
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
In Brief 5
In Brief
Instrument Panel
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Initial Drive Information
Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . . . 8Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . . . 9Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Liftgate (Hatchback) . . . . . . . . . . . 10Trunk Release (Sedan) . . . . . . . . 10Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Second Row Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Head Restraint Adjustment . . . . 13Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Passenger Sensing System . . . 13Mirror Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . . 14Interior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . . . 16Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Vehicle Features
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . . 18Radio(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Satellite Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Portable Audio Devices . . . . . . . . 20Bluetooth®..................... 20Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . . 20Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Driver InformationCenter (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Forward Collision Alert (FCA)System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Lane DepartureWarning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Rear Vision Camera (RVC) . . . . 22Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Performance and Maintenance
Traction Control/ElectronicStability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Tire Pressure Monitor . . . . . . . . . . 23Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23E85 or FlexFuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . 24Driving for Better FuelEconomy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Roadside AssistanceProgram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
In Brief 7
1.Air Vents0168.
2.Exterior Lamp Controls0134.
Instrument Panel IlluminationControl0137.
3. Turn Signal Lever. SeeTu r nand Lane-ChangeSignals0136.
4.Instrument Cluster0107.
5.Windshield Wiper/Washer0102.
6. Card Holder.
7.Infotainment0141.
8. Light Sensor. SeeAutomaticHeadlamp System0135.
9.Instrument Panel Storage097.
10.Passenger SensingSystem071.
11 .Hazard WarningFlashers0136.
12.USB Port0149(If Equipped).
Auxiliary Devices0155(IfEquipped).
13. Shift Lever. SeeAutomaticTr a n s m i s s i o n0191(IfEquipped) orManualTr a n s m i s s i o n0193(IfEquipped).
14. Trunk Release (Sedan). SeeTr u n k ( S e d a n )041.
Lane Departure Warning(LDW)0206(If Equipped).
Tr a c t i o n C o n t r o l / E l e c t r o n i cStability Control0197.
15.Power Outlets0105.
16.Climate ControlSystems0166.
17. Central Locking Switch. SeeDoor Locks038.
18. Ignition Switch. SeeIgnitionPositions (Key Access)0182orIgnition Positions (KeylessAccess)0183.
19.Steering Wheel Controls0101.
20.Horn0102.
21.Steering WheelAdjustment0101.
22.Cruise Control0199.
Forward Collision Alert (FCA)System0204(If Equipped.
Heated Steering Wheel0102(If Equipped).
23. Data Link Connector (DLC)(Out of View). SeeMalfunctionIndicator Lamp (Check EngineLight)011 2.
24. Hood Release. SeeHood0215.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/19/16
22 In Brief
greater. LDW uses a camera sensorto detect the lane markings. The
LDW light,@,isgreenifalane
marking is detected. If the vehicledeparts the lane without using a turnsignal in that direction, the light willchange to amber and flash. Inaddition, beeps will sound.
SeeLane Departure Warning(LDW)0206.
Rear Vision
Camera (RVC)
If equipped, RVC displays a view ofthe area behind the vehicle, on theinfotainment display, when thevehicle is shifted into R (Reverse).
SeeRear Vision Camera(RVC)0201.
Power Outlets
The accessory power outlets can beused to plug in electrical equipment,such as a cell phone or MP3 player.
The vehicle has an accessorypower outlet behind the cupholderson the center floor console.
SeePower Outlets0105.
Sunroof
If equipped, the sunroof onlyoperates when the ignition is on orRetained Accessory Power (RAP) isactive. SeeRetained AccessoryPower (RAP)0187.
Express-open :Press and
releaseeto express-open the
sunroof. Press again to stop themovement.
Open/Close (Manual Mode) :
Press and holdeto open the
sunroof. Release the switch to stop
the movement. Press and holdg
to close the sunroof. Release theswitch to stop the movement.
Vent :Press and holdgto vent
the sunroof.
The sunshade opens automaticallywith the sunroof, but must be closedmanually.
The sunroof will not operate if thevehicle has an electrical failure.
SeeSunroof050.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Keys, Doors, and Windows 41
To o p e n a r e a r d o o r w h e n t h e s a f e t ylock is on:
1. Unlock the door by activatingthe inside handle, by using thepower door lock switch, or byusing the Remote KeylessEntry (RKE) transmitter.
