there will be somepower brake assist but it will beused when the brake is applied.Once the power assist is used up, itcan take longer to stop and thebrake pedal will be harder to push.
Steering
Electric Power Steering
The vehicle has electric powersteering. It does not have powersteering fluid. Regular maintenanceis not required.
If power steering assist is lost dueto a system malfunction, the vehiclecan be steered, but may requireincreased effort. See your dealer ifthere is a problem.
If the steering wheel is turned until itreaches the end of its travel and isheld against that position for anextended period of time, powersteering assist may be reduced.
If the steering assist is used for anextended period of time, powerassist may be reduced.
Normal use of the power steeringassist should return when thesystem cools down.
See your dealer if there is aproblem.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
174 Driving and Operating
Curve Tips
.Ta k e c u r v e s a t a r e a s o n a b l espeed.
.Reduce speed before entering acurve.
.Maintain a reasonable steadyspeed through the curve.
.Wait until the vehicle is out ofthe curve before acceleratinggently into the straightaway.
Steering in Emergencies
.There are some situations whensteering around a problem maybe more effective than braking.
.Holding both sides of thesteering wheel allows you to turn180 degrees without removingahand.
.The Antilock Brake System(ABS) allows steering whilebraking.
Off-Road Recovery
The vehicle's right wheels can dropoff the edge of a road onto theshoulder while driving. Followthese tips:
1. Ease off the accelerator andthen, if there is nothing in theway, steer the vehicle so that itstraddles the edge of thepavement.
2. Turn the steering wheel aboutone-eighth of a turn, until theright front tire contacts thepavement edge.
3. Turn the steering wheel to gostraight down the roadway.
Loss of Control
Skidding
There are three types of skids thatcorrespond to the vehicle's threecontrol systems:
.Braking Skid—wheels are notrolling.
.Steering or Cornering Skid—too much speed or steering in acurve causes tires to slip andlose cornering force.
.Acceleration Skid—too muchthrottle causes the drivingwheels to spin.
Defensive drivers avoid most skidsby taking reasonable care suited toexisting conditions, and by notoverdriving those conditions. Butskids are always possible.
If the vehicle starts to slide, followthese suggestions:
.Ease your foot off theaccelerator pedal and steer theway you want the vehicle to go.