Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11373973) -
2018 - crc - 10/9/17
Introduction 3
Danger, Warning, and
Caution
Warning messages found on vehicle
labels and in this manual describe
hazards and what to do to avoid or
reduce them.
{Danger
Danger indicates a hazard with a
high level of risk which will result
in serious injury or death.
{Warning
Warning indicates a hazard that
could result in injury or death.
Caution
Caution indicates a hazard that
could result in property or vehicle
damage.
A circle with a slash through it is a
safety symbol which means“Do
Not,” “Do not do this,” or“Do not let
this happen.”
Symbols
The vehicle has components and
labels that use symbols instead of
text. Symbols are shown along with
the text describing the operation or
information relating to a specific
component, control, message,
gauge, or indicator.
M: Shown when the owner ’s
manual has additional instructions
or information.
*: Shown when the service
manual has additional instructions
or information.
0: Shown when there is more
information on another page —
“see page.” Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols
that may be found on the vehicle
and what they mean. See the
features in this manual for
information.
9:
Airbag Readiness Light
#:Air Conditioning
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
$:Brake System Warning Light
":Charging System
I: Cruise Control
`:Do Not Puncture
^:Do Not Service
B:Engine Coolant Temperature
O:Exterior Lamps
_: Flame/Fire Prohibited
.:Fuel Gauge
+: Fuses
3:Headlamp High/Low-Beam
Changer
j: ISOFIX/LATCH System Child
Restraints
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11373973) -
2018 - crc - 10/9/17
102 Instruments and Controls
Instruments and
Controls
Controls
Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . 103
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . 103
Heated Steering Wheel . . . . . . . 104
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . 104
Rear Window Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Warning Lights, Gauges, and
Indicators
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Seat Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . . . 111
Airbag Readiness Light . . . . . . . 111 Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Charging System Light . . . . . . . 113
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light) . . . . . . . . 113
Service Vehicle Soon Light . . . 115
Owner Manual Indicator . . . . . . 115
Brake System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Operate Pedal Light . . . . . . . . . . 116
Up-Shift Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Power Steering Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Vehicle Ahead Indicator . . . . . . . 118
Ultrasonic Parking Sensor Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Traction Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
StabiliTrak OFF Light . . . . . . . . . 118
Traction Control System (TCS)/ StabiliTrak Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Tire Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Engine Oil Pressure Light . . . . 120 Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . 120
Immobilizer Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Reduced Engine Power
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . 121
Front Fog Lamp Light . . . . . . . . . 121
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . 122
Cruise Control Light . . . . . . . . . . 122
Hood Ajar Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Door Ajar Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Information Displays
Driver Information
Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Vehicle Messages
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Engine Power Messages . . . . . 128
Vehicle Speed Messages . . . . . 129
Vehicle Personalization
Vehicle Personalization . . . . . . . 129
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11373973) -
2018 - crc - 10/9/17
Instruments and Controls 113
Warning (Continued)
Light0111 for more information,
including important safety
information.
Charging System Light
This light will come on briefly when
the ignition is turned on, and the
engine is not running, as a check to
show it is working.
It should go out when the engine is
started. If it stays on, or comes on
while driving, there may be a
problem with the electrical charging
system. Have it checked by your
dealer. Driving while this light is on
could drain the battery. If a short
distance must be driven with the
light on, turn off all accessories, such as the radio and air
conditioner, to help reduce the drain
on the battery.
Malfunction Indicator
Lamp (Check Engine
Light)
This light is part of the vehicle’s
emission control on-board
diagnostic system. If this light is on
while the engine is running, a
malfunction has been detected and
the vehicle may require service. The
light should come on to show that it
is working when the ignition is on
with the engine not running for Key
Access or in Service Mode for
Keyless Access.
See
Ignition Positions (Key Access)
0 181 orIgnition Positions (Keyless
Access) 0183.
Malfunctions are often indicated by
the system before any problem is
noticeable. Being aware of the light
and seeking service promptly when
it comes on may prevent damage.
Caution
If the vehicle is driven continually
with this light on, the emission
control system may not work as
well, the fuel economy may be
lower, and the vehicle may not
run smoothly. This could lead to
costly repairs that might not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Caution
Modifications to the engine,
transmission, exhaust, intake,
or fuel system, or the use of
replacement tires that do not
meet the original tire
specifications, can cause this light
to come on. This could lead to
(Continued)
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11373973) -
2018 - crc - 10/9/17
Lighting 137
Lighting Features
Entry Lighting
Some exterior lamps and interior
lamps turn on briefly at night, or in
areas with limited lighting, when
K
is pressed on the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter. When a
door is opened, the interior lamps
come on if the dome lamp control is
in the Door position. They stay on
for about 20 seconds. When all of
the doors have been closed or the
ignition is turned on, they gradually
fade out.