2. Open the door from theoutside.
To c a n c e l t h e s a f e t y l o c k :
1. Unlock the door and open itfrom the outside.
2. Insert the key into the safetylock slot and turn it so the slotis in the vertical position. Dothe same for the other door.
Doors
Trunk (Sedan)
{Warning
Exhaust gases can enter the
vehicle if it is driven with the
liftgate, hatch/trunk open, or with
any objects that pass through the
seal between the body and the
hatch/trunk or liftgate. Engine
exhaust contains carbon
monoxide (CO) which cannot be
seen or smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
If the vehicle must be driven with
the liftgate or hatch/trunk open:
.Close all of the windows.
.Fully open the air outlets onor under the instrumentpanel.
.Adjust the climate controlsystem to a setting thatbrings in only outside airand set the fan speed to the
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
highest setting. See“Climate Control Systems”in the Index.
.If the vehicle is equippedwith a power liftgate, disablethe power liftgate function.
For more information about
carbon monoxide, seeEngine
Exhaust0190.
To l o c k o r u n l o c k t h e t r u n k f r o m t h e
inside, pressQorKon the central
locking switch or on the driver doorlock switch.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Keys, Doors, and Windows 43
Liftgate (Hatchback)
{Warning
Exhaust gases can enter the
vehicle if it is driven with the
liftgate, hatch/trunk open, or with
any objects that pass through the
seal between the body and the
hatch/trunk or liftgate. Engine
exhaust contains carbon
monoxide (CO) which cannot be
seen or smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
If the vehicle must be driven with
the liftgate or hatch/trunk open:
.Close all of the windows.
.Fully open the air outlets onor under the instrumentpanel.
.Adjust the climate controlsystem to a setting thatbrings in only outside airand set the fan speed to the
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
highest setting. See“Climate Control Systems”in the Index.
.If the vehicle is equippedwith a power liftgate, disablethe power liftgate function.
For more information about
carbon monoxide, seeEngine
Exhaust0190.
To l o c k o r u n l o c k t h e l i f t g a t e f r o m
the inside, pressQorKon the
central locking switch or on thedriver door switch.
The vehicle must be in P (Park) forautomatic transmissions. Formanual transmissions the parkingbrake must be engaged.
To o p e n t h e l i f t g a t e f r o m t h e
outside, pressKon the RKE
transmitter to unlock all doors, thenuse the touch pad.
SeeRemote Keyless Entry (RKE)System Operation (Keyless Access)031orRemote Keyless Entry(RKE) System Operation (KeyAccess)029.
When closing the liftgate, close fromthe center to ensure that it fullylatches.

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 105
Setting the Month and Day
Format
1. Press{,thentouch
SETTINGS.
2. Touch Time and Date, then SetDate Format.
3. Select DD/MM/YYYY (day/month/year), MM/DD/YYYY(month/day/year), or YYYY/MM/DD (year/month/day)format.
4. Touch0.
Power Outlets
The accessory power outlets can beused to plug in electrical equipment,such as a cell phone or MP3 player.
The vehicle has an accessorypower outlet behind the cupholderson the center floor console.
Remove the cover to access andreplace when not in use.
{Warning
Power is always supplied to the
outlets. Do not leave electrical
equipment plugged in when the
vehicle is not in use because the
vehicle could catch fire and cause
injury or death.
Caution
Leaving electrical equipment
plugged in for an extended period
of time while the vehicle is off will
drain the battery. Always unplug
electrical equipment when not in
use and do not plug in equipment
that exceeds the maximum
20 amp rating.
Certain accessory power plugs maynot be compatible with theaccessory power outlet and couldoverload vehicle or adapter fuses.If a problem is experienced, seeyour dealer.
When adding electrical equipment,be sure to follow the properinstallation instructions included withthe equipment. SeeAdd-OnElectrical Equipment0211.
Caution
Hanging heavy equipment from
the power outlet can cause
damage not covered by the
vehicle warranty. The power
outlets are designed for
accessory power plugs only, such
as cell phone charge cords.

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