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
Seats and Restraints 69
predict how severe a crash is likelyto be in time for the airbags toinflate and help restrain theoccupants. The vehicle haselectronic sensors that help theairbag system determine theseverity of the impact. Deploymentthresholds can vary with specificvehicle design.
Frontal airbags are designed toinflate in moderate to severe frontalor near frontal crashes to helpreduce the potential for severeinjuries, mainly to the driver's orfront outboard passenger's headand chest.
Whether the frontal airbags will orshould inflate is not based primarilyon how fast the vehicle is traveling.It depends on what is hit, thedirection of the impact, and howquickly the vehicle slows down.
Frontal airbags may inflate atdifferent crash speeds depending onwhether the vehicle hits an objectstraight on or at an angle, andwhether the object is fixed ormoving, rigid or deformable, narrowor wide.
Frontal airbags are not intended toinflate during vehicle rollovers, rearimpacts, or many side impacts.
In addition, the vehicle hasadvanced technology frontalairbags. Advanced technologyfrontal airbags adjust the restraintaccording to crash severity.
Knee airbags are designed to inflatein moderate to severe frontal ornear-frontal impacts. Knee airbagsare not designed to inflate duringvehicle rollovers, in rear impacts,or in many side crashes.
Seat-mounted side impact airbagsare designed to inflate in moderateto severe side crashes dependingon the location of the impact.Seat-mounted side impact airbagsare not designed to inflate in frontalimpacts, near frontal impacts,rollovers, or rear impacts.Aseat-mountedsideimpactairbagis designed to inflate on the side ofthe vehicle that is struck.
Roof-rail airbags are designed toinflate in moderate to severe sidecrashes depending on the locationof the impact. In addition, these
roof-rail airbags are designed toinflate during a rollover or in asevere frontal impact. Roof-railairbags are not designed to inflate inrear impacts. Both roof-rail airbagswill inflate when either side of thevehicle is struck, if the sensingsystem predicts that the vehicle isabout to roll over on its side, or in asevere frontal impact.
In any particular crash, no one cansay whether an airbag should haveinflated simply because of thevehicle damage or the repair costs.
What Makes an Airbag
Inflate?
In a deployment event, the sensingsystem sends an electrical signaltriggering a release of gas from theinflator. Gas from the inflator fills theairbag causing the bag to break outof the cover. The inflator, the airbag,and related hardware are all part ofthe airbag module.
For airbag locations, seeWhere Arethe Airbags?067.
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
72 Seats and Restraints
OFF, or the symbol for on or off, willbe visible. SeePassenger AirbagStatus Indicator0111.
The passenger sensing systemturns off the front outboardpassenger frontal airbag and kneeairbag under certain conditions. Noother airbag is affected by thepassenger sensing system.
The passenger sensing systemworks with sensors that are part ofthe front outboard passenger seat.The sensors are designed to detectthe presence of a properly seatedoccupant and determine if the frontoutboard passenger frontal airbagand knee airbag should be allowedto inflate or not.
According to accident statistics,children are safer when properlysecured in a rear seat in the correctchild restraint for their weightand size.
Whenever possible, children age12 and under should be secured inarearseatingposition.
Never put a rear-facing child seat inthe front. This is because the risk tothe rear-facing child is so great,if the airbag inflates.
{Warning
Achildinarear-facingchild
restraint can be seriously injured
or killed if the passenger frontal
airbag inflates. This is because
the back of the rear-facing child
restraint would be very close to
the inflating airbag. A child in a
forward-facing child restraint can
be seriously injured or killed if the
passenger frontal airbag inflates
and the passenger seat is in a
forward position.
Even if the passenger sensing
system has turned off the front
outboard passenger airbag(s), no
system is fail-safe. No one can
guarantee that an airbag will not
deploy under some unusual
circumstance, even though the
airbag(s) are off.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Never put a rear-facing child
restraint in the front seat, even if
the airbag is off. If securing a
forward-facing child restraint in
the front outboard passenger
seat, always move the seat as far
back as it will go. It is better to
secure child restraints in the rear
seat. Consider using another
vehicle to transport the child
when a rear seat is not available.
The passenger sensing system isdesigned to turn off the frontoutboard passenger frontal airbagand knee airbag if:
.The front outboard passengerseat is unoccupied.
.The system determines that aninfant is present in a rear-facinginfant seat.
.The system determines that asmall child is present in a childrestraint.
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
76 Seats and Restraints
from working properly. Theoperation of the airbag system canalso be affected by changing anyparts of the front seats, safety belts,the airbag sensing and diagnosticmodule, steering wheel, instrumentpanel, any of the airbag modules,ceiling or pillar garnish trim, frontsensors, side impact sensors,or airbag wiring.