This feature can be changed. See
“Vehicle Locator Lights”under
Vehicle Personalization 0129.
Exit Lighting
Some exterior lamps and interior
lamps come on at night, or in areas
with limited lighting, when the key is
removed from the ignition. The
exterior lamps and dome lamp
remain on for a set amount of time,
then automatically turn off. If equipped with Keyless Access,
the exterior lamps automatically turn
on when a door is opened after the
ignition is turned off. The dome
lamps also come on after the
ignition is turned off.
See
Ignition Positions (Key Access)
0 181 orIgnition Positions (Keyless
Access) 0183.
The exterior lamps turn off
immediately by turning the exterior
lamps control off.
This feature can be changed. See
Vehicle Personalization 0129.
Battery Load
Management
The vehicle has Electric Power
Management (EPM) that estimates
the battery's temperature and state
of charge. It then adjusts the voltage
for best performance and extended
life of the battery.
When the battery's state of charge
is low, the voltage is raised slightly
to quickly bring the charge back up.
When the state of charge is high,
the voltage is lowered slightly to prevent overcharging. If the vehicle
has a voltmeter gauge or a voltage
display on the Driver Information
Center (DIC), you may see the
voltage move up or down. This is
normal. If there is a problem, an
alert will be displayed.
The battery can be discharged at
idle if the electrical loads are very
high. This is true for all vehicles.
This is because the generator
(alternator) may not be spinning fast
enough at idle to produce all the
power needed for very high
electrical loads.
A high electrical load occurs when
several of the following are on, such
as: headlamps, high beams, fog
lamps, rear window defogger,
climate control fan at high speed,
heated seats, engine cooling fans,
trailer loads, and loads plugged into
accessory power outlets.
EPM works to prevent excessive
discharge of the battery. It does this
by balancing the generator's output
and the vehicle's electrical needs.
It can increase engine idle speed to
generate more power, whenever
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11373973) -
2018 - crc - 10/9/17
146 Infotainment System
Audio Favorites. It can also be
adjusted in Settings in the Apps tab
under Audio and then Set Number
of Audio Favorites.
Satellite Radio
If equipped, vehicles with a valid
SiriusXM satellite radio subscription
can receive SXM programming.
SiriusXM satellite radio has a wide
variety of programming and
commercial-free music, coast to
coast, and in digital-quality sound.
In the U.S. see www.siriusxm.com
or call 1-888-601-6296. In Canada
see www.siriusxm.ca or call
1-877-438-9677.
When SXM is active, the station
name, number, song title, and artist
display on the screen.
Radio Reception
Unplug electronic devices from the
accessory power outlets if there is
interference or static in the radio.
FM
FM signals only reach about 16 to
65 km (10 to 40 mi). Although the
radio has a built-in electronic circuit
that automatically works to reduce
interference, some static can occur,
especially around tall buildings or
hills, causing the sound to fade in
and out.
AM
The range for most AM stations is
greater than for FM, especially at
night. The longer range can cause
station frequencies to interfere with
each other. Static can also occur
when things like storms and power
lines interfere with radio reception.
When this happens, try reducing the
treble on the radio.
SiriusXM Satellite Radio
Service
If equipped, SiriusXM Satellite
Radio Service provides digital radio
reception. Tall buildings or hills can
interfere with satellite radio signals,
causing the sound to fade in and
out. In addition, traveling or standingunder heavy foliage, bridges,
garages, or tunnels may cause loss
of the SiriusXM signal for a period
of time.
Cell Phone Usage
Cell phone usage, such as making
or receiving phone calls, charging,
or just having the phone on may
cause static interference in the
radio. Unplug the phone or turn it off
if this happens.
Backglass Antenna
The AM-FM antenna is integrated
with the rear window defogger in the
rear window. Do not scratch the
inside surface or damage the lines
in the glass. If the inside surface is
damaged, it could interfere with
radio reception. For proper radio
reception, the antenna connector
needs to be properly attached to the
post on the glass.
If attaching a cell phone antenna to
the glass, attach it between the grid
lines.