Yo u r d e a l e r a n d t h e s e r v i c e m a n u a lhave information about the locationof the airbag sensors, sensing anddiagnostic module, and airbagwiring.
In addition, the vehicle has apassenger sensing system for thefront outboard passenger position,which includes sensors that are partof the passenger seat. Thepassenger sensing system may notoperate properly if the original seattrim is replaced with non-GMcovers, upholstery, or trim; or withGM covers, upholstery, or trimdesigned for a different vehicle. Anyobject, such as an aftermarket seatheater or a comfort-enhancing pador device, installed under or on topof the seat fabric, could also
interfere with the operation of thepassenger sensing system. Thiscould either prevent properdeployment of the passengerairbag(s) or prevent the passengersensing system from properlyturning off the passenger airbag(s).SeePassenger SensingSystem071.
If the vehicle has rollover roof-railairbags, seeDifferent Size Tiresand Wheels0264for additionalimportant information.
If you have to modify your vehiclebecause you have a disability andhave questions about whether themodifications will affect the vehicle'sairbag system, or if you havequestions about whether the airbagsystem will be affected if the vehicleis modified for any other reason, callCustomer Assistance. SeeCustomer Assistance Offices0309.
Airbag System Check
The airbag system does not needregularly scheduled maintenance orreplacement. Make sure the airbagreadiness light is working. SeeAirbag Readiness Light011 0.
Caution
If an airbag covering is damaged,
opened, or broken, the airbag
may not work properly. Do not
open or break the airbag
coverings. If there are any
opened or broken airbag
coverings, have the airbag
covering and/or airbag module
replaced. For the location of the
airbags, seeWhere Are the
Airbags?067.Seeyourdealer
for service.
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
110 Instruments and Controls
Safety Belt Reminders
Driver Safety Belt Reminder
Light
There is a driver safety beltreminder light on the instrumentcluster.
When the vehicle is started, thislight flashes and a chime may comeon to remind the driver to fastentheir safety belt. Then the light stayson solid until the belt is buckled.This cycle may continue severaltimes if the driver remains orbecomes unbuckled while thevehicle is moving.
If the driver safety belt is buckled,neither the light nor the chimecomes on.
Passenger Safety Belt
Reminder Light
There is a passenger safety beltreminder light near the passengerairbag status indicator. SeePassenger Sensing System071.
When the vehicle is started, thislight flashes and a chime may comeon to remind passengers to fastentheir safety belt. Then the light stayson solid until the belt is buckled.This cycle continues several times ifthe passenger remains or becomesunbuckled while the vehicle ismoving.
If the passenger safety belt isbuckled, neither the chime nor thelight comes on.
The front passenger safety beltreminder light and chime may turnon if an object is put on the seatsuch as a briefcase, handbag,
grocery bag, laptop, or otherelectronic device. To turn off thereminder light and/or chime, removethe object from the seat or bucklethe safety belt.
Airbag Readiness Light
This light shows if there is anelectrical problem with the airbagsystem. The system check includesthe airbag sensor(s), passengersensing system, the pretensioners(if equipped), the airbag modules,the wiring, and the crash sensingand diagnostic module. For moreinformation on the airbag system,seeAirbag System065.
The airbag readiness light comes onfor several seconds when thevehicle is started. If the light doesnot come on then, have it fixedimmediately.
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
116 Instruments and Controls
Lane Departure Warning
(LDW) Light
If equipped, this light, located in thecenter of the instrument panel,comes on briefly while starting thevehicle.
If it does not come on, have thevehicle serviced.
This light is green if LDW is on andready to operate.
This light changes to amber andflashes to indicate that the lanemarking has been crossed withoutusing a turn signal in that direction.
SeeLane Departure Warning(LDW)0206.
Forward Collision Alert
(FCA) Warning Light
If equipped, this light is on thecenter of the instrument panel.
The red forward collision alertcomes on and flashes when avehicle is being approached toorapidly.
The forward collision alert stays onwhen following a vehicle much tooclosely.
SeeForward Collision Alert (FCA)System0204.
Vehicle Ahead Indicator
This light is on the center of theinstrument panel.
If equipped, this indicator willdisplay green when a vehicle isdetected ahead
SeeForward Collision Alert (FCA)System0204.
Ultrasonic Parking
Sensor Light
If equipped, this light comes onbriefly while starting the vehicle. If itdoes not come on, have the vehicleserviced.
This light indicates a malfunction inthe system. See your dealer forservice.