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11373973) -
2018 - crc - 10/9/17
Infotainment System 147
Caution
Using a razor blade or sharp
object to clear the inside rear
window can damage the rear
window antenna and/or the rear
window defogger. Repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Do not clear the inside
rear window with sharp objects.
Caution
Do not apply aftermarket glass
tinting with metallic film. The
metallic film in some tinting
materials will interfere with or
distort the incoming radio
reception. Any damage caused to
the backglass antenna due to
metallic tinting materials will not
be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Multi-Band Antenna
The roof antenna is for OnStar,
SiriusXM Satellite Radio (U.S. and
Canada only), GPS (Global
Positioning System), and DSRC
(Dedicated Short Range
Communications). Keep clear of
obstructions for clear reception.
If the vehicle has a sunroof, and it is
open, reception can also be
affected.
Audio Players
Avoiding Untrusted Media
Devices
When using media devices such as
CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray Discs, SD
cards, USB devices, and mobile
devices, consider the source.
Untrusted media devices could
contain files that affect system
operation or performance. Avoid use
if the content or origin cannot be
trusted.
USB Port
Audio stored on a USB device may
be listened to.
This vehicle has two USB ports in
the center stack. These ports are for
data and charging.
Playing from a USB
A USB mass storage device can be
connected to the USB port.
Audio extensions supported by the
USB are:
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11373973) -
2018 - crc - 10/9/17
Driving and Operating 189
Shifting out of Park
(Automatic Transmission)
This vehicle is equipped with a shift
lock control. The shift lock control is
designed to:
.Prevent ignition key removal,
if equipped, unless the shift lever
is in P (Park) with the shift lever
button fully released.
. Prevent movement of the shift
lever out of P (Park) unless the
ignition is on and the brake
pedal is applied.
The shift lock control is always
functional except in the case of an
uncharged or low voltage (less than
9-volt) battery.
If the vehicle has an uncharged
battery or a battery with low voltage,
try charging or jump starting the
battery. See Jump Starting - North
America 0277.
To shift out of P (Park): 1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Turn the ignition on.
3. Press the shift lever button. 4. Move the shift lever to the
desired position.
If still unable to shift out of P (Park): 1. Fully release the shift lever button.
2. Hold the brake pedal down and press the shift lever button
again.
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If you still cannot move the shift
lever from P (Park), consult your
dealer or a professional towing
service.
The doors may lock when shifting
from P (Park). See Automatic Door
Locks 040.
Parking
If the vehicle has a manual
transmission, before getting out of
the vehicle, move the shift lever into
R (Reverse) if parking on a downhill
slope. On a level surface or an
uphill slope, use 1 (First) gear.
Firmly apply the parking brake. See
Parking Brake 0196. Turn the wheels toward the curb for a
downhill slope, or away from the
curb for an uphill slope. Once the
shift lever has been placed into gear
with the clutch pedal pressed in,
turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF, and
release the clutch.
Parking over Things
That Burn
{Warning
Things that can burn could touch
hot exhaust parts under the
vehicle and ignite. Do not park
over papers, leaves, dry grass,
or other things that can burn.
Extended Parking
(Keyless Access)
It is best not to park with the vehicle
running. If the vehicle is left running,
be sure it will not move and there is
adequate ventilation.
See
Shifting Into Park (Automatic
Transmission) 0188 andEngine
Exhaust 0190.
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11373973) -
2018 - crc - 10/9/17
338 Index
Assistance Program,Roadside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Audio Bluetooth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Automatic Transmission Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Shift Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Auxiliary Jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Avoiding Untrusted Media Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
B
Backglass Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
BatteryExterior Lighting Battery
Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Load Management . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Power Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Battery - North America . . . . 235, 277
Blade Replacement, Wiper . . . . . 237
Bluetooth Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153, 154 Bluetooth Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Brake
System Warning Light . . . . . . . . .115
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233 Antilock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Break-In, New Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . 181
Bulb Replacement Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Headlamps and Front TurnSignal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
License Plate Lamps . . . . . . . . . 243
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
C
Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
California Fuel Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . 209 California (cont'd)
Perchlorate Materials
Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
California
Proposition
65 Warning . . . . . . . . . .215, 235, 277, Back Cover
Camera Rear Vision (RVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Canadian Vehicle Owners . . . . . . . . 2
Capacities and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
Carbon Monoxide Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Trunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Cargo
Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Caution, Danger, and Warning . . . . 3
Chains, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . 113
Check Engine Light (MalfunctionIndicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113
Ignition Transmission Lock . . . 237
Child Restraints Infants and Young Children . . . . . 81